Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jun 19th My Thoughts and Words

Today’s Passages – Psalms 17-20; Proverbs 19

(Second Milers – James 1 – 4; Memorize – Malachi 3:10)

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

I love the Word of God.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Book of Job; but I am also having a wonderful time each morning in the Psalms.  As I read this morning, I was captured by the beauty of Psalm 19.  Verses 1-6 are expressions of David’s worship of God.  Verses 7 – 11 are remarks that lift up the Word of God, and the reader is admonished to place a higher value on the Word of God than gold.  Great Advice!

However, the verses that really caught my attention were verses 12 – 14 where David prays to God regarding God’s help in keeping him from sin.  In verses 12 and 13, he speaks of secret sins and presumptuous sins.  The presumptuous sins are those that we do blatantly, proudly, and in public view.  David begs God’s help in the removal of these things.

Verse 14 is the prayer that all of us should have on our lips and in our hearts the moment that we awake from sleep.  How often do we violate our relationship with God by allowing evil thoughts to take hold of our meditations.  we muse on things that are clearly outside of the will of God.  Ask God to control your thought life.  The minute the devil causes you to think about something that is wrong, take it to God.  Ask Him to help you.  Purposely divert your thoughts to things that are true, honest, just, and pure, etc.  Our sin begins with the musings of our heart.

Notice also the petition regarding his words.  Oh how I wish that I could take back some of my words.  The tongue can be a consuming fire, a deadly poison.  Why not ask God to help you get your tongue under control.

I wonder how many mistakes we could have avoided in the past had we made this our prayer?  We don’t have to make the same mistake in the future.  Let God control your thought life and your tongue!

Jun 18th (No Title)

Today’s Passages – Psalms 9 – 16; Proverbs 18

(Second Milers also read – Hebrews 10 – 13; Memorize Luke 6:38)

Jun 17th A Recipe for Success

Today’s Passages – Psalms 1-8; Proverbs 17

(Second Milers also read – Hebrews 6 – 9; Memorize Luke 6:38)

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” – (Psalm 1:1-6)

The recipe for success in God’s economy is simple and sure. God says that we are to separate ourselves from the philosophies of this world; ans submerse our lives in the principles of the Word of God. It’s that simple. Notice that this psalm teaches that if we will do these things we will be fruitful and prosperous. This is a guaranteed promise from God.

Why is it that Christians do not follow this simple recipe from the Word of God?  I think that there are many reasons for this, but the one that stands out above the rest seems to be that we really do not fully believe the promise. Our sight of the substance of this world overpowers our faith in the things that are not seen. Another reason that comes to mind is that because the blessings that come as a result of our faithfulness to God and His word often only come after a time of testing, Christians often throw in the towel and follow their own instincts. But whatever the reasons may be, the fact remains that most of us never arrive at the place where we experience the level of prosperity that God promises.

Christian, let me encourage you to meditate, and even memorize this wonderful psalm. Let it be absorbed into your soul. Even more importantly, however, you should put this portion of Scripture into practice in your life. Fall in love with the Word of God, and follow its principles. Don’t be enamored with all the glitz that this world may offer you. Choose to live for the things that really matter.

Jun 12th Where Can I Find Wisdom?

Today’s Passages – Job 27-29; Proverbs 12

(Second Milers also read – 2 Thessalonians 3 – 1 Timothy 3; Memorize – Luke 6:38)

“But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12)

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28)

In today’s reading we have seen a continuation of what we have been reading for the past several days.  Job is debating with his three friends regarding his calamity: they are claiming that Job is responsible; and Job is declaring his innocence. However, in the middle of this discussion is a passage dealing with wisdom.  At first glance i wondered why God would put this teaching right in the middle of the discourse between Job and his friends regarding Job’s suffering; but then I remembered a similar teaching from the New Testament regarding trials and testing from the epistle penned by James.  Remember that James admonished us to “count it all joy” in the trials; but then he added some instruction regarding wisdom:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”(James 1:5)

Apparently there is an association between enduring trials and wisdom.  God doesn’t hold back wisdom to those who fear him and depart from evil.  Job had the wisdom of God. We know this to be true because later on when God enters into the discussion He states that Job spoke of Him the thing that is right.

If you are going through a time of testing, don’t seek the world and its counselors for wisdom: go to God.  If you fear Him and are seeking to do that which is right, God will give you the wisdom that you need to see your way through the trial.  In order for you to get to the other side you will need God’s wisdom, coupled with God’s grace.  It is apparent that Job had both of these attributes.

You can find wisdom in God’s Word. The Bible is full of the wisdom of God that will help you when you need it. You can also find wisdom from godly counselors who will take Biblical principles and help you to apply them to your situation.

May 1st (No Title)

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 16 – 17; Proverbs 1

(Second Milers also read – Luke 17 – 18; Memorize Ephesians 4:29)

Apr 30th The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Reading: 2kings 13-15, Luke 15-16, Proverbs 30

Today’s Passage: Proverbs 30:5 – Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.

Good morning. One of the first hymns that I memorized was called Standing On The Promises. We can stand on the promises of God because every one of His Words are pure. We can trust in His word. That is why that colon is there. The statement after the colon explains the statement before the colon. We can believe God: put our trust in His words because they are pure words. He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

What happens when you stop trusting? Think about it. Isn’t that when things start going wrong in your life? Isn’t that when the problems come? Most of the time we cause our own problems. Problems that God allows are for chastisement, to get our attention, or tho show us His glory and power. When we trust in His pure words, God becomes our shield: He protects us.

Are you trusting the Lord for your salvation? Jesus said, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:37-40).

We can trust God for our salvation, His pure words tell us so. How about your finances. “Oh no. He’s going to talk about tithing. I can’t afford to tithe in this economy. Gas is almost up to $4.00 per gallon!”

You can’t afford NOT to tithe in this economy. Paul bore witness of God supplying his needs, and our needs. Doesn’t Philippians 4:19 say: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”? Are you trusting God’s pure words? Is He your shield? Have you read Malachi 3:8-11 lately?

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Have you noticed the little things eating away at your paycheck? God will rebuke the devourer if you trust His pure words.

Just look at our country. We have robbed God. Not of riches, but of glory. This is a Christian nation. Our nation was built on the Word of God: pure words. And yet our leaders say this is not a Christian nation. They are steeling glory from God. Unfortunately we have to live here too. We get hit with the $4.00 per gallon of gas also. But you know what? “Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.”

Peace. (Luke 1:67-79)

Apr 30th (No Title)

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 13-15; Proverbs 30

(Second Milers also read – Luke 15 – 16; Memorize Ephesians 4:29)

Apr 26th Passing the Torch

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 1 – 3; Proverbs 26

(Second Milers also read – Luke 7 & 8; Memorize John 11:25 & 26)

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” – (2 Kings 2:9)

In chapter 2 of 2 Kings we see the account of Elijah, the mighty prophet of God being translated by God up into Heaven.  Can you imagine what it must have been like for Elijah, and even for the people who witnessed it, to see the chariot of fire come down to pick him up.  Wow!  Before Elijah left, however, he passed his mantle (garment, robe) to Elisha and with the mantle came a “double portion of [Elijah’s] spirit”.

I have a couple thoughts regarding this transition.  First I think that it is a marvelous thing that Elijah took the time to diligently mentor young Elisha.  He did not just teach him, he demonstrated through his life a man that knew God, walked with God, and was greatly used of God.  He made serving God look good.

Secondly, I think about Elisha who did not squander the training and the mentoring he received from Elijah.  He took the foundation that was given him and he used it and built upon it.  I haven’t checked it myself, but I’ve heard other preachers say that Elisha performed twice the number of recorded miracles than did Elijah.

I remember as a young Christian there were men who took time to mentor me.  There were actually many men that had a part in my training, but one man stands out above all of the rest.  Pastor Rick Wedemeyer spent time with me.  He was very patient with me.  He let me get close to him; he let me see first hand the love he had for his family and for the people of his church.  He still is a great friend and counselor to me today.  I wonder if some young Christian will say some day about me that I was a great mentor to them.  I hope so.  Why don’t you find someone, maybe a new convert, maybe a kid on the bus; and pour your life into him.  Now this is going to cost you some time and you might want to straighten yourself out first as you wouldn’t want to be the wrong kind of influence; but if you’re willing to do this, your life will continue to live on through the person you mentor after your gone.

And you young Christians:  why don’t you find some older, spiritual saint of God, and latch on to him for a while, and take what he gives you and give it to the next generation.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Apr 25th Tell Me What I Need To Hear

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 22; Proverbs 25

(Second Milers also read –  Luke 5 – 6; Memorize John 11:25 – 26)

“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. And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.” – (1 Kings 22:6-8)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” – (2 Timothy 4:3)

If you had a disease within your body that could be life threatening if left untreated, would you want a doctor who told you the truth, or would you want one who tells you what you want to hear? You would most certainly want to know the truth so that you could get the proper treatment in order to fix the problem. Why is it, however, that many people want a preacher that avoids the truth in order to “tickle the ears” of his people. In our text, this is exactly what Ahab does. He calls the 400 “prophets” who he knows will agree with him. He wants to go to war with Syria. His friend, King Jehosaphat of Judah, recommends that they get counsel from God, but instead of calling upon the one preacher that speaks the truth, he calls these other 400 who he knows will tell him what he wants to hear. The real man of God, Micaiah, when finally called upon at the insistence of Jehoshaphat, tells him the painful truth. Ahab rewards this preacher of truth buy having him thrown in jail.

Christians, we need men of God that will tell us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear. The truth will set us free. If you are church member, encourage your pastor by insisting that he gives you the Truth straight from the Word of God. Cheer him as he preaches difficult sermons. If you are a preacher, let me encourage you to be fearless, yet compassionate in your preaching. Tell them what God said, whether they appreciate it or not. Even if they don’t appreciate what you are telling them now, they probably will later. The truth is not pleasant sometimes, but it always gives the people what they need to make good decisions. You are not in a popularity contest, You are a messenger for God. The people cannot possibly make wise choices unless they have the Truth to help them.