" The Gift of GOD ! "

 

CHRISTMAS is a season for giving. There is no greater gift than what GOD gave the world:

     "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 about HIS Christmas gift to the world.

We  are  loved.

     It tells us that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world . . ."

     GOD loves us and gave HIS SON for us. HE wants us ". . .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. . ." HE gave HIS precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay our sin debt.

     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

     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 sin ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for us. ". . .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. . ."

     The LORD does not want anyone to be separated from GOD. We were created to spend eternity with HIM.

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.

     Everlasting life is ours when we turn to GOD in repentance and faith and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

     You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's gift of eternal life ?" The answer is as simple as ABC.

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

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

C  Call upon the LORD to saved you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

     If you would like to receive GOD's Christmas gift and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer or one like it and receive CHRIST today.

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, and help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD." Ephesians 2:8. Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. "The gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23.

_______________________________________________

GULF  COAST

Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

" CHRISTmas Greetings From ALMIGHTY GOD "

 

FEAR  NOT

You have fears ? Troubles ? Perplexities ?

I have a message for you ! Don't be afraid ~

not of the distressing things in this life nor

of death and eternity. I've sent MY SON to 

establish the way to Heaven.

JOY

I bring you good tiding of great joy ! The 

other Christmas greetings may wish you 

merry times in poetic phrases, but I send 

you the most wonderful news you will ever 

hear. People waited centuries to hear it, and

ever since it has been the hope of humanity.

No wonder that Christmas time is a time of 

joy, goodwill, carols, gifts . . .

A  SAVIOR

This good news is that MY SON is come -

ONE who can save you from your present

state of sin and separation from ME and 

from and eternal state of separation and

punishment. MY SON came willingly to 

atone for the sins of the whole world. HE

truly is a SAVIOR !

UNTO  YOU

You - whom I created perfect. You had true 

life and liberty. But you used your liberty to

rebel against ME. Sorrow and sin and death

became yours. 

Yet I love you ! Unto you a SAVIOR came.

Will you come back to ME through faith in

HIM ? Then the 'fear not' and the 'joy' are

yours.

I AM A GOD OF LOVE:

In this was manifested the love of GOD

toward us, because that GOD sent HIS only

begotten SON into the world, that we might

live through HIM. Herein is love, not that we

loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent 

HIS SON to be the propitiation (sacrificial

payment) for our sins. ~ 1st.John 4:9,10

I INVITE YOU TO COME:

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the 

unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him

return to the LORD, and HE will have mercy

upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will 

abundantly pardon. ~ Isaiah 55:7

I WILL THEN MAKE YOU MY SONS:

But when the fullness of time was come, GOD

sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made

under the Law, to redeem them that were under

the Law, that we might receive the adoption of

sons. ~ Galatians 4:4,5

" Your Charisma Gift ! "

 

Dear Friend, in this season of giving and receiving gifts, will you pause with me for just a moment and consider GOD's "Charisma Gift" to you ? Charisma is the root, or original word, for our word gift. Charisma means free gift. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift (charisma) of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift (charisma) of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift (charisma)." (2nd.Corinthians 9:15). GOD's charisma gift to you is Salvation and Eternal Life through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone.

Let us notice three things about a gift:

1. You cannot earn a gift. "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)

2. You need not deserve a gift. When a person gives someone a gift, it is an act of love. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

3. You must receive a gift. "HE (JESUS CHRIST) came unto HIS own, and HIS own received HIM not. 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 1:11-12)

Here is how to receive GOD's charisma gift:

1. First, you must know that you need GOD's gift. You must see and admit that you are a lost sinner in need of forgiveness through the SAVIOR, and of everlasting life. This is true of you. The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Yes, my Friend, you have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.

2. Next, you must realize GOD's punishment because of your sins ! The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23a) Death in your sin means eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell ! Think about it. If you were to die right now, where would your eternal soul go ?

3. Now, you must give up all hope of saving yourself. You do not have the strength or ability to save yourself ! The Bible says, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

4. Now you must believe that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins and rose from the grave. "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) You must believe that GOD loves you and gave JESUS CHRIST for your sins ! "But GOD commends HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

5. Finally, you must confess that you are a sinner and call on JESUS CHRIST to save you. You must repent (turn to GOD from your sin) of your sins and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13)

     The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive GOD's charisma gift JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer with all your heart or one like it:

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 live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" CHRISTmas In Your Heart "

 

     Christmas is a special time around the world. Young and old alike eagerly anticipated exchanging gifts and spending time with family. The gifts exchanged at Christmas serve as a reminder of the greatest gift ever given. That gift is JESUS CHRIST, GOD's SON, WHO was born to bring salvation to all who will receive HIM.

THE REASON FOR THIS GIFT.

Often, a gift given at Christmas is based on what a person needs. The gift GOD gave to the world met the need of every person that has ever lived. The Bible states that we are sinners, separated from GOD, and deserve eternal death. "As it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, not one. . .For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23). "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2). "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23b).

     To meet our need of Salvation, GOD wrapped HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, and presented HIM to the World. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). GOD gave HIS gift because of HIS great love for us.

THE REQUIREMENT OF THIS GIFT.

Webster's Dictionary defines a gift as something of value that is voluntarily given from one person to another without receiving anything in return. This is exactly what GOD did for us by giving HIS SON to die on the cross for our sins. 2nd.Corinthians 9:15 states, "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift." This gift cannot be measured in value. It can never be destroyed or broken. This gift is eternal life. ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b).

     JESUS willingly gave HIMSELF to meet our need of Salvation. "WHO gave HIMSELF for our sins, that HE might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of GOD and our FATHER:" (Galatians 1:4) "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).

     A true gift is given freely. GOD does not ask you to do anything to earn Salvation. It is a free gift. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD:" (Ephesians 2:8).

THE RECEIVING OF THIS GIFT.

We give gifts and expect them to be received. No one gives a present for it to be rejected. However, many people reject GOD's gift. Refusing to accept GOD's gift results in an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36).

     You can receive HIS gift by repenting, turning to GOD from your sin and accepting HIM as your personal LORD and 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 believes unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

The Bible says that, "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Biblical Race Theory "

 

Genesis 10:31-11:9  "These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the Earth after the flood. And the whole Earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and there dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto Heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let US go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the Earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the Earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the Earth.

     In these days of massive confusion and ignorance of GOD's truth, it is important to remind ourselves of these rock-solid facts:

1.) There is but one race of people, the human race, created by GOD with every human being derived from Adam, the first man (Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 19:4).

2.) Adam sinned and plunged the entire race into a fallen state of depravity (Genesis Chapt.3; Romans 5:12). Adam's fall is the root cause of all hatred and prejudice against people due to their background, skin color, etc.

3.) Because of the wickedness of man, the entire race was destroyed by a worldwide flood except for eight people (Genesis Chapts. 6-8; 2nd.Peter 3:6).

4.) Every person on earth today has descended from Noah and from one of Noah's three sons (Genesis 9:18-19; 10:1).

5.) The various nations and language groups began after the judgment on Babel described in Genesis 11.

6.) A detailed listing of the nations that came from Noah's three sons is given in Genesis 10.

7.) GOD chose one nation, the descendants of Shem, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to point to the one true GOD and to be a witness to all nations (Isaiah 43:10; Romans 9:3-5).

8.) It was through this nation that GOD sent HIS incarnate SON to be the SAVIOR of the world and to die for the entire human race (John 4:42; Hebrews 2:9; 1st.John2:2).

9.) Today GOD is visiting the nations, calling out "a people for HIS name" (Acts 15:14), and in HIS church there are no racial barriers (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).

10.) GOD's plan of redemption includes people of "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

May we share GOD's love for all people (John 3:16) and HIS desire that they might be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth (1st.Timothy 2:3-6). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.    www.featoday.org

" GOD Is Not Racist ! "

 

Acts 17:22-31 "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. WHOM therefore ye ignorantly worship, HIM declare I unto you. GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of Heaven and Earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though HE needed any thing, seeing HE gives to all life, and breath, and all things; and has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the Earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after HIM, and find HIM, though HE be not far from every one of us: for in HIM we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also HIS offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the GODHEAD is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent: because HE has appointed a day, in the which HE will judge the world in righteousness by that MAN WHOM He has ordained; whereof HE has given assurance unto all men, in that HE has raised HIM from the dead.

     We live in a nation that is often sharply divided along racial lines. People are being judged based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. might be considered an extremist for suggesting that we treat people of all races equally ! Those who have the courage to say that "all lives matter" are condemned for hate speech. In the midst of this toxic political and media-driven environment, it is important to understand that GOD is not a racist. HE has a wonderful message of Good News (the Gospel) for people of every color. "[GOD] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (v.26).

     Biblically, there are not many races but one race of people: the human race. All people are derived from Adam, and all are made in the image of GOD. "For GOD so loved the world" (John 3:16a), which certainly includes people of every racial and ethnic background. The Gospel is to go to "all men every where" (v.30) and is to be preached to "every creature," that is, to every created person (Mark 16:15). Godly missionaries have given their lives to reach out to indigenous peoples of every race, color, and tribe. In GOD's living organism, the church, "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but CHRIST is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11 above). The Bible teaches that the color of a man's skin cannot be changed any more than can a leopard's spots (Jeremiah 13:23 above), and men must never be blamed for what they cannot change. Heaven is not for racists, for gathered in that Heavenly throng are the redeemed "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9 above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.featoday.org

" Is JESUS CHRIST Your SAVIOR ? "

 

THE ONE SAVIOR

My Friend, are you saved ? Saved is a Bible word, not a term thought up by man. I have been a Christian for almost 50 years, and I find that most people still do not have an understanding of GOD's message of Salvation.

First, you must believe there is ONE TRUE GOD. Secondly, you must believe that GOD can do something for you, and HE has recorded HIS plan of redemption in the Bible. The only GOD that can save souls is the GOD of the Bible. HIS name is the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Bible says in Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

A person is saved by putting their complete trust in JESUS CHRIST, not by doing something to earn Heaven. Trusting is believing. Believing must come from the heart, not the head. Do you love and trust your spouse with your head or with your heart ?

Plato, Aristotle, or Einstein could only think as far as their finite minds were able. They could not even solve the problems of this life, such as sickness, disease, pain, hunger, and death, let alone know anything about eternity. GOD knew we needed something to go by, so HE put everything there is to know in HIS WORD, the Bible.

THE ONLY SINNER

Have you ever sinned ? Just once ? One lie ? One theft ? Once is enough, for GOD says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" The Bible says in Romans 5:12, "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:" So you and I, like our Father, Adam, are born sinners. We have not obeyed all of GOD's Commandments. Your guilt as a sinner is shown by the fact that you will eventually die. The Bible states, "The soul that sins, it shall die. . ." (Ezekiel 18:20).

A saved sinner has their sins forgiven by faith in JESUS. An unsaved sinner still bears their sins when they die. No one gets into Heaven with their sins ! Nothing unclean gets into Heaven. This creates a problem ! How do you get rid of your sins ? Are your sins adding up day by day ? Are they too much to even keep up with anymore ? Are you saying, "What's the use"? JESUS says in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Could you say that to someone and mean it ? No ? Well, JESUS CHRIST can !

THE ONE SOLUTION

JESUS CHRIST was not conceived the same way you and I were. HE was born of a virgin. The Bible says in Matthew 1:23, "Behold, a virgin shall be with CHILD, and shall bring forth a SON, and they shall call HIS name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is, GOD with us." Because JESUS is GOD, HIS blood was sinless. JESUS died on a cross to pay for your sins. "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). ". . .while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14).

The Bible says, ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]." (Hebrews 9:22b). Our blood is polluted by sin, so it could not be shed to take away our sin. The blood of JESUS can take away all of your sins, because HE is sinless, and HIS blood is pure. HIS blood can remove your sins as far as the east is from the west. GOD said HE would remember them no more ! Isn't that the Good News of the Gospel ! Wouldn't you want that ?

THE ONE SIN

PLEASE hear this. People do not go to a Devil's Hell for their sins. They go to a Devil's Hell for rejecting JESUS CHRIST as their SIN BEARER, their SUBSTITUTE, and the ONE WHO died in their place for their sins. "He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18). JESUS knew how many sins you would commit, but HE said HE loved you and died for you. Would you right now just pray to GOD and trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR ? Romans 10:9-10,13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS , and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."  IT IS YOUR DECISION !

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Are You Worried ? "

 

Matthew 6:25-34  "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment ? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly FATHER feeds them. Are ye not much better than they ? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature ? And why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if GOD so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall HE not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly FATHER knows that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and HIS righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

     It is natural to become worried or anxious at different times in life. Many have been worried about the coronavirus pandemic and now the rise of the Delta variant. Are you worried about your health, financial situation, or employment ? Are you anxious about your family, possessions, or future ? Are you concerned about "climate change," government, violence, or world instability ? Humanly speaking, these are a great concern to many and can lead to unhealthy fear. When we worry, we are engaged in a form of self-harassment and vexation. It will wear us down and cause us to become blind to good things. Anxiety makes us afraid, restless, and unsettled.

     What are we to do about our worries ? Some advise us to think "positive thoughts." Many world religions tell us to empty ourselves of all thought. But why use a Band Aid when we possess the cure ? The LORD has given us HIS remedy in the Bible, but we must desire it and make it our own. Medicine left on the shelf is powerless to heal. Verse twenty-five of our text commands us to "take no thought for your life." This instruction does not necessitate that we go around in ignorance and apathy; rather, it means that we are not to be anxious or troubled by the cares of this life. Many times we worry about things that will never happen. GOD knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and how to go through it. We can rest in the fact that GOD will take care of us. When we worry, we remove GOD and set ourselves in HIS place. Let GOD do HIS job (Philippians 4:6 above). Do not worry about anything ! Be "casting all your care upon HIM; for HE cares for you" (1st.Peter 5:7 above). HE will exchange your worry for HIS peace (Philippians 4:7 above). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org