I first read about her in the Bible, she was described as a manipulative or immoral woman. Can you build a God given character on top of a murderous one? Of course. But not without a sincere willingness to repent.

Jezebel had massacred many of God's prophets. If not for Obadiah hiding 100 prophets in a cave, Jezebel may have killed more prophets who were true to the Lord. This places true authentic believers in the position of being special disciples in God's plan for their lives.

Here's one requirement we live under in our relationship with God. Please read these passages aloud into your spirit and ask God to help you walk in his standard of holiness. Christians are forever striving to emulate Jesus.

"Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 20:7 KJV).

15} But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16} Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV). (Also read verses 13-14).

10} "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11} But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12} For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:10-12 KJV).

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.

29} For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30} Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." (Philippians 1:27-30 KJV).

27} "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 

28} Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

29} Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (Colossians 1:27-29 KJV).

18} "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19} Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20} And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21} Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22} And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." (Mark 10:18-22 KJV). Please read the Beatitudes of Jesus in your devotion time. (Matthew chapters 5-7).

Please also read (Colossians 3:1-17; Ephesians 4:1-7; 11-32; Romans 12:1-2). Where does the church fit in when true authentic believers walk in holiness unto the Lord? What responsibility does the church have in God's holy standards?

Paul had much to say about the standard of Christian living in the body of Christ when they congregate together. The principles instructed by the Apostle Paul involved living righteously through the Holy Spirit.


🗣📢 Last words: Many churches today quench the power of the Spirit through "Bylaws, denominationalism, traditions (man-made), legalism, rules outside of Christ doctrine, and rules that hurt the sheep. The church should never emulate the world.

Here are practical steps the church should follow through the Spirit’s leading.

A) Identity in Christ. The church should embrace their Christlikeness in all affairs of the church. Follow God's word as leaders follow their Savior. (1 Corinthians 11:1). Keep integrity in front of you.

B) Imitate Jesus not only with the body but (During services), but outside the body (When not being at church). Follow Jesus' example of loving others as Jesus loves us. (Titus 2:12-14).

C) Live by the Spirit. Always be guided by the Spirit’s character. Be filled by the Spirit. Seek after the vision God has for your church. Stay under his anointed work. Walk in his light. (Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 5:15-20; Romans 8:13-14).

If you are living under the name of all names, your practical living involves worship, sacrifice, diligent work, love and forgiveness, setting goals by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, prayer and thankfulness, and being free indeed.

The church functions that take place should always be done as unto the Lord. Everything being done is done for the purpose of honoring the Lord. We are his sheep and follow his voice. Religion and self-righteousness walk in blindness

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24} Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24 KJV).

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

13} "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14} For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 KJV).

So, what do you believe God’s standard of living is? How should the body (His church) of Christ conduct itself if Jesus is the head of it? Do you believe it's important for Christians to have integrity in their lives?

What should be the Christians manner of conversation sound like? Can your name, character and integrity be different from your relationship with Jesus? Can you or your church become and receive the name of "Ichabod?"

What is the meaning of Ichabod? In (1 Samuel 4:21) Phinehas's wife names her newborn son Ichabod, meaning "The Glory has departed from Israel," This verse signifies the departure of God's presence from Israel due to sin.

Can a church be effective if sin is running rampant through it? I'm not speaking about blowing it and seeking forgiveness through repentance. I'm speaking of blatant disregard of what the Holy Spirit is wanting to do.

We must listen to God, our everlasting Guide. He is trustworthy and true, and you’ll never lose your way. Depend on Jesus, our source of salvation. The Holy Spirit is our spiritual road map. He will help us navigate confusing paths.

Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When our nation sinks deep in darkness, and our states plunge into demonic mayhem, we (the body) walk in the only light that can bring deliverance.

The Lord will always guide us in times of peace and rest and in times of great tribulation and persecution. (Isaiah 58:8-12; Psalm 19:7-10; 119:105; John 8:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 1:6-7; Revelation 21:23-27).

One day God will bring all his faithful people together. Those who are authentic born-again believers don't have to fear because,

1) God is with us (“I am with you”). (Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah 1:19; Matthew 28:20).

2) God has established a relationship with us (“I am your God”). (Ezekiel 34:30-31; Exodus 14:13-14).

3) God gives us assurance of his strength, help, and victory over sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Romans 6:11-17; 8:12-13, 35-39; 1 John 3:7-8).
 

So, let’s tell ourselves the truth. Are you ready? Is your heart ready?

Ask yourself, does Jesus Christ live inside me because I’ve received him by faith? If he doesn’t, will I receive him now as my Lord and Savior? If he does, can anyone tell the difference between my life and the life of someone lost?

Can people see the difference in your relationship with God? Finally, don’t leave your thoughts without answering this one, "What am I going to do about it today?" When people jostle and persecute you, does Jesus spill out of you.

[Paul insisted that Christian profession must be evidenced by Christian conduct. When they passed the test, they would realize that Paul, their Christian father, passed the test as well. Their true conversion was their testimony]

We hear the word "Fake" a lot in our nation today. Are you afraid to stand up for Jesus? Does having his name attached to yours trouble you? Have you examined yourself lately? Do you boldly speak up for Jesus?

If Jesus were your twin, how would you closely be like him? Would people be able to tell the difference between the two of you? Do you really love Jesus or is he just a curse word to use when you are angry? (Ephesians 5:1-2).

🎵 I have a maker, he formed my heart. Before even time began, my life was in his hands. He knows my name. He knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls. And hears me when I call.🎵


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to emulate Jesus. "Heavenly Father, thank you for today's transforming message. Lord, I've failed so many times that people question my relationship with you. Renew me Lord as you did Peter.

As you restored Peter, please help me to rest in your grace and mercies that are new every morning so that I can be strengthened in service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's.

Thank you for not only saving me from my sins but saving me for a purpose and Kingdom mission, to love deeply, walk humbly, and boldly proclaim your name and truth to others. Help me to run the race set before me.

When you changed my life, you gave me a new name, which is awaiting me in your glorious home that you prepared for me. Help me this year to live a life motivated by glorifying only you. Remind me to fix my eyes upon you.

Lord, teach me to abide in your Word, and link arms with those in the body of Christ (Church) and be of one spirit with them. Those you place in my life, may we learn how to walk in Christlikeness together. In Jesus’ name, Amen."


❤ "If you would like to know Jesus as your Savior, please read the drop-down page entitled "How to know Jesus."


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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God's people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️



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