" THE IDEAL MAN ? "

 

THE  10 MOST WANTED MEN

 * 1 The man who puts GOD's business above any of his own affairs.

"For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether we die, we die unto the LORD. Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD's." Romans 14:8

 * 2 The man who teaches and sets a good example for his children.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

 * 3 The man who recognizes that anyone who needs him is his neighbor.

"Thou shalt love. . .thy neighbor as thyself. . .but he, willing to justify himself, said unto JESUS, And who is my neighbor ? . . . And a certain Samaritan. . .had compassion on him. . ." Luke 10:27,29,33

 * 4 The man who measures his giving by what he has left rather than by what he gives.

"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2nd.Corinthians 9:6

 * 5 The man who reads the WORD of GOD with as much diligence as he does the daily paper or his I phone.

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." 2nd. Timothy 2:15

 * 6 The man who lives for the treasures in Heaven rather than the pleasures on Earth.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:20-21

 * 7 The man who recognizes his obligations to his family, his church, and his community as well as to his business.

"And I will say unto my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ?" Luke 12:19-20

 * 8 The man who sees his own faults before he sees the faults of others.

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye ?" Matthew 7:3

 * 9 The man who wants to help others rather than serve himself.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:3-4

 *10 The man who recognizes that all of life should be lived distinctively.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD." 1st.Corinthians 10:31

" The GOD - MAN: A CHILD Born, a SON Given "

 

Isaiah 9:1-7  "Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first HE lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. THOU has multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before THEE according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For THOU hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE. Of the increase of HIS government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon HIS kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

     The prophet Isaiah gave a wonderful prophecy 700 years before CHRIST was born. In verse six, we learn of a CHRILD to be born (HIS humanity) and a SON to be given (HIS deity - John 3:16 above). Isaiah had previously foretold the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 above) emphasizing both CHRIST's humanity ("a virgin shall conceive, and bear a SON") and deity ("HIS name IMMANUEL," meaning "GOD with us"). The coming MESSIAH would be the Earth's KING, with the government (rule, dominion) resting upon HIS shoulder.

     This divine CHILD is given four names, each consisting of two Hebrew words: 

(1.) WONDERFUL COUNSELOR - the Hebrew term for wonderful means "that which surpasses human thought and power; incomprehensible." HE is the wonder of wonders ! Judges 13:18 uses this word for the name of the ANGEL of the LORD WHO, in verse twenty-two, is identified as GOD. See also Isaiah 28:29.

(2.) MIGHTY GOD - compare this identical phrase found in Isaiah 10:20-21 where "MIGHTY (heroic) GOD" refers to the LORD, the HOLY ONE of Israel. Here HIS deity is emphasized.

(3.) EVERLASTING FATHER - this is not suggesting the the MESSIAH will be GOD the FATHER. The persons of the GODhead are always distinct. Isaiah's prophecy is emphasizing that with respect to HIS people Israel, HE will ever be as a FATHER (Provider/Protector): "THOU, O LORD, art our FATHER; our REDEEMER; THY NAME is from everlasting" (Isaiah 63:16; Psalm 103:13).

(4.) PRINCE (Ruler) of PEACE - Isaiah 2:4 above, describes HIS future reign of peace: "And HE shall judge among the nations, . . .and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:. . .neither shall they learn war anymore."  O come, let us adore HIM ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" What Does Christmas Mean ? "

 

John 3:16  "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."

     The Christmas season is a time of great anticipation. Children usually look forward to presents, and this holiday tradition provides an opportunity for parents to teach them about giving gifts to others. Adults often anticipate a time of fellowship with family and friends as loved ones gather together. This time of year presents us with the wonderful opportunity to express our love and appreciation to others and to treasure the relationships that the LORD has allowed us to have in this life. 

     Of course, the most important focus at Christmastime should be the GIFT that GOD the FATHER has given to the world in the person of HIS OWN SON. The fact that GOD gave HIS only begotten SON to be our SAVIOR is a truth each of us should continually dwell upon throughout the year. Our salvation, made possible through the sacrifice that JESUS CHRIST made for us on the cross, ought to be something that becomes more and more precious to us as we face the sin-cursed world around us. GOD's gift of salvation spiritually rescues us from this depraved , wicked world system. The Bible tells us that we, as believers, are delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4 above). We who once walked in darkness are now "light in the LORD" and "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8 below).

     As GOD's child, may your life be filled with the wonder of Christmas - the marvelous fact that the SON of GOD, the second person of the triune GODhead, became man so  HE might die for our sins and be raised again the third day for our justification. It is an amazing reality indeed that the LORD would take on human flesh so mankind could receive GOD's gift of everlasting life. Oh how great is the wonder of Christmas ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" FINAL ORDERS "

 

During my 26 years of military service, I often awaited my next orders. As a military professional, I was aware that orders from a higher headquarters could come at any time.

     The Bible teaches that life is no different ! As a matter of fact, it states that your final orders are coming from Heaven. Eventually, GOD will stop your breathing and you will die. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27).

     If you have not accepted the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, your final orders will send you to a Devil's Hell for all eternity. The LORD states in Revelation 20:15, "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

     The good news is ". . .GOD has not appointed us to wrath (punishment in a Devil's Hell) by our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (1st.Thessalonians 5:9).

     Knowing exactly where your next assignment will take you is a dream come true ! Your final assignment in life will be determined by the decision you make after reading this post.

     If you choose Hell as your final assignment, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "The wicked shall be turned into Hell. . ." (Psalm 9:17).

     If you desire Heaven to be your final assignment, there are several steps you must follow.

     First, you must understand that you are a sinner. The Bible states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). ALL people are sinners and do not deserve to go to Heaven.

     Secondly, you must realize that your sin has deadly consequences. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death. . ."  Here, death refers to an eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell.

     Thirdly, you need to recognize that your sin debt has been paid. The Bible states, "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8) JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, took your punishment and died for you !  The Good News of the Gospel of CHRIST is this, "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).

     Fourthly, you must repent of your sins. ". . .GOD. . .now commands all men every where to repent:" (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of heart which causes you to turn to GOD and away from your sin.

     Finally, you must take action to insure higher headquarters knows your intentions. "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). These passages list two parts of salvation. Your are required to both ask JESUS to save you and also to believe GOD's WORD. If you ask for salvation, yet you do not believe with your heart, you are still on your way to a Devil's Hell.

     When you agreed to serve your country, you believed the promises made to you by the recruiter and you acted upon those promises. To become a Christian, you must believe GOD's promises and act upon them by asking HIM to save you. GOD cannot lie ! Here is HIS promise to you: "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)

     If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your own personal SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

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 unto condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie

" GOD's SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION "

 

My Friend:  I am asking you the most important question of life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved ? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when you die ? GOD says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, JESUS said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again."

     In the Bible GOD gives us the plan of how to be born again which means to be saved. HIS plan is simple ! You can be saved today. How ?

     First, my Friend, you must realize you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. "For the wages [payment] of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This includes eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell. ". . .it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

 

     But GOD loved you so much HE gave HIS only begotten SON, JESUS, to bear your sin and die in your place. "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) ". . .HE hath made HIM [JESUS, WHO knew no sin] to be sin for us. . .that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM" (2nd.Corinthians 5:21).

     JESUS had to shed HIS blood and die. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]" (Hebrews 9:22). ". . .GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

     Although we cannot understand how, GOD said my sins and your sins were all laid upon JESUS and HE died in our place. HE became our substitute. It is true. GOD cannot lie.

     My Friend, "GOD. . .commanded all men everywhere to repent [turn to GOD from your sin]" (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with GOD that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what JESUS did for us on the Cross.

     In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: ". . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." Simply believe on HIM as the ONE WHO bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and WHOM GOD resurrected. HIS resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when JESUS is received as SAVIOR.

     "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). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.

     Surely, you realize you are a sinner. Right now wherever you are, repent, lift your heart to GOD in this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe that YOU died and rose again for me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     In Luke 18:13, the tax collector prayed: "GOD be merciful to me a sinner." Just take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS salvation by faith. Believe, and you will be saved. No church, no lodge, no good works, no water baptism can save you. Remember, GOD does the saving. ALL OF IT !

     GOD's simple plan of salvation is: You are a sinner. Therefore, unless you believe on JESUS WHO died in your place, you will spend eternity in a Devil's Hell. If you believe on HIM as your crucified, buried, and risen SAVIOR, you receive forgiveness for all of your sins and HIS gift of eternal salvation by faith.

     You say, "Surely, it cannot be that simple." Yes, that simple ! It is Scriptural. It is GOD's plan. My Friend, believe on JESUS and receive HIM as your own personal SAVIOR today ! If HIS plan is not perfectly clear, read this post over and over, without stopping and until you understand it. Your soul is worth more than all the world. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36).

     Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please ! Let GOD save you this very moment. GOD's power will save you, keep you saved, and enable you to live a victorious Christian life. "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, WHO will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1st.Corinthians 10:13).

     Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on GOD's promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practice daily for your spiritual growth: Pray - You talk to GOD. Read your Bible - GOD talks to you. Witness - you talk for GOD. You should be water baptized in obedience to the LORD JESUS CHRIST as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible -believing church without delay.

  

     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

" HOW TO GET ON TARGET "

 

BANG ! "I can't believe it ! How could I have missed ?" Imagine the disappointment that you would feel if you lost a shooting competition, because you missed the final shot. You would wish that you had done something differently. Perhaps your sighting plane was slightly off the mark, or perhaps you were distracted by outside circumstances beyond your control. It really wouldn't matter, because the winner had a perfect score under the same conditions. You might wish that you could take your shot again, but no one gets a second chance. The judge will not accept any excuses. You would have lost the competition and the reward that goes with it. Friend, there is a close similarity between this scenario and losing at life.

NO SECOND CHANCES

According to the Bible, you only have one life to live, and GOD, your JUDGE, will not allow excuses or give you a second chance. "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment." (Matthew 12:36)

MISSING THE MARK

As a shooter, you might find it interesting to know that the meaning of the word "sin" is missing the mark. According to the Bible, everyone has missed the mark of living a perfect, sinless life. "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Because of your sin, you will not be allowed to enter into Heaven when you die. "And there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie..." (Revelation 21:27) Instead, you will be cast into the Lake of Fire where you will experience everlasting torment and separation from GOD and everyone.

AIMING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

If you are like most people, you desire to go to Heaven; however, you are aiming in the wrong direction. The Bible states, "...wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13) You may try to be worthy of Heaven by living a good life. This is simply an attempt to establish your own righteousness, but the Bible says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to HIS mercy HE saved us..." (Titus 3:5)

HOW TO GET ON TARGET

Would you get on target if you knew how ? The Bible teaches that you must stop looking at what you can do to earn salvation. Instead, you must by faith look at what GOD has done to give you salvation. "Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22) JESUS CHRIST, WHO was GOD in the flesh (John 1:14), lived the perfect sinless life, and died a bloody death on the cross as a substitute to pay for your sins in full. "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) HE is the only way to Heaven, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

GOD has promised you, "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 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).

Have you hit life's target ? Have you believed GOD's WORD ? "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) Don't miss the mark, receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR today, there is no promise to any of us for a tomorrow !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Restless Nights ? "

 

Psalm 4:8  "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makes me dwell in safety."

Are you having restless nights ? Are you troubled about the future ? Is your job in jeopardy ? Are you concerned over your family's finances or health ? Are you wondering who is next and what is being done to stop the advance of sickness and disease ? Then STOP worrying and listen to the words of David in today's text: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makes me dwell in safety." Let me assure you that our GOD will bring us through this crisis occurring in our nation and world. We may not escape unscathed; hardships may be ahead; families may lose loved ones; the societal landscape of our nation may drastically change; but, one thing is sure - our GOD will never abandon HIS OWN. Flee to GOD's WORD to find your encouragement and comfort in time of trouble. Hear further words of assurance from the psalmist David with Psalm 56:3, above, and Psalm 3:5, below.

Also, "I have set the LORD always before me: because HE is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope" (Psalm 16:8-9). Let those words wash over your soul; take comfort in them. Do not be fretful and doubting. Your heavenly FATHER knows exactly what you need, and HE will supply it in HIS perfect time. Our sovereign GOD is still on HIS throne, so lie down and sleep in peace and safety. And when you awake, JEHOVAH has promised to sustain you. Let Solomon's words of wisdom linger in your heart from Proverbs 3:24, below. JED

Your servant in CHRIST, Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.featoday.org

" Prayers GOD Will NOT Answer "

 

Proverbs 1:24-33  "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out MY hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all MY counsel, and would none of MY reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; when your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes upon you.

Then shall they call upon ME, but I will not answer; they shall seek ME early, but they shall not find ME; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: they would none of MY counsel: they despised all MY reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso harkens unto ME shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

     In today's text, GOD makes it clear that HE will not answer the prayers of those who reject HIS counsel and reproof (vv.25,28), nor will HE answer the prayers of those who hate HIS knowledge and refuse to fear HIM (v.29). Proverbs 28:9 above declares that the prayer of one who turns his ear away from GOD's WORD is actually an "abomination" to GOD. The LORD even instructed the Prophet Jeremiah not to pray for those who were trusting in the lying words of false prophets and who were polluting GOD's house (Jeremiah 7:8-16). In the New Testament, JESUS warned that neither the prayers of hypocrites would be heard nor the prayers of those who, like the heathen, used vain repetitions (Matthew 6:5-7). Many religious leaders today are praying prayers that GOD will not answer because they isolate and concentrate on certain Scriptures referring to prayer while failing to heed so many other portions of GOD's WORD. One will often hear these leaders quote Matthew 18:19: "If two of you shall agree on Earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done. . ."; yet they ignore the clear teaching of the Bible, which says, "And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will (emphasis added), HE hears us: And if we know that HE hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1st.John 5:14-15 below).

Answered prayer will always be in line with GOD's will, not according to what we might "agree on" or demand from GOD. Faithful believers will refuse to join in ecumenical or charismatic prayers in which the Bible is twisted, misapplied, or ignored; these are prayers that the LORD will not answer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie