DAY 16 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PAYING TAXES?)

June 9

Question: "What does the Bible say about paying taxes?"

Answer:
InMatthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees asked Jesus a question: "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." In full agreement, the Apostle Paul taught, "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:6-7).

Federal income tax, state income tax, local income tax, sales tax, property tax, personal property tax, capital gains tax—the list could go on and on. Statistics show that, in the United States, April 15, tax day, is one of the most stressful days of the year. The Internal Revenue Service is probably the most despised government organization. Similarly, tax collectors were not thought highly of in Bible times (Matthew 11:19;21:31-32;Luke 3:12-13).

As much as we hate taxes, as much as the tax system is corrupt and unfair, as much as there are far better things our money could go towards—the Bible commands, yes, commands us to pay our taxes.Romans 13:1-7makes it clear that we are to submit ourselves to the government. The only instance in which we are allowed to disobey the government is when it tells us to do something the Bible forbids. The Bible does not forbid paying taxes. In fact, the Bible encourages us to pay taxes. Therefore, we must submit to God and His Word—and pay our taxes.

The most frequent objection to paying taxes is that the money is being misused by the government or even used for evil purposes by the government. That, however, is not our concern. When Jesus said, "Give to Caesar...," the Roman government was by no means a righteous government. When Paul instructed us to pay taxes, Nero, the most evil Roman emperor in history, was the head of the government. We are to pay our taxes even when the government is not God-honoring.

We are free to take every tax deduction that is both legal and honest. We do not have to pay the maximum amount of taxes possible. If the government allows you a tax break, take it. If there is a legal way you can shelter some of your money from being taxed, shelter it. By all means, take the deduction for your children, your mortgage, your moving expenses, etc. Again, feel free to take every legal and honest opportunity to reduce your tax burden. Illegal and/or dishonest methods must be rejected.Romans 13:2reminds us, "Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandHow to Manage Your Money: An In-Depth Bible Study On Personal Finances by Larry Burkett.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/taxes-Bible.html#ixzz2W9UtuBwK

DAY 16 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 9, 2013

June 9

American Minute for June 9th:

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Withholding taxes from paychecks began JUNE 9, 1943.

It was an emergency measure by Congress during World War II to get money to fight Hitler.

It was the idea of Beardsley Ruml, the treasurer of Macy's Department Store who became chairman of New York's Federal Reserve Bank.

Ruml was helped by Bernard Baruch and Milton Friedman.

The Federal Government would forgive people not paying their annual lump sum taxes at the end of 1941 if they signed up to have future taxes withheld from each paycheck.

It was called the "Pay-As-You-Go" tax.

It was part of the patriotic war enthusiasm which included slogans such as:

"UNCLE SAME NEEDS YOU"; "BUY WAR BONDS"; and "SMASH THE AXIS-PAY YOUR TAXES."

So much money came in from the "Pay-As-You-Go" tax with so few complaints that it continued after the war.

John F. Kennedy told Congress, April 20, 1961:

"Introduced during the war when the income tax was extended to millions of new taxpayers, the wage-withholding system has been one of the most important and successful advances in our tax system in recent times.

Initial difficulties were quickly overcome, and the new system helped the taxpayer no less than the tax collector."

But Americans were not always so taxed.

Jefferson noted in his 2nd Annual Message, 1802:

"We are able, without a direct tax, without internal taxes, and without borrowing, to make large and effectual payments toward the discharge of our public debt and the emancipation of our posterity from that mortal canker...

It is an encouragement, fellow-citizens, of the highest order to proceed as we have begun in substituting economy for taxation."

President Andrew Jackson stated in his 8th Annual Message, December 5, 1836:

"There is no such provision as would authorize Congress to collect together the property of the country, under the name of revenue, for the purpose of dividing it equally or unequally among the States or the people.

Indeed, it is not probable that such an idea ever occurred to the States when they adopted the Constitution."

Andrew Jackson told Congress, May 27, 1830:

"Through the favor of an overruling and indulgent Providence our country is blessed with general prosperity and our citizens exempted from the pressure of taxation, which other less favored portions of the human family are obliged to bear."

Jackson stated December 5, 1836:

"No people can hope to perpetuate their liberties who long acquiesce in a policy which taxes them for objects not necessary to the legitimate and real wants of their Government...

The practical effect of such an attempt must ever be to burden the people with taxes, not for the purposes beneficial to them, but to swell the profits of deposit banks and support a band of useless public officers...

There would soon be but one taxing power, and that vested in a body of men far removed from the people...

The States...would not dare to murmur at the proceedings of the General Government, lest they should lose their supplies;

all would be merged in a practical consolidation, cemented by widespread corruption, which could only be eradicated by one of those bloody revolutions which occasionally overthrow the despotic systems of the Old World."

Jackson stated in his Farewell Address, 1837:

"There is, perhaps, no one power conferred on the Federal Government so liable to abuse as the taxing power...

Plain as these principles appear to be, you will yet find there is a constant effort to induce the General Government to go beyond the limits of its taxing power and to impose unnecessary burdens upon the people...to fasten upon the people this unjust and unequal system."

Prior to 1913, other than during the Civil War, the Federal Government was financed primarily from tariff taxes on imports, called imposts.

President Franklin Pierce stated in his First Annual Message to Congress, December 5, 1853:

"Happily, I have no occasion to suggest any radical changes in the financial policy of the Government.

Ours is almost, if not absolutely, the solitary power of Christendom having a surplus revenue drawn immediately from imposts on commerce."


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DAY 15 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (FALSE PROPHETS) - JUNE 8, 2013

June 8

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 (The Voice Bible)
Moses: 1 The Eternal your God commanded me to teach you these rules and judgments so that you would obey them in the land that is yours when you cross the Jordan. 2 You are to fear Him and obey His rules and commands, just as I’m teaching them to you now. Do this your whole lives—you, your children and your grandchildren—and you’ll live in the land a long time. 3 Yes, Israel, if you pay careful attention and obey, everything will go well for you in that land flowing with milk and honey; and you’ll have many, many descendants just as the Eternal, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

DAY 15 - DAILY PRAYER (A PRAYER FOR OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD) - JUNE 8, 2013

June 8

A Prayer For Obedience To The Word

God of eternal wisdom and everlasting glory, who had only to speak and the world was formed and mankind was created, we come humbly, and yet boldly, into Your presence this morning hour. We worship and we praise You for who You are and what You have done, and what You are doing and for what You will do for all who have their faith and trust in You.

This morning we are moved to great gratitude and awesome wonder at the gift of Your Holy Word, the Bible. We thank You for inspiring holy men of old to record for us that which You knew to be necessary for our salvation and congruent with Your will as made known through Jesus Christ Your Son. We thank You for Your providence and Your protection of that Word. We thank You for those across the centuries who gave their lives to preserve, copy and defend it against the many forces of evil that would destroy it. We thank You for those thousands who laboriously copied the Word with quill and reed and for those who first placed it into print. We thank You for those who have in the past, and are still translating the Word in the language of tribes and nations and unreached people of the world. Lord with the Psalmist of old we cry out, “Oh, how we love Your Word. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but Your Word stands forever.”

But even as we thank You for Your eternal Word, we have much to confess. We have not always treated it as Your Word. We have not always approached it in humble obedience. Sometime we have neglected it altogether; at other times we have read it half heartedly with our minds on other things; worst of all, there have been those times when we have read it thinking that we would, through such reading, gain brownie points in the Book of Life. Father, we know that Your Word is intended, both directly and indirectly, to get inside our heads, to deal with our souls and to form a life that is congruent with Your will as You have made it known through Your Son Jesus. O God, forgive us for our failure to internalize Your truth and to let it form and fashion us into a people that are well pleasing unto You. Help us, O God, to take You seriously when You cry: “Is not my Word like a fire and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.”

God of love and mercy, give us an appetite for Your Word such as was expressed by the prophet: “When Your Words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight.” Only then will the reading of Your Word produce in us, the purpose for which You have given it to us. Only then will it enter our souls as food enters our stomachs, spread through our blood and produce in us the Christ-likeness which makes us truly Your people in word and deed.

This is our prayer offered in the name of Jesus. Amen

http://www.biblecoachonline.com/obedience%20to%20the%20word.html

DAY 15 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHY WAS MOSES NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND?)

June 8

Question: "Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?"

Answer: In Numbers 20:8, the Lord told Moses, "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." Numbers 20:9-11 records Moses' response: "So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as He commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?’ Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank." The Lord was displeased with Moses’ actions: “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them” (Numbers 20:12).

What did Moses do that warranted such a severe penalty from the Lord? First, Moses disobeyed a direct command from God. God had commanded Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock with his staff. Second, Moses took the credit for bringing forth the water. Notice how in verse 10 Moses says, "Must we [referring to Moses and Aaron] bring you water out of this rock?" Moses took credit for the miracle himself, instead of attributing it to God. Third, Moses committed this sin in front of all the Israelites. Such a public example of direct disobedience could not go unpunished. Fourth, it seems that God had intended to present a type of Christ in this circumstance. The water-giving rock is used as a symbol of Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:4. The rock was struck once in Exodus 17:6, just like Christ was crucified once (Hebrews 7:27). Moses’ speaking to the rock in Numbers 20 was to be a picture of prayer; instead, Moses angrily struck the rock, in effect, crucifying Christ again. His punishment for disobedience, pride, and the misrepresentation of Christ’s sacrifice was that he was barred from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Recommended Resources: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers Holman Old Testament Commentary by Glen Martin.
Leviticus & Numbers: The NIV Application Commentary by Roy Gane.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

DAY 15 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 8, 2013

June 8

American Minute for June 8th:

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On JUNE 8, 1845, "Old Hickory" died.

Slashed by a sword as a boy for not polishing a British soldiers boots during the Revolutionary War, his mother died of cholera caring for American prisoners.

He later fought the Seminole Indians and, in the War of 1812, defeated the British in New Orleans.

He was governor of the Florida Territory, and is credited with proposing the name "Tennessee" at that State's first convention.

His name was Andrew Jackson.

Fighting in duels, most notably to defend his wife's honor, he carried bullet fragments in his body. He survived assassination attempts.

His wife Rachel died just three months before he took office as the 7th U.S. President.

Andrew Jackson stated in his 2nd Inaugural:

"It is my fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our Republic to the present day...that He will...inspire the hearts of my fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from danger."

On December 30, 1836, Andrew Jackson wrote to his nephew, Colonel Andrew Jackson Donelson, upon the death of his wife, Emily, who had served as the unofficial First Lady of the United States:

"We cannot recall her, we are commanded by our dear Saviour, not to mourn for the dead, but for the living...

She has changed a world of woe for a world of eternal happiness, and we ought to prepare as we too must follow...'The Lord's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'"

Considered the founder of the modern Democrat Party, Jackson was criticized for his role in the Indian Removal Act, but praised for ending the corrupt Bank of the United States and paying off the national debt, the only time in U.S. history that was done.

Of the Bible, Andrew Jackson stated:

"That book, Sir, is the Rock upon which our republic rests."


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DAY 14 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (FALSE PROPHETS) - JUNE 7, 2013

June 7

Matthew 7:15-16 (The Voice Bible)

15 Along the way, watch out for false prophets. They will come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath that quaint and innocent wool, they are hungry wolves. 16 But you will recognize them by their fruits. You don’t find sweet, delicious grapes growing on thorny bushes, do you? You don’t find delectable figs growing in the midst of prickly thistles.

DAY 14 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 7, 2013

June 7


When WHY Isn’t Answered
Posted on May 31, 2012 by katherine


Are you like me and have asked God some serious questions of “Why” something happened. And, to make matters worse- no answer was given? It seemed you were going along in life just fine, doing your best to live for God. Until, all of a sudden, like a whirlwind, everything around you was completely devastated.

I know another person who can relate- Job. Job had some horrible un-imaginable things happen in his life. It says that Job lived righteously & loved God. He was doing everything right, yet he lost his family, everything he owned, and suffered horrendous physical things like: boils (2:7), itching (2:8), drastic change of appearance (2:12), worms and running sores (7:5), corroding bones and gnawing pain (30:17), blackened skin and fever (30:30), and this happened over several months (7:3; 29:2).

Can you imagine going through all of that and still being able to say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:15 KJV

I am learning even though I don’t understand and may never completely understand the “Whys” God is so faithful and He can be trusted. We must continue trusting God no matter what may come our way. His mercies are new every morning!

God has such a compassionate heart for us, and I believe God sees and understands our tears, mourning, and even emotional break downs. But, in the midst of it all, we must not let our mouths sin against God. Resolve in your mind & with your mouth that you will continue trusting God and believing everything will work out for your good. The devil wants us to give up and sin against God with our mouths. The Bible says that Job didn’t sin with his lips against God. Instead, he said, “…The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

You may feel like giving up right now. I want to encourage you with a scripture from Galatians 6, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing, if we don’t give up.”

Look at the harvest Job reaped for not giving up. He was rewarded to an even better wealthy state, a bigger family and his daughters were the most beautiful in the land, Job went on to live one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations.

I see great reward coming! Join me in shouting from the rooftops: Blessed be the Name of the Lord and don’t worry about the “Why’s”. In fact, let the “Why’s” go in Jesus Name! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” Job 13:15 KJV

DAY 14 - DAILY PRAYER (GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS) - JUNE 7, 2013

June 7

All Knowing Father God,

Thank You for allowing us to know You Father; to know Your Son, and to have the very indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within us.  You have set us apart for Yourself, and away from this world in which we live.  You have named us, and have counted each hair upon our head in great love for us.  With this great love, You have called us to follow You to the end of time...to stand upon the rock of salvation, and to not lose our footing. To hold tightly to Your truths, and to not become imitators of the world. How then Father is it that the enemy comes against us in the form of false prophets?  How is it that the enemy tries to steal us away from Your grasp, even to the end of our time here on earth?  Your word has warned us against false prophets (teachers), and the appearance that they may take to lure us away from Your truths.  They come in the form of great spectacles - television celebrities, sports figures, government leaders, and the wealthy.  Their very talk can often lead us away from the safety of Your fold, straight into the schemes of the enemy.  Their promises of 'miracles' and a 'new life' should cause fear in our hearts, but we are often mesmerized by their captivating image and flowing speech.  Father, help us to see them for what they really are, and to filter out their lies through the truth of Your word.  When they tell us that we can be healed through Eastern practices and rituals, or made joyful through meditation and self exploration, allow the light of truth to uncover their true scheme.  Help us to weed out the deception of idolizing these agents of the enemy, and allow our focus to lock onto the one true lover of our souls, Your son Jesus Christ.  May those with an agenda of deception that come into our lives be opposed by Your might. May the enemy be defeated, and his plans to kill, steal, and destroy be overthrown in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.

We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Wally Ziolo
Founder - 40DAYPRAYER4USA
Lancaster, Ohio USA

DAY 14 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (SHOULD WE ALLOW FALSE TEACHERS INTO OUR HOME?)

June 7

Question: "Should we allow false teachers into our home?"

Answer:The short letter of 2 John is written in part to warn believers against the influence of false teachers. John identifies them as those “who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” and describes them as deceivers and antichrists (2 John 7). He goes on to prohibit receiving them into our homes or wishing them well. The question is whether this prohibition refers to those who knock on our doors today, such asMormonsandJehovah’s Witnesses. Are we to deny members of these sects access to our homes?

It is important to understand exactly what it means that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Many cultists will agree that Jesus was a man of flesh and bone who walked the earth around 2,000 years ago. But that is not what John means here. He first addressed this issue in1 John 4:2, telling us how to identify false teachers and the spirits who drive them. The first test of a true teacher/prophet of God is that he proclaims that Jesus is God incarnate in human flesh (John 1:14). A godly teacher will teach both the full deity and full humanity of Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies to the true nature of Christ, while Satan and his demonic host deny that true nature. That is why John identifies anyone who denies the deity of Christ—which both the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses do—as deceivers and antichrists.

It is also important to understand the context of John’s epistle. John is writing to “the elect lady and her children” (verse 1). This lady was engaged in a ministry of hospitality. In the name of Christian love (verse 6), this kind-hearted woman was receiving itinerant preachers into her home, providing room and board for them, and sending them on their way with her blessing. John writes this quick note to her to warn her about the many false teachers who would gladly take advantage of her generosity. Her love needed to be tempered by truth. Boundaries had to be drawn. Hospitality should not be extended to charlatans, hucksters, and the devil’s own emissaries.

John gives the lady a litmus test: what does the preacher teach about Jesus Christ? If he is presenting the full deity and full humanity of Christ, then he can be welcomed into her home. However, if the teacher mitigates, obscures, or equivocates on the fact that Jesus was fully man and fully God, then the lady is to have nothing to do with him. Such false teachers are not to receive help from believers, not even so much as a greeting (verse 10). To give aid to the purveyors of false doctrine is to partake of their wickedness (verse 11).

What should be our response, then, when cultists come knocking at the door? It is not wrong to share the truth with them or to relate your testimony. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). However, we must be careful not to do anything that would give the appearance that we approve of the cultists’ message. Never invite them into your home for an extended stay, never donate money to their cause, and never allow them to conduct a “Bible study” with you.

Here are some things to remember: First, cultists are master deceivers who are well trained in techniques that will confuse those whose knowledge of Scripture is limited—the very ones cultists most often seek out. Well-meaning and compassionate souls (like the “elect lady” in 2 John) dialog with cultists and can be fooled by them. Second, Christians are of Christ; cultists are anti-Christ (2 John 7), no matter how kind, sincere, and charming they may appear. Third, we are not to give the cultists or anyone else the impression that we see the cult as having legitimate claims, doctrines, or opinions. Fourth, Jesus tells us to “watch out” for false teachers (Matthew 7:15), and Paul tells us to “avoid them” (Romans 16:17) and declares them to be “accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Therefore, we should build no close associations with them. Fifth, John tells the lady not to “welcome” a false teacher (or bid him “God speed” in the KJV). This phrase in the Greek means to cheerfully or joyfully hail someone. In other words, we are not to bless false teachers or wish them well.

We are, of course, to be always ready with an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), but we must do so in the Holy Spirit’s power, following His lead. When cultists knock at the door, it could be an opportunity to relate the truth about Jesus to them, or it could be an opportunity to “leave them; they are blind guides” (Matthew 15:14). In any case, we must rely the Lord’s wisdom (James 1:5) and be cautious not to cast our pearls before pigs (Matthew 7:6).

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandThe Kingdom of the Cults, revised and updated edition.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/allow-false-teachers-home.html#ixzz2VsHqE0Sr

DAY 14 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 7, 2013

June 7

American Minute for June 7th:

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Spain laid claim to the Island of Jamaica from the time Columbus landed there in 1494.

In 1503, Columbus was shipwrecked there for a year.

In 1655, Jamaica was captured by British Admiral William Penn, father of Pennsylvania's founder.

Jamaica was too far from England to defend, so the inhabitants turned to privateers, pirates and buccaneers for protection.

The likes of Blackbeard, Calico Jack and Captain Henry Morgan, namesake of the rum, attacked Spanish ships and settlements, then returned to Jamaica with their booty.

On the island's sandy southeast coast, the city of Port Royal grew to surpass Boston as England's most prosperous New World settlement.

Many of the Caribbean's thousand pirates and smugglers operated from there, with half of the 200 ships a year passing through the harbor transporting slaves, liquor, and other contraband trade to Spanish America.

Drinking, gaming houses, slave trading, brothels, taverns and grog shops, attracted "pirates, cutthroats, whores and some of the vilest persons in the whole of the world."

Port Royal was called "the richest and wickedest city in the world" or "the Sodom of the New World."

Suddenly, JUNE 7, 1692, an earthquake and tsunami sank it under the sea, followed by violent aftershocks.

Over 2,000 drowned. Graves were opened and bodies washed about.

The sea inundated the town's wharf, "with all those goodly brick houses upon it...and two entire streets beyond that."

Enormous waves tossed ships from the harbor into buildings, and in many places the ground opened up and "swallow'd up multitudes of people together."

Members of the Jamaica Council declared:

"We are become...an instance of God Almighty's severe judgment," therefore every future "seventh of June...be kept and observed by all the inhabitants of this Island, as an anniversary day of fasting and humiliation," in hopes that acknowledging "manifold sins and wickednesses committed against his Divine Majesty," may "appease God's imminent wrath and prevent heavier judgements."

A Quaker resident, John Pike, wrote June 19, 1691:

"Ah brother! If thou didst see those great persons that are now dead upon the water thou couldst never forget it. Great men who were so swallowed up with pride, that a man could not be admitted to speak with them, and women whose top-knots seemed to reach the clouds, now lie stinking upon the water, and are made meat for fish and fowls of the air."

Eye-witness Rev. Emmanuel Heath, the Anglican rector for Port Royal, had finished his morning prayer service at St Paul's Church and was meeting with John White, president of the island's council, when the floor began "rowling and moving" and they "heard the church and tower fall."

Rev. Heath wrote:

"Port Royal was terribly destroyed by an earthquake and breaking in of the sea upon it. The destruction was sudden...in four minutes multitudes were killed by the falling houses...

I believe God I never in my life saw such a terror...the earth opened and swallowed up people before my face...

The sea swallowed up the greatest part of that wretched sinful place...They are so wicked, I fear God...will utterly destroy all by this dreadful Judgment...

By this terrible judgment, God will make them reform their lives, for there was not a more ungodly people on the face of the earth."

A resident, Samuel Bernard, wrote:

"We shall be unworthy of God's mercies if we be not by His judgments taught to learn righteousness."

Rev. John Shower wrote in his Practical Reflections on the late Earthquakes in Jamaica, 1693:

"It is dreadful to think...how Atheism, and Infidelity prevails, and barefac'd Deism, with the Rejection of Christianity, and all Revealed Religion...

If you do not truly Repent, so as to hate Sin, and leave it, and turn to the Lord; if you do not unfeignedly give up Yourselves to God in Christ, as your Saviour, and Sovereign, your Judgment is near, your Destruction is at hand, you must Perish; and that more dreadfully, than most others in the World."

In September of 1860, Jamaica was visited with a tremendous revival, as documented in Dr. J. Edwin Orr's book, The Event of the Century: The 1857-1858 Awakening.

Moravian missionary Rev. Theodor Sonderman recorded that the revival began in St. Elizabeth Parish and spread to Montego Bay, Bethel Town, Spanish Town, Clarendon and Kingston.

Fervency in prayer was accompanied by trembling, crying out to the Lord, weeping, and repentance.

One morning prayer meeting drew 500 people.

Baptists reported over 6,000 baptized.

United Presbyterian Church reported 4,000 new members, calling it "the most remarkable and encouraging (news) that have ever come from Jamaica."

The Wesleyan Methodist Churches reported thousands of new members with sinners wailing "strong crying with tears."

Congregationalist considered the Island completely evangelized.

Churches were crowded to overflowing with membership roles exploding.

Crime subsided, gambling houses closed, superstitions were abandoned, and cohabiting couples were married.


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DAY 13 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (SPIRITUAL WAR) - JUNE 6, 2013

June 6

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (The Voice Bible)

3 For though we walk in the world, we do not fight according to this world’s rules of warfare. 4 The weapons of the war we’re fighting are not of this world but are powered by God and effective at tearing down the strongholds erected against His truth. 5 We are demolishing arguments and ideas, every high-and-mighty philosophy that pits itself against the knowledge of the one true God. We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One. 6 As soon as you choose obedience, we stand ready to punish every act of disobedience.

DAY 13 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 6, 2013

June 6

RISE UP IN FAITH
Posted on February 12, 2013 by katherine


You can cut the enemy’s head off like David did by works of faith that confound & confuse the enemy, Don’t respond in fear, respond in Faith- Bryan Clift
Let your faith arise to do whatever it takes to bewilder, blow-away, shock, surprise or stupefy the devil.. Faith without works is dead!! Don’t sit there until you die!

RISE UP IN FAITH IN JESUS NAME!!

http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/rise-up-in-faith/

DAY 13 - DAILY PRAYER (PRAYER FOR GOD'S PROTECTION) - JUNE 6, 2013

June 6

PRAYER FOR GOD’S PROTECTION

(In perilous times)

Note: This is a prayer for anyone who is trusting in the Lord, no matter what your situation in life (military, parent, student etc.): also use as a personal prayer by substituting the "we and our" with "I and my."

Heavenly Father, in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ, we call upon Your Holy Name in perilous times, and we ask You for Your divine protection over our lives and all of the necessities that sustain us, and that we may obtain mercy and find grace in times of need. You are a mighty God, a God Who is not only all-powerful, but the One Who stores our tears in a bottle, and the One Who cried aloud from the heart of Your Son, Jesus Christ, grieving over the lost sheep of Israel with outstretched arms.

We will turn to You, Oh Lord, Our God and Father of Jesus Christ, the image of God on earth, Who saved us. We will stay our minds on You because You are:

ELOHIM - Creator of heaven and earth


EL-SHADDAI - God Almighty Who nourishes/supplies


ADONAI - Lord over all


JEHOVAH-JIREH - Sees my needs and provides


JEHOVAH RAPHA - My healer & makes bitter experiences sweet


JEHOVAH M’KADDESH - The Lord my sanctifier


JEHOVAH NISSI - My victory and banner


JEHOVAH SHALOM - You are my peace


JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU - You are my righteousness


jEHOVAH - ROHI - You are my Shepherd


JEHOVAH - SHAMMAH - You never leave or forsake me


EL-ELYON - First Cause, Highest Sovereign

We (or I) most humbly commit to you (name the people or things that you are committing to Him) for Your sovereign protection.

In our weaknesses, please strengthen us.

We will trust in the name of our God, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!

http://www.battleinchrist.com/prayer4godsprotection-1.html

DAY 13 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (DO WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE THAT IS TAKING PLACE AROUND US?)

June 6

Question: "Do we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us?"

Answer:It is crucial that every Christian understands that he/she is in a spiritual battle. There is no way to get out of it. Awareness of the spiritual battle around us is very important. Not only awareness, but vigilance, preparedness, courage and the right weaponry are crucial elements of engaging in spiritual warfare.

In the words of Paul in2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” It is clear that “our warfare” as Christians is spiritual. We are not fighting a physical battle, nor a human battle. It is on a spiritual level – its enemies, its prerogatives, its fortresses and its weapons are all spiritual. If we attempt to fight the spiritual with human weapons, we will fail and the enemy will be victorious.

It is important to note that Paul is not speaking about battling demons here. When Jesus and the apostles cast demons out, it was, along with the other signs and wonders they exhibited, primarily to prove the authority of what they said. It was important at that time for God to give the apostles a powerful “proof” that they were indeed from God and were His spokesmen. The fidelity of Scripture depends on the authority of the apostles, so God gave the apostles His power to authenticate their teachings. The point all along was to show that the ultimate authority – and our ultimate spiritual weapon – is Scripture. So, although there are times when demons possess and attack human beings today, and there are biblical instances of Jesus and the apostles casting demons out, the kind of spiritual battle that every Christian engages in is primarily a battle of the mind.

There are fortresses all around us in this world, made of the “speculations” and “lofty things” that Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians. The word “speculations” is, in the Greek,logismos. It means “ideas, concepts, reasonings, philosophies.” People of the world build up theselogismosto protect themselves against the truth of God. Sadly, these fortresses often become prisons and eventually tombs. Our calling as Christians is to break down these fortresses and rescue the inhabitants. It is dangerous and difficult work, but we have a divine arsenal always at our disposal. Unfortunately, one of the enemy’s best tricks is getting us to fight with human weapons rather than divine.

Marketing techniques, counter-philosophies, persuasive words of human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4), rationalism, organization, skill, entertainment, mystique, better lighting, better music – these are all human weapons. None of these things will win the spiritual war. They are ineffective for bringing about true conversion, and they may even produce false conversions. The only thing that is effective – the only offensive weapon we possess – is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). This sword gives us many freedoms as soldiers in this spiritual battle. We have freedom from fear, knowing that God is fighting for us (Joshua 1:7-9) and that He will not forsake us. We have freedom from guilt, knowing that we are not responsible for the souls of those who reject God’s message after we have proclaimed it to them (Mark 6:11). We have freedom from despair, knowing that if we are persecuted and hated, He was persecuted and hated first (John 15:18) and that our battle wounds will be richly and lovingly tended to in Heaven (Matthew 5:10).

All of these freedoms come from using the powerful weapon of God – His Word. If we use human weaponry to fight against the enemy’s fortresses, we will sustain failures and disappointment, and even our victories will be unsure. Conversely, the victories of God are full of hope. “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 6:22-24). The hearts of those who hear and accept the true, full message of the gospel as given by the apostles are “sprinkled clean” and “washed with pure water.” What is this water? It is the Word of God that strengthens us as we fight (Ephesians 5:26;John 7:38).
Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandVictory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-battle.html#ixzz2VmL1J09h

DAY 13 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 6, 2013

June 6

American Minute for June 6th:

Download MP3

D-Day was JUNE 6, 1944.

Over 160,000 troops from America, Britain, Canada, free France, Poland, and other nations landed along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast of France.

It was the largest amphibious invasion force in world history, supported by 5,000 ships with 195,700 navy personnel and 13,000 aircraft.

On that day, the sea along the heavily fortified beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword and Pointe du Hoc ran red with the blood of almost 9,000 killed or wounded.

It was a major turning point in World War II.

Adolph Hitler had seized power in Germany in 1933 by promising hope to the German people after a depression and a devaluation of their currency.

Hitler's National Socialist Workers Party eliminated all political opposition, took control of healthcare and confiscated guns.

Using diplomatic intimidation, deception, and lightning attacks they proceeded to take control of:

Austria, The Sudeten Region, Bohemia, Moravia, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, France, Monaco, Greece, The Channel Island (UK), Czechoslovakia, the Baltic states, Serbia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland, Croatia and more.

The National Socialist Workers Party operated over 1,200 concentration camps where an estimated 4,251,500 people lost their lives.

Church leaders who spoke out in opposition to Hitler were arrested.

Shortly after D-Day, courageous German resistance attempted an assassination of Hitler, but he survived and retaliated by killing over 7,000 Germans.

In his D-Day Orders, JUNE 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower sent nearly 100,000 Allied troops marching across Europe to defeat Hitler's National Socialist Workers Party:

"You are about to embark upon a great crusade...The eyes of the world are upon you.

The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you...

You will bring about...the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe...

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely...

And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

President Franklin Roosevelt stated JUNE 6, 1944:

"My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation...

I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilization...

Give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard.

For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces...

We know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom..."

FDR concluded:

"Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice...

I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer.

As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength...and, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee...With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy...

And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen."

Show Endnotes

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DAY 12 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (DESCENDANT OF DAVID) - JUNE 5, 2013

June 5

Matthew 1:1

1This is the family history, the genealogy, of Jesus the Anointed, the coming King. You will see in this history that Jesus is descended from King David, and that He is also descended from Abraham.

DAY 12 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 5, 2013

June 5

Winning the Lost @ Any Cost
Posted on March 30, 2012 by katherine


“He who wins souls is wise.” Prov.11:30 NKJV

I’m not much of a lottery player, but here in Texas I always hear the advertisements for the Mega Millions. Although it seems to be appealing, I am always reminded of something greater than winning millions… Winning Souls for Christ!

Mark 16:15-18 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” We must go and share our faith if we don’t, then who will? Mark Cahill said it so perfectly, “It’s not how can I share my faith, it’s how can I Not share my faith.”

Let sharing your faith take precedence over everything else. I encourage you to start praying every morning for God to send you people to minister to and share Jesus with, talking about changing someone’s future- The Bible says, “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world & loose his own soul”? Lord help us not to be so concerned with the things of this world that we ignore a lost and dying world.

Jesus’ last words were to Go into all the world & spread the gospel to the ends of the earth? “If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” David Livingstone

God, we pray that you would keep us focused on winning souls at any costs! Its Heaven or Hell for everyone. The Bible says in Romans 14:10, that we will be held accountable for our choices. I pray that we make good choices in putting supremacy on soul winning. I can see it now, people running up to us in Heaven thanking us for taking time to talk to them about Jesus.

John Wesley said it so profoundly, “You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go not only to those that need you, but to those that need you most…It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance.”

Lord, we pray that we wouldn’t be so busy with life that we can’t take a few moments of everyday to share our faith with others. God, let your last words be our Great Commission, reaching the world for Jesus. I love what Billy Sunday said, “Let’s quit fiddling with religion and do something to bring the world to Christ.”

http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/winning-the-lost-any-cost/

DAY 12 - SPECIAL ISRAEL - MESSIANIC MESSAGE - JUNE 5, 2013

June 5

A Great Reminder Every Week of Messianic Hope

By howard silverman

Categories: messianic


The first ten chapters of the Book of Numbers is about how the Jewish people prepared to march to the promised land. They got themselves organized; they also made sure that they were inwardly organized by purging sin from their midst and being spiritually prepared. By the time we get to chapter ten, they are ready to go. At the end of the chapter we see that the Ark moves first – ahead of the people and the cloud is upon them to guide them along the way. Then Moses says these words:

Then it came about when the ark set out that Moses said, “Rise up, O LORD! And let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.” (Num 10:35) The picture that we see is one of tremendous confidence in the Lord to reach the land.

This verse is repeated in Psalm 68:2 and Psalm 132:8. In each case the verse is used to exude confidence in the power of God to bring to pass his promises. In Psalm 132 the verse is used to give assurance that the promise of a Davidic dynasty will come to pass.

This verse is a reminder to us that the Messiah has come and in him is the victory. We can have confidence that God will indeed rise up and scatter the enemies. When Yeshua came he defeated sin and death in his own death and resurrection. When he appears again he will bring victory to the Jewish people over her enemies and he will be the final king of Israel.

What is of special interest to me is the fact that the words of Moses are repeated every week when we open the Aron HaKodesh. When we open the Ark we sing: Then it came about when the ark set out that Moses said, “Rise up, O LORD! And let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.” (Num 10:35 NAU) Therefore every week we are reminded that we can still have confidence in God to bring his words to pass. As we lift the Torah out of the Ark we are reminded that his word abides forever and that the Messiah will return and bring the final peace to this world.
But there is more…

I find it amazing that after singing Numbers 10:35, we continue to sing…ki mitzion tetze torah… this is the last part of Isaiah 2:3 ” For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. ” This verse is clearly a promise of messianic peace and faith. Evidently the Sages of old who organized this liturgy identified Numbers 10:35 as a verse that not only was about the wilderness wanderings but also applied to the victory of God in the end of days when the Messiah will bring peace and the Word of God will be the way of life of the world. What other reason could there be for placing these two verses together in such a prominent spot in the Torah service?

Every week therefore we sing…Then it came about when the ark set out that Moses said, “Rise up, O LORD! And let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.” ” For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. “

The Rabbis (without realizing it) give us a great statement that we sing every week of messianic hope that has begun to be fulfilled in Yeshua! Indeed he has risen up and scattered the enemy. He goes before us and defeats the enemy so we can move forward in our journey. In Yeshua we have the assurance that the day will come when he will be bring peace to the world and his word will have universal acceptance.

Rabbi Howard Silverman is the Spiritual Leader of Beth Messiah Congregation. Beth Messiah is a community of Jewish people, intermarrieds and Gentile people who embrace Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah and are committed to Jewish life and practice. Howard is also a past President of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. He serves on the Board of the Messianic Studies Institute as well as an instructor.

Howard’s academic interests include the Hebrew Bible, Biblical Studies, Rabbinic Literature, biblical exegesis of both Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. He is currently (forever?) a graduate student at The Ohio State University in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. His passion is to study and teach the Word of God and to share the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah. He is concerned about issues affecting Judaism, the Jewish people, Israel and the Messianic Jewish community.

http://yeshuamatters.wordpress.com/

DAY 12 - DAILY PRAYER (ISRAEL) - JUNE 5, 2013

June 5

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,

As a nation that has stood in the gap for Israel, we beseech Your continued guidance for our leaders. May they continue to call Israel a friend, and support their cause for all that You have given them. In these troubling times in the world's view of Israel, may You grant a renewed strength to the leaders and people people of Israel, and all that have called upon Your Holy name! Lord, continue to bless all nations that bless Israel, and may the United States of America continue to benefit from this union in friendship and peace with Israel.

In Jesus' name. Amen!

Wally Ziolo
40DAYPRAYER4USA
Lancaster, Ohio
Christian