JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 63 – 66 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – John 19 – 20; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “9 Marks of Excellence in Church Leadership“
Read the “0813 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
A Study Of Women In The Bible
The Contentious Woman
“A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.” (Proverbs 27:15-16)
Imagine, you come home from a busy day at work and dinner must be made. You help your children with their homework and start a load of laundry. After dinner you gather your family, get in the car and go to church. Before you go home, you drop off the kids you brought, then stop at the store for bread and milk. When you arrive home, you get your children off to bed, prepare lunches and fold that load of laundry. After a long hard day, you climb into bed, throw the covers on, lay your head on your pillow and sigh “AAAWWW Finally”. You close your eyes and your body is relaxed. Just as you fall asleep you hear drip – drIP – DRIP – DRIP! Your sink is leaking. You get up and try to fix it and it just keeps dripping. You put a towel under the drip, but as soon as it get wet that sound DRIP – DRIP is back. How annoying. Will it ever stop? It just seems to get louder and louder. No matter what you do, it’s not stopping!
The word contentious means not nice, disrespectful, cruel, harsh words. Also, to cause and argument, quarrelsome and controversial.
The Bible compares a contentious woman to hard rain dropping. If outside, you can’t get away from the fact that your going to get wet. The contentions of a neighbour may be like a quick rain shower, troublesome for a little time, but you can take shelter. But the contentions of a wife is like a constant soaking rain. A wise man will try to hide his contentious wife, for his own sake and for his wife’s repution, but he can’t. Just like he can’t conceal the noise of the wind blowing or contain the smell of a strong perfume. The froward and brawling will proclaim their own shame.
In Proverbs 21:9 and 25:24 it says:
“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”
When God repeats Himself, we should listen carefully.
Ladies, just like the water dripping annoys us, we can be annoying to our husbands. There is no other shelter for him to get out of the rain but home.
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
No matter how good or bad our relationship is with our husband, we should always try to inprove it. So this week I am giving you all, and myself, an assignment.
1. Write your husband 2 love letters. You can slip it in his lunch box or put it on his pillow or clothing draw. Be creative.
2. Make him 2 of his favorite meals. Maybe make it romantic by lighting some candles, but cook his 2 favorite meals.
3. Tell him you love him at least once a day. You never know when you’ll no longer be able to say it, so say in now.
So are you up to the challenge? It will not only be a blessing to your husband, but it will change your life.
Thank You
John 3:16
Posted in Devotions, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Asleep at the Switch
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 53 – 57 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – John 15 – 16; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “9 Marks of Excellence in Church Leadership“
Read the “0811 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from today’s reading passage – “Look Beyond the Cross“
“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” (Isaiah 56:10)
“Asleep at the switch” is an old expression that I have used since a child which, I believe, originated with the men who had the responsibility of switching the track that a train was traveling on. If the man was asleep at the switch the train would go down the wrong track and would crash head on with another train. God speaks hear of the prophets of Israel who were spiritually asleep at the switch. Though all of the warning signs were there, these “men of God” ignored them, and failed to warn the people of the judgment that was coming. Oh there were a few godly prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, but for the most part the watchmen were asleep, and numb to the fact that the people of God were on the track heading for destruction.
As a dad and as a pastor, I am a watchman. God expects me to be looking out for the enemies that are always trying to slip through the fences in order to destroy the people that God has given me to protect. I must be alert for things that will cause the people I love to go down the wrong track. It may be a person; or it may be a false doctrine; it may be a worldly influence. The list is really endless; but my job is to watch, and then warn. How about your family, or your ministry. Is Satan having a field day sending in through your watch things or people that are going to harm. We need to be sober and vigilant, don’t we. Let’s wake up, and stop ignoring all of the dangers that are creeping into our families and our churches.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 33 – 36 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – John 5 – 6; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)
Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 47:1
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Are We Reaching the Lost?“
Read the “0806 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet
“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50)
Think with me and imagine the scene. Simon, a Pharisee, was having a dinner party. He asked Jesus to join them. Now the Pharisee’s didn’t believe in Christ, yet He accepted the invitation and ate with them. In walks a woman with a questionable background. Now I don’t know about you, but if I was home and a stranger walked in….., or was she. According to verse 39 Simon knew what this woman was. How did he know who she was and why didn’t anyone asked her to leave when she first came in? Just asking.
This woman, with a bad reputation, heard the preaching of Jesus with conviction. She realized who Jesus was and brought Him what she had. She did not approach Him eye to eye. She felt so unworthy that she humbled herself at His feet and kiss them. Her tears of joy washed the feet of Jesus. Her hair became a towel to dry them. There was no pride found in her. She anointed His feet with oil, owning Him as “The Anointed One”. Finally someone who excepted and truly loved her. The Pharisee’s also heard His preaching and yet there was no humility or conviction. They sat and watched as she touched Jesus thinking, how can He let her touch Him. If He only knew who she was. If she would have touched Simon he may have said “ …Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou…. (Isaiah 65:5)
God’s warnings are all around us. Time is short.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Timothy 3:1-7)
Sinners of all kinds will be invited by the Holy Spirit to enter into our churches to receive the “Free Love Gift” of God. Will we be willing to “rub elbows” with ALL types of repented sinners.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mat 22:37-39)
I don’t understand how a God so divine,
could lower Himself to a life such as mine.
And consider me worth every minute of time,
to rescue a sinner like me.
When I think of my Saviour alone on the cross,
I know without Him that my life would be lost.
If He had not been willing to suffer the cost,
to rescue a sinner like me.
To rescue a sinner like me, LORD,
to rescue a sinner like me.
He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above,
to rescue a sinner like me.
My mind is so limited that I cannot see,
the reason He died and arose just for me.
So unworthy was I, yet He came willingly,
to rescue a sinner like me.
To rescue a sinner as worthless as I,
Yet He gave me a reason to sing.
It’s so hard to believe, that it happened to me,
Hallelujah to Jesus my King!
To rescue a sinner like me, LORD,
to rescue a sinner like me.
He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above,
to rescue a sinner like me.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Remembering The Fourth Of July – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Reading – Psalms 103 – 105 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 11 – 12; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25
Read a great article from by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Against All Odds“
Read the “0706 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this morning’s passage – “So Great Is His Mercy“
Good morning. As I sit here reading my Bible, I realized something about the Fourth. I didn’t go to watch the parade. I didn’t watch the Macy’s fireworks show, the biggest fireworks display in the nation. I didn’t even watch the Twilight Zone Marathon. My flag was up, waving in the breeze, on the front of the trailer. I played dominoes with Camille most of the day; and cooked BBQ’d ribs in my 16 qt. cast iron dutch oven. And yes, they came out great! But this was the most quietest fourth of July I ever had.
My best Fourth was in 1976. I went to visit my brother, Harry. We stood near the Varizano Narrows Bridge, and watched the tall ships sail by. Then later into the evening, we went to a swamp where you could see the back of the Statue of Liberty and watched the massive fireworks display celebrating our nations 200th birthday. That was 37 years ago. This year did not feel the same.
Maybe it was the camping trip to Gettysburg, PA, a few weeks earlier that got me to thinking. There were 51,112 deaths in that one battle. That’s more than the Korean Conflict (36,574), and almost as much as the war in Vietnam (58,209). I wonder what they would say if the could see the condition the country is in today. The country they gave their lives for. Would they be sickened by the stench of our way of life: relying on big brother, rather than God for all our needs? What would they say? Would they say, “Wow, what a great cell phone!”; or would they slap our faces for the low price we put on the freedoms that they shed their blood to keep?
Depressing, isn’t it. It was for me until I read Psalm 30:5. There my be some hope for our nation. Psalm 30:5 says,
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Joy is coming. It may be in seeing the nation turn back to God, or it may be in Christ’s returning for us. But joy is coming in the morning. We made a real mess of our “One Nation Under GOD”, but He promises,
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)
Joy IS coming.
Peace. (Philemon 1:3)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
I’d Better Keep My Mouth Shut
Today’s Reading – Job 39 – 42 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Titus 1 – 3; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 121
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “12 Thoughts on Spiritual Battle“
Read the “0616 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. (Job 40:4)
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.(Job 42:3)
Have you ever made the statement, “I’d better keep my mouth shut”? Have you ever told your child the same thing? We can really get ourselves in trouble with our mouths, can’t we? Sometimes it’s better not to say anything. I remember when I was a brand new Christian. I was having a discussion with Pastor Thompson about reaching the people around me for the Lord. He said something that I never forgot: he said that if you don’t have an answer to their questions, or even their arguments, tell them that you don’t know the answer. His exact words were, “Don’t snow them”. What he meant was that we shouldn’t try to offer something on behalf of God that isn’t what God said. We shouldn’t offer what we feel or think about God; but only tell people what we know to be true. These friends of Job (and Job himself) were doing a lot of talking about God: each offering their own opinion about the situation; but how much of what they said was actually true.
The Bible says that we are God’s ambassadors. We represent God to this world around us. We speak on his behalf. Shouldn’t we be very careful about what we say? I wonder what God will have to say about me someday, especially the things that I have taught others about Him. Preachers and teachers have an awesome responsibility. Therefore we need to make sure that we are daily spending time with God in His word so that we can know how He thinks; and know what He teaches about any given subject. And then when we are given the opportunity to speak on His behalf, whenever possible, we should tell people what God actually said, instead of what our opinion is. As God’s ambassadors we have no right to represent ourselves, or present ourselves, or try to make ourselves look good in the eyes of the people. We need to make God look good; and we need to give people the actual Words of God.
In God’s rebuke of Job, He said, “will thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous”? What God was saying was that Job said things to justify himself; to make himself look good. How often do I do that. I am so afraid of the opinion of men that I have often condemned others in order to elevate myself. Shame on me! and shame on all of us. The Bible is very plain in its teaching that we don’t have to say too much, and that it is wise to hold our peace at times; and then when we do speak, we should be very careful about what we say.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Reading – Ezra 3 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Romans 13 – 16; Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 28)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 Timothy 1:17
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt– “Encouragement for Spiritual Leaders“
Read the “0528 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
A Study Of Women In The Bible
Miriam, A Strong Leader Who Over-stepped Her Boundaries.
“For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:19-21)
Miriam’s work for the Lord started at an early age. Her mother depended and trusted her to watch over the basket prepared for baby Moses that was put on the water. It took courage to approach the Princess and ask if she could find someone to nurse the baby. It was because of her wisdom from Almighty God, that she brought the Princess together with the baby’s mother. Miriam was brought up as a slave who served the Living God.
As an adult, Miriam continued with her godly responsibilities. She was in leadership, under Moses, with her brother Aaron. She was unmarried, the first spokeswoman for God, and very dedicated to her work. Her responsibilities must have been unbelievable when the children of Israel left Egypt. It’s hard enough when your moving your own family, but what a task trying to assist in the moving of millions! Miriam must have encouraged the people as they walked between the walls of water. She led the women in song and dance when they reached the other side. She was a born leader, BUT…
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.” (Numbers 12:1-2)
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.” (Numbers 12:9-10)
“And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” (Numbers 12:15)
…Miriam over-stepped her boundaries. She put herself on the same level as Moses. Aaron and Miriam tried to usurp Moses’ authority. She was given great authority by God, but pride and jealousy stepped in. Through God’s anger, Miriam became a leper. God took her from a leader of women singing and praising God, to crying out, “Unclean, unclean”. The entire nation stopped their journey as Miriam was put out of the camp for 7 days. The Bible does not say if Miriam repented or if she was returned to her leadership position, however the Bible does say in Numbers 20:1 that she died before the children of Israel entered into the promise land.
Miriam stepped out of her God-given boundaries, and it’s very easy to step out of ours. God has given us all positions. It would do us well to remember to stay within our positions. A good leader is a better follower. In the work of God, there will always be someone in authority over you, just as there will always be some under you. If we all stay within our God-given positions, we can accomplish God’s work more efficiently. Remember, the most important job God has given all of us is to win souls. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)
“Do you see all the people sinking down. Don’t you care are you going to let them drown? How can you be so num, not to care if they come? You close your eyes and pretend the job’s done. Bless me Lord, you know it’s all I ever hear. No one aches, no one hurts, no one even sheds one tear, but He cries, He weeps, He bleeds, and He cares for your needs, and you just lay back and keep soaking it in. Can’t you see it’s such sin? Cause He brings people to your door, and you turn them away as you smile and say, God bless you, be in peace, and all Heaven just weeps….. Cause Jesus came to your door…. you’ve left Him out in the streets………….. Open up and give yourself away. You see the need, you hear the cries, so how can you delay? God’s calling, and your the one… but like Jonah you run. He’s told you to speak, but you keep holding it in. Can’t you see it’s such sin? The world is sleeping in the dark that the church just can’t fight ’cause it’s asleep in the light. How can you be so DEAD, when you’ve been so well fed? Jesus rose from the dead, and you can’t even get out of bed…” (Song: Asleep in the Light by Keith Green)
Thank You
1 John 5:13 – 14
Posted in Devotions, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Tolerance – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Good morning. In reading Luke 23 and 24 today, we see the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pharisees would not tolerate Jesus anymore. They wanted people to look at them and see how spiritual they were. Jesus had come out, and called them sinners, the same as we all are. They were not going to stand for that. They took Jesus to Pilate, and Pilate had Him crucified.
They were not going to tolerate any other way to heaven except by keeping the Law. They were not going to tolerate the truth that they were hypocrites. They were not going to tolerate the new life that Jesus had for all believers. And I’m sure, if they had a bumper on their chariot, it would have a “tolerance” bumper sticker. I’m seeing more and more of these bumper stickers on cars. I want to get one. Then underneath it I’ll place another bumper sticker that says, “BUT…JOHN 14:6!” John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Because we live in the United States of America, the land of the free, you are free to worship whoever you like. You can worship the moon god, Allah; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can bow down to statues of Mary, and the saints, but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can worship a fat bald guy, but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Or some multi-armed figment of someone’s imagination; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can be a Mormon, and worship a Jesus who is satan’s brother, or for that matter you can even worship satan himself; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can worship plants, trees, and shrubbery; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Why you are so free that you can even bow down before a mirror and worship yourself! But Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him.
As Christians, we tolerate other religions, why is it that they do not tolerate us? Because Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Romans 12: 1 says to make your bodies a living sacrifice, so why blow yourself up? How about those statues you bow down to? Leviticus 26:1-9 tells us: “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.”
HMMmmmm…. could that be why we are having so many problems in America? Maybe we should put the Real God first, and stop worshiping everything but Him, including ourselves. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6).
Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and it’s amazing how much He has tolerated us.
Peace. (1John 5:12-13)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
A Critical Spirit – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Good morning. Have you ever been criticized for something that you did? Can I urge you to pray for those who have critical spirits. Why? Let’s take a look at the situation that took place in Matthew chapter 26…
“Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:6-16)
Here we have a woman with ointment, expensive ointment. She may have been rich, or she may have had her life savings wrapped up in this ointment. Either way, the ointment was her’s to do with as she saw fit. She saw fit to annoint he Lord’s head with it. Outrageous! It could have been sold for much, and the money given to the poor! What a waste! But Jesus did not see it as a waste. Jesus saw the woman’s deed as a good work, and He told them so. And this is why we should pray for those who critisize us: Judas Iscariot. The last versee says, “And from this time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”
Is it possible that if Judas did not develope this critical spirit, that he would not have betrayed the Lord? Maybe the betrayal would have fallen to someone else. But it didn’t. And Judas cast away the money he received, went out and hanged himself.
Have you ever been critical? After seeing the results in your life, do you wish that someone would have prayed for you? I have three steps that will lead to peace.
1) Forgive them. Jesus said from, from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
2) Pray for them. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…”
3) Mind your own business. John 21:21-22 tells us that, “Peter seeing him [John] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.”
Having a critical spirit does not help anyone, it can only destroy a work that God may be doing in someone’s life.
Peace. (Romans 2:10)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Deuteronomy 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 – 2 Corinthians 9 – 13; Proverbs 5; Psalms 21 – 25
Scripture Memorization for March – 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 20
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 40:31
Read a previous post from today’s reading – “Biblical Separation“
Read the “0305 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read “The Best Advice I’ve Received as a Pastor” by Pastor Cary Schmidt
A Study of Women Of The Bible
The Parable Of The Ten Virgins
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:1-13)
Although this is a parable, a fictional, there is much to learn from this passage.
Oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit. In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, the Holy Spirit of God must live within you. The vessel is your heart. The Holy Spirit enters when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross.
In the parable, we see there where those who were wise, they had oil, the others were foolish. They had what they needed for the present time, just to make a show, with no real intent to be ready for the bridegroom. They had a lamp in their hands for show, but nothing within for the long haul like the seed that fell on stony ground. They did not prepare or think of the time to come after-wards as the ant does, nor lay up for the time to come.
“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Titus 6:19)
The wise virgins took oil in their vessels. They were prepared to meet the bridegroom even if He was delayed. No one knew when He was coming; they just knew He was coming. They were ready. They thought of their future.
Now lets take a closer look at this parable.
Both groups appear as followers of Christ. They both carried their lamps and they both saw the groom as ‘Lord’. Both groups were invited to the wedding.
The wise and the foolish virgins slept. All awoke when the bridegroom arrived. Note: It’s not about working, because salvation is not a result of works but of being ready.
We know that it’s talking about salvation because the parable starts out by saying “Then shall the kingdom of heaven…” .
It may come as a surprise that the five wise virgins did not share their oil. We know that they could not share their oil because they would have run out. We can’t lose our salvation but on the other hand, others can only be saved by their own salvation. So when the foolish went to go and find it, the door was shut and it was too late.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
Later in Matthew 25:11 we see the foolish virgins say, “Lord, Lord open to us”
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
Jesus is warning us that there will be people who look like Christians, who act like Christians, and talk like Christians, who are not Christians. We are never to assume that anyone is saved no matter how good they appear. But time is getting short. People are dying and going to hell. Their door is shut. We cannot give them our oil, but we must show them how to get their own. What they do with it is up to them as it was for the foolish virgins, but we are commanded to tell them. Those who don’t take the oil are refusing the warnings of God’s Word of salvation through Jesus Christ. They don’t think they need it. They believe they have plenty of time to get oil. It was this way in Noah’s day. The people had a false sense of security but they were warned, the door was shut and it was too late. Can you hear them scream, “Open the door! Why didn’t you tell me? NO PLEASE, OPEN THE DOOR!! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!!”
There is still plenty of room at the table in family of God. Won’t you invite someone to come and dine with you? Someone invited you!
Thank You
1 John 5: 13
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Just for Ladies
Today’s Passage – Numbers 11 – 13 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Acts 16 – 18; Proverbs 19; Psalms 96 – 100
Scripture Memorization for January – Proverbs 4
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 19
Read “8 Ministry Lessons I’ve Learned” by Pastor Chappell
Corrie ten Boom
“And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2Cointhians 12:3-10)
This week I wanted to share the extraordinary life of Miss Corrie ten Boom.
A few weeks ago, my Preacher was watching a movie call The Hiding Place. I walked over to view the movie for a minute. I was so taken back at what I saw, I couldn’t watch it any longer. My Preacher was telling me about it and said it was a true story. I really want to view the movie, but I wasn’t sure if I could emotionally handle it. I finally watched it, and it had such an impact on me, that I really wanted to share what God gave me, from this woman’s life.
For those of you who never read the book or saw the movie, I will tell you a little about her life.
The ten Boom family were dedicated Christians who owned a clock shop during World War II. Miss Corrie and her family, Father, Mother and two sisters, lived above the shop. During 1943 and 1944, there were as many as 7 people illegally living in the ten Boom home, Jews and members of the Dutch underground, and Corrie became the “ringleader”. On February 28, 1944, the family was betrayed, and the Gestapo raided their home. They were arrested and taken to prison. Corrie was seperated from all her family members, and the Gestapo never found the 6 people they were hiding at the time. While being transported to another prison, she found her sister, where they served time at a concentration camp in Germany. Life in the camp was almost unbearable. They were poorly fed, beaten, raped, and had to work long and hard. Everything was taken from them except the dress and shoes they wore. No undergarments were allowed. Even with that kind of living conditions, Corrie and her sister found the strength to share the love of Jesus to their fellow prisoners. As a result of their faithfulness to God, many women became Christians in that terrible place.
After watching the movie, I asked myself if I could be that strong in the Lord. Miss Corrie put others first before her own safty. She knew if she and her family got caught hiding the Jews, that she and they would go to prison. Can I put others first? Can I care for the welfare of others? Could I give up personal safty for others? I’m not sure if I would give up my cup of Wawa coffee for someone. Miss Corrie gave up her feedom. She managed to get a hold of a small sized Bible by giving up some of her ration of bread. It took courge to smuggle it into the concertation camp, because if she got caught with it, she would have been beaten, BADLY! That Bible was everything to her. I have many Bibles in my home. I could only pray that I would have that much love for my Bible. The Word of God became very precious to her. There may come a day in my life time, that I may not be able to carry a Bible openly or even own one. Would my Bible be my prize possession? Would the words written in the Bible be more precious to me than anything? After working all day, Miss Corrie and her sister taught the other women prisoners about Jesus and sang hymns. When I get home after a long day of doing anything, I just want my coffee and pj’s, and my days are nothing compared to what those women went through. A fact that was not in the movie but written in the book was about when Miss Corrie was at a speaking engagement years after her release from the concentration camp. After speaking, a man walked up to her and stuck out his hand to shake hers. Miss Corrie recognized him as the Nazi guard who raped her sister, who later died in the camp. She said, when she saw him, she wanted to spit in his face, but when he reached out his hand he told her that he had excepted Jesus. She thought to herself, “If God can forgive him, who am I not to forgive him” and she stuck out her hand and shook his. Wow!! Could I find forgiveness like that? Could you?
There were other truths that I learned from this couragous woman, but I think I’ll stop here. The more I look into her life, the more I see how short I fall from my relationship with my Lord.
Not only did Miss Corrie see people come to know the Lord in the camp, but also influenced many afterwards. Her name will never be mentioned in the Bible, but her unbelievable life’s story is still impacting people today. It did mine. I started to type, “Oh that I could have a testimony like that” but then I deleted it. I’m not sure if I’m willing or have the strength to go through all that.
My prayer is that we take off our blinders and see what is important in this life. Take a stand, live for others and truth, share the gospel.
I hope this was a help and or blessing to you. I highly recommend you watch the video. It can be seen for free on youtube under, “The Hiding Place”. I believe the auto-book can also be found there.
Thank You
“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)
Posted in Devotions, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.