" Glorious Expectation "

Psalm 71:19-24   " THY righteousness also, O GOD, is very high, who has done great things:  O GOD, who is like unto THEE !  THOU, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. THOU shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. I will also praise THEE with the psaltery, even THY truth, O my GOD:  unto THEE will I sing with the harp, O THOU HOLY ONE of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto THEE; and my soul, which THOU hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of THY righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. "

     The psalmist had to endure weakness, frailty, and the physical limitations that inevitably come with advanced age. Nevertheless, we see in our text that this elderly man of GOD expected even greater things ahead (vv.19-21). Looking prophetically forward, GOD's people have HIS promise of the literal, earthly fulfillment of the irrevocable covenant promises HE made to the patriarchs of old. The Millennial Kingdom shall indeed come, and the promised KING will rule the world in righteousness from David's throne. David himself looked forward to his promised resurrection when he, along with the other Old Testament saints, will be raised again to serve with their MESSIAH and KING in that glorious kingdom of which so many of the prophetic Scriptures speak. Yes David certainly was a great king when he ruled Israel of old, but his reign does not even begin to compare with the far greater glory that is to follow when the LORD JESUS CHRIST returns to rule and reign with HIS saints.

     Although the timing is different, the believer in this church age also has the blessed promise of resurrection. All who have trusted JESUS CHRIST during this present dispensation, be they Jew or Gentile, will be  "caught up" at the LORD JESUS CHRIST's return in the air, which takes place before the seven-year Tribulation period (Rev.3:10; 1st.Thess. 4:13-18). Those who have died in CHRIST will be resurrected; believers who are living at CHRIST's return (to the clouds only) will be raptured, without seeing death. Does the prospect of JESUS' imminent return give us joy ? The promise of future glory caused the psalmist to abound with thanksgiving and to be strengthened in his witness (vv.22-24). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" GOD's Love Gift to the World "

John 3:16   " 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. "

JESUS CHRIST is GOD's love gift personified. HE gave HIS best. HE was not stingy with HIS gift, nor was HE reluctant in HIS giving. HE  "so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON."  GOD's love was not limited to the cross but was expressed from eternity past. GOD loved us in that all the prophecies of CHRIST's first coming were literally fulfilled to the jot and tittle (the letter). GOD loved us in that JESUS, the Eternal SON,  "made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7), all without ever ceasing to be GOD. Yes,  "great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh"  (1st.Timothy 3:16).

"GOD is love,"  and  "love is of GOD"  (1st.John 4:7-8).  The baby in the manger was the  "SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD"  (Luke 2:11).  HE came  "to seek and to save that which was lost"  (Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:11).  Being given the name  "JESUS,"  meaning  "JEHOVAH saves,"  HE came to  "save HIS people from their sins"  (Matthew 1:21).  HE came  "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"  (John 10:10).  HE came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give HIS life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). "What shall we then say to these things ?" (Romans 8:31-32).  Yes, JESUS is GOD's love-gift to you ! Have you received HIS gift ?  "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name"  (John 1:12).  Oh "thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift"  (2nd.Corinthians 9:15) ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Unto You Is Born This Day ... a SAVIOR "

Luke 2:1-20   " And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused (promised) wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the BABE lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. "

     The LORD first gave HIS promise of a SAVIOR, a REDEEMER, to Adam and Eve back in the garden of Eden immediately after they had sinned (Genesis 3:15). Later, Isaiah prophesied the miraculous nature of CHRIST's virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), and Micah foretold even the location of HIS birth (Micah 5:2). Centuries later, godly Simeon, who had been looking for the promised MESSIAH, praised GOD when sight confirmed his faith (Luke 2:25-32). Today's text is GOD's inspired record of the fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of JESUS CHRIST. Millions have read and rejoiced in these precious WORD's, and many who have believed have thereafter happily joined in reiterating these  "good tidings of great joy" (vv.10-11).

     Christmas, though its observance has obviously become a means of promoting religious ceremonialism, heathen observances, crass commercialism, and social debauchery, does provide a wonderful opportunity for Christian witness. Those who personally know JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR WHO indeed came into the world, are the very ones who must bear testimony of that blessed reality to others. Believers can use this season to tell the unsaved WHO JESUS is and why HE came, urging them to trust HIM as their personal SAVIOR. And, let us remember that although we do not know the precise date of JESUS' birth nor have we been told the exact date of HIS return, we do know that HE did come to earth over 2,000 years ago and that HE is coming again - it could be at any time; HE could even come today !  "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift"  (2nd.Corinthians 9:15), and praise the LORD for our  "blessed hope"  (Titus 2:11-13) ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org 

" The LIGHT of the World "

John 8:12   " The JESUS spake unto them again, saying,  ' I AM the LIGHT of the world: he that followeth ME shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. "

     It was a dark time politically and spiritually when JESUS was born. Caesar Augustus had decreed that a census was to be taken of the entire inhabited world of his Roman Empire for taxing purposes. As a result, everyone had to return to his birth city (Luke 2:1-3). This taxation would create hardship, inconvenience, and for some, impossibility. But GOD used this incident to accomplish HIS most glorious plan. Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth of Galilee and, because of the decree, had to journey over sixty-five miles south to the little town of Bethlehem, some six miles beyond Jerusalem. But again, this was not by accident, nor was what happened there a coincidence. You see, GOD had already promised in the Scriptures, written by the Prophet Micah some 720 years earlier, that the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem.

     Isaiah, likewise, prophesied concerning JESUS, the ETERNAL ONE, about 750 years before HIS birth. CHRIST was prophesied to be  "for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house" (Isaiah 42:6-7).  It was aged Simeon who, seeing JESUS in the temple at HIS dedication, said,  "For mine eyes have seen THY Salvation, which THOU has prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of THY people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32). The Apostle John wrote concerning JESUS:  "In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4-9). CHRIST HIMSELF declared in our text "I AM the light of the world: he that followeth ME shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."  May JESUS be the light of your life on this Christmas Eve ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  by  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Unashamed "

Acts 3:1-11   " Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour (3 P.M.). And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms (for money). And Peter, fastening (fixed) his eyes upon him with John said, Look on us. And he gave heed (attention) unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said,  'Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth rise up and walk.'

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked , and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising GOD. And all the people saw him walking and praising GOD: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. "

     In our world, Christians are increasingly being told that to mention JESUS' name in the public square is unacceptable. Yet early Christians also found themselves in an environment where civil and religious leaders sought to silence their public testimony of CHRIST. In Jerusalem, a man who had been  "lame from his mother's womb" (v.2) heard Peter declare,  "In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth rise up and walk" (v.6). The man was immediately healed, leaped up, and walked into the temple praising GOD. In response, the authorities hoped to silence the Apostles' use of the name  "JESUS"  by imprisoning Peter and John overnight and interrogating them the next day. Greatly displeased at the actions and teachings of the Apostles, these inquisitors asked,  "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this ?" (4:7). Peter answered, "By the name of JESUS CHRIST,"  and continued,  "neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (4:10, 12). The religious leaders then forbade the Apostles  "to speak at all nor teach in the name of JESUS"  (4:18). Jailed a second time for continuing to publicly share JESUS, the prisoners were scolded. "Did not we straitly (strictly) command you that ye should not teach in this name ?"  The answer of the Apostles is very important to believers today who are being warned not to speak publicly of JESUS:  "We ought to obey GOD rather than men"  (5:17-29). Like the Apostles, we need to be unashamed of the name  "JESUS."  Yes, consequences exist for speaking and praying openly in the name of JESUS, but the truth remains:  "We ought to obey GOD rather than men." JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" Shameless "

Zephaniah 3:5   " The just LORD is in the midst thereof;  HE will not do iniquity: every morning doth HE bring HIS judgement to light, HE faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. "

     As we continue to live in the last days, we see the world not only viewing sin as acceptable but also finding no shame in sin. Subjects that used to be kept secret are now talked about openly and practiced in public without any embarrassment. Actions that would have disqualified or removed a person from public office are now accepted and speedily forgiven with a quick, hollow apology.

     In our text, the Prophet Zephaniah said,  "The unjust knoweth no shame."  Jude described modern-day apostates as  "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame"  (Jude 13). Paul said such individuals  "are the enemies of the cross of CHRIST: whose end is destruction, whose GOD is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things"  (Phil. 3:18-19).  The moral pollution of which the Prophet Jeremiah wrote did not bother the people of GOD; instead, truth and purity were an inconvenience for them,. Jeremiah said of them,  "Thou refusedst to be ashamed" (Jeremiah 3:3b).  A few chapters later, he asked,  "Were they ashamed when they had commited abomination ? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: " (Jeremiah 6:15a; 8:12a).

     This same shamelessness characterizes our world today. The evil practices that should bring great shame and disgrace are readily dismissed, and instead, pride seems to characterize the one who does such scandalous evil. But both Zephaniah and Jeremiah declared that these shameless ones will not prevail in the end. As Christians, we need to stand up for godliness and truth and  "not (be) ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth, for the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16) PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible  Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Rejecting CHRIST's Love "

Matthew 23:37   " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not ! "

     JESUS CHRIST came  "to seek and to save that which was lost"  (Luke 19:10). Even HIS name - JESUS - which means  "Salvation of JEHOVAH," declared not only HIS Person but also HIS purpose. Since no human being can save himself from sin and no church or religious leader can take away one's sin, GOD provided the ONLY solution to mankind's dilemma: JESUS CHRIST. That is why HE declared of HIMSELF,  "I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME"  (John 14:6). GOD gave the clearest demonstration of HIS love to us when HE gave HIS only begotten SON  (John 3:16). GOD "spared not HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all" (Romans 8:32) - for the entire human race. CHRIST willingly gave HIS life so that we might live. JESUS said,  "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD: the GOOD SHEPHERD giveth HIS life for the sheep"  (John 10:11).  "No man taketh it from ME, but I lay it down of MYSELF"  (John 10:18), and HE did so when we were in and utterly hopeless and helpless condition (Romans 5:6, 8).

   But in spite of CHRIST's love for the world, people continue to reject the SAVIOR and HIS love.  "HE came unto HIS OWN, and HIS OWN received HIM not"  (John 1:11). And whoever rejects CHRIST rejects all that HE provides - forgiveness of sin, eternal life, Heaven, peace, rest, etc. Prior to the time when JESUS CHRIST died for the sins of the whole world, HE wept over Jerusalem, and said, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not !" (v.37). Do not refuse to come to CHRIST; your eternal destiny is at stake. If you have not already done so, come to HIM today (John 1:12; Matthew 11:28-30). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" EXALTED Nation ? "

Proverbs 14:34   " Righteousness exalteth a nation:  BUT sin is a reproach (disgrace) to any people. "

     In his inaugural address on January 20, 1993, William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America, made this statement:  " There is nothing wrong with America which cannot be corrected by that which is right about America. "  Is that true ?  Ultimately, it depends upon what he considered to be right and wrong about America. If the then-incoming President, as most politicians do, saw the  "wrong"  as problems of economics, the political system, and the lack of peace, and the  "right"  as the will and ability to change, then he was wrong. The reality is that, morally, little is right about America, and the problems facing us are largely due to sin. When nearly 70 million babies have been aborted (murdered) and sinful sexual practices are accepted as "alternate lifestyles,"  that is sin. When GOD is essentially outlawed from our nation's everyday existence, that is sin. Solomon's words pierce the heart and soul of America:  " Sin is  a  reproach  to  any  people. "  It is righteousness, not government policies or political maneuverings, that exalts a nation. If our nation and leaders truly desire to be leaders among nations, then we must return to the path of righteousness.

     If it is not beneath our present President, Congress, and the Supreme Court, as statesman, to take lessons from the Bible, then let them ponder the sound political maxim in today's text. A connection exists between godliness and prosperity and between ungodliness and misery, in the case of nations as well as individuals. In the annals of Israel, as they were a righteous nation or sinful nation, they were distinguished by corresponding exaltation or reproach (Deut.28). That principle holds true today. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org