Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 14th, 2018 I Will Sing Praises – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading: Psalms 146 through 150

“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)

Good morning. Do you love Jesus? Do you love your church? Do you love singing praises to God? Yes? Then tell your face. When leading the congregational singing, if I’m not looking at the words, I’m looking around. I see a lot of people, especially the youth, not singing. Then there are adults who haven’t learned to smile while the think about what they are singing, and to Whom they are singing. Some even have their arms folded as if to say bless me, I dare you. It can be scary, but I always pray that I will be a blessing, and not screw things up. I don’t understand why some people don’t sing praises to God. David even writes here that he will sing praises to God as long as he lives. Maybe you can’t sing. What does the Bible say?

“To the chief Musician, A Song or Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.” (Psalm 66:1-2)

“To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.” (Psalm 81:1)

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” (Psalm 95:1-2)

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.” (Psalm 98:4-6)

“A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2)

So make a joyful noise. You are praising God. You are singing to Him with the voice He gave you. Realizing that should put a smile on your face.

1) Sing praises because you are alive…

“While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” (Psalm 146:2)

2) Sing praises because it is good…

“Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” (Psalm 147:1)

3) Sing praises because of what He has done…

“Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” (Psalm 147:7-9)

4) Sing praises with a new song of praise…

“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.” (Psalm 149:1-5)

5) Sing praises along with the musical instruments for as long as you have breath…

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150)

I hope to see you smiling, and singing tomorrow at church. Amen?

Peace.

Jul 11th, 2018 My Help Cometh From The LORD – The Saturday Morning Post on Wednesday

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

“A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (Psalm 121)

Good morning. What a great God we serve. He made the heaven and the earth, and everything else. What has the devil done? Nothing but to destroy and tear down. The devil is a created being, and as a created being, he is not more powerful than our Creator. The Lord Jesus Christ: He is the Creator…

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:10-14)

And our God wins…

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

The LORD is our Keeper. He keeps us, and preserves us…

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

And Jesus also said…

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 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. 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.” (John 6:37-40)

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

From whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the LORD. Praise Him!

Peace.

Jun 30th, 2018 The Devil’s Toolbox Part 2: The Lust For Things – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 73 – 77 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 17 – 22; Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 30 – 31)

Read the “0630 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3)

Good morning. Yes, that’s me standing in front of my all-time favorite car: a ’67 or ’68 Shelby Mustang convertible with padded roll bar. And it’s red! You would need to be a millionaire to own one just for the gas bill: 427/428 with dual Holly 4 barrels. Nice. Just out of curiosity, I found 2 for sale. But what am I going to do with a car that costs almost $200,000? First, I need to move from my trailer to a house with a garage. That’s anywhere from $150 to $250 thousand, or even more. Alarm systems need to be installed. Now that I have a place to keep it, I can only look at it. With the huge engine and dual Holly 4 barrel carbs, who can afford the gas?

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Genesis 3:1-7)

That’s the way the devil works. He dangles something we would like to have in front of our eyes, and just like Adam and Eve, we take the bait. With a credit card it is very easy to get what we want now. The hard part is when the beginning of the month comes and the bill is due. Now you have to get a second job to pay for all this stuff. And, of course, that will take you away from doing the Lord’s work. You may be so tired that you stop reading your Bible.

“All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:7-8)

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:1-3)

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” (Proverbs 27:20)

What can we do, when the devil takes this lust out of his toolbox, and uses it against us?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

I may not have that Shelby, but I have everything I need. The Lord takes care of His children. Just this week my pressure washer broke. Rather than scrambling to dig up money to buy a new one, I was able to borrow one. This one was gas powered and did a much better job than my old electric one: making my job easier. God takes care of His children.

If you understand that God will supply your every need, then when the devil dangles that carrot in front of your face, you don’t have to chase after it.

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:30-32)

If you are going to run after something, let it be riches in Heaven…

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19)

Peace.

Jun 23rd, 2018 The Devil’s Toolbox Part One: Depression – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 36 – 39 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 1 John 1 – 5; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Read the “0623 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” (Psalm 38:17-18)

Good morning. King David was ready to halt (ready to fall). With his eyes on himself all he could see was sorrow continually before him. In verse 18, he says that he would declare his iniquity, and be sorry for his sin. But when would his sin be forgiven? David was ready to fall deeper into sin, and take the suggestion of Job’s wife: to curse God and die. He sounds like he is under attack by the devil’s favorite tool – depression. After just finishing up the book of Job, we find Job also getting depressed: wishing he never was born. And we know Job was innocent and under attack by the devil. And we know that David pleaded guilty and was sorry for his sin. Depression can be brought on by your circumstances and also your sin. Depression affects over 15 million Americans per year. And it’s a leading cause of disability. How can we recognize it in ourselves, or in others? Healthy Way has an article called 12 Common Symptoms Of Depression That Shouldn’t Be Ignored, which was eye opening to me. Let’s take a look at them and compare them to King David in our reading.

1)You are always tired.

King David got tired and weary of the fight. He was ready to quit, give up, throw in the towel…

“For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.” (Psalm 38:17)

Here is an example of a situation that David found himself in, and what he did…

“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1Samuel 30:1-6)

David went to God with his problem that was causing his depression and making him weary…

“And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” (1Samuel 30:7-8)

“And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.” (1Samuel 30:16-19)

You can struggle and become weary trying to solve problems in your own strength. Bring them to the LORD, for without Him ye could do nothing.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Peter 5:6-7)

2) Everyone and everything annoys you.

King David wrote in Psalm 37…

“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. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:7-11)

If you let everything and everyone that annoys you, get to you, push your button, then you will become like them. Rest in and wait patiently for the LORD.

3) You sleep too little or too much.

“There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” (Psalm 38:3-4)

There was little rest for David because of his sin. But…

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John1:9)

4) Eating is an issue.

Matthew Henry in his comments on Psalm 107:18 said…

“When people are sick their soul abhors all manner of meat; they not only have no desire to eat nor power to digest it, but they nauseate it, and their stomach is turned against it. And here they may read their sin in their punishment: those that doted most on the meat that perishes, when they come to be sick are sick of it, and the dainties they loved are loathed; what they took too much of now they can take nothing of, which commonly follows upon the overcharging of the heart with surfeiting and drunkenness. And when the appetite is gone the life is as good as gone: They draw near unto the gates of death; they are, in their own apprehension and in the apprehension of all about them, at the brink of the grave, as ready to be turned to destruction.” (Matthew Henry)

I remember seeing a cartoon in the newspaper. The caption said, “When depressed, administer chocolate.”

Depression can make you run to food for comfort, or can make you feel so sick you don’t want to eat. What do you do? Pray…

“Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:18-21)

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you allowed the Holy Spirit to lead you, and you went to God first before acting on your own? What amazing things could the church of Christ accomplish for the LORD!

5) You are in pain everywhere.

“My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.” (Psalm 38:5-7)

David’s pain here was caused by his foolishness. Sin, once again will cause depression, and depression will cause your body pain. Confess it and allow God to heal you.

6) You don’t care that you look messy.

Another stressful source of depression for David was when he sinned with Bathsheba and their baby was born…

“Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2Samuel 12:11-23)

David fasted and laid on the ground before the Lord for 7 days, weeping for his child. But the child died. What did David do? He got up, he washed himself, he anointed himself, changed his clothes, then went into the house of the LORD to worship. After this he went to his own house and had something to eat. But look at David’s last statement here. He says that he will go to his child, but his child would not return to him. There is something very comforting in knowing you have a loved one in heaven. One day you will see that loved one again. Isn’t salvation great?! Do your loved ones know you are saved? Do you want them to suffer in thinking you are in hell? You need to tell them. You need to tell them about Jesus. How He is the only one who can get them to heaven and see you again.

7) You are hiding.

You can’t physically hide from God. He knew where you would be this very second long before you were even born. Maybe you are trying to hide by not praying, you’re embarrassed by your sin, and don’t want to talk to the only one who can forgive it. He already knew what you would do even before the foundation of the world.

“When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.” (Psalm 32:3-4)

The next 2 verse give the solution…

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” (Psalm 32:5-6)

8) Nothing interests you.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 42:1-11)

King David didn’t want to know anything but where God was. His enemies would ask him all day long: where is your God? But David had faith, David had hope…

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)

9) You are beating yourself up.

“O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.” (Psalm 6:1-7)

David was weak, his bones and his soul were vexed. He would cry all night to the LORD. He was down on himself: he was beating himself up. What could he do? Pray…

“Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.” (Psalm 6:8-10)

10) You are forgetful and have trouble concentrating.

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” (Psalm 77:1-10)

Can man forget his Creator, Almighty God, his Saviour? We do it all the time. By stealing His glory in taking credit for a job well done. By putting things before Him: oops, slept late, have to read my Bible later. Isn’t it funny how later never comes? What can we do? If someone starts talking to me and compliments me, I already have it in my pea brain to say praise the LORD. Praise the LORD for without Him I can do nothing. I will remember my LORD, and what He’s done for me. And I will tell others…

“I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalm 77:11-13)

11) You feel numb.

“Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” (Psalm 25:16-18)

David was desolate and afflicted. Have you ever felt alone. You can’t realy get a grasp on things going on around you. You feel numb. If I had a dollar for every missed opportunity I had to give glory to God, I’d have an awful lot of money to account for. Many times I have to pray and ask the LORD to keep me aware of just what is going on around me. There have been far too many times I could have done this, or why didn’t I do that? The best answer to this is to seek God first and walk in His Holy Spirit.

12) You think about dying.

“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” (Psalm 116:3-8)

God still has something for me to do. You know how I know that? I’m still here…

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

Everyone dies at their appointed time. How? It doesn’t matter, when does. Like I said earlier, God stopped creating on day 7. All the things that made you you were stored up in Adam and Eve. Say you decided to commit suicide? When you died, that was your appointed time. What if you changed your mind. God already knew that it was not your appointed time, and has more wonderful works prepared for you to walk in. God knows everything, and everything is going according to His plan.

If you are going to flee because of depression, then flee to God…

“Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 43:1-5)

Peace.

Jun 16th, 2018 Dinosaurs In The Bible? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 39 – 42 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Titus 1 – 3; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)

Read the “0616 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.” (Job 41:19-22)

Good morning. Can somebody show me the strong neck of the crocodile? Did you know that there are two types of Cobras that spit venom? They aim for the eyes and are accurate anywhere up to 8 feet. If it gets in your eyes, the venom burns and could cause blindness. If it gets on your skin, it does nothing. Who is to say whether or not God made Leviathan with a similar setup. Maybe his was real fire which burned the skin also. And what about Behemoth?

“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.” (Job 40:15-17)

Did you know that a Cedar tree will grow anywhere from 5 to 20 feet in diameter and have been know to grow as much as 180 feet tall? Many scholars believe that Leviathan is a crocodile, and Behemoth is a hippopotamus.

Really? Like I asked earlier, where is the strong neck of the crocodile? Can a hippopotamus move a 20 foot diameter, by 180 foot tall Cedar tree? How about these? Behemoth…

And Leviathan…

“Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?” (Job 41:7)

Probably not! I remember me and my cousins went to see the movie Jaws about a week after it came out. The next day we went swimming in the ocean. We weren’t worried about sharks. If Leviathan had showed up, I would be miles away, and wouldn’t take one more step in the ocean – EVER!

But they are both God’s creation. We have evidence that the dinosaur existed in fossils and petrified bones. God created Leviathan on the fifth day…

“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” (Genesis 1:20 – 23)

God created Behemoth on the sixth day…

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:24 – 31)

And also Job…

“Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.” (Job 40:15)

Not on the sixth day with Adam, but God already knew Job. God knew when Job would be born, how Job would react to the trial he went through, and God knew all this from the foundation of the world. As a matter of fact, God knows every aspect of our lives: the beginning, the end, and everything between. We were created in the mind of God, His perfect plan, before the seventh day. On the seventh day God rested: everything that was going to be created was created in six days, so God set His plan in motion and stopped creating on the seventh day. So let’s just throw the “Gap Theory” (the gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, where the dinosaurs lived and became extinct, to give the evil-lutionist ample time to evolve) in the trash where it belongs, and believe God. Six literal 24 hour time periods for creation of everything. And on the seventh 24 hour time period, God rested. Let me leave you with one last picture. In Glen Rose, Texas, a dinosaur and a man’s footprint fossils were found together…

Peace.

Jun 2nd, 2018 Mixed Up Marriages – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Nehemiah 11 – 13 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 2 Corinthians 1 – 4; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Read the “0602 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?” (Nehemiah 13:23-27)

Good morning. Good question. Even as Christians, we transgress against God in so may ways. As Christians our King James Bible should be our only source of what is wrong and what is right. We can see examples of men of the past, the godly and the ungodly, who made mistakes just like we do, and what cost they paid. In chapter 13 here, Nehemiah is setting things in their proper order: God’s order according to His Word. Nehemiah used king Solomon as an example…

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” (1Kings 11:1-6)

Solomon’s strange wives turned his heart away from following God. Instead he followed his strange wives into a world of false gods and idols. What does the New Testament say?

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Corinthians 6:14-18)

Skin color has nothing to do with separation. Nationality has nothing to do with separation. The whole question is do you believe, and does your spouse believe. If not, you are unequally yoked together and there will be contention in the home. You or your spouse will either follow towards God or away from God.

If you find yourself in an unequally yoked situation, what can you do?

“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” (1Corinthians 7:10-16)

Divorce? God never liked divorce…

“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:4-8)

What can you do? Pray for your unsaved spouse. Be a godly example for your spouse: do what is right. You may be the only Jesus your spouse may ever see. God hath called us to peace.

Peace.

May 26th, 2018 The Words Of The Book – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 34 – 36 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Romans 5 – 8; Psalms 120 – 125; Proverbs 26)

Read the “0526 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.” (2Chronicles 34:18-21)

Good morning. The United Staes of America: one nation under God. That is what our country’s founders had in mind. They wanted a nation of free speech, and freedom of religion. They were not afraid of false religions coming in to this country because they knew the power of God’s Word. The Truth of God’s Word would shine the light on the lies of false religions, and those following them would see their faults in not following the Word of God: that Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life; and no one can get to Heaven except through Him. Somewhere along the line our fathers dropped the ball. Bickering within and between churches, battling about what color the new carpet should be instead of battling the devils for souls. We live in a divided nation: one nation under God and one nation wallowing in sin. But that’s a sign of living in the end times…

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Timothy 3:1-17)

I would always wonder after reading Revelation, how could they do this?

“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:9-11)

“And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” (Revelation 16:21)

But seeing the world, and the way it is, it becomes easier to see every day. They could have repented and turned to God, but they didn’t: it was easier to justify the evil that they do and blaspheme God than to ask His forgiveness. So what can we do? Give people the gospel. Talk to them about Jesus, place a tract about Jesus somewhere, be a soul winner. Take an active part in getting God’s Word to a dying world. You will be doing your part, and God will be doing His part: bringing conviction. But it will be up to the individual if they receive it or reject it: it is their choice.

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:6-8)

Peace.

May 19th, 2018 Solomon – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 9 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 10 – 12; Psalms 91 – 95; Proverbs 19)

Read the “0519 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah. And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants. Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold; Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target. And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays: And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom. And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon. For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands. Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.” (2Chronicles 9:1-31)

Good morning. As we see in chapter 9 here, we understand that king Solomon was the wisest man ever. God gave Solomon what he asked for which was the wisdom to rule Israel. And besides that, God gave him riches and fame in abundance. But chapter 9 doesn’t give the whole story. The Bible says…

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3:10-11)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)

What happened?

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.” (1Kings 1-10)

So even the wisest of men can be distracted from following God. What will it take to distract you? Is it texting? Is it TV? Is it the latest gossip on Facebook? Twitter? Your job? The cares of this world? What distracts you from reading your Bible? What distracts you from prayer? How come your prayer time has dwindled down to two or three minutes? Maybe sin?

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

So what can be done? How can you fix this? You can’t.

1) Go To God First

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)

2) Go To God First

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

3) Go To God First

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

We need that quiet time in the morning for walking with God, putting Him first. And read your Bible, and especially pray. That where we can confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness, ask Him for guidance, and ask Him for the things we need.

Yes, Solomon was wise, but just like the rest of us and the world, he was a sinner. Eventually, Solomon did come to this conclusion…

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Peace.

May 12th, 2018 Thank-you LORD – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 15 – 16; Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

Read the “0512 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.” (1Chronicles 16:1-7)

Good morning! Did you wake up this morning? You need to thank the LORD for the breath He gave you. Were you able to get up and out of bed? Then you need to thank the LORD for your strength. Did you enjoy a nice breakfast? Then you need to thank the LORD for the food He provided you with. Colossians 3:15 says…

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

It is so easy to become a scoffer, and angry at the world, but let the peace of God rule in your heart. Jesus knows you and you know Jesus. Be ye thankful. Problems start with being unthankful…

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32)

When it comes to thanking God, we are without excuse for there are many things we can thank the LORD for. It seems though we are just slack in being thankful. King David, in his Psalm, has given only a few of those things we should be, can be, and how to be thankful for…

“(8) Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name [YOUR SALVATION], make known his deeds among the people [WITNESS FOR HIM]. (9) Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him [HE PUT A SONG IN YOUR HEART, THIS IS WHY: BE THANKFUL], talk ye of all his wondrous works [BRAG ON WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU]. (10) Glory ye in his holy name […for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – ACTS 4:12] : let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD [THROUGH PRAYER AND HIS WORD]. (11) Seek the LORD and his strength [FOR HIS OMNIPOTENCE], seek his face continually. (12) Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth [MEDITATING ON THE MANY THINGS HE HAS DONE]; (13) O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. (14) He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. (15) Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; (16) Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; (17) And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, (18) Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; (19) When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. (20) And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people [FOR HIS PROMISES]; (21) He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes [FOR HIS PROTECTION], (22) Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. (23) Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation [FOR SALVATION]. (24) Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations [FOR THE OPPERTUNITY TO BEAR WITNESS FOR HIM]. (25) For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens [FOR BEING THE CREATOR]. (27) Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (30) Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. (31) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth [FOR WHO HE IS: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS]. (32) Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. (33) Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth [IF YOU DON’T, THE SEA, THE FIELDS, AND TREES WILL]. (34) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever [FOR HIS GOODNESS AND HIS MERCY]. (35) And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise [FOR HIS PRESERVATION]. (36) Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.” (1Chronicles 16:8-36)

Thank You LORD.

Peace.

May 5th, 2018 Zidon – The Saturday Morning Post

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

(Second Milers Read – John 1 – 2;Psalms 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)

Read the “0505 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Adam, Sheth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth. And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim. And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth…” (1Chronicles 1:1-13)

Good morning. Here in 1Chronicles chapter 1, and also in chapter 2, we find the genealogy starting with Adam, the first man. We also find that Ham, one of Noah’s sons had a son named Canaan. But Canaan had a problem.

“And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.” (Genesis 9:18-27)

Canaan was cursed to be a servant to his brethren. Not only that, but Canaan would be a servant of servants. He was “the low man on the totem pole” and would serve the servants of his brethren also. As with any type of slavery there will eventually be rebellion. In 1Chronicles 1:13 we find that Canaan had a son who he named Zidon, the father of the Zidonians. The Zidonians would eventually have their own land and could not be driven out…

“Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob…” (Judges 1:31)

In Judges chapter 10 we find the damages done to Israel by the Zidonians. They caused Israel to serve false gods…

“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.” (Judges 10:6)

We also find in Judges 10 that the Zidonian oppressed Israel…

“And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.” (Judges 10:11-13)

They cause king Solomon to turn his heart away from the true God to false gods…

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” (1Kings 11:1-6)

And king Ahab was also led astray by marrying the daughter of the king of the Zidonians…

“And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.” (1Kings 16:29-33)

Just like our sins, the sins of the Zidonians will catch up with them…

“Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her. For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD. And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD. Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.” (Ezekiel 28:21-26)

Here in America, our government is on the right track in fully supporting the nation of Israel. God has given them their promised land, and God will draw His people back to the promised land. Around that time, He may also bring the save into our promised land: Heaven.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Theselonians 4:13-18)

Peace!