Deliverance – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5 (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 –Psalms 66 – 70Proverbs 14)

Scripture Memorization for December – The Incarnation

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

Read a great article by Pastor Bob Gray Sr.– “Why?

Watch the Growth Points video by Pastor Chappell – “Pressing Into the New Year with Godly Passion

Read the “1214 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s Bible reading passage – “What’s Your Reputation Like?” & “What’s Right With It?

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Rembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” (1Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Good morning. I really like how chapter 1 ends:, “…even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”; and there is a wrath coming. Seven years of the wrath of God are going to be poured out upon the earth. Maybe you’re worried about this if you don’t believe what God’s Word says at the end of chapter 4. Look at this verse from chapter 5…

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1Thesselonians 5:9)

Before God pours out His wrath on the earth, He will call His people home in the twinkling of an eye. The end of chapter 4 tells us…

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

If these words were not true, how could we comfort one another with them?

And also…

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:51-58)

Yes, I would also be worried about the wrath of God, if it were not for the fact that He poured out His the wrath that He had for me on the Lord Jesus Christ: as He hung on a cross, and shed His precious blood for me. If you can’t believe the rapture verses, how can you believe the rest of the Bible. All of the Bible is God’s Holy Word, and if He says He is coming back in the air to receive His bride, then you better believe He is. Can you believe the following verse?

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

God made salvation as simple as 1 John 5:12…

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:12)

I like what Jesus said about my salvation…

“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)

If we all took God at His Word – He says what He means, and means what He says – there would be more obedience to God’s Word and less arguing over it.

Sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

May I thy consolations share,

Till from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,

I view my home, and take my flight:

This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise

To seize the everlasting prize;

And shout while passing throu’ the air,

Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.

Peace! (Luke 2:14)


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Faith As A Mustard Seed – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passages – Luke 17 – 18; (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 – Psalms 6 – 10Proverbs 2)

Memory passage for the month of November – Psalm 95

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105

Scripture Memorization for August – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “If I Don’t Pray For You

Read the “1102 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Forbid Them Not”; and “Attaboy”

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

Good morning. When the Lord returns to earth, will He find faith when He looks at you or me, or anybody? Will the Lord be pleased? Without faith it is impossible to please Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we ask God for things in prayer, the evidence appears in the form of an answer to those prayers. God gives us something to ask Him for, then He answers by granting the request: God is the beginning and the end of our faith, and everything in between. The disciples wanted to please God, so the asked for an increase in their faith…

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6).

Jesus compared the Kingdom of God as a mustard seed…

“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” (Mark 4:30-32).

Consider this…

I am a mustard seed. I am nothing on my own: just a seed only 1 to 2mm in diameter. But, plant me in the ground and give me fertilizer, and water; after 3 to 10 days, I start to germinate. My roots stretch deep into the soil looking for nutrients, and water; while my leaf breaks through the surface to bask in the light of the sun. I grow from the smallest of seeds to the mightiest of all the herbs of God’s creation. I am a mustard seed.

Also, consider this…

I am a human being. I was created in God’s image, but I am nothing on my own; just a person with a soul, and a dead spirit. But, give me the gospel, and the chance to receive Jesus as my Saviour and I become a new creature. My dead spirit is quickened: made alive. My eyes search God’s Word for His will for my life. I grow spiritually. I bask in His love, and the light of His Word. I go from being dead to being alive; from being lost and now found. I am saved. I am a Christian.

We all have to start somewhere: we need to start with Jesus for without Him we could do nothing (see John 15:5). When we hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit tells us we need to believe it and be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9, John 15:26, Acts 16:19-34). We become a new creature, a child of God (see 2Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26). It is all by faith; it is all by Jesus, God the Son: He is the author and finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2).

So Christian, let me ask you again: will the Lord find faith when He returns to earth? As His return comes closer, and the devil’s time grows shorter, what little faith we have may be shaken. Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us to: “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.”

God is in control. He knew about all the ups, and the downs you have had, have, or will have in your life. He already has the solution to your problems, all of them. Trust Him. Believe Him. Have faith in Him.

Peace. (Hebrews 11:6)


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Marked – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – Habakkuk 1 – 3 (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 – Revelation 13 – 16; Psalm 136 – 140Proverbs 28)

Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1

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

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Anatomy of a Servant’s Heart

Read the “0928 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” (Revelation 13:11-18)

It’s a miracle! No more crime! We’ve become a cashless society. Just think, I can go into any store to buy something; all they do is scan my right hand (where my chip is) and a computer debits my bank account. If I’m hurt in an accident, the doctors can get my medical records almost instantly. This is great. (I guess you know where I’m going with this now.)

“…And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles…” (Revelation 13:14)

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2Thessalonians 2:8-12)

The lies about life: about evolution, no God, or we are all gods can be overwhelming: but many will believe the lie. It’s sad to see our country go down the toilet because of the love of money, power, and greed. Lies to advance their cause, and nothing more.

In October of 2004, the FDA approved the RFID chip for use in humans. The chip had been used in animals for some time already. While I was down in Texas, going to college, Kroger’s (a grocery store) was offering a certificate to get one put in your pet. I graduated college in 2000: the chip has been in use for over 13 years. Something happened in September of 2007. The news went out that the chip had caused cancerous tumors in some animals. And it is interesting to note what God’s Word says…

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men, which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image…”

“…And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:1-2 & 11)

The chip is here today. The technology is here today. And the Antichrist can’t be fare behind. Those destined for destruction are primed: they tried to have God removed from everywhere in our country. They don’t believe in God, and they don’t believe the Bible. After the rapture hits, they will believe in God, but they will not turn and repent: they will turn and blaspheme their creator, the one who loved them so much that He died on a cross 2000 years ago. Jesus is coming back soon to get His bride. Are you ready?


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Strange Gods – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage –  Jeremiah 10 – 13 (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 – Acts 7 – 9Psalms 81 – 85Proverbs 17)

Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages

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

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “5 Skills for Healthy Communication

Read the “0817 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Good morning.

If you had asked me a few years back if I thought America was under God’s judgment, I probably would have said I didn’t think so. Everything appeared to be going okay. After 9/11 things drastically changed in the United States.

An illustration that many preachers have used is about how to cook a frog. If you toss a frog in a pot of boiling water, he will hop right out. But if you place a frog in a pot of water, and slowly bring up the heat, he will stay there in the pot till he gets cooked. That’s what happened to us. The devil has been working on this country for quite some time. The religion of Evolution is preached in our schools as truth instead of just a theory. Children are taught that the baby formed in the womb is just an unfeeling blob of goo, so abortion is okay. People are numbed by propaganda telling them that homosexuality is an alternate life style and not sin. The Word of God has been removed from schools, government buildings, and books of “higher learning” (Romans 1:22).

Coexist is written on many of our bumper stickers. You can be whatever religion you want, just don’t attack anyone else’s. It doesn’t matter if they are on their way to Hell: they’ve been taught that there is no Hell.  Why, you can even be a god yourself. Just jump around like Shirley McLane and John Denver shouting I am god, I am god. Is it any wonder that many Americans have tried to push God out of their lives, and unfortunately the lives of others too?

Even if the godless succeed in removing from the Pledge of Allegiance the phrase: one nation under God; we are still, and always will be one nation under God. And God chastens those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11). Look what God said about Israel in Psalm 81:8-16:

“Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;  There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.  I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.  But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of meSo I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.  Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!  I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.  The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.  He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.”

Maybe one of the problems is that as Christians today, we don’t see God work in our lives. Why should we see God work? Look at what God says in Isaiah 43:12:

“I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.”

God has spoken to us through His Word. God has saved us, not only salvation from sin, but also problems attacking our lives. And God has showed us His great love to us. And we are supposed to be His witnesses of these things. And God did these things in our lives. He did them “when there was no strange god among” us.

Logic with me for a minute. If anything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Then anything that we deem more important than God, is a strange god. What is more important than God to you? Is it sports? Is it your job? Is it a favorite TV show that’s in the same time-slot as church? What is your strange god? When we get rid of them, maybe God will start working in our lives again. We will be witnesses for Him. He will heal our nation (2Chronicles 7:14). Psalm 85 is a good model prayer:

“LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.  Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.  Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.  Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?  Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.  I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.  Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.  Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.  Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.  Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

Tired of not seeing God work in your life? Get rid of the strange gods.

Peace! (2 Chronicles 7:14)


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HE IS – The Saturday Morning Post By Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – Isaiah 48 – 52 (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 13 – 14Psalms 46 – 50Proverbs 10)

Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages

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

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “9 Marks of Excellence in Church Leadership

Read the “0810 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1 – 6)

He is THE I AM.

“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:13 – 15)

He is THE WAY.

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Exodus 13:17-22)

“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:10-11)

“And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.” (Ezekiel 20:42)

“When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.” (Ezekiel 39:27-28)

He is THE TRUTH.

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:35-36)

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.” (Isaiah 46:9-13)

He is THE LIFE.

“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)

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:21-22)

“Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:13 – 15)

He is THE GREAT SHEPHERD.

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

He is THE LORD.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Do You Believe HE IS?

“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)

Peace. (Psalm 46:10)


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Walking With God – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – Isaiah 19 – 23 (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 – Luke 23 – 24Psalms 11 – 15Proverbs 3)

Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Five Ways Dads Can Redeem the Time

Read the “0803 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Good morning. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

This is what happened to two men walking towards Emmaus in Luke 24:13-36. As they were walking, Jesus was on their minds: the trial, the beating, the crucifixion, and now someone had taken Jesus’ body from the tomb. All these things unsettled their world, and saddened them. Jesus then drew near, and went with them. The Bible said their eyes were holden that they should not know Him: they did not know they were walking with God. They explained to Jesus what had just happened in Jerusalem while they walked together. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Jesus expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. They got excited, and ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others.

So. Are you excited today? Why are you saddened? Let me give you three praises you can praise God with today that may cheer you up…

Praise God the Father.

He loved you so much, that He sent Jesus to die for your sin and mine: every sin that is, and ever was, and will ever be; whether committed by the saved or the unsaved (John 3:16, 1:29). When you received Jesus, you were Tramadol adopted into God’s family: you are another son to Him (Galatians 4:4-7). And as a son, He will Take care of you and supply your every need (Philippians 4:19-20).

Praise God the Son.

Nobody loves you as much as Jesus does (John 15:12-13). He took all the punishment for sin that we should have received (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53, 50:6; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:1-18; Matthew 27:27-54; Mark 15:15-39; Luke 22:63-65, 23:33-47; John 19:1-30). Jesus cared for and loved us so much that He sent us another comforter (John 14:16-18 & 26) [You should read all of John 14: there are many blessings to praise Jesus about contained within that chapter.]

Praise God the Holy Spirit.

You can praise him in times of trouble for His comforting(Psalm 51; John 16:7-14). You can praise Him for the gifts that He gives you and the fruit that you will bear (1Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:22-23). You can praise Him for the power to witness He gives you (Acts 1:8). He even wrote a book for you and preserved it in the King James Bible for English speaking people.

So let me ask you again. Why are you saddened? Maybe you didn’t read the Bible today? How do you expect the Holy Spirit to fix what’s wrong in your life if you don’t know what He said. Let’s go back to Luke 24. Think about Jesus, here in this passage, as the Holy Spirit (remember: these Three are One). The two men are trying to walk away from there problems. It isn’t going to work: they’re still talking about what happened (vs. 13-14). Today, since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. He has feelings: we can grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), and quench Him (1Theselonians 5:19). Sometimes we take Him to places we should not be, or let Him hear things we should not hear, or see things we should not see. He is always with us. But He is concerned about us (vs. 17). Jesus had to come to these two walking down the street. We can meet with God every morning, when we open our Bibles. From there, He can rebuke us (vs. 25-26), and He can teach us (vs. 27). He will get you going in the right direction again, and be a witness for the Lord (vs. 32-35). Then do you know what happens?

Peace! (Luke 24:36)


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Somebody Cried – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – Ecclesiastes 9 – 12 (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 – Luke 9 – 10Psalms 126 – 130Proverbs 27)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 Timothy 1:17

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People

Read the “0727 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Psalm 126 says,

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Good morning. Well, it’s all over till next year. I wonder how many thought that thought when they left Solid Rock Baptist Church, and the 2013 Northeast Vision Summit? I feel sorry for you if you did. I have been to The Soul Winning Clinic (and served in) at Longview Baptist Temple, Longview, Texas. I have been to Pastor School at First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. I have been to The Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. But, I will never forget my Payday Loans three days at the 2013 Northeast Vision Summit.

Somebody cried. I know somebody cried. Solid Rock, and many other churches have been praying for this conference. Somebody sowed in tears, but we all reaped in joy. It isn’t over till next year. If you did not go home without getting something from the Word of God, the music, or the fellowship with old and new friends then it’s your own fault. Praise the Lord for everything we experienced there.

Most of you who know me, and/or read this blog, know that our daughter died a year and a half ago. I still have trouble sometimes in dealing with it. Praise the Lord for Pastor Doug Fisher (Lighthouse Baptist Church, San Diego, California) who gave us God’s Word on suffering. It was personally a great help to me, and will always be. Thank you, Pastor Fisher for preaching God’s Word.

If you walked away without the Lord touching you somehow, then I would seriously consider praying that God would help you with your heart of stone, and show you what you must have missed at the summit. Tuesday night’s video of the summit (all 5 hours!) is on the website (www.northeastvision.org). Hopefully the Wednesday and Thursday will be up soon. Watch them again. Allow the music to fill your heart with gladness as you rejoice in the Lord. Allow the Word of God to reach you, and heal you from the burdens of this world. Somebody cried for you, help them to reap in joy.

And thank you Pastor Clark for following the “Northeast Vision” that God has given you.

Peace. (Psalm 29:11).


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Home Away From Home – The Saturday Morning Post – On Sunday

Today’s Passage – Proverbs 19 – 21 (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 – Mark 13 – 14;Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

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

Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith

Read the “0721 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Wine Is A Mocker

Good morning. Psalm 100 says:

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

God’s truth endureth to all generations. God’s truth. We found God’s truth in North Carolina! Imagine that. Camille and I were going to a campground in what amounted to be the middle of nowhere. When we were about ten miles out, we started looking for churches along the road. We saw about 4 or 5 Baptist churches along the way. It was not until we were about 1/2 mile from our destination that we saw the sign out in front of Derby Baptist Church. There in the middle of the sign, in large letters, easy to read as you cruise by, was what caught my eye. The sign read: K J Bible. That was enough to let any Fundamental, Independent, King James Bible believing Baptist know that they found the right church.

Pastor Ben Garrison, a veteran missionary to Alaska, has been at the pulpit there for about a year. It was great to hear God’s Word, God’s Truth, preached Sunday morning, Sunday and Wednesday nights. The body of Christ there has about 25 members, and they support around six missionaries.

On Sunday night, we heard the testimony of many in the congregation. They freely praised the Lord, and gave their testimonies how the Lord had saved them. One man grew up in a Pentecostal church like I did. Another, a woman, recalled how only a short distance away, she was saved. That was 58 years ago! Another woman had lost a daughter in a car accident. It always amazes me when I find that God has put me in a place I need to be. Derby Baptist Church will be my fondest memory of this trip to North Carolina. It was a home away from home for me. By Wednesday I was homesick for Jersey Shore Baptist Church, but I can’t wait to get back to Derby. Please pray for this oasis in the wilderness.

Derby Baptist Church

Pastor Ben Garrison

2178 Derby Road

Ellerbe, North Carolina 28338

And if you find yourself in North Carolina, stop in and drink from God’s truth.

Peace. (Proverbs 3:6)


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SICK OF SIN – THE SATURDAY MORNING POST BY PASTOR TED STAHL

Today’s Reading – Psalms 140 – 145 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 25 – 26Psalms 61 – 65Proverbs 13)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

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

Read a great article by Brother Rick Houk – “Keeping It Fresh – Summer Bible Study

Read the “0713 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s reading – “Draw Me Nearer“, and “Are You Happy?

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

Good Morning! Have you ever been stuck in that horrible pit of sin? After you were saved? Some of us are living there now. It’s a horrible pit. The word horrible in this verse means uproar. Inside the devil’s bag are many tricks. One of them is distraction. The devil gets many things going in our lives that we lose focus on what God wanted us to do. He causes an uproar in our lives, a horrible pit. Our world is turned upside down. We start relying on our own power to get out of this mess when we should have relied on the Lord to get us out. After all, Romans 14:23 does tell us: … for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. And where does faith come from? “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Even Jesus, when He was tempted by the devil, used Scripture to battle him. That is what we need to do: use Scripture.

The first action you need to take is to stop. They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). Scripture tells us in Psalm 40:2 that God is the one that brought you out of the horrible pit, set your feet upon a rock, and established your goings. God will lift you out in His timing.

Your second action is to allow the Lord to bring you up one step at a time. He brings you out, sets you a solid foundation: The Rock. Then He gets you going again in the right direction, and puts a new song in your mouth. Don’t worry about what is going to happen tomorrow. Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Your third action is to praise God for His deliverance. “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3). Just as verse 16 of Psalm 40 says. “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.”

Peace. (Psalm 4:8)


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Rule 42.20 In The Use Of A Colon – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Reading – Psalms 69 – 72 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 13 – 16; Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 29)

Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement

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

Read a great article from Ministry 127 by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Striving Together

Read the “0629 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read an earlier post from this passage – “Time Is Running Out”

Good morning. And yes, I know it’s a weird title, but you need to know this. Or maybe I should rephrase this. And yes, I know it’s a weird title: but you need to know this for the key verse.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18).

Do you have a vision for the things of God? Has God given you a vision for what He wants to accomplish in your life? Do you have a vision? If you don’t, you need to get a vision before you perish. Maybe God once gave you a vision of His will for your life, and somehow you got sidetracked. This happens. It happened to me. I was recently reminded of the verse I had received as my reason to go to college. In Luke 14:21, Jesus said, “So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.”

So now my focus is back on ministering to those who are physically and mentally challenged. Where is your vision? The key is after the colon: he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Your vision of God’s will for your life is in the Scripture. You need a vision or you will perish.

Have a vision for God’s Word. King David wrote,

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.” (Psalm 119:1-8)

And God is serious about His Word. His Word is truth. God wanted the king to write out his own copy of the Bible:

“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

Have a vision for God’s people. Jesus said,

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

Maybe you are down on yourself. You think, how can God use me? I’m such a screw-up. If you start loving others as Jesus did, you will begin to get a vision of how God sees you. He doesn’t see you as a screw-up, He sees you as His child.

Have a vision for those who are not God’s people. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, not for people. 2Peter 3:9 tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. That’s why He commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. People need to hear the gospel. You are saved by grace through faith, and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Those who are not God’s people need a chance to become God’s people.

If you are reading this and are not one of God’s people, you can become one. 1John 5:11-13 tells us,

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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.”

Romans 3:10 & 23 tell us that we are all sinners and fall short of God’s glory. And God will not allow any sin to enter heaven. The good news is in Romans 5:8:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

According to Romans 10:13, all you need to do is ask Him to save you and He will:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Did you do that? Great! Now get yourself a vision for God’s Word, God’s people, and those who aren’t God’s people.

Peace. (Acts 1:8)


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