Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Apr 16th, 2020 Flashy or Faithful? … by Dawson Parker

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

(Second Milers also read – Mark 3 – 4; Proverbs 16; Psalms 76 – 80)

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

Read the “0416 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” (1 Kings 1:5)

We can see many things in chapters one and two but what I want to focus on is a comparison. I will be comparing the actions of Adonijah to the actions of Benaiah. From the beginning of the story, much of what we read about is Adonijah and not a lot is mentioned about Benaiah. In I Kings 1:5, Adonijah reminds me of Satan in that he was trying to exalt himself and get the kingdom, which didn’t belong to him (Isaiah 14:13-15). We then see him go out and recruit Joab and Abiathar. Notice that he knew who to, and who not to talk to, as he didn’t try to recruit King David’s mighty men because he knew he couldn’t convince them since they would be loyal to King David. “Rebels raise armies” – Pastor Clark. We keep seeing Adonijah pop up throughout the story, just like sin often rears its ugly head time and time again. Adonijah and his men heard about the anointing of Solomon to become king and they actually were afraid and scattered. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” We know that Adonijah and his men were up to no good because the Bible makes this clear. The last action we see from Adonijah ultimately puts him to death. He comes to Bathsheba which hits home because Bathsheba was King David’s wife and the mother of now King Solomon. Bathsheba asks him if he comes peaceably and it seems he lies and says that he comes peaceably. I believe there was an underlying hidden motive that he wanted to try to get even with King David’s family. He asks Bathsheba to go in unto King Solomon and see if he will grant Adonijah the same damsel that comforted King David before he died! It seems as if this switch flipped for King Solomon in that he made the decision to have Adonijah killed.

Here is where it gets good as we see the other side of the comparison in Benaiah. Guess who King Solomon calls upon to kill wicked Adonijah? That’s right, Benaiah! King Solomon knew he had a friend that had been faithful to him and one that he could count on. We see that Benaiah is not mentioned a whole lot and he is kind of in the shadows or serving behind the scenes but nonetheless he was faithful and doing his job. King Solomon continues to rid the rebellion out by having Benaiah kill Joab. We then see that King Solomon promotes Benaiah in that he put him in his room over the host! And lastly, King Solomon calls upon Benaiah to once again kill Shimei. Benaiah keeps getting these opportunities from the king himself and the best part is he is getting rid of the wicked men.

So, in conclusion, who would you rather be? Would you rather be flashy and ultimately not get used by God like Adonijah or be faithful behind the scenes like the king’s right-hand man Benaiah? The Bible says in I Samuel 16:7, “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” It doesn’t matter if we are in the spotlight and everyone thinks we are being used by God is our heart is wicked like that of Adonijah. It matters what God sees when no one else is watching as he did in in the life of Benaiah. Promotion comes from God and he is keeping a record!

In this time of quarantine and stay at home orders, as we are not having many opportunities to see people, go to church and do ministerial work, let’s make sure we are still faithful in pleasing the Lord as he is still watching. Our personal reading of God’s Word and prayer life has never been so important. Let’s each get our eyes off of ourselves and others and let’s get our eyes on what really matter which is God! Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”

Apr 11th, 2020 Life And Death And Life – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 12 – 14 (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; Proverbs 11; Psalms 51 – 55)

Read the “0411 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

”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 12:15-23)

Good morning. At the time of this writing, the Covid19 virus score of the world is: 1,450,092 cases; 83,474 deaths; but there are 309,321 victims who have recovered. In New Jersey there are 44,416 cases; 1,232 deaths; and 206 have recovered. Many of us have loved ones, friends, or relatives who may have the Coronavirus. In our reading today we see the child that David had with Bathsheba, through adultery, on his death bed. David has been praying and fasting for the child seven days. The child dies. David gets up from the ground, cleans up, goes to the tabernacle and worships the LORD. After this, he returns home and has something to eat. The servants question him as to why he is doing this, and not still morning for the child…

“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 12:21-23)

Do you have a loved one, friend, or relative, who may have the virus? Pray for them. Who can tell if GOD will be gracious to you, that they may live? Call them. Praise the LORD He gave us the technology to have video phone calls, apps like Skype, Zoom, and others. David had faith knowing that the child was safe with the LORD. He told his servants: “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

You don’t know if that loved one will survive the virus. Do you kow if they are saved? Are they going to Heaven when they die? Talk to them. Share the Gospel with them.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

And…

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

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

And Jesus makes us this promise…

“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)

Are you saved?

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:13)

The whole point is, is that we have an appointed time.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

Nobody knows when that time is. Isn’t it time for all petty grudges to cease? All families fighting together and not speaking to one another should cease. When will loved ones, friends, and relatives be forgiving? You have no idea if you will ever see that person again. You will see them again, if you and they are saved. Just think, you will all have to spend eternity together forever in Heaven, loving each other, and praising the LORD. Wouldn’t it be nice to start now?

Before it’s too late.

Peace.

Apr 8th, 2020 Mourning and Weeping and Fasting, Oh My … Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

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

Read the “0408 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.” (2Samuel 1:5-12)

“So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: “ When reading today’s scriptures, these words jumped out at me. Being part of the ministry for many years, unfortunately you see people fall away from the Lord. Some fall further than others but never the less they fall away from where they were. But praise the Lord some open up their hearts again and come back. But what are we doing when they fall? What are we doing when they come back? What about the ones who are struggling and are up and down?

When David heard that Saul and Jonathan were dead he mourned, and wept and fasted. It didn’t matter that Saul was always seeking to kill David, David stayed true to Saul even after his death.

So what should we do if we know of a Brother or Sister in Christ fall away.

1) Love Them Back To The Lord

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

2) Feed The Sheep

After they start turning their life around, back to the Lord, stick with them. Continue to help the find their way back. When you teach a child to walk, you have to stay with them until they can walk on their own.

”He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

3) You Are Your Brother’s (or Sister’s) Keeper – YES

There is no room in the family of God for kicking another when they are down. Why? Because we’re family. Although I come from a small family (I’m an only child) I could never understand why some families fought so much. I always thought they should stick together like glue, and we should.

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

All of us are in danger of backsliding or falling. It’s in our old nature to do so, plus there is one who is always waiting to trip us up.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Peter 5:8)

And just a note to the backslider, God has promised never to let us go. He will never throw us out of His family. We may grieve Him but He will always love us.

“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.” (John 10:28-29)

Amen

Revelation 20:10

Apr 7th, 2020 The Choice is Yours … by Mr. Wade Thompson

Today’s Reading – 1 Samuel 28 – 31 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers read – Matthew 13 – 14; Proverbs 7; Psalms 31 – 35)

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

Read the “0407 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.” (1 Samuel 28:4-5)

We’re living in a crazy time, people are losing their jobs, people are getting sick; no one is allowed to leave home, and it seems like the world is spiraling into chaos. Here in 1 Samuel we see two characters, Saul and David, and both are faced with difficult situations, but both men react very differently. In chapter 28 we see the armies of the Philistines making warfare against Israel.

Saul, knowing he is in a tight place and knowing he needs the Lord unfortunately turns to the wrong person. Saul seeks for a witch to bring back the spirit of the great Prophet Samuel.

Saul stooped down to the world’s level, trying to get an answer from God. Saul knew the ways of the Lord but chose to walk wickedly. In this time that we are in we cannot compromise what we know and what we believe in order to try and get the answers that we should be getting from God’s Word. God expects us to live holy and righteousness lives even in tough times when we don’t know what to do. Tough times are not an excuse to live wrong.

David was also faced with a difficult situation in chapter 30. David and his mighty men returned from battle to find their home city completely destroyed, burnt with fire, and all their wives and children were taken captive. The whole camp was in great distress and even spoke of stoning David. Not only did David lose his wives, family, and everything he owned; but now his own men are talking about killing him. David did not use this time to run from God or have a pity party. In verse 6, we see that he encouraged himself in the Lord and sought counsel from the priest. After doing what God told him to do he recovered everything he had lost and achieved a mighty victory. We need to remember as we go through this “virus crisis” that God is always going to be there for us. He will show us what to do, and we have nothing to be afraid of.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 56:3)

In this tough time, we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. As we go through these strange and scary days we have to decide whether we are going to do our own thing and try to get God’s blessing in our own way, like Saul; or, are we going to encourage ourselves in the Lord and get godly counsel, and do things God’s way. It’s a choice we will have to make every day.

Apr 4th, 2020 Madness – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 19 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 7 – 8; Proverbs 4; Psalms 16 – 20)

Read the “0404 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?” (1Samuel 21:10-15)

“And when he [JESUS] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.” (Matthew 8:28-32)

Good morning. Here we have two examples of madness. David made himself mad to save his life. The herd of swine went mad when possessed by devils, and they lost their lives.

I use to work security in a casino, on the graveyard shift. You notice many things on this shift. Mainly around the slot machines. People stare, glassy-eyed into the machine watching the numbers and symbols spin around. Their only movement is to hit the spin button. The cocktail waitresses come around serving drinks and alcohol, which being a depressant just adds to the miserable look that is on their faces. From what I understand many are regular customers: they come there all the time. Can I ask you something? Is this the kind of life you planned on having? Something happened to draw these people into the madness of gambling.

I walked by a roulette table, and saw three separate gray chips placed as bets. The wheel was turned and the ball raced around. When all was said and done, those three gray chips went to the house: that’s $15,000 ($5,000 each): that’s madness. Is there a madness in your life?

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:20-27)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who can save people from this madness, as well as other madnesses. The Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program has a slogan: “Only the Truth makes free!” We can show you from the Scriptures how to end the madness. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the only Way: every other path is a dead end. Jesus is the Truth: He doesn’t sugar-coat your problem, but will stand right by your side, and face it with you. Jesus is the Life: He will help you with your life, and keep you from throwing it away. Jesus said…

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15: 4-5)

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:8-9)

If Jesus didn’t think your life was precious, why would He allow Himself to be beaten, spit upon, whipped by a whip that had sharp bones and metal pieces that ripped right through His skin, and then be nailed to a cross shedding His precious blood for your precious soul? He is able, and will stop whatever madness you have.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Peace!

Apr 2nd, 2020 What Remaineth … by Justin Mears

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 15 – 16 (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; Proverbs 2; Psalms 6 – 10)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Isaiah 40:31

Read the “0402 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:6-13)

Samuel is in a situation where God’s vessel (King Saul) is done being used as king.

“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.” (1 Samuel 15:26)

Now is the time for a new regime. God is looking for a new man, a better man. A man who will be used mightily to bring about revival, blessing, and peace to a nation. Samuel is looking at Eliab and saying surely this is him. He thinks to himself he is strong, tough, and big, this must be the man, however God says no. Samuel begins to go down the line one after the other, each one being rejected. None of these men are the chosen vessel of God. It isn’t until Samuel asks the question, “are here all thy children?”, that we find our answer. His father says, “well there remaineth yet one”. The absolute last resort. The bottom of the barrel. The only crumb left left after a feast. The very last drop of water in a dry and thirsty land. It was then that Samuel and Jesse’s very last resort was realized as God’s first choice. It may have been the worst option to man but it was the best option to God. They thought to themselves, “he is so small, so young, so… insignificant. How could this be the vessel God will use?” God says to Samuel, “the Lord seeth not as man seeth”.

The thought I have today is this: Right now we’re living in a time where all of our normal church abilities are being taken away. All of our “obvious choices” for church are being rejected for the time being. The ability to physically gather has been taken. The ability go door-knocking or physically visit people for the most part has been taken. The ability to physically pray together, go on bus routes, fellowship in person, or even go out with a friend to encourage each other is gone. You might ask, “what remains?,” “what’s left?” My answer is God’s best for this time. Whatever you can do is the “David” of this time. It’s not small or insignificant, it is extremely powerful. Just because it’s our last resort doesn’t mean it’s God’s. The tools he wants us to use today may seem small and insignificant, but to God they are the most powerful. God doesn’t ask what we can’t do, he asks what we can. He asks what’s left, because that’s how he feeds the five thousand, slays a giant, and defeats the Midianites with three hundred men. This is how God does his greatest miracles and wins His greatest battles. 

So ask yourself, “what’s left?,” “what can I do?” Some of these tools we don’t see yet, they are out in the field. Just as Samuel didn’t sit until he found who was left, don’t sit till you find what is left. The Bible, prayer, family, the ability to make a phone call, Zoom a Sunday School class or prayer meeting, Facebook live any/every service, or talk to a neighbor about Christ. We have the ability to be the greatest Christians, parents, friends and spiritual leaders that we have ever had the chance to be. Make the best out of what remains recognizing it is God’s best for us right now. We do believe God is in control right? We don’t think that somehow God missed this right? Just because we may be at our wits end doesn’t me he is. Pastor preached about Esther and about how we’re here, “for such a time as this.” Do we believe that? Let us be challenged to do the best we can with what’s left. Maybe we feel like we’re at the bottom of the widow’s vessel of oil. Just keep pouring and watch what God does. Today ask yourself… “what remaineth?”

Apr 1st, 2020 There Is Hope … by Samantha Mears

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

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

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Proverbs 27:15

Read the “0401 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.” (1 Samuel 12:20-25)

Background – Israel messed up, they had gotten to a place where they forgot what God had done for them. Israel became discontent and unthankful. The people doubted what God was doing, so they begged for a king and shortly after they realized what a terrible mistake they had made. In the verse prior to these, we see their brokenness and desperation, longing for what they once had, before they sinned against the Lord. Samuel now attempts to encourage and restore their spirits. He assures them that God has not forsaken them. Samuel implores the people to turn back to God and serve Him with everything they have. He begs them not to seek after that which is vain. Finally, Samuel reminds them of all the Lord has done for them.

Can you relate with these Israelites? Are you in a place where you think restoration is out of the question? Could there be no hope for you to ever come back from what you have done? 

Maybe, you can relate with the Israelites, not because of a “great sin” but simply because the world around you seems so bleak. Is there Hope? If you watch any News station these days , you can certainly relate with the feeling of “no hope”. 

I am no Samuel (Just a Sam), but let me encourage you. THERE IS HOPE.

If you have strayed away from the Lord due to sin, He desires to restore you. He longs for your fellowship. Allow Him to give you hope. 

If you are one who has just lost hope in general, because your situation seems unbearable and there is no “light at the end of the tunnel”, whatever your “tunnel” is. Allow these verses to penetrate your heart and restore your spirit:

For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people (1 Samuel 12:22)

You have the option to choose another path, you have the choice of the Hope of Christ or whatever else may be out there. I promise you, this other road will lead to brokenness, Sadness and ultimately destruction. Hope will not be found here. 

And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain (1 Samuel 12:21)

Take a moment to remind yourself of all God has done for you, where He has brought you from and the promises, He has made to you, in His Word. The entire world is searching for something right now and some have no Hope. We, as God’s people, cannot lose Hope, For their sakes, we must have Hope and we must share this Hope. 

Mar 31st, 2020 Don’t Forsake the Way … by Pastor Corey Woolner

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 8 – 11 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here  to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 16 – 19, Revelation 20 – 22; Proverbs 31)

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

Read the “0331 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (1 Samuel 8:3)

The Bible is alive! It is truly a living book! Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is quick…”. This has probably happened to you before, where you read a passage over and over and you read it again and the Holy Spirit highlights something in the passage. 

I have read these chapters many times like you probably have as well, but as I was reading for this devotion, I was thinking about Samuel and his sons. First Samuel chapter 8 and verse 3 is the thought today, “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment”. They totally went in the opposite direction that their father, Samuel, had raised them in. 

Samuel was God’s man. One of his sons was named Joel – meaning “Jehovah is God!” The other named Abiah meaning “God is my Father!” Samuel knew God and he was close to the Lord God. 

Samuel served the Lord from his youth. He had a godly and a praying mom named Hannah who lent him unto the Lord not long after his birth. Samuel began serving the Lord and hearing the voice of God at a young age (1 Samuel 3). 

He was now an old man according to chapter 8 and verse 1. I admire Samuel’s faithfulness. I have the highest respect for men of God and women of God who are just faithful for the long haul. In the last 8 weeks at our church we’ve had the honor of having Dr. Paul Fedena, Pastor Charles Clark, Jr., and Missionary Jeff Bassett in to preach. All 3 of these men have been saved and serving God for over 40 years. Their faithfulness to our Lord inspires me and encourages me to keep my eyes on the Lord and keep serving Him in truth. 

Samuel wasn’t one of these fire cracker servants of the Lord – in it for a little while and made an impact, and then vanish away. Instead, he stayed faithful. 

His sons on the other hand made up their mind that they were going to go a different path. They would have grown up seeing their dad serving the Lord and seeing their dad praying. God was real to Samuel and his sons would have seen that. How sad that they didn’t walk in their fathers ways. 

Just like Joel and Abiah had a spiritual influence in their life, you do as well. There have been people that have influenced your life spiritually and you ought to thank God for those people. I think about in my life how I’ve had pastors, my parents, teachers, coaches, and friends influence me for the Lord. I don’t want to let them down. I don’t serve God for them, but one of the reasons I serve God is because of them. God uses people to encourage us and help us along the way. 

People have invested in you. People have influenced you in your Christian walk. Don’t turn aside and start following false doctrine, don’t turn aside and start following the latest trends in the world, don’t turn aside and start forsaking church and spiritual things. 

Don’t let it be that the “Samuels” in your life find out that you forsook the ways of the Lord God. Maybe you’ve been thinking about walking away, let me ask you to consider two things: Jesus Christ and the people that have spiritually influenced your life. 

Mar 28th, 2020 The Hand Of The Lord – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Ruth 1 – 4 (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; Proverbs 28; Psalms 136 – 140)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0328 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” (Ruth 1:1-13)

Good morning. Naomi was at quite a low point in her life. Her husband died, then her two sons died. All she had left were her two daughter-in-laws. And she told her daughters. “…it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”

When things go wrong, do you blame God? I must have sinned for this to happen to me. Woe is me for the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. But we forget…

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

And that…

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

So what happened with Naomi? God had to turn her around and get her out of Moab. He needed her back home. She didn’t leave Moab when her husband died. When her two sons died, she left Moab. There was a divine appointment waiting in Bethlehemjudah. And Ruth stayed with her.

Did you know your face changes when your countenance drops, when you’re depressed?

“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:19-21)

The people had to ask if this was Naomi. And Naomi said to call her Mara. Mara means bitter. Naomi was bitter, but she was home, and Ruth was with her. But it was all part of God’s plan. And to make a long story short…

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:13-22)

It took some sorrow to get Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehemjudah, but Ruth had to get there to meet and marry Boaz, so they could have a child, and Ruth would be the great grandmother of king David.

Are you going through something bad? Don’t blame God. Here are three verses to remember…

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

I’m sorry, but in this world ye SHALL have tribulation. I don’t care what the prosperity preachers tell you, believe the Bible. Tribulation is going to come. Bad things happen to good people and bad people. Maybe God is just trying to turn you in the right direction like Naomi. Just remember our second verse also…

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

That’s ALL things: the good and the bad. Bad things happen in life. But what we perceive as bad, God may be using that for His good, and our good. Before you become bitter, and blame God, go to Him with your problem. “Lord, things look pretty bleak. I don’t know why I’m going through this, but You do. Help me to understand. Show me what to do.” And that leads us to the third verses…

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

Trials and tribulations should not separate you from God, they should draw you closer. When bad things happen, don’t get bitter; run to God where all things work for good.

Peace!

Mar 26th, 2020 No Directions, Just Faith … by Lexi Scates

Today’s Passage – Judges 18 – 19 (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;  Proverbs 26; Psalms 126 – 130)

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

Read the “0326 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous. And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go.” (Judges 18:5-6)

In the beginning of chapter 18 it prefaces how during this time in Israel there was no king, and the tribe of the Danites were seeking a place to dwell. They were looking for success with their next steps and they wanted a clear path on how to get there. But, they had no leader, no guidance, and no sense of direction. The Danites seek the prayer and guidance of a priest, and the priest gives them an answer that is never easy to hear. To simply take the steps in your journey and the directions will come from God. I cannot count how many times I have asked God about the next steps, the game plan, and the end goal when clearly He just wants us to go… No questions asked, no map, no final destination but just go. I am a planner, I like setting goals, I like overthinking, and I like knowing where I am heading to the point where I stress immensely until I know exactly how it will go. But how easy would it be to just take the small steps of faith, and let God lead “wherein ye go”. 

“And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land. When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth.” (Judges 18:9-10)

The Danites were delivered into a land that was better than anything they could have thought, created, or planned and surely better than they deserved. When we put our trust in Him and take our hands off, God will give us His better plans into our hands. Although the fear of not knowing and not having total control can be unbearable, knowing there is a God who will take complete control is a settling thought. Taking a leap of faith and letting Him lead will bring us to a place of no disappointment “a place where there is no want of anything”. Therefore having “no directions”, but faith can lead to an amazing destination.