"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

"But the Wise Shall Understand"

 

Hebrews 11:1-8 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD. But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM. By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

     Faith is essential in order to understand and please GOD: "But without faith it is impossible to please HIM" (v.6). The believer who says he wants to understand the LORD's will for his life must be willing to walk by faith, for unless he is convinced that GOD's way is best, he will not naturally nor willingly walk in the way of the LORD. It is important for believers to know the will of GOD, and those who obey the WORD have the promise that they will receive this understanding (Psalm 111:10 pictured at top of post). Notice in our text (as well as in the remainder of this eleventh chapter of Hebrews) that all of these Old Testament saints understood GOD's will because they heard and believed HIS WORD. Not only did they know what the LORD desired of them, but they also stepped out in faith and obeyed what HE said. Understanding the will of GOD goes hand in hand with following HIS WORD, for the LORD grants spiritual understanding to the obedient.

     The Bible also says that those who hear and heed reproof will gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32 pictured above). However, admonition is unpopular, and many believers have closed their ears to scriptural rebuke. The psalmist wrote that one result of understanding GOD's WORD is the saint will "hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104 pictured above). Such a position is often criticized by both the world and other Christians as being "unloving," but they have a wrong understanding of genuine love. Regarding the future events of the end times, the LORD told Daniel, "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:10). Believers should not be perplexed, confused, or troubled by the many voices crying out to be heard; "the wise shall understand" -- and stand ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"What Glory Awaits !"

 

Philippians 3:20-21 "For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the SAVIOR, the LORD JESUS CHRIST: WHO shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto HIS glorious body, according to the working whereby HE is able even to subdue all things unto HIMSELF."

     As time passes and we face difficulties and trials, some that seem almost impossible to bear, we must rest upon the truths revealed in Scripture, especially concerning the future. As bad as things are politically, economically, socially, morally, and even religiously, we know that it is going to get much worse in the future (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). The people of this Earth will one day endure a terrible seven-year period known as "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) or the "Tribulation" (Mark 13:24), of which the final three and one half years are designated by the LORD as the "Great Tribulation" (Matthew 24:21 pictured below). During this time GOD will pour out HIS wrath in a series of ever-intensifying judgments on HIS creation (the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments), bringing it to the very brink of extinction. In fact, the LORD JESUS said that "except those days should be shortened," not even the elect would survive this time (Matthew 24:22 pictured below). GOD's mercy and grace are contrary to what this wicked world deserves and the opposite of what the Devil desires, for his intent is to destroy all of GOD's creatures. After all, he was "a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him" (John 8:44). We know that whatever he can possibly do to wreak havoc and confusion on those created in GOD's image, he is more than willing to try.

     With each passing day, the importance and necessity of doing everything we can for the LORD becomes increasingly urgent, yet it seems to be more challenging as well. May we keep our eyes on what lies ahead, not becoming distraught, discouraged, or distracted by anything we might face right now. GOD will be victorious in the end ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation