December 17, 2020 – I'm Following Jesus

King James Bible Study – “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mark 8:34

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020
Chapters: Book of Philippians
Message: Just Know That God Shall Supply

Hello My Friend,

I have a confession to make, when I woke up this morning I told God that I was tired of begging Him for the things He knows I need right now. Every Christmas I find myself in the same financial situation, but this year my health is a concern as well. I cannot even make ends meet at this point. You know, we spend so much time worrying about how we are going to find the way to get the things we need that we lose sight of God being in the picture. God knows what we have need of, and is preparing us to receive them, and that is why we often struggle. If we just trust Him, and with confidence say; “I cannot do this on my own, but God, I know that You Shall Supply.”

[Philippians 4:11-13,18-19 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.]

The Book of Philippians was written by Paul and transcribed by Epaphroditus from Rome to the church of Philippi, in approximately 64AD. The purpose of the letter was to bring unity to the church, and encourage them to keep going for the Gospel of Christ, who would supply their need. The Church at Philippi was planted by Paul around 53AD, they were greatly dedicated to Paul, and showed their affection by sending him supplies. When they heard that he was imprisoned in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus to check on him, whom he sent back with this letter to thank them for their concern for him.

[Philippians 1:6,18-21,27-28 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.]

[and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,] Our salvation means that we have the power of Christ living inside of us, that means we have an endless supply of His Spirit at our disposal. Jesus has us here on His behalf because no one else will stand up for the truth. Now, as I think about this, I have to also remind myself and perhaps we all need this reminder, that we cannot be quick to judge those who give into the pressures of the world and follow the majority. We do not always know the situation, so, we cannot jump to conclusions. As Christians, we need to come together, encourage, and support each other, not tear each other down. Perhaps if we did that, then others would not feel the need to give in to the pressures.

[Philippians 2:2-5,13-18 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.]

[but every man also on the things of others.] Let me tell you, if you or other people start putting you down you are going to start thinking like them. We all need encouragement, to be lifted up when we feel like we have nothing in this life, and it is all just falling apart. We know we are saved and have heaven to look forward to, but we pass by people all the time that do not, let them know that God loves them so much that He sent His Son to not only die, but arise for them, and He has a place for them too. God supplies our need when we take our minds off them, and start thinking about the lost souls that need Him too. Nothing we have here on earth can go with us, if we lose something God will give us something much better so rather than dwell on what we do not have, focus and be thankful for what we do, and that is Jesus Christ, whom we can take with us.

[Philippians 3:13-16,20-21 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.]

[forgetting those things which are behind,] There is not one person on earth that does not have something from their past that they do not struggle with. And let me tell you, it is the devil that wants to keep bringing up our past and hold us bondage to it. This is another thing that held me back, I was in a relationship that ended eleven years ago, but he kept showing back up, and all it did was remind me of the horrible things we did. I finally broke that chain this year when I cut him off completely, and you know what, God has blessed me tremendously since then. Christians are guilty of this too, judging us for our past, they never even knew us, yet are quick to change their perception of us. Let me tell you, God is merciful in that we do not get what we really deserve, but somehow we get convinced that we are being forever punished forever for something God clearly states He has forgiven and forgotten, [Psalms 103:12-13 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.]

No matter what life you choose you are going to suffer, you cannot change yesterday, you cannot even change what you did five minutes ago, but you can change what you do now. Let me tell you, there truly is nothing more rewarding than serving Christ with all your heart and mind. Everything, and I mean everything is prosperous when we do what it is that He calls us to do, willingly, and with our heart and mind. Of course, we are going to have set backs, of course, we are going to suffer need, but remember, we can do all things through Christ.

[Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.] Amen and Amen!

Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for Your endless mercies and grace. As much as I want to live my life to serve You, I know I am struggling right now. Lord, Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Bring me the zeal I need to serve You with all my heart and mind at all times. Give me wisdom and guidance, help me see the light of Christ that shines through Your Son in me. And let me walk in the strength of Christ in all that I do. Also, help me to forget the things that are past, and press toward Your higher calling. I love You, Lord, and pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,

Christina

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