" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse ": 2026

Saturday, May 9, 2026

"So GREAT Salvation !"

Hebrews 2:3 "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;"

Some may wonder, "Why did GOD permit sin to enter the world in the first place ?" Suggested answers range from: "HE could not have prevented it" (this answer limits HIS power) to "Sin is a necessary way to the greatest good" (this answer limits HIS goodness). These responses stem from fallen man's logic and do not adequately help us in our understanding and walk with the LORD. Frankly, with regard to many questions, we do not find easy answers as to why GOD did or did not do some things (Deuteronomy 29:29). Yet, we know without a doubt that whatever GOD's reasons are for what HE does, HE is right and completely just in all things (Genesis 18:25 pictured above; Job 40:1-2).

In pondering the above question, one should consider some of the reasons why GOD created the world in the first place: for HIS own glory (Isaiah 43:7 pictured above), to demonstrate HIS glory to all (Psalm 19:1), and for HIS OWN pleasure (Revelation 4:11). HIS will is for all creation to worship and honor HIM (Revelation 5:8-14) -- not as mere robots but out of a heartfelt desire, an earnest compulsion to do so as the result of HIS glorious redemption. We are sinners saved by GOD's infinite grace (Luke 7:47; Ephesians 2:7), and that fact should stir us to praise HIM. Scripture tells us that Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents and is saved (Luke 15:7). Salvation is a wonderful, amazing reality that many believers do not adequately grasp or appreciate. Sin no longer has the authority to reign over us; we are now free from its dominion and control (Romans 6:1-14). Therefore, "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1) ought to be the words that resonate with our every thought and action as we focus upon our salvation -- which is truly "so GREAT" !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, May 4, 2026

"The Armor Series - The Sword of the SPIRIT - Part 7 of 7"

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD;"

The "sword of the SPIRIT" is "the WORD of GOD" -- the Bible. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2nd. Timothy 3:16). The word "inspiration" in this verse means "GOD breathed," signifying that the words came directly from the LORD (1st.Peter 1:11-12; 2nd.Peter 1:20-21 pictured above). Despite the clarity of 2nd.Timothy 3:16, so many deny its truth, including some who claim to be Christians. Why do people reject the Scriptures ? Is it because its doctrines are challenging ? Or is it that the Bible rebukes and convicts the reader as his sin is revealed ? Or is it because the WORD dares to communicate a way of living ("instruction in righteousness") that is contrary to man's ways ? May we never allow these excuses to keep us from believing and obeying GOD's WORD.

We know that the follower of the LORD should regularly read and learn the Bible: "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth" (2nd.Timothy 2:15). We need to hide its WORDs in our heart (Psalm 119:11 pictured above) and meditate on them (think about how we can "flesh out" Scripture's lessons in our life, Psalm 119:15 pictured above). But beyond just reading and thinking upon the WORD of GOD, it is vital that we obey it: "But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). Like a sword, the Scriptures "cut" -- they separate the saint, who humbly follows the Bible's commands, from sin. Just as a soldier who merely carries a sword and does not know how to use it, so is the child of GOD who has the WORD but does not submit himself to its divinely revealed truth. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Helmet of Salvation - Part 6 of 7"

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD;"

The gift of salvation changes the entire destiny of the one who believes. The Apostle declared this truth to the Philippian jailer, who asked him, "What must I do to be saved ?" Paul's response was: "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31 pictured above). In addition, the jailer's household believed as well.

When describing the armor of GOD, the SPIRIT used the words "the helmet of salvation" to indicate that Christian's ought to think upon the saving work of JESUS CHRIST. We should remind ourselves daily of the significance of our salvation. Paul said of himself: "That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection" (Philippians 3:10). The fact that we have been saved from the Lake of Fire needs to be regularly at the forefront of our thoughts (Revelation 20:11-15). As new creatures in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:17), we now have the ability to think about heavenly things (Colossians 3:2). When we present ourselves to the LORD, HE renews our mind (Romans 12:1-2) so that we can walk in "newness of life" (Romans 7:6). In our observance of the LORD's Supper, CHRIST's death and imminent return are to be our main consideration. While fellowshipping with other saints, our focus should be upon our common salvation and the ONE WHO provided it. Above all else, the great work of our SAVIOR -- the spotless LAMB of GOD (1st.Peter 1:19; John 1:29) WHO took humanity's sin upon HIMSELF on the cross (Isaiah 53:6; 1st.Peter 2:24-25) --must be chief in our thoughts. We need to meditate on how JESUS CHRIST poured out HIS life's blood in death as the substitutionary sacrifice for mankind (Ephesians 1:7; 1st.John 1:7) dying on behalf of all humanity (Titus 2:14 pictured above). Let us ponder on our amazing salvation ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Shield of Faith - Part 5 of 7"

Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

Without doubt, every piece of the believer's spiritual armor is essential for the safety of his walk in righteousness; however, note that when it came to the "shield of faith," Paul wrote: "Above all." Faith undergirds the strength of every other piece of armor. Consider the "cloud of witnesses" who exercised their faith and were blessed and acclaimed by the LORD (Hebrews Chapter 11 pictures above & below). Our LORD JESUS referred to a faith that was the size of a mustard seed, and as we consider the heroes of the faith, some had "mustard seed faith" yet were rewarded because they obeyed. It is important to realize that the believer's faith is grounded in the LORD's promises, not meritless opinion.

One valuable characteristic of a Romans shield was its versatility. The soldier could keep the shield in front of him, pivot it to the side, or even hold it over his head. A highly skilled warrior even might have been able to deflect some weapons coming from behind him. In the same fashion, the saint can use the shield of faith at any time and for multiple purposes. In Christian warfare, the primary use of this armor is to ward off "the fiery darts of the wicked" as well as the "wiles (tricks) of the Devil" (Ephesians 6:11,16).

A necessary condition for the use of this weapon is alertness -- the believer must be mindful of the Devil's tricks: false teachings not in keeping with the Bible, false teachers ("wolves . . . not sparing the flock," Acts 20:29), and those who appear to be angels of light (2nd.Corinthians 11:13-15 pictured above). Most of all the saint must listen carefully for lies and half-truths (Genesis 3:1-5). Let us "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1st.Peter 5:8). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Gospel Shoes of Peace - Part 4 of 7"

Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;"

Following HIS resurrection, the LORD JESUS made it clear that HE expected HIS Apostles to go throughout the world in order to make disciples: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (make disciples), baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and the SON, and the HOLY GHOST: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I AM with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20 pictured above). Our LORD already had a plan for the propagation of the Gospel of salvation. "But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth" (Acts 1:8). Clearly, the Apostles would have to walk from location to location, going person to person, in order to communicate the good news. The result of their activity: "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things !" (Romans 10:15 pictured below).

Lovingly, the LORD provides the "Gospel of peace" like shoes for the Christian warrior. Some propose that this apparel is so-named because the messenger is bringing the good news of GOD's peace to sorrowful, hurting, delusional hearts. Another way of looking at this footwear is that the wearer experiences the comfort of GOD and peace of heart as he goes from person to person. Oh, his feet may still ache at the end of the day, but the soreness is overshadowed by the joy and contentment that comes to the bearer of the Gospel message. He has no thought of guilt in his heart when he asks himself whether HE did enough for the LORD. So, let us go and get our "shoes" dirty ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Saturday, May 2, 2026

"The Armor Series - The Breastplate of Righteousness - Part 3 of 7"

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

The purpose of the breastplate was to protect the chest and abdomen of the soldier; those areas contain most of the vital organs of the body. In modern times, we refer to the center of our affection for another as the heart; in ancient Greece, the citizens chose the bowel -- the organs of the abdomen -- as the focal point of emotion. Whether one uses the word heart or bowel, the individual is saying that his or her affection comes from deep within one's being. Just as a person seeks to protect the vital organs of the body, the believer should want to protect his affection for the LORD.

The Christian must take heed that his devotion is directed toward the right PERSON -- JESUS CHRIST -- and toward the right object -- HIS righteousness. Positionally, every believer is clothed in the righteousness of CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:21 pictured above), but at the same time, the saint must seek to live righteously through a walk of faith (1st.John 2:29 pictured above; Romans 6:13). "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:18). Job said it best: "My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go" (Job 27:6 pictured below).

The child of GOD needs to vigilantly maintain a righteous walk. Ponder the degree of loss that biblical personalities from the past experienced when they turned away from righteousness. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to give to the LORD's work and sold their property, but when they saw the financial implications, they turned their hearts away from GOD (Acts 5:1-11). Demas made a tragic mistake when he grew fond of the world and left Paul for Thessalonica (2nd.Timothy 4:10). "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32). The saint must immerse his affections for the LORD with the desire for righteousness.KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Belt of Truth - Part 2 of 7"

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Truth is the first virtue in the list of the armor of GOD, and the bodily assignment for this trait is the waist: "your loins girt about with truth." Every child of GOD ought to know how important truth is to everyday life and remember that it was a lie which destroyed man's relationship with his CREATOR (Genesis 3:2-4), bringing death to all mankind. The Scriptures provide historical accounts illustrating how lies have caused saints to make wrong decisions (1st.Kings 13:11-24), and they urge every believer to "think on" that which is true (Philippians 4:8 pictured above). Meditating on the life and words of JESUS CHRIST will equip the saint to walk close to the TRUTH (John 14:6 pictured below; 1st.John 1:5-8 also pictured below).

The question arises: "Why is truth associated with a belt that girds the waist ?" One suggestion some offer is that the back located at the waist is the weakest part of the body's core. We know that weightlifters wear thick belts in order to reinforce the back when working out. Nothing makes an individual stronger than the application of truth. Another reason proposed is that the belts of the Romans armor held other pieces of armor in place -- the breastplate and the sword would have been attached to the belt. Righteousness and the Sword of the SPIRIT are closely associated with truth.

Living a life of truthfulness not only strengthens the believer himself but also helps to fortify churches and communities. Trust is foundational in relationships, and everyone knows that a liar is unreliable. Some presume that telling a "little white lie" hurts no one, but any distortion of the truth is an offence to the GOD of truth. Yes, truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is an essential component of the Christian life. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - Put on the Armor - Part 1 of 7"

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

The Bible instructs the child of GOD to "put on the whole armor of GOD." This must have been a challenging concept for the first century saints, just as it is for twenty-first- century saints. Most were not soldiers, so they had little or no practical experience with Roman armor. The same is true for believers in this era. The Christian should use the words of Galatians 3:27 (pictured above) in order to implement the armor of GOD: "For as many of you as have been baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST." In order for the believer to wear the armor of GOD, he must "put on CHRIST" every day.

The saint lives out the Christian life by putting on the SAVIOR rather than giving in to the flesh (Romans 13:14 pictured above). How is this accomplished ?

(1) He emulates CHRIST. Believers are to be truthful because JESUS said, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6).

(2) He meditates on CHRIST's righteousness and the wonderful salvation HE provides (2nd.Corinthians 5:21) as he "grow[s] in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Peter 3:18).

(3) He realizes the peace that CHRIST brings into his life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 5:1).

(4) He submits to JESUS, the living WORD, and the authority of the written WORD -- the Sword of the SPIRIT (v.17), which cuts deeply into sinners and transforms them into saints (Hebrews 4:12 pictured below).

(5) The focus of his faith is upon JESUS CHRIST.

In the coming studies, we will see that the Christian labels of the armor are important, but what is just as significant is the bodily location assigned for each virtue. Pray earnestly regarding how you can appropriate these truths in the days ahead. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, April 24, 2026

"All This I Did For Thee (For You)"

I Came . . . because of your sin.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to saved sinners;" (1st.Timothy 1:15a).

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10).

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

I Died . . . to pay for your sin.

"But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us. Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM." (Romans 5:8-9).

"But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5).

"In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14).

I Arose . . . to keep you saved eternally.

"And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON." (1st.John 5:11).

"Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25).

"MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:27-28).

"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 Repent . . . turn to GOD from your sin, admitting you are guilty, that you cannot do anything to save or help save yourself, and that you need JESUS CHRIST.

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3).

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD and HE will have mercy upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon, For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 55:7-8).

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us," (Titus 3:5a).

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on HIM that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5).

You Must Trust . . . putting your complete faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST to save you.

"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).

"He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; and being fully persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able also to perform." (Romans 4:20-21).

"To declare, I say, at this time HIS righteousness: that HE might be just, and the JUSTIFIER of him which believeth in JESUS . . . Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law." (Romans 3:26, 28).

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.

What Is Your Decision ?

___ I choose to trust JESUS as my SAVIOR.

"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 10:10, 13).

"He that believeth on HIM is not condemned," (John 3:18a).

___ I choose to reject JESUS and go my own way.

". . . but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believe in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18b).

"And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15).

If you have decided to trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR after reading this post, please let me know. Don't put it off. None of us have any more time than the seconds we are currently living in. GOD says in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Thursday, April 23, 2026

"Do Not Boast In This . . . . But Rather Glory In This"

Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME, that I AM the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the Earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."

Our loving GOD has graciously bestowed to every believer special talents, skills, and abilities; HE has gifted each individual in one way or another for HIS purpose and plan (Romans 12:6a; Ephesians 4:7-8 pictured above). Some people have a higher intellectual capacity than others; some are physically stronger than their peers; certain individuals possess GOD-given musical, athletic, or artistic competence; others have been entrusted with greater riches or more abundant worldly possessions. Yet regardless of the quantity or the types of gifts imparted to us by the LORD, we are responsible to use them for HIS glory. We must never boast in our own talents, possessions, or expertise. Rather, we need to remember that GOD is the ONE WHO gave us our abilities in the first place.

In our text, GOD HIMSELF gives a command to all who belong to HIM - "thus saith the LORD." HE explicitly directs those to whom HE has given gifts and abilities to refrain from boasting in them. The Hebrew root word from which the world "glory" is translated in this verse denotes "radiance" or "brightness." In other words, believers must not "glow," "spotlight," or "boast" in themselves. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for reveling in their spiritual gifts and using them in a selfish manner (1st.Corinthians Chapters 12-14). The Apostle Peter reminded believers that we must exercise our abilities "as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD" (1st.Peter 4:10 pictured above). In other words, we are accountable to use our talents wisely as we minister to others, recognizing that they are a token of GOD's grace. We are merely vessels for that which has been entrusted to us; therefore, may we never "glory" in our GOD-given gifts.

As the recipients of GOD's gracious gifts, we must not boast in our own talents, skills, or abilities (v.23). Rather, all our "glorying" should be centered around two things: our knowledge of GOD and our relationship with HIM. The LORD says, "Let them that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME." The LORD HIMSELF must be the sole recipient of all our praise, worship, and adoration; the ability to know the CREATOR and grow in the knowledge of HIM is an unfathomable blessing.

First, our "glorying" should center around the fact that GOD has revealed HIMSELF to mankind -- we can know HIM. Objective truth does, indeed, exist. JESUS said, "For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37). John wrote concerning JESUS, "And we know that the SON of GOD is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know HIM that is true. . . .This is the true GOD, and eternal life" (1st.John 5:20). We can glory in the fact that the truth has been revealed to us and has practical application to our life. JESUS HIMSELF is truth (John 14:6 pictured above); GOD's WORD is truth (John 17:17 pictured above); the Gospel is truth (Ephesians 1:13 pictured above). Second, all our "glorying" should center around the fact that we can understand who GOD is by growing in our knowledge of HIM through the study of HIS WORD. We must recognize that the LORD "[exercises] lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the Earth" and understand what HE desires of HIS OWN, realizing the fact that the very reason for our existence is to bring honor and praise to our CREATOR and SAVIOR. Be sure you know HIM and are growing in HIM, giving GOD the glory for all that HE has allowed you to be and do. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation