Remember the Giver More Than the Gift

Isaiah 23:9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.       I just got a letter two days ago from Paris. Apparently, a man who claims to be a lawyer in Asia wants to make me rich. He claims that there's a man with my last name who died and left a 15 million dollar inheritance. Since that man had no family the money is up for grabs. Thankfully, I had the same last name as this wealthy man, and if I'll just send all my vital information to this lawyer in Asia, he'll send me 15 million dollars.   Do you think that "lawyer" actually wants to make someone wealthy? The answer is yes. The question is- whom does he want to make wealthy? The answer is himself. Greedy people prey on greedy people. If there wasn't some element of greed, covetousness, selfishness, or pride in my heart and life, the devil would have very little with which to work. When the devil finds pride in me, he finds an ally with which he can destroy my life.   As God is pronouncing judgment on the pride of many nations, we read about the nation of Tyre. Tyre had allowed gold and financial power to bolster its pride. There's nothing wrong with having great amounts of wealth. However, there is great wickedness in making it our god, and thinking our self- worth consists in the things we have instead of the God who gives it. So, in Isaiah 23:9 God passes judgment on this nation who equated its strength with money, and purposed Tyre "to stain the pride of all glory and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth." Here's a very important point we can learn from the book of Isaiah: taking thought for money without giving thanks to God is pride.   There's nothing wrong with having money, enjoying the people we love, or take pleasure in a good meal, but few things prompt us to declare our independence from God more than money. Those that live by the dollar die by the dollar. To put my confidence in my wealth is to live in pride and independence of God. Let me ask you a question-What do you have that money can't give and poverty can't take away? That is a blessing from God. We ought to make sure that we give God the credit for the good things He gives instead of focusing so much on the gifts that we forget the giver. Prayer Requests: - Services this weekend in Buckeye, AZ; Surprise, AZ; Ft Lauderdale, FL; Marathon, FL; Irmo, SC; and Deltona, FL.     Enjoy more devotionals, sermon audio, and articles on our website!

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

MAKING THE CHOICE BETWEEN HEAVENLY MARRIAGE OR EARTHLY TRIBULATION

January 31, 2014  Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals!   Please visit my website to learn more Bible prophecies being fulfilled in these last days.    II Corinthians 11:14   And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.   For further study - II Corinthians 11:1-15   Paul warns the church at Corinth of false teachers. The apostle reveals to this body of believers that the leader of the false teachers, Satan himself, had a plan to deceive the world - even the Christians, and he will implement this plan in the Last Days.   In II Corinthians 11:1-2, Paul is "aggressively possessive" of the church and its members. God had placed him in a position to do an eternal work. Paul said that his ministry is to equip the growing Christian, chastise the carnal Christian, (of which there were many at this time in Corinth), and warn all Christians of the pitfalls on the road to maturity that lay ahead.   Paul's whole purpose is to present the Church as the Bride, the chaste virgin, to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom, for the Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Revelation 19:7-9.   The marriage ceremony takes place after the Rapture and before the 7 year Tribulation period begins. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be celebrated during the 7 years of the Tribulation. There will be conflict on Earth during that time, but celebration in the Heavens.   A part of the process to present the Lord's "espoused wife" to Him at the Rapture, will be to protect the Christian from the "wiles of the devil" until the marriage, II Corinthians 11:13-15. Paul tells the Corinthians that Satan is slick, so much so that the Devil can transform himself into an "angel of light".   "Evil angels" can also be transformed into "apostles of Christ and ministers of righteousness". The Devil is powerful and can dupe the world with his evil minions changed to appear on the outside as "good and pure", but are "inwardly demonic".   The exhortation is for each of us to stay alert to Satan in these Last Days. In fact, from now until Jesus Christ comes back to Jerusalem, the Devil will be very active seeking a way to deceive many. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil", Ephesians 6:11.   PRAYER THOT: Help me to prepare my "wedding gown", my "righteous acts", so that my Bridegroom will be very proud.       Visit our website at http:/www.prophecytoday.com

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

HANNAH [LADIES OF THE BIBLE 2]

1 SAMUEL 1                                                       

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. HANNAH’S DIFFICULTIES

 

1. She was Provoked by Her Adversary [v. 1-7, 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. She was Misunderstood by Her Husband [v. 8; Luke 2:50, 9:45, 18:34]

 

3. She was Maligned by Her Priest [v. 12-15, 1 Peter 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.]

 

II. HANNAH’S DEVOTION

 

1. She was Faithful in Worship [v. 7, 19, Heb. 10:23-25]

 

2. She was Faithful in Prayer [v. 7, 9-18, Lk. 18:1]

 

3. She was Faithful in Her Vows [v. 20-28, Eccl. 5:1-5, Ps. 116:14, 18]

 

III. HANNAH’S DELIVERANCE

 

1. She Exhibited a Heart of Peace [v. 16-19a, Philippians 4:6-7]

 

2. She Exhibited a Heart of Praise [v. 19b-20, 2:1-2ff, Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.]

 

3. She Exhibited a Heart of Purpsoe [v. 21-28, 2:18-21, Dan. 1:8, Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.]

ARE YOU IN LINE FOR A NEW ONE?

January 28, 2014  Thank you for reading my Prophetic Daily Devotionals!   Please visit my website to learn more Bible prophecies being fulfilled in these last days.    II Corinthians 5:9   Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.   For further study - II Corinthians 5:1-9     Paul is writing a word of encouragement to those in Corinth about what the time of death will bring to each of us. Most of us look at death as something to be dreaded, something to be avoided at all cost.   As I remind myself, as well as reminding you also, those who are reading this devotional, that death is not the "end all". It is actually the beginning, the beginning of "eternity future". The Apostle brings to our attention that in our present "tabernacle" our present body, there is groaning.   Let me stop right here. Everyday, as I become aware of another ache or pain that I never have experienced before, I usually spend several minutes or sometimes even several hours worrying about what the discomfort may be and what it could become.   Paul is telling us that we will one day put on a new "tabernacle", a new and wonderful "heavenly body". Paul talks about confidence and he reminds us of where the confidence comes from.   The Holy Spirit has sealed each of us into the "Body of Christ". It is the "earnest of the Spirit" that gives us the confidence of where we are and where we will be one day. As we are alive on this earth we are absent from the Lord and we know this by faith, not by sight.   Paul then speaks of another confidence, the confidence that when we die on this earth we go directly into His presence, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, verse 8. At death all born again Christians are transported by angels, Luke 16:22, into the heavenlies, and into His presence.   Now re-read our key verse. Until that victorious time of death when we go into His presence, Paul says He would be ambitious and so should we be the same. Paul wanted to live a life, do the work of the Lord, so that when he saw Him he would be accepted of Him. That should be the same for us, when we see Him we might be accepted of Him.   The very next verse, verse 10, speaks of us then standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul says he wants to be "well-accepted" of Christ at that time. This is a Godly ambition, because at the Judgment Seat we are given "crowns" for those works we have done for the Lord, in His power and for His glory.   Then we take these crowns and lay them at His feet as He sits upon His throne, Revelation 4:10, in thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. We must join Paul in this "Godly ambition", so that we can give Him the glory.     PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to live a life that will receive reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ so I can show thanksgiving to You, for all You have done for me, as I cast my crowns at Your feet.   Visit our website at http:/www.prophecytoday.com

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

AMERICA BEWARE!

2 KINGS 17                                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE REMOVAL [v. 1-6]

 

1. The Last Royal of the Northern Kingdom [v. 1-2]

 

2. The Last Rebellion of the Northern Kingdom [v. 3-4]

 

3. The Last Report of the Northern Kingdom [v. 5-6]

 

II. THE REASON [v. 7-23]

 

1. Sins Against the Lord [v. 7-12]

 

2. Stubbornness Against the Lord [v. 13-18]

 

3. Spreading Against the Lord [v. 19-23]

 

III. THE RESULT [v. 24-41]

 

1. No Focus [v. 24-28, Philippians 3:13]

 

2. No Fidelity [v. 29-33, “Semper Fi”, 1 Corinthians 4:2]

 

3. No Following [v. 34-41, Luke 9:23, John 10:27, 12:26; 1 Peter 2:21]

TRUST IN GOD

                                   2 Samuel 22:3, 31                                             Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Here is a message for everyone. Young, old, man, woman, child, red, yellow, black, brown, Caucasian… everyone. Trust the One True God and you can shoulder any burden, climb any obstacle, get through anything. Trust God. Trust in God. This is the message for this hour. This is the message for any hour!

 

I. TRUST IN GOD ALWAYS WINS!

 

1. Salvation comes thru Trusting Christ [1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.]

 

2. Security comes thru Trusting Christ [2 Corinthians 1:9-10 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;]

 

3. Stability comes thru Trusting Christ [Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.; Psalm 125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.]

 

II. TRUST IN GOD GIVES PEACE!

 

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” – George Mueller

Learn to trust through difficulties. Paul said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

 

1. Trust reminds us that God is in Control [Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

 

2. Trust reminds us that God is Love [Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.; Psalm 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.]

 

3. Trust reminds us that God is to be Obeyed [Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.]

 

III. TRUST IN GOD CHANGES EVERYTHING!

1. Trust in God can Change any Situation [the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho, the lion’s den, your life]

Philemon 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

 

2. Trust in God can Change us [1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;]

 

3. Trust in God can give us Compassion [Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.]

 

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father’s way may twist and turn,

 my heart may throb and ache.

 But in my soul I’m glad I know,

 He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,

 my hopes may fade away,

 but still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,

 for He doth know the way.

Tho’night be dark and it may seem

 that day will never break;

 I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,

 He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,

 my eyesight’s far too dim;

 but come what may, I’ll simply trust

 and leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift

 and plain it all He’ll make.

 Through all the way, tho’dark to me,

 He made not one mistake.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why are atheists decrying the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us January 25, 2014 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Why are atheists decrying the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham? Get Equipped: Uncensored Science: Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham News to Know Quick Look After Eden Answers . . . with Ken Ham radio program Answers Conversation podcast Video: Go into All the World, Part 3 Blog Highlights Pray for AiG Q: Why are atheists decrying the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham? A: The media coverage of the upcoming debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye at the Creation Museum continues to grow. Many well-known figures on both sides are speaking out about who they believe will win or about whether there should be a debate at all. Recently, famed atheist Richard Dawkins weighed in on the debate in some impromptu comments on a recent web article decrying the debate. Unfortunately, at least in his interviews, Dawkins treats his opposition with a remarkable amount of disrespect and offers little more than blind assertions that evolution is true. Perhaps it's better that he chooses not to debate biblical creationists as he has nothing concrete to offer, except his typical anti-creationist assertions seen in his books and articles. It's like a child throwing a tantrum. Dawkins and other atheists don't want people to hear what biblical creationists have to present. These secularists want to censor what the public will hear, for they know that as soon as people are taught to think critically and correctly about origins, they will understand that molecules-to-man evolution is a belief system. Evolution is really the secularists' religion to try to explain life without God. Read the whole article for our response to several evidences Dawkins points to in order to refute creation science, such as radiometric dating and the fossil record. Get Equipped Uncensored Science: Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham This DVD and digital download features Bill Nye and Ken Ham debating one of the biggest questions concerning the scientific community today: "Is creation a viable model of origins in today's modern scientific era?" News to Know Quick Look Did Tiktaalik's Pelvis Prepare Fish to Walk on Land?: Previously shrouded in mystery, Tiktaalik's pelvis supposedly sheds new light on the evolution of ambulatory hindquarters. Nutcracker Man's Diet Was Rich in Brain Food After All: Bright baboons know nutritional needs of "Nutcracker Man" were no problem. Building Nutcracker Man from the Ground Up: New "Nutcracker Man" is a mosaic of evolutionary assumptions and reality. After Eden Answers . . . with Ken Ham radio program Piggybacking Poison Dart Frogs Parenting Poison Dart Frogs Aim, Spit, and Catch! Creation or Evolution—The Science Is the Same! Kangaroos Outside Australia? Photo of the Week To download this image for use as wallpaper on your device, right-click on the link below for the desired resolution and select "Save Link/Target As..." Mobile Full (4:3) Wide (16:9) Answers Conversation podcast This week Steve Ham talks with Dr. Jim Hamilton, associate professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY) to answer the question, "How Is God's Glory Revealed in Salvation Through Judgment?"	This Week . . . Feedback: Answering Wholesale Conjectures About the Nye/Ham Debate (Jan 24) Putting the Ark into Perspective (Jan 23) Did Tiktaalik's Pelvis Prepare Fish to Walk on Land? (Jan 23) Atheists and Their Tantrums—Dawkins Comments on Debate (Jan 22) Interpreting Craters in Terms of the Day Four Cratering Hypothesis (Jan 22) Nutcracker Man's Diet Was Rich in Brain Food After All (Jan 21) Get Your College or Group to Live Stream the Bill Nye Debate (Jan 20) Reaching People with the Truth of God's Word (Jan 20) Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Jan 19) Building Nutcracker Man from the Ground Up (Jan 18) Video On Demand Go into All the World, Part 3 Watch Video Blog Highlights Ark Encounter: Genuine Ark, Part 6: Large Construction Crew Ken Ham: Atheists and Their Tantrums—Dawkins Comments on Debate Danny Faulkner: Discussing Recent Developments in Astronomy Ken Ham: Will Bill Nye "embarrass believers by making short work of Ken Ham"? Pray for AiG Pray for preparations for the upcoming debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham. Pray that many would repent and put their faith the Lord Jesus Christ. Resources Six Days: The Age of the Earth and the Decline of the Church The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 1 Kids' Most-asked Questions . . .about Science & the Bible Connect with Us Answers in Genesis Ark Encounter Creation Museum Answers in Genesis Ark Encounter Creation Museum Answers in Genesis Ark Encounter Creation Museum See all networks Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
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