Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Talk About Your All Hallow's Eve...

 
Prophecy Today Devotions  
October 31, 2012  

Jimmy DeYoung
Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals! 

 Please visit my website to learn more Bible prophecies being fulfilled in these last days. 

Zechariah 14:4

 

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

 

For further study - Zechariah 14:1-5

 

Today for our devotional reading I have asked you to read only five verses in Zechariah 14because it is so jam packed with events that will unfold in a short period of time.

 

Zechariah 14 is not a stand-alone chapter, but must be combined with Revelation 19:11-20to help you realize how the return of the Lord Jesus Christ will actually take place.

 

However, allow me to only deal with these five verses in this devotional time. In verse 1 we see the phrase, the "Day of the Lord" which is used seventy-two times in the Old Testament and is that period in time when the Lord intercedes in the affairs of man, personally, right here on the earth.

 

The specific usage of this definition refers to the time just preceding, and the actual day, that Jesus returns to the earth, verse 4. Verse 2 reveals how the "campaign of Armageddon" begins with all the nations of the world gathering at Jerusalem.

 

This verse answers the question often asked about the United States in Bible prophecy. The United States is never mentioned by name, but if the United States is included at all in Bible prophecy, it is only referred to in this verse as one of the nations that will gather to witness the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

 

The scenario, prophetically, that leads up to this point, is the destruction of the literal city of Babylon in modern day Iraq, which will serve as the headquarters for the worldwide, governmental, economic, political system, headed up by Antichrist.

 

The Lord will destroy that system and the city in one hour, Revelation 18:10, 17 & 19 and Revelation 16:17-21. Then the Satanic trio, Satan, Antichrist and the False Prophet rush to Jerusalem and bring the nations of the world together, with their armies, into Jerusalem by the means of signs, wonders and miracles, Revelation 16:13-16.

 

When the armies of the world are gathered in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Satan, Jesus will come from heaven to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, verse 4.

 

There will be some geographical changes in Jerusalem and those armies gathered to fight along side Satan and against Jesus will flee for the "Valley of the Mountains", verse 5.

 

The "Valley of the Mountains" is the Jezreel Valley that is 1,000 square miles in size, surrounded by different mountain ranges where the actual "Battle of Armageddon" will take place when Jesus goes there and speaks "death" to around one hundred million soldiers from the armies of the world.

 

This will not be a "nuclear battle", Jesus speaks and all the soldiers and animals that they might have used in the war effort will be killed at His spoken word, Revelation19:15.

 

Space will not allow for additional "prophetic truth" that would indicate how close we are to this prophetic scenario being fulfilled, Let me just say that everything is ready for these prophecies to be fulfilled.

 

Please remember, seven years before the Lord steps down on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the Rapture happens, when the Archangel shouts, the trumpet sounds and Jesus shouts for us to join Him in the air where we will ever be with Him in the heavenlies. The Rapture could happen today.

 

 

PRAYER THOT: Help me, Lord, to warn as many people as I can of this coming time of great judgment upon the earth. And help me to show them how to be prepared for this event by coming to know You as Lord and Saviour.


 

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

How to Choose Your Enemies

 
Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals  

Acts 5:29  "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."

 

How many enemies do you have?  Don't be naïve to think you don't have any, and don't be foolish enough to seek them out!  The fact is, when you choose your master, you choose your enemies.

 

The apostles, despite being warned not to teach and preach Jesus Christ, had "filled Jerusalem with [their] doctrine."  The religious leaders did not take kindly to the truth that "intend[ed] to bring this man's blood upon us."  That is exactly what the Good News intends to do!  The Gospel is based on the truth that we are all guilty of the death of Jesus Christ.  He is the One who can provide life for us!

 

What did Peter and the other apostles do?  They said, "We ought to obey God rather than men."  Now before you get carried away with this verse, notice that Peter said, "We ought to obey.. . ."  Were they rebelling or submitting?  They weren't rebelling against men; they were submitting to God and His command.  The act of preaching Jesus Christ, for which they were in trouble, was not in defiance of someone; it was in obedience to Christ.  The moment you go from obeying Christ to rebelling in your heart, you are wrong.

 

You don't have to seek out enemies.  They will find you.  When you choose the master who will lead you, you have chosen the enemies who will oppose you.  The focus of your life should be the master you are following.  Choose your master wisely.

 

If Christ is your master, you will have no true enemies except enemies of Christ.  The apostles drew the ire of the religious leaders precisely because they were following Christ.  Enemies of Christ can't dodge the truth and power of the Gospel.  Enemies of Christ can't win.  When you choose your Master wisely, you can't lose!


 

 

 

Read more devotionals, listen to sermon audio, and read thought-provoking articles on our website!

 

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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Monday, October 29, 2012

IN GOD WE TRUST


2 SAMUEL 3                       

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HOUSES, HOMES & HOLINESS [v. 1-6]

 

1. The “House” of David Increases in Strength [v. 1]

 

2. The “Home” of David Decreases in Strength [v. 2-5, Dt. 17:17]

 

3. The House of Saul’s Misplaced Strength [v. 6]

 

II. WOMEN, POLITICS & PROBLEMS [v. 7-21]

 

1.  The Accusation [v. 7-11]

 

2. The Acquisition [v. 12-16]

 

3.  The Art of Diplomacy [v. 17-21]

 

III. SUSPICION, ANIMOSITY & FAITH

 

1. Joab’s Resentment [v. 22-25]

 

2. Joab’s Revenge [v. 26-30]

 

3. Joab’s Rebuke [v. 31-39]

Sunday, October 28, 2012

THE DEVIL’S DIRTY BUSINESS


 JOB 1:1-7            
Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE DEVIL’S DEAL [as in “What’s your deal?”]

1. The Devil’s Deal is Seeking [1 Peter 5:8]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. The Devil’s Deal is Deceiving [2 Corinthians 11:13-15]

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

3. The Devil’s Deal is Sifting [Luke 22:31]

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

II. THE DEVIL’S DESIRE

1. To Blind You [2 Corinthians 4:4]

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2. To Make You Curse God [Job 1:5, 11, 2:5, 9]

3. To Make You Miserable [Job, 1 Chr. 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.]

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen  years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once  and again; but Satan hindered us.

III. THE DEVIL’S DILEMMA

1. Satan has been Denied Understanding by His Sin [1 Peter 1:12 he doesn’t understand obedience, Job 13:15 he doesn’t understand faith]

2. Satan has been Deluded by Himself [Is. 14;12-15]

3. Satan has been Defeated by the Saviour [Rom. 8:31-39]

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Question of the Week: How can we know Jesus existed?


Answers Weekly - Answers in Genesis

 

Answers Weekly

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us
October 27, 2012

a weekly look at answersingenesis.org

top leftIn this issue . . .

Q: How can we know Jesus existed?

A: The Bible is God's Word, and since God cannot lie, we know that His Word is true. The Old Testament prophesied that Jesus would come, and the New Testament tells us a great deal about His life, ministry, and death. Therefore, we can be absolutely certain that He did exist.
This truth is confirmed by the majority of scholarly historians. Consider the following statements from critical scholars (who have rejected the miraculous elements of Christ's life):
Of course the doubt as to whether Jesus really existed is unfounded and not worth refutation. No sane person can doubt that Jesus stands as founder behind the historical movement whose first distinct stage is represented by the oldest Palestinian community. (Rudolf Bultmann)
To doubt the historical existence of Jesus at all . . . was reserved for an unrestrained, tendentious criticism of modern times into which it is not worthwhile to enter here. (Günther Bornkamm)
I am of the opinion (and it is an opinion shared by every serious historian) that the theory ["that Jesus never lived, that he was a purely mythical figure"] is historically untenable. (Willi Marxsen)
Read more about Jesus from the Bible and from history.

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Who is this Jesus? Madman? Con man? Son of God? The Authentic Christ takes a look at the evidence for Jesus Christ as a real figure of history and documents the historical accuracy of the Gospels—as well as studying the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies to see how these prophecies point to the coming of Christ.

News to Note Quick Look

Hidden in plain sight: Biological cloaking design of silver fish offers biomimetic possibilities.
Grandpa squirrel: Primordial primate said to have scampered about the trees in ancient Montana.
Dinosaur soft tissue: Evidence demonstrates preservation of cellular proteins in dinosaur fossils.
Global cooking: Unprecedented global heat left its footprints in tiny teeth.
Evolutionary medicine: Editorial exhorts veterinarians and physicians to embrace evolution.

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Just and the Justifier




Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals  
Romans 3:26  "To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."
 
Just and the Justifier
 
Have you ever done something that was wrong, but you tried to pass it off as right?  Maybe you tried to convince yourself or someone else that what you did was OK.  It's amazing the stories we tell ourselves and other people when we try to justify our actions!
 
Is justifying something or someone always a bad thing?  What does it mean when God justifies a sinner?  When you justify your wrong actions, you excuse your sin; when God justifies you, He deals with your sin.  Justifying yourself means sweeping your wrong "under the rug"; God justifying you means putting your sin under the blood of Jesus Christ.  There is a cosmic difference between your act of justifying and God's!
 
The more you justify yourself, the less just you are.  In contrast, God is both just and the Justifier!  All mankind hinges on the truth that God is just and that He can justify.  He is the only One who can be both at the same time!
 
God is just because He condemns sin, and He is just because He saves from sin.  Any man, woman, boy, or girl who will be justified must come to the Justifier.  If you are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, how could you boast or brag about any good that you have? (verse 27)
 
In life, you can be just or you can try to justify your actions, but you can't be both just and a justifier.  God is just and the Justifier, and we would do well to remember that in matters great and small.  What story will you tell yourself today?

 
 
 
Read more devotionals, listen to sermon audio, and read thought-provoking articles on our website!
 
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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Jimmy DeYoung's Daily Devotional


Prophecy Today Devotions  

Jimmy DeYoung
Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals! 


 
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
 
For further study - Zechariah 2:1-13
 
This second chapter of Zechariah focuses on the city of Jerusalem. It is natural that Jerusalem should be mentioned again and again in this prophecy. It is a prophecy written by the Jewish prophet that was called to exhort the Jewish people to rebuild the temple after their return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile.
 
In our last devotional reading in Zechariah, we found out that the Lord is "aggressively possessive" of Jerusalem and "sore displeased" with those who are "arrogantly secure" with present-day control of the Temple Mount.
 
Also, Jesus will come one day to build His Temple in the heart of Jerusalem on the Temple Mount. Now Zechariah reveals Jerusalem in the "kingdom age to come" in our reading for today.
 
The city of Jerusalem is mentioned 37 times in this prophetic book and here in the second chapter the prophet refers to the holy city as the "apple of his eye". That phrase is speaking of the "pupil" of the eye, the most sensitive spot on the entire body. This is a warning to those who might consider touching - attacking - the city of Jerusalem.
 
This reading for today is looking past the time of real controversy that will surround Jerusalem approaching the time of the Second Coming of Jesus, including the seven year period of great judgment called the Tribulation Period.
 
Our devotional is looking to the time that the Glory (Jesus Christ) will be in the midst of Jerusalem, verse 5. The Lord has promised to dwell among His people, the Jewish people, forever in Jerusalem, verses 10-11. This chapter is depicting the "chosen city" in the "holy land" in the "kingdom to come".
 
However, remember as I mentioned earlier, the city of Jerusalem will be the center of controversy. In fact, it is the same prophet, Zechariah, that reveals this information to us inZechariah 12:2. I will develop that prophecy in a future devotional.
 
Suffice to say, leading up to the coming of the Messiah back to Jerusalem, things will become very tense in the "holy city". This is becoming more evident with each passing day as we approach the Lord's return.
 
As you couple the vision of the future kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem, with the festering controversy surrounding Jerusalem today, we can know both are close at hand and thus so is His Second Coming.
 
Remember, the Rapture takes place seven years before His Second Coming, meaning that the Rapture could happen at any moment. Keep looking up.
 
PRAYER THOT: Dear Jesus, as I watch Jerusalem, help me to recognize where we are in God's time for the last days, and help me to live according to that knowledge.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

THE KING OF HEAVEN


DANIEL 4

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE KING’S TESTIMONY [v. 1-3]

 

1. It is a Testimony to be Shared [v. 1]

2. It is a Testimony of God’s Grace [v. 2]

3. It is a Testimony of God’s Greatness [v. 3]

 

II. THE KING’S TURN [v. 4-33]

 

1.  The King’s Turn to Daniel [v. 4-18]

2. The King’s Turn to Repent [v. 19-29] God gave him a year to repent

3.  The King Turn to Beasthood [v. 30-33] was it judgment? Mercy? Or Both?

 

III. THE KING’S TRIUMPH [v. 34-37]

 

1. The Work of God in a Man’s Life [v. 34-36]

2. The Works of Man [v. 37a]

3. The Works of God [v. 37b]

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Biblical ABC’s: N is for – Name of Jesus

Ladies Bible Study by Mrs. Rick Jackson

There’s a beautiful old hymn written in 1946 by Oscar C. Eliason, that was often sung by one of our Pastor’s favorite vocalists, Charles Weigle, the words of which I want to share with you tonight:

 

A Name I Highly Treasure

 

I’ve learned to know a name I highly treasure.
O how it thrills my spirit through and through!
O precious name, beyond degree or measure,
My heart is stirred when-e’er I think of You!

My heart is stirred when-e’er I think of Jesus,
That blessed name which sets the captive free -
The only name through which I find salvation.
No name on earth has meant so much to me.


That name brings gladness to a soul in sorrow.
It makes life’s shadows and its clouds depart -
Brings strength in weakness for today, tomorrow.
That name brings healing to an aching heart.

That name still lives and will live on forever,
While kings and kingdoms will forgotten be.
Through mist or rain, ’twill be beclouded never,
That name shall shine and shine eternally.

My heart is stirred when-e’er I think of Jesus,
That blessed name which sets the captive free -
The only name through which I find salvation.
No name on earth has meant so much to me!

- Oscar C. Eliason,

Copyright © 1946, 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co


 

So, I thought I would make tonight’s theme, what we have in the Name of Jesus!

     I.            Salvation     


 

Acts 4:12:  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

 

If you were to listen to the “wisdom” of the world, you would hear them say that there are MANY roads to heaven and it doesn’t matter how you get there, it just matters that you know where you’re going.  That’s the devil talking.  My Bible says in John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Matthew 1:21 – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” John 1:12 – “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 20:31 – “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Acts 2:21, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” 1 John 2:12, “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 1 John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” And, of course, a verse we quote often in witnessing and leading others to Christ, Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

II.            Adoration             


 

Philippians 2:9,10, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

You know, the Book of HEBREWS, which most scholars believe was written by Paul, is a beautiful epistle showing how the Old Testament sacrifices and ceremonies point to Jesus.  It takes time to read and study and requires one to be familiar with the Old Testament to fully appreciate everything presented, but it is full of such great truths!  If you turn in your Bibles with me to Hebrews chapter 2, I’d like us to read a portion together, beginning at verse 7:

7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:                8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.                     9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.          10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.      11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,            12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

Jesus took my place on the cross, why shouldn’t I sing His praises – at home, at work, at church, wherever I am?  He loved me so much, He became “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29

Romans 15:9 – “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.”

III.            Supplication       


 

It’s a wonderful principle taught in the Bible that if we ask anything according to the truths taught in the Scriptures and ask believing in Jesus’ name, we shall receive.  Look at what Jesus says to his disciples in Matthew 18:19,20 – “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.       For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Again, close to the time of His crucifixion when Jesus was giving the disciples His last teachings, He spoke these words in John 14:13,14:And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.           If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

Over and over, He teaches the disciples.  He tells them about the Holy Spirit to come.  He prays for them to the Father above.  He tries to prepare them for His coming death, burial and resurrection, and He wants them to know, there will be power in His name! See what Jesus says:

John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

John 16:24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

IV.            Identification    


 

We all know that the Book of Acts is about the growth of the church after the resurrection of Jesus, first among the Jews and then the Gentiles.  It is a remarkable and, I always find, joyful reading.  Every time I go through the Book of Acts, I find another joyful nugget of excitement!  It is in the Book of Acts that we find our unique title:  Turn with me to Acts 11:26, “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.  Why were they called Christians?  Because they were followers of Jesus Christ! Our identification is in His name! Now, look with me in Acts chapter 15, beginning at verse 13:

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:            14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.    15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,        16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:     17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.      18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Our identification is in His name!

 V.            Sanctification    


 

Finally, as Christians, we are to serve Christ in the world, but we are not to be partakers OF the world and its snares of sin. Note the following:

1 Corinthians 6:11,And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6,Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

 

Therefore, in the name of Jesus, we have

SALVATION

ADORATION  (for His mercy)

SUPPLICATION (to ask for anything)

IDENTIFICATION (I am a Christian!) and

SANCTIFICATION (we are set apart).

Don’t you think this deserves one more thing?

Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
 
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