BUT IF NOT...

September 30, 2013   Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals!   Please visit my website to learn more Bible prophecies being fulfilled in these last days.    Daniel 3:18   But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.   For further study - Daniel 3:1-30   For our extended reading today, I would like for you to read the entire chapter of Daniel 3. This chapter, in the book of prophecy written by Daniel, is not a prophetic passage. However, it is very practical and is one of the three very practical passages in Daniel, which also includes Daniel 4 and 6. We will use these chapters in another devotional, later on.   Daniel, the author of the book, is not mentioned in chapter 3 and there is not a definite reason that we can point you to scripturally on the subject. There have been suggestions that Daniel may have been traveling during this time.   Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, had an "image of gold", verse 1, erected in Babylon, most likely an "image of a man", an image of himself that was ninety feet tall and nine feet wide at it's base.   Nebuchadnezzar's wise counselors set a trap for the three Hebrew companions of Daniel; Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, which are their godly Hebrew names. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are the Chaldean names for these three Hebrew boys.   The trap for these three was the royal order for everyone to bow to the "image of gold" when they heard the sound of music. Failure to bow would be met with the punishment of being thrown into the "fiery furnace".   Please let me point out several real blessings from the many that you will notice as you read our extended reading for the devotional today.   The three Hebrew boys refused to bow and when brought before Nebuchadnezzar they told the King that "their God which they served was able to deliver them from the burning fiery furnace", verse 17.   That assurance was a real blessing for the three, as it is for us today, an assurance that He can deliver us from any "fiery trial". However, look at the next verse, verse 18, "but if not".   Please read our key verse several times, "But if not", if God decides not to deliver us, the boys said, "we will not serve thy gods or worship the golden image".   That is the attitude missing today. Often we want God to be "Johnny on the spot", to take care of us all the time. I love that phrase, "but if not". What God decides is best, whether I think so or not.   The three boys did not "bow" and they were thrown into the furnace where they did not "burn". They not only did not burn, even the smell of smoke was not upon their bodies nor their clothing, verse 27.   When the Lord does something, He does it right. It was Jesus Christ, in a "pre-incarnate" appearance, that came to rescue the three Hebrew boys, verse 25.   This is a great story that ended with the three Hebrew boys being promoted in the Babylonian Kingdom, verse 30. Though it's not actually a prophetic passage, it does have a prophetic spiritual application.   In the last days God will protect the Jewish people from the "fiery Tribulation", a period of time known as "Jacob's trouble", that seems to be coming very soon. Remember, the Lord will preserve the Jewish people, He has a special plan for them in the future.     PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for Your protection. Please give me that "but if not" attitude when You have a better plan for me.     Visit our website at http:/www.prophecytoday.com

Shofar Communications | PO Box 2510 | Chattanooga | TN | 37409

IN ALL THIS

JOB 1:22

Evangelist Dan Potter

from notes taken by Pastor Rick Jackson

I. JOB'S SITUATION

1. Job was a family Man

2. Job was a Wealthy Man

3. Job was a Godly Man

II. JOB'S SITUATION CHANGED [v. 6]

1. God allows Satan into His Presence

2. God allows Satan to Speak & Accuse

3. God granted Satan's Request [v. 11ff]

III. JOB'S RESPONSE [v. 20-22]

1. It is NOT wrong to grieve [v. 20a, 1 Th. 4]

2. It is right to Worship

3. God's Great Goal for us [v. 22, 2:10]

is when we go through trials to not curse God, not accuse God as Israel did when they said "God you brought us here to the wilderness to die."

The temptation for Job was not to quit on God an live for the flesh [1:5, 9-11, 2:5, 9]

Job's two responses-

1] God is in control [1:21]

2] God makes no mistakes [2:10] -even if our perception is good or evil

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is antibiotic resistance an example of evolution?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us September 28, 2013 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Is antibiotic resistance an example of evolution? Get Equipped: The Genesis of Germs News to Know Quick Look After Eden Answers . . . with Ken Ham radio program Answers Conversation podcast Video: The Ice Age, Part 2 Blog Highlights Pray for AiG Q: Is antibiotic resistance an example of evolution? A: The widespread overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of bacteria that resist such medical treatment. At least two million people in the U.S. alone get infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria each year. Antibiotic resistance is often held up as the "poster-child" proving evolution in action. But resistant survivors are not new, more complex kinds of organisms. They are only resistant varieties of the same kinds of bacteria. As we've said many times before, antibiotic resistance is natural selection in action, not evolution in action. The battle against resistant bacteria is surely a battle against a nightmare at times, but not against an evolutionary one. Finding precise molecular targets at which various molecules attack pathogenic bacteria does not unveil evolution in action but just the ordinary, and unfortunately in this case very efficient, process of natural selection. Read the whole article by Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell to consider new research into how anti-microbial molecules work in the effort to provide good medical care for those in need. Get Equipped The Genesis of Germs: The Origins of Diseases and the Coming Plagues It seems that a new and more terrible disease is announced almost daily. Author Professor Alan Gillen shows that constantly mutating diseases are proof for devolution rather than evolution, the result of the literal Fall and Curse of creation as a result of man's sin. News to Know Quick Look Today's question was also a News to Know item. In case you missed it, this week we also featured the following News to Know items: Are Biological Gears Evolutionary Training Wheels for Leafhoppers? A recent report highlights the first functioning mechanical gears to be discovered in a living organism. These juvenile leafhoppers synchronize their back legs with gears. Alien Life Found in the Stratosphere? Samples from the stratosphere are said to suggest Perseid meteor shower was reminiscent of a "panspermic" origin of life on earth. After Eden Answers . . . with Ken Ham radio program Did Humans Evolve from Ape-like Creatures? Part 5: Conclusion Part 4: How to Make an "Ape-man" Part 3: Evidence for Human Evolution Part 2: Evolutionary Starting Point Part 1: Biblical Starting Point Answers Conversation podcast This week Steve Ham talks with Dr. Stuart Scott (associate professor of biblical counseling at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky) to answer the question, "What Are the Similarities Between Biblical Counseling and Biblical Creation?"	This Week . . . What Do Biologists Believe About Evolution? (Sep 27) Are Biological Gears Evolutionary Training Wheels for Leafhoppers? (Sep 26) William J. Bryan's Fight against Eugenics and Racism in the Scopes Trial (Sep 25) Family Worship: Teaching Our Children God's Word (Sep 24) Does Deadly Antibiotic Resistance Mean Evolution Wins? (Sep 23) Where to Find Answers (Sep 23) Big Bang—The Evolution of a Theory (Sep 22) Alien Life Found in the Stratosphere? (Sep 21) Video On Demand The Ice Age: Only the Bible Explains It, Part 2 Watch Video Blog Highlights Ken Ham: Richard Dawkins—Uncertain Regarding Death Ken Ham: Why Would They Do This? Ken Ham: Germany Against Homeschooling Ken Ham: It's Here—Another "Wow" Resource from AiG! Pray for AiG Thank God for the many new resources available through our online store, including booklets, books, DVDs, and curricula. Pray that the church would use these tools to stand firm on the truth of God's Word and bring the message of the gospel to a lost and lonely world. Resources Ken Ham's Foundations Curriculum Set A Biblical and Historical Look At Halloween Jonathan Park: Return to Hidden Cave Connect with Us Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Answers in Genesis Creation Museum See all networks
The information in today's post was kindly provided by the folks at: Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080 Customer service: 800-778-3390

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

Failure to pray indicates that there is something wrong with you. - Dr. Lee Roberson

You can't turn God off. You can turn Him down but you can't turn Him off. - Carl Hatch

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Billy Sunday quotes from the book The Billy Sunday Story by Lee Thomas.



If a man goes to Hell, he ought to be there, or he wouldn't be there.

Pilate washed his hands. If he had washed his old black heart he would have been all right.

It's everybody's business how you live.

Morality isn't the light; it is only the polish on the candlestick.

To train a boy in the way he should go, you must go that way yourself.

Whiskey is all right in its place- but its place is in Hell.

No man has any business being in a bad business. The reason you don't like the Bible, you old sinner, is because it knows all about you.

Going to church doesn't make a man a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes him an automobile.

THE DANGER OF CARELESS LIVING

JUDGES 18:1-2, 7-11, 27-31                                                Pastor Rick Jackson

A woman in Chattanooga let her 4 year old run around without supervision. She was careless- he was hit by a car. A woman in Pittsburg wanted her 2 year old son to see wild dogs at the zoo so she picked him up over the fence and he wrenched out of her grasp. Now she is suing the zoo for the death of her child. Carelessness on her part.

I. LIVING WITHOUT CONTRAINTS IS CARELESS [Judges 18]

 

1. They Live in a Fantasy of Safety

 

2. They Live in a Foolishness of “Freedom from Rules”

 

3. They Live on an Island of Idiocy

 

II. LIVING WITHOUT CONVICTIONS IS CARELESS – The person without convictions fails to see the importance of:

 

1.  The Incarnate Word of God [Lk. 12:16ff]

 

2. The Written Word of God [2 Timothy 2:15, 3:15-17]

 

3.  The Assembled Worship of God [Heb. 10:25, 1 Timothy 3:15]

 

III. LIVING WITHOUT GOALS IS CARELESS

 

1. The Person Without Goals Accomplishes Little [Phil 3:13-19]

 

“Blessed is he that aims at nothing for he will hit it”

 

2. The Person Without Goals Displeases the Saviour [Mt. 25:14-30]

 

3. The Person Without Goals Doesn’t Know When He is Finished [2 Tm. 4:6-8]

Jimmy DeYoung's Daily Devotional

September 25, 2013   Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals!   Please visit my website to learn more Bible prophecies being fulfilled in these last days.    Ezekiel 45:22   And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin-offering.   For further study - Ezekiel 45:1-25   The passage that we will look at today for our devotional reading is a very troubling portion of scripture for many people. It is discussing the events that take place at the Temple in Jerusalem, the one that Jesus will build when He returns to the earth at the Second Coming, Zechariah 6:12.   As you read through the whole chapter in this portion of Ezekiel's prophetic book we see that seven chapters, Ezekiel 40-46, are dedicated to dealing with the Temple that Jesus will "rule and reign" from, Zechariah 6:13, in the Kingdom to come.   In these chapters, we find that the Prophet, in 202 verses, lays out all that is needed, every detail, to construct the Messiah's Temple and he describes all the activities that will take place at this Temple, which includes "animal sacrifices".   You read correctly, "animal sacrifices" will be performed at the Temple in Jerusalem during the 1,000 year Kingdom Period. Let me set that aside for a moment to look at several other details.   This passage, along with Ezekiel 42:20, defines the size and area of the city of Jerusalem, verses 1-6. It also describes the Temple Mount as well, Ezekiel 42:20. These are details that must be followed, in all instances in order for Bible Prophecy to be fulfilled.   These first six verses in Ezekiel 45 set the borders of the city of Jerusalem, and the size of the Holy City, in the Kingdom. Studying the details reveals that Jerusalem will be 2,500 square miles, 50 miles on each side. That is almost the width of the State of Israel.   The Temple Mount, Ezekiel 42:20, will be right at one square mile. This is almost three times its size today. Actually, the "Old City" is today almost one square mile. The Temple Mount, in the Kingdom will be where the Lord has chosen to "dwell among His people, forever", Psalm 132:13-14.   Now, back to the restoring of the "sacrificial system" in the Kingdom Period. In this devotional I am not going into full detail on this troubling passage and issue. Let me say that the "sacrifice of animals" in Old Testament times and in the Kingdom Period to come did not, and will not effect the "eternal salvation" of anyone.   Sacrifices were offered up in Old Testament times to restore fellowship of those who "sinned". In the Kingdom there will be Jews in human bodies, that will not only enter the Kingdom, but also will have "children", Isaiah 65:20.   As is the case during all dispensations, every one is "saved by grace, through faith", Ephesians 2:8-9. All Old Testament "saints" accepted what God told them to do, by faith, and thus "salvation", by faith. This salvation is a "gift" from the Lord, not because of offering sacrifices.   Sacrifices will not only restore fellowship, but the whole operation of the Temple will be to instruct the Jews in the Kingdom Period of how to worship the Lord. Look on my website for an article that will go more in-depth on this subject.   Before the Messiah's Temple is erected in Jerusalem during the Kingdom Period, there will be a Temple in Jerusalem during the Tribulation Period, Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15 and Revelation 11:1-2. All preparations have been made for this next Temple to be up and operating in the very near future.   This Tribulation Temple will be where the Antichrist will receive "worship" from all on the earth that do not trust in the Messiah for eternal salvation. All preparations have been made for the Tribulation Temple to be put in place, but first the Rapture must take place, and that could happen today. Even so come, Lord Jesus.   PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the promise of your return to earth, the preparations already made for that to happen and the prospect that it might begin, with the Rapture taking place, soon. Visit our website at http:/www.prophecytoday.com

Shofar Communications | PO Box 2510 | Chattanooga | TN | 37409

Biblical ABC’s:V is for – Victory

Ladies Bible Study

 

Mrs. Rick Jackson

 

 

When you think of the letter, “V,” a most familiar phrase comes to mind, “V is for Victory.” This wasn’t my first plan, but this is where the Lord has at last led me.  The word victory appears in our English Bible, King James Version, 12 times, but, to my surprise, it does not contain the word victorious! 

 

Automatically, I think of the familiar hymn, Victory in Jesus, by author and composer, Eugene Bartlett:   

 

I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood's atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.   O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me 'ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.   

 

Tonight, it should be easy to see, V is for VICTORY!  So, what can we learn about having VICTORY? 

 

 

1.   Victory belongs to God 

 

1 Chronicles 29:11 says, “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.”  That verse speaks volumes to me!   

 

Pastor has just gone through the life of David for us, verse by verse, in 1st and 2nd Samuel and it has been a fascinating study.  I’ve learned a lot, haven’t you?  If you’ll remember, in 2 Samuel 23, there is a list of David’s mighty men, the men who stood with him through all his trials and fought with and for him, and in this listing, we learned of their specific battles and victories, but look with me how these are described, beginning in 2 Samuel 23:9 -- 

 

9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: 

10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. 

11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. 

 

No matter what our trials are, what battles we face, just like these mighty men of David, we have to remember, WHO is on our side?  And when the battle is won, WHO wrought the victory? Everything we do, with everything we have, remember, belongs to the Lord, who is “exalted as head above all.”  We cannot fail to give the glory to God, because the victory is His!  

 

Psalm 86:12 says, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” And we read in 1 Peter 4:16, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 

 

So, we should remember what the Psalmist says in Psalm 98:1, “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.” 

 

 

2.   Victory can bring sorrow 

 

Once again, the Scriptures bring us back to the life of David.  You remember when Absalom, David’s son, decided that he wanted to be king?  Eventually, there came a time when Absalom’s crowd had to oppose David’s men.  Of course, we know the outcome was in the Lord’s hand, and David’s men were victorious, but with that victory came what?  That’s right, the death of the king’s son, Absalom.  Turn over to 2 Samuel 19 – 

 

1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. 

2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. 

3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 

4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! 

 

There come times or seasons in our life which may bring a victory of some sort, a battle won for which we had worked and prayed much, but with the victorious outcome, there may also come unexpected sorrow.   

Victory in Jesus 

I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing power revealing. How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit," And somehow Jesus came and brought To me the victory.  

 

We must be reminded that our time here on this earth is but a temporary walk, a path towards a future which is not of this present world.  With victory may come sorrow, but we have to live above that.  (i.e., Brother Wayne?) Paul wrote this to the Galatians, in Galatians 1: 

 

1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 

2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 

  

Because Jesus died for us, we can have victory over this present evil world.  It troubles us now, it brings sorrow, but we will be delivered!  Look what Paul told Titus, in Titus 2:11-15 – 

 

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. 

 

So, we are to live righteously, all the while looking for Christ’s return, letting no man despise us!!  There may be sorrows in our victories, but we should continue to live a life pleasing to Christ, knowing that He redeemed us and will one day return for us! 

 

 

3.   Faith is the Victory 

 

1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 

 

John Yates wrote an interesting hymn based on this verse which was put to music by the famous Ira D. Sankey, called Faith is the Victory! 

Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise. And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies. Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled. Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world. 

Refrain 

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world. 

Should we say that the world is trying and difficult? Yes! But we can have victory through our faith! So, what victory is ours when we have faith?  

 

Well, if we look in just one chapter in the book of Matthew, we get a small glimpse into just how faith is the victory!  Because of the faith of four believing friends, Jesus said in Matthew 9:2 – “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Because a woman who had been sick for twelve years believed in Jesus so much and “touched the hem of his garment,” verse 22 says, “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”  Because two blind men followed Jesus asking for mercy, we read in verses 29 & 30, “Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.” 

 

And for our lives, how are we to have victory through faith?  See these admonitions: 

 

Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

 

Once again, it comes down to the Word of God.  We must be in the Bible in order to build up our faith, in order to have the victory to overcome the world! 

 

Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

 

And what is the shield of faith? The Word of God! 

 

Hebrews 6:12 – That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

James 5:15 -- And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 

1 Peter 1:7 -- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

 

So, here we see again, having faith we can inherit the promises, save the sick, and “be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” It’s important to be reading our Bibles and to build up our faith to please the Lord! 

 

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world. 

 

 

4.   Victory Overcomes Death 

 

Isaiah 25:8 -- He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

This life, if we have trusted Christ as our Saviour, does not end when we close our eyes in death.  Isn’t that a wonderful promise?  We have the victory over death, and just as the verse in Isaiah says, in that day, God will wipe away our tears!  Yes, we weep here for those we mourn, but there is a day of victory coming! 

 

Victory in Jesus  I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory. And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, And some sweet day I'll sing up there The song of victory.   Chorus: O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.