Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Nov 26th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passages – Romans 4 – 7 (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 126 – 130; Proverbs 26)

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

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – James 4:10

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Enemy of Gratitude“

Read the “1126 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Imputed Righteousness” and “Peace“

Trials and Tribulations

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4)

Have you ever wondered why you go through, such hard times, of what ever kind? I’ve heard so many times and even said it myself “If God loves me so much, why does He allow this to happen to me?” (I know why and replied “Sometimes I wish He wouldn’t love me so much!”) He allows us to go through things because He loves us so much and knows what’s best for us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

It’s so we can glorify Him and to help others.

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19)

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:12-16)

You can write it down, you will go through some kind of trial before you leave this earth pokie machine online. It’s all about how you handle it and what you’re going to do with it that counts.

A while ago, I did a blog on a woman named Corrie ten Boom. She was a lady who helped the Jews flee from going to Nazi war camps. She herself, a non-Jew, found herself in one of those camps. While there she was able to have Bible studies with the ladies and I’ve heard a least one was saved if not more. She later became a well-known speaker for ladies ministries. (Read or see the movie on Youtube for free: The Hiding Place). Elizabeth Elliot was another great lady who suffered but was greatly used of God. Her missionary husband was killed by the very people they were trying to reach. She too went on to be a well-known speaker for ladies ministries, she also led the very man to Christ who killed her husband. If you’re thinking that they are not the ordinary, you’re wrong. They started out just like you and I until one day God took hold of their lives. A more resent young lady who is being greatly used of God is Bethany Hamilton. She, as a young born again teen, was surfing and lost her arm to a shark. She too asked “Why?” Since the tragic event, she has given all glory to Jesus Christ and inspired more young people for the Lord. (Read her story “Soul Surfer”).   What more can you ask for?

What can we do while in a trial?

Trust God. He has your best.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Pray.   He’s listening.

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11)

Wait. He will see you through.

“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalms 69:3)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14)

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:…” (Psalms 37:7)

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs3:6)

I pray you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy your families.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Nov 19th, 2013 Just for Ladies by Mrs. Camille Stahl

Today’s Passages –Acts 11 – 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 –Psalms 91 – 95;Proverbs 19)

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

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 51:11

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Shattering Pastoral Caricatures“

Read the “1119 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Begotten from the Grave” & “The Beginning of the Journey“

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” (Acts 12:1-7)

“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)

Peter was always getting in trouble for preaching the Gospel, but that never stopped him.  He keeps going for the Lord.  You would think that because he was doing God’s will that his life would just fall into place.  No worries, no trials, just smooth sailing.

We too strive to do the will of God and serve him as we try hard to serve our family.  As ladies, we are keepers of our home, raise our children, and serve beside our husband.  But like Peter, we find ourselves in prison bound with chains.  Most ladies have more on their plate then they should because of one reason or another.  Our time is spent doing all we have to do and more.  Satan is right there trying to defeat us.  He keeps us too busy so there’s no time for us to spend with God.  We then fall into a pit and there seems like there is no way out.

In l Corinthians 10:13, it says “…make a way to escape…”.  God did not create us to be overwhelmed with our serving Him or our family. Let’s take a look at a few suggestions that can help us break the chains of prison Satan has us in.

First we must make time every day to spend with God.  Some will say, “But I don’t have time”.  This is the most important start of your day.  We cannot neglect God if we expect Him to do a work in our life. Make Time.

Second, make a list of what you need to accomplish.  Cross off the things that bog you down.  Learn to say NO, because I am already over committed.  We have complicated our lives beyond what God would have for us.  Get rid of the extra stressful burdens.

Next, remember that God will always provide a way out if we follow.

“And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.” (Acts 12:8)

Peter had to follow the angel out, as we also must follow the Lord.  Without the angel, Peter had to do something, he put his garments on, then followed. If Peter didn’t follow, he might have lost his way and found himself back in prison bound in the chains.  We must make changes in our lives, and then follow Christ.  Follow Christ.

Last, I want you to notice that Peter was on his death bed.  The Bible says “…And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night…”. Herod wasn’t going to wait until after Easter, he wanted to get rid of Peter right away.  But by the Grace of God, He delivered Peter at the last moment.  Sometimes God waits to answer our prayer or to deliver us out of our chains.  Then when He does, we can give Him the praise and the glory for what He has done.

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (Act 12:11)

Wait on Him.

Thank You!

John 5:13

Nov 12th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passages –John 14 – 16 (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 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

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

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

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Joy Killers“

Read the “1112 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “He Will Never Leave You“

Fall Pruning

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:1-6)

I don’t know about you, but I spent my Friday morning raking and blowing leaves and burning the branches that fell during the windy fall weather.

In the passages above, we see that God explains the question the disciple asked of how He will manifest (declare Himself plainly) to them and not the world.

The nutrition of a tree comes from the roots into the trunk or vine.  It then goes through the branch into the fruit or flower.  With out the vine the nutrition can not get to the branch to produce the fruit, no fruit.

As a child, my Dad had some fruit trees.  For a couple of years, one of the apple trees was yielding little fruit and it was all rotten.  Needless to say, he cut down that tree.  While I was blowing and raking leaves, I also picked up many fallen branches, which I burned in our fire pit.  In Texas, we rented a duplex that had a beautiful rose bush right outside the back door.  It grew so big that you had to move the branches in order to get in the door, but the roses were small.  At the end of the summer, I cut it back so much that I thought I killed it.  Come spring, I notice the bush was budding.  You would never believe the beautiful BIG roses it produced.  This is what Jesus was referring to when He said ‘purgeth it’.

I wanted to expand on the purging.  Because time is getting closer to Christ’s return, I believe God is warning us and trying to wake us up by purging us.  So many of us are under such oppression, that we are ineffective to God, our families, others and ourselves.  We must  be aware of were this is coming from.

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

What should we do when trials and tribulations come our way?

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“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)

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Thessalonians 5:15-18)

Are you weary are you heavy hearted?  Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus

Are you grieving over joys departed Tell it to Jesus alone.

Do the tear flow down your cheeks unbidden?  Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus.

Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Do you fear the gath’ring clouds of sorrow?  Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus.

Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?  Tell it to Jesus alone.

For Christ coming Kingdom are you sighing?  Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus He is a friend that’s well known.

You’ve no other such a friend or brother, Tell it to Jesus alone.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Oct 22nd, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Mark 12 – 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 – Psalms 106 – 110; Proverbs 22)

Scripture Memorization for August – Revival Verses

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

Watch Growth Points Video by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Ministry Joy Killers – Part Two“

Read the “1022 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

The Beginning Of Sorrows

“And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.” (Mark 13:5-8)

Jim Jones, Charles Manson, Marshall Applewhite, and Warren Jeffs, are just some of the modern day men who claimed to be Jesus Christ.

The Gulf War, The Bombings of Afghanistan and Sudan, War on Terror, World War lll….

1994, USA earthquake – 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake – 2005 & 2007, Sumatra earthquake – 2010, Haiti & Chile earthquake – 2011, Tohodu earthquake – 2012, Italy earthquake.

1996, North Korea, about 600,000 people died of starvation – 1998 to 2004, Second Congo War, 3.8 million million people died, mostly form starvation and disease – 2011 to 2012, Somalia and Sahel, brought on by drought – 2013, Somewhere in the World.

Talk about troubles, on the Widipedia web site, there are about 100 minors listed who’ve committed murder. Many people, young and old, have committed suicide since 1996. Thousands are addicted to drugs sex and alcohol. Divorce, same sex marriage, throwing God out and allowing other gods in.

Can you see that we are in the closer then ever to the return of Christ?

After Sunday evening church service, I was looking through all our vhs’s and dvd’s for something to watch. I spotted an old vhs in the corner, of a 1969 -1971, movie called A Thief In The Night.  It’s part one in a series about the rapture and what could happen afterward. (You can see these movies on www.youtube.com in full length). No matter how many times I see these movies, it really stirs my heart with concern for the lost.

Fellow ladies, servants of God, I would like to challenge you, along with myself. Pray and ask God to help you spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Put some Gospel tracks in our purses and pass them out. Leave them in restrooms. Put them in the envelope when paying your bills. Leave them with a tip. Pray for opportunities to invite people to church. Be creative. Teach our children to do the same. If the Lord tarries, they will be the next generation to carry on the work of the Lord.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

“And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:47-49)

We too must be about our Father’s business. Will you join me this week and share Jesus with someone? Someday, through death or the rapture, we will no longer be able to obey Jesus’ last words as He was ascending into Heaven:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Thank You

l John 5:13

Oct 1st, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Sep 17th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Daniel 7 – 9 (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 – Hebrews 5 – 8; Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)

Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1

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

Read a great article by Cary Schmidt – “Blessing the Bruised Generation“

Read the “0917 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Bible Study For Women

Why Is God Allowing These Bad Things To Happen?

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” (Daniel 9:3-6)

“O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.” (Daniel 9:8-11)

In the past several years, we’ve seen so many disasters happen.  Through them many people were killed.  The first question everyone asks is “If God is love, powerful and in control of everything, why is He allowing these things to happen?  We blame Him for everything.  Well I would like for you to come with me back 51 years ago.  Although this was not the beginning we’ll start there.

1962 – Prayer was removed from public schools.

1963 – The Bible was taken out of public schools

Starting with the 1950’s – Music, need I say more.  If you noticed, people degenerated with the music in the way they acted and dressed.

Late 1960’s – Abortion.  Some laws were past to protect the health or life of the mother.  My question is what happened to the right of the health and life of the baby?

1973 – After two separate court cases, a woman could get an abortion right up to birth.

1960’s – Alcohol and drug use was a popular pastime, and still is.  The Sexual Freedom Revolution was also popular.

1980’s The 10 Commandments were taken out of public schools.

2013 – Gay marriages.

As you may have guessed, these are just a few things stating how we are running from God.  There has been talk about taking God out of our Pledge of Allegiance and money.  We are pushing God out of our lives more and more.  We are not obeying the voice of the Lord.  And we cry “Why does God allow these things to happen?”  It’s is amazing that He doesn’t allow more, and someday he will, not that I would wish it.

So what can I do?  I’m just one person.  David is the perfect example of what can be done.

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” (Daniel 9:3)

As Christians, we need to forsake sin and get back to the basics of serving our God.   We need to search our own hearts to see where we failed God and confess it to Him then make a change.  We should alway make a stand for right no matter the cost.   The voices of the wicked are louder then the voices for God.  Pray and fast for our country as Daniel did for Israel.

“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)

This verse is talking to God’s children.  Yes Israel, but those who have Christ are also His children – “my people”.

So the answer to our question, Why is God allowing all these bad things to happen?  Because we threw Him out.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Sep 10th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 35 – 37 (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 –  1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1

Watch Growth Points Video – “Restoration“,  by Pastor Chappell

Read the “ 0910 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Bible Study For Women

“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman. Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it: And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.” (Ezekiel 36:16-25)

Wow. When I read this, I couldn’t understand why the children of Israel would want to go their own way to worship idols. The Bible is clear on what happens when we go our own way.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)

God was always good to His children. They prayed to be delivered from Egypt, and God brought them out. He promised them the Promise Land, and He fought every battle for them on their way there. He fed, clothed and walked with them in the wilderness. He gave them everything they asked for, even things that they shouldn’t of had, (a king instead of a judge, quail instead of manna…). He loved them more than any earthly father could love his children. He would someday die for them. But what did they do? The Bible says they profaned His Holy name and they worshiped idols. But to top it off, the children of Israel profaned the name of God to the heathen.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

Taking the Lord’s name in vain does not only mean not to use it as a curse word, it also means not to degrade it, or murmur. That’s what they were doing. I always wonder why, from the day God delivered them from Egypt, they rebelled. Did they not tell their children of the wonderful things God did for them?

“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.” (Judges 2:10-12)

I bet your thinking the same thing I’m thinking, ‘Man am I glad I’m not like the children of Israel’. Or are we?

I really don’t want to admit it but I’m not any different then they were. I have my idols of food, money, vacations, pride, and the list goes on. Yes they are idols. According to wikipedia, an idol is an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is address or any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration or devotion. Also as a nation that was started on Christian principles, we are throwing God out. Are we going to allow the evil of this world rule over God word?

Some things I have learned from these passages:

I must put my idols aside, put God first, and rely on Him and Him alone. I must always be in His word so I can continue to learn from the examples that are written within the pages. But not only should I them, but also I should apply them to my life. When I am down, I must learn not to complain, or murmur. It makes the Lord look bad to the world, as if He doesn’t care. As mothers and grandmothers, we must always remember to share God’s blessing so our children and grandchildren will not forget Him, and encourage others to do the same. I must always remember that my Lord loves me very much. Although the children of Israel sinned, God still put them back in their land, and cleansed them from their filthiness, and idols. And He loves us too! What love!

Will you join me?

Thank You

I John 5:13

Sep 3rd, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 14 – 16 (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 – 2 Corinthians 9 – 13;Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)

Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34:6

Watch Growth Points Video – “Ministry with Discernment“,  by Pastor Chappell

Read the “0903 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Bible Study For Women

“Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. Thou art thy mother’s daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite. And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.” (Ezekiel 16:44-48)

In the beginning of chapter 16 of Ezekiel, God wants Ezekiel to tell Israel about their sin through conviction and humiliation. God starts by reminding Israel of all the blessings He has done and continues to do. He tells them of how He has protected them starting with Egypt. He saw the condition they were in and had pity on them. God did, and still does, all that a loving Father could do for his child Israel. But then we see in verse 48, God tells them that they have done worse then Sodom.

They took all the good and blessings and used it for wrong.

As a child of God, we too have received God’s love and protection. He has spread his skirt over us and washed away our sin with his blood. God has given us riches and freedom in our country, He has given us bountiful food to eat. He gave us His life.

Then in verses 15 – 36, we read that Israel took all the blessings of God and used them for evil.

What caused them to sin?

1. They became proud

“But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.” (16:15)

God has given us an inner beauty, but we are not satisfied. We try to keep up with everyone, and are more concerned with the outer beauty then the inner beauty.

2. They forgot their beginning.

“And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.” (16:22)

Sometimes I forget what it’s was like before Christ was my Saviour. I can get ‘High Minded’ if I’m not careful. Sometimes God places someone in my life to remind me of where I came from and I am thankful for that. Can you remember the way your life was before salvation? Never forget it. Israel did.

3. They were weak in understanding.

“How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious (Vixen = woman regarded as quarrelsome, shrewish or malicious) whorish woman;” (16:30)

Those that are most foolish are commonly most imperious, and think themselves fit to manage others when they are far from being able to manage themselves. Need I say more.

We see that they yielded to peer pressure.

”… and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.” (16:15)

We are influenced by what we see and hear. Sometimes we follow the wrong path.

They used the blessing God gave them to worship idols.

Verse 16 – They adorned their idol-temples, and groves, and high places, with the fine rich clothing that God had given them.

Verse 18 –  They served their idols with the good things which God gave them for their own use and to serve him with.

I must remember that God gets the tithe off the top (first-fruits). Vacations, going out to dinner, new TV’s or games…. you name it, are not bad. But God gives me funds so I can give to his work.

They had sacrificed their children to their idols.

“Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?” (16:20 – 21)

How many times have I been in a store and saw a mom screaming at her child? How often do we hear of children being abused in some way? God has given us a precious gift of a child, and we fail to teach them about the Lord. Looking back on my parenting days, I wish I could go back and know what I know now. Praise the Lord my daughter knew Jesus Christ as her Saviour and now is in His presence.

So it seems to me that Israel walked away from God because they caved in, instead of fighting.

I always need to be aware of the devil’s attacks. I need to daily be in HIS word and learn from the mistakes of the examples in the Bible. I must be strong! Will you join me in this battle?

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Aug 27th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 49 – 50 (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 – Romans 13 – 16; Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 27)

Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 4:7 & 8

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “5 Practical Ways To Invest In Your Team“

Read the “0827 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Bible Study Of Women In The Bible

A Soul Winner – The Woman At The Well

Aug 20th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage –  Jeremiah 23 – 25 (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 16 – 18; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Micah 6:8

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

Read the “0820 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this morning’s Bible reading passage – “Handle with Care“, and “Who Can You Trust?“

The Study of Women in the Bible

Hannah, A Woman Who Gave Her Son To God

Before we get started with the study of Hannah, I would like to ask you how you did with your challenge from last weeks blog (Aug. 13th – “The Contentious Woman”)?

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” (I Samuel 1:9-11)

Hannah was in a polygamous marriage. Like Sarah, Abraham’s wife, she was not able to conceive. Peninnah, the other wife, mocked Hannah. Sometimes a person is tested to their very roots of being. Hannah must have felt this way, but Hannah had definite access to God. She shed many tears. She felt forsaken by God because she had no children and her husband’s other wife kept reminding her of it. She was mocked so much that she did not even eat. She had nowhere else to go but to God, so she cried out to Him. Hannah presented God with a great petition. She did not insult Him by asking for a small favor. Hannah didn’t pray vaguely. She prayed with a specific request. God I want a son and I will give him back to you for all his life. No razor will touch his head. Soon Hannah received the answer to her prayer, a son named Samuel. After Samuel was weaned, she kept her promise to God. Hannah brought her son to the temple where Eli was, and presented Samuel to God. Eli then raised and trained him in the priesthood. Hannah must have had a great impact on Samuel as he became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. She must have felt sorrow at leaving her child, yet she praised and glorified the Lord. Later we learn that Hannah and her husband had five other children.

Truths About Hannah’s Life:

1. Hannah was a prayer warrior. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible says, “Pray without ceasing and in Psalms 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy”. Hannah did both. Our part, as a mother and wife, should be to pray for our family. We can get so busy in life that we may not take the time to pray. Remember the devil is seeking to devour us. We need to cover our family with prayers.
2. She kept her promise to God. We pray for something, God answers, then we forget our part of the commitment. How often do people pray for a job but then don’t tithe. Or pray for transportation, and then not attend church.
3. She gave her son wholly to the Lord. What a great example of giving to the Lord, something that is so greatly cherished. We all ought to dedicate our children to the Lord. Remember the devil is seeking us out. He wants to destroy us.

In today’s world, our government allows women to kill unborn children. They want to tell us how to raise them. If we don’t abide, they threaten to take them away. The family structure is being torn down. As Christian ladies, we need to band together and be prayer warriors for our family.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b)

One of the most precious gifts God has given to us, is a child.  We must do all we can, through Christ, to protect them from the evil one.  We must always be teaching them the ways of the Lord.  Pray with them, read the Bible with them.  Don’t drop them off at church, but attend with them.  Be a good example.  Make fun times with them.  Give lots of hugs and kisses because you never know when the last one will be.

This weeks challenge is to tell your children that you love them.  Also, write them a note and praise them for something they said or did.  If you have no children or grandchildren, like myself,  find a young person at your church you can reach out to.   It will not only change them, it will be a great blessing to you.

Thank You

1 John 5:13