The Beginning Is Near – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Can you imagine awaking to a beautiful sunrise, a warm breeze at just the perfect temperture? The aroma of flowers fill the air. Everything is just right. And then you really wake up! Good morning. In today’s passage from 2Timothy, Paul talks about the end times. If you look in the news paper, the news feed on your phone, or Fox News on TV, you will see this passage tells you what is happening today.
2 Timothy 3:1-13 KJV
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men , as theirs also was. [10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. [13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
This may be the end times for some, but for the Christian it is a new beginning: a chance to leave all this world has to offer behind, including the flesh. Before God declares war on this world, He will call back His ambassadors. David proclaimed…
Psalm 49:15 KJV
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Paul told the Thesselonians…
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
We have the testimony of Enoch, as to what happened when he pleased God…
Genesis 5:21-24 KJV
And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: [22] And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: [23] And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: [24] And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
We have a future, bright and beautiful, that is approaching: closer and closer every hour, every minute. Isn’t it comforting to know the last few words of the 1Thesselonians 4:17: “…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
The beginning is near.
Peace! (1Corinthians 15:50-57)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
We Still Have Not Forgotten
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 38 – 40 (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 Thessalonians 1 – 3; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1
Watch Growth Points Video – “Restoration“, by Pastor Chappell
Read the “0911 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – (John 15:13)
12 years ago today our nation was attacked by radical Muslim terrorists filled with hatred for our culture and our freedom. I have not forgotten that day, and I am sure that all of you who read this who were alive on September 11th have not forgotten either. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that day. It is my prayer that as the years go by the memory of 9 – 11 will remain vivid in our hearts and minds for several reasons:
1 I do not want to forget that there is an enemy out there that wants to destroy us. In this world of distraction, we go about busily living our lives almost oblivious to the fact that evil still exists in our world. Satan is still very active, and His hatred for God and God’s people has only become more intense as years have passed. His influence on people has also increased; and there are more people than ever out there who are under his influence, and are willing to do his evil bidding. As Christians, we are admonished to be alert:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – (1 Peter 5:8)
2 I do not want to forget that there is still a cause worth fighting for. The evil that exists in the world reminds me that I must be daily in the battle, fighting the devil, and working to deliver people from his spell. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is still the most powerful weapon in our arsenal against the wiles of the devil. The more people that we can reach with the message of salvation, the less people Satan will have to do his bidding. Evil cannot be removed by more evil. It can only be eradicated through the love of Christ.
3 I do not want to forget that there are still people out there that are willing to die for that cause; and there are still folks out there worth dying for. Jesus died to set us free:
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – (John 8:32)
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – (John 8:36)
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” – (Romans 8:2)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – (Galatians 5:1)
Jesus died to give us liberty, and there are many still today who are willing to lay down there life for the same cause. The men and woman who are fighting today are fighting for our liberty and freedom. The men and women who were murdered by the terrorists ten years ago were murdered because the concept of liberty and freedom was under attack.
The greatest demonstration of love is sacrifice. Jesus commended His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. Parents show their love for their children by what they sacrifice for them. The men and women that went into those buildings in order to save lives were putting their lives on the line for other people. The men and women that fight for our freedom today are putting their lives in jeopardy for the cause of our liberty. They are sacrificing their own liberty in order to help us keep ours.
Let’s not forget these things. Let’s not forget these people. And let’s get in the battle ourselves, and be willing to sacrifice some of our liberty so that we can help others enjoy theirs.
Posted in Thoughts from Ezekiel by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
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
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Watch Out For Pride
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 28 – 31 (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 – Philippians 1 – 4; Psalms 36 – 40; Proverbs 8)
Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 55:17
Watch Growth Points Video – “Ministry with Discernment“, by Pastor Chappell
Read the “0908 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.” (Ezekiel 28:17)
“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:13 & 14)
Ezekiel 28 begins with a pronounced judgement against the “prince of Tyrus” who is the earthly ruler of the land of Tyre which is just to the northwest of Israel. We read that he was very wise and because of his wisdom he became very prosperous. However, his success caused his heart to be lifted up in pride to the extent that he considered himself to be a god.
Later in the chapter there is a description of the “king of Tyrus”. At first, we wonder who this description is referring to; but soon it becomes evident that this is not the description of a man. This “king” is none other than old slewfoot, Satan He also had a problem with pride, however we read in verses 13 – 15 that it was God who created Him that way. Why is it that created beings boast about things that they had nothing to do with?
We need to really be careful about pride in our own lives. Pride goes far beyond just haughtiness about our abilities, or looks, or possessions; etc. Pride’s real danger is the elevation of self to the point that we humanize God and deify self. We get to the point that we become god in our own eyes. This leads to the gradual abandonment of God’s principles, and the complete reliance upon self. We are now in control of our lives and destinies: doing our thing, our way. We can see that the society that we live in has corporately done the same thing. We have taken God off of the throne, and have placed man on it. How stupid we are that we do not see this cycle that has repeated itself over and over since the beginning of human history? God creates man; man begins to think that he is responsible for his own abilities; then man forgets God which eventually forces His judgment.
How can I as an individual put a stop to this? First, I need to understand that it is God who has given me all that I have. I next need to remember Him by thanking Him and praising Him for all of the individual blessings. It’s probably a good idea to record all of these tangible things in a prayer journal. Finally, I need to keep trusting Hi for every area of my life. Ask Him about everything; trust Him for every decision, and wholly follow His wisdom from the Word of God. This is a great plan in concept, but a difficult plan to implement. Why, because deep down inside of me is a nature that wants to kick God out and take over; and that fleshly old man of mine often does. I agree with the Apostle when he said:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:18 & 24)
I thank God for passages like this that remind me of the truth: I am nothing, God is everything.
Posted in Thoughts from Ezekiel by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Are You Ready For The Day? -The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Good morning. Are you ready to take on the world today? It’s a battle we face every day. Our war starts with the flesh. Our flesh is either too tired, or it’s too cold and wants to stay warm under the covers. Eventually your body does drag itself out of bed, takes a shower, gets dressed, has breakfast, and now it’s ready to face the world, right? Wrong! Let’s take inventory…
1) Do you have the Truth? Jesus is the Way, THE TRUTH, and the Life. Do you have Jesus?
2) Do you have Righteousness? 1Corinthians 1:30 says, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and RIGHTEOUSNESS…” Do you have Jesus?
3) Are you ready to give out the Gospel of Peace to others? Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). Do you have Jesus?
4) Do you have your Shield of Faith? FAITH cometh by hearing and hearing by the WORD of God. And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us. (see Romans 10:17 and John 1:14). Do you have Jesus?
5) Do you have your Helmet of Salvation? Jesus said, “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). Do you have Jesus?
6) Do you have the SWORD of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of God? Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 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 14:26-27). Do you have Jesus?
Is your inventory complete? Take a look at this passage in Ephesians 6 again, about putting on the whole armour of God. If I had a favorite punctuation mark it would the colon found at the end of verse 17. This little colon is going add explanation to putting on God’s armour. What was missing from the scenario above? Do you know? That colon is going to explain what came before it with what came after it. What’s missing? Prayer. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” We should always start the day with prayer. Do you have Jesus? Would you go to work naked? Could you drive to the store without a car? How do you think you can face the world with out prayer? You can’t, and neither can I. You need your prayer, all the saints need your prayer, and I need your prayer. Start your battle with the world today (and every day) in prayer. Then pray for me. Pray for me what Paul requested: “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20) We should all speak with boldness. Will you join me? You do not have your Armour on until you have Jesus.
Peace. (Ephesians 6:23)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Conviction
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 20 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Galatians 4 – 6; Psalm 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)
Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 48:1 & 2
Watch Growth Points Video – “Ministry with Discernment“, by Pastor Chappell
Read the “0905 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.” – (Ezekiel 20:43)
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” – (Romans 7:24)
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” – (John 16:7-8)
Just a quick thought from the Scripture this morning. Here in chapter 20 & 21, God is delivering a stern rebuke upon the people of Israel for their rebellion against Him. However, there is one place in these two chapters where I see hope for the children of Israel, and it comes here in v 43. This is the place where the people finally recognize their sin against God, and actually feel what would be to us the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God. I cannot say that I enjoy the feeling of being pronounced guilty from within my own spirit; but I am very glad that God loves me enough to let me know when I am guilty. Incidentally, one of the best assurances that you are a child of God is the presence of the Holy Spirit of God within you.
Notice an important truth about this loathing that people of Israel would feel about themselves. It comes after God gathers them back into the land of Israel, and after He begins to bless them again. He says in verse 44 that the people would realize that God did not deal with them according to their wickedness; He blessed them inspite of the fact that they had turned against Him. They deserved judgment, yet God dealt with them in mercy and grace. The New Testament tells us that it is the love of Christ that constrains us. That verse is referring to His love for us, not our love for Him. When we realize the unmerited and unconditional love that God has for us, it causes us to realize how undeserving of that love we really are, and it brings about the conviction, the self-loathing that Ezekiel speaks about in this passage.
Paul felt the same way about himself in the Book of Romans. He called himself a wretched man. He recognized the sin that was within him. The Holy Spirit of God pointed it out to him, and he didn’t attempt to cover it, hide it, or defend it. He came clean with God. We need to do the same thing. When our Heavenly Father points out to us the things in our lives that displease Him, the best thing that we can do is agree with Him, confess them, and then forsake them. The whole process starts, however, with conviction.
Posted in Thoughts from Ezekiel by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Turn and Live
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 17 – 19 (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 – Galatians 1 – 3; Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)
Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 47:1
Watch Growth Points Video – “Ministry with Discernment“, by Pastor Chappell
Read the “0904 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” – (Ezekiel 18:4)
“For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” – (Ezekiel 18:32)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – (Romans 10:13)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – (2 Peter 3:9)
I have enjoyed reading these chapters in the Book of Ezekiel, though I must confess that this book of the Bible, more than any other, I have trouble understanding completely. In chapter 18, God is telling the people of Israel that the son will not die for the sins of the father. In other words, every man will stand before God by himself. I will not have to answer to God for the sins of anyone else. The confusing thing about this passage is that there are particular sins listed here that have been committed by each and every person that has ever inhabited the earth, save, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. So, while we will not have to answer for our father’s sins, we will have to answer for our own; and we are all guilty. Of course, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ died on the cross, and by so doing, He took all of our sins upon Him. If we will turn from our sin, and trust Him, He will forgive our sins, and save us.
I think, however, the principle taught in this passage is very important to develop. I am not bound by anything that my father has done before me. No matter what my parents may have done, I can still live before God on my own. I can reverse the trend that may have been started, or continued, by my parents. The same applies to my children. They can choose to live for God, or they can choose to do their own thing; but they will one day answer to God for their choices. I hope they choose to yield to the Lord more than I have. I hope they take the good things that I have done, and build upon them. I also hope that they not follow any bad example that they have seen in me; and they have seen many.
Another important principle that we can see in chapter 18 is the fact that God does not want to punish people. He wants to bless them. God takes no pleasure in sending anyone to Hell. God wants all men to be saved, and has provided a way for all men to come to Him. Unfortunately, most will choose not to turn to Him. If you have not yet turned to God for forgiveness of your sin, please do not wait any longer. It matters not what your family has chosen in the past. It doesn’t even matter what you have done in the past. It only matters that you are willing to repent – to turn from your sin and rejection of the Word of God, and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. He desires to save you, and make you one of His children.
Posted in Thoughts from Ezekiel by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
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
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
What Do You Do In The Dark?
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 5 – 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 – 2 Corinthians 1 – 4; Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)
Scripture Memorization for August – Psalm 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Devil’s Plan for Your Life“
Read the “0901 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previos post from this passage – “Conviction, Contrition, and Correction“
“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.” (Ezekiel 8:12)
“Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.” – (Ezekiel 9:9)
In our passage today Ezekiel is sitting in his house in Babylon along with the elders of Israel, when suddenly God appears to Him and reveals to him the extent of the idolatry among the people of God. God shows Ezekiel what the people were doing when they thought that no one else was looking. The people didn’t think that even God could see them when they were in their own little wicked world.
There were two phrases from today’s reading that caught my attention. The first one is found in Ezekiel 8:12, “hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark“. The second is also found in that verse, and is found again in Ezekiel 9:9, “the Lord seeth not“. Man sometimes convinces himself that if his sin is done in private (“in the dark”), that God somehow is unable to see it. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is nothing that can be hidden from the eyes of God: He sees all that we do, and hears all that we say; and He even knows our thoughts. Scary.
Did you ever think about how much of our sin is done “in the dark”. To be sure there is also a lot of sin that is done in the open, especially among those who are not in the family of God. The lost world does not seem to care as much if their sin is exposed; and they would certainly not even consider much of what they do as sin in the first place. However, my thought this morning does not concern unbelievers. I am thinking today about Christians. People who go to church every week. People who look sparkly clean on the outside. People who appear to have their spiritual house in order. People like you and me. We wouldn’t dare take our sins into the public arena, out there for everybody to see; but how much sin is going on “in the dark”? What do we talk about privately? What are we participating in with one other person, or perhaps even a discreet few other people? What do we look at, listen to, or think about when nobody is watching? Oh, but there is Someone watching, isn’t there? God sees it all. Christians somehow think that because their sin is hidden from most people, that it doesn’t really matter; but it does matter to God.
I think it is time for us within the church to be honest with ourselves. There is an awful lot of junk going on “in the dark”. You can’t see it at our services. You won’t spot too much of it when we all get together for fellowship, but it’s there. Most people can’t see it; but God does. The public doesn’t get wind of it until the sin finally blows up our lives. When will we learn?
Posted in Thoughts from Ezekiel by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
It’s A Gift – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 1 – 4 (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 Corinthians 13 – 16; Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 31)
Scripture Memorization for August – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 18:3 & 46
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “5 Practical Ways To Invest In Your Team“
Read the “0831 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” (1Corinthians 14:1-12)
Good morning. I know it’s still early, but have you edified anyone today? Paul said in verse 12: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
One thing that I took with me to Texas Baptist College was the understanding that someone was watching me. Would I cause them to quit because I quit? Would our pastor have still gone there if I dropped out in my first year? Would I cause someone to stumble because I stumbled. For the sake of others I had to keep going, and still do. If I quit, what will happen to others? The same principle of caring about others extends throughout the Bible. We are to build people up, edify them, edify the church.
If I gossip, or say something bad about someone, will the person I’m talking to think it’s okay to gossip? By the way, if someone tells you something bad about another, what are they saying about you when you’re not around? If I don’t tithe, will others risk the devourer from Malachi 3:11 by not tithing also? What affect will my sin have on others? If I then tell others not to do it either, I become a hypocrite. Lets start going in the direction we should be going; let’s start edifying those around us. Let’s start being the kind of Christian that God wants us to be.
Peace. (Romans 14:13-19)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.