" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

Thursday, October 22, 2026

"A Heavenly 401k"

Ephesians 1:1-14 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in CHRIST JESUS: grace be to you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and from the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST: according as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children of JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will, to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace; wherein HE hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of HIS will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE hath purposed in HIMSELF: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times HE might gather together in one all things in CHRIST, both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth; even in HIM: in WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM WHO worketh all things after the counsel of HIS OWN will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST. In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."

Occasionally, as I do research on the internet, I cross paths with an advertisement that is worded something like this: "I have a retirement fund of X number of dollars - is that enough on with to comfortably retire ?" As we grow older, I suppose many of us begin to entertain thoughts along these lines, and obviously the Scriptures give direction as to the proper attitude toward and wise stewardship of our finances. Yet the LORD also warns us that, in the handling of this world's goods, we are to refrain from setting our love upon riches and, thereby, replacing GOD upon the throne of our heart by worshiping that which HE provides rather than WHO HE is.

We must daily remember that life - real life - does not consist in what we have according to our financial balance sheet but, rather what we have as the "bottom line" in GOD's spiritual investments. The Bible reminds us that riches can take wing and fly away. The rich man of whom JESUS spoke wanted to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and let his soul take its ease, but GOD called him a "fool" whose soul would be required of him that very night - he would die and leave it all behind (Luke 12:16-21).

I am not suggesting that we should not plan for the financial well-being of ourselves and our loved ones while we live; rather, I challenge you to read Ephesians 1:1-14 again and claim, as a child of GOD, the spiritual blessings and riches that are yours right now in JESUS CHRIST. We are guaranteed a future inheritance of which the HOLY SPIRIT is GOD's down payment. Your investments in GOD's heavenly 401k will far outshine and outlast any earthly investment you could make, so spend your life with eternity in view. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Devil and the Gospel"

Luke 8:1-12 " And it came to pass afterward, that HE went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of GOD: and the twelve were with HIM, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto HIM of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to HIM out of every city, HE spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when HE had said these things, HE cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And HIS disciples asked HIM, saying, What might this parable be ? And HE said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the WORD of GOD. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the Devil, and taketh away the WORD out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the Devil, and taketh away the WORD out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (v.12). The Devil especially does not want individuals to do two specific things - he does not want them to believe, and he does not want them to be saved. If you ask people what they must do to be saved, few will give the correct answer. They are blind to the true Gospel of CHRIST. Yet, Satan knows GOD's plan of salvation summarized in just four words: "Believe and be saved." The Devil does not mind if people are religious. Indeed, he uses religion to keep people in the dark. Most religious people on our planet have no idea about GOD's true Gospel. They may say the LORD's Prayer, recite the Golden Rule, or read the Sermon on the Mount, and yet they do not know the first thing about how to be saved/born again from above. Many seek to follow the sacraments, perform daily and weekly rituals, and utter repetitious prayers, but their spiritual leaders never present to them the true Gospel of grace based upon the finished work of JESUS CHRIST. How tragic this is !

"But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, should shine unto them" (2nd.Corinthians 4:3-4 pictured above). How wonderful it is to know that the LORD is infinitely greater than Satan, and HE, through the Gospel, can "open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18). May we faithfully share GOD's powerful Gospel that alone can save (Romans 1:16 pictured above) ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

"Joseph's Excellent Example"

Genesis 19:6-18 "And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; there is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD ? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. And she spake unto him, according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou has brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: and it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out."

For a young man, Joseph displayed remarkable spiritual discernment in the face of sexual temptation:

(1) GOD allowed this temptation. Joseph was doing nothing wrong. He was serving his master Potiphar exceptionally well, and because of Joseph, GOD was blessing Potiphar in every way. Yet, through no fault of Joseph's, the LORD allowed a wicked woman to entice him. In GOD's overall plan, Joseph had to go to prison and later be exalted. The LORD was involved in every detail of what we might call "unfortunate" events.

(2) Joseph said "NO," and he meant it ! He was a physically attractive man (v.6), and his master's wife set her eyes on him and made her move: "Lie with me" (v.7). Without any hesitation Joseph refused and strongly rejected her seductive invitation.

(3) Joseph had two reasons for declining her sinful offer. First, he had served Potiphar well and was unwilling to betray him (vv.8-9). Second, he greatly feared GOD: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD ?" (v.9). Sinning against his master would have been horrible enough, but sinning against GOD would be far worse ! How we today need to have Joseph's hatred of sin in a day when sexual enticements are everywhere !

(4) The temptation continued day after day. The wretched woman bombarded Joseph with repeated sexual advances. Note that he met each inducement with a strong refusal - not just to lie with her but even to be with her (v.10). He kept his distance since closeness could easily lead to sin.

(5) When she eventually forced herself on him, he ran ! He anticipated Paul's future command: "Flee also youthful lusts" (2nd.Timothy 2:22 pictured above). Dare to be a Joseph !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Pure Love Toward the Unlovable !"

Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

To express love "without dissimulation" is imperative in a culture that focuses on self-gratification, indulgence, licentiousness, and other selfish passions. It means we go against the grain of the trends in our day. In part, it entails what is required to be a "non-conformist" (Romans 12:2 pictured above), spiritually speaking. The word dissimulation means "hypocrisy." Therefore, the love we have toward others is to be honest, sincere, pure, and without ulterior or selfish motives. It is to be an affection that is genuine, not merely giving lip service or trying to make ourselves outwardly "look good." It is to be directed even to the ungodly, marking us as people who not only love the LORD but also HIS fallen creatures, despite the wicked and perverted sinfulness they often express. This does not mean we approve of their sin but that we show a concern demonstrating our desire for them to turn to GOD and away from their sin for salvation (or return to the LORD for sanctification). As believers, we are to love those who not only do not deserve our charity but also do not even desire it in the first place. We are to visibly display a sincere care for others, especially our fellow brothers and sisters in the LORD; the book of 1st.John makes this fact abundantly clear. True love is not merely words or an emotional feeling but, rather, an act of the will that manifests itself in tangible, meaningful ways.

How can we demonstrate sincere, biblical love ? We do so by humbly, graciously, patiently, and faithfully proclaiming GOD's truth whenever we are given the opportunity - and we do this both in word and by deed. Showing love is part of what it means to "put . . . on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 13:14 pictured above), the divine AUTHOR and CREATOR of love. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Humble Mindset"

Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man, the measure of faith."

If anyone had reason to boast as a Christian, it would have been Paul. He was the Apostle to the Gentiles. He played a prominent and vital role in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world during the first century. All through Acts, we see Paul entering synagogues but then ultimately turning to the Gentiles once the Jews rejected his Gospel message. How it must have thrilled early believers to have sat under the ministry of the great Apostle ! Being taught by this eminent teacher would have been amazing. Yet he admonished every believer not to think more highly of himself "than he ought to think." (Ref. Philippians 3:3-6 pictured above). We should never consider ourselves as indispensable to the cause of CHRIST simply because of our education or experiences. Paul surely did not. (Ref. Philippians 3:7-8 pictured below).

The cause of CHRIST requires that we reject selfish ambition and continually show concern for others, seeking to support their spiritual growth and maturity. Our love for the LORD ought to motivate us to love others - especially those in the church - and desire what is best for them, even if that requires self-sacrifice at times. We should aspire to be used by GOD to help fellow believers in their walk with HIM and to see their fellowship/communion with HIM flourish. Whether it is praying for, giving a word of encouragement, or providing some form of assistance to a struggling brother or sister, every believer should humbly and gratefully desire to serve the LORD through ministering to others. No one "deserves" GOD's grace and mercy; thus, we never have room for pride or self-centeredness as a believer. The Christian life is all about faithfully fulfilling Scripture's many "one another" texts - all to the glory of GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, October 19, 2026

"Persecution and Eternal Life"

Luke 21:12-19 "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before Kings and Rulers for MY name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for MY name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls."

In the midst of the Olivet Discourse, JESUS gives a marvelous promise to HIS disciples. Although they were going to be persecuted by the Jews (apprehended, attacked in the synagogues, cast into prison, despised by family and friends, and put to death, vv.12,16), JESUS followed up with this statement: "But there shall not an hair of your head perish" (v.18). The question is: How can the persecuted be put to death and yet not have a hair on their head destroyed ? JESUS was teaching that no matter the intensity of earthly persecution, the saint can never lose his eternal life !

Using different scenarios, Scripture repeats this truth throughout its pages. In Romans 8:35-39, pictured above, we learn that tribulation, famine, sword (war), demonic powers, height, depth, and any creature cannot separate us from the love of the LORD. In Mark 10:29-30, pictured above, JESUS taught the disciples that whatever family members they might lose, the LORD would multiply to them father, mother, wife, brother, and sister. Should all family and friends turn to oppress the saint, the LORD promised that HE would replace them with others in the eternal life. In Revelation 2:10, the LORD counseled the congregation of Smyrna not to fear the persecution that Satan would bring upon them because when they passed through this trial, they would receive a "crown of life" in Heaven.

Sadly, many saints fall into despair because of illness, loss of possessions, or abandonment by family and friends. Yet nothing will remove the LORD's devotion from any saint. JESUS said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5 pictured above). Regardless of what this day holds for you, rejoice in the salvation that you have in HIM ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Be Patient !"

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and HE inclined unto me, and heard my cry. HE brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And HE hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

It is not natural to be patient. We want things now, instantaneously ! When we are excited, we say, "I just can't wait !" No one is exempt from being impatient, so patience is truly a virtue. "The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8b). One reason why we grow anxious over delays is because we are not trusting in the LORD. In our pride, we want to be in charge and do not want to yield to GOD's timetable. We try to justify our hurried nature by equating waiting with weakness, but the Bible teaches otherwise. Scripture says, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of GOD, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:36 pictured above).

GOD commands us to be patient and wait. "Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). Those who wait will find blessing" "Blessed are all they that wait for HIM" (Isaiah 30:18). Believers in JESUS CHRIST are waiting for HIS soon return, but many are losing patience. However, CHRIST will, indeed, come again, and we all must be ready and waiting: "And the LORD direct your hearts into the love of GOD, and into the patient waiting for CHRIST" (2nd.Thessalonians 3:5 pictured above). "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the LORD draweth nigh" (James 5:7-8).

Do Not Give Up ! Rather, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS . . ." (Hebrews 12:1-2 pictured above). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation