"How to Keep From Fainting"

 

Psalm 27:1-14 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear ? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid ? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in HIS temple. For in the time of trouble HE shall hide me in HIS pavilion: in the secret of HIS tabernacle shall HE hide me; HE shall set me up upon a ROCK. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in HIS tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When THOU saidst, Seek ye MY face, my heart said unto THEE, THY face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not THY face far from me; put not THY servant away in anger; THOU hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O GOD of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me THY way, O LORD, and lead me in a plan path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

     Because fainting, spiritually speaking, is a common problem, we need to know how to prevent it. Sometimes people misquote verse thirteen to read, "I had fainted, unless I had seen the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." It correctly reads, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Changing these few words vastly alters the meaning. Not many would faint while enjoying the blessings and lovingkindness of the LORD. But the emphasis of this verse is on how trusting ("I had believed to see") in GOD's promises keeps us from growing weary. We must be strong in the faith even when giving in would seem to be an easier way out than fighting the good fight. Our text also instructs us to "wait on the LORD" (v.14a), which means to depend fully upon HIM. Furthermore, we are to "be of good courage" - which is not an unreasonable command, for it is accompanied by HIS special promise to us: "HE shall strengthen thine heart" (v.14b).

     We often sense our own weakness and find ourselves ready to fold time and time again. But the Bible reminds us that CHRIST's strength will enable us to "do all things" (Philippians 4:13 pictured above). In fact, we must not faint, for Paul writes that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9 pictured above). Laying down on the job now will result in loss of reward later.

     The LORD is indeed our light, our salvation, and our strength (v.1 pictured above), therefore, we have no need to "fear" (the prime cause of fainting). As GOD leads us down "a plain path" (v.11), we will find exactly what we need to continue pressing forward without fainting. Let us look to our SAVIOR for the grace and strength HE freely provides. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"No One Knows"

 

Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST;"

     Several people have tried to predict the exact date and time of the imminent (any moment) return of JESUS CHRIST for HIS bride, the church. They have ridiculous calculations and formulas that usually, even on the surface, are nonsensical. In itself, claiming to know the timing of an imminent event is self-contradictory - it would not be "imminent" if one knew when it was to take place. What happens when these predictions fail ? The world mocks Christianity as a whole, regardless of how much we may attempt to distance ourselves from the foolishness of these deceitful prophets.

     Nothing can be imminent and at the same time able to be predicted as far as its timing is concerned. No "signs" need to occur before the removal of the church from the Earth. The truth of the imminent rapture of believers is our "blessed hope" (v.13). The fact that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is returning to the clouds to catch away HIS bride, the church, is a biblical promise to which we hold in both good times and bad. We do not have some special insight as to when prophetic events regarding Israel will be resumed; however, we do know that nothing further needs to happen in order for the rapture to take place. The sole event that believers in the church age (which age we are currently in) are to be eagerly anticipating is the catching away of CHRIST's church up to our home in Heaven - where we all belong !

     Many scoff at the doctrine of the rapture, denigrating it as "the secret rapture," since only believers will experience the first phase of JESUS' return, or "the great escape," as if those who teach the rapture are merely escapists from the real world (Please check out how Enoch and Elijah left this Earth as examples of a rapture). Nevertheless, let us be eagerly watching for the SAVIOR and not for some "sign" of HIS "imminent" return !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Ceaselessly Praying !"

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

     When you read the prayers recorded in Scripture, have you ever noticed how different they are from our typical prayers to GOD ? Of course, nothing is wrong with going to the LORD for those things in life that are of concern to us. In fact, we are to cast all our care (anxieties) on GOD because HE does, indeed, care for us (1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above). HE knows our every need and how trials impact us, both positively and negatively. While temporal things are important, we must ask, ourselves: "Is our physical well-being the only matter about which we pray - both for ourselves and others ? Does not life consist of even more important things that should necessitate prayer ?"

     Paul's incredible ministry was divinely empowered because he fervently prayed and enlisted fellow believers and churches to pray for him as well - and to keep on praying continually. What the Apostle achieved was not the result of a one-time prayer for himself or a single petition to GOD by his brothers and sisters in the LORD. It was a constant necessity for him and them - and us today - to approach the Throne of Grace. Their request was that GOD's WORD would advance unhindered through HIS faithful messengers (2nd.Thessalonians 3:1); they had a sense of urgency about communicating GOD's truth. We today, likewise, should be praying for our Pastors and church leaders - that the truth they proclaim would be clearly understood and received by all who hear it.

     The hour is late. We are nearer to the moment of our deliverance than when we first believed (Romans 13:11 pictured above). The imminency of JESUS CHRIST's return in the air for HIS body, the church, should motivate us to live a consistently prayerful and faithful life (1st.John 3:2-3). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"One Thing Leads to Another"

 

1st.Kings 11:1-8 "But King Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians and Hittites; of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his GOD, as was the heart of David his father.

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

     The wisest man who ever lived ruined his relationship with the GOD WHO gave him his wisdom and compromised the security of his kingdom by making one extremely unwise decision - he failed to obey the LORD. This choice led King Solomon down the path of revolting and destructive behavior. At the beginning of his reign as King of Israel, Solomon had it all: wealth, power, prestige, and a proper relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD. Solomon obeyed the LORD, demonstrated wisdom in his life, and ruled after the manner of his godly father, King David. Yet within his lifetime, Solomon went from honoring GOD and building Israel's temple to disgracing the LORD and financing the construction of pagan worship centers for false deities such as Molech (v.7 pictured above), a god to which the Ammonites offered human sacrifices. How did he fall to such a low place ?

     GOD had instructed Solomon to separate from pagan Gentiles (including women) for his own protection (v.2 pictured above). The LORD knew that the King's physical infidelities (union with unbelievers) would lead to spiritual infidelity (turning his heart away from GOD). His immoral and disobedient personal relationships led him down a path of both physical and spiritual corruption, just as the LORD had warned him. He probably supposed that he could enjoy the companionship of unbelievers while remaining true to GOD, but such was not the case ! GOD knows that our association with others will affect our relationship with HIM. Therefore, for our own benefit, HE commands us to guard our fellowships and to separate from wicked influences. A failure to do so will put us in the same place where Solomon found himself - on the downward slope of sin ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Loves You !"

 

"For GOD so loved the world, that

HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that

whosoever believeth in HIM should not 

perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

We are loved.

     GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

We are of worth.

     The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

     But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place. The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. "While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is so very fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life."

     "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).

You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

Call upon the LORD to save you, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

     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.

     The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

*  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

*  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41, 47).

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast

Baptist Church

Pastor Dr. Robert Butz

Pastor Emeritus Dr. Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239)574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Thank You for Your Hospitality"

 

     Too often, kindness and hospitality go unnoticed. I hope you will take note that I thought kindly of you today. It is my joy to share this with you. My heavenly FATHER thought kindly of us all day. HE is thinking of you right now as you read this.

     Let me take this opportunity to Thank You for your hospitality today. Hospitality has always been an important measure of one's personality and friendliness. It shows through the face in all kinds of situations. Your friendliness and willingness to read this post and possibly talk with me about it is certainly appreciated.

     In talking to others, I find many religious people. Many feel they are Christians because they are living what they feel or believe to be a good and moral life, or have been baptized, or belong to a church. However, in John 14:6 the Bible states, "JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME."

     There is no way to Heaven except through a personal acceptance of JESUS CHRIST as you SAVIOR. Here are some things CHRIST requires us to know before we can accept HIM:

We Must Know that Man is Sinful

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

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" Romans 3:10.

We Must Know that Man is Condemned

"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:" Romans5:12.

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

We Must Know that JESUS CHRIST is

GOD's Full and Complete Provision for Man's Sin

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

"For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." 2nd.Corinthians 5:21.

"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.

We Must Know that GOD's Provision is Free

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY GHOST;" Titus 3:5.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.

We Must Receive JESUS CHRIST as Our 

Personal SAVIOR

"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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10.

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

     If you have not received JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you can right now ! If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) 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

     The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." John 10:28. None of us are promised any more time than the moments we are in and life can be very short. GOD says in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." 2nd.Corinthians 6:2b. PLEASE, come to JESUS now before it is too late.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is Experience the Final Test ?"

 

Isaiah 8:19-22 "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their GOD ? for the living to the dead ? To the Law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their GOD, and look upward. And they shall look unto the Earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."

     The leaders and adherents of virtually every false religion and movement (of which there are many) place a great emphasis upon their physical, mental, or emotional experiences. Thus, the "proof" that their religion is from GOD consists of their testimonials concerning healings, success, financial gain, or reduced mental and physical stress. However, when someone accepts empiricism as the validation of truth, he will often ignore the serious errors of his religious group. Those who rely upon experiences as their standard often say, "You can't tell me it's wrong; I know what happened !" And no matter what the WORD Of GOD says regarding a particular subject, it is their own personal observations that become the determining factor for what they believe to be true.

     The Bible is completely without error, and we must accept what it says is true by faith rather than what we may experience by sight. Satan gives unsaved people counterfeit encounters that bind them to false cults and religions and blind them to the liberating truth to be found only in JESUS CHRIST, the LIVING WORD, and in the Bible, the written WORD. One of the great deceptions of our day is the unscriptural charismatic teaching that public healings and other supposedly miraculous signs and wonders are an indication of GOD's approval of the message and the messenger (but remember, the end-time messenger of Satan will use miracles to authenticate his diabolical message; see 2nd.Thessalonians 2:8-9 and Revelation 13:3, both pictured above). The Bible is the only test whereby we can know what is true (v.20). Be careful that you are not deceived. The end for those who look anywhere other than to GOD and HIS WORD will be great disappointment (v.22). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation