Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY

Today's scriptures are about separating ourselves from the evil ways of the world. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we're making a covenant with God, confessing our desire to become like Christ. In order to do that, there are certain ways we must conduct ourselves, and its noted, by Jesus Himself, that it's hard to do without the correct surroundings. Our minds absorb everything it comes in contact with, so if we continuously surround ourselves with evil, we'll eventually conform to its ways. It doesn't matter how strong you are in your faith, how much you go to church, or read the bible. Most people justify their sins with this quote, "nobody's perfect, Jesus was the only perfect man". Although that is a fact, it doesn't give us the license to go out and do whatever we want to do, and then beg God to help us out of our mess later. God wants us to seek Him everyday, and in all things, and if we're doing that, then we have no time to "not be perfect". We have good intentions, but the fact is, the flesh is weak, and won’t keep us from sinning, because it wants just that. Let's look at the story of King Solomon. His father King David was one of God's most beloved children. He made some mistakes in his life, but he always stayed true to God. He sought Him in everything, and was always honest about his weaknesses. David loved his son Solomon very much, and before he died he said to him: "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel." (1 King 2: 2-4 NIV) Notice some of the key things David pointed out to his young son. David had already experienced hardship and punishments, but he endured because of his love for God. He was basically telling his son to be a man of integrity, and most importantly, to try his best and do right by God. At the beginning, Solomon took his dad's advice, and God blessed him to be the wisest Kings of all of Israel. Then we get down to chapter 11, oh boy. It's written: King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women… (1 King 11:1) Now let's stop right there. God told Solomon to stay away from these women, because they worshipped false gods. He warned him that if he were to get involved with them, they would surely turn his heart away from Him. It's written: ...He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. (1 King 11:2-4) Why do you think, if Solomon was the wisest King to have ever reigned, he got so caught up in such a way? The answer is because he trusted the strength of himself, over the commandments of the Lord. I'm sure he thought to himself, "I can handle this, or I'm the King I can have whoever I want". Who knows what he was thinking, but obviously he wasn't wise enough to avoid falling into the trap of the enemy, because he chose to surround himself with the evils of the world. God had mercy on Solomon because of his father David, but He was truly hurt and disappointed. What I personally take from King Solomon is how to know my limits. I understand that my life has to change, and I must be very conscious of the things and people I surround myself with. After all, God has blessed me with the gift of Salvation, as well as the privilege to teach His Word, and I’m grateful. He also gave us commandments for a reason, and if we don't have laws, there would be utter chaos throughout the world. If you confess to be a Christian, then people, who walk past you on the street, should know there's something different about you. If you're associated with a people who are still lost, know your limits with those people. You can't hang out with them every weekend, because they're ways will eventually rub off on you, no matter how long you've been saved. Surround yourself with people who love God just as much as you do. Keep in company with people who will help you grow Spiritually, and encourages you to stay on the right path. Never think you're above anything. Make sure your heart stays 100% true to God, because He's the only way to living in abundance. The two advantages we have over Solomon are the blood of Jesus, which makes us righteous, and God's Holy Spirit, which gets us through each day. I thank God for those essential gifts, and I will always consult Him in everything I do. Get to know Jesus right now, and allow God to show you how as well. Take the God Quiz today. My favorite verses today are: The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455307&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!