"PROBLEMS ? Pray & Perspective !"

 

Philippians 1:1-8 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of JESUS CHRIST, to all the saints in CHRIST JESUS which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace be unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and from the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For GOD is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST."

     Paul wrote this letter to the church of Philippi in order to address and resolve a problem that had sprung up between fellow believers in the congregation (Philippians 4:2 pictured above). The Apostle dearly loved these saints and thanked GOD for their friendship, fellowship, and testimony to the truth. Certainly, it must have grieved him to discover the existence of conflict within this church. Therefore, Paul exhorted these Christians to love and be grateful for one another and to stand united in their ministry for CHRIST. If we are being honest, we would admit that we, too, have been guilty at one time or another of failing to care for and appreciate a fellow brother or sister in the LORD. How can we truly be thankful for one another in the body of CHRIST (v.3) and thus fulfill the will of GOD as we should ? We need to follow the example of the Apostle who prayed for these individuals and recognized them as partners in ministry, as fellow brethren attempting to grow and mature in the knowledge and will of GOD.

     Paul regularly besought the LORD for this local body (vv.3-4 pictured above). He interceded for them with a heart full of joy. The Philippian saints not only were brothers and sisters in CHRIST but also co-laborers in the ministry, and Paul was grateful that they had believed in JESUS CHRIST and that he could approach the throne of grace on their behalf. We will avoid discord with fellow believers when we, too, pray for them regularly with a spirit of thankfulness. We should not entreat GOD to make others more like us but more like HIM and usable in HIS work. Look for things to appreciate in one another. As we do so, unity will be preserved, conflict will be resolved, and GOD will be glorified.

     Paul loved the Philippian believers and reminded them of his love by declaring that he prayed for them and thanked GOD for them (vv.3-4 pictured above). He likely communicated this so they would emulate his example by praying and being thankful for one another. To do so would certainly help to alleviate the conflict that existed in this church. Paul not only prayed for these saints, but he also conscientiously recognized them as partners in ministry and as people in the process of spiritual growth. We could avoid many problems with others in the church if we, too, would pray for them, be thankful for them, and view them as coworkers in service and as individuals in the process of becoming what GOD desires them to be. Proper perspective is vital !

     Like Paul, we need to recognize our fellow church members as partners in the LORD's work. According to our text, the believers at Philippi, along with the Apostle, were partners in fellowship with one another, partners in sharing and declaring the Gospel, and partners in ministering to the saints. Elsewhere in the epistle, we notice that the believers were also partners in suffering (vv.7,29), in spiritual growth (vv.9-10), in giving to the LORD's work (Philippians 4:14-16), and in the defense of the faith (Philippians 1:27-28). Yet Paul also recognized these brethren as people who were only human. They were not perfect but were in the process of growing spiritually (v.6). We need to view others as GOD sees them, and we can accomplish this by having the right perspective - the mind of CHRIST (Philippians 2:3-5 pictured above). Yes, JESUS is working in the lives of HIS OWN, and we need to be humble, patient, and longsuffering. In so doing, we can avoid much conflict. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WHO is Your SHEPHERD ?"

 

Psalm 23:1-6 "The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures; HE leadeth me beside the still waters. HE restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake. Ye, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me; THY rod and THY staff they comfort me. THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: THOU annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

     The twenty-third Psalm is perhaps the most well-known Psalm of all. It has brought comfort to many sorrowing hearts. Yet, despite knowing this Psalm of the SHEPHERD, many people do not know the SHEPHERD of this Psalm. "The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want" (v.1). But WHO is the SHEPHERD ? JESUS answers this when HE says of HIMSELF: "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD; the GOOD SHEPHERD giveth HIS life for the sheep" (John 10:11 pictured above). Our SAVIOR is the GOOD SHEPHERD. HE is the LORD - JEHOVAH GOD. HE freely gave HIS life on behalf of all people (wandering, lost sheep). But even in our waywardness, HE still loves us. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM [JESUS CHRIST] the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). The LORD specializes in finding lost sheep. HE said of HIMSELF in Luke 19:10: "For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

     WHO is your SHEPHERD ? If you cannot say, "JESUS is my SHEPHERD," then you are the lost sheep whom HE is seeking. But you have hope, for HE gave HIS life and poured out HIS blood upon the cross in order to save you. The risen SAVIOR will never lead you astray but, rather, will be everything you need (John 10:10b). Knowing the twenty-third Psalm is great, but what is most important is whether or not you know the SHEPHERD. Only by trusting in JESUS CHRIST alone for salvation from sin's penalty can you ever find true peace and comfort for your soul. JESUS said of HIS sheep, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand" (John 10:28 pictured above). Do you personally know the GOOD SHEPHERD ? If not, see below on how to be saved. PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WHO Paid My Debt ?"

 

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD."

     Have you ever incurred a debt so great you were unable to pay it but discovered that someone else had paid it for you instead ? This has happened to many individuals. They have received medical bills so high that to pay them off was utterly impossible, but their obligations were covered through the generous help of unknown people or organizations. The Bible tells of a servant who owed his king ten thousand talents - a debt so huge it would take a lifetime to pay. Because the man was not able to repay the debt, the king gave orders for him, his entire family, and everything he possessed to be sold. The man was completely helpless, yet he begged the king to be patient with him so that he could search for a way to somehow acquire what he owed. The ruler had compassion on his servant, set him free, and forgave his entire debt (Matthew 18:23-27 pictured above). This merciful king knew the man would never be able to make restitution; thus, by forgiving him, the king paid the debt that the man could not pay.

     Multitudes are trying to recompense their own spiritual debt - a penalty that has already been paid. The payment due for sin against GOD is death. The obligation is so high that we can do nothing to pay it. Nevertheless, people try to invent ways to cover that ultimate price, thinking they can make a remittance through their own efforts and merits. But SOMEONE has already covered our sin debt: JESUS CHRIST, JEHOVAH GOD. As the perfect, sinless LAMB of GOD, HE died on the cross for us. HE took upon HIMSELF the cost of our sin and settled our account with HIS OWN blood. We could not pay for our sin, so JESUS mercifully paid the complete price for us. Have you put your faith in HIM ? (see below on how you can do that) PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Three Men of Calvary"

 

Luke 23:39-43 "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on HIM, saying, If THOU be CHRIST, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear GOD, seeing thou art in the same condemnation ? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this MAN hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto JESUS, LORD, remember me when THOU comest into THY kingdom. And JESUS said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise."

     Calvary . . . "a place of a skull" (Matthew 27:33 pictured above) - what images that name brings to mind ! JESUS, condemned to die, made HIS way to that place of execution just outside the city of Jerusalem; the religious leaders finally had what they wanted: the means to rid themselves of this MAN forever, or so they thought. The trials led by Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate were ended. As far as the enemies of CHRIST were concerned, it was all over save the shouting. Others condemned to die were with JESUS. Two men who were guilty of crimes against the state and against humanity were also moving toward that hill where all three would face the ignominious death of crucifixion.

     Three men of Calvary - one was the CHRIST, the MESSIAH of Israel, the GOD-MAN, unjustly condemned through the testimony of false witnesses; the second we have come to know as the impenitent thief; the third was the penitent thief. One had been declared "not guilty" by the Roman Governor, Pilate; one went to his death spewing words of accusation against JESUS; one was brought to repentance and trusted in CHRIST that day. One MAN died for redemption; one man died rejecting; one man died believing (Luke 23:43 pictured above). The love of GOD was fully displayed at Calvary. The supposed place of defeat became, instead, the place of victory. On that cruel Roman cross, between two thieves, JESUS CHRIST became sin for us and fulfilled the work of redemption, crying, "It is finished !" as HE bore our sins. Yes, three men of Calvary: one MAN died for sin; one man died in sin; one man died saved from sin. In sin or saved from sin - which one are you ? If you have not done so already, be the one who trusts CHRIST and is saved from sin today (see below to find out how) ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"PROBLEM SOLVING in Light of WHO GOD Is"

 

Jeremiah 32:17-27 "Ah LORD GOD ! behold, THOU hast made the Heaven and the Earth by THY great power, and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for THEE: THOU showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest  the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the GREAT, the MIGHTY GOD, the LORD of hosts, is HIS name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for THINE eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made there a name, as at this day; and hast brought forth THY people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; and hast given them this land, which THOU didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; and they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not THY voice, neither walked in THY Law; they have done nothing of all that THOU commanded them to do ; therefore THOU hast caused all this evil to come upon them: Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence; and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, THOU seest it. And THOU hast said unto me, O LORD GOD, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. Then came the WORD of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying, BEHOLD, I AM the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for ME ?"

     We all would likely agree that, even as Christians, we often encounter difficulties in life for which we desperately want solutions. To that end, we need to consider problem-solving in the light of WHO GOD is. How do you respond to the frequent challenges in life, whether small or great ? Do you get mad or glad ? In this extended lesson, let us consider who GOD is as revealed to us in the Scriptures and how that knowledge relates to the problems we encounter in our earthly journey.

     First, note that GOD is omnipotent - all-powerful and able to do whatever HE wills in harmony with HIS nature. HE is able to solve any problem. Nothing is too hard for HIM, and no problem is too big. "Ah LORD GOD ! Behold, THOU has made the Heaven and the Earth by THY great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for THEE. . .BEHOLD, I AM the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for ME ?" (vv.17,27). Through HIM I can do all things, as the Apostle Paul told the believers at Philippi: "I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13 pictured above).

     Second, GOD is omniscient - all-knowing. HE sees all things, both actual and hypothetical - past, present, and future - in one eternal act. HE understands all about your problem, and HE knows its solution. HE also is aware of how much you can bear (1st.Corinthians 10:13 pictured above). Moses reminded the Israelites: "For the LORD thy GOD hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: HE knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness . . . The LORD thy GOD hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing (Deuteronomy 2:7 pictured above). Simply trust your almighty omniscient GOD through whatever problems may come your way.

Romans 11:33-36 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD ! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the LORD ? or who hath been HIS counselor ? or who hath first given to HIM, and it shall be recompensed unto HIM again ? For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things: to WHOM be glory forever. AMEN."

     "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17). We all have problems of various kinds. They may be large or small and can be encountered at home, at the workplace, in the church, anywhere and everywhere. However, no predicament or concern exists that cannot be solved when it is confronted from the foundational truth of WHO GOD is. If we put the matter in the light of GOD's person, remembering that HE is all-powerful and all-knowing, then our difficulties and dilemmas and the confusion concerning how to handle them will fade as we fix our eyes on the greatest of all problem-solvers.

     In addition to GOD's omnipotence and omniscience, HIS WORD reveals to us that HE is all-wise. In dealing with our obstacles, we must remember that he allows these challenges in our lives because HE understands what the best for us is and also knows the proper solution. In this part of our study, the Apostle Paul presents a doxology extolling the wisdom of GOD: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD ! How unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the LORD ? Or who hath been HIS counselor ? Or who hath first given to HIM, and it shall be recompensed unto HIM again ? For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things: to WHOM be glory forever, AMEN."  Our GOD is the ONE WHO "worketh all things after the counsel of HIS own will" (Ephesians 1:11 pictured above). "The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of HIS heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11 pictured above). Do you need a problem-solver today ? Go to the all-wise GOD. HE will never fail you.

Psalm 139:7-10 "Whither shall I go from THY SPIRIT ? or whither shall I flee from THY presence ? If I ascend up into Heaven, THOU art there: if I make my bed in Hell, behold, THOU art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall THY hand lead me, and THY right hand shall hold me."

     We must always remind ourselves that, no matter where we are or what our problems may be, we are never away from the presence of the LORD for our GOD is omnipresent - everywhere present. This is so distinctly brought before us in the words of David in our text above: "Whither shall I go from THY SPIRIT ? Or whither shall I flee from THY presence ? If I ascend up into Heaven, THOU art there: if I make my bed in Hell, behold, THOU art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall THY hand lead me, and THY right hand shall hold me." When we face any problem, we must remember that GOD is with us and is in us. We have the promise that HE will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrew 13:5 pictured above). The living GOD is our HELPER. "Fear thou not; for I AM with thee: be not dismayed; for I AM thy GOD: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of MY righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10). "Am I a GOD at hand, saith the LORD, and not a GOD afar off ? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him ? saith the LORD. Do not I fill Heaven and Earth ? saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:23-24).

     Furthermore, whenever we are in need of confronting life's challenges, it is vital to remember that GOD is immutable - HE is devoid of all change. Since HE never changes, HIS love and promises forever remain certain. HE WHO redeemed you is able to help you in whatever difficulties you encounter in the present. You can always count on GOD being GOD. Yes, HE declares, "I AM the LORD, I change not" (Malachi 3:6 pictured above). Bring all your troubles to HIM and leave them there. The unchanging GOD will never fail. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless We, According to HIS Promise . . ."

 

2nd.Peter 3:8-18 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the Day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the Day of GOD, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?

Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be glory both now and forever, AMEN."

     People are desperately seeking solutions to personal and world problems. Sadly, far too many, having rejected GOD's guidance, are involved in vain and futile efforts. Note another nevertheless - "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21 pictured above). We can understand why unbelievers seek man's devices, but how incredible it is that so many Christians give their time, effort, and money to programs that will fail. Why will they fail ? It is because their philosophies and strategies openly contradict GOD's counsel !

     Massive prayer and evangelistic programs are attractive to many. Yes, this world is certainly in need of more prayer and evangelism, but most of these efforts do not conform to biblical standards as they are filled with the leaven of unbelieving, ecumenical leadership and participation. True believers are, indeed, to be unified (Ephesians 4:3 pictured above), but the unity so popular in our day is an unscriptural union upon which GOD has pronounced a curse, not a blessing. In addition to religious joint-efforts, environmental and social issues are also bringing together a strange mixture of advocates. While we should be conscious about pollution and social ills, usually those people who are dedicated to such movements have distorted priorities and little or no concern about spiritual and ideological contaminations, which are far more dangerous. Our text reveals GOD's plan for this old world as well as HIS promise for a new one: "Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (v.13). This world is not our home; we are to wait for something far better ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless Afterward . . ."

 

Hebrews 12:5-11 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, MY son, despise not thou the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when thou are rebuked of HIM: for whom the LORD loveth HE chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom HE receiveth. If ye endure chastening, GOD dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the FATHER chasteneth not ? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the FATHER of spirits, and live ? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but HE for our profit, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

     The chastening hand of the LORD is a loving hand - a demonstration of HIS concern for our spiritual well-being (v.6). GOD's discipline, though it will certainly cause discomfort, is to be welcomed and endured as one proof of our sonship (vv.7-8). The humble believer will not complain but, rather, will rejoice in the fact that GOD's correction is not random or without purpose. HE is the perfect FATHER WHO chastens for our good and for HIS glory; through HIS correction, we will be "partakers of HIS holiness" (vv.9-10). In the midst of whatever chastisement GOD initiates, we must not forget the "nevertheless" that goes with it: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (v.11 pictured above).

     What a blessed promise ! In a day when so many charismatic leaders are falsely claiming that a loving GOD would never permit HIS faithful children to suffer, we must listen to GOD's WORD and reject the teaching of those who twist the Scriptures and lead believers to think that any affliction they experience is due to their supposed lack of faith. Obviously, Christians need to have implicit belief in whatever GOD says in HIS WORD, but, in addition, they also must reject all teachings that are contrary to the Bible. Furthermore, they must remember that GOD often permits HIS children to experience deep sorrow and great sufferings not necessarily to discipline but to purify, as explained in 1st.Peter 4:12-19, pictured above. GOD allows "fiery trials" in order to strengthen our faith. Yielding to CHRIST will produce spiritual fruit that will be a blessing to ourselves and others. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation