Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jan 29th, 2011 The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Reading: Exodus 28-29, Luke 12-13, and Proverbs 29.

This Week’s Memory Verse: Psalm 119:11.

Proverbs 29:10 – A Change Of Heart.

Good morning. In Proverbs 29, and verse 10, the Bible tells us that, “The bloodthirsty hate the upright…” Do you have anyone who hates you? Maybe you get the feeling that somebody hates you when don’t. But God’s Word is true, and the bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. At first glance, it appears that the bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just will seek the soul of the upright. But what if the upright and the just are one-in-the-same? Think about it: even though the bloodthirsty hates the upright/just, the upright/just will seek the soul of the bloodthirsty to get saved. It is a principle found in the Bible. What did Jesus say about it? Luke 6:27-36 says…

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Jesus also put His Words into action on the cross…

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:33-34).

Then there is also Acts chapter 7…

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:51-60).

Stephen was demonstrating the same love and compassion that Jesus had on the bloodthirsty. How about you. We only have one enemy: the devil. Satan has blinded the eyes of the bloodthirsty to the truth. Can you think of someone who hates you? Is there someone that you hate? Jesus died for his sins just as He died for yours and mine. Maybe it’s time to forgive? A good place to start is praying for that person’s soul.

God can give the bloodthirsty a change of heart.

Peace. (1John 4:20)