Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

May 29th Living For God – A Formula For Success

Today’s Passage –  2 Chronicles 30 – 31

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. (2Chronicles 31:20-21)

I think one of the main reasons that God wants us to daily spend time in His word is because that it serves to remind us daily of the basic truth that God will bless those who seek Him and serve Him.  As we have been reading in these historical books, we have seen over and over again the blessings of God upon the godly kings; and conversely the judgment of God upon the wicked.  Of course, none of the kings were perfect; all made mistakes; but when they sought the Lord for forgiveness, God would always respond in mercy.  Even the bad kings that humbled themselves before God would receive mercy.  As we look today at the life of Hezekiah we see the same principle in place.  Hezekiah “wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God…with all his heart”, and God prospered him.

Child of God, the same applies to you and me today.  I am not trying to over-simplify the Christian life, but the principles of succeeding in life are really very easy to understand.  Find out what the will of God is for your life; and then fulfil it with all of your heart.  Give it everything you’ve got.  Live for God!  I’m not saying that every day is going to be amusement parks and sunshine; but you will have that abundant life Jesus spoke of.  It’s your choice:  live for God and your life will be blessed of God; live for self, and you will look back with regret.

May 28th You Can Beat Them If You Don’t Join Them

Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 27 – 29 

But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. (2Chronicles 28:9) 

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. (2Chronicles 28:23)

In the three chapters that we are reading today, we have the account of three kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.  Two of these kings were good men; and under their reign the nation of Judah was blessed and prosperous.  However, during the reign of Ahaz, who was not a good king, the nation suffered.  I thought it interesting that Ahaz misinterpreted the reason for the condition of his nation.  He believed that the reason why his nation was suffering was somehow because of the blessing of some other god on those nations.  In actuality, the reason why other nations were defeating Judah in battle, and oppressing them was because of the wickedness of the king and the nation, which caused the judgment of GOD on the nation.  However, because he misunderstood the cause, he could not correct the situation.  He figured that if he starting acting more like the other nations, worshipping their gods, that he too would be blessed.  But the result of his thinking brought about more destruction to Judah. 

I find that God’s people today will often use this same kind of logic.  The Christians in America today have almost completely forsaken the God of the Bible.  We have “a form of godliness, but [deny] the power thereof”.  We have heaped to ourselves teachers having itching ears.  We truly are living in perilous times.  However, instead of recognizing the judgment of God upon our nation and turning back to Him, we go farther away from Him.  We see what appears to be the blessing and prosperity upon the lost people around us and figure that God must not really care about all of the wickedness.  after all, he is allowing it to happen.  People reason, “if you can’t beat ’em, you might as well join ’em.”  All of this logic results in the further deterioration of our families, churches, and our nation. 

As God’s people, we need to wholly follow the Lord our God, regardless of the spiritual atmosphere of the world around us.  According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, it will be God’s people who will turn this nation around; but that will not happen unless we forsake the evil around as and turn back to old-fashioned, separated, and godly living.

May 27th There’s Plenty More Where That Came From

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. (2 Chronicles 25:9)

In the three chapters we have read today we see pretty much the same patterned that we have observed throughout the Chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah.  That is, if the king was following the Lord and submitting to His will, His reign was blessed and prosperous.  Conversely, if the king chooses to forsake God, then God also would forsake him.  Out the window would go God’s provision and protection. 

I was caught by the story in chapter 25 regarding the King of Judah, Amaziah, hiring 100,000 men out of Israel to help him fight against the Edomites.  He paid 7500 pounds of silver to the Israelites in order to hire them.  God was not pleased with Judah yoking up with Israel for this battle, and He sent a man of God to Amaziah to tell him to fire the Israelites and send them home.  Amaziah was willing to do this, but was upset about the money that he had already spent.  God assured him that there was plenty more where that came from.

I got to thinking about how many times God’s people get messed up over money.  Sometimes we get into a dispute with our brothers and sisters in Christ over some business deal; and we find ourselves fighting over money.  Can I give you some advice:  give in; don’t fight over money.  If someone is insisting that you owe them something, give it to them.  You might say, why would I do that?  Because your relationship with people is more important than any amount of money; and if you do the right thing, God will replace what you lose with interest.  We stress far too much about money.  We give it too the church; but tie a string from ourselves to the money, and then get upset about it later.  Don’t give it if you can’t completely let go of it.  It really comes down to a matter of faith.  If God asks you to give it, then give it.  He has more to give you, and He will bless abundantly the person that trusts Him with their money.

The king of Judah almost continued in a bad plan, simply because he had already laid out the money for it.  He almost let money cause the destruction of his nation.  Many a Christian I know has allowed the love of money to destroy them.  My preacher used to say, “God’s got plenty of money”.  And you and I can get all that we need if we will be willing to let go what He has already given us.  It’s all His anyway.  I am not talking about being a bad steward here; but I am saying that we need to be able to let go of HIS money, anytime He asks us to.

May 26th He Departed Without Being Desired

Todays Reading – 2 Chronicles 21 – 23

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.(2Chronicles 21:20)

This verse is perhaps one of the saddest verses in all of the Bible.  Here we see the life of Jehoram, a king of Judah: the son of  Jehoshaphat, a great king.  The verse tells us that when he died he was not desired: nobody wanted him.  How sad it is that a person with so much opportunity for good; so much opportunity to impact his nation, would die without being desired.  Why did this happen?  What would cause this man to be so evil; so different from his father, who was loved and desired by all?  Believe it or not, I think the blame belongs to his father.  His father, though a great man himself, was not  a separated man.  Though he loved God, he was very close and friendly to others who hated God.  He got so close that he actually allowed his son, Jehoram to marry one of wicked King Ahab’s daughters.  The Bible tells us that after the death of Jehoshaphat, Ahab’s family became the counsellors of Jehoram.  His father followed God; but the son chose to follow evil. 

Parents, please be very careful about what and who you allow to get close to your children.  Though you as parents may be strong enough to stand in a wicked environment, your children may not be; and may succumb to the wickedness around them.  Live a separated life.  Don’t allow the things of this world; or ungodly people to be an influence to your family. 

My life will not be judged merely by my own conduct.  People will also judge me by whether or not my children walk with God, and serve their generation.  I want my kids to be better than I am.  I want them to have more love and compassion for their fellow man than I ever could.  I want them to be desired. 

When you die, will you leave here without being desired?  Or will people miss you?  Will they grieve for the void that will be there because of your parting? This life is not about you; it’s not about me.  It is about glorifying God; and serving our generation; and then training and teaching our children to serve their generation.

May 25th Our Eyes Are Upon Thee

Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 18 – 20 

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (2Chronicles 20:12)

My focus this morning is on chapter 20 where we see the nation of Judah threatened by a federation of three nations.  Together, these nations were far superior in both numbers and power to the nation of Judah.  Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, did not seek out help from other nations did (as Asa did in chapter 16); but instead turns the problem completely over to the Lord.  Jehoshaphat was a great man of faith, though he was not a separated man.  He often would yoke up with the ungodly northern kingdom.  However, here he does everything right.  Notice in this passage how he demonstrates great faith in God: 

1  When first confronted with the problem he sought God.  Don’t wait until all else fails.  Go to God first. 

 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,          (2Chronicles 20:3-5) 

2  He searched the Scriptures.  Notice in his prayer, in vv 5 – 13, he knows the principles and promises contained in the Scripture.  He was able to ask “in the will of God” because he knew what God had promised in His Word. 

3  He submitted to the man of God. In v 14, Jehaziel prophesies, and tells Jehoshaphat what to do; and Jehoshaphat obeys the prophecy of the man of God.  When you are faced with a battle, go to the man of God for counsel; and listen to what he has to say. 

4  He sang praises to God before the battle was actually won.  This demonstrated both that he had great faith, and that he was content with whatever God was going to do.  Do you trust God enough with the outcome of your battle to praise him before you see the final conclusion. 

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endurethfor ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.              

(2Chronicles 20:21-22) 

The Christian life is full of battles; but if God is with us, the victory is already ours.  Don’t fight the battle in your own strength.  Keep your eyes upon the Lord , and allow Him to win the battle for you. 

May 24th A Great Start But A Bad Finish

Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 15 – 17

In chapters 15 – 17 of today’s passage we see the account of King Asa.  He started out as a very good king, even going as far as removing his mother from being queen because of her idolatry.  In fact in chapter 15, everything that is recorded about his reign as king is good.  However, when we get to chapter 16, we see Asa faced with an imminent attack from his neighbor, the northern kingdom of Israel.  Now in times past, whe Asa faced strong opposition, he trusted in God to deliver him; but here he does something completely out of character for him: he relies, not upon God, but upon another nation to deliver him.  God was not too pleased with this, so he sent his prophet to rebuke Asa for his lack of faith.  Instead of getting right with God, Asa gets angry and throws the prophet in jail.  Not a very wise move.  A few years later we find that Asa is “diseased in his feet”; but once again he goes to men (the physicians) instead of going to God.  I think that the first mistake that Asa made could have been corrected with a little contrition and repentance; but instead it caused him to get angry and “dig in”; and it literally altered the rest of his life.  His pride caused him to stay his course, instead of yielding to God’s will.

I wonder how many Christians today start out well, living their lives for the Lord; but something happens: maybe they make an error in judgment; or maybe just have a moment of weakness, and they sin against God.  When they are confronted about it, instead of humbling themselves and getting it right, they “dig in”, refusing to admit that they did wrong.  As a result they continue on a path of destruction, refusing to consider the possibility that they could be wrong.  This then leads to more problems; not only for the person, but for their families as well. 

As God’s people, why can’t we just pre-program ourselves to understand that we are going to blow it at times.  We will never (in this life) lose our humanity; we will never arrive at sinless perfection.  I think God understands our humanity more that we do.  We are going to blow it eventually.  It’s OK.  We are human.  But don’t get mad at your humanity; don’t get mad at the preacher, the church, or God.  Get right!  Run to God, not away from Him! Admit you blew it; pick yourself up; pay the consequences; and move on with your life.  Why lose all of the blessings that God has in store for you simply because of your pride.

May 23rd He Relied Upon God – Do you?

Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 9 – 14

Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.  (2Chronicles 13:18)

I get excited when I read about these good kings of Judah.  Here we have the chronicles of Abijah, the son of wicked king, Reheboam.  Abijah was faced in battle against the superior army of the northern kingdom of Israel.  Yet, he did not rely on anything but his God to deliver the people of God from the enemy.  Consider the following thoughts from the passage:

1  He did not follow the example of his father, or of the kings of the nations around him.  What is your excuse?  It does not matter what influences you have had or have still today; you can serve God.

2  He did not forsake the service of God’s Temple.

But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: (2 Chronicles 13:10)

3  He did not forget that his military strength came from God.  He was outnumbered four to one; and was facing an army in the front as well as an ambush from the rear; but God fought for him and destroyed the enemy.

I don’t know what you are facing today; but I know that you can have the victory if God is with you.  But I guess the bigger question is, are you with God?  Are you following the right examples?  Are you not forsaking his House?  Are you not forgetting that He is your strength?  Just a thought.

May 22nd Hear Thou From Heaven

Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 6 – 8

While reading chapter six of today’s passage, I noticed in Solomon’s prayer a phrase that appears over and over again: “Hear thou from Heaven”.  If you look carefully at the context of each of the times that this phrase was used you will notice that it always involves confession and forgiveness.  Basically Solomon was asking the Lord to forgive the people whenever they had come to Him in contrition and confession involving a wrong that the people had committed.  Chapter seven tells us that when Solomon had finished praying the fire fell from Heaven and consumed the sacrifices; and also that the glory of the Lord filled the Temple.  So, it appears that God was pleased with what Solomon had prayed regarding forgiveness.  Why will God continue to forgive and not forsake His people?  The answer lies in the Temple itself.  Remember the Temple was the place that sacrifices for sin were offered unto God.  Now we know that these sacrifices could not atone for sin; but they reminded God of a coming sacrifice: the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary.  When God thinks of His Son, He can forgive the people:  their debt has been paid in full.

Why do we as God’s people have such a hard time forgiving and reconciling with each other.  Like God, we should view the atonement of the shed blood of Christ as payment for the sins that have been committed against us.  We fully expect God, and people to forgive us, yet we are so reluctant to forgive others.  Or, we say we forgive them with our mouths; but harbor bitterness in our hearts toward them. 

One thing that has helped me in this area a long time ago was to actually sit down and consider all of the times that I had blown it; all of the times I had sinned against God.  Though, I could only recall a fraction of the actual list, I still had a ponderous number of transgressions listed.  I began to think, why would God forgive me?  How could He love someone as wicked as myself.  The answer – Christ.  How can you forgive those who have wronged you?   The answer – Christ.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:32)

May 21st A Full House

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 3 – 5

 …for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:14)

In today’s passage we read about the completion of the Temple on Mount Moriah.  Everything was done according to the instructions that were given from David by God.  It was much more elaborate and luxurious than the Tabernacle of the Wilderness.  What made this an awesome place was not the tons of gold, silver, and brass that was throughout the place; but rather the fullness of the glory of God within.  God was present with the people of Israel in His temple.

I want the church here in Galloway to be filled with the glory of God.  Our church will not be known for its elaborate architecture, or its beautiful landscaping; but it can be known as a place where God’s glory lives.  It can be a place where people can come and know that they have heard from God.  How can that happen?  How can we continue to have the presence of God with us here at Jersey Shore Baptist Church? 

1  We must keep the  Commandments of God in the place of preeminence.  In other words, nothing must take the place of the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

2  We must keep the Commision of God in the place of priority.  We must be primarily about the business of reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

3  We must work to keep the Children of God in the place of peace.  David said, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity  (psalm 133:1).  God is pleased when His peple are of one mind in one accord, striving together for Him.

Are these three ingredients present in our church?  God will be with us, only if we surrender our agenda; and yield completely to His perfect will.  As a preacher, I am always very concerned that the house is full of people; but I should be far more concerned that the house is filled with the glory and presence of God.

May 20th Willing Servants

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 29 – 2 Chronicles 2

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, (1Chronicles 29:6)

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. (1Chronicles 29:14)

This passage of Scripture reminds me of the original offering taken for the Tabernacle of the Congregation in the Wilderness.  Remember, God had to tell them to stop giving because they gave way to much.  Why is it so hard today for people to let go of their treasure and their time and use it for the service of God?  I have a couple of thoughts on the matter:

 1  The people preparing for the Temple here, as with the the people building the first Tabernacle are very excited about what God is doing in their lives.  They are completely convinced that God is everything, and they trust Him implicitly with their lives, and their substance.  Perhaps the people in our churches today lack that kind of trust.  I guess it is easy for the leaders to blame them; but maybe it’s really because they don’t see that the money and time that they are sacrificing are really making a difference. 

2  The people here also had complete trust in the devotion, dedication, and stewardship of their leaders.  I hate to say it; but perhaps the reason why people are reluctant to give of themselves sacrificially at our church is because they don’t fully trust my leadership; or perhaps they lack faith in my motives.

It is easy for the preachers of today to blast the people in the pew for the lack of zeal in these areas; but just maybe, we are to blame.   This is a sobering thought, but if I could develop (through the power of the Holy Spirit) into the type of leader that David was, then maybe I (we) could see God do great things like He did here in this passage.  I know that this is true because I see God doing amazing things in other ministries.  Pray for me as a pastor, that I do not hold back the blessings of God on this church due to my lack of leadership.