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Today is Tuesday July 13, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 106-107. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-13

Today's Message: Faith & Obedience To God's Word

Knowing God's Word and learning to be obedient to it must be the sincere desire of every Christian. His Word, when believed and acted upon, is the means God has chosen to supply and satisfy every need through Jesus the Living Word. Only by faith and obedience to God's Word can we obtain the tools needed to get through every trial and see the true blessings God has waiting for us.

In today's Psalms we are reminded of just how much God faithfully blessed Israel, even though they continuously fell into sin. God miraculously delivered them from Egyptian slavery, provided the promised land, given them victory over the Canaanites and even given them great prosperity, yet they still managed to forget all that God had done for them. The unknown psalmist reminds Israel of their unfaithfulness just as their fathers were. “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” - Psalm 106:6-14. The psalmist reminded them of the numerous times that along with their fathers they were redeemed out of the hand of their enemies, yet when things got comfortable they stopped seeking Him, falling right back into sin and tempting God. No matter how faithful we are to serving God, we all have been guilty of this. Most of the time we are faithful to reading His Word, praying, and seeking Him when we are facing difficulties, but become slothful with God when things are going good, that is until we get into trouble again.

There are always inevitable consequences when one continues to live in sin, the most significant is God allowing them to suffer the consequences all on their own. “Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.” - Psalm 106:40-43. When God sees that we tempting Him or mocking His authority He will deliver us into the hands of our enemy and we will face the consequences. David, whom was one of the most godliest men of the Old Testament is guilty of this, if you remember, he committed adultery with another mans wife, Bathsheba, got her pregnant, and tried to cover it up, but when nothing worked he had Bathsheba's husband killed in combat. The consequences of his sin resulted in him and Bathsheba losing the baby as well as the respect of many people, even his eldest son who tried to have him dethroned and killed. God does not do these things because He wants to, He does them to teach us and show us our error. Those who are truly committed to God will see their error and repent, not get offended when they face chastisement. David saw his error, repented and was redeemed from his sins.

Although God does chastise us, he does bless us in the end as long as we turn to Him, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” - Psalm 107:14-21. There is nothing of this world that will sustain one's spiritual nature and nothing will satisfy the hungering and thirsting of the soul more than the Word of God. His Word alone is the infallible healer of all sufferings and sorrows. There is no other reliable source of counsel for the inner conflicts that seek to control our minds and emotions.

God teaches us the necessity of faith in His Word and its unlimited resources, Jesus Said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” - Mark 23:9. Experience has taught us that most of us are prone to view our problems based on our human abilities. But, throughout the Bible, we are taught the absolute necessity of relying on God's Word to reveal His will for every problem and every situation, without exception. Through daily Bible reading and prayer, we obtain the insight to guide us and to fulfill all His promises.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

P.S. I apologize for this getting posted late


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