Walking With God – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 19 – 23 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 23 – 24; Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)
Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Five Ways Dads Can Redeem the Time“
Read the “0803 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Good morning. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said:
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
This is what happened to two men walking towards Emmaus in Luke 24:13-36. As they were walking, Jesus was on their minds: the trial, the beating, the crucifixion, and now someone had taken Jesus’ body from the tomb. All these things unsettled their world, and saddened them. Jesus then drew near, and went with them. The Bible said their eyes were holden that they should not know Him: they did not know they were walking with God. They explained to Jesus what had just happened in Jerusalem while they walked together. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Jesus expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. They got excited, and ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others.
So. Are you excited today? Why are you saddened? Let me give you three praises you can praise God with today that may cheer you up…
Praise God the Father.
He loved you so much, that He sent Jesus to die for your sin and mine: every sin that is, and ever was, and will ever be; whether committed by the saved or the unsaved (John 3:16, 1:29). When you received Jesus, you were Tramadol adopted into God’s family: you are another son to Him (Galatians 4:4-7). And as a son, He will Take care of you and supply your every need (Philippians 4:19-20).
Praise God the Son.
Nobody loves you as much as Jesus does (John 15:12-13). He took all the punishment for sin that we should have received (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53, 50:6; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:1-18; Matthew 27:27-54; Mark 15:15-39; Luke 22:63-65, 23:33-47; John 19:1-30). Jesus cared for and loved us so much that He sent us another comforter (John 14:16-18 & 26) [You should read all of John 14: there are many blessings to praise Jesus about contained within that chapter.]
Praise God the Holy Spirit.
You can praise him in times of trouble for His comforting(Psalm 51; John 16:7-14). You can praise Him for the gifts that He gives you and the fruit that you will bear (1Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:22-23). You can praise Him for the power to witness He gives you (Acts 1:8). He even wrote a book for you and preserved it in the King James Bible for English speaking people.
So let me ask you again. Why are you saddened? Maybe you didn’t read the Bible today? How do you expect the Holy Spirit to fix what’s wrong in your life if you don’t know what He said. Let’s go back to Luke 24. Think about Jesus, here in this passage, as the Holy Spirit (remember: these Three are One). The two men are trying to walk away from there problems. It isn’t going to work: they’re still talking about what happened (vs. 13-14). Today, since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. He has feelings: we can grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), and quench Him (1Theselonians 5:19). Sometimes we take Him to places we should not be, or let Him hear things we should not hear, or see things we should not see. He is always with us. But He is concerned about us (vs. 17). Jesus had to come to these two walking down the street. We can meet with God every morning, when we open our Bibles. From there, He can rebuke us (vs. 25-26), and He can teach us (vs. 27). He will get you going in the right direction again, and be a witness for the Lord (vs. 32-35). Then do you know what happens?
Peace! (Luke 24:36)
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Who Turned Out the Light?
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 9 – 13 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)
Scripture Memorization for June – Pre-Tribulation Rapture Passages
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Joshua 1:8
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Five Ways Dads Can Redeem the Time“
Read the “0801 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “His Rest Shall Be Glorious“
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”(Isaiah 9:2)
The verse of Scripture referenced above deals with the birth of Christ. When Christ was born in the earth, he poked a huge hole in the darkness of a world that had been without light for a long time. Christ is light, and light equals righteousness and holiness; and it is also synonymous with spiritual understanding. The Bible says of God:
“Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:” (Psalm 104:2)
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Light is not something that God has or something that God can produce; it is what He is. Peter, James, and John saw a glimpse of this light on the Mount of Transfiguration. John saw it again when he was on the Isle of Patmos and given the Revelation. Paul saw this light on the road to Damascus when the Lord gloriously saved him. All of these examples were actual physical manifestations of the light of God. However, when He came, He revealed to the world more than just Physical light: he delivered to the world a spiritual brightness that many had seen and received; and many more continue to receive to this day.
My thought for the day is: if Christ came and delivered this light to us 2000 years ago, and many millions have received this light from Him via the Holy Spirit; then why is this world still very dark. Jesus told us to shine the light to the dark VolumePills world around us:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
You would think with all of the millions of lights out there that should be shining, the world would be pretty bright; yet it continues to dwell in darkness. Why? Because God’s people are not allowing the light of Christ to radiate and reflect through them to the world around them. They are covering their candles with a bushel instead of elevating it on a candlestick. Three thoughts regarding the failure of the Christian to shine the light of Christ:
1 We fail to shine the light when we fail to separate from the darkness. Instead of increasing our light, we often participate in things that are very dark: things that are inconsistent with light. Light repels darkness; they cannot dwell together. So in order for the Christian to dwell in darkness, He has to douse His light. He has to quench the Spirit of God that dwells within Him.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
By the way, unfortunately, the verse above oftentimes applies to the Christian as well as to the world.
2 We fail to shine the light when we fail to saturate ourselves in the light of the Word of God.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130)
3 We fail to shine the light when we shield the light from reaching those around us. This has more to do with fear than anything else. We have the light, and we desire to shine it; but we are so intimidated by the world around us that we conceal it. It is time that we decide to take a stand, and decide once and for all whose side we are on. We belong to God. We owe this world nothing but the light of Christ. Get out of the way, and let His light shine through you.
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” (Philippians 2:15)
Posted in Thoughts from Isaiah by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
What More Could He Do?
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 5 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 17 – 18; Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 31)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People“
Read the “0731 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this morning’s reading – “Help Wanted“
“What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? … For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” (Isaiah 5:4, 7)
Our church has a lot of property, most of which is undeveloped. Earlier this year, Kelly and Gail, a couple from our church asked if they could use a small patch of that land to plant a community garden. At first I was a little hesitant, but I agreed to let these folks plant their little garden as long as it didn’t cost the church too much money, and as long as it didn’t require any extra work from me. I have to admit, I have been fascinated watching the whole process, from the cultivation of the ground to the actual planting. In recent weeks, we have begun to reap some of the harvest. Personally, I am a big fan of the little cherry tomatoes, and so is my grandson, Jaxon. Whenever he is at the church, we always walk back to the garden to eat a few. Yesterday, I was out in the garden with Brother Kelly, and he noticed a rather large green caterpillar on one of the tomato plants, very similar to the one pictured above. After careful inspection, Kelly discovered another one on another plant. If left unchecked these pests will completely consume all vigrx pills of the plants, and our little garden will be ruined.
In our text today, we read about God’s vineyard, the Nation of Israel. God found his vineyard in ruins, and He asked the question: “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” That is a good question. What more could God have done? He gave them everything that they needed to thrive as a nation, and for a while, they did just that; but eventually sin, like those nasty caterpillars, crept in and destroyed the vineyard.
Though this passage is written for and about Israel, I believe that there are some great principles here that we can apply today. I believe applications can be made to our individual Christian lives, and also to our families, and even to the local churches. Each one of these areas are a type of vineyard that belongs to the Lord. What can we do with all that God has given us in order to thrive and produce the fruit that God wants to produce through us?
1 We must use good seed. God has given us the Word of God. Why would we want to use the corruptible seed of man’s philosophies. Years ago, I made the decision that my life was going to be established with and directed by the Bible.
2 We must weed. Weeds and pests will overtake the gardens of our lives if we allow them to. In our Christian walk, many distraction can creep in, along with sinful things and false doctrines that will steal all of our energy and redirect our focus so that we cannot produce healthy fruit.
3 We must feed. Good nutrients and plenty of water will cause a garden to thrive. As Christians, we must feed daily on the Word of God, and in our churches, we must make sure that we are providing plenyt of opportunities for church members to come and dine on a healthy diet of Bible doctrine.
If God’s vineyard fails today, it will not be His fault. He has given us all that we need to thrive and produce abundant, healthy fruit.
Posted in Thoughts from Isaiah by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 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 – Luke 15 – 16; Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 30)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 4:7 & 8
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People“
Read the “0730 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
A Study of the Women of the Bible
Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis – Unknown Workers For the Lord.
“Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis which laboured much in the Lord.” (Romans 16:12)
In Romans 16, we read Paul’s salutation to many co-laborers in Christ. In verse 12, Paul mentions three women friend: Tryphena, Tryhosa and Persis. We don’t know what they did to help build the Roman church, but it states they laboured in the Lord. Were they leading people to Christ? Did they suffer great persecution? Were they teachers? Paul only said they were hard workers.
When I first got saved, I remember meeting so many ladies of the church who were important to the ministry. The Sunday School teachers, the secretaries, and the bus workers. The first time I went to a ladies conference I thought how important the speaker was to God for Him to use her in that great way. I thought how special and important to God the missionary and Pastor’s wife must be. Everyone looked up semenax works to them, they were the leaders and were important to God. I wanted to be important to God, to please Him and for Him to be proud of me! I wanted my name in lights too! Not for man, but for God! Don’t misunderstand, we all want and sometimes need that little pat on the back. We all want our name called by the Preacher when credits are anounced. And God forbid if he forgets a name!! We labor long and hard for the cause of Christ. But lets be honest and ask ourselves if we are doing it for attention or would we be content if no one knew what role we play in our labor for the Lord. These three ladies just labored and yet God allowed their names to be written for all to read.
I love that God uses and remembers the unknown. Not everyone can be the “front-line person”. There are many, many people behind the scenes. They are just as important because without them the person in front could not complete their task. In eternity, we’ll meet many believers who were used of the Lord to build His Church. Are they any less important because no one praised them? God’s rewards in heaven will not short-change anyone; even giving a cup of cold water will receive its reward. So, no matter what role you play in the service to the King, be content and wait. Your reward is waiting. God is watching. He loves you more than you can imagine.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
A Wonderful Story of Love
Today’s Passage – Song of Solomon 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 – Luke 11 – 12;Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 28)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – James 4:10
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People“
Read the “0728 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” – (Song of Songs 2:4)
I must confess that I would rather write about a subject this morning that I have a better understanding of. The Song of Solomon is a wonderful account of love and marriage, but I must confess that I do not comprehend all that is contained in this beautiful story. I know that there is a literal, earthly story here about the love between a husband and a wife. It is clear from the passage that Solomon is the husband; but trying to figure out the identity of the wife with certainty is rather difficult as we know that Solomon had 700 of them (and 300 additional concubines). It is thought by some that this beautiful woman is Abishag, the woman who ministered to Solomon’s father in the last days of his life. We know that she was a Shulamite woman (6:13). At any rate, she is obviously Solomon’s first wife, before he had sinned by marrying so many other women.
The broader implication of this book is that Solomon is a type or picture of the Lord Jesus Christ; and his bride is a picture of the Church. It was a strange thought for me when I first learned that I was part of the Bride of Christ. I guess the man in me rebels against the feminine identity; but as I have grown through the years I have learned to accept and even somewhat understand the meaning of it all. I do love my Lord Jesus. I want to grow and learn to love Him more, but in order to do so I must learn to love myself a lot less.
As I said in the beginning of this thought, I don’t understand all that this love story has to tell us; but I love the story nonetheless from both an earthly perspective, and from the spiritual picture that it represents.
Posted in Thoughts from Song of Solomon by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Somebody Cried – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passage – Ecclesiastes 9 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 9 – 10; Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 27)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 Timothy 1:17
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People“
Read the “0727 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Psalm 126 says,
“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Good morning. Well, it’s all over till next year. I wonder how many thought that thought when they left Solid Rock Baptist Church, and the 2013 Northeast Vision Summit? I feel sorry for you if you did. I have been to The Soul Winning Clinic (and served in) at Longview Baptist Temple, Longview, Texas. I have been to Pastor School at First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. I have been to The Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. But, I will never forget my Payday Loans three days at the 2013 Northeast Vision Summit.
Somebody cried. I know somebody cried. Solid Rock, and many other churches have been praying for this conference. Somebody sowed in tears, but we all reaped in joy. It isn’t over till next year. If you did not go home without getting something from the Word of God, the music, or the fellowship with old and new friends then it’s your own fault. Praise the Lord for everything we experienced there.
Most of you who know me, and/or read this blog, know that our daughter died a year and a half ago. I still have trouble sometimes in dealing with it. Praise the Lord for Pastor Doug Fisher (Lighthouse Baptist Church, San Diego, California) who gave us God’s Word on suffering. It was personally a great help to me, and will always be. Thank you, Pastor Fisher for preaching God’s Word.
If you walked away without the Lord touching you somehow, then I would seriously consider praying that God would help you with your heart of stone, and show you what you must have missed at the summit. Tuesday night’s video of the summit (all 5 hours!) is on the website (www.northeastvision.org). Hopefully the Wednesday and Thursday will be up soon. Watch them again. Allow the music to fill your heart with gladness as you rejoice in the Lord. Allow the Word of God to reach you, and heal you from the burdens of this world. Somebody cried for you, help them to reap in joy.
And thank you Pastor Clark for following the “Northeast Vision” that God has given you.
Peace. (Psalm 29:11).
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
All Is Vanity
Today’s Passage – Ecclesiastes 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 – Luke 5 – 6; Psalm 119; Proverbs 25)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32
Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith“
Read the “0725 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” – (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
I have recently preached a series of messages through the Book of Ecclesiastes at our church, so I have had the advantage of giving these passages a little more thought than perhaps I would normally give one of our morning devotions. As I have told our church many times, there are three keys to understanding the Book of Ecclesiastes:
1 There is a key word – “vanity” – It literally means vapor or breath. It means emptiness. James said that our lives were like a vapour.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” – (James 4:14)
This key word appears 27 times in the Book. It carries with it the idea that much of what this life has to offer ultimately is empty in itself, or will lead to emptiness. God wants us to have an Cialis abundant, fulfilling life.
2 There is a key phrase – “under the sun” – This phrase appears 33 times in the Book. It speaks of the things that are of this earth. Things that are temporary in nature, not eternal. Things that are “under the sun” are not necesarily evil things, they are just things that will be forgotten, and are without eternal value.
3 There is a key verse:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” – (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Solomon came to the conclusion that much of what is done by man “under the sun” are things that are in themselves “vanity”: they produce emptiness. Therefore, we should devote as much time and energy as possible to the things that are eternal: things that will last forever. Fearing God and keeping His commandments are the highest order of business for the child of God today. Though it is certainly not wrong to enjoy the lawful things of this earth, it is important for us to keep in mind that they are temporary, not eternal; so our primary focus should be on eternity – living for the Lord.
One more thing. It might help us to remember that the human author of this book is Solomon, a man who experienced everything that this world had to offer. He had widom, wealth, works, and lots of women; but none of those things brought any lasting value. Only the things that were done for the Lord followed him into eternity.
Posted in Thoughts from Ecclesiastes by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Get The Vision
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 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 – Luke 3 – 4; Psalms 116 – 118; Proverbs 24)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33
Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith“
Read the “0724 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18)
“And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” (1Samuel 3:1)
If you have been a Christian for any length of time then you have most likely heard a sermon preached on vision. Most of the time the preacher will use Proverbs 29:18 to prove that the pastor and people need to have some type of plan for the future in order for the church to survive and thrive in the next generation. For instance, I have heard this verse used by a preacher who was trying to convince the congregation regarding a new building. He was trying to get the people to “see” the new building, to get a vision for it. While I do believe it is wise for the pastor to know where he is going in the future,and I also think that He is responsible for casting the “vision” for the church, I do not believe this verse is teaching that. This verse, and the verse in 1 Samuel 3 both connect the term, “vision”, with the Word of God. God is not saying that the preacher or church need to have their own vision, but rather that they need to have God’s vision, which is the Pokies Word of God.
Christians often speak too flippantly about what “God told them”. I always ask them about the book, chapter, and verse that God used to tell them the thing that He supposedly said. You see, God does not speak to us with audible voices anymore; He gave us His Word. God uses the revealed Word of God to “direct our paths”, etc. Now I am not saying that God does not lead us down particular paths, and into specific areas of service. He does reveal His will to us through a combination of means, but it all starts with the Word of God, and is confirmed by the Word of God. It is the Word of God that is God’s “open vision” today.
Last night at the Northeast Vision Summit, I listened attentively to a great Bible message by Pastor Kurt Skelly on this very subject. He was preaching from Genesis 37 where Joseph was dreaming dreams. God used dreams back in the days of Joseph to reveal His Word. Joseph faithfully took the Word that was given Him through the dream, and delivered it to his father and brothers. The preacher pointed out that the recipients of Joseph’s dreams were not much different from the recipients of the Word of God today: they didn’t like what they heard.
As Christians, we need to look to the Bible for direction in life. Preachers, we need to faithful study, learn, and teach the Word and Words of God that He has given to instruct His people today. It is the Bible that will guide; it is the Bible that will encourage; it is the Bible that will give comfort; it is the Bible that will correct; it is the Bible that reveal the future; and so much more. All we need is the Bible, and the Holy Ghost of God Who will help us understand it. So, get a vision; but get it from the Bible.
Posted in Thoughts from Proverbs by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 25 – 27 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 1 – 2; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Micah 6:8
Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith“
Read the “0723 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
A Study Of Women In The Bible
She Never Gave Up – The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Garment
“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (Mark 5:25-34)
Twelve years of suffering from bleeding. Her emotional and physical needs were great. Not only had her body endured misery, but also because of the law, she was unclean. This had made her an outcast to her people. She was lonely. Twelve years of Doctors poking and prodding, trying to figure out what was wrong. Twelve years of working hard to earn money, just to give it all away. Then she heard of Jesus’ healing touch. With one last effort she had to see him. She had nothing to offer Him. No money, no hope, no importance. But she had to press on. She finally got to the place where Jesus was. There were people everywhere. She could barely see him, but she had to press on. She knew she had to touch his robe. She wasn’t very strong but she pushed and pushed her way through the crowd. Everyone was crying out the name “Jesus”.
“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” (Matthew 9:20-21)
Then finally, maybe when crawling, she reached out and touched the hem of His robe. She was healed! What a thrill! What all the doctors could not do was accomplished by a touch of Jesus’ robe, all because she did not give up.
Now you ask yourself why the picture of the ants for this study. While on vacation camping, I learned something from watching ants. No matter what comes their way, they just keep going forward. I was lying down in the camper and I notice an ant walking on the canvas roof. When I tried to flick it off, it continued to walk up the roof. I flick it again. The ant did the same thing. No matter how many times I tried to flick it off, it just continued to walk up the roof. Also, while sweeping off the outside carpet, I notice the same thing happening. No matter how many times I swept an ant off the carpet, it walked back on. It just kept pressing on to get to where it was going.
Like the picture above, the rock didn’t stop the ants from going where it wanted; they just walk over or around it. Ever notice when ants are building an ant hole, that if you step on it, they never miss a beat. They pick up that next grain of sand and start building the hole again.
Many times in life we come across obstacles. When they come, we want to quit. Sickness, finances, health, relationships. The list goes on. Do you stop and give up? Or do you pick yourself up and move on? Keep your eyes on the goal. Keep pressing towards the mark. If the woman never pressed to touch Jesus, she would have never been healed.
How about you? Quit or move on for God? It’s your choice. Choose wisely.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Home Away From Home – The Saturday Morning Post – On Sunday
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 19 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 13 – 14;Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)
Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 40:31
Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith“
Read the “0721 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “Wine Is A Mocker“
Good morning. Psalm 100 says:
“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
God’s truth endureth to all generations. God’s truth. We found God’s truth in North Carolina! Imagine that. Camille and I were going to a campground in what amounted to be the middle of nowhere. When we were about ten miles out, we started looking for churches along the road. We saw about 4 or 5 Baptist churches along the way. It was not until we were about 1/2 mile from our destination that we saw the sign out in front of Derby Baptist Church. There in the middle of the sign, in large letters, easy to read as you cruise by, was what caught my eye. The sign read: K J Bible. That was enough to let any Fundamental, Independent, King James Bible believing Baptist know that they found the right church.
Pastor Ben Garrison, a veteran missionary to Alaska, has been at the pulpit there for about a year. It was great to hear God’s Word, God’s Truth, preached Sunday morning, Sunday and Wednesday nights. The body of Christ there has about 25 members, and they support around six missionaries.
On Sunday night, we heard the testimony of many in the congregation. They freely praised the Lord, and gave their testimonies how the Lord had saved them. One man grew up in a Pentecostal church like I did. Another, a woman, recalled how only a short distance away, she was saved. That was 58 years ago! Another woman had lost a daughter in a car accident. It always amazes me when I find that God has put me in a place I need to be. Derby Baptist Church will be my fondest memory of this trip to North Carolina. It was a home away from home for me. By Wednesday I was homesick for Jersey Shore Baptist Church, but I can’t wait to get back to Derby. Please pray for this oasis in the wilderness.
Derby Baptist Church
Pastor Ben Garrison
2178 Derby Road
Ellerbe, North Carolina 28338
And if you find yourself in North Carolina, stop in and drink from God’s truth.
Peace. (Proverbs 3:6)
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.