The Saturday Morning Post – What Path Are You On?
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 7 – 8; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Read the “0718 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)
“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.”(Proverbs 11:4)
“Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long-run, there’s still time to change the road your on.” (Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin)
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, and a second time in Proverbs 16:25)
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28)
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)
Good morning. Righteousness delivers from death. In the way of righteousness is life. Our righteousness is of the LORD: it comes from God. And despite what Ded Zeppelin (as I call them) sings about, there is only one path that leads to Heaven, and you may not have time to change the path you have decided to go down. The Way is shown in the picture above. Out of the wreckage of 9/11 stands the cross. What pathway are you on? When you look at the wreckage of your life, do you see the cross? And what about our nation? Does it see the cross, or does it call good evil, and evil good? Can the ungodly leaders care about America, and not buy votes by passing laws that mock God by allowing the killing of a life that God created? A law allowing the union of same-sex couples, calling it marriage, which God said marriage was between a man and a woman, and views homosexuality as an abomination? The Word of God says…
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
Do you weep when you see the almighty dollar worshipped, and not the Almighty God? No tears? Heart kinda hard? The church at Ephesus can relate to that…
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:1-5)
Today, you can go and visit the church at Ephesus in Turkey. It’s all in ruins, but you can still visit it. Will America be in ruins also? Soon? We need to repent. Change our minds about what we are doing. Does it make sense to argue over petty issues, when people are dying and going to Hell? No. Does it make sense to elect God-fearing politicians into office who will do right, calling evil evil and good good. Yes, it does. And what about God? Our nation is trying to get rid of Him, removing Him from our daily lives. But when all is said and done, when America is gone, God will still be standing. Jesus told the Ephesians to repent, AND do the first works: tell others about Jesus. If we would not have dropped the ball, America might still be a leader among nations. Even our enemies can see this – they aren’t blind…
“Many Eur-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a recent keynote speech. “Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan. This is the path to degradation.” As part of this defense of “Christian values,” Russia has adopted a law banning “homosexual propaganda” and another that makes it a criminal offense to “insult” the religious sensibilities of believers.
It’s sad when Russia, considered a godless nation has to tell us that we are going in the wrong direction. What kind of witness does that make us? Repent and do the first works.
I want to end this with a passage from ‘The Mystery of the Shemitah” by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn. (A Shemitah is the 7th year of Israel’s agricultural cycle when the land rested (see Leviticus 25:1-4 and Exodus 23:10-11))…
“As the Shemitah of the year 2001 approached it’s end, America saw the collapse of it’s two colossal towers. But when the towers fell, one object was left standing. It was a steel cross forged out of the calamity – in the midst of the calamity, a symbol of hope; in man’s hatred, the love of God. That, in and of itself, was a sign.
The Shemitah declares that, in the end, all things will pass away, everything will collapse and fall – except this – God, His love, and His salvation. Everything else we sought after or dwelt upon will mean nothing. They will all pass away. But the love of God and His salvation will not fall, nor collapse, nor fail, but will remain forever. And the only thing that will then matter is whether we sought Him, found Him, and became right with Him – in that love and in that salvation.”
What pathway are you on?
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
Who Are You Going To Listen To?
Today’s Passage –Proverbs 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105
Read the “0717 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Did you notice in our passage this morning that there were two very different women, and each of them were calling out to men, trying to get them to yield to her?
# 1 – The Foolish Woman (the Strange Woman – [Ladies – this could also be a strange man])
“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.” (Proverbs 7:10-20)
“A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” (Proverbs 9:13-18)
The first woman is the foolish woman. You meet her quite often in the Book of Proverbs. She is easy to spot because she dresses like an harlot. She is loud and very bold about what she wants. You see her just about everywhere you go. She is very alluring and offers pleasure that promises to satisfy, at least temporarily. Unfortunately, those that yield to her end up ruining their lives. “For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7:26-27)
# 2 – The Woman named Wisdom
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:1-6)
This woman is a different story altogether. She is introduced in the first few verses of chapter 7. Chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9 are also all about her. She is also trying to get you to yield to her and she is desperately trying to keep you away from the strange and foolish woman (7:5). She offers you long life and the favor of the Lord, and promises that the fruit that she gives you is more valuable than gold. She has served as counsellor to the greatest leaders of the world and was even present when God created the world around us. And she delivers on her promises. She may not give you the temporary pleasure that the foolish woman offers but in the long run she is the much “wiser” choice.
So, who are you going to choose? I can give you a suggestion. “Get Wisdom,” and stay as far away from the foolish woman (or man) as you can.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
“Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her (the foolish woman) ways, go not astray in her paths.” (Proverbs 7:24-25)
Posted in Thoughts from Proverbs by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
Consider the Ant
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 4 – 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 3 – 4 ; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4
Read the “0716 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” – (Proverbs 6:6-11)
I remember many years back, our assistant pastor, Ted Stahl, was sitting on the curb in back of our church and he was staring down at the ground. I was curious as to what he was doing, so I asked him. His answer was even more curious: he said that he was obeying the Bible. By this point, he had my full attention, so I probed even deeper, and asked him what he meant by that. He told me that the Bible commanded him to consider the ants, and as I looked closer I could see that Pastor Stahl was actually observing some ants as they were going about their business. I will have to agree that the ants are fascinating creatures. They seem to be always busy, working together to accomplish their goal.
Christians ought to have some of the qualities of ants. Our society is filled with lazy people who seem to have little purpose in life, but that shouldn’t be said of us. We should be busy, diligent people who are able to work well with other people to accomplish God’s will for our lives.
As I have read through the Book of Proverbs I have noticed that there are certain themes that reappear again and again. One of these is the subject of laziness (the Bible uses the terms slothful, and will also call a lazy person, a sluggard).
“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” – (Proverbs 24:30-34 )
The above passage speaks of a man who because of his laziness, has neglected his field to the point where it was overgrown with weeds. I feel that way in my life sometimes. I notice that there are times when I lose focus and allow things to fall into neglect. It happens in all areas of my life as well. Sometimes, I may neglect the spiritual priorities and at other times I may become lazy in one of my responsibilities as a father or husband. I get lazy. Laziness seems to be a bigger problem for me in the summertime.
God expects us to be fruitful. God expects us to be busy and productive. Here are some things that will help me stay on track to fulfill the things that God expects from my life:
1 Have a schedule – determine what time you need to get up, and how much time is needed to do what you have to do. Go to bed early and get up early. Avoid the time wasters like the internet and television.
2 Set Goals – what do you want to accomplish this year, this summer, this week, tomorrow? Attempt to get a lot of things done. You may not get to them all, but you will accomplish a lot more than if you don’t set goals. “He who aims at nothing hits it every time”. Set spiritual goals; goals for tasks around the house, etc.
3 Be accountable to someone. This is the problem that many preachers have. They have no earthly boss standing over them with expectations. If I am not careful, I will let this lack of accountability cause me to get lazy, get up later, leave earlier, etc.
4 Stay motivated. I listen to preaching and leadership lessons from Godly pastors around the country to stay challenged. What motivates you?
We will have to give an account of our lives to God someday. What did we do with our time? Were we productive? Did we fulfill God’s will for our lives? Or did we sleep in? Don’t be lazy. Get up and do what God has called you to do. Be like the ant.
Posted in Thoughts from Proverbs by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Barns Filled With Plenty
Today’s Reading – Proverbs 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 1 – 2; Psalms 71 – 75; Proverbs 15)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4
Read the “0715 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Several years ago our church started a community garden. Although I was really not personally involved in the process, I observed with fascination as the folks first worked the ground, and then planted the seeds and plants. It didn’t look like much at first, but soon it began to take shape. I remember that first year when they brought in a tray of the “first fruits,” which was distributed to some people who needed food. It was exciting to see food that was produced from our garden go to some families in our church who needed it.
When I read Proverbs 3:9 – 10, I am reminded of that garden. This is a wonderful promise from the Word of God. It is really very simple. If we will are faithful to give back to the Lord the “firstfruits” of all that He has blessed us with, He will also be faithful to fill our barns with plenty. In my case it’s actually just a food pantry, but I can personally testify that the Lord has been very faithful to me through the years in keeping that pantry and refrigerator filled. My family has always been abundantly provided for by the Lord, not just with food, but also with clothing, a house to live in, a car to drive, and even many luxuries. Let me challenge and encourage you in this matter of giving back to the Lord. You can absolutely trust Him. He will never fail to do what He has promised to do.
Consider some of these related promises from the Scripture:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:10-12)
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Posted in Thoughts from Proverbs by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Praise Ye the Lord: Finding True Happiness in the God of Jacob
Listen to today’s passage – Psalms 146 – 150
Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Psalm 146
Second Milers also read – Matthew 27 – 28; Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
Read the “0714 Evening and Morning” devotion for today by Charles Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from today’s reading – “Praise God“
The final five psalms of the Psalter (146–150) are known as the “Hallelujah Psalms.” Each one begins and ends with the joyful cry, “Praise ye the Lord!” In the original Hebrew, this is “Halel Yahh”—the very word from which we get our English “Hallelujah.” These psalms form a glorious crescendo of praise at the close of the book.
After journeying through psalms of lament, confession, imprecation, and deep longing, the Psalter ends on a note of pure, triumphant praise. There is a beautiful parallel here to the Christian life. We experience mountaintop joys and deep valley sorrows. Sin, suffering, and trials are very real parts of our pilgrimage. Yet the believer who has walked closely with the Lord through many seasons often finds that, toward the end of the journey, praise rises most naturally. We look back and see God’s faithful hand at work in both the good and the difficult chapters of our story.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
We do not know the name of the writer of Psalm 146 or the specific circumstances behind it. But its message is timeless and urgently needed today.
I. The Psalmist’s Lifelong Resolution (vv. 1–2)
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (Psalm 146:1-2)
The psalmist makes a deliberate, lifelong commitment. This is not the impulsive vow of a new believer who has yet to face life’s storms. This is the settled resolve of a seasoned saint—a veteran who has walked with God through many battles and many valleys. He has seen God’s faithfulness firsthand. He knows that God has kept every promise and will continue to do so until He takes him home to Heaven.
This commitment is not grim duty or “grin-and-bear-it” Christianity. It is the overflow of a heart that has learned, through experience, that God is worthy of praise in every season. The new believer who has not yet walked long with God would do well to find an older mentor who has proven God’s faithfulness over decades. Their testimony can strengthen our own determination to keep praising the Lord as long as we have breath.
II. The Psalmist’s Warning: Do Not Trust in Man (vv. 3–4)
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (Psalm 146:3-4)
Here is a sobering warning: Human help has limits. Princes and presidents, doctors and leaders, family and friends—no matter how powerful or well-meaning—are ultimately finite and mortal. Their breath fails; their plans perish with them. Only God can ultimately help us in the deepest needs of the soul.
Scripture gives us clear examples. In 2 Chronicles 16:12, King Asa, who had once trusted the Lord mightily, later in life turned to physicians instead of seeking the Lord for his diseased feet. God had repeatedly warned Judah not to place their hope in Egypt’s chariots and horsemen but to trust in Him alone (Isaiah 30:1-2; 31:1).
Why is it so dangerous to put our ultimate trust in people?
- People are finite; God is infinite in wisdom and power. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:5)
- People are often unfaithful; God is always faithful. He always does what He says He will do.
- People can be selfish; God is always selfless. He works all things for our ultimate good.
- People’s love is often conditional; God’s love is unconditional and everlasting.
III. The Psalmist’s Reason for Trust: The Blessed Life (vv. 5–10)
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: (Psalm 146:5)
The Christian life is meant to be a happy, fulfilling life. The truly miserable people in this world are those still without Christ. The unhappy Christian is usually the one who has been saved but continues to live as if everything depends on his own wisdom, strength, or plans. True happiness flows from having the God of Jacob as our help and our hope.
He is the faithful Creator who keeps truth forever.
Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: (Psalm 146:6)
The same God who spoke the universe into existence keeps His truth forever. Three times the Bible declares that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). Because God is faithful, His Word is completely reliable. When you build your life on it, you are standing on solid ground that cannot be shaken.
He is the compassionate Helper of the needy.
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. (Psalm 146:7-9)
Notice how active and generous God is toward those in need. When Jesus walked this earth, everyone who came to Him with a genuine need found help. He healed, delivered, forgave, restored, and loved. That same compassionate heart still beats in heaven today. God delights to help people—and as His children, we are called to reflect that same generous, merciful spirit toward others around us.
He reigns forever.
The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 146:10)
Whatever dominates today’s headlines will likely be forgotten in a hundred years. But the Lord’s throne is secure. His kingdom has no end. His reign is eternal. Whatever feels overwhelming in your life today is temporary. The God you are trusting is not.
A Personal Challenge
Friend, where are you tempted to place your trust today? In your health, your finances, your leaders, your family, or your own careful plans? All of these can fail us. Only the Lord remains steadfast through every generation.
Join the psalmist in his resolution: “While I live will I praise the LORD.” Make it personal. Speak it aloud if you need to. Then live today with the happy confidence that the God of Jacob is your help and your hope. He made you. He keeps His Word. He cares deeply for the broken and the needy—and that includes you. And He will reign forever.
Praise ye the Lord!
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from Psalms and tagged Biblical Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, Hallelujah Psalms, Hope in the Lord, Praise, Psalm 146, The God of Jacob, The Psalms, Trust in God by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Are You Happy?
Today’s Reading – Psalms 140 – 145 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 25 – 26; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3
Read the “0713 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15)
Years ago, I was researching some ideas for a new gospel tract for the church. I came across one that really caught my attention. On the front cover it had a picture of a smily face with the question, “Are You Happy?” I thought that this tract would be a great attention getter for others as well; but I wondered, is it biblical? I’m not talking about the contents of the tract, which is doctrinally sound. I am talking about the concept of happiness. What does the Bible really say about happiness? I had always been taught that God’s people can be joyful, but joy is deeper that happiness. In other words, you can be joyful even when you’re not happy. I suppose that may be true at times, but I did a little more research and discovered that the Bible very clearly teaches that God’s children should be a happy people. Don’t misunderstand, I am not saying that there will be times in our lives when we are sad; and to some degree I think feeling sad is good for us and part of our complete emotional makeup. But, for the most part, we who are saved ought to be the happiest people on the planet. Why? Because we have an awful lot to be happy about.
Consider what the Word of God says about happiness:
“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:”(Job 5:17)
“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” (Psalm 128:1&2)
“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalm 146:5)
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Psalm 3:13)
“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21)
“Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 28:14)
I could list some more verses, but I think you get the idea. Why then are so many Christians miserable, discontented people? Why are we always so negative? It’s no wonder, we are failing terribly at reaching the world with the gospel. Why should the lost world want what we claim to have with our doctrine, but fail to demonstrate in a happy, contented life. I don’t think happiness is all that elusive. I think it can be found in a right relationship with God. By that I mean that you are saved and yielded to the Spirit of God, surrendered to His will. If you are saved and still doing things your way, you are not going to be happy, because you will have an inner turmoil going on inside of you as God the Holy Spirit works to bring you into submission.
By the way, we ordered the tract, and it was a great eye catcher. We even had a special series of messages surrounding the theme “Are You Happy?”.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
The Good Ole Days
Today’s Reading – Psalms 133 – 139 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 23 – 24; Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 55:17
Read the “0712 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from today’s reading – “Unity“.
“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?” (Psalms 137:1-4)
Psalm 137 is a very sad psalm written after the Israelites had lost their land, and had been taken into captivity by the Babylonians. In this psalm they are remembering the good ole days, when they were safe and secure inside of their borders, and when they had the freedom and privelege to worship and serve God freely. But, that was all gone. As a nation, they had forsaken God’s word, neglected His worship, and had allowed all of the wicked practices of the heathen to enter in. Though God had warned them of the consequences many times through His prophets, the people just would not listen, so God had to judge them. In this psalm, they are looking back, and wishing that they could go back and do things differently.
I see a prophetic parallel to America in this psalm. I believe if we continue down the path that we are travelling as a nation, we too will lose everything, and will one day be looking back in regret, wishing we could go back and re-do things. We have not lost everything yet, but we can see the hand of God’s judgment beginning to fall upon this once great nation. It doesn’t have to happen though. We could repent, and go back to what we were when we were founded. Of course, we had some problems back then as well, and I do not advocate that we do everything exactly as we did then, but I do believe we need to put God back on the throne in this land. Our nation has become a godless, corrupt, and extremely immoral place. We have come to accept and even promote many things which God has declared to be evil. We are forsaking the houses of God’s worship, and instead are consumed with chasing possessions and pleasure. If we keep going, someday soon it will all be gone. But then, we will remember. I guess it won’t be all bad, though, because while we are remembering what we lost, we also will remember God. Just a thought.
Posted in Thoughts from Psalms by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – Psalm 125
Today’s Reading – Psalms 120 – 132 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 21 – 22; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Read the “0711 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
(Psalm 125:1-5) A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. (2) As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. (3) For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. (4) Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. (5) As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Good morning. How is your salvation? Are you like mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abides forever? Verse 2 tells us that the LORD is around about us forever. Jesus said…
(John 6:37-39) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (39) And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
I don’t know about you, but once I got saved, I was saved forever…
(John 10:23-30) And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. (24) Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. (25) Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (30) I and my Father are one.
We shall never perish, and no man can pluck us out of Jesus’ hand, nor the Father’s hand.
I had a man I was witnessing to a while back who said yes, that’s right, but you can walk out of His hand. My question to him was, how far do you think He will let you walk?
(Hebrews 12:5-7) And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: (6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
It’s that simple: a perfect salvation from a perfect God. Know God, know peace. No God, no…
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
Open Thou Mine Eyes
Today’s Reading – Psalm 119 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 19 – 20; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 48:1 & 2
Read the “0710 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalms 119:18)
“105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Psalm 119:105, 130)
What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to open up a copy of the Word of God. Our reading this morning in Psalm 119 is all about God’s word. Almost every verse in this Psalm contains a word that is synonymous with the Bible. For instance, in vs. 1 – 6, you will see the words, “law,” “testimonies,” “ways,” “precepts,” “statutes,” “commandments,” and “judgments.” All of these words are references to the Word of God. They all have slightly different meanings, but together they help us to understand what the Word of God is, as well as what it does. This is a wonderful psalm, replete with tremendous truths and promises regarding our relationship with God through the Bible.
This psalm is the longest psalm at 176 verses as well as the longest chapter in the Word of God. It is another Hebrew acrostic, but it is different from any of the other acrostics that we have seen in that the 176 verses are divided into 22 sections, each containing 8 lines or verses. These 22 sections all correlate with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus the first eight verses all begin with “Aleph”, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The next eight verses (vs. 9 – 16) all begin with “Beth”, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet; and, so on.
The writer is unknown and the historical context is unknown, but there are some clues as to the type of person that wrote it. Wiersbe writes: “The writer must have been a “high profile” person because he mentioned the opposition of rulers (vv. 23, 161; “princes” in kjv), a word that can refer to Gentile rulers or local Jewish tribal leaders (Neh. 3), and he also spoke to kings (v. 46)..”[1]
Wiersbe believes that the writer may have actually been Jeremiah. Others have speculated that it was Moses or perhaps David. We simply do not know.
There is no doubt regarding the theme of this psalm. In nearly every verse, the writer extolls his love and devotion to the Word of God. All verses, save 5 (vs. 84, 90, 121, 122, and 132) speak directly about the Word of God.
Allan Ross wrote this regarding Psalm 119:
The psalm is largely a collection of prayers and meditations on the Word of God, referred to by 10 synonyms.
“Law” (tôrâh), occurring 25 times in the psalm, denotes direction or instruction. More often the word refers to a body of teaching, probably Deuteronomy and Leviticus, if not the whole Pentateuch. In fact, in John 10:34, the corresponding Greek word for “Law” seems to include the entire Old Testament.
“Word” (dāḇār) occurs 20 times in the psalm. It is a general term for God’s revelation, but the “Ten Commandments” are called “Ten Words” (literal Heb., Deut. 4:13).
“Saying” (’imrâh) occurs 19 times. It is often a poetical synonym for dāḇār.
“Commandment” (miṣwâh) occurs (in the Heb.) 21 times in the plural and once in the singular collectively. It signifies a definite, authoritative command. It is frequently joined with the next two words.
“Statutes” (ḥūqqîm) occurs 21 times. In the Psalms it is always in the plural. Literally it means “things inscribed.” So it refers to enacted Laws.
“Judgment” (mišpoṭ) occurs 19 times in the plural, and 4 times in the singular. It represents a judicial decision that constitutes a precedence, a binding law. In the Pentateuch it referred to the laws after the Ten Commandments. The word can also mean God’s judgmental acts on the wicked.
“Precepts” (piqqûḏîm) occurs 21 times. It is a poetical word for injunctions, found only in the Psalter (always in the pl.).
“Testimony” (‘ēḏâh) occurs 22 times in the plural and once in the singular. It is a solemn attestation, a declaration of the will of God. It is a general word for ordinances that became God’s standard of conduct.
“Way” (derek), used five times in the plural and six times in the singular, is a metaphorical term describing the pattern of life marked out by God’s Law.
“Path” (’ōraḥ), used five times in Psalms, is parallel to “way.”[2]
My attention this morning was drawn to v. 18, where the psalmists asks the Lord to open his eyes so that he could understand (see) wondrous things from the Word of God. The Bible does contain a myriad of “wondrous things,” but oftentimes our spiritual eyes are not open enough to receive them. There are certainly many reasons for this but I believe one of them is the fact that we do not approach the Word of God expectantly and prayerfully, anticipating a life-changing truth. Our prayer should be the same as the psalmist every time we open up the Bible: “Open thou mine eyes.”
Everything that we need to succeed in this life is contained in the Bible. But we are missing so many principles that would guide, instruct, and protect us simply because we are not looking, because our eyes are closed. Stop approaching the Word each day as a religious ritual but rather, open it looking for the truth that you will need to help you survive, and even thrive as an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ. God has the answers for the problems and challenges that you will be facing today and tomorrow. They are in His Word. Ask Him to help you see them.
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be Exultant (1st ed., p. 102). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.
[2] Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 879–880). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Revised 07/10/2025
Posted in Thoughts from Psalms by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Not Short on Truth
Today’s Reading – Psalms 115 – 118 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 17 – 18; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 47:1
Read the “0709 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” – (Psalm 117:1-2)
Did you ever notice that some of the most powerful messages in the Bible come out of passages of few words. For instance, Peter’s message at Pentecost, which was used of God to lead 3000 people to Christ, was only 25 verses long. The people at our church are hoping that I would learn to preach some of those short sermons. Anyway, Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in all the Bible, but it is certainly not short on truth. This Psalm speaks about two very important doctrines in the Bible: God’s mercy, and God’s truth. It really says it all if you think about it. Through God’s mercy a way was made possible for us to receive the forgiveness of our sins; and it is because of His truth that we could find out about His mercy. What an awesome little passage of Scripture!
The context of this psalm is unclear, and the writer is unknown.
This is another of the “Halel Psalms” because it ends in “praise ye the Lord”. The Hebrew word for praise in these psalms is “halel” and the word for the Lord is “Yahh” – thus halel Yahh, Halellujah. There is also another word for praise here in the first verse. The first praise is “halel”, but the second praise is “shabach”, which means to boast or to commend.
I. The Candidates for Praise (v. 1)
A. The Countries
“O praise the LORD, all ye nations:” (Psalm 117:1a)
The word, “Nations” here means the Gentiles (see Psalm 22:23 – 28).
Throughout Israel’s history, most of their neighbors have been unfriendly towards Israel and to Israel’s God. Here, however, the call is for these Gentile nations to praise the Lord. The only way for this to happen is if these nations (Gentiles) were to call upon the name of the Lord.
We know that in the Millenium, all the nations of the earth will be praising God for His kindness and His truth because they will be receivers of them.
Today, we who know God, need to get the good news to the Nations of the world. We may not be able to save entire nations, but we may be able to reach a remnant within each nation.
“ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.” (Zechariah 2:10-11)
“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.” (Zechariah 14:16-19)
B. The Congregation
“praise him, all ye people.” (Psalm 117:1b)
This word has a similar meaning to the word “Nations.” It means a people, tribe, or nation. I think the reference here is to the nation of Israel.
The bottom line is that the people today who know God need to glorify God in front of the nations by boasting or bragging on Him. Someday, the world will catch up to us. Right now, too many of us are letting the world intimidate us into silence. Our praise, however, may be the very thing that God uses to bring about the salvation of the nations.
II. The Causes for Praise (v. 2)
A. His Compassion
“For his merciful kindness is great toward us:” (Psalm 117:2a)
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 36:7)
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” (Psalm 63:3)
His greatest merciful kindness to us was dying on the Cross for our sins:
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” (Titus 3:4-6)
B. His Commandments
“and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.” (Psalm 117:2b)
The Bible states many times that His mercy endureth for ever.
It also states that His righteousness endures for ever as well as His judgnments.
Here is Psalm 117, we learn that His truth endures forever as well:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25)
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psalm 12:6-7)
Conclusion
“Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 117:2c)
“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” (Psalm 138:2)
Praise the Lord. Ain’t God good.
Revised 07/09/25
Posted in Thoughts from the Psalms by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.