Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 8th, 2017 Wonderful Works Remembered – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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)

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

Peace.

Jul 1st, 2017 And Yet – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

“Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” (Psalm 78:1-8)

“And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.” (Psalm 78:17)

“For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.” (Psalm 78:32)

“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.” (Psalm 78:40-42)

“Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.” (Psalm 78:56-58)

Good morning. How much have you changed since you got saved? Think back to some of the things you did for the Lord after you received Him as your Saviour. I know of a man who did work around Ocean County Baptist Temple. When he would finish, he would go to the alter and thank God for allowing him to do something there. Were you quick to pray when someone asked? Did you pray right there with that person or did you write it down so you wouldn’t forget later, and loose the paper? Does work get in the way of your daily devotions? Do you have any daily devotions? Is saying grace for your food the only time you pray? Do you still even say grace? Do you still give out tracts, or witness for the Lord? Or is there the fear of being arrested for ‘hate crimes’? The only hate crime is not telling them about Jesus, and letting them die and go to hell. I while back I heard about a softball game between to churches, and some heated words were exchanged. Did they not know that before time began, God had already determined who would win that game? It’s a game. We should play our best, and just enjoy it. Maybe if we reflect on what the Lord has done for us and then give Him praises, and be thankful, it would change our backslidden attitudes. Israel had Psalm 136 to remind them of the awsome things that the Lord did for them. Maybe we should make our own song listing the awsome things that the Lord has done for us? Use Psalm 136 as a pattern…

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever: To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136)

Peace.

Jun 24th, 2017 My Help, My Deliverer, My God – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

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

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

1) The Lord is my Help.

Remeber the conversation David had with Goliath…

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

2) The Lord is my Deliverer.

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

3) The Lord is my God.

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

“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)

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

“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 15:5)

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

Peace.

Jun 17th, 2017 WHY DO THE HEATHEN RAGE? – The Saturday Morning Post

An anti-Trump protester jumps on top of a police vehicle caving in the roof as protesters fill the streets in front of the Orange County Fair & Event Center along Fair Drive after the Trump rally let out in Costa Mesa, California on Thursday, April 28, 2016. (Jose Lopez)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Jeremiah…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace.

Jun 10th, 2017 Job’s Faith – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace.

May 27th, 2017 He Is THE God – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

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

Good morning. It was the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia. And he was taking care of business much like president Trump. He had taken over all the kingdoms of the world, and gives all the glory to the LORD God (verse 2). We can see four items in king Cyrus’ relationship with God.

1) King Cyrus recognized who the LORD God was.

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

He recognized the LORD God of Israel as THE God.

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

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

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

He obeyed.

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

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

3) God supplied the means to accomplish the task.

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

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

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

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

4) He gave back to the LORD.

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

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

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

Just to give you an idea, let’s say that it was an even split from king Cyrus: 2700 vessels of gold, and 2700 vessels of silver. And let’s say that each vessel weighed in at 8 ounces. That would be 21600 ounces of gold and 21600 ounces of silver. At today’s prices that would be $1269.60 for an ounce of Gold, and $17.33 for an ounce of silver. If king Cyrus did that today, he would have given back to the Lord almost $28 million.

How is your relationship with the LORD? Can He, or has He trusted you with a task to complete? Do you trust Him to supply you with what you need? Could you loosen your grip on $28 million, or even your 10% tithe? Just something to think about.

Peace.

May 20th, 2017 Is Your Strength In The LORD? – The Saturday Morning Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (2Chronicles 16:7-9)

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

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

2) Asa was angry with the Word of God.

3) Asa was angry with the people of God.

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

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

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

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

1) Trust In The LORD.

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

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

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

2) Delight In The LORD.

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

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

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

3) Commit Thy Way Unto The LORD.

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

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

4) Rest In The LORD.

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

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

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

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

5) Cease from anger.

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

No you don’t. King Asa was angry. It did nothing for him but his anger did hurt others. Cease from anger.

Peace.

May 13th, 2017 Let The LORD Do – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 19 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 17 – 18; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Read the “0513 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.” (1Chronicles 19:10-13)

Good morning. Joab was in a tight spot: he had the enemy armies in front of him and behind him. But Joab knew who he was fighting for, and who would give him the victory… “and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.”

Joab could be valiant and courageous because he was fighting for God’s people and God’s cities. What are you fighting for? What ever it is, the only way to get the victory is from God.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Corinthians 15:57)

God holds all the victories. Joab would have know this because king David wrote a Psalm about it…

“A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 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. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.” (Psalm 98)

Even when confronted with his sin off numbering the people, David put his trust in the LORD…

“And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.” (2Samuel 24:10-15)

But it says that 70,000 men died, how is that merciful? Let’s step forward in time to see God’s mercy. September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center is attacked by Muslim terrorists. 3000 souls was the death toll. That’s just 1.5% of the 200,000 people who pass through the buildings on any given day: 911 could have been much worse, but the true, living God is a merciful God.

The whole thing is that God holds your victory in His hands. We should be doing things that are pleasing in His sight.

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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 11:5-6)

If you trust God with whatever you are doing, He will give you the victory and He will be glorified in that victory. Let the LORD do His work through you, and the victory will come.

Peace.

May 6th, 2017 The Four Requests Of Jabez – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 3 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 3 – 4; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

Read the “0506 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” (1Chronicles 4:9-10)

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Good morning. Growing up. did you ever watch your dad work and were amazed by his knowledge and skill in getting the job done? I was. I had broken the shift return spring on my Yamaha 500 Enduro. I watched as he fashioned a new one from an old wire coathanger. It worked, and I never had any problem with it ever. The foundation in the house we lived in was starting to settle. Acrack in the wall near the ceiling started to open. My dad installed several rods and turnbuckels in the attic fastoned to the a joist and a rafter. Using house jacks to lift the settling end, he tightened the turnbuckels and the crack was pulled back together. Amazing. We have a heavenly Father who tells us to call on Him, and He will show us great and mighty things. We will be amazed: they are great and mighty things which we do not know. Jabez called on the Lord and made four requests which God granted…

1) He asked that God would bless him.

2) He asked that God would enlarge his coasts.

3) He asked that God’s hand would be with him.

4) And he asked that God would keep him from evil, that it would not grieve him.

In researching this passage, I found that many were using this and repeating the prayer over and over as part of the prosperity gospel movement. You can have properity, but Jesus said…

“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.” (John16:33)

There will be times of tribulation, maybe all through your life. Doesn’t sound too prospering. But there is prosperity in tribulation when you know Jesus. In the world ye shall (it’s going to happen) have tribulation: but be of good cheer. Why? Because you have Jesus, and Jesus has overcome the world. Dr. Lester Roloff said, “Don’t sing to me songs in the light if you can’t sing to me songs in the night.”

The Bible says…

“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)

In times of trouble…

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Corinthians 10:13)

The Lord told Jerimiah while he was in prison…

“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword; They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city. Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.” (Jeremiah 33:1-9)

Prosperity gospel? Knowing that Jesus is with you through the good times and the bad – that’s prosperity.

Peace.

Apr 29th, 2017 The Out House (Or How To Process The False gods In Your Life) – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

“Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.” (2Kings 10:19-27)

Good morning. If you look up the Hebrew word translated draught house, it means sewer. Jehu wanted no part of Baal. Not only did he wipe out those who worshiped Baal, but destroyed the priests of Baal also. Then they turned Baal’s house into an outhouse. And why not? Just like other false gods, Baal required human sacrifices…

“Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it. And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.” (Jeremiah 32:32-35)

“And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” (2Kings 17:17)

False gods do nothing except to build enmity between the Lord and you. The Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. If there is something in your life that is turning you away from the Lord, you need to deal with it. You should have a FIT over anything that gets between you and God…

“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 14-18)

The first letter of FIT is…

F) Friends.

The first thing that Jehu did was separate the worshipers of Baal from the worshipers of the LORD. Do you have so-called friends who try to draw you away from the Lord? Maybe they do some things on Sunday to try and keep you out of Sunday School and church. Come out from among them and be ye separate. The second letter of FIT is…

I) Influences.

You would be surprised at the influence that radio and TV personalities have over you. Let me give you an example from my generation’s music. In the song Fire And Rain by James Taylor, in the beginning he says “Won’t you look down upon me Jesus. You got to help me make a stand. I can’t make it any other way.”

That’s great, it’s Christian, he mentions Jesus. But at the end of the song, he sings, “There’s just a few things coming my way this time around.” This time around? A clear reference to reincarnation. I used to listen to a lot of what they (the over-thirty crowd) called protest music. What can I say about Don’t Step On The Grass Sam by Steppenwolf. Or the I Feel Fixin’ To Die Rag by Country Joe and the Fish. Uncle Bernie’s Farm by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Don’t Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult which is about suicide. If you go into a music store and look at the cd’s, many have a sticker cautioning explicit lyrics. What actors, or musicians influence you? If they influence you in the wrong way, come out from among them and be ye separate. And the last letter in FIT is…

T) Things.

I learned a hard lesson last year. At Texas Baptist College it was drilled into our heads to never take a job that makes you work on Sunday. Well, I took a job on Sunday. I missed church and Sunday School for almost a year. Not a good thing. This was when I switched from graveyard to day shift. Do you have a hobby? Hunting, camping, crafting, etc. Is there anything in your life that is causing you to drift away from God? Get rid of it: come out from among these things and be ye separate. Have a FIT – friends, influences, things – and take them to the outhouse. Be out with the things of this world and in with God.

Peace.