Defending the Gospel

Defending the Gospel "But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel." (Philippians 1:17) Many Christians today decry the use of apologetics or evidences in Christian witnessing, feeling it is somehow dishonoring to the Lord or to the Scriptures to try to defend them. But as our text indicates, the apostle Paul did not agree with this. The gospel does need defending, and he was set for its defense against the attacks of its adversaries. He also told his disciples that "in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace" (Philippians 1:7). The Greek word translated "defense" is apologia, from which we derive our English word "apologetics." It is a legal term, meaning the case made by a defense attorney on behalf of a defendant under attack by a prosecutor. Thus, the apostle is saying: "I am set to give an apologetic for the gospel--a logical, systematic [scientific, if necessary] defense of the gospel against all the attacks of its adversaries." Since we are "partakers" with him in this defense, we also need to be set for its defense. We must "be ready always to give an answer [same word, apologia] to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in " (1 Peter 3:15). Any Christian who shares his faith with the unsaved has encountered many who cannot believe the simple plan of salvation until his questions are answered. We must be familiar with the "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3) of the deity of Christ and His power to save, both as omnipotent Creator and sin-bearing Savior. We must "search the scriptures daily" and also study the "witness" He has given in the creation (Acts 17:11; 14:17) if we are to do this effectively, bringing forth fruit that will "remain" (John 15:16) instead of fruit that has withered away, "because it had no root" (Mark 4:6). The gospel is under vicious attack today, so may God help us to be among its victorious defenders. HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

July 21 - And Having Done All, Stand

And Having Done All, Stand July 21, 2010 "Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel: . . . That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day." (Deuteronomy 29:10-12) The Old Testament soldier of national Israel needed physical armor and weapons, but more than that, he needed the covenant protection of the Lord. Today, the New Testament saint seldom must fight in the physical sense, but a much more intense fight is raging: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). We are safe and victorious as long as we "put on the whole armour of God" (v. 11). The third verse of "Stand Up for Jesus" refers to this cosmic battle: Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you--Ye dare not trust your own; Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there. Years ago the Assyrians came against God's people. King Hezekiah reminded them: "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed: . . . With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). The source of our salvation and victory is the same. Our "gospel armor" includes "truth . . . righteousness . . . peace . . . faith . . . salvation . . . and the word of God" (Ephesians 6:14-17). When we do it "with all prayer" (v. 18), we will "be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (v. 13). Share the victory! "Stand Up for Jesus." JDM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

The Lord Jesus built His church on the great central fact of Christianity, which is His deity. That is where the church stands: not on the example of Christ, nor on Christ as a good man or a great Teacher, but on Christ as the eternal Son of the living God. And because of that everlasting foundation, the church is secure for time and for eternity. - Louis T. Talbot

No man should cry during a Meg Ryan movie. - Patrick Warburton

A real man never walks out of the Super Bowl at halftime just because he's getting rained on. - Warburton

The highest is the highest because he ministers to the lowest. - Evangelist Bill Compton

Service certainly brings satisfaction. In fact, the most dissatisfied people I've ever met are those who are searching for happiness and aren't looking through service. You see, happiness is a by-product of service. If you get busy serving God- you'll find what you've been searching for. But if you just search for happiness it will elude you. It's elusive. It'll never come to you unless you search for it in the area of service for God. - Pastor David Bragg

THE LORD HE IS GOD

Deuteronomy 4:35 Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
1 Kings 18:39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. GOD GUIDES

Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually…

1. By Inspiration

Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

2. By Impressions

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3. By Circumstances

Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

II. GOD PROVIDES

1. Through His Power

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2. Through Prayer

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

3. Through His People

Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

III. GOD DECIDES

1. It Should Be His Will

1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

2. It Should Be His Way

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. It Should Be His Work

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

THE PATH TO VICTORY

JOSHUA 5-6

Pastor Rick Jackson


I. GETTING RIGHT WITH GOD [v. 1-9]

Notice:

1. The Fellowship of Sin [v. 1-5]

2. The Folly of Sin [v. 6]

3. The Forsaking of Sin [v. 7-9]


II. RECOGNIZING THE PLACE OF GOD [v. 10-15]

1. The Perfect Word of God [v. 10-12]

2. The Proper Worship of God [v. 13-14a]

3. The Prospective Will of God [v. 14b-15]


III. BEING OBEDIENT TO GOD [6:1-27]

1. Take Hold of the Word of God [v. 1-5]

2. Take Heed to the Word of God [v. 6-15]

3. Take Heart to the Word of God [v. 16-27]

Question of the Week: Is Jesus in Genesis?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us July 17, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Is Jesus in Genesis? Video On Demand: Simple Tools For Brain Surgery, Part 2 (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog (Sidebar) Museum News (Sidebar) Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Is Jesus in Genesis? A: The Bible is the Word of God and reveals to us Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whether directly or indirectly. For example, Jesus even said, "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me" (John 5:46). The fall of mankind, the entrance of sin, and the need for Christ to die for us originated in Genesis 3. Would we expect to see Christ there? Absolutely—perhaps more than you realize. The first reference to Christ is well known. It is called a "theophany" or, more precisely, a "Christophany." These are appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament prior to Christ coming in the flesh (e.g., remember the Lord appearing to Abraham in Genesis 18; cf. John 8:58). Keeping in mind who Christ is (the Creator God—John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1), we need to remember that Jesus did not merely show up on the scene 2,000 years ago. He is the Creator, "the Word made flesh" as John puts it in John 1. Genesis 3 reveals the account of Eve being deceived by the serpent followed by Adam and Eve's sin of eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Genesis 3 also reveals the curses and repercussions of sin. Perhaps you are wondering where Christ is in this passage. Continue reading to take a closer look. News to Note Quick Look Ape-brained: Does the developing human brain portray the evolution of humans from ape-like creatures? Read more. Monkey or man: Is a fossil found in Saudi Arabia the latest "missing link" between man and monkeys? Or is it only the latest misunderstood ape-like creature? Read more. Also: Simply complex Bacterial selection Stem cell therapy And Don't Miss . . . Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you! Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Suicide—why do people do it? Darwin's house—why was it tumbling down? Library tells creationist . . . "hush!" Homosexual behavior—is the Bible clear? Homosexual pastors—what does the Bible teach? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Outreach Answers Outreach Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Why Did People Have Shorter Lives after the Flood? (Jul 16) Chapter 23: Aren't Millions of Years Required for Geological Processes? (Jul 15) Numerical Simulation of Precipitation in Yosemite National Park with a Warm Ocean: Deep Upper Low and Rex Blocking Pattern Case Studies (Jul 14) From Genesis to the Gospel (Jul 13) InSite, July 2010 (Jul 12) Journey to the Extremes with Answers Magazine (Jul 11) Video On Demand Demolishing Strongholds Simple Tools for Brain Surgery (Part 2) Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Answers Book for Kids Complete Set (The) New Answers DVDs Men in White DVD More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Media Interest Continues Secular Scientists Get an Origins Issue Right—for a Change! Thousands Flock to Hear AiG Messages The Sad State of the Church in America A Great Offer for People in Oklahoma Previous entries Museum News Creation Museum Deaf Day 2010 is coming! A ride on the Gentle Giant Camel Rides Have Begun Previous entries Upcoming Events Tennessee Defending the Faith 2010, July 19–22 Kentucky Sunday Speaking, August 1 Florida College Speaking, August 3 Tennessee Special Speaking Engagement, August 18 North Carolina Conference, August 20–21 More events Job Opportunities Armed Public Safety Officer A/V Technician Advancement Specialist Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Customer Service Associate Fabrication Supervisor Food Service Support Staff Graphic Designer Housekeeping Staff Manager of Advancement Security Console Operator Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Video Editor/Animator/VFX Web Designer Zoo Keeper
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Doctrines of Devils

Doctrines of Devils "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4:1) In chapter one of his first epistle to Timothy, Paul warned about false teachers and heresies in the church of his day, evidently particularly implicating the agnostics and their false skepticism and low moral standards. In our text for today and throughout chapter four, he warns of false teachers "in the latter times," i.e., in our day and in our churches. Paul had received an explicit (i.e., "express") teaching from the Holy Spirit. There was nothing vague about it. The false teachers would, among other things, be "forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats" (v. 3), with other false teachings implied throughout the chapter. What does this teach us about those who today forbid their leaders, both men and women, to marry? Or those who insist upon certain dietary regimes for spiritual reasons? These "doctrines" will cause some to "depart from the faith." Evidently, some who consider themselves Christians and yet have incomplete discernment, will fall into the trap of "seducing spirits," espousing the "doctrines of devils." The Greek word translated "depart" is apostesontai, which means "to fall away" from an original position, in this case, "the faith." The teachers will typically be hypocrites, "speaking lies," having "their conscience seared" (v. 2). "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9). In this time of great apostasy, we desperately need to know the biblical doctrine concerning devils (or Satan and his demonic henchmen), for their influence has nearly captured American education and culture. But we must be on guard against, and teach others to be on guard against, "doctrines of devils." JDM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

July 15 - Learning by Example

Learning by Example   July 15, 2010     "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." (2 Timothy 3:14)     When Paul wrote these words to Timothy, they were in the midst of his foreboding prophecy of coming apostasy and persecution. Furthermore, he knew that he himself would soon be executed, and that these might well be his final teachings to his young disciple and to others through him. It is remarkable that in such a setting the Spirit of God impelled him to use the example of his own life as the best and most fitting climax to his great ministry. "Just keep on believing and doing what I have been teaching you--that which you have seen put into practice in your own life." These teachings and practices had just been recounted in verses 10-11, and what a remarkable summary they provide of a genuine Christian life!     Doctrine--my teachings, sound and true to God's Word;     Manner of life--my Christ-like behavior and habits;     Purpose--my sole aim, to honor God and do His will;     Faith--my faithfulness to His Word and its demands;     Longsuffering--my patient forbearance;     Charity--my showing true Christian love;     Patience--my cheerful endurance in hard times;     Persecutions--the unjust opposition heaped upon me;     Afflictions--sufferings and tortures which I endured.     The apostle Paul had maintained this strong and consistent Christian testimony for over 30 years following his conversion and could, in all good conscience and true humility, cite his own example as a true teaching aid for others to study and follow.     May Paul's example be ours, and may our lives likewise become true examples of Christianity for any who are watching us today. HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

At Hand

http://pastorjax.blogspot.com     For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!

 

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Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:00:07 -0400
From: firstlight@billriceranch.org
To: jacksoncompound@hotmail.com
Subject: Daily Devotional for July 19, 2010

Philippians 4:5 "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."   At Hand   Do you know people that are "mood changers"? The moment they walk into a room, the mood changes! Have you ever had a conversation about someone as they entered the room? Instantly, the mood changes (for a different reason). Philippians 4:5 points us to an experience like that: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."   We are supposed to let our "moderation" (gentleness; sweet reasonableness) be known unto all men. People should "pick up" on our gentleness because "the Lord is at hand"-God is right here, at arm's length. "At hand" could mean closeness in time (He is coming back soon) or proximity (He is literally right here), but both are true and the rationale is the same either way. Someone "at hand" is right here!   This business of gentleness ("moderation") is not a matter of weakness; it is a matter of meekness. The fact that "the Lord is at hand" produces for us a gentleness because of His power. Let me illustrate: In the Philippines, I saw several armed guards at the stores in the mall. Not only were they outside every store, they were all carrying 12-gauge shotguns! I never observed a guard in a panicked or threatened state. He could afford to be cool, calm, and "gentle" because of the firepower he had over his shoulder! As believers, we are to show meekness because the Lord and His power are at hand.   Would people know that God is "at hand" by the way you acted yesterday? Will they know by the way you act today? I began praying last summer that I would literally know God's presence in counselor devotions, in my afternoon meetings, and all throughout my day. His presence was there; I just wanted to be aware of it. What I found is that when I was pressured and my patience had worn thin, my natural response was always disappointing. However, when I recognized that God was "at hand," that made all the difference! Don't you think God's power is capable for each situation of your day?   The fact that God is "at hand" can give you calmness, comfort, and confidence for your day. If another human being can change the mood by walking into a room, how much more should the truth that "the Lord is at hand" change your actions today. We would do well to live in light of Philippians 4:5 today.   "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."     Prayer Requests: 1. Protection and provision for staff 2. Salvation of unsaved teen, junior, and deaf campers     Camp Quote:  "God made you for fellowship with Him." -Evangelist Tim Thompson   Visit our website for more information about our summer camp weeks!

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

Resurrection in the Old Testament

Resurrection in the Old Testament   July 13, 2010     "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (Isaiah 26:19)     Some have argued that the doctrine of a bodily resurrection was unknown to the Israelites of the Old Testament. In fact, this denial was a cardinal doctrine of the sect of the Sadducees at the time of Christ (Matthew 22:23).     Our text, however, makes it clear that this promise has always been known to the people of God. Long before Isaiah's time, Job had said: "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And . . . in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:25-26). After the time of Isaiah, the promise was still known. "Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). Such promises were not referring to some vague "immortality of the soul," as taught in pagan religions, but to resurrection of the body!     First, however, the Creator must become man, die for the sins of the world, and defeat death by His own bodily resurrection. In our text, in fact, Christ is saying that Old Testament believers would be raised "together with my dead body." This was literally fulfilled when "the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many" (Matthew 27:52-53). Then, when Jesus first ascended to heaven (John 20:17), He led those who had been in "captivity" in the grave with Him into heaven (Ephesians 4:8). All who have trusted Christ in the Christian era will likewise be raised from the dead when He comes again. He has defeated death and has promised, "because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19). HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE

JAMES 5:7-11

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PATIENCE IS NOT INSTANTANEOUS

“Lord give me patience, but hurry!”

1. Patience is a Premium [1:1-2]

2. Patience is a Process [1:4]

3. Patience is a Product [Rm. 5:3]

II. PATIENCE IS NOT IMMEDIATE

(why does God make us wait?)

1. The Desire may be fine but we’re not really ready [I Tm. 3:1-6] i.e driving

2. The Motivation may be wrong [4:3, Acts 8:9-24]

3. The Problem of Uncleanness [Ps. 66:18]

4. The Waiting Itself is Instructional [Ps. 27:14] teaching us dependence on God

5. The Waiting will Benefit Others [Phil. 1:12-20]

6. The Purpose of God for our lives is at Stake [II Cor. 12:7-10]

7. The Adventure of Faith needs to be Savored [Rm. 8:18-25]

III. PATIENCE IS NOT IRRELEVANT

There is a purpose!

1. It will Profit [1:2-3]

2. It will Perfect [1:4]

3. It will Produce [Rm. 5:3-5]

*inspired & adapted from a message by David Bouler

ORDERS ARE ORDERS

II TIMOTHY 4

Pastor Rick Jackson

Several months ago a missionary and I were discussing the state of churches in the U.S. and he told me that many solid fundamental churches are facing declining numbers, unfaithful members and difficult situations. A few weeks ago I sat down with a pastor from Union County and learned he has been having similar problems retaining members as we have had here at BBC. One of our members spoke with a church with uber-nice facilities in Keystone and yet they are facing dwindling numbers. Yesterday a local pastor of a good sound church in the area shared with me that despite declining attendance, about half ours, he would not succumb to the temptation of bringing in worldly music. We both also agreed that we would not stop preaching the Word as well. Why not bring in questionable music? Why not quit teaching the parts of the Bible that make people uneasy? There are many reasons but one is simply, “Orders are Orders!”

I. THE PROBLEM OF CARNAL CHRISTIANS [v. 3-4]

1. Dislike Solid Teaching [v. 3]

2. Delight in Superficial Teachers [v. 4]

3. Decide Fables Supplant Truth [v. 4b]

II. THE PRESENCE OF CHALLENGING CONDITIONS [v. 1-2]

1. The Preeminence of the Word [v. 1, 3:15-17]

2. The Presence of God [v. 1, Galatians 1:20]

Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
1 Timothy 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

3. The Person of Christ [v. 1]

III. THE POWER OF A CONSIDERABLE CHARGE [v. 2, 5]

1. Preach the Word [v. 2, Galatians 1:10]

2. Persevere the Watch [v. 5a]

3. Prove the Work [v. 5b]

Question of the Week: What is biblical government?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us July 10, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: What is biblical government? Video On Demand: Simple Tools for Brain Surgery, Part 1 (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog (Sidebar) Museum News (Sidebar) Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: What is biblical government? A: Mention the word government to a typical twenty-first century American and he is most likely to think of Washington, D.C. But if that same American were to travel back in time to 1828 and open a copy of Webster's newly released dictionary, he would discover that the first definition of government describes "self-government." Other forms of government, including family (1 Corinthians 11:3, 8–9) and civil government (Deuteronomy 16:18–20, 25:1; Romans 13:1–5), are secondary. This definition points us back to the Bible, the only source to properly understand our need for government and its real nature. We learn from the Bible that man is to give his heart to God (1 Peter 1:14–16) and to exercise self-control over his mind (2 Corinthians 10:4–6), his members (1 Corinthians 9:26–27), and his actions, so that he can fully honor his Creator (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3–5, 5:2–3). In this modern age of lawlessness, where morality is believed to evolve based on changing culture rather than eternally fixed principles for self-rule, it is not surprising that the only "government" modern man recognizes is an all-powerful state. The biblical doctrine of government, on the other hand, emphasizes a multiplicity—family, church, and state—each grounded in self-control under God. The tension between these two views of government finds its root in the Genesis record, from the Garden of Eden to the Tower of Babel. Continue reading to discover the biblical origin of civil government and take a look at our modern world in light of the Scriptural account of Babel. News to Note Quick Look Universal cartography: When it comes to a God's-eye view of the physical universe, the European Space Agency's Planck telescope mission may have given us the closest approximation yet. Read more. Prehistoric Britain: What were humans like a million years ago—fur-wearing, meat-eating, tool-making Britons? Read more. Also: Wings—versatile things Not made of cheese Not an allegory And Don't Miss . . . Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you! Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program The tragedy of abortion—legal, but not moral! The theory of evolution—why do people believe it? Humans—now displayed in the zoo! Humanists say . . . the church is not a threat! Put to death . . . because they needed a bed! After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Outreach Answers Outreach Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Does Sand Prove Long Ages? (Jul 09) Chapter 22: Is the Bible Enough? (Jul 08) Orchids—A Bouquet of Adaptations (Jul 07) Why Were Eve's Eyes Not Opened Until Adam Ate? (Jul 06) How Long Were the Israelites in Egypt? (Jul 05) One Nation Over God (Jul 04) Video On Demand Demolishing Strongholds Simple Tools for Brain Surgery (Part 1) Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States New Answers DVDs Answers Book for Kids Complete Set (The) Men in White DVD More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Over 1.8 Million in Print! Atheists Outline Their Global Religious Agenda Museum Participates in Charity Auction Life-changing and Meaty Authority of God's Word Is at Stake Previous entries Museum News Camel Rides Have Begun The Picnic is Coming Spot open on Dinosaur Dig with Buddy Davis Previous entries Upcoming Events Oklahoma Conference, July 9–12 Tennessee Defending the Faith 2010, July 19–22 Kentucky Sunday Speaking, August 1 Florida College Speaking, August 3 North Carolina Conference, August 20–21 More events Job Opportunities Armed Public Safety Officer A/V Technician Advancement Specialist Children's Illustrator Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Correspondence Representative Customer Service Manager Fabrication Supervisor Food Service Support Staff Graphic Designer Manager of Advancement Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Video Editor/Animator/VFX Web Designer Zoo Keeper
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FW: Daily Devotional for July 9, 2010

 

Daniel 10:12 "Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words."   From the First Day   Sometimes God answers before we ask, and sometimes God answers before we know that He has. In either case, it is encouraging to know that God is in control. Ironically, instead of encouraging us to ask God for what we need, the fact that He is in control can discourage us from asking because "He is going to do what He is going to do anyway." God is in control, and that truth should remind us to come to Him for what we need.   Daniel had been very burdened for his people, and after fasting and praying, he received a messenger from God. This messenger told Daniel that his "words were heard" and he (the messenger) had "come for thy words." In other words, the messenger was a direct answer to Daniel's prayer!   What caught my attention in verse 12 are the words "from the first day." Daniel had prayed, fasted, and mourned in earnest for three weeks, but God heard his prayer from the very first day! There is much that could be said about the spiritual warfare mentioned in verse 13, but the truth is, we do not always know when God answers or how God answers. However, never forget that God does answer. In fact, the answer to Daniel's prayer was sent long before he even knew it! Just the other day, one of my kids asked for something he had asked for before. The answer was already on the way, and my kid just didn't know it! The temptation as a parent was to get frustrated with his asking because it was already taken care of. But God is not that way with us. Many times His answers are already on the way, and we just do not know it.   You never know what you are praying for today that God has already answered. The truths that God is in control and He does answer should encourage us in our asking. It may be that the answer to what you are praying for is already on the way. That is not a reason to stop asking; you ought to be encouraged that God hears and answers prayer. Today, have you taken your requests to the Lord?     Prayer Requests: 1. Protection and provision for staff 2. Families traveling home from camp 3. Campers traveling to the Ranch this weekend from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas     Camp Quote:  "If you can trust God with eternity, you can trust God with tomorrow." -Evangelist Chris Miller   Visit our website for more information about our summer camp weeks!

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