Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

May 17th Decisions, Decisions

Today’s reading – 1 Chronicles 19 – 21

In chapter 21 of 1 Kings we see David making the worst decision of his reign as king.  He wanted the people of Israel to be numbered so that he could determine their strength in battle.  David was warned by Joab that this was a mistake, but David decided to go against the counsel of Joab and have it done anyway.  I often wondered why God was so upset about this.  It appears from the judgment He inflicted upon the nation that God was far more upset about this than He was about David’s adultery with Bathsheeba and murder of her husband Urriah.   God did not want David basing his military decisions upon the strength of his army, but rather upon the power of his God.

David’s decision caused much heartache and suffering for the people of Israel.  The pestilence that God sent caused seventy-five thousand men to die.  Can you imagine how David must have felt after having caused the death of all of those people.  The decisions of leadership have a far reaching affect don’t they?  Maybe the lesson we can learn from all of this is that we need to be very careful about our own decisions and choices.  I am positive that if David had asked God about this before doing it, God would have stopped him.  Perhaps if we would inquire of God through His Word; through prayer; and through godly counselors before making our decisions, we too could avoid much hardship; not only for ourselves, but also on those that we love and serve. 

David did get it right in the end.  He did what God told him to do to make it right.  He sacrificed an offering to God upon what would become the temple mount; the very same place that Abraham offered his son, Isaac; and the very same place that God would offer His Son, Jesus.  God was reminded of the death of His Son, and the pestilence was stayed.  When we blow it like David did; let us Go to God and ask His forgiveness; and let’s remind Him about the death of His Son Jesus for our sins.  God just may stay His hand of temporal punishment in our lives as well, just as He has promised to stay His hand of eternal judgment when we die.

May 16th Learning From Your Mistakes

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 16 – 18    (Yesterday 1 Chronicles 14 & 15)

In chapter 15 and 16 of today’s passage, we see the transport of the ark of the covenant back to where it belonged in the Tabernacle in Jerusalem.  You may remember we read earlier in Chronicles and also in 2 Samuel 6 that this was the second attempt to bring the ark back.  The first time they attempted to carry the ark back on a cart instead of the way that was clearly prescribed by God in the Law.  This mistake resulted in the death of Uzza because he put his hand on the ark to steady it.  He wasn’t supposed to touch it!

Why did Uzza die?  because he touched something he wasn’t supposed to touch.  But was it really his fault?  I guess partially it was; but I believe most of the blame fell on David for not doing things the right way the first time.  David was trying to do a great thing, but ended up causing the death of a good man.   David, however, did not let this error in judgment keep him from moving on in the will of God.  He learned from his mistakes.

As I reflect on my years of ministry for the Lord, I am reminded of the many times that I have done things (or not done things) that have resulted in people being hurt.  I have clearly blown it in many situations.  Other times, in trying to correct a problem, I have made matters worse.  I have even neglected to act on occassion hoping perhaps that the problem might go away on its own (which never happens).  It’s rather depressing to meditate upon my failures.  But I have learned this through the years:  people who make many attempts to help other people; and people who make many decisions in life, are bound to make a bad call now and then. 

So what should we do.  Keep moving forward!  Apologize for your failures, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving on.  Don’t let the Devil convince you that your service for God and for people is over.  David made a terrible mistake; but he also made it right.  He didn’t quit, and he went on to greater works than these. 

May 14th Blessings Come From The Presence Of God

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 12 & 13

And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had. (1Chronicles 13:14)

The context of today’s passage reveals that David had just been recognized by the entire nation of Israel as the king of the land.  David wanted to unify the nation even further; and he desperately wanted the blessings of God for the nation: so he sought to bring the ark back into its proper place.  While bringing the ark back to Jerusalem, the oxen stumble which caused Uzza to reach back and steady the ark.  You know the story, God kills Uzza instantly:  he was not supposed to touch the ark.  

My purpose for this writing is not to discuss what David did wrong in how he transported the ark; but rather to notice how God blessed the house of Obededom simply because the ark of God was temporarily placed in his house, under his care, for safe keeping.  The ark represented the presence of God; and God will always bless the house that has God present in it.

Is God’s presence clearly apparent in your life and family.  Perhaps there are things in your house (and mine) that quench and grieve the fullness of God’s presence.  Maybe it’s time to clean out our houses and make a home for God to dwell in; a place that God can bless abundantly; a place where God is in control.

By the way, the ark of God only physically rested in the house of Obededom for three months; but apparently Obededom wanted more of God’s presence because we read later in chapter 16 that Obededom became a porter in the house of God.  He wanted to be as close to the presence of God as he could.  How about you?  Do you desire the presence of God in your life and in your home?

May 12th Who Are The Nethinim?

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 8 – 9

As I was reeading today’s passage, I was caught by the name used in verse 2 of chapter 9, Nethinims:

Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. (1Chronicles 9:2)

I decided to do a little study on these people and I discovered that the Nethinims were a group of people that were actually slaves or servants to the Israelites. The Gibeonites were such a people (see Joshua 9). Apparently these folks were assigned to serve the Levites in the temple. These folks are mentioned by name several times, but only in two other books of the Bible: Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is apparent that the Books of the Chronicles were actually written after the captivity years, and may have actually been written by Ezra. Nevertheless, it appears that these Nethinims existed as bondservants  before the captivity, early in Israel’s history, and then chose to retain their position as servants in the temple when the Israelites returned to the land from Persia.

These Nethinims must have been a dedicated people to willingly be slaves to the God of Israel and servants to the Levites in His temple. I would like to be that kind of a servant; not the guy with the robe on who is always in front of the people but the guy who just loves and humbly serves the Lord, the Lord’s House, and the Lord’s people. Would to God we had more Nethinims today in our churches who are willing to work behind the scenes; people who are willing to quietly serve the Lord without the applause and honor of men.

May 11th (No Title)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 6 – 7

In chapter six of today’s passage we have the genealogy, and the land distribution of the families of the Levites.  Remember, the Levites were the folks ordained by God to minister for Him in the Tabernacle; and Levi was not given their own portion of land as the rest of the 11 tribes were given.  According to this chapter, the Levitical families were given cities within the borders of each of the other tribes.  This was no small number of cities either: they were given literally dozens of cities to live in.  I often wondered why God didn’t just give them a region surrounding the place where the tabernacle (and later the temple) would rest.  It would seem that it would be more convenient to live near where they primarily ministered.  Perhaps the reason God set it up this way was because that the needs of the Levites were to be met by the other tribes.  The other tribes supplied them with their food and other needs, and it was certainly more convenient for them to have some of the Levites nearby.  Apparently the families of the Levites did not all have to report to the tabernacle every day, because the distance that some of them would have to travel would render that impossible.  They must have taken turns travelling to the tabernacle to serve the Lord.  It is also evident that the tabernacle was not in Jerusalem early on.  Perhaps it was in Hebron as that was where Aaron’s sons, the priests lived.

These are just a bunch of rambling thoughts from the chapter.  This portion gives us a more accurate picture of what reality was for these servants of God.  I always thought that the entire ministry team for the tabernacle was perhaps a few dozen people who all lived right outside the entrance.  I never realized that it was a huge number of  people (perhaps several hundred thousand).  Think of the logistics of organizing this team of workers.  Think of the planning required to make sure that all of their physical needs were met. 

As our church grows in number, we will also have to expand in our ability to administrate all of the people and facilities required to facilitate that growth.  God will have to give us wisdom as to how to best accomplish this.  However, we must be prepared to change the way we do things.  Growth is a natural part of life.  We are expected to grow; but along with numerical growth will also have to be an expansion of ability and administration so that the needs of the increasing numbers of people can be met.  You can help, by asking God what he would have you do to help in this awesome task.  I believe the reason that many churches stop growing is not because they are off in doctrine; not because they don’t love the Lord, or people; but simply because they never expand their abilities in order to administrate a larger work.  They are trying to run a large church in the same way they did when the church was small.  Don’t misunderstand, many things should stay exactly the same; but unfortunately many things will by necessity have to change. 

May 10th The Prayer of Jabez

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 4 – 5 (Yesterday’s 2-3)

I am sorry about not posting yesterday.  The entire weekend was a little crazy with the Mother/Daughter Banquet on Saturday; and then all of the preparations for the Bill of Rights Spring Campaign. 

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1Chronicles 4:10)

I have got to admit that these first few chapters of 1 Chronicles are not my favorite portions of Scripture to read.  Oh, don’t misunderstand, these genealogical passages are very important, and God has good reason to include them in the Bible; but they don’t make for very interesting reading.  However, nestled in the midst of this rather dry recollection of families and names is a prayer request made by a man named Jabez.  Now we don’t know anything about this man except for this prayer which is recorded here; but we also know that God granted him that which he requested.  Let’s take a look at the prayer:

1  He prayed that God would prosper him.  He depended on God for that prosperity.  He recognized that God was the source of all blessing.  His prayer required a great deal of faith which we know is pleasing to God.

2  He prayed for protection.  Again, he knew that anything could happen to him; but he also knew that nothing could happen to him without God’s permission.  He asked God to put an hedge of protection about him.

3  He prayed for peace of mind (happiness).  Not every situation we face in life will be pleasant to us; but God’s people should be a very happy people.  We have a lot to be happy about.

I have often thought that this prayer was selfish.  He didn’t pray for others; he didn’t pray for the glory of God; he didn’t pray for the salvation of the world; he prayed for himself; and God answered him.  Maybe God likes it when we come to him in childlike faith.  I guess God enjoys blessing us.  Don’t misunderstand, I don’t think that God appreciates a spoiled brat, always begging for things they want; and always griping about what they don’t get; but I bet He enjoys blessing us.  I know I enjoy doing things for my kids, just because I love them.  Maybe, we should try praying a prayer like Jabez.

May 8th The God of Second Chances

Todays Reading – 2 Kings 25 – 1 Chronicles 1

In the closing verses of the book of 2 Kings there is a very interesting story involving King Jehoiachin.  Jehoiachim was Josiah’s grandson who took the throne when he was only eight years old and only reigned for three months.  It was during his short reign that the King of Babylon came in and took Jerusalem captive.  Though we certainly could not blame all of Jerusalem’s problems on Jehoiachin; the Bible does tell us that he was an evil king, even at eight years old.  Nevertheless Nebuchadnezzar took him captive and threw him in jail in Babylon where he stayed for 37 years. (He is now 45)

In this passage the Bible records something very remarkable.  The new king of Babylon (Evil-merodach) removes him from prison and places him in a position of honor in the kingdom.  The question I have is why?  The Bible doesn’t tell us directly, but I have a suggestion.  I believe that it is very possible that Jehoiachin got right with God when he was in prison (people often do).  He was possibly influenced by Daniel or some of the other men that were taken captive with him.  Notice the Bible tells us that he received some new garments.  I believe that could be a picture of the robe of righteousness that God gives us when we get saved.  I could be off-base on this; but since the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand, I just would like to think that God gave him a second chance with a new life .

May 7th Mind Your Own Business

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 23 – 24 

In chapter 23 of today’s passage we see the death of Josiah.  Surprisingly, Josiah did not die of natural causes; he was slain in battle.  Now the question I have is this:why would God allow a good and godly king like Josiah to be slain in battle.  Bad kings were often killed due to the judgment of God; but not good kings.  What happened?  The answer is not clear in this passage; but when we compare it with a parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 35, God tells us why. 

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who iswith me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Here we see that Josiah involved himself in something that was none of his business; and as a result, he was slain.  God never commanded Josiah to get involved in a battle between Egypt and Babylon.  Interestingly, Josiah was helping Babylon; and Babylon is the nation that later would destroy Jerusalem.  Josiah might not have realized it; but he was actually fighting against God’s will.  

When I look back at my life, I can see that many of the times that I got myself in trouble was when I interfered in things that did not pertain to me.  I should have minded my own business.  Let me encourage you, don’t meddle with things that do not belong to you.  Stay within the area God has given you; and make sure before you intervene in other people’s affairs, that you clearly have the direction of God. 

May 6th Have You Found The Book?

Todays Reading – 2 Kings 21 – 22

In chapter 22, we have the account of the great king Josiah.  I used to have debates with a good friend of mine as to who was the greatest king of Israel or Judah.  His favorite was Hezekiah; but mine was Josiah.  I like Josiah.  He started young, but he had a heart for God from the beginning of his reign until he died; and he caused God to postpone the judgment that was coming due to the sins of the kings before him.

As I mentioned already, Josiah was a good king from the start; but something happens in verses 10 and 11 that will destine him for greatness.  The men that were working on the Temple discover a copy of “the book of the law”, the Bible.  Apparently the Bible had been missing and out of use for many years because nobody seemed to even know about it at this point.  When Josiah reads it for the first time he “rent his clothes” because he knew that Israel and Judah had gotten completely away from the principles contained in “the Book”.  Once he has finished mourning over the sad state of affairs in his nation, he begins to implement in the nation all of precepts contained in the law.  He follows God with all of his heart and all of his strength; and God puts his blessings once again on the nation of Judah.

How about you?  Have you found “the Book”?  Have you discovered that “the Book” is not just a dusty decoration on your coffee table; but is a powerful source of nourishment for your hungry soul; and a bright light of direction in this dark world that we live in today.  Find your Bible; read your Bible; study your Bible; apply your Bible; and share your Bible with others. 

May 5th Special Guest Post by Gary Geiger

Todays Passage – 2 Kings 19 & 20 

A few years back I heard a message from a missionary entitled. “At Your Wits End”.  I have never forgotten that message.  After reading 2 Kings 20, I began to sympathize with Hezekiah and his sickness.  Many of you know that I personally struggle with a sickness, often times unto death.  I become paralyzed, unable to do anything but the bare minimum.  While struggling with my illness a short time ago a few things happened:  first, someone said they needed me; second, I was reminded through God’s Word about my value in the body of Christ; and third, instead of waiting for this struggle to pass, I decided to read God’s Word, and I came across this verse; 

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:5)  

God’s Word is always true.  If you are hurting inside and at your wits end, it isn’t over: God is trying to teach you something.  In our humanity, I believe we often tend to lean to our own understanding.  I do, but God understands our frame.  He knows our heart.  He feels our pain.  He wants us to turn again; to pray; and to cry.  The thief on the cross next to the Lord turned one last time and prayed to God in the flesh.  I wonder if his heart was crying to the Lord on the inside?  I wonder if he shed tears on the outside?  God healed him.  God healed Hezekiah.  God can heal you and me!!!

Gary Geiger