" Our Eyes are Upon THEE ! "

 

2nd.Chronicles 20:5-13 "And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, O LORD GOD of our fathers, art not THOU GOD In Heaven ? and rulest not THOU over all the kingdoms of the heathen ? and in THINE hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand THEE ? Art not THOU our GOD, WHO didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before THY people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham THY friend forever ? And they dwelt therein, and have built THEE a sanctuary therein for THY name, saying, if, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in THY presence, (for THY name is in this house,) and cry unto THEE in our affliction, then THOU wilt hear and help.

And now behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom THOU wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of THY possession, which THOU hast given us to inherit. O our GOD, wilt THOU not judge them ? for we have not might against this great company that cometh against us: neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon THEE. And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."

     "Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon THEE" -- these words of King Jehoshaphat in verse twelve came at a time of great crisis for himself as well as the people of Judah. Threatened by a coalition of enemies that had the power and numbers to destroy them, they truly did not know what to do. No escape was in sight. Yet even under these seemingly impossible circumstances, Jehoshaphat and the people did the right thing: They looked to the LORD. Rather than despairing, they went to the LORD in prayer, claiming HIS promises and resting in HIS provision (vv.5-9). They truly believed that their GOD would "hear and help" (v.9 pictured above).

     The perilous times in which we live (see pictured above) so often leave faithful believers today in a situation similar to that of our text. The need for wisdom, guidance, and strength is quite evident ! The enemies seem so strong and our own resources so small. The Israelites were facing dire circumstances. They had no might and were terribly outnumbered, and they were at a loss for any possible solutions, humanly speaking. But they took the correct course of action -- they looked to the LORD GOD, and HIS divine answer came.

     We in this age must learn to keep our eyes continually upon the LORD just as GOD's people under King Jehoshaphat did in their time of need. HE alone can give us victory over every enemy, even when "we have no might" (v.12 pictured at top of post). HE knows the future, and HIS will is perfect. We can trust HIS promises and have the peace that HE will lead us (Proverbs 3:5-6 pictured above) even though we may not know exactly what we are to do right now. Let us keep our eyes upon the LORD. HE will never fail us nor forsake us. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" JESUS Saves ! "

Perhaps you have seen these words on a billboard or on a banner in a stadium.

JESUS SAVES

is not just a phrase made up

by some religious fanatic.

They come from the Bible. 

The words save, saved, SAVIOR, and salvation are

found hundreds of times in 

GOD's WORD.

JESUS is the SAVIOR, the ONE WHO saves.

"And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins."  (Matthew 1:21)

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD."  (Luke 2:11)

JESUS came to save lost sinners.

"For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost.  (Luke 19:10)

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

JESUS is the only ONE WHO can save.

"Be it known unto you all . . . that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, WHOM ye crucified, WHOM GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM doth this man stands here before you whole . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)

"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 15:1-4)

JESUS give us the faith we need to be saved.

"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)

JESUS saves those who believe in HIM by faith.

"For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved. He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD."  (John 3:16-18)

JESUS saves anyone who asks HIM.

". . . believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  (Acts 16:31)

". . . whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved."  (Acts 2:21)

"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 saves now and forever.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us . . . That being justified by HIS grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  (Titus 3:5,7)

JESUS wants you to be saved today.

". . . BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation."  (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

". . . There is no GOD else beside ME; a just GOD and a SAVIOR; there is none beside ME. Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else."  (Isaiah 45:21,22)

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.

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

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

"The Second Coming !"

Where did everybody go ? What is happening ? Why am I left here ? Is there any hope ? These questions are some you might be asking if you miss the first phase of the Second Coming of JESUS CHRIST to the clouds, called the Rapture !

WHAT IS THE RAPTURE ?

This is when JESUS CHRIST comes for HIS saints, those who have by faith completely trusted the eternity of their souls to HIS saving power with nothing else added. "For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (raptured) together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD." (1st.Thessalonians 4:16-17)

WILL YOU BE LEFT BEHIND ?

Those left behind will cry out for help and comfort. Questions will arise in every heart. Where did the "Christians" go ? One man, Satan's soul-incarnate, the antichrist, will have all the answers. "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2nd.Thessalonians 2:9-12)

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Peace will reign for 3 1/2 years. Then, in this time called the Great Tribulation in Revelation 7:14, all of GOD's judgments will be meted out on this world as Satan's emissaries, the beast, the antichrist, and the false prophet wreak havoc on mankind.

Revelation 16 records seven great judgments poured out on a GOD-forsaking world and its Satanic leaders ! Putrefying painful sores, seas of dead men's blood, rivers filled with blood, and the stench of dying aquatic life will plague man and beast. The sun will scorch the flesh of blasphemous man, and then disappear into the blackness of full darkness, as men gnaw their tongues in pain. The Euphrates River is dried up and GOD sends great earthquakes, tremendous thundering's and lightnings, and huge 90 lb. hailstones that pound the remnant of earth's inhabitants. "It is done," thunders from Heaven as GOD's wrath is satisfied.

THE SECOND COMING

Then the second phase of CHRIST's Second Coming transpires ! ". . .the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST with all HIS saints." (1st.Thessalonians 3:13b) HE comes and defeats the armies of the antichrist. The LORD JESUS will then reign for 1000 years ! You say, "I just cannot believe it. I have so many questions." Let's allow GOD's WORD to answer them for you.

When will the Rapture take place ? SOON !

". . .for in such an hour as ye think not the SON of MAN cometh." (Matthew 24:44b) "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but MY FATHER only." (Matthew 24:36)

Will it affect me ? YES !

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Matthew 24:40) If you miss the Rapture, you will be left behind to go through the Great Tribulation. And if you have refused the Gospel, before the Rapture, then you will believe the lie, and be sealed as a non-believer, and you will end up in Hell and then the Lake of Fire for all eternity.

How can it be true ? JESUS SAID SO !

". . . I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also." (John 14:3b) JESUS CHRIST would not lie. HE promised to come again, and HE will for those who are ready - the saved.

What should I do ?  REPENT (turning to GOD from your sin), BELIEVE, BE SAVED !

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," (Acts 3:19a) ". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31b) "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)

See the full Gospel presentation below and come to CHRIST today, before it is too late. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time: BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

"Someday You Will Stand Before GOD . . . "

 

ETERNITY DEPENDS ON IT !

Dear Soul, the Bible declares that one day you will die and then stand face to face with GOD to be judged. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT:" Hebrews 9:27. Nothing in your entire life could be more important than to be ready for that day, for it will determine whether you will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.

     This judgment will be based on "righteousness"; which means to be absolutely perfect and without sin. The Bible says, "HE hath appointed a day, in the which HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS by that MAN WHOM HE hath ordained;" Acts 17:31a. The MAN spoken of in this verse is JESUS CHRIST. This means that your righteousness must match that of JESUS CHRIST. Can you make it through your entire life without committing one single sin ! JESUS CHRIST did, and HE is the ONE that you will be compared with at your judgment.

NONE HAVE IT !

     Nobody but JESUS CHRIST, could ever lead a life without one single sin. The Bible says, "For ALL HAVE SINNED," Romans 3:23a. Nobody but JESUS CHRIST is that righteous. The Bible says, "There is NONE RIGHTEOUS, no, not one:" Romans 3:10b. If you claim to be righteous, you are only deceiving yourself, and making GOD a liar. The Bible says, "If we say that we have not sinned, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR," 1st.John 1:10a. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1st.John 1:8.

WITHOUT IT YOU GO TO HELL !

     The Bible says, "Know ye not that THE UNRIGHTEOUS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD ?" 1st.Corinthians 6:9a. If you're not going to Heaven, that leaves only one other place. "The wicked shall be TURNED INTO HELL. . ." Psalm 9:17a.

YOU CANNOT WORK FOR IT !

     The Bible says, "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us," Titus 3:5a. If you could "earn" the righteousness of GOD, then JESUS CHRIST would not have had to die on the cross. The Bible says, "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COME BY THE LAW, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN." Galatians 2:21. "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, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I declared 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).

     Dear Soul, you cannot earn the "righteousness of GOD" by leading a good life, church membership, sacraments, water baptism, or anything that YOU do. If you do something for it, then it is SELF-righteousness.

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT.

     Faith is a "complete" trust or dependency upon someone. The Bible says that JESUS CHRIST died to pay for your sins and purchase the "righteousness of GOD" for you. You must stop trying to "earn" it, and "put complete faith in JESUS CHRIST" to receive it. The Bible says, "But TO HIM THAT WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH ON HIM that justifieth the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Romans 4:5. "Even the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD which is BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them THAT BELIEVE:" Romans 3:22a. Then, you will not have to fear your judgment day, because in your heart you know that you will "Be found in HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is of the Law, but THAT WHICH IS THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH:" Philippians 3:9.

WILL YOU TRUST COMPLETELY IN JESUS CHRIST TO SAVE YOU ?

     Dear Soul, JESUS CHRIST has already paid for eternal life, you need only to receive it as a "gift," by putting your faith in HIM. The Bible says, ". . .the GIFT of GOD is eternal life THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD." Romans 6:23b. GOD cannot lie, and HE has promised to give you eternal life. The Bible says, "In hope of eternal life, WHICH GOD, THAT CANNOT LIE, PROMISED before the world began;" Titus 1:2.

     Will you right now believe GOD's promise ? Will you right now stop trusting "your righteousness," and put all your faith in JESUS CHRIST and receive "HIS righteousness" ? If you will call on JESUS CHRIST, and put all your faith in HIM, HE will save you right now. The Bible says, ". . .CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinner;" 1st.Timothy 1:15b. It also says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:13.

     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.

     Eternity is real, and Hell is real. If you want JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR, come to HIM today. No one is promised a tomorrow. JESUS said in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." Come to JESUS today before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

"The Uniqueness of JESUS CHRIST"

 

Matthew 16:13-21 "When JESUS came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, HE asked HIS disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the SON of MAN AM ? And they said, Some say that THOU art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias or one of the prophets. HE saith unto them, But WHOM say ye that I AM ? And Simon Peter answered and said, THOU are the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD. And JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but MY FATHER which is in Heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven. Then charged HE HIS disciples that they should tell no man that HE was JESUS the CHRIST. From that time forth began JESUS to show unto HIS disciples, how that HE must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the Elders, and Chief Priests and Scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."

JESUS CHRIST is the only one WHO existed prior to HIS conception and birth (John 1:15; 8:58).

HE is the only one WHO had a mother but no biological father (Luke 1:35).

HE is the only one through WHOM all things were created and are upheld (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17).

HE is the only one WHO is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

HE is the only one WHO never sinned in HIS childhood, teen, and adult years (2nd.Corinthians 5:21; 1st.Peter 2:22).

HE is the only one WHO perfectly kept the Ten Commandments and always pleased GOD the FATHER (John 8:29).

HE is the only one WHO could claim to be equal with GOD (one with GOD) without committing blasphemy (John 5:18; 10:30).

HE is the only one WHO died as man's SUBSTITUTE, bearing the sins of all mankind (Hebrews 2:9; Isaiah 53:6).

HE is the only one WHO predicted HIS OWN resurrection and then fulfilled the prediction (Matthew 16:21 pictured at top of post).

HE is the only one WHOSE life, death, resurrection, and exaltation fulfilled hundreds of Bible prophecies (Luke 24:44).

HE is the only SAVIOR and the only MEDIATOR between GOD and men (Isaiah 45:21-22; Acts 4:12; 1st.Timothy 2:5).

HE is the only one WHO will rule this world in righteousness and perfect justice (Jeremiah 23:5).

HE is the only one given the authority to raise the dead and judge all men (John 5:22, 27-29).

In HIS times HE will show WHO is the blessed and only POTENTATE (powerful RULER), the KING of Kings, and LORD of Lords (1st.Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).

HE is the only one WHO will be the center of worship throughout all eternity (Revelation 5:9, 13).

However, Dear Friend, you are the only one who can determine your own destiny based upon what you will do with JESUS CHRIST, GOD's unique SON (John 3:18,36 pictured above).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.      www.featoday.org

"Deception Is Dangerous"

 

1st.Corinthians 1:17-18 "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD."

     During the past few posts, we have noticed what GOD's WORD says about the inherent power of the Gospel and our responsibility to declare it to others without trying to trick or manipulate them into receiving it. Countless well-meaning believers are negligent in understanding the harm they inflict to the cause of CHRIST by using deceptive evangelistic methods in their attempt to see people come to the LORD. Many unbelievers think they are saved because they "prayed a prayer," "walked an aisle," or "signed on the dotted line"; however, they never truly understood in the first place what it means to become a child of GOD. Others, at the urging of a Christian friend or evangelist who dressed and acted like the world in order to gain their attention or get their respect, have professed to come to CHRIST -- not because they actually repented and believed the Gospel but because becoming a "Christian" was en vogue and seemingly compatible with their worldly lifestyle and worldview. In either case, the cause of CHRIST is harmed because a potential believer has been misled.

     Today's text clearly reveals that it is possible for us to make "the cross of CHRIST . . . of none effect" (v.17 pictured above). A distinction exists between evangelism according to our own fleshly means and evangelism aligning with GOD's WORD. When we try to make the message of salvation "inoffensive" to sinful man or use the world's wisdom to "slip the Gospel" to the unsaved, we are stripping the good news of its power. Our duty is simply to proclaim the Gospel to all and take the time to further explain it to those who are receptive to it. Do not be deceitful. We have nothing of which to be ashamed ! MDC 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The Gospel is Inherently Powerful"

 

1st.Corinthians 2:1-5 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     Many well-meaning Christians who desire to be a witness to others of GOD's gracious offer of salvation often misunderstand the inherent power of the Gospel and the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. Believers sometimes fail to realize that they cannot "argue others into Heaven" through debate nor make the Gospel more palatable. Because they do not comprehend these basic facts, they may resort to gimmicks or subterfuge in the effort to render the Gospel as more "acceptable" to the unsaved.

     In 1st.Corinthians 1:17 (pictured at top of post), Paul tells the believers at Corinth that "CHRIST sent me . . . to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect." He continues in today's text by stating that his preaching was accomplished "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD" (vv.4-5 2nd. picture from top of post). Likewise, he told the believers in Rome, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth . . . for therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith" (Romans 1:16-17 pictured above). Paul knew that the power of the Gospel (along with the convicting work of the HOLY SPIRIT, John 16:7-11), would change the lives of those unregenerate men, women, and children who allowed the SPIRIT to work in their heart. It is the HOLY SPIRIT WHO reproves, or convicts, "the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). We have no power to make any person believe anything ! It is our duty simply to obey CHRIST by telling the good news to all who will listen. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org