He said WHAT!? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Reading – Nehemiah 1 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio –Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – 1 Corinthians 5 – 8; Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 30)
Read the “0530 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)
Good morning. There is an old saying from World War II: “Loose lips sink ships!” Another saying, which we ignore as adults, may be something we learned from our parents: “If you can’t say anything good about someone, don’t say anything at all.” I guess that’s why I’m the quiet type! Many church people like to hear the latest “dirt” about someone else. Some take the scorner’s route, trying to destroy ministries. Loose lips may sing ships, but God’s will is going to be done. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks, so you become a scorner, and a gossiper. I like my wife’s way of looking at gossipers: “If someone says such and such about another person, WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT YOU WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND?
In Nehemiah chapter 4, we have Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite, talking trash about the work of God rebuilding Jerusalem…
“But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
But what they did not know is that Nehemiah was praying…
“Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:4-6)
And then the scorning and gossip turned to sin in action, but God told Nehemiah what to do…
“But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.” (Nehemiah 4:7-9)
And here is what you should do…
1) If someone talks bad about you, and it’s made known to you, immediately pray for that person.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:43-46)
2) If someone talks bad about someone else to you, just tell them that they must have a problem with that person, let’s go and talk to them. They are not going to like that idea, but they will either go with you to make things right, or go look for someone else who will listen to the trash.
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
The work of God is going to go on with or without you. And the work would flow much smoother without the gossip, and scorning. If you have gossiped or scorned, take it to the Lord, and get back in the race.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)
Peace! (Proverbs 24:9)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
What AREEEEEEEEEEEE Ya Doin’? – The Saturday Morning Post
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)
Read the “0523 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.” (2Chronicles 25:1-2)
“Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.” (2 Chronicles 26:3-4)
“Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.” (2Chronicles 27:1-2)
“Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.” (2Chronicles 28:1-2)
Good morning. In today’s readings we have four kings, from four chapters, with four lessons to learn. Our first king, in 2Chronicles 25, did that which was right in the sight of the LORD. After God gave him victory over the Edomites…
“Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?” (2Chronicles 14-15)
“Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.” (2Chronicles 25:27)
The lesson we should learn here is to give God the glory…
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)
What are you doing? Uzziah, our second king, 2Chronicles 26, did that which is right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah did. He reined as king for 52 years…
“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.” (2Chronicles 26:5)
He thought he was above God’s law, and went into the temple to burn incense like the priests, but they stopped him. And Uzziah became angry with the man of God…
“Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.” (2Chronicles 19-21)
Uzziah may have thought it was a good thing to burn incense before the law, but God assigned that duty to the sons of Aaron. The lesson he should have know from Israel’s first king, king Saul, is that obedience is better than sacrifice…
“And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1Samuel 15:20-23)
What are you doing? Look at 2Chronicles chapter 27 as we see the history of Jotham, son of Uzziah…
“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.” (2Chronicles 27:2)
There may be a little something to ‘Lifestyle Evangelism’. Verse 6 says…
“So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.” (2Chronicles 27:6)
Jotham may have had a personal relationship with God, but verse 2 tells us that he never went to church, and the people were still corrupt. May be if the people saw their king going to church, they would have followed. Others are watching us. To walk the walk and not talk is wrong. You need to walk the walk and talk the talk, and your walk should match your talk…
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
The lesson he should have learned for the sake of his people was that we should not forsake the assembling together of ourselves. What are you doing? Our fourth king, of 2Chronicles 28, did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD: he did not walk with God. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. King Ahaz…
“For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.” (2Chronicles 28:2-4)
“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.” (2Chronicles 22-25)
When he died, they buried him in Jerusalem, but not with the other kings. The lesson king Ahaz should have learned: salvation is of the Lord.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Issiah 45:22)
The Word of God says we are all sinners…
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…[and] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:10 & 23)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
We see what Ahaz aught to have done. What are you doing?
Peace. (Romans 8:6)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
The Death Of Saul And The Death Of America? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 9 – 10; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)
Read the “0509 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died. So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together. And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa. And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people. And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon. And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” (1Chronicles 10:1-14)
Good morning. King Saul is dead. Why? For his transgression against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord which he kept not, and also asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the Lord. What bothers me is that the Bible says, right here in black and white, that Saul not only transgressed the Law (Saul did what he shouldn’t do), but he also did not keep the Law (Saul didn’t do what he should have done).
Election time will be coming up: watch the campaigning. Does the candidate support Israel?
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 3:1-3)
What does the candidate think about God’s Law? Should he get the Bible back into schools, government offices and courts? Do you feel the same way as David?
“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.” (Psalm 119:126)
“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (Psalm 119:136)
We need the True Living God, not some idol of stone that has ears, but can’t hear; eyes, but can’t see; a mouth, but can’t speak. Thus saith the LORD…
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22)
“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)
And God made it easy for us to be happy and blessed again…
“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)
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 32:12)
“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15)
The government is going broke, affordable health care is a joke. ISIS is waiting outside our boarders, maybe inside too. But…
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)
Peace! (Psalm 28:3)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
God’s Protection – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Click on the references to listen to the audio –Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)
Read the “0502 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.” (2Kings 19:32-37)
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3: God promising Abraham)
Good morning. With ISIS supposedly camped out in Mexico waiting to invade, it would be nice to have God’s hedge of protection on this nation again. When you touch something that belongs to God, in trying to steal it from God, you are in some serious trouble. The king of Assyria should have read Genesis before invading and trying to conquer God’s city of Jerusalem. God said that He would bless those who bless Abraham, and curse those who curse Abraham. The king of Assyria ended up dead by the hands of his two sons. We had this same protection once, until we started messing with Israel…
1991, President George H W Bush institutes his Land For Peace Plan. The result is “the Perfect Storm.” One hundred foot waves pound New England, damaging the Bush’s home and many others.
August 23, 1992, talks resume for Israel to surrender “Land for Peace.” Withing 24 hours, Hurricane Andrew hits causing $30 billion in damages to the U.S.
August 27 through September 13, 1993, Israel and the PLO work out a compromise peace plan in Washington, D.C. Our country is hit with the worst flooding in our history and $21 billion in damages.
August 25 through September 10, 2001, the U.S., Arabia, and Israel prepared the most comprehensive peace plan ever. God lifts His hand of protection, and the Twin Towers along with the Pentagon are attacked on September 11th, just before the plans were finalized. This cost the U.S. over $40 billion.
November 7 through 12, 2002, during Ramadan, President Bush hosted a dinner to honor Islam and the “revelation of God’s word in the holy Koran.” When officials flew to pressure Israel, 88 out of season tornadoes hit seven states.
In 2005, President George W. Bush pressured Israel to give up the Gaza strip. Israel did, and the next day Hurricane Katrina hit: the largest disaster in U.S. history. One million people were forced from their homes, and close to $200 billion in damages.
The United States is not mentioned in the end times, in the Bible. I would like to think that all of America was caught up in the Rapture. But this is doubtful, unless of course, America goes back to her roots and we become one nation under God again. The Bible needs to be back in schools, teach the children that life is precious: that they didn’t evolve from swamp scum: they were created in the image of the Creator. Maybe then they will stop chasing after drugs, alcohol, and stop killing themselves, or each other. The Ten Commandments need to go back in our Federal Buildings, and our Courts. Then our judges can judge righteously, and not compromise. And most of all we need to support Israel, God’s chosen people. If we stay on the same path in which we are going we will end up like Sennacherib king of Assyria: dead!
Peace! (2Chronicles 7:14)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
And What Does Your Bible Say? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 5 – 6; Proverbs 25; Psalms 121 – 125
Read the “0425 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.” (1Kings 22:5-6)
“And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country. So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.” (1Kings 22:34-38)
Good morning. Here in our passage today we have around 400 men telling the kings to go to battle against the city of Ramothgilead. Then we read towards the end of the chapter, king Ahab died in battle. The sad thing is that Ahab had access to the truth…
“And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD? And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.” (1Kings 22:14-23)
Micaiah gave Ahab the truth, yet the kings still went to battle. Do you have the truth? The King James Bible is God’s preserved Word for English speaking people. The other versions are like the 400 prophets telling Ahab to go to battle.
Let’s take a look at the New King James Version. Many are assuming that it was only the thee’s and the thou’s were changed. Thomas Nelson – the publishers of the New King James said that they’ve changed some of the old archaic words to make it easier to read. Repent has been omitted in 44 places. Blood has been omitted in 23 places. Even God has been omitted in 66 places. How could they consider any or all of these words archaic, especially God?
Do you know what Keveh is? It’s a place, a region in southeastern Anatolia, named Cilicia by the Greeks. In the NKJV the verse reads…
“Also Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price.” (1Kings 10:28)
This tells us that Solomon imported horses from Egypt and Keveh and he must have got a better deal from the Egyptians: he paid the current price in Keveh. Now, if you look at the King James Bible…
“And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.” (1Kings 10:28)
The King James Bible tells us that Solomon received horses, and linen yarn from Egypt, but had to pay for the linen yarn. So what does Keveh have to do with this? The New King James Version was copyrighted in 1979. In order to copyright something, it must be an original work. Unless Thomas Nelson Publishers made enough changes to the King James Bible, they would not be able to copyright theirs.
Let’s look at another changed word. Ezekiel 31:14 says in the NKJV…
“The waters made it grow;
Underground waters gave it height,
With their rivers running around the place where it was planted,
And sent out rivulets to all the trees of the field.” (Ezekiel 31:14)
What are rivulets? The dictionary says it is a small brook or stream. But what does that have to do with what the King James Bible says…
“To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.” (Ezekiel 31:14)
Which one is right? Things that are different are not the same. How about Syrtis Sands?
Acts 27:17 uses that in the NKJV…
“When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.” (Acts 27:17)
The Syrtis Sands are located near Lybia in the Mediterranean Sea. But why would those on the ship fear that they would hit this sand? The King James Bible explains…
“Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.” (Acts 27:17)
The King James Bible is written on a 5th grade level: it is the easiest Bible to understand. The King James Bible is the preserved Word of God for English speaking people. Why would you want one that is missing words, and has the meaning of some passages changed. And these are just a few of the many changes. If you click on the link above for the Blue Letter Bible, you can do verse comparisons with other versions. As for me, I’ll stick with the King James Bible, THE Bible. And THE Bible says…
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4)
Peace! (Proverbs 30:5)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
Have A Heart… For The Lord – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 6 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 7 – 8; Proverbs 18; Psalms 86 – 90)
Read the “0418 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:1-23)
Good morning! What’s in your heart today? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Only God can know your heart, and Jesus said in our passage above…
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)
So, you can not know what is in your heart, but by your thoughts and actions you may have an idea of what is. What can you do to have a heart for God? First: allow God’s Word to get into you…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)
Second: you get into God’s Word…
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Third: pray God’s Word…
“…for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” (Romans 10:12)
“LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:” (Psalm 10:17)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
God knows your heart, and God is the only one who can fix your heart. Trust Him, and ask Him,
Peace! (John 14:27)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
They Were Sore Displeased – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Matthew 21 – 22; Proverbs 11; Psalms 51 – 55)
Read the “0411 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:10-16)
Good morning…
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1)
Last Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, our church was jam-packed. It was exciting. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does tomorrow. The choir and congregational singing was great. The preaching, and the message of God’s Word was great. And all the children running about, having a great day at church. Jersey Shore Baptist Church was alive, and bursting at the seams. I was glad to be in the house of the Lord, but being saved, I always am. This was a similar day that they had in Matthew 21, with Jesus in the Temple.
Jesus had just finished cleaning house, casting out those who bought and sold in the Temple, and overturning the tables of the moneychangers and those who sold doves. The blind and the lame came to Jesus, and He healed them. Jesus was doing many wonderful things. The people were crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” And when the chief priests, and the scribes saw all that was going on, they were displeased.
Is your church alive like it was on that day in the Temple when Jesus came? If it is, you probably have those who will be displeased. The children yelling, the sermon being too long, or even someones favorite seat taken may upset a few. Jesus gave the answer when He said, “My house shall be called THE house of prayer.”
Pray for your church. Pray for your pastor. Pray for your Sunday School teachers. Pray for your choir. Pray that they will not be discouraged by the few who are displeased with a living, growing, church that stands on God’s Word. And pray for those who are displeased, that God would work on their hearts, and that they will understand that church is all about Jesus. And Jesus is the Life, so, wouldn’t His church be alive also?
Peace! (Revelation 7:17)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
Madness – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 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 – Matthew 7 – 8; Proverbs 4; Psalms 16 – 20
Read the “0404 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?” (1Samuel 21:10-15)
“And when he [JESUS] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.” (Matthew 8:28-32)
Good morning. Here we have two examples of madness. David made himself mad to save his life. The herd of swine went mad when possessed by devils, and they lost their lives.
Working security in a casino, on the graveyard shift, you notice many things. Mainly around the slot machines. People stare, glassy-eyed into the machine watching the numbers and symbols spin around. Their only movement is to hit the spin button. The cocktail waitresses come around serving drinks and alcohol, which being a depressant just adds to the miserable look that is on their faces. From what I understand many are regular customers: they come there all the time. Can I ask you something? Is this the kind of life you planned on having? Something happened to draw these people into the madness of gambling.
I walked by a roulette table, and saw three separate gray chips placed as bets. The wheel was turned and the ball raced around. When all was said and done, those three gray chips went to the house: that’s $15,000 ($5,000 each): that’s madness. Is there a madness in your life?
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:20-27)
I am so glad, Ive been given the opportunity to help all those with this madness, as well as other madnesses, through the Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program here at Jersey Shore Baptist. We have a slogan: “Only the Truth makes free!” We can show you from the Scriptures how to end the madness. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the only Way: every other path is a dead end. Jesus is the Truth: He doesn’t sugar-coat your problem, but will stand right by your side, and face it with you. Jesus is the Life: He will help you with your life, and keep you from throwing it away. Jesus said…
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15: 4-5)
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:8-9)
If Jesus didn’t think your life was precious, why would He allow Himself to be beaten, spit upon, whipped by a whip that had sharp bones and metal pieces that ripped right through His skin, and then be nailed to a cross shedding His precious blood for your precious soul? He is able, and will stop whatever madness you have.
Peace! (John 3:16)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
The Hand Of The Lord – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Ruth 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Revelation 7 – 9; Proverbs 28; Psalm 136 – 140)
Read the “0328 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” (Ruth 1:1-13)
Good morning. Naomi was at quite a low point in her life. Her husband died, then her two sons died. All she had left were her two daughter-in-laws. And she told her daughters. “…it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”
When things go wrong, do you blame God? I must have sinned for this to happen to me. Woe is me for the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. But we forget…
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
And that…
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
So what happened with Ruth? God had to turn her around and get her out of Moab. He needed her back home. She didn’t leave Moab when her husband died. When her two sons died, she left Moab. There was a divine appointment waiting in Bethlehemjudah. And Ruth stayed with her.
Did you know your face changes when your countenance drops, when you’re depressed?
“So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:19-21)
The people had to ask if this was Naomi. And Naomi said to call her Mara. Mara means bitter. Naomi was bitter, but she was home, and Ruth was with her. But it was all part of God’s plan. And to make a long story short…
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:13-22)
It took some sorrow to get Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehemjudah, but Ruth had to get there to meet and marry Boaz, so they could have a child, and Ruth would be the great grandmother of king David.
Are you going through something bad? Don’t blame God. Here are three verses to remember…
“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 16:33)
I’m sorry, but in this world ye SHALL have tribulation. I don’t care what the prosperity preachers tell you, believe the Bible. Tribulation is going to come. Bad things happen to good people and bad people. Maybe God is just trying to turn you in the right direction like Naomi. Just remember our second verse also…
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
That’s ALL things: the good and the bad. Bad things happen in life. But what we perceive as bad, God may be using that for His good, and our good. Before you become bitter, and blame God, go to Him with your problem. “Lord, things look pretty bleak. I don’t know why I’m going through this, but You do. Help me to understand. Show me what to do.” And that leads us to the third verses…
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trials and tribulations should not separate you from God, they should draw you closer. When bad things happen, don’t get bitter, run to God where all things work for good.
Peace! (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
Posted in The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
Lesson Learned? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Joshua 8 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – 1 Timothy 1 – 3; Proverbs 14; Psalms 66 – 70)
This Morning’s Scripture Song – 1 John 4:7 & 8
Read the “0314 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “Moldy Bread, Broken Bottles, and Old Shoes“
“And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.” (Joshua 8:33-35)
Good morning. If you are working for someone, that someone is the boss. He may want the job done in a certain way. You need to do the job his way: he is the boss. It is always good to check with the boss, and get the job done right the first time.
Joshua had a boss too, The Boss: the LORD. Joshua did not check in with the Lord before attacking Ai. If he did, the Lord would have told him not to attack Ai; take care of the sin in the camp first. Instead, they attacked, and 36 men of Israel were killed as they ran from the men of Ai.
Joshua obeyed God’s instructions in the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down. But Joshua did not know that one of his men did not. He should have checked with the LORD first. Joshua checked with the LORD, the problem was taken care of, and the LORD showed Joshua how to set up an ambush to destroy Ai. Ai was defeated. Lesson learned, right? Wrong.
“And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” (Joshua 9:3-15)
Sometimes we learn from our mistakes, sometimes we don’t. If Joshua would have checked with the LORD first he would not have had to defend Gibeon in chapter 10. God only wants what is good for you. If you want your life to run smoother, check with the LORD first. Also, when tribulation comes, and it will, remember to seek God first in what you should do.
Peace! (John 16:33)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.