Making A Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 22nd, 2023 Jealous? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Proverbs 22 – 24 (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 15 – 16; Psalms 106 – 110)

Read the “0722 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

(Proverbs 23:17-18) “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. (18) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

Good morning. Did you ever watch any of those TV shows about flipping houses? They by a house in really bad shape for $100,000. Then they invest another $100,000 to make it like new. Then they sell it for half a million dollars: and profit $300,000. Did you ever take a good look at the people who are buying them? Where are these people getting all that money from?

Jealous?

Did you ever wonder about Jack LaLane, or Richard Simmons, or even Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper of The Biggest Loser? How can they get their metabolism up to burn extra calories and I can’t?

Jealous?

How about those who seem to ‘get away with murder’, as the saying goes?

(Proverbs 24:1-2) “Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. (2) For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.”

Now, granted, some of those people are paying $500,000 for a house with money that was honestly earned. And there are some who are not. Surely there is an end. Bob and Jillian, and most of us, are just one step away from disaster. If something happens and they are laid up in a hospital for a year, they may not be able to get back into the same shape they are now. And the evil man is not getting away with anything. One day, just like all of us, he will have to stand before the Lord and give account. Surely there is an end and your expectation may or may not be cut short. And surely there is an end, and that end is either Heaven or Hell for eternity. If you receive Jesus as your Saviour, Heaven, your expectation, will not be cut short. If you reject Jesus as your Saviour, your expectation is cut short, and your dreams of Heaven are turned into Hell.

(Romans 14:11-12) “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

The apostle Paul said…

(Philippians 4:11-13) “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

And the apostle Paul went through a lot…

(2Corinthians 11:23-27) “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”

And yet Paul was content. God allows us to have what He allows us to have. Some people think they can serve God better if He gives them a million dollars. Do you have a million dollars? God knows it would corrupt you: it would not be good for you to have all that money. Many times when I hear people complain about this thing or that thing, I always think about a passage at the end of John…

(John 21:14-22) “This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. (15) So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (18) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (20) Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (21) Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? (22) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Still jealous? Maybe we should be like Paul and be content; and like Peter, and follow Jesus.

Peace.

Jul 15th, 2023 Come And Dine – The Saturday Morning Post

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)

Read the “0715 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

(Proverbs 1:7) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

(Proverbs 1:23-33) “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (24) Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (25) But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: (26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; (27) When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. (28) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: (29) For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: (30) They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (31) Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. (32) For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. (33) But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”

(Proverbs 10:21) ““The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.”

Good morning. One of the lamest excuses ever devised for leaving a church is saying I’m not being fed. But your Host is saying come and dine. When you go to somebody’s house for dinner, you should expect to be fed. The Host puts the plate He has prepared in front of you. You are being fed, but if you don’t eat, that’s not the Host’s fault: you are not eating. God has prepared the perfect meal for you, but He will not force you to eat it. You are the one who must come and dine.

1) Look at your plate, see the beauty, and smell the aroma.

(Proverbs 25:11) “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

God has given you something to enjoy, something you need. You may not notice or need it just yet, but you will. Or it could stand out and be easily seen as golden apples on a silver background.

2) Pray…

You should always say grace, and thank God for what you are about to receive

(Psalm 119:18) “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Pray that God opens your eyes. Pray that you will understand the preacher as he delivers the Word that God has given him.

3) Taste.

If food is going to do a body good, you need to eat it. But what if I don’t like it?

(Psalm 119:140) “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.”

Let’s talk onions here for a minute. When I was a child, I did not like onions. I would go to my room, or outside, running, coughing, and hacking as I went. Come to think about it I had the same reaction when my wife cooked onions. Then I heard about a small Mexican restaurant on Rt. 35 in Neptune, NJ. I was told they had good chili. I went there to have a bowl. Guess what? They brought it out, and there on top of the chili, in the middle of the bowl was a pile of 1/4″ cubed raw onion. I did not have time to reorder: I was on my lunch break. I mixed them into the chili rather than try to eat around them. And guess what now? It was good!

Listen carefully to the message that God has given the preacher to give to you. You may not like it, but as you wander down the road of life, and you need it, the Holy Spirit will bring it to mind.

4) Come and dine: eat.

(Jeremiah 16:15) “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Food will not do you any good unless you take it in. You can sit there in the pew thinking you are not being fed, or you could eat…

(Psalm 19:7-10) “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. (8) He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (9) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. (10) Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Peace.

Jul 8th, 2023 God’s Wonderful Works Remembered – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 108 – 114 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 15 – 16; Psalms 36 – 40; Proverbs 8)

Read the “0708 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

(Psalm 111) “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. (2) The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. (3) His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. (4) He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (5) He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. (6) He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. (7) The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. (8) They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (9) He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. (10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

Good morning. Six years ago, we went on vacation, and saw Noah’s Ark. In Kentucky! I know, all this time you thought it was on the mountains of Ararat in Turkey. The Bible says…

(Genesis 8:4) “And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

(Psalm 111:4) “He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.”

God’s works are to be remembered, and that He is gracious and full of compassion. In the case of Noah and the ark, many do not believe in the world wide flood wiping out all but a few. But the Lord is gracious and full of compassion, remember this work. According to “Answers From Genesis” the population of the world at the time of the flood could have been low, or as high as 4 billion…

“Some people believe the population was relatively low. The Bible explains that people were extremely corrupt and violent prior to the Flood. It is not hard to imagine the world being filled with wars, diseases, and other factors that would keep the population in check. Others believe that Earth’s population was much higher. If the growthrate in the pre-Flood world was equal to the growth rate in 2000 (0.012), there could have been about 750 million people at the time of the Flood. However, given the extremely long lifespans prior to the Flood, the growth rate could have been much higher. Increasing the rate by just 0.001 would put the population at close to four billion at the Flood.”

Can you imagine what the time of Noah was like with up to 4 billion people sinning and doing evil in the sight of the Lord?

(Genesis 6:5-8) “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (6) And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (7) And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. (8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

(Genesis 7:1-24) “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. (2) Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. (3) Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. (4) For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. (5) And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. (6) And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. (7) And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. (8) Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, (9) There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. (10) And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. (11) In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. (12) And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. (13) In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; (14) They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. (15) And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. (16) And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. (17) And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. (18) And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. (19) And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. (20) Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. (21) And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: (22) All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. (23) And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. (24) And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

Because Noah believed God, and was obedient in building the ark, you are here reading this today. The world population today is estimated at 7.5 billion people. With all the war, and violence going on at home and in the world, not to mention AIDS, flesh eating bacteria, and amoebas that eat your brain, it is almost easy to see that these things do not keep the population in check. The population at the time of the flood could have been 4 billion. God’s works are to be remembered, and that He is gracious and full of compassion. And 2000 years ago, God made Himself an Ark: the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome to climb on board and be saved from the coming judgment of God. Jesus said…

(John 6:37-40) “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. (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

God’s works are to be remembered, and that He is gracious and full of compassion. And coming to earth and dying on a cross to pay the price of our sins is God’s greatest work: He showed us how much He loves us: He is gracious and full of compassion.

Peace.

Jul 1st, 2023 Why Me? Why Not? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading –Psalms 78 – 79 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

Second Milers also read – Proverbs 1; Psalms 1 – 5; Mathew 1 – 2)

Read the “0701 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

(Psalm 78:26-32) “He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. (27) He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: (28) And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. (29) So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire; (30) They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, (31) The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. (32) For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.”

Good morning. My wife and I both have heart problems, eating problems, assorted health problems, and problems on top of problems. Why me? Why me?

Why not?

If you look at the verse stamped on the cover of my Bible, Jesus makes it clear…

(John 16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Look at Psalm 78, and verse 32 again…

(Psalm 78:32-33) “For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. (33) Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.”

It’s clear that life is not always going to be a sweet smelling bed of roses. Things are going to happen. God could be trying to get our attention. Look at verse 34…

(Psalm 78:34-41) “When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. (35) And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. (36) Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. (37) For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. (38) But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.”

Because of the love He has for us, God did not stir up all His wrath…

(Lamentations 3:22) “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”

Many times it is just because we sin that all this trouble comes upon us. Or, like Job, God wanted to use him as an example to show the devil God’s unlimited love. Or maybe like Paul, and his thorn in the flesh to show us that God’s grace is sufficient for us.

(Psalm 78:39-41) “For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (40) How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! (41) Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.“

What a great example of who we are. We are but flesh; a wind that passeth away and cometh not again. We are all sinners, and we are still going to sin. But will we allow God to use us as an example to others? Will we trust in His grace, which is sufficient? Or will we limit he Holy One of Israel?

Why you and me?

Why not?

Peace.

Jun 24th, 2023 My Help, My Deliverer, My God – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 40 – 45 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 2 John, 3 John, Jude; Psalms 116 – 120; Proverbs 24)

Read the “0624 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

(Psalm 40:17) “But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.”

Good morning. This is the last verse of Psalm 40 – A Psalm of David. David was king of Israel. God called him a man after mine own heart. Everything he wanted he was given. But David confesses, here in verse- 17, that he is poor and needy. He is poor and in need of the Lord spiritually. And if we examine ourselves, we can also see that we are poor and needy. The lifestyles we lead tend to put us in positions of working multiple jobs, always running here and there for this or that, and causes us to not always put the Lord first as we should. I sometimes go into Home Depot with a list of the things I need, and a tract; intending to give it to someone or leave it in the restroom. As I go through the store getting my things, I forget about the tract. I leave Home Depot, drive home, and that’s when I remember the tract. If I was to put the Lord’s work first, give someone the tract first, and then shop, I know I would not forget. David said that even though he was poor and needy, the Lord was thinking about him.

1) The Lord is my Help.

Remember the conversation David had with Goliath…

(1Samuel 17:43-46) “And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. (44) And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. (45) Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (46) This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.“

2) The Lord is my Deliverer.

(1Samuel 23:8-14) “And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. (9) And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. (10) Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. (11) Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. (12) Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. (13) Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. (14) And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.“

3) The Lord is my God.

(Psalm 31:14) “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.”

(Psalm 62:5-8) “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (6) He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. (7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.“

David confessed that the Lord was his help, his deliverer, and his God. King David trusted in the Lord. Jesus said…

(John 15:5) “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Maybe if we put God first we could accomplish something. Something like getting our lives simplified, and getting in a position to serve the Lord faithfully. Or we could stay stuck in the same old rut. The Lord wants what is best for us. Do we want what is best for us? The best place to be is in the middle of God’s will. The Lord will be your help, your deliverer, and your God.

Peace.

Jun 17th, 2023 WHY DO THE HEATHEN RAGE? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 1 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Philemon – Hebrews 4; Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)

Read the “0617 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

(Psalm 2:1-5) “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Good morning. The photo shown here is one of the riots that happened when President Trump was elected. Why do the heathen rage? Because they don’t know the God of the Bible. What is a heathen? Someone who doesn’t acknowledge the God of the Bible is the definition given in the dictionary. They do not believe in the true God. They have no assurance of salvation. They have been programmed for this: America, you reap what you sow. Let me give you a famous quote that the liberals, the socialists, don’t want you to know…

“A lie told once remains a lie, but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth.” – Joseph Goebbels – Hitler’s Propaganda Minister.

Why do the heathen rage? Because they believe a lie and not the truth. That’s why it’s okay for one teenager to shoot another teenager dead on the streets. They may think they’re doing the world a favor. What do they think…

You came from a blob of goo, you should have been aborted then.

Maybe in the next life you’ll comeback a something useful like a horse or a cow.

What are they thinking? They sure are not thinking godly thoughts. God said that thou shalt not kill, and gave that as one of the Ten Commandments. This what the Bible says…

(2Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

It’s estimated that six thousand babies were thrown into the fire as a sacrifice to Molech. In comparison, since Roe vs. Wade, over fifty-two million babies were made to “pass through the fire” via abortions in America. And the cry rings out as the heathen rage: “My body, my choice.”

But what does God’s Word say about the baby growing inside you?

In Jeremiah…

(Jeremiah 1:4-5) “Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

God knows that child in your belly, even before He started to form him. God already had ordained the good works for him to walk in even before he came out of the womb. Look at John the Baptist while he was still in his mother’s, Elisabeth’s, womb…

(Luke 1:39-44) “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; (40) And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. (41) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (42) And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. (43) And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (44) For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”

Why do the heathen rage? Because they don’t know the truth. And Jesus is the Truth. And if they do know the Lord, does the cry still ring out, “My body, my choice?”

(1Corinthians 6:19-20) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Why do the heathen rage? Because they need Jesus. And who is going to tell them?

Peace.

Jun 10th, 2023 Job’s Faith – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 19 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Colossians 1 – 4; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Read the “0610 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-26)

Good morning. Job has been going through the mill. His so-called friends are raking him over the coals. In just two days, Job lost all his livestock, his children, even his wife was turned against him when she told him to curse God and die. Job’s friends went to comfort him, but only agrivated the situation by telling him he had sin in his life. That’s why all this was happening to him. But even his wife could see that Job held on to his integrity…

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:9-10)

But Job’s faith was strong, he held on to his integrity. He was still a man that was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

God even included Job with Noah, and Daniel demonstrating their righteousness…

“The word of the LORD came again to me, saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves. Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast: Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” (Ezekiel 14:12-20)

How do you react when the problems of this life show their ugly head? Is your faith strong? Does your integrity stand up? Do you have any integrity? Your righteousness? As Christians, we have the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. When God the Father looks at us, He doesn’t see the filthy rags of our own righteousness, but the perfect righteousness of His Son. Abraham had faith in God…

“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:5-6)

Noah believed God and built an ark that God used to save the animals and the human race. Daniel believed God and prayed as he always did, knowing he would be thrown in the lion’s den, and God protected him. Where can I get this kind of faith you may ask? If you’re saved, you already have it…

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

And…

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

How can you know that you hear the Word of God? By being obedient to the Word of God. Let’s go back to Ezekiel chapter 14 and see…

“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast? Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 14:20-23)

The remnant that come forth are those that also believed God. They are ready to be taken into captivity and brought down to Babylon because they know that is what God wanted. Others will see their actions and see the difference. They will understand why the LORD did what He did, and they will be comforted.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-26)

Peace.

Jun 3rd, 2023 Haman And His Antisemitism – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Esther 1 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 2 Corinthians 5 – 8; Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)

Read the “0603 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” (Esther 3:1-6)

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-3)

Good morning. Do you know the pride verse? The one in Proverbs…

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18)

Well Haman’s spirit was lifted up when king Ahasuerus promoted him to a position above all the princes that were with him. His pride was hurt, though, when a Jew named Mordecai refused to bow down, worshiping him. This was the start of Haman’s hatred of all the Jews. Haman gets the king to order the extermination of all the Jews. Not only this, but Haman built a gallows just for Mordecai to hang from. In chapter 7 we find that the tables have turned. God is keeping His promise of cursing those who curse the Jews, and Haman is put to death on his own gallows. How is your feeling toward the Jews. You can be a blessing and receive a blessing, or you could curse, and be cursed yourself. Just remember, if you are a Christian, you have been grafted in…

“For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” (Romans 11:15-21)

And then there was Balak, king of the Moabites. Israel had come up from Egypt, and the Moabites feared them. Balak sent messengers to enlist the help of a prophet named Balaam. Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel. And God told him not to go. He went anyway, and God tried to stop him. God finally let Balaam go to Balak, but He would not allow Balaam to curse Israel, only bless them. Balaam’s story starts in Numbers 22. Balaam descided to stick around. God tried to keep him from going, but we all have a free will, and in Numbers chapter 31…

“And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand. And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.” (Numbers 31:6-8)

So just nine chapters after going to Moab, Balaam is killed along with five Midianite kings.

So how should we treat the Jews? Remeber that they were chosen by God to be His bride, just as the church is the bride of Christ. They believe in and are trying to serve the same God that we are. The only thing we should do is to tell them who the Messiah is. Show them Christ. Help them to understand that God provided their salvation by dying on the cross for us. Pray for them and the peace of Jerusalem.

Peace.

May 27th, 2023 He Is THE God – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Ezra 1 – 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Romans 9 – 12; Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 27)

Read the “0527 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

(Ezra 1) “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (2) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. (3) Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. (4) And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. (5) Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. (6) And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. (7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods; (8) Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. (9) And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, (10) Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand. (11) All the vessels of gold and of silver were fivethousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.”

Good morning. It was the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia. And he was taking care of business. He had taken over all the kingdoms of the world, and gives all the glory to the LORD God (verse 2). There are four aspects king Cyrus’ relationship with God.

1) King Cyrus recognized who the LORD God was.

In verse 3, he says, “…He is THE God…”

He recognized the LORD God of Israel as THE God.

(Isaiah 43:10-11) “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. (11) I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”

2) King Cyrus obeyed the LORD when He gave him the task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

In verse 2, he says, “The LORD God of heaven… …hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem…”

He obeyed.

(Romans 6:16) “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

King Cyrus knew whose servant he was. He belonged to THE God. God not only called him to the task, but also…

3) God supplied the means to accomplish the task.

Verse 5 tells us that, “Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD…”

He does this just like He did with Moses and the Tabernacle…

(Exodus 31:1-11) “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, (4) To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (5) And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. (6) And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; (7) The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, (8) And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, (9) And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, (10) And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, (11) And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.”

The fourth item in king Cyrus’ relationship with God is that…

4) He gave back to the LORD.

Verses 7 and 11 tell us, “Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem… All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.”

Look at what happened to Zacchaeus when he was visited by God…

(Luke 19:8-9) “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”

Just to give you an idea, let’s say that it was an even split from king Cyrus: 2700 vessels of gold, and 2700 vessels of silver. And let’s say that each vessel weighed in at 8 ounces. That would be 21600 ounces of gold and 21600 ounces of silver. At today’s prices that would be $1976 for an ounce of Gold, and $26 for an ounce of silver. If king Cyrus did that today, he would have given back to the Lord almost $43.5 million.

How is your relationship with the LORD? Can He, or has He trusted you with a task to complete? Do you trust Him to supply you with what you need? Could you loosen your grip on $43.5 million, or even your 10% tithe? Just something to think about. But all in all, you can see that king Cyrus was obedient to God, THE God, THE One and Only GOD. He was faithful to God and helped God’s people. King Cyrus was a good steward of what God had given him.

(1Corinthians 4:2) “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Are you faithful in what God has given you to do?

Peace.

May 20th, 2023 D. D. I. Y: Don’t Do It Yourself – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 13 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 13 – 15; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Read the “0520 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.” (2Chronicles 16:1-6)

Good morning. Take a look at the message that God had sent king Asa in chapter 15…

“And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” (2Chronicles 15:1-2)

And as a result, king Asa had no more war up to and including his 35^th year. For some reason, in his 36^th year, king Asa went to king Ben-hadad for help against Israel. He didn’t go to the Lord. The Lord had another message for king Asa…

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
” (2Chronicles 16:7-10)

You will notice that Asa became angry with this, and in verse 10, we can see three attributes of Asa’s anger.

1) Asa was angry with the preacher sent from God.

2) Asa was angry with the Word of God.

3) Asa was angry with the people of God.

And all this anger reminds me of what God asked Jonah…

“Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4)

Are you relying on your own strength, or the strength of others instead of the Lord? Could the reason that you are failing be that you want what you want and not what God wants? King David had many enemies. His plan to cover up the adulterous affair he had with Bathsheba failed. He wanted to build a temple to God, but God stopped him. He could have gotten angry when his sin was found out. He could have gotten angry because the good thing he was trying to do in building the temple was stopped. But he didn’t. In Psalm 37, king David gives us a guide to being a succcess in God’s eyes…

“A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37 1-9)

1) Trust In The LORD.

…and do good. He is not going to steer you in the wrong direction. The last part of this verse, verse 3, tells us we will dwell in the land and be fed.

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

If God says He will do it, He will. Trust in the LORD.

2) Delight In The LORD.

…and He will give you the desires of your heart. God will put His desires in your heart: you will want what God wants.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

The Holy Bible shows us what God desires. When we delight in the Lord, He gives us His desires. In fulfilling those desires, He will give us good success.

3) Commit Thy Way Unto The LORD.

If you are trusting and delighting in the Lord, you will want to commit the direction you are taking to Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4) Rest In The LORD.

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

If you are trusting and delighting in the Lord, and have committed your way to Him, you can find rest in the Lord. He gave you the trust. He gave you the delighting in Him: His desires became your desires. And He showed you the direction in which you should go, and what to do. You can rest in the Lord because He gives that to you too.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119:165)

And if nothing offends you, then why are you getting angry?

5) Cease from anger.

“Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4)

No you don’t. King Asa was angry. It did nothing for him but his anger did hurt others. And he was angry to the end…

“And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.” (2Ch 16:11-14)

Cease from anger.

Peace.