There Was No Day Like That! by Byron Foxx
Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. —Joshua 10:12-14
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ome scientists would tell you that this event was impossible. Some would say that for the earth to stop in its orbit around the sun would cause the oceans to spill out on the land. Others would say that the earth would crack open! The unbeliever says that this event is IMPOSSIBLE! The Bible says in verse 14, “There was no day like that…” Amazing! Notice the power of prayer. Joshua was in the will of God and was carrying out his duties before the Lord. He needed a miracle. He prayed a magnificent prayer. . .a unique prayer. “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.” He prayed this remarkable prayer in the presence of his people. Then another remarkable thing happened. Notice this phrase in verse 14: “The Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man.” Almighty God listened to a man! This demonstrates the power of prayer for us today. Joshua was in the will of God; he carried out the mandate of God. The Lord fought for Israel that day! Remember God is invincible, and He
can easily control what He has created! THERE NEVER WAS A DAY LIKE THAT! Are you in the battle for the Lord? Are you in the will of God? Does your assignment from God seem impossible? Read these verse slowly: 1 John 5:14-15 – “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Matthew 21:21 – “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” Ask your petition of the Lord today concerning His will for you. Have faith and full persuasion in Him. Remember: Nothing is impossible with God!
We would love to hear from you! Please write to Editor@GodBlessAmericaCrusade.com
GBA Magazine Digital Expanded Issue features more articles! Go to: GBAmag.com
BYRON FOXX is an evangelist, music publisher, songwriter, and the founder and president of Bible Truth Music.
AUGUST 2016. Vol. 2, No. 3. Editor: Byron Foxx Assistant Editor: T. Kevan Bartlett Managing Editor: Tim Cruse Production Assistant: Caleb Cruse
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A Revival of Bible Reading by Scott Pauley
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eorge Whitfield, a man well acquainted with spiritual awakenings, said, “God has condescended to become an Author, and yet people will not read His writings. There are very few that ever gave this Book of God, the grand charter of salvation, one fair reading through.” Believers everywhere are talking about the need for revival. But, one must ask, a revival of what? Specific things always mark true spiritual awakenings. When revival comes, it is accompanied by renewed hunger to know God through His Word. Never has the need for a revival of Bible reading been more imperative than at this moment in our world and in our own lives. IN THE LAST DAYS WE NEED A REVIVAL OF BIBLE READING. The final book of the Bible declares, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3). As we near the return of Christ, believers should be more diligent in their reading of Scripture than ever before. Distinct blessings are promised to those who read God’s Word! IN AN AGE OF QUESTIONS WE NEED A REVIVAL OF BIBLE READING. When confused religious people began to raise questions in Christ’s day, the Lord
Jesus said, “Have ye not read…?” (Matt. 19:4). If they had read the Scriptures, the answers to their questions would have been clear. God has every answer in His Book. IN THE LIVES OF SINCERE CHRISTIANS WE NEED A REVIVAL OF BIBLE READING. When Paul wrote to Timothy about how to live and minister effectively in wicked days, he began with the simplest truth: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13). This is something we all must do. • Read systematically. Do not approach the Bible haphazardly. Follow a definite plan. • Read slowly. Do not rush through the Word. Meditate on what you are reading. • Read prayerfully. Turn the very words of Scripture to prayer. Speak to Him as He speaks to you. • Read verbally. It is easy to be distracted as you read. By reading aloud your eyes, ears, mouth, and mind are all engaged. • Read consistently. Set an appointment to meet the Lord and guard it jealously. Have a specific time and place. • Read obediently. Identify some action that you will take as a result of each reading.
• Read purposefully. Write in a journal truth that God shows you through His Word. Share these thoughts with others. Let His Word be in your mouth (Josh. 1:8). A.W. Tozer wrote, “Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to me.” The good is often the enemy of the best. Allow nothing to substitute for time in the Scripture. Read through the Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to bring revival to your life!
Bible Reading Challenge: An average reader could read through the Bible in about 70 hours and 40 minutes. What if this time were divided into 365 days? By reading twelve minutes a day, the entire Word of God could be read through in one year! We waste twelve minutes many times every day. Would you invest twelve minutes in reading the Scriptures today?
SCOTT PAULEY is an evangelist from Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Soul Winning 24/7 by David Wood
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ost of us believe that God wants us to witness daily – to everyone – everywhere – at every opportunity; but find it extremely hard to do so. Many times we neglect such an opportunity because of a misdirected attitude. Allow me to explain. Most Christians will not witness to a person they think they cannot win. For that reason, many will never witness to anyone, for they do not think they can win anyone. We pass up opportunities to win doctors, lawyers, and other professional people as well as friends and acquaintances. In soul winning it is extremely important to watch your attitude. In Proverbs 23:7 the Bible says of man, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Paul stated, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). This is different from the secular man, who believes, “I can do all things through ‘me’ who strengtheneth me.” You see, God will never command you to do something that He does not
have the ability to equip you to perform! For this reason the soul winner has the wonderful assurance that he can witness to, and win, anyone at any time if that person will respond to the Gospel. (Please go back and read this paragraph again.) It is important to understand that our attitude is a direct reflection upon past experiences. As you witness and win folks, your faith and confidence in God, the Bible, and your service will increase. I was recently in a pastor’s office listening to a medical doctor present areas where people should be involved, in order to help stop abortions. Within minutes I knew that he was a Catholic with a compassionate heart. I wanted to witness to him and proceeded to do so. However, it was not easy. I thought, he is here for another reason and he will think less of me if I present Christ to him. Later I thought; you can’t deal with him like anyone else; he is a doctor. After I shared the Gospel with him, I thought, don’t press him for a decision, or you’ll offend him. (Does any of this sound familiar?)
Thank the Lord that I have learned that these negative attitudes and thoughts are from the Devil. The doctor listened and responded like a child -- no hesitation, no argument. In just a few minutes, he bowed his head and received Christ as Saviour! Later, he mentioned that others had told him he needed to be saved, but they had not asked him to accept Christ. I could not help but wonder if maybe they simply thought they could not win him to Christ because of who he was. Remember, always watch your attitude. We have a sufficient Saviour. With His enablement, the Gospel can be presented to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. Go to www.dwministries.org/13pointcard to download a free soul winning plan.
DAVID WOOD is an evangelist from Lexington, South Carolina.
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The Lord is at Hand by Tim Cruse
The Lord is at hand.
—Philippians 4:5b
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here are times in the Christian walk when the Lord seems far away. The dew of His conscious presence no longer saturates the contemplations of our heart. The clouds of unbelief hide the Son from us and we feel all alone. God, however, clearly tells us in His Word that He is ever present. Because He is at hand we know He is near. He is looking on. He could come at any moment and take us home with Him to
Heaven. We also know that He could change our present circumstances if He willed. For them to remain means He has a purpose in our difficulties. There is a greater good to be realized beyond our immediate deliverance. Perhaps you are expending much energy grappling with why you are facing something today. Know that the Lord is at hand. His hand is not shortened that it cannot save and His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. Accept where you are and trust God to guide you from here. Let patience have her perfect work.
He is near when He seems so far, Our blessed Saviour knows where you are. With nail-pierced hands to hold and to guide, The tempted and touched will stand by your side.
TIM CRUSE is the senior pastor of the Shining Light Baptist Church and president of The Shepherd’s Place Children’s Home in Monroe, North Carolina.
Greatness in the Eyes of God by David Gibbs
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o young child dreams of one day growing up to be a failure, and yet too often it seems we allow mediocrity and apathy to slowly gain hold and choke out the potential God has for each and every one of us. What does it take to break through the momentum of this world and truly be great in the eyes of God? TAKE A JUMP OF FAITH This world is continually promoting a message of negativity. You will never have enough money. You will never be successful and well received by your peers. There are countless goals that are just out of your reach and every time you appear to be making progress some unmovable obstacle will be right around the corner. Taking a jump of faith starts with abandoning that way of thinking and putting on the mind of Christ. No
longer are you shackled to this world’s definition of “value”; now you can truly be free! Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Take the jump of faith today and through your actions seek God. Don’t leave anything on the table; devote everything to Him. Only through complete surrender can you truly be great! BE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING God doesn’t care how talented you are. He doesn’t care if you are a graduate of an Ivy League school or illiterate. The metrics that this world utilizes to determine value mean very little in the eyes of God. Paul noted this in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after
the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” The only prerequisite that matters to God is willingness. Be willing to do anything for the cause of Christ. Don’t allow any hesitance to live in your heart. Answer the call like Isaiah did, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). When you open up your life to God and make it clear that you are willing to do anything for Him, be prepared for the bountiful blessings and grace He will pour down on your life. God wants you to succeed. You just have to be willing!
DR. DAVID GIBBS is an author, attorney, and founder of the Christian Law Association.
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Using your Testimony to Witness for Christ by Dan Knickerbocker
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU GOT SAVED? I was sitting in a rocking chair in the living room of our cottage on Round Lake in Sonora, NY. WHO WAS THE PERSON THAT LED YOU TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST? My father said to me, “Daniel, I see no evidence that you are saved.” I thought to myself, I see no evidence either. I got my Bible and led myself to salvation in Jesus Christ. If you don’t remember where you were and you can’t remember anyone helping you to see your need of salvation, I would seriously ask myself the question, “Am I really Saved?” In the book of Act 18:4-5 God gives the only plan for reaching the souls of men for Jesus Christ. We are to be pressed (led) by the Spirit to. . . 10
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1. Reason With People (v.4) We must help people to understand that they are lost so they can be saved. Most people know little to nothing of their condition before God. You may need to go back to Genesis to show them the fall of man, man’s sinful condition and their need for a Savior. 2. Persuaded People (v.4) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. It is either Heaven or Hell for eternity and they need to be encouraged to make a decision for Christ before it is eternally too late. 3. Testify to People (v.5) Give your testimony how you . . . A. Realized you were a sinner, lost and in need of the Savior, Jesus. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me. It is not our good works or religious activity that saves us but simple faith in Jesus and what he did for us on the Cross. B. Repent of your sins. Have a godly sorrow for sin, asking the Lord Jesus to forgive you. Jesus said, “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” C. Receive Jesus into your life by faith. Asking him to save your soul for eternity and become Lord of your life. “But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name.” It is a relationship with Jesus not a religion! D. Rejoice that he has promised you eternal life and live for him. He is there to lead, guide and direct you by His Spirit in your new life in Christ! Often in my witnessing, I will ask the person, who has just told me they are a Baptist or Catholic or Methodist, Are you a saved Baptist or a lost Baptist? If they are saved they will answer immediately, affirming they are saved. If they are not saved, they won’t understand what you are saying. This immediately helps you to know how to give them the gospel. It is important to carry gospel tracts so you can leave them with the message of salvation. A man picked up a gospel tract in a Deli, put the tract in his dresser drawer and two years later, came to our church. After visiting with him on two occasions, He realized where he stood before God, repented of his sinfulness and receive the Lord by faith and has been rejoicing ever since! What should happen after you receive Christ? • Find a good Bible–believing church • Follow the Lord in believer’s baptism • Get involved in sharing your faith with others. DAN KNICKERBOCKER is an evangelist from Fort Worth, Texas.
Why Should We Go to Church? by R. B. Ouellette
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irst it was books. People said, “I can read the writings of so-andso, learn from their exposition of Scripture, and worship God right in my own home.” Then it was radio, the television, and now, the internet. With the advent of the internet, we can hear preaching online, be blessed by music online, and even give online. Why, then, did God tell us to “come together”? Why the money spent on travel and often on construction of a building? Why should we go to church? The church was created by God’s will, commanded by God’s Word, and will be continued by His working (Matt. 16:18). Here are a few benefits of church membership.
1. I am edified (Eph. 4:21, 16; I Thess. 5:1)
4. Truth is established (II Tim. 2:2)
The preaching of God’s Word, the worshipful singing of godly music, and the fellowship of other believers builds me up in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus tells us that error is like weeds which grow without ever having been planted. But truth is like wheat, which must be continually replanted and harvested. The church is called the pillar and ground of truth (I Tim. 3:15). In a Biblical New Testament church, truth is established in our lives and the lives of our families.
2. Others are encouraged (Heb. 10:24) Most of us are familiar with the many “one another” verses in the Bible. We are to comfort one another, exhort one another, bear one another’s burdens, by love serve one another, and much more. 3. The Gospel is enabled (Matt. 28:19, 20) Few of us by ourselves could support even a single missionary. Yet together, as God’s called-out assembly, we though our local churches can spread the Gospel in our community and around the world.
5. God is exalted (Heb. 3:24) It pleases God when His people gather to lift His name in praise, to listen to His Word, and to labor in His work. R.B. OUELLETTE is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Michigan.
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Which are
You? “He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
In this verse there are two very opposite groups - one believeth the other believeth not. To believe in the Bible means to willingly trust without any plan B. When I get on an airplane, I am resting all hope of getting to my destination on that airplane. There is no plan B. I rest all my hope of Heaven on Jesus. I have no plan B for Heaven. Those who believe on Him are not condemned - of course, that means not condemned to Hell. Those who believe not are condemed - to Hell. If you have any trust on anything other than Jesus, forsake your plan B and put all your trust in Him, and do it now.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31
If you just now asked Jesus to save you, we would love to hear from you. Please write to Editor@GodBlessAmericaCrusade.com
Please consider committing to The Hour That Makes The Difference | Bible Reading and Prayer, at least 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, during the 12 o’clock hour (midday or midnight). “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
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FORWARD IN THE FACE OF FEAR “…an astounding testimony to the protection of God and the power of the gospel.” —DR. PAUL CHAPPELL PASTOR, LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH This book tells the riveting story of a missionary preaching the gospel while bombs detonate nearby. It tells of a couple who pressed forward in the face of fear to bring the message of salvation. These pages will challenge your faith, strengthen your courage, and deepen your resolve to go forward for Christ in the face of any fear. Retail: $14.95 | Format: Hardback | Pages: 194