" Our SAVIOR and INTERCESSOR "

Hebrews 7:24-28   " But this MAN, because HE continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them.  For such an HIGH PRIEST became us, WHO is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; WHO needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's:  for this HE did once, when HE offered up HIMSELF.  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity;  but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the SON, WHO is consecrated for evermore. "

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST is our INTERCESSOR as well as our SAVIOR. Our text emphasizes CHRIST's "unchangeable priesthood" (v.24),  HIS perfect priesthood (vv.26-27), and HIS eternal priesthood (v.28).  Our perfect INTERCESSOR fully comprehends our human weaknesses, and because HE knows and cares and is all powerful, we are assured provision from the  "throne of grace" (4:15-16).  How wonderful it is to realize that SOMEONE does know and does care.  Others, at times, may empathize with us, but only JESUS CHRIST can bring to pass HIS perfect will in us. Others may express concern, but HIS love is unlimited, even when we are  "without strength" (Rom.5:6).

     Faithful believers sometimes may find themselves walking practically alone in this life.  In such cases, the flesh tends to think and act as though no one cares or prays for them.  The hymn  "Does JESUS Care ?"  raises that very question but also responds with the proper answer -  "OH, yes HE cares; I know HE cares"  - an answer echoed throughout the WORD of GOD. Furthermore, in these days of extreme pressure, we also need to be reminded of the intercessory ministry of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT  (Eph.4:30).  In our times of special discouragement, dilemma, or other need, let us remember that the HOLY SPIRIT  "maketh intercession for us ... according to the will of GOD," even when  "we know not what we should pray for as we ought"  (Rom.8:26-27). Therefore, the believer is never alone and never without the LORD's provision. No child of GOD can ever rightly say that no one cares or understands or can give help in time of need.  The LORD can, and does !  Our blessed SAVIOR, our INTERCESSOR, will never fail us. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" An Ultimate Truth "

Matthew 28:19   " Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT): "

     One of the most significant fundamentals of the Christian faith is that there is one GOD WHO exists coequally and co-eternally in three distinct PERSONS: FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT. All three PERSONS are GOD - (the FATHER, John 6:27; CHRIST, Col.2:8-9; and the HOLY SPIRIT, Acts 5:3-4). The Old Testament focused on the truth that there is only one GOD, yet it contains repeated indicators suggesting the future revelation of the Trinity (Gen.1:1, 26; Deut.6:4; 2nd.Cor.13:14). The doctrine of the Triune GOD is not negotiable, and it cannot be denied if an individual wishes to saved. In other words, we must acknowledge the true and living GOD as HE really is.

     While the Trinity is not something that can be fully understood, it is one of the truths of Scripture that demands our unswerving affirmation. We stand in awe, expressing its wonder as something that we simply cannot fully grasp. Nothing in creation is analogous to the Trinity. Nevertheless, this is not a troubling or disquieting fact to a godly believer. In fact, it is actually reassuring to know that the GOD we serve is so great that HE is beyond comprehension. Even if we were to spend every waking moment learning something about our GOD, never in the time HE gives us could we fully grasp all the wonders of the three PERSONS of the GODhead. Even so, Christians today ought to study the PERSON of GOD as HE has revealed HIMSELF in HIS WORD;  this is an activity that we should endeavor to pursue as much as we possibly can. The attempt to know the LORD better with each passing day should be the goal of every child of GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Self - Righteous "

Titus 3:3-7   " For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man appeared, 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;  which HE shed on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOR;  that being justified by HIS grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. "

     Dr. T.C. Horton wrote the following helpful words concerning those who are self-righteous:  "The  'self-righteous'  represent a large and growing class of people. In these days, the  'sense of sin'  is largely lost, and in its place has come a self-satisfaction fostered by much of the literature, preaching, and teaching of the present day. People are self-righteous because (1) They have false ideas of GOD. They do not understand or realize HIS Holiness. (2) They have false ideas of themselves. They do not know their own weakness or the subtlety of Satan. (3) They have false ideas of the WORD of GOD. They do not know or understand its teaching concerning the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Many of these people are living, outwardly, 'moral' lives.  Many are philanthropic and engaged in many forms of  'good works.'... They may be recognized by their use of certain phrases, such as  'I pay my debts,'  'I live an honest life.'  ' I never wronged anyone,'  'If I do my best, surely the LORD will not be hard on me,'  'I am a better person than many church members,' 'I have my own ideas on religion.'

     They must be shown that they are measuring themselves with man and not with GOD.  GOD has built one standard of measurement and that is - HIMSELF. Never allow one of these people to leave you without having given them a passage of Scripture, which the HOLY SPIRIT may fasten upon the heart and use to bring conviction. The SWORD of the SPIRIT is two-edged.  With those who feel that they are great sinners, we use the love - side. With those who are self - righteous, we must use the justice - side.  Prove to them that while GOD is loving,  HE is also Holy and Righteous. "  How relevant this is for today ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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From " No Condemnation " to " No Separation "

Romans 8:1, 38-39   " There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT...........

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. "

     It would be difficult to measure the amount of joy and comfort these words have brought to multitudes of Christians through the years: "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."  Yet, those words ring with the same intensity and assurance that they did on the day they were read by the believers at Rome. How many triumphant saints have trumpeted forth those words in times of pain, tragedy, distress, and loss, one can only imagine.

     Without verse one, however, the blessed truth of the closing two verses would not be possible. The song writer, Helen Griggs, wrote,  " Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone ! Yes, my sins are gone," conveying the reality that  "the blood of JESUS CHRIST (GOD's) SON cleanseth us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7b). Because of this, Paul could rejoice that GOD is for us and has freely given us all things (vv.31-32).  And, since GOD has declared us righteous through CHRIST, no one can level a legitimate charge against us nor condemn us (vv.33-34).  CHRIST has paid the price for our redemption, and HE WHO died, rose again, and ascended to the FATHER now makes intercession for us (Heb.9:24; 7:25). Based on these facts, the apostle asks,  "Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? " (v.35).  After listing possible deterrents to our security in CHRIST, Paul's voice rings out with a clarion cry,  " NAY, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us " (v.37).  Thank the LORD, nothing can separate us from our SAVIOR !  JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Your Sins Are Forgiven "

Luke 7:36-50   " And one of the Pharisees desired HIM that HE would eat with him. And HE went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that JESUS sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at HIS feet behind HIM weeping, and began to wash HIS feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed HIS feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden HIM saw it, he spake within himself, saying,  'This man, if HE were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth HIM:  for she is a sinner.'  And JESUS answering said unto him,  ' Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.' And he saith, 'MASTER, say on.'  

' There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?' Simon answered and said,  'I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.'  And HE said unto him,  ' Thou hast rightly judged.'  And HE turned to the woman, and said unto Simon,  ' Seest thou this woman ? I entered into thine house, thou gavest ME no water for MY feet:  but she hath washed MY feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest ME no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss MY feet. MY head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed MY feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;  for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.'  And HE said unto her,  ' Thy sins are forgiven.'  And they that sat at meat with HIM began to say within themselves,  'Who is this that forgiveth sins also ?'  And HE said to the woman,  ' Thy faith hath saved thee;  go in peace.' "

     Simon the Pharisee invited JESUS to his house for dinner. While the SAVIOR was reclining at the table, as was the Jewish custom, a woman who was a notorious sinner entered Simon's house bearing  "an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at HIS feet behind HIM,"  where she wept and washed HIS feet with her tears and anointed them with the ointment (vv.36-38). Simon then had second thoughts concerning JESUS:  "This man, if HE were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth HIM:  for she is a sinner" (v.39). But CHRIST did know who she was, for she was the very person HE had come to save. HE knew she lived a sinful lifestyle, but no sin is too great that the LORD cannot forgive when one repents.

     JESUS then told Simon a parable concerning two men who were indebted to a creditor. Neither one could pay, and so the creditor forgave the debt of both men completely. The man who owed the most loved the creditor more than the other because of his greater debt that had been cancelled (vv.40-43). JESUS explained that this woman, who was demonstrating her love for HIM through her actions, had a debt of sin that she could never pay, just like every one of us (vv.44-46), but JESUS freely forgave her (v.47a). Then speaking directly to the woman, HE said, " Thy sins are forgiven... Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace " (vv.48, 50). The SAVIOR will say the same to you if you come to HIM with a repentant heart, for HE came  "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). But you must come to HIM by faith and receive HIS free offer of Salvation;  and when you do, HE will save and forgive you (John 1:12; 6:37; Acts 4:12). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Don't Worry ! "

Philippians 4:6-7   " Be careful for nothing;  but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS. "

     In today's text, the LORD commands us to  "be careful (anxious) for nothing" (v.6).  Yes, as difficult as it may sound, absolutely no circumstance in your life ever ought to arise that should cause you to worry.  How is this even possible ?  With all of life's problems and uncertainties, how could we ever avoid anxiety altogether ?  The answer is found in our text:  We must take any potentially worrisome situation to the LORD in prayer and allow HIM to bear our burden and give us the strength to press forward according to HIS will.  HE personally invites us to bring our requests and problems to HIM in a spirit of thankfulness (v.6 cf. 1st.Peter 5:7).  Only when we heed this text and cast all our anxieties upon the LORD will we experience  "the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding " (v.7).  Who would not want GOD's peace ?

     R.A. Torrey once said that verse seven of today's text describes the result of obeying verse six.  He wrote:  " The peace of GOD is the guard set over hearts and minds to guard them from all foes.  CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF is the citadel in which they are guarded. It is when we put away all anxiety about everything and commit it ALL to GOD in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving that the peace of GOD does guard our hearts and thoughts.... The peace of GOD is the heart rest HE bestows.  It is HIS own infinite peace communicated to us.  It passeth all power of thought;  it is perfect;  it is infinite. "   Yes, the blessed peace that our LORD wants to give us is inexhaustible.  Our infinite GOD desires to provide us with HIS infinite strength to overcome every foe in order to possess HIS infinite peace - even while we live in this difficult, wearisome world.  MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" What Is The Gospel ? "

1st. Corinthians 15:1-7   " 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, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain (without cause). 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:  and that HE was seen by Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve: after that, HE was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (have died).  After that, HE was seen of James;  then of all the Apostles. "

     One of the key terms of Christianity is  "the Gospel." Exactly what is  "the Gospel ?"  To fully understand it, we must first define the word.  The term gospel means  "good news."  This good news can be about anything; however, the  "Gospel"  to which our Scripture reading refers is the Christian Gospel, that is, the fact that JESUS paid the penalty for our sins in full when HE died on the cross.  That one death was sufficient to pay for the sins of ALL humanity, although sadly not everyone will be saved. Nevertheless, what good news it is that anyone who believes can be saved !

     The death of CHRIST comprises just part of the good news.  The other facet of the Gospel is that JESUS rose from the dead.  Death did not defeat HIM. The body in which the LORD JESUS lived on earth was buried, arose, and left the tomb.  HIS body did not  "see corruption / decay" (Psa.16:10 cf. Acts 2:22-36). HE was raised as proof that GOD the FATHER accepted the payment for sin made by GOD the SON and because  "it was not possible" for death to hold HIM (Acts 2:24).  The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth that the Gospel was a verifiable truth:  CHRIST's death was substantiated by the fact of HIS burial, and HIS resurrection was substantiated by the fact that it was witnessed by over 500 brethren, many who were still alive as of the time of Paul's writing. That CHRIST arose from the dead means that we serve a SAVIOR from sin WHO is alive today.  HE was not just a "good man"  WHO taught helpful concepts and made unsubstantiated claims about HIMSELF and the future.  No other faith worships a living SAVIOR and a personal GOD. Have you believed on JESUS to the saving of your soul ? (John 1:12)  GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
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" Is There Any Hope ? "

1st. Thessalonians 4:13-18   " But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (have died), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (die) in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM. For this we say unto you by the WORD of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD:  and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be "caught up" (rapture) together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. "

     One of the greatest prophecies for the church is that we will be raptured prior to the start of the seven-year tribulation.  This  "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) is described in some detail in today's text, where Paul assures all believers that we have hope because we are saved, unlike those who do not know the LORD. This hope refers to a "confident expectation."  CHRIST is coming back to unite us with HIMSELF and to reunite us with those loved ones whose souls are with HIM in heaven.  HE will return, bringing back their souls to be reunited with their bodies; those of us who are alive and remain at HIS coming will be instantaneously changed in our bodies (1st.Cor.15:51-52) so that we are all suited for the heavenly abode HE is preparing for us (John 14:1-3). Additionally, Paul gives the Thessalonian believers a sequence of events:  CHRIST will return; a trumpet sounds;  the bodies of those who have died will be resurrected, and their souls will reunite with them;  then we who are alive will ascend into the glory of heaven, to be forever with the LORD.  When this event transpires, all believers from the Day of Pentecost up to that very moment when the rapture occurs will be  "caught up" (v.17) into the LORD's physical presence, meeting HIM face to face.

     This spectacular and imminent event is a tremendous motivation for faithful Christian service today (1st.John 2:28).  The pretribulation rapture is truly going to happen, just as the Apostle Paul has clearly stated.  Every church age believer will be caught up to meet the LORD JESUS CHRIST in the air, and we will be with HIM forever.  How certain are we of this truth ?  We have the very "WORD of the LORD"  on this matter (V.15). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" THY Face, LORD, Will I Seek "

Psalm 27:4-8   " 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 inquire 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." 

     As a general rule, great things are accomplished by those who maintain singleness of purpose.  Simple observation reveals that the goal-oriented individual is usually the one who succeeds in life.  In this Psalm, GOD's WORD reveals that what has proven to be true in the secular realm is also true concerning the sacred.  David had one goal:  to walk in daily fellowship with his GOD and to learn more of HIM with each passing day (v.4) - that was David's driving passion, and it should be ours as well. The immeasurable spiritual blessings and persistent fortitude he possessed when facing every foe were the fruits of such single-mindedness.  The LORD said to David, " Seek ye MY face "; the psalmist's heartfelt response was, " THY face, LORD, will I seek " (v.8).  It was as simple as that - simple, yes, but not easy !  Just think of all the distractions that keep us from daily honoring this request of our LORD. Troubles, fears, enticements, distractions, and apathy hinder us from earnestly seeking the LORD's face.  If this is our spiritual state, then we must put forth the effort required to get on track.

     Is it any wonder, then, that David experienced victory in the face of the enemy and rose above every adversity that would normally cause one's heart to fear ?  Now, because his focus was on his LORD, he could confidently say, " And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies... therefore will I offer in HIS tabernacle sacrifices of joy;  I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD " (v.6). What blessing and what joy are for those who seek the LORD in their time of need !  GOD rewarded David's singleness of purpose and faithful service, and the LORD desires the same of us. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  Feature:  A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Seasons "

Genesis 1:14   " And GOD said,  ' Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:' "

     When GOD created the heavens and the earth, HE purposely positioned the heavenly bodies as measurements of time, including seasons.  The writer of Ecclesiastes observed these seasons and times, which direct every area of our lives:  " To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die;  a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal;  a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh;  a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  A time to rend, and a time to sew;  a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate;  a time of war, and a time of peace " (Eccl.3:1-8).  My garden is a vivid illustration of the need to observe these divinely created seasons.  The season of planting is passed as of this writing, and my labors are largely devoted to watering and weeding.  Within the next week or two we will begin to harvest.  In October, the shorter days and crisp nights will terminate the harvest, with the exception of our persimmon tree which continues until the Thanksgiving season.

     Though GOD has given reminders in nature of the importance of observing seasons, many fail to perceive the spiritual parallel.  Jeremiah recorded in his day the tragic blindness of the people to this obvious fact.  " The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved " (Jer.8:20).  Turn to GOD while the seasons of life remain. JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature:  A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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