A Prayer From Psalm 119 – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 32 – 33 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Romans 1 – 4; Psalm 119; Proverbs 25)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“
Read the “0525 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Good morning. Did you ever have trouble praying? I mean in not knowing just what to pray for. David wrote in Psalm 119:1-8, (ALEPH.), “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.”
King David was a man of prayer who loved God’s Word. Here are some gleanings from Psalm 119 that you may want to ask for before reading God’s Word…
1] BETH. Verse 11. Ask for help in memorizing Scripture.
2] GIMEL. Verse 18. Ask for an understanding of the Scripture.
3] DALETH. Verses 25,28, and 32. Ask to be strengthened from the Scriptures.
4] HE. Verses 33 and 34. Ask for help in keeping God’s Word.
5] VAU. Verses 41-48. Praise God for what He has already shown you from His Word.
6] ZAIN. Verses 49 and 50. Ask for hope and comfort from the Scripture.
7] CHETH. Verses 58 and 59. Ask for His mercy and forgiveness when you are convicted from the Scripture.
8] TETH. Verses 66, 68, and 71. Ask God to teach you from His Word.
9]JOD. Verse 80. Ask God to help you stand on His Word.
10] CAPH. Verse 82. Ask for comfort in affliction.
11] LAMED. Verses 89-91. Thank God for His Word.
12] MEM. Verses 97 and 98. Ask God to give you wisdom from His Word.
13] NUN. Verse 105. Ask for guidance from the Scriptures.
14] SAMECH. Verses 113-120. Ask God to keep you from worldly influences.
15] AIN. Verses 121 and 122. Ask the LORD to give you something to protect you from your enemies.
16] PE. Verses 133-135. Ask God to teach you from His Word.
17] TZADDI. Verses 138-140. Thank God for His Word.
18] KOPH. Verses 145-149. Plead with God to hear your prayer according to His Word.
19] RESH. Verses 153 and 154. Ask for deliverance from your afflictions according His Word.
20] SCHIN. Verse 164. Thank God again, and praise Him, for what He has done, and will do according to the Scripture.
21] TAU. Praise GOD with your body (verses 171-172), mind (verses 173-174), and soul (verse 175) because of what God has done through His Holy Word.
Peace. (Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
When He Was Strong His Heart Was Lifted Up
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 25 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 22 – 24; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 51:11
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“
Read the “0523 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read previous posts from today’s reading passage – “The Key to Prosperity“; and “Plenty More Where That Came From“
“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16)
There is a lot of practical truth that we can glean from these Bible passages about the kings of Judah and Israel. In today’s reading, we learned about several kings: some of them good; and some not so good. In chapter 26, we read about a very good king, Uzziah, that was tremendously used of the Lord to strengthen the southern Kingdom of Judah. Early in his reign as king, he sought the Lord, and the Scripture tells us that God made him to prosper. He did a lot of wonderful things, and because he was submissive to the will of God, God blessed him and the nation mightily. I wish that was the end of the story; but unfortunately, the Bible goes on to tell us that Uzziah’s heart became lifted up with pride. He one day decided that he was going to go into the temple himself to offer incense upon the altar of incense. Now that was a job that was exclusively reserved for the priests. Sadly, Uzziah felt that he was so great that he could do whatever he wanted to do, even bypass God’s clear instructions regarding the worship in the temple. The priests immediately withstood him and rebuked him for usurping their God given role. He became furious with the priests. “Who are you to tell me what to do?” “Don’t you know who I am?” “I am the king, and I will do whatever I please” This was Uzziah’s attitude. God’s judgment immediately fell on Uzziah, and he became leprous in his forehead. He realized then that he had crossed the line, but it was too late.
We see this type of thing all too often in the Scripture, and we also see in the lives of Christians today. Many times, when a person first trusts the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, he is very humble. He is moldable, teachable, and can easily be corrected. However, as he grows in the Lord and is obedient to the principles found in the Word, God will prosper him. This prosperity will often bring about pride. Sometimes, it is so subtle that he does not even realize it. He takes the credit for the blessings that were given to him by the Lord. He begins to know more than his teachers, and he begins to pick and choose what he will obey, and what he will not. He begins to gradually seize control of his life away from God’s control. He slowly becomes his own God again, calling his own shots. When he gets to this place God will have to bring judgment in order to bring him back down to earth.
This does not have to happen. We can stay humble. We can continue to lean on the Lord, and not our own understanding. We can stay teachable, and moldable. We can continue to obey the Word of God, and the authorities that God has placed in our lives. We don’t have to head down this road that leads to self-destruction. Watch out for pride. It was Satan’s downfall; it was Eve’s also. Remember, she wanted to be as God, knowing good and evil. Pride is a big part of our flesh that must be put to death on a daily basis.
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10)
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23)
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
How Will You Be Remembered?
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 21 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 19 – 21; Psalms 106 – 110; Proverbs 22)
Read a previous post from this passage – “Too Dependent on the Preacher“
“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.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 18 – 20 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 16 – 18; Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 27:15
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“
Read the “0521 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “Keep Your Eyes on the Lord“
A Bible Study Of Women In The Bible
Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover
“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22)
Gold. It is a valuable metal that we treasure. It will still buy things when the dollar fails. We melt it into many shapes and use it to adorn our bodies. Much gold was used in the Tabernacle, and the entire Ark of God was overlaid with it. It seems unlikely that someone would take such a precious metal and put it on a pig’s nose. Pigs are dirty. They roll in the mud all day. Their noses are in the slop the farmers feed them. At times there is even pig snot running out. I know, not a pretty sight. But under all that mess is a fine jewel waiting to be cleaned up and treasured.
What is discretion? The ability or power to decide responsibly; the freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit; the quality of being discreet; prudence; tactfulness; the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight.
It sounds like a good quality to have, but remember this woman doesn’t have this quality. Her beauty makes her seem as if she’s full of grace. But she is a foolish woman and is compared to a swine wallowing in the mire of filthy lusts. In other words, you can’t judge a person on how they look.
We look in the mirror every morning to make sure our outside appearance is just right. We check our hair. We brush our teeth and make sure there is no leftover spinach on them. We spend much money on make-up so our faces look just right. We make sure our clothing matches and fits right. If we walk by a mirror during the day or visit the ladies room we check ourselves to make sure all is still well. Well, how much more do we need to check the inside of us so we don’t find ourselves in the nose of a pig. The Bible is a perfect mirror to check how we’re doing on the inside. There is an answer to any situation or problem we face each day in the Word of God. There are many lessons to learn about our attitudes, and regarding how we should conduct ourselves.
Read and study your Bible everyday. Ask God to show you something from His Word. Take a hard look at yourself and change those things that God is impressing on you. Use your good common sense. Get out of the pig’s nose and let God shine you up.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Who Do You Listen To?
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 9 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 10 – 12; Psalms 91 – 95; Proverbs 19)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 121
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“
Read the “0519 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.” – (2 Chronicles 10:6-8)
In our reading passage today, in chapter 10, we see the the beginning of the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. It seems that shortly after Rehoboam became king his leadership was tested when a delegation from the northern tribes of Israel came to him asking him to lighten the burden that had been placed upon them by King Solomon. I am assuming that the burden that was placed upon them was a tax burden. Government has always been good at taxing its people, hasn’t it? Anyway, it appears that Rehoboam’s father, Solomon, had gradually increased the tax burden placed upon the people of Israel, and they were tired of it. By the way, it is very interesting to note that in the beginning of Solomon’s reign his people were very happy (9:7); but somewhere along the line his spending became out of control, and the source of most of the revenue came from the people.
Reheboam decides to ask the people to give him some time to consider the request, and he seeks counsel from two groups of people. First, he talks to the old men. Their counsel to Reheboam was to “be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words unto them”. Their belief was that if Solomon worked with the people, the people would love him; but if he continued to tax them as his father had, the people would rebel.
The second group that Reheboam sought counsel from was the young men. They told him to whip the people into shape; to show them who was boss. Basically they told Reheboam to make it harder upon the people. They wanted him to rule with an iron fist. Unfortunately, Reheboam listened to the counsel of the young men. The result was disastrous for him, and for the kingdom. The northern tribes rebelled against Reheboam and formed their own kingdom, resulting in a civil war that would last for many years. Reheboam’s decision ended up costing him a whole lot more than the little bit of tax money that the old men had suggested he let the people keep for themselves.
Reheboam should have listened to the old men. Who do you have in your cabinet of counselors? I believe the principle that we can glean from this passage is that we need to be very careful whom we allow to influence us. I would recommend that you would put many godly people in your cabinet of counselors. The Bible says that in the multitude of counselors there is safety, but I am sure that it means only godly counselors. We need to have people in our lives who will be willing to tell us what perhaps we do not want to hear. That cabinet ought to include older men and women who have experienced a little bit of life, and are a little further down the road than we are. It also ought to include some people who are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, like a pastor, or youth leader. It also ought to include godly people who are knowledgeable in particular areas of expertise, such as finances. Choose your counselors wisely, and heed their advice.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Thank You – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 6 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 7 – 9; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“
Read the “0518 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read previous posts from this morning’s passage – “Forgive” & “The Fire Came Down From Heaven“
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:12-15)
I had just finished doing some work around the house, and sat down outside on the deck to take a break. I got notified a few days before this, that my work was out of work so I was out of work. I had submitted a claim to Unemployment, and was considering a plan of action in my hunt for another job. So, I’m sitting there, and my eye catches a squirrel coming over to the deck. He made his way to the top of the railing, about 7 feet away from me, and started to eat an acorn. Did you know that squirrels have fairly large claws? I could see his clearly as I watched him devour the last bit of nut. Then he stared at me with his black beady eyes. Oh great! He’s going to jump and dig his claws into my leg, bite me, and then I’ll have to go to the hospital and get rabies shots. The squirrel started to scamper across the railing, stopping every yard or so to check on me: eying up his target. He didn’t jump on me, but made his way to the end of the railing where we have this large river rock with a hollow in it. It was almost like a bowl. And the squirrel started drinking the rainwater out of it. The more I thought about what just happened, the more I rejoiced in my heart. The Lord led this squirrel to a hidden acorn to eat. The Lord supplied the rain the night before, filling the hollow, and giving the squirrel water to drink. He will supply all my needs also. When the right job comes along, it will come from God, and in His timing.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalm 103).
Thank You, Lord, for everything that You have given us.
Peace. (Psalm 69:30).
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
We Thank Thee, and Praise Thy Glorious Name
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 28 – 29 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Acts 1 – 3; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“
Read the “0516 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “Preparing for the Next Generation“
“Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)
“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. … O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.” (1 Chronicles 29:14, 16)
In our reading today, we see King David making all of the final preparations for the building of the temple and for the transition of power to his son, Solomon. David wanted to build the temple himself, but because of the blood that he had shed through the many battles he fought for Israel, God would not permit it. It was God’s will for Solomon to build the House of God. However, this did not stop David from doing everything he could to prepare for the construction. David prepared for it, planned it, and provided all of the materials and manpower that would be necessary for Solomon to finish it.
Notice, however, in the verses above, David’s prayer to God. Though David had been very busy doing the work necessary for the preparation of the Temple, he still gave all of the glory to the Lord, and did not attempt to steal any of the praise that was due to the Lord. David was willing and faithful to obey and serve the Lord, but in the end it was God who worked through David. Notice that David said that all of the materials that were given to build the temple had been given to them in the first place by the Lord.
Everything we have, we were given by the Lord. Everything we do, we do because the Lord has equipped us, and enabled us to do it. Everything we are, we are because of the Lord. He deserves all of the praise, honor, and glory. I often tell our church, when we mess up it’s our fault; but when we get things right, it is simply because we got out of God’s way, and let Him work through us.
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalms 29:2)
“Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.” (Psalms 66:2)
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Many Members, Working Together as One Body
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 26 – 27 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 21, Psalm 71 – 75; Proverbs 15)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“
Read the “0515 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.“ (1 Chronicles 26:12)
In today’s passage we see the list of countless names of people who labored behind the scenes in the temple, and in the kingdom during the reign of David. When we think of the temple, we think of Solomon primarily, because it was he whom God chose to assemble it; or we may think of David, because he was the one who made most of the preparations for it. However, we can see from these passages that there were literally thousands of people laboring behind the scenes that made the ministry that went on in the temple possible, as well as in the rest of the kingdom.
In a local church, we sometimes think that it is primarily the pastor who makes everything happen. While the office of the pastor is an important position, he is just one member of a body made up of many. He may be the most visible, but there are so many other people whose participation is necessary in order to accomplish the work of God. Our church is small in number, but even in a church our size, there are many people laboring, some completely behind the scenes, who are vital parts of the ministry. Think with me for a moment about all of the different duties that must be performed in order for our church to function as it should. There are soul winners who get the message of the gospel to the community; disciplers who mentor and instruct those who have trusted Christ; there are Sunday School teachers, ushers, greeters, audio/vidio people, choir members, song leaders, musicians, bus drivers and workers, maintenance people, and administrators. These people and the work that they do are all important to the cause of Christ.
Romans 12 talks about some of the gifts given to us by the Lord that are to be used by us in His service:
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8)
1 Corinthians 12 also instructs regarding the different members of the body, though many of the individual gifts spoken of in this chapter were sign gifts that were given to believers during the transitional period in the first century, and are no longer available today:
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
” For the body is not one member, but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14)
“But now are they many members, yet but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:20)
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
God has something to do for everyone in the local church. I was recently criticized for preaching too much about what we need to do for the Lord, but as I see it, there is a lot that needs to be done. Yes, it is God which works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, but we still need to be submissive and obedient to His plan for our life. We often quote from Ephesians 2:8 & 9 regarding the fact that it is solely through the grace of God that we are saved, but the next verse teaches us that we are saved and equipped to work.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Christian, let me encourage you to find out what your unique gifts are, and also admonish you to use those gifts for the glory of the Lord Jesus, in the service of the local church.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” (Philippians 1:27)
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 23 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 19 – 20; Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14)
Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“
Read the “0514 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “The Hope for the Future“
A Study Of Women In The Bible
Dorcas, A Woman Who Used Her Talent For God.
“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” (Acts 9:36)
” Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” (Act 9:39)
Dorcas was just a regular woman, who had a talent for making clothing. We know she was a Godly lady because she was the only woman who was called a disciple, a follower of Jesus. Dorcas not only wanted to follow Christ, she also wanted to serve him. So, she did that which came naturally to her, she made clothing and gave it to the poor. Dorcas knew what made her Lord happy, and that was to take care of this group of people. She served the Lord with all of her heart by serving people.
With this in mind, I would like to take time to talk about “Warm Weather Dressing.” It alway amazes me that the hotter the weather becomes, the less clothing we wear. As Christian ladies, we should always dress modestly. We are responsible, not only for dressing ourselves in modest clothing, but also for dressing our children. Hot weather does not give us an open invation to expose all that we have.
The following is a look at the downfall of women’s clothing in America. WARNING: You may not like what your about to read!
THE DOWNFALL OF DRESSING MODESTLY
Women were content with the role God had given them. Keepers of the home, submitted to their husbands and had no desire to be unfeminine in any way.
They wore their hair long, covered neck-lines, arms and legs.
This outward appearance was a reflection of their inner feeling of modesty, femininity and submission to God.
1900 to 1910:
Before the turn of the century, women generally made their own clothes.
Then the styles changed. 1907 the peek-a-boo shirt was introduced.
Eyelet embroidery on sleeves showed the flesh of the arms.
The length of the skirt got shorter.
Women were now taking jobs, and that demanded simpler clothing.
Many women were now more concerned about their jobs then the home and family.
1910 to 1920:
Now woman were enjoying their new roles in the work place. Birth control was the new best thing.
Smoking, drinking and shorter hair was the new fad for many woman.
Until 1910, swimsuits of both men and women were very modest. It covered most of the arms and legs, and all of the shoulders. They were also non-clinging.
Then in Milwaukee, a woman’s swimming team wore their revealingly swimsuits.
A cartoonist in the a newspaper depicted a woman of 1615 sitting in a chair reading her Bible and another in a suit from 1915 slouched in a chair smoking a cigarette reading a fashion magazine.
1920 to 1930:
More and more woman were cutting their hair short.
The V-neck shirt and dresses above the knee were becoming popular.
Women were now in bars, alongside of the men, smoking, drinking, and dancing.
The younger generation were questioning the older.
There was a moral decline on the college campuses. College became a place to party, get drunk, and have sex.
Young people were imitating what they saw in the Hollywood movies. The actors became idols.
The motto was “ EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY”
1930 to 1940:
Brenda Frazier started the fad of penciled eyebrows, bright colored lipstick and strapless gowns.
Marlene Dietrich, in her movies, made pants wearing popular. She also wore men’s trousers, shirts, ties and hats.
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God. ” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
By the end of the 30’s, halter tops and shorts were the fashion, which reflected the low moral standards.
Divorce and remarriage swept the country.
When we go to the public restrooms, what door do we go in? The figure wearing the dress!
Examples Of Modesty
Sitting:
Always sit with legs together – Cross feet
Dresses should cover you knees completely or the dress is too short
Slits in dress should be no more than 1 in. If it is, pin it or don’t buy it
Bust Line:
A top should not emphasize your bust
Neck Line:
Opening in front should be no lower than two finger below the collar bone
Bra straps should not show on your shoulders
What about swimsuits?
I have not yet found a swimsuit that can be considered modest by Scriptural standards. Many of the so-called modest swimsuits today barely cover what our undergarments cover. Surely if we were caught by brothers or any man besides our husband in our undergarments we would shriek with utter mortification and run for the nearest hiding place. Do we feel the same about being seen by men in our swimsuits? Is there a difference? It may be that any bathing suit you can buy today shows portions of a woman’s body that only her husband should be allowed to see. I don’t think Dorcas sewed any, do you?
Would you be embarrassed if you were standing before Jesus?
Around the late 1960’s and early 1970’s the unisex look was introduced. Through the last 30 years the unisex look has not only become fashionable but also acceptable.
Can pants, shorts or jeans which show a woman’s form, and hips (and even the outline of her undergarments) be considered modest apparel? That is a question for each sister to consider.
Whatever we choose to wear, we must make our choices with the intention of upholding and establishing the clearest possible distinction between men and women that God set in order from creation.
A Woman’s Most Important Clothing: Righteousness and Humility
Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (1 Peter 3:3)
A sister’s dress should be an expression of a meek and quiet spirit, intended more to please the sight of God than the sight of men.
Some do not apply the scriptures to this “modern day.” But God’s view of modesty is not variable. It does not depend on the cultures that men create. It does not depend on the weather. We read of no special circumstances in the Scriptures which set aside this teaching and gives liberty for women to display their nakedness. Therefore, we must assume that even in this evil and perverse generation, God still expects us to maintain His standards of modesty.
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Check With God First
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 15 – 16;Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 51
Read the “0512 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,” – (1 Chronicles 17:1-3)
In our text this morning, in chapter 17, we read about King David’s desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. Up until this point the ark of the Lord, and the corporate worship of God by the nation of Israel took place in a tabernacle, which was basically a tent. The tabernacle was built during the time of the wilderness wanderings of Israel after God brought them out of Egypt. The tabernacle dwelt in Shiloh for a while, and then it was eventually moved to Jerusalem. David’s desire was to build the temple, and this was a good desire. His heart was right; he wanted to do something to please the Lord. He inquired with Nathan the prophet in order to find out if it was the will of God. Nathan thought that building the temple was a good idea too, so he told David to “Do all that is in thine heart”. However, we see that God had a different plan.
My thought this morning is that we ought to check with God first before we make big decisions. In our story Nathan gives David the green light for building without having asked God about it. Nathan never would have done this if what David was asking was a bad thing or even a questionable thing, but because it was a good thing, he didn’t feel the need to go to God. What happens? God has to go to him, and tell him to go back to David and tell him that he will not be building a temple for him. God did want a temple built eventually, but he didn’t want David to do it. Solomon, his son, would be the one to build the temple for the Lord.
The bottom line to my thought this morning is to challenge us to ask before we act. If you have a decision to make, and the thing that you want to do is not against the revealed will of God (the Bible), check with Him before you do it, just to be sure it is His perfect will. If after you ask Him He doesn’t stop you, then you can go ahead with your plan; but be willing to let Him close the door whenever He wishes. It has been my experience here at Jersey Shore Baptist Church, that I have gotten myself into more trouble because I have done “good” things that were not God’s perfect will.
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.