Use It Or Lose It – The Saturday Morning Post (Sunday Edition) by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passage – Exodus 22 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 9 – 10; Proverbs 27; Psalms 131 – 135
Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 47:1
Read a previous post from today’s reading passage – “Living in Canaan”
Good morning! Did you get to wake up yesterday morning to a wintery scene, with your yard all covered in clean, white snow? Do you think Heaven is like that? Could you imagine the colors you will see in Heaven on your arrival? Heaven will be hard for us to imagine. The Bible says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1Corinthians 2:9).
Everything we receive in Heaven comes from God who understands what we would like better than we understand ourselves. Think about it. You think you want something, you buy it, and then you lose interest in it: it’s not what you really wanted. But an all knowing God will give you what He knows will satisfy you. A perfect gift from a perfect God. Heaven will be just as perfect to you as it is to me. But what about the things we get here on earth? God allows us to have things here on earth. They don’t belong to us, they belong to Him. He allows us to use them in our quest to be a good steward. There is also the stuff we buy that we think we need, or will make us happy. It only ends up in the basement, attic, garage, or shed. And that is where it stays until you pass. You can’t take it with you. Some of it will be given as gifts, some of it will end up at the flea market or garage sale, the rest thrown out as garbage. God tried to teach this to the children of Israel in Exodus 16. The Bible says, “And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.” (Exodus 16:14-20).
Here is some stuff about our stuff that we can glean from this passage. The first and most important is that everything we have is from the Lord. God’s Word tells us that He will provide our every need (Phillippians 4:19). He will also give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). Be careful with this: Israel got tired of the manna, and wanted meat. God sent quail that they could eat till it came out their nostrils!
The second item we can glean, knowing first that everything we have is from the Lord, is that everything we have was made to be used. In the parable of the talents, A lord had three servants. He gave one, three talents; the second two talents; and the third, one talent. The first two put what they received to use and turned a profit for their master. The third did not…
“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.” (Matthew 25:24-27).
Maybe it’s time to sell off the excess stuff in our basements, attics, garages, and sheds; pay off some debt, and help others. Turn a profit for our Lord.
And that leads to our third gleaned item: everything that we have that we don’t use will decay, stink, and breed worms. The things that God has allowed us to have are for a reason. If we do not use them, they fall into a state of decay that will eventually render them useless and worthless.
The space in my shed appears to be shrinking. I have to unload everything in order to get through the door. It is probably time for myself, and maybe others, to clean up our acts, and get organized. And then remember, you can’t take it with you. It will only remain for someone else to give away, sell at the flea market, or throw out. Paul wrote to Timothy, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1Timothy 6:7-12).
Peace. (1Timothy 6:7)
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Come As You Are?
Today’s Passage – Exodus 19 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 7 – 8; Proverbs 26; Psalms 126 – 130
Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34:6
“And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives. And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.” – (Exodus 19:14-17)
Notice in chapter 19 the reverence the people had when they were entering into the presence of God. They washed their clothes; they abstained from physical intimacy; and they trembled. I bet that there was not one person from the congregation that was not present. I bet the children were silent; being kept under very close watch of their parents. The people understood that they meeting with the omnipotent Creator of the universe. He is holy and He was not to be approached by the people of Israel in a flippant and carefree manner. They came with a reverent attitude of worship.
Fast forward now to today. Many of God’s people show up late, if they show up at all. They arrive wearing shorts and ripped tee shirts. The children are running all over the sanctuary while their parent are obliviously engaging in their own conversations about anything and everything except the worship of God. We have certainly come a long way down as far as our reverence to God is concerned. We sing half heartedly; talk during prayer and special music; and then sleep when the Word of God is being preached: all the while wondering how long is this going to take. We’ve got more important things like football to worry about today. Do I exaggerate, or is this an accurate description of the attitudes of many in our churches today? God help us!
Now, I wish to be very clear about this: I do not consider myself to be a legalist at all. I understand completely that salvation comes solely through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, beginning with faith in His shed blood at the cross of Calvary. I know that God is not impressed when we show up at the church with our white shirts and ties, or our long, modest dresses. I get that. I know that God dwelleth not in temples made with men’s hands; and that the believer’s heart is the temple of God. And I realize that God looks upon the heart; and if a man shows up at church in shorts and a ripped tee shirt because that is all he has, or perhaps because he doesn’t know better, I think God is pleased. I know that I am. Believe me, I am thrilled that people just show up, and I am not the least bit concerned about the way they are dressed. I am, however, very concerned about the heart attitude of God’s people today when they come to worship the infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, and all-powerful God. It’s not a ball game. We are not gathering together simply to meet with friends, or to hear a man speak. We are corporately entering into the presence of God. We have become way to casual and careless. People give more thought when they are meeting with earthly dignitaries. God help us to remember that worship is a holy undertaking. Let’s give God our very best attention. I want people to come as they are, but I want them also to realize Who it is they are coming to worship, and I also want to see them leave a little more conformed to His image. I think this “seeker sensitive” thing has gotten way out of hand. Should we not be a little more “Saviour sensitive”.
Posted in Thoughts from Exodus by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Quit Griping!
Today’s Passage – Exodus 13 – 15 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 3 – 4; Proverbs 24; Psalms 116 – 120
Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 19
“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” – (Exodus 15:1)
“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” – (Exodus 15:24)
Exodus 15 is an amazing chapter of Scripture, which demonstrates the fickle nature of God’s children. The first 21 verses, which comprises more that three-fourths of the chapter is the record of God’s people singing, dancing, and praising Him for the great miracle that He had done in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. Specifically, they are praising God and thanking Him for parting the Red Sea so that they could pass through on dry ground. You will remember, the Egyptians tried to follow them and that same sea closed up upon them and drowned them. The people of God were thrilled that God took away the water so that they could travel to other side. Now, at the end of the chapter, they are complaining that there is no water. First they want the water to go away, and then they want it back again. You just can’t make these Israelites happy, can you? I am kidding, of course; but I do want to point out the tendency that Israel had (and we have today) to forget about all of God’s past blessings by griping about some apparent injustice that seemed to be taking place in the present. Here, they begin to think that God delivered them from Egypt only to kill them with dehydration in the wilderness. Absurd! That big God that they were worshipping in the beginning of the chapter all of sudden got smaller when the people got a little thirsty.
I find that we are no different today. We sometimes see God do wonderful things in our lives, and from that mountaintop we offer up to Him praise and worship. But then when God allows a little testing to come our way, our attitude changes completely. Our view of God seems to be based solely upon what He does for us. When we are getting popcorn, bubble gum, and ice cream, God is good; but when God says that we should eat a little broccoli because it’s what we need at the time, God becomes some mean ogre. We act like little children in the nursery, don’t we? Let’s grow up! Let’s mature in our faith to the point where we trust God completely. God is good when the circumstances in life are great; but God is also good when things are not going as we would like them to. God is always good. He loves us. He says He will never leave us; never forsake us. He has our very best interests at heart. Trust Him even when you don’t understand; and whatever you do, don’t gripe. Griping is perhaps the most predominant cause of death in the Old Testament. I am not saying that you should not bring your concerns and burdens to Him. There is a big difference between a prayer request and a complaint. Let’s get to the point in our Christian walk where we can praise Him even in the dark days. Remember, there are others out there that have it worse than you. God is not just good, He is awesome. Learn to wait on Him. He will deliver you if you will simply trust Him, obey, and be patient.
Look, we are all really good at spotting problems, but instead of murmuring, why don’t we try becoming part of a solution. We can pray, and we can work to make the situation better. Anybody can complain, and they often do; but it takes a person of true character to actually make a difference.
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:” – (Philippians 2:14)
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You’re Free To Go
Today’s Passage – Exodus 10 – 12
“And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.” – (Exodus 10:3)
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:” – (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – (Mark 16:15)
Moses made the demand to Pharaoh that the people of God must be let go, but notice that the reason that God wanted them free was so that they could serve their Lord. Why is it that free people so often neglect the freedom that they have been given by God and use in the service of the King of Kings. We live in America, and here we are free here to preach the Bible openly to whoever will listen, but for the most part we keep silent. Peter wrote that we are to use our freedom as the servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States)
Take full advantage of the freedom that you have been granted by God and use it to spread the good news of salvation to the people around you. It is my fear that the day is coming soon that this liberty that we enjoy today may be taken away, and then we will want to serve God, but we will be banned from doing so. Assemble now with God’s people in the church house; serve the Lord with gladness; testify of His goodness and glory; win souls – do it now, while you are still free to do so!
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Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Exodus 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 15 – 16; Proverbs 22; Psalms 106 – 110
Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
Read last year’s special guest post – “I Don’t Wanna” by Melissa Dilley
The Study of Women in the Bible
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA
“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.” (1Kings 10:1-11)
The Queen of Sheba, was a woman of great wealth, beauty and power. She heard about Solomon, the king of Israel, the man who appeared to be rich and full of wisdom. His fame was known throughout the East. The world consulted Solomon, to hear the wisdom God had put into his heart. The Queen knew in her heart she must go see the king to see if these things were true. So she got ready a caravan and started on her long trip. She had many questions that Solomon answered. Later they exchanged gifts and the Queen returned to her home.
My thoughts from this passage is that the Queen held a high position, and yet she was humble. Humble enough that she admitted openly that there was someone who had greater wisdom and she want to learn about it. Many times we too have areas where we are in charge of something. We know how everything should be. We are working towards that goal and have it down pat. But there are times when someone may come along with a better way to achieve that goal. The Queen ruled her kingdom and had it all under control. But she wanted to know if what she was hearing was true and learn how she could apply this wisdom so she could rule wiser.
As women, we grow up under the guide of our father. Later in life we marry and are in subjection to our husband. When with others ladies, we want control. If God gave you a task, and someone has a better suggestion, will you be humble enough to take her advice? But you say “I’m in charge of that”. The Queen was in charge of her kingdom, but learned from Solomon. Lets us follow the example of the Queen of Sheba, be humble, take advice, and learn from others.
Thank You
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
The Call of God
Today’s Passage – Exodus 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 11 – 12; Proverbs 20; Psalms 96 – 100
Scripture Memorization for January – Philippians 3
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1
Read – “Make Your Priorities a Priority – Be a Clutter Buster, part 3“, by Pastor Chappell
Read a previous post from this passage – “Growing Through Affliction”
“And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.”(Exodus 3:4)
Forgive me for reminiscing a little this morning, but when I read this passage of Scripture dealing with the call of God to Moses, I can’t help but remember the times that I heard clearly the voice of God as He was directing my life. The times that I will share with you happened after I had already trusted Christ as my Saviour, and after I was also already serving Him and growing in Him the best I knew how through my local church. Notice in the passage that Moses also had to get close to God in order for him to hear God’s call.
The first time in my life that I felt God call me was when I was attending a evening service back at Ocean County Baptist Church nearly 20 years ago. I was probably 25 years old at the time and had only been a Christian at that point for a short while. Anyway, we had a guest missionary speaker that night. I must confess that I do not remember the preacher’s name, or the place where he was a missionary. I don’t even remember his message title or text. What I do remember, however, was his invitation. It went something like this: “If God were to call you to do something, and He were to make it clear to you that it was His will, would you surrender?” To me, that was a no brainer. The man was not asking me to surrender to some specific place or ministry at that moment; he was merely posing the possibility of a call, and asking what my response would be. I went forward, and frankly I thought the entire congregation would have walked the aisle with me; but when I got up after praying, I was shocked to see that there was only two of us up at the front. At that time in my life, I had no idea what God might do with me; but I told Him that night that I was willing to go “if” He were to call me. I often think back on that moment as the beginning point of God directing me to where I am today.
The second time, I heard God’s call clearly was when He called me to go to Bible College. I had already been to college once, and I was perfectly content with just serving with my pastor at my home church while I learned what I needed to know there. I remember my pastor and I agreeing that I should take some correspondance classes so that I would not have to uproot my family and go off to school. God, however, had other plans. While I was attending a conference down in Longview, Texas, God revealed clearly to me that He wanted me to be trained at Texas Baptist College. I do not regret that move for one minute. God taught me much there; but the main thing that He taught me was how to trust Him.
The third time I heard the voice of God in my life was when God called me to be the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church. I never candidated at any other church. I really didn’t even candidate here. God, through a very miraculous set of circumstances, placed me here. That was almost ten years ago now and one thing is for sure, knowing that I was genuinely “called of God” has been the thing that has kept me going for this past decade. There have been many blessings along the way; and there have also been some difficult days; but I know that I am exactly where God wants me. The certainty of God’s call is what helps keep me going.
Posted in Thoughts from Exodus by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Which Way Are You Going? – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Good morning. Do you already have it fixed in your mind what you are doing today? Which way are you going? Are you following someone else? Are you going your own way? If you’re a Trekkie, are you boldly going where no man has gone before? Where are you going? Blind Bartimaeus wasn’t going anywhere: he was just sitting and begging on the side of the road. From the spot where he sat, blind Bartimaeus had to decide which way he should go. In Mark chapter 10, the Bible says: “And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:46-52).
Bartimaeus was blind. He had a need: the need to see. Which way would he go? Would he just stay on the side of the road begging, or would he take action to resolve his need? Which way would he go? He decided to be proactive and cried out to Jesus for mercy. Many people who were there told him to shut-up and sit down. Would he go with the flow and give up?
Which way would he go? He cried out even more, Jesus stopped and called for blind Bartimaeus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. Which way would he go now that he could see? He followed Jesus.
We have had our eyes opened. Which way are we going to go? You can follow people who think they can spend their way out of debt. You can follow people who take away you defense rifles, your hard-earned money, and your freedom. Which way will you go? Blind Bartimaeus had to make that decision. His eyes were opened and he followed Jesus. Which way will you go? There is still hope for America. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14).
Peace. (2Chronicles 7:14).
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Passed the Test
Today’s Passage – Genesis 43 – 44
(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Proverbs 17; Psalms 81 – 85
“Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.” – (Genesis 44:33-34)
Joseph’s brothers, especially Judah, demonstrated to Joseph in this passage of Scripture that they had truly repented of the sin that they had committed in selling Joseph into slavery. Joseph put them to the test, and they passed. Joseph had to be sure that his brother Benjamin would be safe from his other brothers. After all, they did sell Joseph; how did he know that Benjamin wasn’t their next target. By putting his cup in Benjamin’s sack, Joseph had made sure that Benjamin would be staying with him in Egypt. Now all he had to do was wait and see what the other brothers would do. If they did the right thing, he would know that they had truly changed, but if they did not do the right thing, then at least Joseph would still have his brother Benjamin.
Judah, the third son, takes the lead in this dilemma. He is the one that speaks on behalf of the family, and he offers to take the place of Benjamin as Joseph’s servant. He explains to Joseph that if they did not return to their father with Benjamin, that the father would be overcome with grief. Joseph could not bear the thought of hurting his father, and since the brothers have come clean regarding their sin, and have demonstrated that they are not the same men that were, he will come clean with them, and reveal himself to them; and best of all, he forgives them.
I can’t wait until we get to the next chapter where Joseph will tell his brothers who he really is. And then will come the reunion with Dad! Great Stuff!
Posted in Thoughts from Genesis by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Lead on Softly
Today’s Passage –Genesis 33 – 35
(Second Milers also read –Matthew 25 – 26; Proverbs 13; Psalms 61 – 65)
“And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.” – (Genesis 33:13-14)
In our passage today, Jacob and his large family are travelling back to the land of Canaan, and when they are almost to their destination they meet up with Jacob’s brother, Esau. Jacob was initially afraid to meet up with his brother because when he had last seen Esau 20 years prior, they were not on good terms. However, it seems that all is well between them, and now they will both travel along the same route to the land that God gave their grandfather, Abraham. The problem is that Esau is travelling with 400 men, and Jacob is travelling with his family, including women and small children; and he also has his livestock with him. Jacob knew that he could not keep the same pace as Esau, so he sent Esau on ahead. Jacob told his brother that he will “lead on softly”, at a slower pace, so that he would not put too much strain upon his family.
There is a wonderful lesson that can be learned from this story. Jacob knew that the people that he was leading weren’t capable of doing what Esau’s men could do, so he didn’t try to force them to perform at a level that was beyond their ability at that point. As a preacher, I have had to learn (sometimes the hard way), that all of the people at our church are not the same. They all have different gifts and abilities, and they are all at different stages of growth. It would be wrong for me to expect a babe in Christ to act as spiritually mature as someone that has been saved and growing for many years. Similarly, I should not expect someone to perform in some capacity that is beyond their God-given ability. Everyone is unique. However, I do want to offer opportunities to our people that will challenge, and stretch them, but I must be careful not to put too much upon them. I thank God that He has been very patient with me, and has developed me on a timetable that was uniquely designed for me.
Parents need to learn this lesson as well. We shouldn’t compare our children because they are all different. Some will develop faster than others. They will all have their own individual strengths and weaknesses. We need to pray daily for wisdom from God as to what each of our children need at the level they are at today. Someday, they may be travelling with a band of 400 men, but for now we may have to “lead on softly”.
Posted in Thoughts from Genesis by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Proverbs 12:19 – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Good morning. The Bible says, “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19). Compromise, political correctness, bumper stickers telling us to co-exist: they are all lies. It almost seems that who ever has the most believable lie wins: his lie becomes truth. There can be only one truth. Compromise or political correctness, anything that varies from the truth is a lie. Where does this tendency to lie come from? Jesus told the Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” (John 8:44-45).
Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Here is a statement: “All politicians are liars.”
Add some political correctness, and you get: “Politicians sometimes may stretch the truth.”
It may be stretched, but it’s still truth. No. It’s a lie. And do you know why politicians lie? Is it to get more money? Maybe. Is it to keep their jobs? Could be. Is it for more power? Ahh! You may be on to something. Let me give you a quote from a famous SOCIALIST about truth and lies…
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” – Joseph Goebbels. He was the Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945.
I am so glad we don’t have to rely on politicians for truth. We have God’s Word, the King James Bible as our source of truth. And we have the Holy Spirit living inside us who will show us what truth is.
Peace! (John 4:24).
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.