" Famine in the Land "

 

Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the WORD's of the LORD: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east they shall run to and fro to seek the WORD of the LORD, and shall not find it."

     Famines are horrendous disasters that have occurred hundreds of times in a multitude of lands throughout the history of mankind. The WORD of GOD records famines that played a major role in biblical history. A famine in the land that was promised to Abraham caused him to sojourn in Egypt where he failed to trust GOD. His son Isaac repeated Abraham's sin and lack of trust in the LORD, allowing a famine to drive him to Abimelech, King of the Philistines. Yet, it was a famine that facilitated Joseph, who had been sold into slavery in Egypt, to preserve the lives of his Father, Brothers, and their families. Famine in the Promised Land led to the events that brought Ruth, a Moabitess, into the lineage of the MESSIAH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

     Famines are dreadful events of dearth -- a lack of food and water that brings starvation to many. However, as grievous as physical famines can be, another type of famine, a spiritual famine, is far more devastating -- "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the WORDs of the LORD" (v.11). Those words, given to the nation of Israel, are extremely sobering. The LORD GOD HIMSELF spoke to HIS people, warning them, "I will send a famine in the land, not . . . of bread" (v.11). HIS additional message was equally terrifying: "They shall run to and fro to seek the WORD of the LORD, and shall not find it" (v.12). What was true concerning the condition of Israel in the past is becoming more and more evident in our day. A famine is in the land, not of bread, but of the WORD of GOD. HE has spoken and is speaking, and people are not listening. May we not be guilty of failing to hear and heed HIS WORD to us. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"GOD's Last Name is NOT Damn ! "

 

GOD's Last Name is NOT Damn !

     Many people strive to make a name for themselves. A person's name symbolizes not only what they have accomplished in their lifetime, but it also reveals their character, whether good or bad. The Bible states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. . ." (Proverbs 22:1) In fact, GOD values HIS name so much that HE gave the following command: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh HIS name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

     The Bible is the record of GOD's love for mankind. Throughout the Bible, many names referring to GOD are given, and each name gives a different aspect of GOD's character. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE." These names refer to the precious SON of GOD, and each name gives a glimpse of GOD's character.

     Not only does the Bible show the character of GOD, but it also reveals the depravity of man. Romans 3:12 states, ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Your sin has earned spiritual death, separation from a Holy GOD, and an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death. . . " (Romans 6:23a) "And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15) Without the mercy of GOD, you are lost and without hope.

     The good news is that GOD's love for you gives you a way of escape. This way is revealed in HIS name. Matthew 1:21 states, "And she (Mary) shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." GOD loves you so much that HE sent HIS SON to pay the penalty for your sins. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

     JESUS' death on the cross paid your sin debt in full, if you will only believe in HIM. The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is simply stated 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:" JESUS states in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I 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."

     The Bible was ". . .written that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON Of GOD; and believing ye might have life through HIS name." (John 20:30-31) There is no other way to obtain salvation. "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) Doing good deeds, works of the Law, or water baptism will not earn your salvation. GOD said, "He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18)

     Obtaining salvation and an eternity in Heaven is so simple. GOD gives you this promise: "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)

     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's in a name ? Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of JESUS is ". . . above every name: That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow . . . And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER." One day, you will believe in GOD, but will you be too late ? Please do not take your salvation lightly. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The Indispensable SPIRIT ! "

 

Romans 8:8-17 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the SPIRIT, if so be that the SPIRIT of GOD dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT of CHRIST, he is none of HIS. And if CHRIST be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the SPIRIT is life because of righteousness. But if the SPIRIT of HIM that raised up JESUS from the dead dwell in you, HE that raised up CHRIST from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by HIS SPIRIT that dwelleth in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the SPIRIT of GOD, they are the sons of GOD. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT of adoption, whereby we cry, ABBA, FATHER. The SPIRIT ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD: and if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with CHRIST; if so be that we suffer with HIM, that we may be also glorified together."

     If the HOLY SPIRIT were to suddenly exit this earth today, most churches would continue on as if nothing had happened ! Yet, those who are tuned in to the Scriptures know how indispensable the HOLY SPIRIT is.

1.)  We cannot be saved apart from HIS convicting ministry: "And when HE is come, HE will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 6:18).

2.)  We cannot be regenerated apart from the SPIRIT: "Except a man be born of water and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD" (John3:5).

3.)  No one belongs to JESUS CHRIST apart from HIS indwelling: "If any man have not the SPIRIT of CHRIST, he is none of HIS" (Romans 8:9).

4.)  We cannot enjoy assurance of salvation apart from HIS inner witness: "The SPIRIT ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD" (Romans 8:16).

5.)  We cannot be a member of CHRIST's church apart from HIM: "For by one SPIRIT are we all baptized into one body" (1st.Corinthians 12:13).

6.)  We cannot learn truth apart from HIS teaching ministry: "When HE, the SPIRIT of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

7.)  We cannot bear spiritual fruit apart from HIS filling: "But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace . . ." (Galatians 5:22-23).

8.) We cannot have victory over sin apart from HIS empowerment: "For the law of the SPIRIT of life in CHRIST JESUS hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

9.)  We cannot overcome the flesh apart from HIM: "Walk in the SPIRIT, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).

10.) We cannot be conformed to CHRIST apart from the SPIRIT: "We . . . are changed into the same image . . . even as by the SPIRIT of the LORD" (2nd.Corinthians 3:18)

11.) We cannot be assured of our eternal salvation, that cannot be lost once we are truly saved, without the HOLY SPIRIT's seal: "In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise;" (Ephesians 1:13 pictured above).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" JESUS is . . . . . . . "

 

John 2:12-25 "After this HE went down to Capernaum, HE, and HIS mother, and HIS brethren, and HIS disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews Passover was at hand, and JESUS went up to Jerusalem, and found in the Temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when HE had made a scourge of small cords, HE drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not MY FATHER's house an house of merchandise. And HIS disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of THINE house hath eaten ME up.

Then answered the Jews and said unto HIM, What sign shewest THOU unto us, seeing that THOU doest these things ? JESUS answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this Temple in building, and wilt THOU rear it up in three days ? But HE spake of the temple of HIS body. When therefore HE was risen from the dead, HIS disciples remembered that HE had said this unto them: and they believed the Scripture, and the WORD which JESUS had said. Now when HE was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in HIS name, when they saw the miracles which HE did. But JESUS did not commit HIMSELF unto them, because HE knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for HE knew what was in man."

JESUS is Intolerant. 

     At the time of Passover, Jewish males traveled to Jerusalem to observe the feast, to offer sacrifices, and to pay the temple tax, which had to be submitted in the appropriate currency. Those who journeyed to Jerusalem needed to exchange coins and purchase necessary goods in order to properly keep the feast and the sacrifices. During this period in Israel's history, money changers used Passover as an opportunity to charge excessive rates of exchange, and peddlers utilized the Temple courts to see, at inflated costs, the animals necessary for the sacrifices. The Jews had, in essence, set up a flea market within the Temple boundaries and exploited this holiday as a money-making opportunity. When JESUS witnessed this travesty and its approval by the religious leaders, HE immediately drove out all the men and animals from the court. HE "poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables," proclaiming, "Take these things hence; make not MY FATHER's house an house of merchandise" (vv.15-16).

     JESUS' actions reveal HIS intolerance concerning three aspects of Israel's "worship." First, HE was clearly intolerant of their hypocrisy. JESUS saw their hearts, and HE knew that although they claimed to worship according to the will of GOD, their hearts were far from HIM (Matthew 15:1-9; 23:1-15, 27-28). Second, JESUS revealed HIS intolerance of their unscrupulous behavior as they took financial advantage of others. Finally, HE refused to tolerate their irreverence. The Temple was to be a sacred place, but these men were defiling it through their actions. CHRIST was intolerant of false worship, so let us today be sure we are worshiping the LORD according to HIS holy standards.

JESUS is Authoritative.

     In our text, we see JESUS CHRIST revealing to mankind the authority that underlies HIS actions. The religious leaders of JESUS' day placed a great emphasis on authority (John 1:19-26). They were so full of pride that they despised anyone who did not conform to their vain traditions and customs, thereby defying their rule. So, when CHRIST boldly cleansed the Temple of unscrupulous men, these Jewish rulers wanted to know by what authority HE based HIS actions (v.18). Of course, they questioned JESUS because they refused to recognize HIM as GOD. Had they believed that HE was the promised MESSIAH, then they surely never would have made such an inquiry.

     JESUS proclaimed HIS authority to them in no uncertain terms. First, HE revealed that HIS mandate was given to HIM by GOD the FATHER -- the ONE WHOM these men claimed to worship -- when HE called the Temple HIS "FATHER's house" (v.16). Throughout the entire Gospel of John, JESUS repeatedly told the Jews that HE and the FATHER were ONE and that HE had come to fulfill the will of GOD HIS FATHER (John 5:15-24). However, they refused to believe HIM. Second, JESUS revealed HIS authority by performing signs and miracles, which clearly displayed HIS omnipotence and deity (v.23 pictured above). Of course, the ultimate proof of JESUS CHRIST's authority rested in HIS death and resurrection, just as HE had prophesied to these Jewish rulers (vv.19-22). JESUS clearly proved that, as GOD, HE had the right to do what HE did, yet the Jews continued to reject HIM. Today, we must ask ourselves if we truly accept the LORD's supremacy in our own life -- or do we, like those religious leaders, think that our way is better than GOD's way.

JESUS is Omniscient.

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST is not only all-powerful and all-authoritative, but HE is also all-knowing. Only ALMIGHTY GOD can see into the very heart of man and every thought of man, and we can be certain that HE is cognizant of absolutely everything about us. HE demonstrated HIS omniscience to both the Jewish leaders and the common people in today's text. CHRIST foreknew that HE was going to die and rise again three days after HIS death (vv.19-21 pictured above). Throughout HIS earthly ministry, HE even knew what the Jewish leaders were thinking, and HE frequently displayed this awareness by revealing to them their thoughts and motives (Matthew 12:14-15,25; Luke 6:7-8). JESUS also demonstrated HIS omniscience by discerning the hearts and minds of those who professed to believe in HIM (vv.23-25). "HE knew what was in man," and HE did not need any human to testify to another man's belief or unbelief. The LORD knew (and continues to know) the faith, or lack thereof, of every individual on earth.

     Today, we worship and serve the very same GOD WHO, almost 2,000 years ago, knew the hearts and minds of all men. JESUS CHRIST knows our motives, thoughts, and desires. We can certainly mislead other individuals, but we can never deceive the LORD. Are we living life with the constant recognition that our GOD is omniscient ? If so, then we should consequently desire to maintain a close fellowship with HIM and refrain from doing anything that dishonors HIM. Psalm 1:6 (pictured above) reminds us, "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." Let us purpose each day to live for the LORD from the heart, for HE knows our true motives. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

" Preach the WORD ! "

 

2nd.Timothy 4:1-4 "I charge thee therefore before GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO shall judge the quick and the dead at HIS appearing and HIS kingdom; preach the WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

     Consider these familiar words found in the first two verses of today's reading: "I charge thee therefore before GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .Preach the WORD." The Apostle Paul's last letter to his younger fellow worker, his son in the faith (2nd.Timothy 1:2), was coming to a close. The parchment or papyrus in Paul's prison room was nearly full as Luke recorded the dictated words from the heart and lips of the aged Apostle. The final message from this fervent warrior in the battle for truth needed an appropriate challenge as a preface to his concluding exhortations: "I charge thee therefore" are the words that flow forth as he speaks before the divine witnesses of the eternal FATHER and the blessed SON (v.1), WHO were surely present not only with Paul in prison but with Timothy as well amid his responsibilities as Pastor in Ephesus.

     What was so important that Paul would direct this solemn charge toward Timothy ? How can we sum up the importance of these closing words from a man whose heart was fixed on GOD ? Paul does it in three simple words: "Preach the WORD." Men will rebel against the truth and gather teachers who say what they want to hear. They will "be turned unto fables" rather than the unadulterated truth of GOD's WORD (v.4). So, what was Timothy to do ? Preach the WORD ! Allow the Bible to do what it does best and proclaim it at all times: "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." "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 pictured above). Just declare GOD's WORD and let IT do ITs work. You can never go wrong by preaching the WORD of GOD. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Believer's Walk "

Colossians 1:9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of HIS will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of GOD:"

     As I age, I am noticing that my steps are not as steady as they once were. Some of the reason for this is perhaps because of the back problems that have troubled me for a number of years. But whatever the cause, the unsteadiness and imbalance in my walking are most definitely increasing. Yet, as disconcerting as the advance of old age combined with increasing physical infirmities can be, it is not my physical walking abilities that are of greatest importance but my spiritual walk. This very thought should be most vital to everyone, regardless of age or bodily condition.

     The New Testament describes the Christian life in terms of walking. As we go about in this life, it is so important that our spiritual walk be such that it is a testimony to the work of GOD within us. Without expounding on the context of each passage, let us consider some truths from GOD's WORD pertaining to our daily spiritual walk in this life:

(1) We are to "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2 pictured above).

(2) In 3rd.John 3, it is clear that we are to walk in truth.

(3) Paul admonishes us to walk in the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16,25).

(4) We are to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7).

(5) Paul called upon the Roman believers to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

(6) He encouraged those same believers to "walk honestly" (Romans 13:13 pictured above).

And finally, today's text sums it up: The Apostle challenged the saints at Colosse to "walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of GOD" (v.10 pictured at the top of post). Whether or not your steps are faltering in your physical walk, be sure to seek GOD's wisdom, strength, and help in order to have a steady spiritual walk that is pleasing to HIM. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

" How to be SAVED and KNOW It ! "

IF YOU SHOULD DIED TODAY,

WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND ETERNITY ?

No one likes to think about death, but death comes to everyone. GOD tells us in HIS WORD, "And it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Since death is so certain, you must prepare to meet GOD. According to GOD's WORD, you will spend eternity in one of two places -- either Heaven or in a Devil's Hell. "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment (Hell): but the righteous into life eternal (Heaven)." (Matthew 25:46)

EVERY PERSON BORN INTO THIS

WORLD INHERITED A SINFUL NATURE.

". . .and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:3b)

"Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12).

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it ? (Jeremiah 17:9)

THIS SINFUL NATURE PRODUCES 

ALL SORTS OF EVIL DEEDS.

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mark 7:21-23) You must admit you are a sinner. Admit it not only to yourself, but also admit it to GOD. There is absolutely no chance for you to be saved from a Devil's Hell unless you know that you are a sinner. GOD's WORD declares it and you must believe it ! Because you are a sinner, you are destined for a Devil's Hell for all eternity. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a). ". . .and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:15)

THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO 

TO SAVE YOURSELF.

You cannot be good enough. ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:12) You cannot be saved by keeping the Law. Joining the church or being water baptized will not even help you. ". . .by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16) You are helpless. You cannot save yourself !

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL:

In spite of your sin, GOD loves you and has done everything necessary for your salvation. "For when we were yet without strength (helpless), in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

"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)

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT:" (1st.Peter 3:18).

JUST BELIEVING INTELLECTUALLY THAT YOU

ARE A SINNER, THAT GOD LOVES YOU, AND

THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.

You must apply this to yourself personally by repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR. Repentance is a "change of mind" brought to your heart by the HOLY SPIRIT through the WORD of GOD. It causes you to turn from your sins, dead religion, and works to trust CHRIST alone.  ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3b) "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). 

". . .all men. . ." (Acts 17:30) are commanded to repent and therefore can. Don't put this off - do it now ! "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

"Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near:" (Isaiah 55:6). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

". . .all men. . ." (1st.Timothy 2:4,6) can be saved. Wherever you are right now, tell GOD that you are a lost sinner, ask HIM to forgive you of your sins, and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. Claim salvation by faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

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, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie