The Saturday Morning Post – Be Not Afraid, Only Believe
Today’s Passage – Mark 4 – 5 (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 – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Read the “1018 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.” (Mark 5:21-24)
“While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:35-42)
Good morning. A ruler of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came to ask the Lord to help his daughter who was near death. And as they went to the house. certain people came from Jairus’s house, and told him, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?”
I know how I felt when our daughter Melissa died. And Jairus was about to learn more about the God he served in the synagogue.
1) Notice that when Jairus was in need, he went straight to the Lord. Jesus said…
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
2) Notice that Jesus and Jairus walked together, and that Jesus was with Jairus when he received the news of his daughter’s death…
“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5:36)
Jesus was there to give Jairus words of comfort, hope, and faith: Be not afraid, only believe. And Jairus continued on walking with Jesus in faith: believing.
3) Notice that when you walk in the truth, people will criticize.
“And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn…” (Mark 5:38-40)
People criticize because they don’t understand. They don’t know what the only True, Living God can do. They need to know…
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
They need to hear…
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
They need to be born again…
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John3:3-7)
And…
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)
Then they will understand. And that brings us to the last thing Jairus learned from being with Jesus…
Jesus took…
“…the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:40-42)
4) Notice that where Jesus is, there is Life!
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John10:10)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
So, when problems arise, go to Jesus. He will never leave you nor forsake you. People will criticize you for your stand on the Lord. But in the end, He gives you life. Be not afraid, only believe.
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – But Whom Say Ye That I Am?
Today’s Passage – Matthew 16 – 18 (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 – Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32
Read another post from this passage – “The Coin is in the Fishes’ Mouth”
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)
Good morning. The World knows who Jesus Christ is. Exodus chapter 20 contains God’s Ten Commandments. In verse 7 we find the third commandment…
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
I have never heard someone say Buddah darnit. Or somebody stub there toe and start chanting: harri-krishner, harri-lama, while holding his foot and dancing around on one leg. Jehovah False Witnesses know Him as Michael the archangel. The Mormons know Him as the product of physical intercourse between God the Father, and the virgin Mary. Hulk Hogan calls Him the Man Upstairs. The Beatles thought they were more popular than Him. Islam recognizes Him as a great prophet, but not as God in the flesh. He is Ian Anderson’s buddy (Jethro Tull): who says they will both put on their cordaroy pants, go down to the mall, and overturn the tables of bluegenes. But whom say ye that I am?
He is the Creator – John 1:3.
He is the Living Word of God – John 1:1-2, 14.
He is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:15.
He is the Alpha and Omega: the Beginning and the End: the First and the Last – Revelation 22:13.
And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6.
He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords – 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16.
He is Christ the Lord – Luke 2:11
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post – Stubble
Today’s Passage – Malachi 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 – Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)
Read the “1004 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 4:1-3)
Good morning. Did you ever see stubble burn? Stubble burns very quickly and we use it to get a campfire going. And if you look at the definition of the word ‘stubble’, it means, “The short stalks left in a field after the crops have been harvested.”
The wicked are as stubble. Solomon warned his son to stay away from the wicked in Proverbs 4…
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” (Proverbs 4:14-17)
There is going to be a great harvest someday. All that is left on the earth will be stubble. But, did you know that a seed can be planted directly into the stubble, and it will bring forth a new plant?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2Peter 3:9-13)
“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelations 7:13-17)
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post – The Window To The Soul
Today’s Passage – Nahum 1 – 3 (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 – Revelation 10 – 12; Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 27)
Read the “0927 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.” (Nahum 1:2-8)
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23)
Good morning. I get chills whenever I think about some of the things my eyes have seen. What do people see when they look me in the eye? I would hope they see light. Sometimes you can see the evil in a person. You can see the darkness, the demonic possesion in the eyes of Bin Laden as he watches the World Trade Center come crashing down on 9/11. You can see the darkness in the eyes of Charles Manson while being interviewed about the Sharron/Tate murders. You can see it in the eyes of Adolf Hitler, as he gloates over his conquest of Europe. You may be able to see it in the eyes of the ISIS Executioner. I haven’t been able to find a clear enough picture yet, but I’m sure the darkness is there. As long as they continue the way they are going. the darkness will pursue them.
“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.” (John 8:44)
A tear comes to my eye as I think about the darkness that is pursuing our nation. And we have nobody to run to for protection. Our nation has rejected God, and God is allowing the devil to reign terror, and destruction on our nation. Romans 1 gives a complete description of our trouble…
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32)
A good description of America today. You can’t even trust your government leaders to tell the truth. There is only one solution…
“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelations 22:7. 12-13, 20-21)
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – God Is Still On The Throne
Today’s Passage – Hosea 8 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read –1 Peter 1 – 5; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)
Read the “0920 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” (Hosea 8:14)
Good morning. God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things. I always wanted to use that opening line from South West Radio Church. In our verse, we find that Israel has forgotten God, but God is still on the throne. Judah thinks having a large amount of fenced cities will protect him from the God he to has forgotten about. But God is still on the throne. God is till on the throne, and in complete control. And God is getting ready to send fire upon the temples of Israel, and the fenced cities of Judah. God IS still on the throne, but also: prayer changes things.
“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)
Because God is still on the throne, and prayer still changes things.
America has forgotten it’s Maker. America has forgotten God. They teach that there is no God. And they build fenced cities, but Homeland Security will not protect them because God is still on the throne, but prayer changes things. America has all of it’s idols on TV. But God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things.
“If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.” (Jeremiah 18:8)
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – America. America
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 44 – 46 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – 1 Timothy 4 – 6; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Read the “0913 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” (Proverbs 13:24)
Good morning. America, where is the brotherhood from sea to shining sea? When a child in a wheelchair (12 years old with cerebral palsy) is attacked by two others (they could also be as young as 12) and robbed, I have to say something. An EMT was indicted for stealing the victim’s credit card during an emergency call. Or how about the dad accused of killing his five children. There is a reflection on the parents of the young muggers, the thief, and the accused murderer that is not good. The Bible says…
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)
Did they drop the ball? Did you know it is LEGAL to spank you children in New Jersey? Just remember, you are trying to train up your child, not kill him or her. Did you ever see the Handicap Parking Only sign? There is usually a sign below it that reads Penalty $250-First Offense. Subsequent Offenses $250 Minimum And/Or Up To 90 Days Community Service. Tow Away Zone. Now you know what the penalties are. Now you need to decide if you will pay the price for breaking the law. Train up a child in the way he should go. So…
1) Get a paddle and a Sharpie, or other permanent marker.
2) Sit down with your better half and discuss what offenses your child is committing, and what the penalties should be.
3) Write on the back of the paddle: CRIME……….PUNISHMENT
4) Write the list you made also…
Stealing………………….2 swats
Lying……………………..2 swats
Fighting……………………2 swats
Bad Language…………….2 swats
Tantrums………….,,,,….4 swats, etc.
5) Sit down with you child and explain that this is what you will get if you do this. He now knows the price he will have to pay if he is disobedient, and SO DO YOU. You need to train your child, you need to follow through with the punishment. The judge is not going to say to you, “Well, I understand it was raining, and you didn’t want to ruin your new hairdo. And that you were only going to be in the store for a minute. Case dismissed.” No. The judge will say, “First offense: $250. Pay the bailiff.” If you don’t follow through, your child will think he can get away with anything.
6) After the first offense and punishment, explain to your child that the penalty for that offense is going up one swat: from two to three. Also explain that you are doing this for his own good; to keep him out of the detention center, and maybe, even jail.
7) Tell him that you love him, and he will always be your baby.
That’s what an earthly father or mother should do. What do you think your Heavenly Father should do when He hears His name spoken in vain. His laws removed from the government He put together through His Word. Innocent babies sacrificed to Baal in disguise as abortions. What would you think your Heavenly Father would do when His churches bring false teachings and false doctrines?
“And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations. And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves. Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. And the Levitates that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.” (Ezekiel 44:6-10)
Look around, America, it is not a pretty site. And the solution is right in front of us. Run to God. Confess that we have done wrong. Ask the LORD for His forgiveness and help…
“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.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – How Far Has America Fallen?
Today’s Passage – Lamentations 4 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – 1 Corinthians 9 – 12; Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 30)
Read the “0830 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
NOTE ON PHOTO: As far as I can see the McDonald’s Happy Meal Ouija Board is not being offered by McDonald’s. It is the work of artist Newt Clements from Los Angeles, CA, who works with a multitude of media to create art.
“Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows. We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities. Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth deliver us out of their hand. We gat our bread with the peril of our lives because of the sword of the wilderness. Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine. They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah. Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured. They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood. The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick. The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it. Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation. Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us.” (Lamentations 5)
Good morning. My wife showed me that picture, and I said, “You have to be kidding me! How far has America fallen?” When I read Lamentations chapter 5, I could see the parallel between Israel and the United States. When our forefathers built this nation, they wanted it to be “one nation under God.” But gradually we have pushed God out of the way, to make room for other gods. We did not listen to the preachers of old when they preached against radio, TV, movies, sex outside of marriage, sodomy, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Our Fathers did not listen, and neither did we. Now we are paying the price: same sex marriages, loss of freedom, lack of truth, and loss of family values. Our forefathers are probably rolling over in their graves.” Or, they cry out as the souls in Revelation 6:9-10…
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10)
How far has America fallen, and what can we do about it?
1) Realize that we have sinned. Think about the church at Ephesus who lost their first love, and needed to do the first works again. Think about what David said in Psalm 51…
“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalm 51:1-4)
We failed to pass on our forefathers warnings, and give those around us the gospel message. We have sinned in not doing the first works: getting the gospel out and fulfilling the Great Commission. Do the first works.
2) Pray and confess that we have sinned.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1John 1:7-10)
3) Ask God for His mercy which endureth forever because He knows that we have sinned.
“Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.” (Lamentations 5:21)
Then do the first works.
?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.”Peace. (2Chronicles 7:14)
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post – What Will You Do With God’s Word?
Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 33 – 36 (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 – Acts 25 – 28; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)
Read the “0823 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them. And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words. And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth? Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book. Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be. And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king. So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king. Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him. And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.” (Jeremiah 36:14-25)
Good morning. It may be cool where you are this morning, even damp from rain. What would you think if I threw a NIV bible on the fire? Would that heat thing up a bit. How about a New King James, or any of the newer bibles that call God Father/Mother? As the title of a book once said, “Things That Are Different Are Not The Same.” There is only on preserved Word of God for English speaking people: The King James Bible. There can only be one truth, everything else would be a lie. How do you feel about the Word of God? The king had very little regard for God’s Word. As God’s Word was being read to him, he would cut a piece off and throw it in the fire. How could he do that? How would he know the truth contained in God’s Word?
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
How would he know to do the right thing without the Word of God?
“…Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” (Psalm 119:9-16)
How would he have hope?
“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.” (Psalm 119:74)
“…My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” (Psalm 119:81)
“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” (Psalm 119:114)
How would he find comfort, joy, and rejoicing?
“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” (Psalm 119:50)
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and trying to destroy God’s Word was not a wise move on the part of the king. Are not those who pervert the Word of God making the same unwise move? Is this the same unwise move that America has been making for years? Seeing the results of raising godless children who don’t fear God, or care what the Word of God says, do we let them go on killing each other, or teach them in the way they should go? Stand on the Truth. Stand on the King James Bible.
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post – Going Down
Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Acts 4 – 6; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Read the “0816 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.” (Jeremiah 8:5)
Good morning. Here are some statistics for you to read while having your breakfast. These are approximate, and for the United States, in 2022…
There were 630,000 deaths from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (5,000 in 2012).
There were 22,820 deaths from Homicides (16,238 in 2012).
There were 49,300 deaths from Suicides (30,000 in 2012).
There were 1,048,710 deaths of Aborted Babies (1,210,000 in 2012).
There were 13,000 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which represents over one-third of all driving fatalities (10,322 in 2012).
There were 107,000 deaths from drug overdoses (41,502 in 2012).
And there were 1,200,000 deaths by Natural Causes (1,480,000 in 2012).
Well, praise the LORD there was a decrease in abortions. And there is a decrease in death by natural causes, but that is only because STD deaths, Homicides, and Suicides have increased. America is on a downward spiral. It is going down, getting further away from God and closer to Hell. Why? For the same reason Jerusalem did: because of their perpetual backsliding: they hold fast to deceit, and refuse to return to God and His ways. But…
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
But we hold fast to deceit, and refuse to return to God. There are 630,000 deaths from Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Did you know that the virus that causes AIDS is so small that it can easily slip through the pores of your “protection?” It also is possible for the AIDS virus to live outside the body for several weeks. Although no AIDS cases have been linked to outside body contact, it would be better to be safe than sorry. The Bible says…
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God…” (1Thesselonians 4:3-5)
There are 22,830 deaths from Homicides. And we can see by what the Bible says about the first Homicide, the murder of Able by his brother Cain. Cain wanted to worship God with the works of his hands, Able worshiped God with a blood sacrifice…
“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:3-8)
Cain refused to return to the ways of God, and in his anger, murdered his brother. Maybe if we as parents, here in the USA, discipline our children the way we should, and train them up in the way they should go, they would understand that there is a penalty to pay for their rebellious actions.
There are 49,300 deaths from Suicides. All over America, millions were saddened by the death of Robin Williams in 2014. Maybe if someone had told him about Jesus he would not have been in such despair as to take his own life. Jesus said…
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 1633)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
There are 1,048,710 deaths of Aborted Babies in the U.S. per year. One is too many. Babies are not just a blob of flesh turning into a baby inside of you. They are living human beings,
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.” (Luke 1:39-44)
And then there are 1.2 million deaths by Natural Causes in 2022. This is the only one that should exist: all the others are brought on because of the the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Death by natural causes is because we are all sinners; and the wages of sin is death…
“Wherefore, as by one man [ADAM] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…” (Romans 5:12)
If you do not fall victim to any of the crimes mentioned above, you will die of natural causes: sin. There is only one cure for sin: the Lord Jesus Christ. What you do with Him will determine where you will spend eternity.
“And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:8-13)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
America does not have to go down, but it chooses to do so by holding fast to deceit, and refusing to return to God and His ways. But there is always hope. As Yogi Bearer said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
God says…
“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.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post – There Is No God But Our God
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 44 – 47 (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 – John 11 – 12; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)
Read the “0809 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)
There is no God, but our God. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; the First and the Last; the Beginning and the End.
“Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:8)
Our Great God who chooses to use His people to be witnesses of His great power.
“I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:5-6)
The Loving God who supplies our every need. There is nothing that can compare to the One True God.
“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:18)
The Almighty God who created everything, and has the power to sustain His creation. There is none else.
“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:21-22)
The Only God who left His home in Heaven, and put on flesh, was born of a virgin, and shed His blood to pay the price for the sins of the world. He is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He is Jesus Christ.
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…” (Isaiah 46:9)
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.