Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 4th, 2015 Happy(?) Birthday America – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 90 – 95 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

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

Read the “0704 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” (Psalm 95)

I’m 61 years old, and have many memories of many Fourth of July’s. In 1976, my brother took me to see the Tall Ships come in for Operation Sail. And the fireworks around the Statue of Liberty were fantastic. On July fourth of 1999, the sign in front of our church (Longview Baptist Temple in Longview, TX, at the time) said ‘FIREWORKS INSIDE.’ And I’m sure that you also have fond memories of The Fourth. It was only 236 short years ago that we broke from the tyranny of man, and dedicated our new nation to God. We started off well. We could sing right along with verses 1 through 7 of Psalm 95. Then something happened. We became rich, and a world power. Soon we didn’t need God anymore. We took Him out of the schools. We took His commandments out of our courts, and out of government buildings. Our children turned into animals, not knowing right from wrong, killing each other, spreading STD’s. Sacrificing their unwanted babies to Molech through abortion. Being taught that evil is good, and good is evil…

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)

This nation has turned it’s back on God, and is going down fast. Today, through Psalm 95, God still sends out a plea for His people to return to Him…

“…To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” (Psalm 95:7-11)

God also said in His Word…

“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)

Do you want America to have a happy birthday? Then it’s time for America to turn back to God. And this must start with you and me. As Christians, we must rededicate ourselves to the Lord. We are His people, called by His name. The tyranny in this nation will not stop until every Christian is on his or her knees begging God to heal this nation. Will He? It may be too late. Time is running out.

Peace? (Isaiah 48:22)

Jun 20th, 2015 Saved! – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 21 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – James 1 – 5; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Read the “0620 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)

Good morning. Reading through the 23rd Psalm, I sometimes think about other verses that go along with. If you are saved, the Holy Spirit may bring things to mind about this Psalm. Let me just share with you what the 23rd Psalm means to me…

The LORD is my shepherd…

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:11-16)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want…

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

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

“For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:12)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…

“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)

…thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

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

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

…and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

“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)

Ain’t God good to give us so many blessings? Undeserving, that’s what we are. We aught to thank Him, love and praise Him; a little more today, and a whole lot more tomorrow!

Peace! (Isaiah 45:21)

Jun 6th, 2015 Living The Christian Life – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 5 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

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

Read the “0606 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “The Chastening of the Lord“

“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!” (Job 6:8-9)

“I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” (Job7:20-21)

Good morning. It seems like Job’s friends while trying to lift him up brought him down. Maybe there are times we don’t know what to say. If we do say something at those times, it will probably cause more hurt than healing. Galatians chapter 6 has a few guidelines we can glean from it…

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Whether it be by sin or not sin, when we try to restore someone, or lift him back up, do it in the spirit of meekness. Don’t kick a man when he’s down: you are just one small step away from being in the same predicament.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Job lost everything he had: his family, his livestock, his health. All he had left was his wife who told him to curse God and die. And, of course, his friends. In the spirit of meekness, his friends should have brought him some of their livestock, lent him servants to replant his fields, applied some medication to his sores. Depending on the situation, there many ways to help in the spirit of meekness. Can you pray?

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Galatians 6:6)

If we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, He will lead us in the right things to say, and the right things to do…

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)

Peace. (Matthew 22:36-40)

May 23rd, 2015 What AREEEEEEEEEEEE Ya Doin’? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 25 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 22 – 24; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Read the “0523 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.” (2Chronicles 25:1-2)

“Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.” (2 Chronicles 26:3-4)

“Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.” (2Chronicles 27:1-2)

“Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.” (2Chronicles 28:1-2)

Good morning. In today’s readings we have four kings, from four chapters, with four lessons to learn. Our first king, in 2Chronicles 25, did that which was right in the sight of the LORD. After God gave him victory over the Edomites…

“Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?” (2Chronicles 14-15)

“Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.” (2Chronicles 25:27)

The lesson we should learn here is to give God the glory…

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

What are you doing? Uzziah, our second king, 2Chronicles 26, did that which is right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah did. He reined as king for 52 years…

“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.” (2Chronicles 26:5)

He thought he was above God’s law, and went into the temple to burn incense like the priests, but they stopped him. And Uzziah became angry with the man of God…

“Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.” (2Chronicles 19-21)

Uzziah may have thought it was a good thing to burn incense before the law, but God assigned that duty to the sons of Aaron. The lesson he should have know from Israel’s first king, king Saul, is that obedience is better than sacrifice…

“And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1Samuel 15:20-23)

What are you doing? Look at 2Chronicles chapter 27 as we see the history of Jotham, son of Uzziah…

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.” (2Chronicles 27:2)

There may be a little something to ‘Lifestyle Evangelism’. Verse 6 says…

“So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.” (2Chronicles 27:6)

Jotham may have had a personal relationship with God, but verse 2 tells us that he never went to church, and the people were still corrupt. May be if the people saw their king going to church, they would have followed. Others are watching us. To walk the walk and not talk is wrong. You need to walk the walk and talk the talk, and your walk should match your talk…

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

The lesson he should have learned for the sake of his people was that we should not forsake the assembling together of ourselves. What are you doing? Our fourth king, of 2Chronicles 28, did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD: he did not walk with God. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. King Ahaz…

“For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.” (2Chronicles 28:2-4)

“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.” (2Chronicles 22-25)

When he died, they buried him in Jerusalem, but not with the other kings. The lesson king Ahaz should have learned: salvation is of the Lord.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Issiah 45:22)

The Word of God says we are all sinners…

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…[and] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:10 & 23)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

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

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

We see what Ahaz aught to have done. What are you doing?

Peace. (Romans 8:6)

May 9th, 2015 The Death Of Saul And The Death Of America? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 9 – 10; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Read the “0509 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died. So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together. And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa. And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people. And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon. And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” (1Chronicles 10:1-14)

Good morning. King Saul is dead. Why? For his transgression against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord which he kept not, and also asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the Lord. What bothers me is that the Bible says, right here in black and white, that Saul not only transgressed the Law (Saul did what he shouldn’t do), but he also did not keep the Law (Saul didn’t do what he should have done).

Election time will be coming up: watch the campaigning. Does the candidate support Israel?

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 3:1-3)

What does the candidate think about God’s Law? Should he get the Bible back into schools, government offices and courts? Do you feel the same way as David?

“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.” (Psalm 119:126)

“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (Psalm 119:136)

We need the True Living God, not some idol of stone that has ears, but can’t hear; eyes, but can’t see; a mouth, but can’t speak. Thus saith the LORD…

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…” (Isaiah 46:9)

And God made it easy for us to be happy and blessed again…

“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)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 32:12)

“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15)

The government is going broke, affordable health care is a joke. ISIS is waiting outside our boarders, maybe inside too. But…

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Peace! (Psalm 28:3)

May 2nd, 2015 God’s Protection – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Click on the references to listen to the audio –Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Read the “0502 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.” (2Kings 19:32-37)

“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3: God promising Abraham)

Good morning. With ISIS supposedly camped out in Mexico waiting to invade, it would be nice to have God’s hedge of protection on this nation again. When you touch something that belongs to God, in trying to steal it from God, you are in some serious trouble. The king of Assyria should have read Genesis before invading and trying to conquer God’s city of Jerusalem. God said that He would bless those who bless Abraham, and curse those who curse Abraham. The king of Assyria ended up dead by the hands of his two sons. We had this same protection once, until we started messing with Israel…

1991, President George H W Bush institutes his Land For Peace Plan. The result is “the Perfect Storm.” One hundred foot waves pound New England, damaging the Bush’s home and many others.

August 23, 1992, talks resume for Israel to surrender “Land for Peace.” Withing 24 hours, Hurricane Andrew hits causing $30 billion in damages to the U.S.

August 27 through September 13, 1993, Israel and the PLO work out a compromise peace plan in Washington, D.C. Our country is hit with the worst flooding in our history and $21 billion in damages.

August 25 through September 10, 2001, the U.S., Arabia, and Israel prepared the most comprehensive peace plan ever. God lifts His hand of protection, and the Twin Towers along with the Pentagon are attacked on September 11th, just before the plans were finalized. This cost the U.S. over $40 billion.

November 7 through 12, 2002, during Ramadan, President Bush hosted a dinner to honor Islam and the “revelation of God’s word in the holy Koran.” When officials flew to pressure Israel, 88 out of season tornadoes hit seven states.

In 2005, President George W. Bush pressured Israel to give up the Gaza strip. Israel did, and the next day Hurricane Katrina hit: the largest disaster in U.S. history. One million people were forced from their homes, and close to $200 billion in damages.

The United States is not mentioned in the end times, in the Bible. I would like to think that all of America was caught up in the Rapture. But this is doubtful, unless of course, America goes back to her roots and we become one nation under God again. The Bible needs to be back in schools, teach the children that life is precious: that they didn’t evolve from swamp scum: they were created in the image of the Creator. Maybe then they will stop chasing after drugs, alcohol, and stop killing themselves, or each other. The Ten Commandments need to go back in our Federal Buildings, and our Courts. Then our judges can judge righteously, and not compromise. And most of all we need to support Israel, God’s chosen people. If we stay on the same path in which we are going we will end up like Sennacherib king of Assyria: dead!

Peace! (2Chronicles 7:14)

Apr 18th, 2015 Have A Heart… For The Lord – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 6 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 7 – 8; Proverbs 18; Psalms 86 – 90)

Read the “0418 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:1-23)

Good morning! What’s in your heart today? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Only God can know your heart, and Jesus said in our passage above…

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

So, you can not know what is in your heart, but by your thoughts and actions you may have an idea of what is. What can you do to have a heart for God? First: allow God’s Word to get into you…

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

Second: you get into God’s Word…

“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.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Third: pray God’s Word…

“…for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” (Romans 10:12)

“LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:” (Psalm 10:17)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

God knows your heart, and God is the only one who can fix your heart. Trust Him, and ask Him,

Peace! (John 14:27)

Apr 11th, 2015 They Were Sore Displeased – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 21 – 22; Proverbs 11; Psalms 51 – 55)

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

“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:10-16)

Good morning…

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1)

Last Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, our church was jam-packed. It was exciting. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does tomorrow. The choir and congregational singing was great. The preaching, and the message of God’s Word was great. And all the children running about, having a great day at church. Jersey Shore Baptist Church was alive, and bursting at the seams. I was glad to be in the house of the Lord, but being saved, I always am. This was a similar day that they had in Matthew 21, with Jesus in the Temple.

Jesus had just finished cleaning house, casting out those who bought and sold in the Temple, and overturning the tables of the moneychangers and those who sold doves. The blind and the lame came to Jesus, and He healed them. Jesus was doing many wonderful things. The people were crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” And when the chief priests, and the scribes saw all that was going on, they were displeased.

Is your church alive like it was on that day in the Temple when Jesus came? If it is, you probably have those who will be displeased. The children yelling, the sermon being too long, or even someones favorite seat taken may upset a few. Jesus gave the answer when He said, “My house shall be called THE house of prayer.”

Pray for your church. Pray for your pastor. Pray for your Sunday School teachers. Pray for your choir. Pray that they will not be discouraged by the few who are displeased with a living, growing, church that stands on God’s Word. And pray for those who are displeased, that God would work on their hearts, and that they will understand that church is all about Jesus. And Jesus is the Life, so, wouldn’t His church be alive also?

Peace! (Revelation 7:17)

Mar 28th, 2015 The Hand Of The Lord – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Ruth 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 7 – 9; Proverbs 28; Psalm 136 – 140)

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

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

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

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

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

And that…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace! (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Jan 10th, 2015 SATURDAY MORNING POST – By Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – Genesis 27 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read –Matthew 19 – 20; Proverbs 10; Psalm 46 – 50)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 48:1 & 2

Read the “0110 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “The House of God” and “Savory Meat“

Rebekah, From Triumph To Failure

“And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.   And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.   And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.   Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:  And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.   And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.   And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.   And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.   And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.   And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.”  (Genesis 24: 10-19)

“And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.   And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.   Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.   Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.”  (Genesis 27:5-10)

Rebekah was a hard worker with a kind spirit, excited about doing God’s will.  Her day started like most of ours.  She got up, got dressed, and went to work, but this day was different.  While at work she met a man.   She served him by giving him and his camel’s water.  Rebekah was friendly and invited him to meet her family.  There was no thought when she said yes to the question “Will you go with this man?”   This was a great step of faith.  She would leave her family to go into an unfamiliar land to marry someone she never met, but she was willing.  She loved and served Issac.  Isaac and Rebekah served the Lord together and later Esau and Jacob were born.

In chapter 27, the Bible tells us that Rebekah loved Jacob more than Esau.  This may have been because Isaac favored Esau.  I only had one child, so I don’t fully understand sharing love between two children, however, I’ve seen the results of parents showing favor towards one child.  This was Rebekah’s down fall.  What was it that turned the heart of Rebekah from a kind spirited servant of God, to a deceiver?  The Bible doesn’t say, but we all know who’s behind all evil.

Rebekah’s life is much like the Christian life.  We are out and about doing our daily routine, when we meet someone who asks the question “Will you go with this man (Jesus)?”  We willingly say yes and except the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and begin to serve Him.  We work by serving others in church and in the community and are excited about it.  We lose the old man and start allowing the “New Spirit” to take control.  We do things and go places where we’ve never been before.  We invite strangers into our lives to help them find their way to the Lord.  But as we get on in our Christian lives, like Rebekah, we allow satan to creep in.  We love the Lord (Esau) but we really like the way of the world (Jacob).  We are divided.  Be careful not to make bad decisions when stepping towards the world.

I pray that if you find yourself in Rebekah’s shoes, that you will turn your attention back towards the Lord.  Remember “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”     (1 John 1:9)

“My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold.  And I know how I aught to be, alive to you and dead to me.  But what can be done, for an old heart like mine, to soften it up with oil and wine.  The oil is You, Your Spirit of love, please wash me a new, in the wine of your blood.” (A Song By: Keith Green)

Thank You

1 John 5:13 – 14