" The Believer's Mighty Stronghold ! "

Nahum 1:1-15   " The burden of Nineveh. The Book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. GOD is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on HIS adversaries, and HE reserveth wrath for HIS enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath HIS way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of HIS feet. HE rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at HIM, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at HIS presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before HIS indignation ? and who can abide in the fierceness of HIS anger ? HIS fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by HIM. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and HE knoweth them that trust in HIM. But with an overrunning flood HE will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue HIS enemies.

What do ye imagine against the LORD ? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor. Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold upon the mountains the feet of HIM that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace ! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

" HE rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. "

" The mountains quake at HIM, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at HIS presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. "

     Who could deny that these are days of great trouble ? Is there anyone, anywhere, who does not long for and seek after a place of refuge from the terrible storms of life ? Today's text reveals the wonderful truth that every believer has access to the very best stronghold anyone could possibly have. The LORD HIMSELF is that stronghold - that place of protection, peace, and rest. "In the day of trouble," our blessed LORD "knoweth them that trust in HIM" (v.7). All who oppose the ways of truth will finally be brought down (vv.8-15). Do you need a stronghold from trouble right now ? If so, then enter into that wonderful fortress that is always available to each of GOD's children. David was a King of great authority, yet even he needed that place of divine safety and rejoiced in it: "HE delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me" (Psalm 18:17). Believers today should flee to this stronghold and enjoy the peace that only our LORD can supply, the kind of peace the world cannot provide, cannot understand, and can never take away. The LORD promised, "Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you" (John 14:27).

     Today, the devil has many attractive, well-publicized substitutes for GOD's stronghold. Psychology is one such example. It has deceived millions of unbelievers for many years; but no, through "Christian" psychology, many believers are being enticed away from their only true place of refuge. They are being encouraged to trust in an often expensive but worthless counterfeit. The world has no substitute for GOD's stronghold. HIS power is infinite, and HE will wholly protect HIS own (vv.1-7). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: The Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Key to Success "

Psalm 37:5   " Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass."

     Keith L. Brooks, a leading biblical fundamentalist during the early part of the twentieth century, once penned a helpful outline from Scripture titled  "The Seven-Fold Rule of Success."  All of us should strive to be successful in glorifying our SAVIOR and living a life that brightly shines as a testimony of GOD's mercy, grace, and holiness. What is  "The Seven-Fold Rule of Success" according to GOD's WORD ?

     First, commit your way unto the LORD. Today's text is the starting point for success in any believer's life. Purpose to glorify GOD in everything you do and place your full confidence in HIM.

     Second, cast your burdens upon the LORD (Psalm 55:22). When trials arise, commune with GOD. Tell HIM your thoughts and troubles and ask HIM to lead and strengthen you through difficult times.

     Third, call upon the name of the LORD (Psalm 105:1). HE is always willing to hear the cry of the penitent as well as the shout of praise and thanksgiving from those who "make known HIS deeds among the people."

     Fourth, confess your sins to the LORD (Psalm 32:5). Recognize your sin for what it truly is-transgression against the Holy GOD-and ask HIM to cleanse your life of sin's stronghold. HE promises forgiveness and cleansing (1st.John 1:9).

     Fifth, consider the testimonies of the LORD (Psalm 119:95). Make the study of HIS WORD a priority in your life so that you can know what HE desires of and for you.

      Sixth, cleave to the LORD (Acts 11:23). Never make any decision or traverse any path without first being certain of HIS approval.

" Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

     Finally, contend for the faith (Jude 3). Both the Living WORD and Written WORD are precious; fight the good fight against any who endeavor to undermine them (2nd.Timothy 4:7). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Our Morality Problem "

1st. Corinthians 6:9-11   " Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD ?  Be not deceived: neither fornicators,  nor idolaters,  nor adulterers,  nor effeminate (perverts and homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  nor thieves, nor covetous,  nor drunkards,  nor revilers,  nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of GOD.  And such were some of you:  but ye are washed,  but ye are sanctified,  but ye are justified in the name of the LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD. "

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Because man is simply an evolved animal, he does not answer to a higher power. No transcendent moral standards exist. Right and wrong are not absolute but are relative to society, culture, environment, and the  "common good."  Pragmatism is the philosophy of life. Hedonism is the norm. Therefore, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, fornication, pornography, adultery, or other forms of moral wickedness are considered by society to be  "value judgments."

     The Religious Worldview:  Man does answer to a higher power, but the higher power has left mankind with no absolute moral guidelines, and the  "higher power"  is often simply the spirit of man within himself. Therefore, morality is based on shared ethical principles. Anything is right as long as no one else is wounded in the process.

     The  Biblical  Worldview:  Man answers to a higher power WHO has manifested HIMSELF to the world through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, the LIVING WORD. Man also has the WRITTEN WORD, given through inspiration of GOD the SPIRIT, by which he is to govern his life. The Bible is man's guidebook of absolute truth in all matters of life - including ethics and morality. To deviate from it is to sin and break fellowship with the CREATOR.

     The  Answer:  JESUS CHRIST shed HIS blood so we can live a life in perfect harmony with HIS will - a life characterized by goodness, truth, and righteousness. We discover how to live this life through the WORD of GOD (2nd.Timothy 3:16). We can have power over sin only through new life and subsequent yieldedness to the HOLY SPIRIT. To deviate from this standard results in corruption of the flesh and loss of fellowship with GOD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Ecological Problem "

Revelation 21:1-7   " And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, BEHOLD ! The tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and GOD HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their GOD.

And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And HE that sat upon the throne said, BEHOLD, I make all things new. And HE said unto me, Write: for these WORD's are true and faithful. And HE said unto me, It is done.  I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be MY son.

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Man is part of a web of life that began billions of years ago. He came from the earth (his Mother) and harms his own body when he pollutes the earth. He can save his planet through a drastic implementation of ecological awareness, education, and environmental programs designed to improve sustainability. No hierarchical distinction exists between man, animal, and plant since all came from the same Mother. The human species is equal with all other life forms.

     The Religious Worldview:  It is almost identical to the naturalistic worldview except it promotes the belief that the divine is present in nature, and as a result, man hurts GOD (or whatever deity is thought to engage nature) when he hurts the environment.

     The Biblical Worldview:  GOD independently created plants, animals, and man as separate  "kinds."  Mankind is superior to plant and animal life because  "GOD created man in HIS OWN image" (Genesis 1:26-27) and has given him the ability to discern between right and wrong, the ability to have a relationship with GOD, and the ability to live forever. GOD commanded man to have dominion over plant and animal life. Yet man also possesses a responsibility to be a good steward of that which GOD has entrusted to him. Plants and animals are to be used for food and clothing (Genesis 1:27-30; 2:9, 16; 9:1-6). Man is distinct from plant and animal life and is required to act accordingly.

     The  Answer:  JESUS CHRIST will create new heavens and a new earth one day after destroying this earth in judgement (2nd.Peter 3:10-14). Man must be a good steward of earthly resources, but he is not able to save the planet through his own efforts. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Our Peace Problem "

Isaiah 9:6-7   " For unto us a Child is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE.  Of the increase of HIS government and peace there shall be no end, upon HIS kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Because man is naturally good, he can generate world peace through international dialogue, global disarmament, and the equal distribution of wealth. World peace can be obtained through human effort.

     The Religious Worldview:  Mankind can create peace on earth through the establishment of GOD's kingdom. This "kingdom" will result from international political dialogue, disarmament, the unity of all religions, and meeting the physical needs of the poor and oppressed. JESUS CHRIST is an exemplary figure for mankind to follow. Mankind's efforts - not GOD HIMSELF - will eventually implement this world peace.

     The Biblical Worldview:  No worldwide peace will exist until JESUS comes to inaugurate HIS 1,000 - year reign upon the earth. Today's text prophesies of this glorious time when the "PRINCE of PEACE" (v.6) will rule and reign. Concerning this peace, "there shall be no end" (v.7). Of course, as much as possible, believers are to live peaceably among all men, but mankind will never implement worldwide peace. Only GOD will do so when HE returns to the earth in power and great glory with HIS saints to fulfill HIS covenant with Israel - "The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (v.7).

     The  Answer:  JESUS CHRIST is the righteous JUDGE WHO one day will personally implement worldwide peace. HE will physically rule the world in perfect righteousness and justice. Yet even today, HE can bring peace to the heart of every man, woman, and child who believes in HIM (Romans 5:1). HE offers a peace that passes all understanding to those who trust in HIM and place their confidence in HIS absolute promises. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Our Sin Problem "

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

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Because man is simply an organism in the long line of evolution (he is an advanced animal form), man does not answer to any Power higher than himself. As a result, good and evil are relative to the social situation in which he finds himself.

     The Religious Worldview:  Man is inherently good and must emulate the exemplary life of JESUS CHRIST (a good man - but not GOD) and follow HIS works and teachings in order to overcome "evil," defined as anything that can be harmful to another person.

     The Biblical Worldview:  Man is inherently sinful - he is a sinner by birth (his nature) and deed (his actions, Romans 5:6-12, 18-21). In order to possess a relationship with GOD, man must deal with this sin problem on GOD's terms, for HE is Holy and Righteous and cannot fellowship with darkness. He must trust JESUS CHRIST's substitutionary death and resurrection in order to become a new creation and be reconciled to GOD. Only then can man overcome evil through the indwelling strength of the HOLY SPIRIT.

     The  Answer:  The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the only way through which man can overcome this sin problem that separates him from GOD (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). JESUS declared HIMSELF to be the only means by which man can enjoy a relationship with GOD - a relationship that entails eternal life with the LORD and Salvation from an eternity in the Lake of Fire. Indeed, we all are born sinners,  "but GOD commendeth (demonstrated) HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us"  (Romans 5:8). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" My ROCK and My FORTRESS "

Psalm 71:1-8   " In THEE, O LORD, do I put my trust:  let me never be put to confusion.  Deliver me in THY righteousness, and cause me to escape:  incline THINE ear unto me, and save me.  Be THOU my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:  THOU hast given commandment to save me; for THOU art my ROCK and my FORTRESS.  Deliver me, O my GOD, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For THOU art my hope, O LORD GOD:  THOU art my trust from my youth.  By THEE have I been holden up from the womb:  THOU art HE that took me out of my mother's bowels:  my praise shall be continually of THEE.  I am as a wonder unto many; but THOU art my strong refuge.  Let my mouth be filled with THY praise and with THY honor all the day. "

     " In THEE, O LORD, do I put my trust " (v.1); herein lies the foundation for every aspect - past, present, and future -  of our relationship with GOD. Saving faith establishes a bond with the ALMIGHTY that is inseparable and eternal. Once we have placed our trust in JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR, HE becomes much more to us than only the Sin-Bearer WHO has redeemed us from the penalty of sin. HE is now the ONE in WHOM we can have absolute confidence with respect to all things that pertain to this life as well as to the future certainty of life everlasting with HIM. The psalmist had this wholehearted assurance in the LORD, even from his youth (v.5)

     His "hope" (or confident expectation, v.5) regarding the good things promised in GOD's WORD provided the writer with absolute confidence that what GOD had spoken HE would also perform. Notice that it was the "commandment" (v.3), the WORD of GOD, that provided the understanding to which he anchored his faith. He, therefore, had the confidence that what he requested in prayer according to the WORD would, indeed, come to pass. When the enemy of the soul and the trials and dangers of life came upon him, he could pray with unwavering faith,  "Deliver me...and save me. Be THOU my strong habitation" (v.2-3). Praise was continually upon his lips for GOD's proven faithfulness (vv.6-8). Think of the many marvelous accounts of how David was delivered and blessed time and again as he walked in obedience to the WORD and lived with the eye of faith set upon his GOD. Thus, he could say firsthand, "THOU art my ROCK and my FORTRESS" (v.3) !  Does our walk with GOD echo this testimony ? " DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  With  Permission.   www.feasite.org