Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Christmas in July


Prophecy Today Devotions  
  
Jimmy DeYoung
Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals! 


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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

For further study - Isaiah 9:1-7

Of the seventeen prophets whose writings are found in the Old Testament canon, "Isaiah" is known as the chief of the "writing prophets", and justly so.

Isaiah is writing about 750 years before the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The prophet reveals, predicting more than any other prophet, the activities and events in the life, on earth, of the coming Messiah.

In this prophetic book, the Messiah in his "person" and "sufferings", and the blessing of the Gentiles through Him, are in full view, or should I say "full vision".

The seventeen prophets have unique ministries during the times before the exile in Babylon, during the Babylonian Captivity, and after the exile. Isaiah was chosen to do his prophetic ministry during the time leading up to the exile.

Some aspects of Isaiah's prophetic ministry would be focused on what would happen to the Jews before they were carried away into the Babylonian Captivity.

Isaiah would focus his prophecies on the people of Judah, two of the twelve tribes that stayed in the south of Israel, at Jerusalem, when the division of the twelve tribes of Israel took place, as recorded in

The Assyrians had defeated the "ten tribes", in the north, known as Israel, and these enemies of the Jewish people were now considering advancing south into Judah to defeat the "two southern tribes", Judah and Benjamin.

It is in this context that we come to our devotional passage for today. Isaiah was warning the Jews that the Assyrians would advance to the south and bring to an end the Jewish people and any semblance of a Jewish nation.

Couched among these prophecies of impending danger, Isaiah writes two verses that bring "hope", verses 6 and 7. These are two very "power-packed" verses foretelling the birth of the One who would take on His shoulders the government of not only the Jewish people, but of all "humankind".

Jesus would come as a "son", born into this world to bring "true peace". In fact, the only time in history of "real peace" will be when the "Prince of Peace" comes to set up His everlasting Kingdom, as He rules and reigns from His Temple in Jerusalem.

To confirm the Lord's promise to King David, the "Davidic Covenant", Isaiah reports that the fulfillment of the "Davidic Covenant" is to be confirmed with this "newborn son". During any season of the year it is so refreshing to once again read these very special promises knowing that, "the zeal of the Lord of host will perform this", verse 7.

The Lord God did keep His absolute promise of a "Son to be born unto us", verse 6. Everybody is talking about peace these days, but the only "peace" we will ever have in this world is centered in the person of Jesus Christ who is the "Prince of Peace".

As we remember, and yearly celebrate the first coming of this "Prince of Peace", we now await His return to set up His long promised Kingdom and in truth take the government of this world upon His shoulders.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for the best "gift" ever, the "Prince of Peace" who was born unto us and will rule over us one day, forever.
  
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Monday, July 30, 2012

WHERE IS YOUR SUFFIENCY?

1 SAMUEL 17


‎2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.



Pastor Rick Jackson



I. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE WORLD [v. 1-11]

1. Political & Military Might [v. 1-3]

2. Flesh & Finery [v. 4-7]

3. Promises & Prowess [v. 8-11]



II. THE INSUFFICIENCY OF THE RELIGIONISTS [v. 12-44]

1. Family Ties [v. 12-29]

2. Worldly Wisdom [v. 30-42]

3. Religious Observation [v. 43-44]



III. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE SAVIOUR



1. Faith’s Object [v. 45-47, Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.]

2. Faith’s Action [v. 48-51, James 1:21-27]

3. Faith’s Reminders [v. 51c-58, Philippians 1:1-6]

Sunday, July 29, 2012

3 of the BIGGEST LIES YOU WILL EVER BELIEVE

GENESIS 3


Pastor Rick Jackson



I. LIES THE DEVIL TELLS ABOUT SIN

1. “Ye shall not surely die” [v. 4]

In other words- God doesn’t mean what He says – the Bible is not true- you CAN sin and get by with it

2. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened” [v. 5a]

In other words- God is trying to keep you from enjoying life- sin is beneficial

3. “ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” [v. 5b]

In other words- God is selfish- sinning will make you like God



II. FACTS WE LEARN ABOUT SIN [v. 6-7]

These are non-negotiable truths.

1. Sin will take you further than you want to go.

2. Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay.

3. Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.



III. THE TRUTH ABOUT SIN



1. Man Cannot Cover His Sin [Luke 12:2]

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

2. Man Cannot Control His Sin [Rm. 7:14-25]

3. Man Cannot Conquer His Sin [Rm. 8:1-8, 37]

Saturday, July 28, 2012

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks. - Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr [his nephew]

In those wretched countries where a man cannot call his tongue his own, he can scarcely call anything his own.... Whoever would overthrow the Liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. - Benjamin Franklin

All God's giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on his being with them. - J. Hudson Taylor

Prayer will make a man cease from sin, as sin will entice a man to cease from prayer. - John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress
-----------------------------------------------------------
Abraham Lincoln said, "I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards!" If you would go forward and not backward:

  • pause at life's intersections;
  • process your observations;
  • probe for information;
  • proceed in the right direction;
  • profit from good decisions.

Then you will not be guilty of walking backward and rejecting the Lord. - J. Don Jennings



Question of the Week: What do the Olympics have to do with God's Word?


Answers Weekly - Answers in Genesis

 

Answers Weekly

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us
July 28, 2012

a weekly look at answersingenesis.org

top leftIn this issue . . .

Q: What do the Olympics have to do with God's Word?

A: The modern version of the Olympic Games started in Athens in 1896, and although they have generated their share of controversy, the games were meant to foster cooperation, peace, and good sportsmanship. This is far different from the original Olympic Games, which started in 776 BC. These games began in Olympia, Greece, and were held in honor of Zeus. Rules were much different then, as many athletes competed in the nude, and in one event, pancratium, the goal was to box, kick, or wrestle one's opponent until he submitted, fell unconscious, or died.
The Olympic Games grew rapidly in popularity, and before long similar competitions sprang up in ancient Greece: the games at Delphi in honor of Apollo (582 BC), the Isthmian Games near Corinth in honor of Poseidon (582 BC), and the games at Nemea to honor Zeus (573 BC). While these games were originally dedicated to pagan gods, Christians can use the Olympics as an opportunity to teach the truth.
As is true today, these contests were big business and a cultural phenomenon. So popular were these various competitions that the authors of the New Testament made several allusions to them as illustrations.
See how Scripture relates to the games and learn about an Olympics-sized outreach taking place next week!

Get Equipped

Get EquippedWhy Won't They Listen? DVD
The huge crowds gathering for the Olympics remind us that so many have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, you are His witness, but often people refuse to listen. Why? In this DVD, Ken Ham clearly shows the answer. Check out this excellent resource to more effectively share your faith. (Also available as a softcover book.)

News to Note Quick Look

Salmon spawning sooner: Salmon said to have evolved rapidly.
Tiny tracks: A trail of tiny tracks in Uruguay's TacuarĂ­ Formation have evolutionary pundits scratching their heads to sort out the rate of evolution of early complex life-forms.
"Protofeathered" dinosaurs: Fine filaments on Bavarian theropod boasted to "bridge the considerable gap" between "feathered dinosaur" groups.
Primordial wellspring: Carbonaceous chondrites steal comets' credit for watering the early earth.
Re-defining daddy: Radicalization of the family imminent if California's Uniform Parentage Act becomes law.

After Eden

After Eden

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

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Watch Video (Part 3)

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Our Understanding of Creation


Days of
Praise
Our Understanding of Creation
 
"Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee." (Nehemiah 9:6)
 
The Bible clearly states that God created the "heaven, and earth, the sea and all that in them is" (Exodus 20:11) out of nothing. "Things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3). The first verse of the Bible, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth," could be paraphrased: God called into existence the space--mass--time (i.e., heavens--earth--beginning) universe. Evidently before creation, nothing now intrinsic to the universe existed at all.
 
While this teaching is clear, not hard to understand, it is hard to believe. Such ex nihilo (i.e., out of nothing) creation is so foreign to our experience that it can only be comprehended as God reveals it to us. We are taught that His creative work was finished at the end of the sixth day of Creation Week (Genesis 2:1-4). With the exception of certain of the miracles of Christ on Earth, such creation has not occurred since, and we have difficulty believing it could happen, so foreign is it to our experience.
 
Our difficulty stems primarily from the fact that we are sinful creatures; our minds are hampered by sin. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
 
Since the doctrine of creation is foundational to the rest of Scripture, we dare not neglect it just because it is difficult, and we dare not impose our feeble naturalistic reasonings onto the clear teaching of Genesis 1 and related passages, thereby reducing God's power to mere human abilities. JDM
 
Print this article | More Days of Praise articles
 

 
Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229   


THE COMING KINGDOM


And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.
For further study - Isaiah 4:1-6
The passage chosen today for our devotional reading is actually a vision of the future kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This is a vision that God gave to the ancient Jewish prophet Isaiah.
I chose this passage to confront the philosophy that is spreading among many churches and Christians today that we are now living in the kingdom here on earth. This "kingdom now" idea is totally contradictory to God's Word and plan for the Jewish people of the future.
For one thing, most "kingdom now" thinkers believe that the promise of the "kingdom" for the Jews has been negated and those promises now apply to the Church, Christians. That is not only anti-Biblical but it is very anti-Semitic.
Any thinking which says the "kingdom" promised to the Jews when Jesus Christ returns is not literal is saying that all of the covenants that God made with the Jews have been broken and basically the Lord is a liar.
We all know that God cannot lie so thus His "kingdom" promise to the Jews must be kept. Notice in verse 2 that the "Branch", that's Jesus Christ, in His beauty and glory will be back on earth and ruling from Jerusalem from a Temple He himself will build, Zechariah 6:12-13.
Verse 3 reveals to us that the "kingdom" headquarters will be Mt Zion, Jerusalem. These two, Zion and Jerusalem, are synonymous terms, they are the same geographical location.
Verse 4 says the time of the Kingdom will be when Messiah, Jesus Christ, has cleansed the Jewish people. That is yet future, after the seven year Tribulation Period.
The word "tabernacle" used in verse 6 is "suca" in Hebrew which is actually a "thatched hut" used by the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land.
Today during the "Feast of Tabernacles" Jewish people celebrate that "seven-day" Jewish feast by living, sleeping, eating and fellowshipping in a "suca" that they erect at their homes.
Remember Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, "suca's", on the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17:4. Peter thought it was the "Kingdom" period and therefore the fulfillment of the Jewish "Feast of Tabernacles". Thus the three "suca's", would have been one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.
The "Kingdom" is yet future, howbeit, the near future. The "Kingdom" is not in operation now. That is a very dangerous theology. When Hitler wanted to set up the "kingdom" he had to slaughter the Jews first.
The promise of the "Kingdom" for the Jews is yet to be fulfilled. Isaiah's "vision of the Kingdom" in our reading for today is a "promise" of that coming Kingdom, in a near by tomorrow.
PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for the Biblical basis for understanding the "end times".

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

A TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE

By Jimmy DeYoung


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
For further study - Ecclesiastes 3:1-12
God entrusted one man to write three books, all focused on the "wisdom of God". The essence of the three manuscripts speak of wisdom and reveals to us that the "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge, Proverbs 1:7.
As we read through the three books penned by the wise man, King Solomon, we see that with knowledge we get understanding and wisdom comes through that understanding of knowledge given to us as we reverentially fear the Lord and have a hatred for the evil He hates.
Solomon also speaks to us about "time". "Time" is one thing that is given to each of us individually but in the same amounts. Each of us have been given 86,400 seconds each day. It is what we do with the time that God has given us that matters.
As you read through our extended reading today, think on the statements about "time" and what should happen with the time the Lord has given each of us.
One important time is the time you are spending right now, a "devotional time". Spending this time in His book, the Bible, will assist us in spending the rest of our time for Him.
There needs to be a time set aside each week to join others in our worship of the Lord. That would be a "church time".
High priority in the expanse of time is what is referred to as "family time". We cut back on "family time" to our own detriment and the detriment of our family members.
Another theme of Solomon is "work time". God has a plan for every one of us, not only those who are ministers. This is a plan that is well described as "work time". There is also "rest time". Remember when your Mom used to give you rest time. Remember the old saying, "We must come apart to rest or we will come apart".
For those who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior there is a "time of Salvation". It is an appointed time, today.
Then, as we often remind you, there are the "end times". That is the period of time we are living in today. When Daniel used the phrase, "at the time of the end", Daniel 11:40, he was referring to the time today.
Every Bible prophecy that needed to be fulfilled before the Rapture, has been fulfilled. Today could well be the time of the shout from the Archangel, Jesus shouting and the trumpet sounding, which will call us to join our Lord in the heavens. That "time" could be today.
PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to look for you and live accordingly in the "time of the end".
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

ANGELS

HEBREWS 13:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson



I. THEY ARE REAL

1. God Created them as “Angels” [Col. 1:16-17, Ps. 8:4-5]

They are not, nor ever have been human. God brought forth angels on the "first day of creation" after the time He created the heavens, and before He created the earth, Genesis 1:1. I say that because God created all things in the 6 - 24 hour days of creation, Exodus 20:11. Job 38:4 and 7 says when the earth was created the angels shouted for joy. The "angels" had to be there at that time. – Jimmy DeYoung

2. God Created “Bunches” of Angels [Heb. 12:22, Ps. 68:17]

Mt. 26:53 6000 x 12=72,000  Rev. 5:11= over 100,000,000

3. God Created Angels with Personalities & Interests [1 Pt. 1:12, Job 38:7, Lk. 15:10]

II. THEY DO APPEAR

1. In the Old Testament [Gn. 18:2, 16:7, 19:1ff, 28:12]

2. In the New Testament [Mt. 1:20, Lk. 1:26ff, Acts 27:23]

3. In this Life [Heb. 1:7, 13-14; 13:2, missionary accounts, etc]

III. THEY CAN ACT ON OUR BEHALF

1. Protect Us From Spiritual Harm [Ps. 34:7, Dan. 10:12-13, 12:1]

2. Protect Us From Physical Harm [Dan. 6:22, 1 Kings 6:8-17]

3. Guide the Dead to their Place [Lk. 16:22, Mt. 13:41-42]

IV. THEY ARE LIMITED

1. They Do Not Know Everything [Mt. 24:36, Job 4:17-19]

2. They Are Not to be Worshipped [Rev. 19:10, 22:8-9]

3. They Are Not Saviours [Col. 2:18, Gal. 1:6-8]

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Can we all be soul winners?

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com


 


"I sent YOU to reap" John 4:38. Think about this. God does not send us out to play tiddelee winks with manhole covers.
I get depressed when I hear people say we can't all be soul winners. Excuse me but that is pure unbelief. God said "the harvest is plenteous" the problem is "the laborers are few" Matt. 9:37.
Dear Dad, your family, your church, the WORLD especially, needs YOU. Please don't live in the stands but we need your help in the game of life. Someone was in the game and helped you to get saved and go to heaven instead of hell. I am 90 years old, still in the game. I need you and your help to change this world back to God. If not already doing it, come go with me and bring your family.
Three chapters a day reading schedule:
Wed 7/25 1 Kings 4-6
Thu 7/26 I Kings 7-9
Fri 7/27 1 Kings 10-12
Sat 7/28 1 Kings 13-15



Monday, July 23, 2012

3 OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MISTAKES






ESTHER 3



Pastor Rick Jackson



I. THINKING CHARACTER IS NOT IMPORTANT [3:1-5]

“It’s nice to be important. It’s more important to be nice.”

1. As Shown by Ignorance of Biblical Truth [v. 1-3]

2. As Shown by Arrogance towards Bible Followers [v. 4]

3. As Shown by Intolerance towards Biblical Values [v. 5]



II. THINKING JEWS ARE NOT IMPORTANT [3:6-9]



1.  A Disregard for God’s Promises [v. 6, Gn. 12:1-3, Gal. 3:6-18

2. A Disregard for God’s Prophets [v. 7, Rm. 3:1-3, 9]

3.  A Disregard for God’s People [v. 8-9, Rm. 9:3-5]



III. THINKING THEY ARE IN CHARGE



1. Displayed by His Gloating [3:6, 5:9-12]

2. Demonstrated by His Gallows [5:13-14]

3. Destroyed by His Guilt [6:11-14, 7:6-10]



Character is important, God’s people are important, recognizing God is Sovereign is important. PSALM 96

Sunday, July 22, 2012

POWER FAILURE OR POWER PLANT?

1 SAMUEL 16



Pastor Rick Jackson



I. THE POWER IS NEEDED



1. To Overcome Fear [v. 1-5]

2. To Overcome Frailty [v. 6-13]

3. To Overcome Folly [v. 14]



II. THE POWER OF GODLINESS



1.  Revealed in the Purpose of God [v. 1, 12-13a]

2. Revealed in the Presence of God [v. 13, Zech. 4:6, Acts 1:8]

3.  Revealed in the Providence of God [v. 14-22, Rm. 8:28]



III. THE POWER OF MUSIC [v. 23]



1. For good and for bad music affects us Physically

2. For good and for bad music affects us Mentally

3. For good and for bad music affects us Spiritually

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Question of the Week: How should Christians respond to the Colorado shooting tragedy?


Answers Weekly - Answers in Genesis

 

Answers Weekly

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us
July 21, 2012

a weekly look at answersingenesis.org

top leftIn this issue . . .

Q: How should Christians respond to the Colorado shooting tragedy?

A: In the wake of the shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, where at last report 12 people were killed and several dozen were wounded earlier today, AiG reached out to our friends at Calvary Chapel Aurora this morning. AiG President Ken Ham conducted a seminar at this church last month. The church informed us that Pastor Ed Taylor and other pastors on the staff were at area hospitals to minister to the wounded and their families, and also to family members who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
When AiG conducted its seminar at the church—located about 15–20 miles from Columbine High School where in 1999 a shooting rampage killed 15 people—Ken dealt with the question, "Why does God allow death and suffering in the world?" He explained that the Bible provides the history of what's wrong with this world. In Genesis 3, God teaches us that death, bloodshed, diseases, and suffering are consequences of sin. Yet even with sin in our world, Ken declared that people can know there is meaning and purpose in life through Jesus Christ, and that by receiving Him they can be saved for eternity.
Continue reading our response to this devastating event.

Get Equipped

Get EquippedHow Could a Loving God…?
When hard times hit, even seasoned Christians find themselves asking, "Why?" In this powerful book, apologist and Bible teacher Ken Ham makes clear the hope-giving answers found in the pages of Scripture, with sensitivity to the person whose perception of God has been calloused by tragedy.

News to Note Quick Look

A dark night indeed: Tragedy in Colorado is a stark reminder of the sin and death that clouds this world.
The telltale tooth: Can Karabo catch up with Lucy's legacy?
Dolphins-by-design: How dolphins were able to "evolve such large noggins" is the "just so story" recently brought to light.
Arsenic and old lake: The "most alien life-form yet"—also known as GFAJ-1—has faced an uphill battle since first being described in Science in 2010.
Theistic evolution: It isn't a matter of what God could have done but rather a matter of what God said He did.

After Eden

After Eden

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

top leftThis Week . . .

Video On Demand

Video On Demand
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Watch Video (Part 2)

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