" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse ": July 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

"GOD IS: Faithful"

Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD thy GOD, HE is GOD, the faithful GOD, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love HIM and keep HIS commandments to a thousand generations;"

How often have you been disappointed in people for failing to keep their word ? You probably cannot even count the number of times others have failed you in some way or another. As human beings, we tend to be lazy, forgetful, or even deceitful at times. In light of this fact, it is sometimes difficult for us to fulfill our obligations to others, and it is often challenging for others to honor their commitments to us, even if they have promised to keep their word. Is it not, therefore, wonderful to know that our GOD will never fail us ? Our text describes HIM as "the faithful GOD." HE is entirely trustworthy, and we know that GOD always will perform what HE has promised because HE, by HIS very nature, is faithful. The word faithful in the Bible means "to be firm." It entails steadfastness and reliability. If GOD HIMSELF is faithful to HIS personal essence, then HE certainly will be faithful in HIS relationship to mankind.

In Lamentations 3:23 (pictured above), the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, "Great is THY faithfulness." The psalmist wrote, "THY faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds" (Psalm 36:5) and "is unto all generations" (Psalm 119:90). David acknowledged the LORD's faithfulness to answering prayer (Psalm 143:1). Further, the New Testament describes GOD as "faithful" for keeping HIS promises (Hebrews 10:23), for giving us the strength to accomplish HIS will (1st.Thessalonians 5:24), for forgiving us of our sins (1st.John 1:9 pictured above), for safeguarding us from having to endure more trials than we can bear (1st.Corinthians 10:13), and for protecting us from Satan, the evil one (2nd.Thessalonians 3:3). May we glory in the blessed faithfulness of our SAVIOR and LORD, having the assurance that HE will forever keep HIS WORD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, July 28, 2025

"GOD IS: Gracious"

Romans 5:13-17 "(For until the Law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no Law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of HIM that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of GOD, and the gift by grace, which is by ONE MAN, JESUS CHRIST, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by ONE, JESUS CHRIST.)"

Our GOD is not only a merciful GOD WHO has withheld from us that which we rightly deserve, but HE is also a gracious GOD WHO, conversely, bestows upon us that which we certainly do not deserve. Grace has often been defined as "unmerited favor." Surely all who have experienced new life through belief in the PERSON and finished work of CHRIST can attest to the LORD's marvelous grace. We deserve Hell, eternal punishment, and everlasting separation from GOD. Yet, because GOD loved us, HE stretched forth HIS gracious hand and offered us eternal life and a personal relationship with HIM -- something that we could never deserve or earn on our own.

The Bible continually characterizes the LORD as a GOD of grace. Today's text describes HIM as gracious ("the grace of GOD"; "abundance of grace") and then explains how HIS grace relates to salvation ("the gift by grace"). GOD's offer to mankind -- eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST -- is not only a gracious gift but it is received only by grace. If grace is unmerited kindness, then one must realize that salvation is obtained through what grace truly is -- GOD's unmerited favor. Man can do nothing to deserve or earn this gift; he must simply accept it by faith. Ephesians 2:8 (pictured above) explains, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD."

The grace that saves us is also a grace that bestows abundant blessing upon us. Once we are saved, we are blessed "with all spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 1:3 pictured above). As citizens and heirs of Heaven and members of GOD's family, even now we can claim the benefits that come from being a child of GOD. How ? Our LORD gives to us "abundant grace." MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Merciful"

1st.Peter 1:3-5 "Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which according to HIS abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

If you have received GOD's gift of eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST's substitutionary death and resurrection, then you are a personal recipient of the mercy of GOD, for HE has withheld from you that which you rightly deserve as a sinful human being. GOD's WORD declares, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). As sinful people, we deserve to be "consumed," that is, immersed in the eternal wrath of GOD (John 3:36). Yet the LORD has provided a way for us to escape that which we deserve. Notice Psalm 103:8-13, pictured above, for the psalmist David clearly defines and describes the LORD's mercy: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." David writes, "HE hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."

Today's text describes the LORD's "abundant mercy" toward us in relation to our salvation and our eternal security in HIM. As a result of GOD's mercy, we have received spiritual life as well as the promise of physical resurrection and everlasting life with our SAVIOR (vv.3-4). Believers can look forward "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for [us]." Do we deserve this ? Of course not, but we can be absolutely certain that the LORD's mercy is eternal, and HIS promises will be fulfilled. And, as believers, we can also be confident that we will never lose our eternal relationship with our GOD. Why ? The very same mercy that saved us likewise keeps us forever secure in HIM (v.5 pictured above). Praise the LORD for HIS bountiful mercy that HE has bestowed on such undeserving sinners as ourselves. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Truth"

1st.John 5:20 "And we know that the SON of GOD is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know HIM that is true, and we are in HIM that is true, even in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is the true GOD, and eternal life."

Today's text is one of many that describe GOD as "true." No one except the LORD HIMSELF can claim to be absolute truth. Positively, truth has been defined as "that attribute by virtue of which GOD sees all things as they really are." In other words, the LORD is never deceived; HE never lacks knowledge or information about anything or anyone. Negatively, Noah Webster defined truth as "purity from falsehood." Our wonderful GOD, by HIS very nature, is pure from all that is untrue; hence, everything HE does and says is consequently free from anything that is false.

GOD manifests HIS truth (or trueness) to HIS creation in three ways: First, HE is true in that HE is the only genuine GOD. Scripture, including today's text, repeatedly describes our heavenly FATHER as the "true GOD" as opposed to all false deities. Second, GOD is truth in that HE and HIS actions are without any error or contradiction. Psalm 19:9 tells us, "The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether." John 7:18, referring to JESUS CHRIST, says, "He that seeketh HIS glory that sent HIM, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in HIM." Third, GOD is true in that HE is the source and basis of all truth. Therefore, every WORD that proceeds from the mouth of GOD is entirely void of error. In HIS prayer to the FATHER, JESUS declared, "THY WORD is truth" (John 17:17). The prophet Samuel also recognized that GOD's WORD is true (2nd.Samuel 7:28 pictured above) as did the psalmist of old (Psalm 119:160 pictured above). As believers today, we can be fully confident that our LORD -- and everything HE has declared -- is entirely free from error. HE is truth, and all HIS WORDs, the Holy Scriptures, are completely trustworthy ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, July 25, 2025

"GOD IS: Righteous"

(PART 10 IN SERIES)

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O Earth, the WORD's of MY mouth. MY doctrine shall drop as the rain, MY speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our GOD. HE is the ROCK, HIS work is perfect: for all HIS ways are judgment: a GOD of truth and without iniquity, just and right is HE."

Our GOD is "a GOD of truth and without iniquity" WHO is "just and right" (v.4). Yes, the GOD we serve is completely righteous -- HIS thoughts and actions are always perfect. Why ? HIS very nature demands conformity to that which is wholly right and true. Psalm 92:15 declares, "The LORD is upright. . .and there is no unrighteousness in HIM." Psalm 11:7 adds, "For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; HIS countenance doth behold the upright." GOD not only demands and loves that which is right and true, but HE is, HIMSELF, the very standard of righteousness.

One way in which the LORD demonstrates HIS righteousness in relationship to mankind is through HIS justice. HE declares "righteous" all who have, by faith alone, received HIS love gift of eternal life. The righteousness of CHRIST has been credited to their account in the eyes of GOD the FATHER. The "unrighteous" are those who still stand before GOD in their own sinfulness and have not accepted HIS offer of salvation. Only a righteous GOD could implement perfect justice, and we can rest assured that even though the wicked may seem to prosper and the righteous may appear to suffer in this world, our perfect GOD will put all things right in the end (Revelation 16:4-7 pictured above). The upright will obtain HIS reward while the wicked will be punished. As those who have received GOD's gift of life and enjoy a relationship with HIM, we must, like CHRIST, live righteously in this evil world. Our perfect standard is the person of JESUS CHRIST and HIS revelation to us, the Bible. Never allow the culture to dictate what is "right." Give ear only to the ONE WHO is righteous (Jeremiah 23:6 pictured above) and follow HIM alone. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Holy"

1st.Peter 1:15-16 "But as He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye Holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I AM Holy."

The GOD we serve is not only a GOD of love, but HE is also a GOD WHO is set apart from anything that contradicts HIS nature. Thus, GOD is Holy. To be holy means to be separated or "set apart." The LORD transcends all that is earthly or created (Isaiah 57:15); and HE is the antithesis of anything that is morally unclean (vv.14-15. As GOD, HE always maintains HIS own moral excellency. Psalm 145:17 (pictured above) tells us, "The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways, and holy in all HIS works." GOD's holiness is manifested in all that HE does as well as through HIS hatred of sin, HIS love of righteousness (Hebrews 1:9), and HIS perfect salvation offered to man (2nd.Corinthians 5:20-21 pictured below).

Many individuals today focus on the love of GOD but neglect HIS attribute of holiness. They wonder how a "GOD of love" could send anyone away from HIS presence to an eternal Lake of Fire. But GOD, knowing that HIS very nature could not allow fellowship with sin, loved us so much that HE sent HIS SON JESUS, GOD manifested in the flesh, to pay the penalty for our sin. Now, all who receive GOD's gracious gift of eternal life through faith in the person and finished work of JESUS CHRIST can enjoy fellowship with an all-Holy GOD, for they are now clothed in the perfect, imputed (credited) righteousness of CHRIST in the eyes of GOD the FATHER. The Scriptures instruct believers to be Holy just as HE is Holy (v.16) as we walk in a close relationship with HIM. Rather than conforming to the thoughts and actions of the world, we are to be "obedient children" (v.14) who emulate the holiness of GOD. Separation from sin is vital ! Never be deceived into thinking the LORD does not care whether or not we identify with error. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

"GOD IS: Love"

1st.John 4:8-10 "He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love. In this was manifested the love of GOD toward us, because that GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM. Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins."

As believers, we should desire to have a proper understanding of our GOD and SAVIOR. GOD's WORD to us, the Bible, reveals many of the LORD's attributes, or perfections. We have taken the time during the past 7 studies to consider HIS qualities of greatness (immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, immanence, omniscience, eternality, and infiniteness), but now we will take the next 7 studies to contemplate what the WORD of GOD says about HIS attributes of goodness, that is, WHO GOD is in relation to HIS creation.

How glorious it is to know that the ONE WHO created us and WHO keeps us is a GOD of love. In fact, the Bible declares that "GOD is love" (v.8 pictured above). What, exactly, is love as it pertains to the LORD and HIS relationship with HIS creation ? Love is that which moves GOD to give of HIMSELF and HIS gifts for our own good, despite our complete lack of merit. It is that attribute whereby the LORD reveals HIS genuine care for our well-being.

Today's text explains the extent to which GOD has manifested HIS love to us: "GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM . . . not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us" (vv.9-10). Thus, GOD's love for us is voluntary (under no compulsion), righteous (always accomplishing that which is right), and eternal (never ceasing). GOD sent HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, into the world to reconcile us unto HIMSELF because HE loves the world (John 3:16 pictured above) and desires a relationship with HIS creation. As believers, how will we respond to the GOD WHO manifested HIS great love to us in such a magnificent way ? GOD's love should motivate us to love HIM more and to prove our love for HIM by obeying HIS perfect will (John 15:12-14 pictured above). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Immutable"

Psalm 102:25-27 "Of old hast THOU laid the foundation of the Earth; and the Heavens are the work of THY hands. They shall perish, but THOU shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt THOU change them, and they shall be changed: but THOU art the same, and THY years shall have no end."

As human beings we constantly change, but we serve a GOD WHO cannot change. HE is immutable. HE is incapable of growing, decaying, or being inconsistent in any respect. Therefore, unlike mankind, the LORD does not improve nor regress. Why ? GOD cannot alter HIMSELF in any way because HE is already perfect -- HE is perfection itself. Immutability (or constancy) is that attribute whereby GOD's personality and essence are unchangeable. HE cannot modify HIS person, HIS attributes, or HIS purposes and promises. Yet immutability, or constancy, does not mean that the LORD does not sometimes change HIS actions. While GOD is immutable in HIS being, nature, and plan, HE is mobile as well. The mobility of the LORD is that characteristic of HIS nature whereby HE can shift the course of HIS activities or dealing with men.

Today's text reminds us that although the very nature of the world will one day change, the nature of GOD is always "the same" (v.27). In Malachi 3:6, GOD says, "For I AM the LORD, I change not." Likewise, HIS WORD and HIS thoughts do not change: "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of HIS heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11 pictured above). In the New Testament, James tells us that GOD does not change, specifically, concerning HIS goodness to HIS own (James 1:17 pictured above). As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that the GOD WHOM we serve is immutable in HIS nature, attributes, and purpose. Because HE does not change, we know for certain that HE cannot and will not sin nor fail, that HE will always keep HIS promises, and that HE is forever faithful, just, and good. May we rest in the truth that our GOD will always be the same GOD ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, July 21, 2025

"What You MISS By Being A Christian !"

H E L L !

Read how the Bible describes Hell:

1. A Lake of Fire Revelation 20:15

2. A bottomless pit Revelation 20:1

3. A horrible tempest Psalm 11:6

4. A place of everlasting burnings Isaiah 33:14

5. A furnace of fire Matthew 13:42

6. A devouring fire Isaiah 33:14

7. A place of torments Luke 16:23

8. A place of everlasting punishment Matthew 25:46

9. A place where people pray Luke 16:24

10.A place where people cry for mercy Matthew 13:42

11.A place where people wail Revelation 16:11

12.A place where people blaspheme GOD Revelation 20:15

13.A place of no forgiveness Matthew 12:32

14.A place of filthiness Revelation 22:11

15.A place of weeping Matthew 8:12

16.A place of sorrows Psalm 18:5

17.A place of outer darkness Matthew 8:12

18.A place where people have no rest Revelation 14:11

19.A place where people gnaw their tongues Revelation 16:10

20.A place of blackness and darkness forever Jude 1:13

21.A place where their worm dieth not,

and the fire is not quenched Mark 9:48

22.A place where people are tormented

with fire and brimstone Revelation 14:10

23.A place from which the smoke of people's

torment ascends up forever Revelation 14:11

24.A place where people do not want their

loved ones to go Luke 16:28

"And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15. The Bible asks in Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation..." If you choose to go to Hell, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "For the wages of sin is death;..." (Romans 6:23a). "The wicked shall be turned into Hell..." (Psalm 9:17).

If you choose to escape Hell, you must do a few things. First, you must believe you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

Secondly, you must believe you deserve to go to Hell. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12).

The third thing that you must do is to repent (a turning to GOD from your sin). "...As I live, saith the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..." (Ezekiel 33:11).

You must also believe JESUS died to pay for your sins. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "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).

Finally, you need to trust JESUS to be your personal SAVIOR. "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). "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. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13).

YOUR BIGGEST DECISION !

JESUS has already "Paid in Full" the price for your eternal salvation. However, HE leaves the final decision entirely up to you. So, what will you do with JESUS CHRIST ? Will you receive HIM, or will you reject HIM ? If you want to receive HIM, just come to HIM in prayer:

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 and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

JESUS gives you this promise: "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36). Come to JESUS for forgiveness and eternal life before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Eternal"

Psalm 102:11-12 "My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. But THOU, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and THY remembrance unto all generations."

Not only is our GOD self-existent, but HE also is eternal. The eternity or eternality of the LORD is that attribute of HIS nature and essence by which HE is unaffected by time. GOD, as the AUTHOR and CREATOR of time, is not limited by it. Thus, HIS everlasting existence cannot be measured according to units of time. HE not only has been from eternity past, but HE also will be for all eternity yet future. HE exists infinitely and cannot cease. In other words, the LORD is endlessly self-existent !

In Psalm 90:2 (pictured above) Moses described the LORD in the following manner: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever THOU hadst formed the Earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, THOU art GOD." This verse expresses both GOD's self-existence and HIS eternality. The phrase "from everlasting to everlasting" means that GOD has always existed and always will exist. Moses also articulated the LORD's eternality in Deuteronomy 33:27: " The eternal GOD is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." GOD HIMSELF is eternal, and the strength and support HE gives to HIS own are eternal. In Job 36:26, Elihu told Job, "Behold, GOD is great. . .neither can the number of HIS years be searched out." It is impossible to discover GOD's age, for HE is ageless and immortal. Isaiah 57:15 (pictured above) describes the LORD as "the high and lofty ONE that inhabiteth eternity." Clearly, GOD's WORD reveals that our LORD is eternal -- both past and future. This truth should greatly comfort us in the fact that our GOD will never cease to exist. Therefore, we can always be certain that the LORD is, and will be, forever in control of all things, great or small, just as HE ever has been from eternity past. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation