"Does GOD Love You ?"

 

John 3:16-17 "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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved."

     Did you know some people will try to tell you that GOD does not love everyone but only those who are already HIS ? They claim that the LORD loves only the saints but hates all of the sinners. But does GOD's WORD actually teach this, or is this a "doctrine of devils" ? One of the rules of interpreting the Bible is that if a text makes clear sense, then do not try to make any other sense of it. Take, for example, this unambiguous verse: "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" (v.16). Some say that the word "world" in John 3:16 is limited only to the "world of the elect." But that is not what GOD said, is it ? The Greek word for "world" is kosmos, and it speaks not only of the Earth as a whole but also of all the human race living upon it, not of a limited select group. GOD loves all men, women, children, and the unborn on the Earth.

     Yes, the Bible does teach that all lost sinners are under the wrath of GOD (John 3:36 pictured above); but it also explains that JESUS came to save sinners (1st.Timothy 1:15a pictured above). GOD demonstrated HIS love to the whole world through the person of HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, WHO said, "For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved" (v.17) and "whosoever" believes in HIM will "not perish, but have everlasting life" (v.16). The LORD does not want anyone to go to a Devil's Hell -- our SAVIOR is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2nd.Peter 3:9). In fact, the LORD JESUS CHRIST "is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1st.John 2:2). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WANTED: Faithful Men"

 

Proverbs 20:6 "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find ?"

     The need in our day is not for men who are strong or handsome, having great talents, remarkable abilities, or the aptitude to logically persuade others. The need is not for men who are the life of the party, play sports, or have the last word for everything. The need of our day is, however:

For men who are true and loyal to their wives and families and, most of all, to GOD.

For men who keep their word no matter what the cost.

For men who are trustworthy and have integrity and moral fidelity.

For men who have an unshakable resolve to do what is right.

The need of our day is for men who are godly and faithful.

     The crisis of faithful men -- The psalmist David cried out in Psalm 12:1 (pictured above), "HELP, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." Read today's text again. Men like to brag and talk about themselves, trying to impress others with their abilities and personalities; but, in reality, many have a sick moral life and homes that are in shambles. Where are the faithful men ? 

     The call for faithful men -- "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1st.Corinthians 4:2). Men need to have a consuming desire to be true to GOD. Unfaithfulness abounds like fool's gold, but faithfulness is pure gold !

     The character of faithful men -- Men must always tell the truth. "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies" (Proverbs 14:5). A faithful man is faithful in the little things as much as he is in the big things (Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10-13).

     The crown of faithful men -- "The LORD preserveth the faithful (Psalm 31:23). A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20). The LORD GOD is looking for faithful men whom HE may send to faithfully do HIS will. Are you the man HE is looking for: "Also, I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for US ? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8 pictured above). Be that man ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Faithful is HE"

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:23-24 "And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it."

     From time to time, we sing a wonderful old hymn titled "Great is THY Faithfulness," pictured above, of which the first stanza proclaims the following "Great is THY faithfulness, O GOD my FATHER, There is no shadow of turning with THEE; THOU changest not, THY compassions they fail not; As THOU hast been THOU forever wilt be." The refrain beautifully encompasses the following jubilant thoughts: "Great is THY faithfulness ! Great is THY faithfulness ! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed THY hand hath provided; Great is THY faithfulness, LORD unto me !"

     The words of that hymn, written by Thomas O. Chisholm, cap the benediction (an invocation of blessing) that Paul the Apostle prayed on behalf of the saints in Thessalonica (v.23): "The very GOD of peace," HIMSELF, do what Paul could not do by his own power nor by the efforts of the people (Romans 16:20; Hebrews 13:20). Paul prays to the GOD of Heaven that these believers would be holy (set-apart), which is one of the necessary conditions of peace (Philippians 4:7). His prayer also contains the request that they would be perfect (mature) in every respect and their whole spirit, soul, and body would be guarded and blameless in entirety "unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.23).

     Now the Apostle divulges the secret of how all of this is to be accomplished: "Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it" (v.24). GOD will cause HIS calling to fulfill HIS purpose for you and bring your life to HIS desired end, preserving and presenting you blameless at the coming of JESUS CHRIST (v.23; Romans 8:30; 1st.Peter 5:10 pictured above). The LORD is faithful to HIS promises, and HE has a deep, abiding love for HIS own. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Patiently Waiting"

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:9-10 "For they themselves show 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."

     Two thoughts are running parallel through my mind just now: "They that wait upon the LORD" (Isaiah 40:31) joined with "Wait for HIS SON from Heaven" (v.10). Waiting, for most people, is not easy. We live in a "hurry up and get it done" world. Impatience seems to be the order of the day, whether waiting at a traffic light, at the grocery store checkout, or for a long-anticipated event. Our impatience begins to show all too quickly. Yet, GOD consistently speaks to us of waiting:

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;" (Isaiah 40:31).

"The LORD is a GOD of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for HIM" (Isaiah 30:18).

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14 pictured above).

     Many other verses in Scripture likewise deal with the thought of waiting, even when the word "wait" does not appear in them; for instance: "Be still, and know that I AM GOD" (Psalm 46:10). But one of the most precious of statements concerning waiting is in today's text wherein Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for turning "to GOD from idols," for serving "the living and true GOD," and for waiting "for HIS SON from Heaven." In light of that commendation, our prayer should be as follows:

Dearest Heavenly FATHER,

In a world of people moving at a frenzied pace and being primarily concerned about the here and now, LORD, may the SPIRIT fill my soul, revealing the fullness of CHRIST to me from day to day, and may HE cause me to wait patiently for the coming of JESUS CHRIST to take me to HIMSELF as HE promised: "I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF" (John 14:3). In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN." 

Let us "rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for HIM" (Psalm 38:7 pictured above). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Internalizing the WORD of GOD"

 

"THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them;

and THY WORD was unto me the joy and

rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called

by THY name, O LORD GOD of 

hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

     Every time a Pastor steps into the pulpit to preach the WORD, he is well aware that certain ones of his congregation are there in body, but their minds are miles away. He could well say to them, "I know you are here, but you are not really here; I know you hear, but you do not hear." They are thinking about the afternoon lunch, sports, work, television programs, new clothes, parties, boyfriends or girlfriends, vacations, problems, cares, etc. It was to this kind of people that JESUS spoke, "He that hath an ear to hear let him hear," and to whom Paul warned not to be "dull of hearing." Think of the daunting task assigned by the LORD to Isaiah: "Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not" (Isaiah 6:9). We can understand Isaiah's question, "LORD, How long?" (Isaiah 6:11 pictured above). Yet, even in this context, the LORD promised some fruit: a remnant, a tenth, who would truly hear.

     How is it that two people can attend the same church, the same service, listen to the same preacher deliver the same message, and then respond so differently ?  Both were there and heard, but only one was truly there and truly heard. May I suggest that the answer to this enigma is supplied in one simple verse from the book of Jeremiah, which says, "THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them; and THY WORD was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by THY name, O LORD GOD of hosts:" (v.16). "I did eat them (THY WORDs)" - this is the key to the whole matter: internalizing the WORD of GOD. We must not simply taste of the WORD (hear but not hear), but we must eat the WORDs of GOD - digest them to the rejoicing of the heart.

     "THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them, and THY WORD was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by THY name, O LORD GOD of hosts" (v.16) - those WORDs were spoken and recorded by Jeremiah the prophet. Correspondingly, Moses told the children of Israel, "And these WORDs, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart" (Deuteronomy 6:6 pictured above). The LORD instructed Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night" (Joshua 1:8 pictured above). The psalmist declared that the blessed man "delight[s]. . .in the Law of the LORD; and in HIS Law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2 pictured below).

     The above texts lend great meaning and significance to Jeremiah's proclamation indicating that he did not just taste (nibble at) GOD's WORD but spiritually ingested it and was nourished thereby. He received GOD's WORD entirely and conversed with them intimately. They were welcome to him as food to the hungry soul. He ate them and digested them, and they became part of him. Oh, how we need to get into the WORD of GOD and have the WORD of GOD get into us today ! Do not be satisfied with the superficial learning of some rules or guidelines for a few steps to take. You need to digest the WORD (study it, assimilate it) so that it becomes a part of your being. It will bring joy and rejoicing to your heart, just as it did to Jeremiah. Only GOD's WORD can do this !

     Our families, churches, and nation are in desperate need of spiritual revival, which can only be brought about by a return to the foundation - the Bible. IT, alone, can cleanse the soul, guard us from sin, and guide us safely through the shoals of life. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How to Have a GOOD Report"

 

Hebrews 11:32-40 "And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     The "Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11, is aptly named, for it sets forth some basic truths concerning the importance of faith and provides practical examples of those who walked "by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7 pictured above). Our text gives a vivid picture of men and women in the Old Testament who were faithful to the LORD despite facing extreme persecutions and testings. Some experienced miraculous deliverances from impossible situations (vv.32-35a). Others endured great persecution - some of whom became martyrs, "not accepting deliverance" (vv.35b-38). The perfect will of GOD was what determined that which was required of those godly believers who walked by faith.

     Note that all the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 received a "good report" from GOD (v.39). Today, charismatic leaders are influencing millions to accept their unscriptural teachings that every believer can claim bodily healing and financial prosperity as a result of his or her salvation in CHRIST; it is important to study today's text as well as other portions of Scripture as a necessary refutation of such false teaching. Christians who are going through great trials, testings, and persecutions need to leave their circumstance in GOD's hands, understanding that HE knows best how each of HIS children can be the most effective testimony for HIM. The goal of every believer should be to obtain a "good report" from the LORD, just like those in the "Hall of Faith." This is only possible when we trust in the LORD rather than men. Do not let those who twist the Scriptures discourage your heart if you are not delivered in the way they claim you should. GOD's report of "well done" is all that matters (Matthew 25:21 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"ANXIOUS about Many Things !"

 

Philippians 4:4-9 "Rejoice in the LORD alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The LORD is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the GOD of peace shall be with you."

     For many believers, one of the more persistent sins that plagues them is anxiety. A multitude of troubles can potentially concern us - some big, others small - and many seem to recur on occasion. With the passing of time and the process of maturing one would think that, by now, we would have learned the lesson that GOD is faithful and will not allow us to be tested beyond the level of our understanding of HIS WORD or our capacity to bear under the pressure and strain (1st.Corinthians 10:13 pictured below). We must realize that HE does not give us testing for which we are not ready and capable of enduring.

     As one reads the account of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, it is clear that they failed to trust the LORD, despite the incredible things HE had done to demonstrate HIS faithfulness to them. HE not only delivered them from the bondage of Egypt, but HE also enabled them to survive in the desert, leading them every step of the way, providing food and drink for them, and giving them HIS Law by which they were to govern themselves as a nation and as individuals until the arrival of their MESSIAH. Likewise, even among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, priests, and Kings, the Bible repeatedly records their failure to rely upon the LORD. They had so much of GOD's revelation, and yet the testimony they often left for us today is one of fear, worry, and bitterness. Despite the people's continual failures, GOD remained faithful.

     Sadly, we do little better than GOD's people of old. The Bible is clear on the need to rely on HIM. "Ask the SAVIOR to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you; HE is willing to aid you. HE will carry you through." Let go of anxiety and trust the LORD ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WHO is the REAL Biblical JESUS ?"

 

Many men have been given the name "Jesus." In Bible times, the naming of children was more serious than today. Today, parents name their child after a loved one or friend, or perhaps a name they think is pretty. In Bible times, children were given names which related to certain things, especially those in reference to GOD. The Apostle Paul warned in 2nd.Corinthians 11:4 about the possibility of another Jesus being preached, also in Galatians 1:8-9. We desire to present unto you the JESUS of the Bible. No person except JESUS the CHRIST could fulfill the meaning of the name "Jesus," because of WHO and WHAT HE is.

HE IS THE SON OF GOD.

". . .The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON of GOD." (Luke 1:35). "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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved." (John 3:16-17). HE also is GOD the SON ! "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us. . ." (John 1:1,14). "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh. . ." (1st.Timothy 3:16).

HE IS THE SACRIFICE DEMANDED.

HE is the only one GOD the FATHER would accept. The Old Testament sets forth the principle that the only means of acceptance with GOD is through sacrifice. ". . .we are sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:10-12). This implies that HIS work as PRIEST is accepted and HIS sacrifice is complete !

HE IS THE SUBSTITUTE.

When our first parents willfully disobeyed the LORD, they lost their position and privilege of relationship with HIM. Thus, Adam brought the consequences of that disobedience upon himself and all his lineage: for Adam was created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27), but Adam's lineage was begotten in his image, the image of the disobedient - the offender. (Genesis 5:3).

Therefore, something or someone else must suffer the consequences of that disobedience in order for restoration to that standing prior to the act of disobedience. It could not be them (first parents) because they were guilty and the consequence of that guiltiness was death (Genesis 2:17). The sufferer for the offence must be innocent of any offence before it (he) could suffer on behalf of another. It is said of JESUS, "WHO did no sin, neither was guile found in HIS mouth. . .but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (1st.Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15).

GOD in HIS mercy made Adam and Eve coats of skins, and clothed them, which implies the slaying of an animal. (Genesis3:21). Not only was there the dying, but the shedding of blood as well. This was all a type of JESUS CHRIST, WHO would be killed and HIS blood shed for offenders (sinners). Many animals died throughout the Old Testament era on behalf of an offender of GOD's Law. The author of Hebrews tells us, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. . .Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by HIS OWN blood HE [JESUS] entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 10:4; 9:12).

HE IS THE SAVIOR.

The name JESUS means "salvation of GOD," or "GOD our SAVIOR." When the angel informed Joseph that the CHILD his espoused wife Mary was to give birth to was to be named "JESUS" (Matthew 1:20,21), more was involved than the mere naming of a child: ". . .for HE [JESUS] shall save HIS people from their sins." Every person whom GOD saves; HE saved through this name. JESUS said, ". . .I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6). "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).

Dear Friend, just think of that which GOD has done in giving JESUS to die in your stead, that you as the offender (sinner) might be forgiven your offenses (sins). Will you realize your need of the LORD JESUS CHRIST ? Will you recognize yourself to be a sinner and under the consequence (condemnation) of sin ? "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). The Apostle Paul said, "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." (Romans 10:9). Will you turn to GOD in repentance and faith ? Will you receive HIM as your SACRIFICE, SUBSTITUTE and SAVIOR ? 

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 in John 10:28-30 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand. MY FATHER, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY FATHER's hand. I and MY FATHER are ONE." Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Who Do You Think You Are ?"

 

Romans 12:1-10 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in CHRIST, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;"

     "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself" (Galatians 6:3). We must think correctly about ourselves and not be puffed up with an exaggerated and unrealistic idea of our own importance and superiority. We must not have a lofty, proud view of ourselves, but instead we must see ourselves as GOD does. We may believe we are something; GOD says that without HIM we are nothing ! We think we are a big number, but we are actually a zero apart from the LORD. Yet, we must not be discouraged by our own nothingness and lack of importance. The good news is that GOD, in HIS grace, can make something out of nothing.

     Martin Luther once said, "GOD created the world out of nothing (Hebrews 11:3 pictured above) and as long as we are nothing GOD can make something out of us." Here is some advice for anyone who considers himself a V.I.P. (Very Important Person):

Sometime when you're feeling important, sometime when your ego's way up; sometime when you take it for granted that you are the prize winning "pup"; sometime when you feel that your absence would leave an unfillable hole, just follow these simple instructions, and see how it humbles your soul. Take a bucket and fill it with water, put you hand in it up to your wrist. Now pull it out fast and the hole that remains is the measure of how you'll be missed. You may splash all you please as you enter, and stir up the water galore, but STOP and you'll find in a minute, it's back where it was before.

May we never forget that our SAVIOR, the high and lifted up ONE (Isaiah 6:3 pictured above; John 12:41), humbled HIMSELF for our sakes and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8) GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WARNING: Do NOT Claim Your Own Righteousness"

 

Deuteronomy 9:1-29 "Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, a people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak ? Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy GOD is HE which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire HE shall destroy them, and HE shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee. Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy GOD hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doeth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nation the LORD thy GOD doth drive them out from before thee, and that HE may perform the WORD which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy GOD giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.

Remember, and forget not, how thou provoked the LORD thy GOD to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD. Also in Horeb ye provoked the LORD to wrath, so that the LORD was angry with you to have destroyed you. When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water; and the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of GOD; and on there was written according to all the WORDs, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant. And the LORD said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.

Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they. So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the LORD your GOD, and had made you a molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you. And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes. And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke HIM to anger.

For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also. And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time. And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount. And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath. Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your GOD, and ye believed HIM not, nor hearkened to HIS voice. Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.

Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said HE would destroy you. I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O LORD GOD, destroy not THY people and thine inheritance, which THOU hast redeemed through THY greatness, which THOU hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember THY servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubborness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin: lest the land whence THOU broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which HE promised them, and because HE hated them, HE hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness. Yet they are THY people and THINE inheritance, which THOU broughtest out by THY mighty power and by THY stretched out arm."

     This chapter is a fascinating account of the LORD, through Moses, addressing HIS people prior to their entering the Promised Land. They would encounter nations mightier, taller, and stronger than themselves (vv.1-2), yet GOD was greater than all of Israel's enemies and would empower HIS people to conquer them (v.3). They were not to think that their conquests were due to their own righteousness; GOD would enable them because of the wickedness of the heathen and because of HIS promises to the patriarchs (vv.4-5). Israel was reminded of how disobedient they had been:

(1) They were a rebellious people for their entire forty years in the wilderness (v.7).

(2) Israel received the Ten Commandments at Horeb (Mt.Sinai) yet quickly broke GOD's Law with their golden calf idolatry (vv.8-21). GOD was so angered that HE would have destroyed the nation, including Aaron, had it not been for the intercessory prayer of Moses (vv.19-20, 26-29). 

(3) After the golden calf fiasco, Israel continued to provoke the LORD to wrath (v.22).

(4) Kadesh-Barnea was a turning point where the people were unwilling to possess the land that GOD had already promised to give them, and with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, refused to believe the LORD (v.23); thus, that generation was condemned to die in the wilderness.

     As believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, we must never think that our own righteousness is the reason we are enjoying the blessings of GOD. Every good thing we have is due solely to the mercy and grace of GOD. The Apostle Paul did not point to his own righteousness: "And be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST" (Philippians 3:9 pictured above). Let us always keep this perspective. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation