"The Crown of Life"

 

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love HIM."

     In addition to gaining patience and wisdom, the third reason why a saint can consider joy when facing a trial is because the one who is victorious over his testing will receive "the crown of life." The word "crown" in this verse is the Greek word stephanos; this crown was a wreath or garland of leaves, usually associated with an athlete who was victorious in a competition. The winner of the contest experienced elation and honor. Some have suggested that this crown is associated with the trial of life. When the believer lives victoriously, he has great gladness and a feeling of satisfaction and self-respect, comparable to wearing a stephanos. This gratification and joy for overcoming a trial is part of the abundant life that JESUS promised (John 10:10 pictured above).

     All saints should seek to avoid the actions of Ananias and Sapphira, who failed to beat their testing and brought to themselves sorrow and regret. They could not fully embrace the abundant life because of their lust. Hebrews 12:1, which is pictured above, instructs us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." How many people have experienced sadness and self-disappointment because they did not cast aside the besetting sin in their life ? Conversely, how many others have understood authentic joy and true contentment because they sought, through faith, to do that which is right ?

     The Scriptures mention another "crown of life" in Revelation 2:10, pictured above. This crown is also a stephanos of life, but it will be given specifically to those saints who faced persecution that may have ended in martyrdom. In either life or in death, those who obey and honor the LORD can experience the joy and honor of the "crown of life." KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Learning GOD's Wisdom"

 

James 1:5-8 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

     James gives the child of GOD a second reason, in addition to learning patience, for considering joy when he is facing a trial. In the midst of adverse circumstances, the believer can call upon the LORD for the wisdom to know how to face any difficulty. Therefore, let the saint rejoice ! GOD's wisdom has two sources. The first source of wisdom is a proper reverence for the LORD: "fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. . ." (Proverbs 1:7 pictured at the top of the post). The second source of wisdom is GOD's Holy WORD: "Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom. . ." (Colossians 3:16 pictured above).

     To adequately use the wisdom that we receive from the LORD, we must be aware of some important truths. First, we must understand the characteristics of GOD. Our LORD is a GOD of grace WHO is willing to give us wisdom, and HE bestows it "liberally" (freely, v.5). Even when the Christian does not utilize this wisdom correctly, the LORD does not "upbraid" (scold) the misguided saint. HE continues to graciously give HIS wisdom to HIS seeking child. Second, the believer needs to understand the characteristics of prayer. The examined believer must ask the LORD for wisdom by means of prayer, and that petition must be offered by means of faith (v.6). He must not distrust the LORD when approaching the throne of grace nor question HIS willingness to give the wisdom for which he prays. The Bible compares the saint who doubts to the waves of the sea; the petitioner must not go up and down with his confidence in the LORD to answer his prayer. Every child of GOD can have certainty that the LORD will make provision for HIM when he asks for the LORD's will to be done (1st.John 5:14 pictured above). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Consider Joy While Learning Patience in Trials"

 

James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

     The most profitable way to face any trial or tribulation is to choose joyfulness. Verse two of our text instructs the believer to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." The underlying Greek word translated "count" primarily means "to lead before the mind." In the forefront of our thinking, we should have an attitude of joy, especially as one anticipates a trial coming. The instruction in this passage could be reworded, "Consider joy when facing tribulation" (see Philippians 4:4 pictured above).

     Having a joyful disposition in life will help us to be ready for any type of trial or test that comes our way, described in our text as "divers temptations." If the believer considers James 1:2, pictured above, as the proposition for the entire epistle, he will connect it with the main premise for each section of the epistle. One should first consider joy when he is facing the temptation of:

(1) showing prejudice (James 2:1-13)

(2) living a life of faithless deeds and a deed-less faith (James 2:14-26)

(3) attempting to be an ill-prepared teacher (James 3:1), who has an undisciplined tongue (James 3:2-12) and lacks spiritual wisdom (James 3:13-17)

(4) being selfish and self-centered (James 4:1-10)

(5) acting presumptuously (James 4:13-17)

     The joyful child of GOD should only "fall" into a temptation, for the saint can never find joy when he walks directly and intentionally into a temptation. Just as the believer looks deeply into the "mirror" of GOD's WORD and makes adjustments, so he should be observing and considering all parts of his life so that he does not find himself marching into the pit of sin's enticement. What can help the saint find joy when facing trials and temptations ? We will see these principles in the verses to come.

     The Bible charges believers to be joyful and content when facing trials, but James does not leave his instruction without an explanation as to why this should be so. The first reason that the saint ought to consider joy when facing a trial is because the difficulty can train him to be patient (James 1:3 pictured above). The question the reader might ask is: How does a trial teach me patience ? The answer: The child of GOD must wait until the hardship comes to an end. Everyone knows that patience entails waiting. The farmer who has planted the seed has to wait for the first rain to come. The injured construction worker must stay in the hospital to wait until he heals enough to be released. The issue with most people is that they "just do not have the time !" to learn patience.

     What is happening when the LORD sends a trial ? HE allows the difficulty so that we can examine our faith (v.3). Many say, "You are trying my patience." That is wrong, for, in fact, we do not have any patience in our natural flesh. Patience only comes with the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT. The LORD is developing endurance by means of the trials that HE sends. David's faith was examined when he worried whether he had enough men to fight future wars. He failed the test once he demanded that Joab enact a census (2nd.Samuel 24:2 pictured above, also read 24:1-19). Whenever the saint is facing an ordeal, he needs to remember that he cannot jump over the trial, cannot go around the trial, and cannot go under the trial. The only choice that a person has is to go through the trial. The examinee ought not to manipulate circumstances to get out of the testing. In the midst of our hardships, we must understand that GOD is using these events so we can learn to be more patient. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nothing Separates Us from HIS Love"

 

Romans 8:28-39 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified. What shall we then say to these things ? If GOD be for us, who can be against us ? HE that spared not HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also freely give us all things ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD's elect ? It is GOD that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth ? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again, WHO is even at the right hand of GOD, WHO also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? As it is written, For THY sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."

     Likely you, as GOD's child, are already familiar with today's text. This glorious passage holds a message of great assurance and comfort to the one who is in CHRIST JESUS. The apostle Paul poses a series of rhetorical questions with their corresponding answers: "What shall we then say to these things ? If GOD be for us, who can be against us ? . . . Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD's elect ? It is GOD that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth ? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again . . . Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us (vv. 31,33-35,37).

     Then, Paul bursts forth with his tremendous declaration of faith in the saving power of his GOD and the inability of anything to separate him from GOD's love. Paul is thoroughly convinced, assenting to the evidence and authority of GOD's WORD, and concludes: "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (vv.38-39).

     Dear child of GOD, I do not know what you are experiencing in your life at the present time, but GOD does. HE loves you. HE loved you enough to send HIS SON to die for your sins. If you have been born of GOD, then absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of GOD. Rest in HIS promise that "all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose" (v.28). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"When No One Seems to Care . . . HE Cares for You"

 

Psalm 142:1-7 " I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before HIM; I showed before HIM my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then THOU knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto THEE, O LORD: I said, THOU art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise THY name; for THOU shalt deal bountifully with me." 

     In David's distress he cried out to the LORD, "No man cared for my soul" (v4b). He was distraught. Although he had called to GOD for help (v.1) he had yet received an answer, and a feeling of loneliness overwhelmed him (v.3a). He found himself in a terribly difficult time of trouble (v.2b), for his enemies were trying to ensnare him (v.3b). Everywhere he turned he was shunned (v.4); all earthly refuge failed him. David was "brought very low," and his foes' strength surpassed his own (v.6). Constant dangers and trials pushed this man of GOD to the edge of despair.

     Today, many of GOD's dear children are facing similar situations and are going through great trials. The world is experiencing rapid transformation and tremendous upheaval. Nations are changing; churches are shifting; families are dividing; moral and spiritual standards are bending. Amid this turmoil, some believers are dealing with separation from loved ones, and this often causes emotional devastation, whether it be separation because of death of a spouse, parent, child, or some other dear one or whether it be separation from family members or fellow believers who are living in sin and resentful of scriptural reproof. But let us not forget that whenever GOD takes a person from our side, HE will fill the void (Psalm 68:5-6 pictured above; Hebrews 13:5 pictured above). And, when our loneliness is a result of biblical separation from false teachers, disobedient brethren, and the world, may we remember that GOD promises to "be a FATHER" unto those who "come out" and "touch not the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18). The LORD has a perfect place of refuge for you, and HE absolutely cares when no one else does. You are not alone ! 

     We must keep in mind that even in those moments when it seems to us like no one cares, our LORD does care. And because GOD is all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving, HE is the best companion anyone could ever have, and HIS presence is eternal ! Separation from HIM is impossible, for the LORD has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b pictured above). However, if we allow our feelings to dominate our thoughts, then we open the door for Satan to take advantage of us. It is in those periods of deep despair and discouragement that we are apt to speak and act according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT. David's time of dismay prevented him from fully enjoying the promises of GOD; however, he rightly took his troubles, his anxieties, and his complaints to the LORD in prayer (vv.1-2,5-7). He knew in his heart that the LORD was his only real refuge and that GOD would "deal bountifully "with him (vv.5,7). So why, then, did the psalmist cry out, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4) ?

     David initially focused on his circumstances rather than on GOD's assurances (2nd.Peter 1:3-4, pictured above). The LORD wanted him to learn lessons that only the failure of the "arm of flesh" could teach (2nd.Chronicles 32:8). Today when so many faithful pastors, churches, and individuals are going through times of testing and when loneliness increases as we take our stand for the truth and against error, let us quickly ascertain all that the LORD wants to impart. Despondency will overtake us unless we internalize the precious promises of our LORD. Does anyone care ? Yes, "HE careth for you" (1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above), and HE will prove HIMSELF faithful to all who look to HIM in faith during their time of need. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Virtuous Living"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:1-8 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the LORD JESUS, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please GOD, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS. For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not GOD: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but GOD, WHO hath also given unto us HIS HOLY SPIRIT."

     Morality, as defined by the WORD of GOD, matters very little to many in the world around us. Unbelievers naturally have no desire to live in a manner that is glorifying to our LORD, but, sadly, this seems to be true even of some professing Christians as well. Moral standards are not something about which to pray for the LORD to reveal HIS will -- this is simply a matter of submission and obedience (vv.3,7). GOD's will is for HIS children to be set apart from sin and unto HIMSELF (v.7). Abstaining from fornication (as well as any other form of sexual impurity) is not just GOD's suggestion to us; rather, it is a specific command "by the LORD JESUS" (v.2). In other words, this issue is of extreme importance to the ONE WHO paid for our sins through HIS sacrificial, atoning death on the cross of Calvary. CHRIST redeemed us so that sin need not continue its dominion in our lives (Romans 6:1-2 pictured above; 1st.Corinthians 6:19-20 pictured below).

     GOD, not the world, determines what is morally acceptable, and we can expect unbelievers to view us as "strange" when we reject their values (v.5 cf. 1st.Peter 4:3-4 pictured at top of post). Always take care to believe in a proper fashion toward those of the opposite gender (v.6). The Bible tells us that to act immorally is actually to despise the GOD WHOSE SPIRIT indwells us (v.8) because we are choosing sin rather than obedience to HIS clear commands. If you are heading down a dangerous path, heed the HOLY SPIRIT's voice of conviction and turn around ! Temporary pleasure is never worth permanent regret. Do not be impressed with the ungodly of this world nor follow their wicked path. Rather, do the LORD's will in this personal and extremely important area of godly living. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Christmas is Over But . . ."

 

Christmas is over, but GOD never stops thinking about you. We put away the decorations. We toss out the tree to the curb. We literally put all the things away that should remind us of the reason for the season.

Thankfully GOD is not that way. HE does not put our pictures in a box, our toys, our prayers, our daily needs into a closet never to be thought of, except for that one season a year.

HE is ever present, working in the background of your life. HE puts the pieces of a very large puzzle together so that they all fit perfectly for HIS glory and for your learning. I have often wondered what it would be like if we could see HIM standing with us every moment of every day. Would we treat others differently; would we talk about HIM to others more often, would we live our lives differently ?

Our GOD is an awesome, loving, giving and Holy GOD. HE never sleeps, slumbers, is away, nor will HE turn HIS back on us. HE is so loving that HE gave us a very special gift. A gift that no one else could give. It is not a gift just for your birthday, or Christmas. It is such a special gift that if you receive it, you will enjoy HIS love not only here but for all eternity with HIM in Heaven.

The special gift that GOD gave to all mankind is JESUS, HIS only begotten SON. GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON, JESUS, to earth in human form so that HE could live a sinless life and be the perfect sacrifice that was needed to pay for the sins of all mankind. Sin must be paid for, and we are all born sinners. As sinners, we cannot pay for our own sin, but there must be a payment made that is perfect, and without sin. JESUS was that payment.

So now, Christmas is over, and GOD has not stopped thinking about you, not even once. What are you going to do about your sin. If you die without receiving GOD's free gift of salvation through HIS SON, JESUS, then a Devil's Hell will be your eternal home. You will be totally alone, separated from all those you love and who love you. But "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." HE made a way for you to have a first-class ticket to Heaven through the death, burial and resurrection of HIS SON, JESUS. There is no need for you to go to a Devil's Hell, the payment has been made, just receive the gift of GOD and your name will be written in the LAMB's Book of Life, and Heaven will be your final home for all eternity.

Repentance, some see this as a scary word, but it is not. To repent is to turn to GOD from your sin. It would be like standing facing in one direction, the direction of a sinful life: then doing an about face and heading in the direction of GOD's outstretched hands waiting for you to come to HIM. HE loves you so much. HE gave HIS most precious gift to see you forgiven and with HIM in Heaven. Come to HIM today. Believe that JESUS died and rose again on the third day for you and call upon HIM to save you.

If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, trusting HIM to save you, please pray this simple 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. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

". . .BEHOLD, now is the accepted time; BEHOLD, now is the day of salvation." No one is promised any more time than the moments that we are currently living in. Life can be very short, and eternity can happen in an instant. Don't wait ! Ask JESUS to save you today, tomorrow is not a sure thing !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation