"Our Longsuffering GOD"

 

2nd.Peter 3:9 "The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

     Many have a distorted view concerning WHO GOD is and what HE is like. Some see HIM as an ogre, eager to inflict harsh, cruel punishment upon the world. Today's text, however, refutes this false notion. GOD is presently delaying HIS judgment that will take place when the Day of the LORD commences so more sinners (of which we all are) can be saved before that terrible Day dawns. HE is patient toward fallen humanity. HE does not desire to send mankind to the Lake of Fire; rather, HE wants people to be saved ! This is a truth that the prophet Ezekiel likewise recorded (Ezekiel 18:32; Ezekiel 33:11 pictured above).

     Keep in mind that while everyone is born bearing GOD's image (Genesis 1:26; 5:1-2), man also has received the fallen nature of Adam (Romans 5:12; 1st.Corinthians 15:22 pictured above). What sin has done to the creation in terms of corrupting and perverting the previously perfect world is tragic, but its effect upon the crown of GOD's creation--mankind--is absolutely appalling. GOD did not design for sin to enter the world, but as the omniscient, eternal CREATOR, HE was not surprised by man's fall and planned accordingly (1st.Peter 1:19-20).

     Today, many believers fail to take sin seriously, as evidenced by how they live out the profession of their faith. Amazingly, sin is not a big deal to some Christians. Their attitude seems to be: "GOD will forgive me. After all, that is what HE is supposed to do." Such thinking reveals a woeful misunderstanding of GOD's WORD and a sad misconception of the person of GOD. While it is true that HE forgives us when we fail, HE ultimately desires HIS children to live holy lives and to avoid sin in the first place (1st.Peter 1:16 pictured above). He is longsuffering with this unbelieving world and with us as well ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WHO Will Stand in the Gap ?"

 

Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before ME for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."

     Some professing believers are not content unless they are part of a large, highly respected church or denomination. The problem, however, is that the LORD usually works through a minority rather than the majority. One important reason why GOD operates by the "remnant principle" is that the natural man feels far more comfortable if he is buoyed up by numerical strength and financial assets. GOD, knowing this, also foresees that whatever is done by man's efforts leads him to boastful pride. Conversely, when the LORD uses a devoted remnant, HE can give them strength and HIS divine resources to gain the victory that will bring praise to HIMSELF, not to man.

     Today a great chasm exists between the false religionists and GOD's committed remnant. GOD is looking for those who will "stand in the gap" by battling for the truth and against error. HE is seeking believers who will not join with the crowd but, rather, be willing to suffer affliction for their faith (notice the faithful few in Hebrews 11:17-40). The LORD is not looking for the exceptionally qualified gap-filler but for a yielded, clean vessel. Gideon was just such a person who met the test when GOD trimmed his already-small band of soldiers down to 300 from 10,000. Isaiah heard the LORD's call, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for US ?" and answered, "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8 pictured above). The Apostle Paul realized that he was "less than the least of all saints" (Ephesians 3:8) but was willing to stand firm and, at times, alone. GOD desires to see faithful believers hold fast in the gap right now as apostasy and compromise flourish in our day. HE calls every truly born-again Christian, regardless of one's sphere of service, to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3b pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A CONSPIRACY of the People"

 

Ezekiel 22:29 "The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexxed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully."

     Despite the fact that the sad condition to which GOD's people found themselves came about due to corrupt, conspiratorial leadership, the people actually could blame no one but themselves: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and MY people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof ?" (Jeremiah 5:21-31). The prophets, priests, and princes could not have continued in their treachery and deceit if the people had stood by the WORD of GOD and refused to follow these deceivers. Amazingly, what happened in Ezekiel's day is happening again today. Many of the tragic occurrences in the Christian world are the direct result of too many believers following the course of least resistance. They first tolerate false teaching and compromise in the churches they attend; next they learn to go along with it, and finally, they are taken over by it. Sometimes they complain when situations get bad, but by then it is generally too late. Conspiracies of every kind need to be exposed at the earliest possible moment even though the deceived would prefer not to be disturbed.

     Whenever GOD's people forsake HIM, the FOUNTAIN of LIVING WATERs, they are only left with "broken cisterns, that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13 pictured above). Try as they may to find alternative sources of peace and satisfaction, all will fail them. Sadly, it is so easy to come to the place where we hypocritically honor the LORD with our lips while our heart is actually far from HIM (Isaiah 29:13 pictured above; Matthew 15:7-9). If we are to be of any use to GOD, then we must be willing to submit to HIS will. Those who forsake HIS WORD will fall victim to the conspirators and become "good for nothing" (Jeremiah 13:10). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A CONSPIRACY of the Princes"

 

Ezekiel 22:27 "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain."

     The conspiracy in Ezekiel's day involved not only religious leaders but political ones as well. Today's text describes the princes as ravenous wolves who used their political power to shed innocent blood, destroy souls, and acquire dishonest gain. In Isaiah 1:23 (pictured above) the LORD further described them as "rebellious," companions of thieves, "lovers of gifts, and seekers of rewards, refusing to give justice to the fatherless or widows. GOD also depicted these wicked leaders to Micah 7:1-7 as devious politicians who "do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up."

     Such descriptions sound as if they could have come from today's news reports regarding the deceit and fraud of political leaders in our own country and around the world. It is no wonder that GOD warns HIS people: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3 pictured above). Several well-known, conservative religious leaders in our day wrongly encourage believers to support groups such as the Reconstructionists (Christians trying to rebuild society) or the Dominionists (Christians attempting to take over society), both of which emphasize an effort to bring about the kingdom of GOD upon the Earth through a mixture of political reform, economic planning, and religion. However, our responsibility is to preach the Gospel to every creature and thereby also teach them the WORD of GOD; for this is man's true need. Politicians cannot bring to pass CHRIST's kingdom; only HIS coming return can and will accomplish that glorious end. The prophecies on the Millennial kingdom will literally be fulfilled at that time. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Most Important Vitamin Supplement"

 

Psalm 105:1-8

"O give thanks unto the LORD;

call upon HIS name: 

make known HIS deeds among the people.

Sing unto HIM, sing psalms unto HIM:

talk ye of all HIS wondrous works. 

Glory ye in HIS Holy name: 

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Seek the LORD, and HIS strength:

seek HIS face evermore.

Remember HIS marvelous works that HE hath done;

HIS wonders, and the judgments of HIS chosen. 

HE is the LORD our GOD; 

HIS judgments are in all the Earth.

HE hath remembered HIS covenant for ever, 

the WORD which HE commanded 

to a thousand generations."

     Many see the importance of taking vitamin A, B, C, D, and E supplements. However, one vitamin is far more important than these. It is vitamin G. Apparently, "vitamin G" is an outdated name for riboflavin, a B-vitamin that supports eye, heart, nerve, and antioxidant health. This may be helpful, but the true vitamin G has more health benefits than all other vitamins and supplements combined. The G stands for "Gratitude," and this supplement is not taken once a day but, rather, continually throughout the day. The attitude of gratitude is to be constant, "giving thanks always for all things unto GOD and the FATHER in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Ephesians 5:20). The Gratitude supplement is recognized for its significant emotional and spiritual value and is defined as "an appreciation or thanks for benefits received": "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all HIS benefits" (Psalm 103:2). Vitamin G contributes to overall well-being and to a life that is content and satisfied. Practicing gratitude can increase joy and improve inner health by fostering a GOD-conscious outlook on life. Failure to take Vitamin G will result in crankiness, discouragement, self-pity, and many other negative effects. Indeed, this is the one vitamin that GOD commands us to take -- "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you" (1st.Thessalonians 5:18). Incorporating thanksgiving as a daily habit will translate into "thanks-living"; enjoying a life that is bursting with praise and appreciation for all that GOD has done. Have you counted your spiritual blessings lately ? Are you grateful for all that you have in CHRIST (Ephesians 1:3 pictured above)? Do not neglect the most essential vitamin of all, Gratitude ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD'S Message to You"

 

After being a Christian for well over 30 years; I've heard many messages. But you will never hear a greater message than the one contained in this post - GOD's Message - to you.

The Bible Declares. . .

1. ALL HAVE SINNED

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" Romans 3:23.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6.

The Bible Declares. . .

2. SIN'S PENALTY

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23.

"And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death." Revelation 20:14.

The Bible Declares. . .

3. SIN'S PENALTY WAS PAID

"But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."  Romans 5:8.

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT:" 1st.Peter 3:18.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4.

The Bible Declares. . .

4. WE MUST REPENT (A turning to GOD from your sin)

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (2nd.Corinthians 7:10).

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the LORD, and HE will have mercy upon him, and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 53:7.

The Bible Declares. . .

5. WE MUST RECEIVE CHRIST

"But as many as received him, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name."  John 1:12.

We need to exercise our faith by receiving JESUS as our personal LORD and SAVIOR. Faith and repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) are both necessary for salvation.

The Bible Declares. . .

6. YOU CAN BE SAVED TODAY, IF YOU WANT TO BE

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS

YOU TO EXPERIENCE PEACE

AND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN

WITH HIM.

I hope you noticed the caption at the top of this post that read "GOD's Message to You." Scripture is GOD's WORD - HIS message to us - and not our "theory." We pray that after reading these six thoughts from GOD's WORD that you believe the message GOD has given us. HE gives free pardon of sin, and a "know-so" salvation. You don't have to hope that GOD will save you or hope that someday you will go to Heaven. The Bible says in 1st.John 5:13, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD."

Do you know where you're going when you die ?

WHAT YOU MUST DO:

1. Admit your need of a SAVIOR (I am a sinner).

2. Be willing to turn to GOD from your sin (repentance).

3. Believe that JESUS CHRIST died on the cross and rose again for you.

4. Through prayer, invite JESUS to come into your heart and life (receive HIM as your personal LORD and SAVIOR).

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST In repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

I hope that the above post has moved you to repentance and faith in JESUS CHRIST right now, before it is too late. GOD's WORD tells us in 2nd.Corinthians 6:2b, "Behold, Now is the accepted time; Behold, Now is the day of salvation." No one is promised any more time than the moment you are now living. Receive CHRIST today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How THANKFUL Are You ?"

 

2nd.Timothy 3:1-2 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"

     The wicked spirit of the age sadly has affected not only the unregenerate world but, far too often, even the hearts of Christians. In today's text, one of the evidences of "the last days" is unthankfulness. The apostle's command in Colossians 3:15 is "be ye thankful," and Paul repeats the same admonition in other verses in this epistle as well: "Do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM" (Colossians 3:17); "giving thanks unto the FATHER. . ." (Colossians 1:12). The Old Testament likewise directs the believer to have a spirit of thankfulness. Psalm 100:4 exhorts the reader to "enter into [GOD's] gates with thanksgiving, and into HIS courts with praise: be thankful unto HIM, and bless HIS name." The prophet Jonah declared, "But I will sacrifice unto THEE with the voice of thanksgiving. .." (Jonah 2:9 pictured above).

     If we nurture a spirit of thanksgiving toward our heavenly FATHER, it will help to foster in us a spirit of appreciation toward others as well when they have gifted us or encouraged us or dealt with us in kindness. Indeed, we will learn to be thankful for even the simplest things in life, recognizing that all that we are or have comes from GOD and is often ministered to us through other people. Let us heed the LORD's calls to thankfulness and not join the spirit of the age, which leads to ingratitude. Allow the HOLY SPIRIT to work in your heart and challenge you to be thankful. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD" (Philippians 4:6 pictured above). "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you" (1st.Thessalonians 5:18). How thankful are you ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation