Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 2nd, 2020 Finding God’s Strength … by Caitlin and Glen Tarr

Today’s Reading – Psalms 80 – 85  (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 3 – 4; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Joshua 1:8

Read the “0702 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.” (Psalm 84:5-6)

When reading Psalm 84 the two words that stuck out to me were strength and Baca.  Finding out that Baca could mean weeping, I also associated the word with the word weakness.  I then went to focus on finding God’s strength when we are weak.

During 2020, I have found myself at some of the weakest points in my life.  I had to leave school for medical reasons which I now call a blessing in disguise because I was safely at home when the world shut down due to COVID.  When it was time to register for classes for the summer and fall semester, I was excited to register and get back to school.  Try to make up some of the credits I lost in the spring semester.  Yet again, I am finding that the Lord has other plans for me, one’s I don’t understand.  I was unable to secure the funding for school and have been forced to take a leave of absence for the upcoming school year.  Yet, through this all, one thing has remained the same: God.  I have been able to pray and gain his strength.

Two quick examples from the Bible Isaiah 40:27-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Both passages talking about the strength of God. The same strength that we can call upon when we are weak. His power never fails, never needs to be recharged. His power and His strength are both ours when we call upon the name of the Lord.

One of my favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand, the author unknown.  The last line reads this, “My precious child, I love you and would never leave you.  During the times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand it was then that I carried you.”  Through all the trials in our lives, through all the storms of this life, God has always been there.  His strength, not ours, gets us through.  He has placed people in our lives to help us get back up on our feet when we stumble and fall.

Every situation we find ourselves in, whether that be good or bad, God is there.  All we need is to ask for His help and remember it is his footsteps we see in the sand when we need the most help.

Jul 1st, 2020 Give Ear … by Travis Clark

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)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4

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

“Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” (Psalm 78:1)

I believe since the invention of the smartphone we have become the worst listeners. Just think about it, how many times this week have you seen someone or yourself on their phone while having a conversation with someone else? It has become so hard to have a meaningful conversation with someone, because they are not giving their full attention. I have seen myself do this way too often. What happens is usually I’m not one hundred percent sure what the person talking to me is saying. Sometimes I even have to stop and say, “what were you saying?”  It’s extremely rude, but it also can be costly. Someone may be telling you important information, and now you were not able to retain the information because you were not paying attention. Listening is what this particular Psalm is talking about.   

The first thing the psalmist says is “give ear.” He’s saying I need you to listen. He wants them to listen to the word of God. He goes on to talk about why you should listen. I think why I should listen would be to help my life, or make my walk with God better. However, this passage is not to benefit me at all. The reason he’s telling us to listen is for the generation to come. God says, you had better start listening to the law for your children’s sake. If you are a parent, or a mentor to the generation to come you have a responsibility. Your responsibility, for the next generation, is for you to have a personal walk with God. God is saying, if you listen, and you follow me, the generation to come will have a better time following. I have seen this to be true today. I know there are mighty Christians who have had their children stray away. Yet other times the children leave God, because the parents were not really listening to God. These parents would go to church, but after church they would watch or listen to something that is wicked. They would bring their Bible to Church, but that is the only time they would open it up. The generation to come is watching, and they are thinking if it’s not real to my parents, why would I make it real for myself?

“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

At RU (the addictions program I run at my church) I often have addicts say they are just “hurting themselves” and not anyone one else by partaking in their addiction. I inform them that is not the case. Number one they have people whose hearts are breaking because their loved one is trapped in an addiction. Number two many children of addicted parents tend to get caught up in the same addiction. Could that be hereditary? Maybe. Rather, I think a big part of it is watching their parents partaking in the addiction. 

So how are we doing with our Christian walk? Are we listening daily to God so that the future generations have someone prepared to lead, or are we like the person talking to someone, with a smartphone, unaware of who may be following us? Let’s “give ear” to God.

Jun 27th, 2020 God Is A Refuge For Us – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 58 – 64 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 7 – 9; Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 27)

Read the “0627 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:1-8)

Good morning. Have you ever noticed that most people are basically ROTTEN!? It seems like it is getting harder and harder to trust others these days. In Psalm 62, David cries out, “How long will ye imagine mischief against a man?”

Jesus said in John chapter 13, and verses 34 and 35…

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

I’ve heard it said that living here on earth is as close to hell as a Christian will get, and likewise, this is as close to heaven as a lost person will get. Should we, as Christians show more love for others, or make Heaven and Hell look just about the same to a lost and dying world? When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied…

“…The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Have you been hurt? Go to God first.

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

Have you hurt someone? It would be best if you went to that person to get things right before God hears their weeping and has to correct your hardheartedness. We could have a little more heaven on earth. David wrote…

“A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalm 133)

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Peace.

Jun 25th, 2020 A Very Present Help … by Wade Thompson

Today’s Reading – Psalms 46 – 50 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 1 – 3; Psalms 121 – 125; Proverbs 25)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32 

Read the “0625 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “You Can’t Take It With You.”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

In the United States 2.39 Million people have contracted the Coronavirus and out of that 123,000 have died. Our nation has been struggling with civil unrest, disease, protests, riots, unemployment, wars, rumors of wars. In our churches we have had the battles of revamping livestreams, constitutional rights, the national health crisis, falling numbers, falling offerings and much more. In this time of chaos the world and Christians are looking for the light of hope that they need to keep going. The Bible says God is our refuge, our safe place, a very present help in time of trouble. That phrase “present help” is very encouraging because right now where we are in this current time He is with us. No matter what 2020 throws at us we have the Lord.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

As Christians, we are called to be separate and by being separate we are a light on a hill that shines out to the lost world, and it cannot be hid. We need to be doing right, we need to be daily in God’s Word, always in prayer, attending church, and be walking in the Spirit. A lighthouse with a broken light cannot safely lead anyone into the harbor. The light needs maintenance, it needs to be cleaned, it needs a lighthouse keeper present. We are guiding the lost world from the turbulent rough sea into the safe harbor of God’s love; but some of us are seemingly just as lost as the world. 

In this crazy world we are living in we need to remember that God is in control of everything. Verse ten reads, “Be still, and know that I am God.” We need to just stop, pause, take a deep breath and know He is God and that He is going to take care of everything. Nothing ever is going to take God by surprise; we are safe in His refuge. We just need to be still and trust Him.

Jun 24th, 2020 Thirsty for God … by Lexi Scates

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)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

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

Read previous posts from this morning’s reading – “Thirsty?” and “God Wants to Hear You Sing.”

“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?” (Psalm 42:1-2)

Being thirsty and in need of a drink is a desperate feeling. Many times people say that they are “dying for water” or “just need a little bit” to quench their thirst. Many times this feeling comes after doing some hard work or going without it for too long. But in Psalm 42 we see that it is not water they desperately desire it is God. In the heat of summer it is normal to say you are thirsty or in need of some cold water after a day outside. And maybe even in the presence of a revival meeting it is easy to say that you are thirsty for God. But what about every other time? When it seems like life is going well we may not recognize God for the blessings, or when it seems like things aren’t going well we may be mad or confused by God’s decisions. However, the best place may just be in the state of constantly panting for God, reminding yourself that the best place to be is in the center of His will and being absolutely desperate for His provision. 

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. ” (Psalm 40:1-3)

Being thirsty is being in a state of dissatisfaction or discomfort, when you are not happy with the state you are in or you have a need that is not being fulfilled. But, being dissatisfied can lead to bad decisions as well as we see in other instances in the Bible; Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy, Cain murdered Abel out of spite, and Eve took the forbidden fruit because of her curiosity. Dissatisfaction leads you to look for more in the wrong places. However, by humbly submitting yourself to the obedience of God’s will and perfect plan, and panting for God rather than the things of this world your path will be established with wonderful works. 

“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psalm 40:5)

In John it is promised that we will never be thirsty when we drink from the water of everlasting life. The temporary moments of dissatisfaction should be outweighed by the amount of blessings and provision God has promised and provided for us. Our thirst for God should be continually quenched through following His will. “

Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:13-14)

Jun 23rd, 2020 The Steps of a Good Man … by Paul Meyer

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)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

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

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Reading our passage this morning I’ve been trying my best to ruminate over the verses. I’ve heard it often said that familiarity breeds contempt, as I’ve matured as a Christian I have found myself in a way not appreciating the familiar verses as I should. There is truth and wisdom in simplicity, these few verses particularly I’ve had memorized since I was a child, but I’ve never appreciated them for how they have applied in my life. 

Theres a few things to unpack here. God concerns himself with the minute details as much as he does the big picture. I’m not sure if any of us can recall the first steps we took as a child, but those first steps have led us to where we are today. The average human will take 216,2262,500 steps in their lifetime, that is approximately 110,000 miles – enough to walk around the equator five times! Each step, though inconspicuous, has contributed to arrival at our destination. This may cause initial anxiety. What if I’m not walking in the way God has for me? What if I arrive somewhere I’m not supposed to? It’s easy for us to fear uncertainty but we can rest assured in the fact that our steps are ordered. The word, “ordered,” which is used in this verse does not mean commanded, it means organized. Remember, Psalm 23 paints the picture that the Lord is our Shepherd. A Shepherd leads the way, he doesn’t drive the herd. More importantly in leading the herd he carefully plans out the path to avoid danger. The sheep need only to heed his voice and follow his leading in order to arrive safely at their destination. This isn’t to say that trials and tribulations won’t come, but that they were not a surprise to the Shepherd. We also have a promise in the next verse: 

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:24) 

There’s two ways of approaching this verse. First, a fall is a trial and tribulation in our life. Although we stray into danger it will not utterly overcome us; the Shepherd has promised us a safe arrival at our destination. Second, a fall is a sin, despite the sin we get ourselves into through our journey, the Shepherd has promised not to forsake us and will ensure we are brought into his fold safely. Whatever application you would like to believe, rest assured that the onus for arrival is not based on the herds abilities but on the Shepherds promises. Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10, furthermore he refers to his church as his sheep. 

“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” – John 10:27-28 

If you are concerned with your steps there is only one piece of advice I can give – listen to the Shepherd’s voice. We have the Bible to guide us and the Holy Spirit to lead us. If you are saved, positionally you are a good man and your steps are ordered by the Lord. I pray we live each day appreciating the steps God has prepared us and listen carefully to his leading.

Jun 20th, 2020 They Were Delivered – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 21 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – James 1 – 5; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Read the “0620 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.” (Psalm 22:4-5)

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” (From the Declaration of Independence)

Good morning. Why are many Americans embracing the godlessness of Socialism? Many of them don’t realize that they are loosing their freedom in doing so. Many of you may not remember, but, in 1992, the controlling government of New Jersey (Gov. James Florio (Democrat)) made the decision that eggs served in restaurants must be cooked all the way through. You lost the freedom of dipping your toast in the nice, juicy, yolk. That didn’t go over too well. That was in January of 1991, and many restaurants refused to comply. The law was gone by June 8, 1992. Even today people are complaining about social distancing and wearing a face mask. I just got back from Florida and glad I did not have to wear a face mask there until we reached Virginia. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (Democrat) appears to be dragging his heels in opening up businesses. People need something, that’s how businesses start and continue. But, you know what? Those who started this great nation trusted in God, and that God would deliver them from the evils who were suppressing them. Today I was sitting outside the RV watching the breeze go softly through the tree leaves. I thought about King David…

“Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.” (1Chronicles 14:14-16)

I thought about this for a few more minutes and then the tops of the trees started moving as a strong breeze passed by. God is going before us. He is the only one who can make things in this nation right, and once more America can be a Godly nation. Even though with the rioting and looting and burning, what can we do? Let’s take a look at Job…

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” (Job 1:1-5)

And what about Jesus…

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39)

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

We can see by the deeds of the people that many are of their father, the devil, and it is his works that they do. What can we do? Intercede for them: ask God to forgive them and open their hearts to the Truth: pray for them as Job did his sons, and Jesus does for us…

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

Only God can change a person from the inside out. We need to beg Him to remove the evil that covers our land.

Peace.

Jun 17th, 2020 Choose Happiness … by Sara Scates

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

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

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6

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

Read previous posts from this passage – “Kiss the Son“ and “A Recipe for Success.”

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1:1-6)

Who doesn’t want to be happy? Many individuals spend their entire lives seeking happiness. People look to the future and see themselves being happy once they attain certain goals, or acquire certain wealth, or purchase certain things. Many, when these things don’t bring them the happiness they were longing for, then resort to substances or experiences that bring happiness, or at least a temporary escape from their unhappiness.  Unfortunately however, none of these things are the key to happiness.

Psalm 1 starts off with “Blessed is the man…”. Translated, we could replace the word blessed with happy or content. In this passage, we learn some simple truths that we can apply to live a happy, content, or blessed life.  

 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1)

This verse is instructing us on what a blessed man does NOT do. There is a way he should not walk, a path he should not stand in, and a seat he should not sit in. Staying away from these three things mentioned here will bring blessings, happiness, and contentment.  

The first instruction here is to stay away from the counsel of the ungodly.  People like to offer advice and share opinions. Well meaning individuals may have wisdom to share that seems to make sense, but is it really godly?  The world tells us what is good and what is right, but would God agree? God’s word is always the best counselor and godly counselors will always use God’s word as the basis for their counsel.  

The second thing we see here is that it is important to not stand in the way of sinners. Sinners and the righteous should not be heading in the same direction. Sometimes this means we have to take the road less traveled.  Matthew 7:13-14 states: 

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Lastly, in verse 1 we see that a blessed or happy man should not sit in the seat of the scornful. Scornful people are unhappy people. They enjoy criticizing others. Sitting in the company of people that enjoy being critical and finding faults in other people and things will not bring happiness or blessings.  

Instead, verse 2 tells us what we should seek after in order to find happiness:

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

True happiness is found in the word of God! A blessed, happy, or righteous man delights in God’s word. The verse goes on to say that one should meditate on it day and night. Listening to a sermon one morning a week is not enough. Skimming through a few verses most mornings is not enough.  Meditating on the word day and night will help us to stay in the right frame of mind and find happiness. This first chapter of Psalms compares the righteous man to the ungodly man. Choose to be the righteous man. Choose happiness!

Jun 13th, 2020 Kindling – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 30 – 32 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 1 Timothy 1 – 3; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Read the “0613 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.” (Job 31:38-32:3)

Good morning. The words of Job ended in chapter 31. For twenty-nine chapters Job had to listen to his friends tell him that somewhere along the line, he sinned. And Job’s friends had to listen to Job tell them it was not sin that caused his current condition. Then Elihu, a fourth friend, adds kindling to his wrath. Why? He was mad at Job because Job justified himself and not God. And he was mad at Job’s three friends because they could not find an answer, but condemned Job anyway. Ephesians 4:26 tells us to be ye angry, and sin not. And I did not see the name of Elihu mentioned in Job chapter 42 and verse 7…

“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.” (Job 42:7-9)

Rather than sit around and discuss the problem in deep theological thought, Job’s friends should have helped him. The Bible says in James chapter 3…

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:3-10)

The tongue can be a powerful tool for both good and evil. The tongue can sooth and uplift a person, or it can gossip and destroy a person. The tongue does a good job at kindling a fire. It does no good to talk about people who talk about you. You need to go to that person and get things right. Jesus said…

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

If we are to do this for our enemies, shouldn’t we do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Continuing in Job chapter 42, verse 10…

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.” (Job 42:10-17)

To quote a well know celebrity, “Remember, only you can prevent forest fires!”

Stop adding kindling to the fire.

Peace!

Jun 11th, 2020 Where Is He? … by Justin Mears

Today’s Reading – Job 22 – 26 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3

Read the “0611 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! … Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:” (Job 23:3 and 8)

Job is going through the worst trial he has ever been through. He has lost everything including his wife, because she is struggling just as he is. They are going through this, not together, but separate. Now Jobs friends eager to help attempt to give clarity and understanding, however sound their advice might be (to someone who had sinned against God, and done something in need of God’s punishment), it just isn’t the case for Job. They tried to understand and even thought they did, but in the end they were only doing damage. They were in reality bringing Job to a place of even more loneliness. The cherry on top, is when Job expresses his deepest pain. In v. 3, he says: “Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!, and then in v. 8: “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:” Job in essence feels absolute loneliness. He doesn’t have anyone to talk to, or have anyone that might encourage him. He even says in v. 9 that God “hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:” What hopelessness Job must feel.

Have you ever felt alone? Ever felt as though God was hiding from you? You looked to your spouse and they are too broken to help you, and your friends are too sure of themselves to grasp your confusion and pain. It seems as though noone understands and even more importantly, you don’t understand. The largest question in the midst of trials is “why?” Job makes mention of this in v. 5: “I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.” Why would an answer from God help? He says in v. 6: “he would put strength in me.” It gives us a bit of strength to simply understand. It’s been said that people can handle bad news better than no news. The anticipation gives great agony. Though Job doesn’t get an answer, the bit of encouragement he does find is that, though none of us understand, God does. Verse 10 states: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” This is the place God must bring us to, in order to build our faith in Him. He puts us in the fire to purify his gold. He is using us for which we were designed……to bring Him glory. God has a way of bringing us down to one… “The One”. God is our only hope! We know it with the head everyday, but with our hearts is the question. 

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7)