" Why Me ? "

 

Why Me ?

By Tom Sexton

"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me,

and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Job 3:25

Why Me ?

I must have done something wrong along life's way ?

Did I overlook my duty or for someone fail to pray ?

Why Me ?

Did I miss a turn on the pathway for my life ?

Am I on a detour that caused all this trouble and strife ?

Why Me ?

I thought I was on track and was keeping my life right.

What has caused these days to suddenly become night ?

I ask YOU dear LORD, 

Why Me ?

Then HE said, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee."

"If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME."

Just wait, and one day you will know.

It was in the time of trouble faithfulness you did show.

And when time is no more, and you stand in eternity,

Seeing the people you reached will answer the question, 

"Why Me ?"

"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Job 3:25

Trouble has a way of finding us. Why ? Is it because we live our life minding our own business, doing our own thing and letting people do as they please ? No. Is it because we sow discord and now it's time to reap what we have sown ? Not necessarily.

Job said, "I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came." Job 3:26 Job is saying, I wasn't living a life caring only about myself and my family, I was not quiet when things were going wrong, yet trouble came.

Is it true "all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution" ? 2nd.Timothy 3:12  Everyone is going to have trouble and heartbreak in life.

The Bible says, "Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Job 14:1  We cannot go through life without having trouble. It is just part of life. But Christians have the promise of HIS presence no matter what life brings into our journey. JESUS said, " I AM with you."

If you are going through trouble, don't stop walking. You will get through it. The most important question about trouble is, "Do others see JESUS in our life ?" The Bible says, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify GOD on this behalf."  May we have the faith to say, "LORD help others see JESUS in me."

In the Time of Trouble:

Don't turn back. The Bible says, "The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle." Psalm 78:9 Nothing good ever comes out of those who turn back.

Don't discourage others. The Bible says, "Whither shall we go up ? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." Deuteronomy 1:28 We read where GOD's people were discouraged by their brethren.

Don't blame GOD. The Psalmist said, "Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency." Psalm 73:13  He thinks knowing GOD has caused him to miss so much in life.

Don't develop a bad spirit. "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear ?" Proverbs 18:14  Keep a good spirit.

Don't stop sharing the Gospel. "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for HIS name. And daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach JESUS CHRIST." Acts 5:41-42  Never forget the world is waiting to hear the Gospel (pictured below)

Don't stop believing. "And JESUS answering saith unto them, Have faith in GOD." Mark 11:22  We must believe !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Why Me ? written by Tom Sexton

Fiveschristian@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

The Gospel

" A Person May Go to Heaven . . . "

A PERSON MAY GO TO HEAVEN . . .

[] Without Wealth

[] Without Beauty

   [] Without Learning

[]    Without Fame

[] Without Culture

[] Without Friends

BUT NO ONE CAN

GO TO HEAVEN

WITHOUT CHIRST !

"For there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."  Acts 4:12

REPENT - A TURNING TO GOD FROM YOUR SINS

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."  Acts 3:19

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

"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

CONFESS JESUS AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."  Romans 10:9-10,13

JESUS said unto Thomas, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME."  John 14:6

"Verily, verily, I (JESUS) say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."  John 5:24

The chance to be saved may only come along once. Don't let this chance pass you by. GOD's WORD says in 2nd.Corinthians 6:2 "(For HE saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored (helped) thee: BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation.)"

We are all born sinners and we all need a SAVIOR. "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  GOD gave HIS very best to save us from our sin debt that we owe. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23   If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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

The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand."  John 10:28  Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

  

 

" GOD Loves the Unborn "

 

GOD's VIEW ON LIFE

     The Almighty GOD HIMSELF refers to the unborn as literal human beings. In HIS OWN WORDs, HE stated that the virgin Mary ". . .was found with child of the HOLY GHOST." (Matthew 1:18) This verse refers to JESUS CHRIST when HE was still in Mary's womb.

     When speaking of the unborn baby, John the Baptis, the Bible states, ". . .the babe leaped in her womb. . ." (Luke 1:41) Refusing a helpless baby the right to be born is murder and is therefore against GOD's will. Proverbs 6:16-17 states, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto HIM: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood . . ."

THE CHOICE FOR LIFE !

     Friend, did you know that GOD's HOLY WORD speaks of others who are unborn in a different kind of way ? However, these can choose to be born or not. In the Bible, JESUS explained this to a very moral and religious man named Nicodemus. "JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:3) Thinking that JESUS was talking about a physical birth, "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old ? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ?" (John 3:4) JESUS' answer was that a man must have a second birth -- a spiritual birth -- to enter into the Kingdom of GOD. ". . .Except  a man be born of water (from the mother's womb) and of the SPIRIT (from the WORD of GOD), he cannot enter into the Kingdom of GOD." (Joh3:5) JESUS did not use the word "water" in this context to refer to water baptism; instead, HE is speaking of the physical birth. JESUS reaffirms this meaning in verse six, when HE said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh (Physical birth); and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit (Spiritual birth)."

WHY A SECOND BIRTH ?

     According to the Bible, GOD said that Adam, the first man, would die the very day that he ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. GOD warned Adam, ". . .in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17) Adam did not die a physical death that day. His death was a spiritual death, which passed upon all mankind. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12) All mankind has inherited spiritual death from Adam and must be "born again" to have spiritual life.

GOD LOVES THE UNBORN !

     JESUS told Nicodemus how to be born spiritually in John 3:14-15: ". . .even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life." Please notice that only belief in GOD is required for spiritual life, and it is nothing you can earn through doing any good works. John 3:16 says, "For GOD so loved the world (the spiritually unborn), that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (to die on the cross), that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." GOD promised those who believe in HIM would have everlasting life, not a probationary life.

     If you have never been born again; you are spiritually unborn; but GOD loves you, and HE has made a way for you to become HIS spiritual child. Friend, according to GOD's HOLY WORD, you are a creation of GOD, but you are not considered a child of GOD until you are born of the SPIRIT and the WORD. The only way that you can become a child of GOD is by putting your complete faith in JESUS CHRIST to save your soul. GOD's WORD tells us in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a, 3-4 "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:" GOD makes this very clear in HIS Holy WORD, "For ye are all the children of GOD by faith in CHRIST JESUS." (Galatians 3:26) Think of it ! The very moment that you call on JESUS CHRIST (Romans 10:13), trusting HIM to save your soul, you are birthed into the Family of GOD and you are HIS child forever ! "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)

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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

WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE ?

___ I choose to be born of the SPIRIT by completely trusting in JESUS CHRIST to save my soul forever. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD EJSUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

___ I am content with being born once, and choose to remain spiritually unborn (dead). ". . .he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36)

     The LORD JESUS said about being spiritually born again, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28)  Remember what JESUS said to Nicodemus, "Ye MUST be born again."

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

     

" The Grace of GOD in Action ! "

 

Titus 2:11-13 "For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST;"

     Grace is often defined as "unmerited favor." It functions apart from any worthiness or human achievement. Salvation is entirely and always by GOD's grace through faith. According to our text, the grace of GOD accomplishes four things in one's life. The grace of GOD is one of the most wonderful themes in the Bible. It is GOD's grace that has "made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 pictured below). Elsewhere, Scripture describes it as "exceeding abundant" (1st.Timothy 1:14 pictured below). We reflect on the four areas of grace that we should live by.

     The grace of GOD proffers salvation (v.11). To proffer means to offer for acceptance. The LORD desires that HIS proffered salvation be received by men, women, and children of all ages. HE has provided salvation through CHRIST for all people of all generations. Anyone who receives GOD's grace gift by faith can have this wonderful offer of eternal life and a relationship with GOD. The provision is as great as the need. Salvation is not giving something to GOD but receiving something from HIM. The gift of GOD, expressly stated, is "eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD" (Romans 6:23 pictured above).

     The grace of GOD prohibits ungodly, worldly living -- it "[teaches] us" that we are to "[deny] ungodliness and worldly lusts" (v.12 pictured above). Following the new birth, the grace of GOD, through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, works from within the believer, helping the child of GOD to renounce those thoughts, actions, and habits that are ungodly (not GOD-like) and worldly (of this world system, which is dominated by Satan and doomed to destruction). Believers are in the world but are not to be of the world. If "everybody's doing it," then that is probably a good reason for a Christian to refrain from doing it. We are saved by grace; we are kept by grace: we are taught by grace. How wonderful it is that GOD's grace abounds in the heart and life of HIS own !

     The grace of GOD promotes sober, righteous, godly living. Our text reminds us that GOD's grace teaches us we "should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (v.12b). In other words, grace produces important attributes of Christian character. Living "soberly" means that we give serious attention to eternal things -- the very opposite of self-indulgence and self-esteem, which worldliness promotes. Living "righteously, and godly" involves honesty, truthfulness, morality, courtesy, kindness, and genuine concern for the welfare of others. Righteous living never wrongs anyone in any way. We must never "do evil, that good may come" (Romans 3:8). Last but not least . . .

     The grace of GOD provides every believer with a glorious hope for the future. The destiny of every child of GOD is the heavenly FATHER's house. We know we are on the way home, and our prospect for the future is bright. We have a "blessed hope"; we joyfully anticipate the "glorious appearing" of our LORD and SAVIOR (v.13 pictured above). We eagerly await the redemption of our sinful, fleshly bodies. The grace of GOD in action offers salvation to all sinners, provides sanctification for all believers, and promises glorification to every true child of GOD. May we thank the LORD for HIS abundant grace and allow HIS grace to complete its perfect work in our life every moment of every day. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" STOP Being a Puppet ! "

 

Ephesians 2:1-3 "And you hath HE quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the Devil), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (the unsaved): among whom also we all had our conversation (conduct) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

     GOD's WORD tells us that before we are saved, born again by the SPIRIT and the WORD we are nothing more than puppets either to the lusts of our flesh, or for the Devil's pleasure or both. When a person is not a truly born again Christian, they have no power against the forces of either the lust of the flesh or the temptations of the Devil. If you are truthful with yourself, you know that to be true; our world is full of examples of it.

     But GOD has made the only perfect way for you to have a fighting chance against both the lust of the flesh and the Devil. That WAY is JESUS. We are born sinners. If you watch a toddler that barely can do anything and they do something wrong; you can ask them did they do that and they will lie right to your face and say no. Our sin is proof that we are born sinners; our sin does not make us sinners. GOD knew that we needed a perfect sinless SAVIOR so HE sent HIS only begotten SON into the world to pay our sin debt in full and made the ONLY WAY of salvation.

     As sinners, we are all in the same boat. We all sin and we all need a SAVIOR. GOD's great love for HIS most beloved creation (mankind) moved HIM to send HIS only begotten SON to Earth to pay our sin debt 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).

     As truly born again Christians, we now have GOD's WORD and the HOLY SPIRIT, that permanently indwells us, as power against the world, the flesh and the Devil. So STOP BEING A PUPPET !  It is up to you. You need to make a choice; either continue in your sinful unsaved state or repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and receive JESUS as your personal SAVIOR. GOD made it so simple that even a young child can understand that they do bad things and they want to be forgiven. They can readily understand that JESUS loves them and died to pay the price for their bad things that they do. In repentance and faith you can pray this simple prayer with all your heart for salvation:

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

     JESUS said in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." You no longer have to be a PUPPET; you no longer have to let the world, the flesh and the Devil rule your life. You know you need to be saved; you know that there must be more to this life than the way it is right here and now; STOP BEING A PUPPET and come to JESUS right now. ". . .BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

"What Do Faith, Love, and Hope Produce ?"

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:1-10 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in GOD the FATHER and in the LORD JESUS CHRIST: Grace be unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We give thanks to GOD always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in the sight of GOD and our FATHER; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of GOD. For our Gospel came not unto you in WORD only, but also in power, and in the HOLY GHOST, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD , having received the WORD in much affliction, with joy of the HOLY GHOST: so that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the WORD of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to GOD-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD; and to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

     We are familiar with the trio of faith, hope, and love found in 1st.Corinthians 13:13 (pictured above). This triad is also found in today's text: "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our LORD JESUS CHRIST. . ." (v.3). To bring out the significance of the little word "of" used three times, consider this paraphrase: "your work prompted by faith, your labor springing from love, your patience inspired by hope."

1. Work of faith -- When we believe GOD, it will produce GOD-honoring work. By faith Noah built an ark, Rahab received spies, the Israelites at Jericho blew trumpets, David felled a giant, and Peter left the boat and walked on water. Good works spring from a living faith (James 2:14-26). Many today claim to be Christians, but where is the work that should spring from faith ? Faith is to be expressed by work and transformed into action.

2. Labor of love -- Labor refers to vigorous exertion to the point of weariness and exhaustion. True love will result in self-sacrificing labor, the giving of oneself strenuously for the sake of the one loved. Love will inspire great effort and toil to meet the needs of another. "GOD is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love. . . in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Hebrews 6:10).

3. Patience of hope -- Hope looks beyond the present trial. The believer has the certain expectancy of a bright future, and having this hope inspires us to bravely bear up under every difficulty, obstacle, and problem. With our eyes on GOD's promises, we can endure and courageously face any hardship ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Salvation So Great ! "

 

Hebrews 2:1-3 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM:"

     The believer's salvation is so precious. The blessed realities that our sins are forgiven, that we are reconciled to GOD, and that we have a home in Heaven and are guaranteed eternal life are truths that should encourage us as we navigate through this dark, evil world. The wonder and power of the Gospel to deliver us from sins' penalty, power, and future presence should greatly motivate us to live godly. This "Good News" is a message that we must clearly express to others, whether while evangelizing the unsaved or edifying fellow believers. We need to share the fact that JESUS CHRIST -- the GOD-MAN, GOD's SON (John 3:16 pictured above) -- shed HIS blood to pay sin's death penalty that we deserve; in our place, "CHRIST died for our sins" (1st.Corinthians 15:3 pictured above) as our SUBSTITUTE on the cross. Furthermore, we must communicate the truth that this payment for sin was fully accepted by GOD the FATHER, against WHOM we have sinned (Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:23), because CHRIST JESUS rose from the dead (1st.Corinthians 15:4 pictured above; Romans 1:4). Thus, the Gospel is the message that "the wages of sin" were paid through CHRIST's death and HIS bodily resurrection "for our justification" (Romans 6:23; 4:25) -- those two elements are the world's only hope for this present age. This is the sole message that brings salvation for all who will receive it by faith alone (Romans 4:5; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9 pictured below).

     This world is a dark place, and it is growing darker by the day. Personal, political, economic, social, and even religious developments bring much confusion and despair. The only hope anyone has is the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, so let us commit to being faithful and fervent witnesses of this blessed message of "so great salvation" ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

"How to Have Peace in an Unpeaceful World !"

 

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS."

     The fact that we live in an unpeaceful world is glaringly obvious. We are confronted with national enemies who have sworn themselves to our country's destruction. Closer to home, many of our communities are becoming increasingly dangerous. Though these threats are real and cause the hearts of many around us to tremble, the believer has the promise and provision of peace in an unpeaceful world.

     More people look for an external change in circumstances to occur that would afford them peace, but the peace offered to the child of GOD comes from within the individual. Peace, true peace, begins at the point of salvation when our sin is forgiven, and we have peace with GOD. "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 5:1 pictured at top of post). The Christian comes to personally understand why the message of salvation is called "the Gospel of peace" (Romans 10:15 pictured above).

     Once we have peace with GOD, HE then desires to minister to our worries and cares that result from external circumstances. As we bring our troubles to HIM in prayer, HE promises, "And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS" (v.7). The world will remain in an increasingly unpeaceful state, but now, having peace with GOD and HIS promise to guard our hearts with peace when we turn to HIM, we can know the truth: "And let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15 pictured above). JESUS promised HIS disciples: "Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27 pictured above). This peace can be yours today ! JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Heavy or Light Burdens ? "

 

Matthew 23:1-4 "Then spake JESUS to the multitude, and to HIS disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."

     In these increasingly difficult days, many are crying out for help in order to manage their stress and prevent "burnout." How is the Christian to handle these matters, and where can he turn for help ? Is any solution acceptable ? Since so many endeavors to find relief have already failed mankind, should believers conclude that "anything is worth a try?" Several heathen religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism are experiencing a renaissance, and many hurting, burdened people are trying them out and being deceived into following their false teachings that have never been able to produce lasting peace and satisfaction for their followers. Many often are turning to the New Age movement in which both ancient and modern heresies are mixed together for one to sample. Positive thought and meditative techniques may help to alleviate one's problems temporarily, but the relief will always be short-lived.

     All of the above "solutions" are deadly potions that may seem sweet to the taste at first but are, in the end, poisonous for all who imbibe. JESUS CHRIST warned of the religious leaders of HIS day whose teachings contradicted their practices (vv.1-3). They hypocritically required their followers to strictly adhere to the Law, although they themselves could not meet its demands (v.4). JESUS offered a solution, however, to the heavy burden of trying to keep the Law. CHRIST promised rest if they would merely exchange the Law's grievous yoke for HIS easy yoke and light burden (Matthew 11:28-30 pictured at top of post). Oh you who are heavy laden, take the LORD JESUS CHRIST at HIS WORD and trust HIM to ease your burdens and rejoice the soul. HE will give rest to all who believe on HIM !

     In contrast to the heavy burdens placed upon the shoulders of those who follow false religions, all who follow CHRIST find that HIS "yoke is easy" and HIS "burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). Yet, sad to say, even believers sometimes look to worldly philosophies and programs for guidance rather than looking to CHRIST. All who do so will soon discover that such an unequal yoke, while it may seem to provide temporary relief, will eventually increase the weight of the burden because it is, in reality, a yoke of satanic deception. What sensible Christian would try to continue carrying his own burden and reject the blessed invitation given in Psalm 55:22 (pictured above) to "cast thy burden upon the LORD, and HE shall sustain thee" ? Tragically, many believers continue to walk by sight, clutching their trials and burdens when GOD could be bearing them instead.

     Satan often robs believers of the blessings and joys GOD has provided for them by filling their minds with fear and contempt for the hardships and supposed "restrictions" that CHRIST's followers are called upon to bear. However, our LORD never misleads us. HE makes it clear that we will indeed pay a price for following HIM and obeying HIS WORD (2nd.Timothy 3:12 pictured above), but HE also promises that the rewards will far outweigh the sufferings. We must never forget the blessed truths found in 2nd.Corinthians 4:17-18 (pictured above). Walking by faith helps us to recognize and value the things that are eternal rather than temporal. It enables us to understand that our "light affliction" is momentary in contrast to the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" that lies ahead. May GOD help us to learn afresh the glorious truth that CHRIST's yoke is easy and HIS burden is light ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The GOD You Can Know !"

 

     Everyone has questions about GOD. What is HE like ? Does HE really care about me ? How do I get to know HIM ?

     On one occasion, a class of students were drawing pictures about people from the Bible. One youngster was especially intent in her work. "What are you drawing?" an observer asked. "Oh, I'm drawing a picture of GOD," she replied confidently. "Well, that's a nice idea," he answered, "but really no one knows what GOD looks like." "Oh, they will when I get done !" she replied, and hurried on with her drawing.

     Think about that for a moment: "They'll know what GOD looks like when I get done." An overstatement ? Yes, for a four-year-old. But not for JESUS CHRIST. HE came to show us GOD.

     One of the names given to JESUS is "EMMANUEL," which means "GOD with us." When JESUS was on Earth, GOD was on Earth. When JESUS healed, GOD healed. When JESUS forgave sinners, GOD forgave sinners. The Bible says that "GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF." (2nd.Corinthians 5:19)

     When JESUS came to Earth, HE revealed GOD through simple, yet beautiful figures of speech. HE said, "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD. . .I AM the DOOR. . .I AM the Bread of LIFE."

     A good shepherd is a tender-hearted person, seeking the lost sheep. So GOD is compassionate, seeking each lost man, each lost woman in our big, bustling world. HE is the DOOR. Through HIM is the knowledge of GOD. HE is the BREAD of LIFE. HE is to your soul what bread is to your body.

     On the Cross of Calvary JESUS fully revealed GOD's love. When HE died, HE was actually taking our place that we might live. There HE took the punishment that you and I deserved for our sins. Why ? The answer is divinely clear: "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)

     By CHRIST's birth, HIS life on Earth, HIS death, and HIS resurrection from the grave, we can know GOD. HE promises: "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER but by ME." (John 14:6)

     Do you know GOD ? Or do you just know about HIM ? There is a big difference. You can know all the theological facts but not know HIM. Knowing GOD requires personal faith in HIS SON and what HE has accomplished for you. Coming to HIM is your admission that you are turning from your sins to receive JESUS as your personal SAVIOR and LORD (repentance).

     GOD's WORD says that all of us are born sinners, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23), and the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a). But JESUS made the only way for us to be forgiven by coming and dying on the cross of Calvary to pay our sin debt in full. Then HE was buried and after 3 days rose from the dead. GOD's WORD says, "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13)

     JESUS CHRIST invites you: "BEHOLD, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in" (Revelation 3:20). Come to CHRIST today. HE is GOD's answer for your questions.

Adapted from an article by

Harold J. Sala

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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

     The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

"Fascinating Facts Pertaining to Our SAVIOR"

 

John 1:9-18 "That was the true LIGHT, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. HE was in the world, and the world was made by HIM, and the world knew HIM not. HE 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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD.

And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of HIM, and cried, saying, This was HE of WHOM I spake, HE that cometh after me is preferred before me: for HE was before me. And of HIS fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by JESUS CHRIST. No man hath seen GOD at any time; the only begotten SON, which is in the bosom of the FATHER, HE hath declared HIM."

     Many people view JESUS merely as a good teacher, an esteemed prophet, a moral example, or even as the greatest man who ever lived. While these conceptions contain elements of truth, the Bible presents a far more exalted portrait of the SON of GOD. Consider these fantastic facts:

 

1.) The Mother of JESUS was the only virgin in the history of the world who conceived. A woman conceiving is normal; a virgin conceiving is miraculous (Isaiah 7:14)

2.) JESUS was the only person WHO existed before HIS conception. HE was born in Bethlehem, and yet HIS "goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).

3.) John the Baptist made two statements that seem to be contradictory -- he said JESUS came after him, but he also said that JESUS was before him: "HE that cometh after me is preferred before me: for HE was before me" (v.15). Remarkably, both statements were absolutely true. John the Baptist was born about six months prior to the birth of CHRIST (Luke 1:36), so JESUS' birth came a half-year-later. Yet JESUS was before John because HE is the eternal SON Of GOD, ever "in the bosom of the FATHER" (vv.1-2,18).

4.) JESUS once made a declaration the Jews thought was so blasphemous that they picked up stones, determined to execute HIM. HE said, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58-59). JESUS amazingly claimed to exist prior to Abraham who lived on Earth two thousand years earlier ! Actually, He could have said, "Before Adam was, I AM" or "Before the world was created, I AM" (John 1:1)

     May we not dishonor the LORD of glory by reducing HIM to a mere man. HE is the exalted GOD WHO left the throne of Heaven to rescue poor lost sinners (2nd.Corinthians 8:9; Luke 19:10 which is pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie