Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Nov 2nd The Saturday Morning Post – Faith As A Mustard Seed

Today’s Passages – Luke 17 – 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 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

Good morning. When the Lord returns to earth, will He find faith when He looks at you or me, or anybody? Will the Lord be pleased? Without faith it is impossible to please Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we ask God for things in prayer, the evidence appears in the form of an answer to those prayers. God gives us something to ask Him for, then He answers by granting the request: God is the beginning and the end of our faith, and everything in between. The disciples wanted to please God, so they asked for an increase in their faith…

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6).

Jesus compared the Kingdom of God as a mustard seed…

“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” (Mark 4:30-32).

Consider this…

I am a mustard seed. I am nothing on my own: just a seed only 1 to 2mm in diameter. But, plant me in the ground and give me fertilizer, and water; after 3 to 10 days, I start to germinate. My roots stretch deep into the soil looking for nutrients, and water; while my leaf breaks through the surface to bask in the light of the sun. I grow from the smallest of seeds to the mightiest of all the herbs of God’s creation. I am a mustard seed.

Also, consider this…

I am a human being. I was created in God’s image, but I am nothing on my own; just a person with a soul, and a dead spirit. But, give me the gospel, and the chance to receive Jesus as my Saviour and I become a new creature. My dead spirit is quickened: made alive. My eyes search God’s Word for His will for my life. I grow spiritually. I bask in His love, and the light of His Word. I go from being dead to being alive; from being lost and now found. I am saved. I am a Christian.

We all have to start somewhere: we need to start with Jesus for without Him we could do nothing (see John 15:5). When we hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit tells us we need to believe it and be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9, John 15:26, Acts 16:19-34). We become a new creature, a child of God (see 2Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26). It is all by faith; it is all by Jesus, God the Son: He is the author and finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2).

So Christian, let me ask you again: will the Lord find faith when He returns to earth? As His return comes closer, and the devil’s time grows shorter, what little faith we have may be shaken. Proverbs 3 tells us to:

“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)

God is in control. He knew about all the ups, and the downs you have had, have, or will have in your life. He already has the solution to your problems, all of them. Trust Him. Believe Him. Have faith in Him.

Peace.

Oct 29th Jairus’ Daughter

A Picture of Jesus’ Compassion for All People

Today’s Passage – Luke 8 – 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 – Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 29

Read the “1029 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “No Turning Back“

“40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. 41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.” (Luke 8:40-42)

In today’s passage, we read about a man who was a “ruler of the synagogue,” which means that he was a prominent member of the Jewish community, and likely was well respected by religious authorities of Judaism. These people were typically not fans of the Lord Jesus, though there were some who followed Jesus, somewhat secretly, such as Nicodemus (John 3). However, this man, Jairus, had a great need. His twelve-year-old daughter was very sick and close to dying. He had probably gone to the best physicians to get her help and had no doubt enlisted the prayers of his religious friends; all to no avail. He heard about a man named Jesus who claimed to be the Messiah; a man that he heard was a threat to Judaism from his superiors and peers within Judaism. Yet, this man Jesus was helping people, even healing people, and represented a hope for his daughter that no other source provided. He humbly came to Jesus, humbly, and begged for his help.

While Jesus was on the way to help Jairus’ daughter, another person who also needed Jesus’ help stopped him and prevented Him from getting to Jairus’ daughter before she died (vs. 43 – 48).

“43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. (Luke 8: 43 – 48)

During the delay, Jairus gets word that his daughter had died (v. 49).

49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. (Luke 8:49)

Imagine how he must have felt? I bet that he was very upset with the woman who caused the delay. After all, he had gotten to Jesus first. He probably was a little upset with Jesus for stopping to help this woman. Yet, Jesus assures him that everything would be OK, if he just had faith (v. 50).

50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. (Luke 8:50)

Jesus then goes to Jairus’ house and to the great relief and joy of her family, Jesus raises her from the dead (vs. 51 – 55) 

51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.” (Luke 8:51-55)

This man, Jairus, who probably would have had nothing to do with Jesus, became a believer because he had a great need that only Jesus could meet. It is interesting that Jesus will draw people from all walks of life for many different reasons. Certainly, many of the people who became followers of Jesus, especially in those early years were followers of God through Judaism and were already believers in a coming Messiah, and when Jesus came on the scene, they recognized Him very quickly. However, there were others who were drawn to Jesus from surprising places. In today’s reading, we heard about Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2), a woman who was devil-possessed; and Joanna, a woman whose husband worked for Herod Antipas, who was an enemy of the followers of Jesus (Luke 8:3). In yesterday’s reading, we learned about a Roman centurion who sent to Jesus to get help for his servant who was also ready to die (Luke 7:1 – 10). In Luke nineteen, we will learn about Zacchaeus, the chief of the publicans, who sought out Jesus and then Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house.

By the way, though many of these folks sought out Jesus, we know also that Jesus specifically went after some people, like the woman at the well from John 4. He stated that he “must needs go through Samaria.” He was a mission to meet up with a woman with a very sordid and sinful background to give the living water of salvation.  

All kinds of people come to Jesus, and they all come for their own unique reasons; individual needs that only Jesus can meet. We should not be surprised when we see people coming into our churches who are not stereotypical churchgoers, and that is awesome. Let’s welcome the people who God is drawing to Jesus, and let us be ready to introduce them to the only One who can fix their problems and fill that empty place in their heart that only Jesus can fill. And let’s also be sure to take the Gospel of Christ to all people in every place. All the world (κόσμον from κόσμος – kosmos – governments and geography – Mark 16:15) and all nations (ἔθνη from ἔθνος – ethnos – ethnic groups – Matthew 28:19) need to hear the good news that Jesus Christ came to earth to die on the Cross for their sins. 

Oct 26th The Saturday Morning Post – The Curse Causeless

Today’s Passage – Luke 2 – 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 – Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 26

“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:1-6)

Good morning. Isn’t it great that ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God. But take a look at our nation. When I look, I have to ask when LORD? Everyone knows who the Lord Jesus Christ is. They call out His name every day. They use His name as a curse or as slang. They see Him as a false prophet, as a good man, even as a baby in a manger, or hanging on the cross. They don’t see Him as Almighty God, the Creator of everything, LORD of Lords and KING of Kings. They have heard of Him, but they don’t know Him. Besides that, with our busy lives, who has time for religion? Like the Bible says in todays Proverb…

“As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” (Proverbs 26:2)

Below are three pledges that we teach our children in our school: Jersey Shore Baptist Academy.

“I pledge allegiance

to the flag

of the United States of America,

And to the republic

for which it stands.

One nation,

under God,

indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.”

“I pledge allegiance

to the Christian flag

and to the Saviour,

for whose kingdom it stands.

One Saviour,

crucified,

risen,

and coming again,

with life and liberty to all who believe.”

“I pledge allegiance

to the Bible:

God’s Holy Word.

I will make it a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

I will hide it’s words in my heart that I might not sin against God.”

These are the three pledges that we start every school day with. We want our students to know that (whether the Nazi-Commie-Socialist-Liberals like it or not) this is one nation under God. And that there is only One Saviour, who is coming again with life and liberty to all who believe. Our children must also understand God’s Holy Word, and hide it’s words in their hearts that they might not sin against God. We want them to learn these things, apply them to their lives. You see, somewhere along the way, we Christians dropped the ball. We have allowed those we have elected to take the Bible out of public schools, to take the Ten Commandments out of Government buildings (maybe that’s why there is so much corruption: they no longer have any guidelines to follow). New Jersey is allowing gay couples to marry. God calls homosexuality an abomination. And this ‘marriage’ is a mockery of the love that Jesus has for His church. What about abortion? Our elected officials want to allow abortions at any time during the pregnancy. We have dropped the ball, and let them get away with reducing this once great nation into a soon to be third-world nation (no offense meant to any third-world nation).

So what can we do? The same thing God told Solomon after the dedication of the temple…

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 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.” (2Chronicals 7:12-14)

Our land needs healing: we need to get back to being one nation under God (not false gods).

Peace.

Oct 19th The Saturday Morning Post – Out Of The Heart

Today’s Passage – Mark 6 – 7 (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 91 – 95; Proverbs 19

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 19

Read former posts from this pasage – “Don’t Lose the Personal Touch” & “Politicians”

“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 7:20-23)

Good morning. In our passage from Mark chapter 7, Jesus is explaining that the things that defile you come from within: from the heart. Jesus said…

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:34-35)

What is coming out of your heart? Is it good, or is it evil treasure. Does your treasure hurt or help others: do you lift them up, or do you tear them down? Does gossip build up or tear down? Do you direct your anger at others or the actual source of your anger? Are you bothered by evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, or foolishness? There is hope; in Jesus there is always hope. First…

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2Corinthians 13:5)

There was a time when I was not sure of my salvation. I was at Texas Baptist College for only a couple of months. I gave Dr. Gray, my pastor at Longview Baptist Temple, a letter explaining my situation. He gave me the best advice I ever received. During the evening service, at the invitation, he called me up front to pray with me. Before we prayed he told me, “…I can’t tell you if you are saved or not. But if you aren’t 100% sure, you need to take care of it.”

So on July 23, 1995, at the evening service in Longview Baptist Temple, at the invitation, I called on Jesus to save me. I am 100% sure of my salvation, and have been since then. The devil has tried to shake me up with past sins a few times, but I know I’m saved. And this is the same advice I’m giving you: if you are not 100% sure, take care of it. Now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Ask Jesus into your heart. Would you rather have people see Jesus coming from your heart, or would you like them to see the evil things coming out? Take care of your heart…

“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)

Secondly, remember…

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2Corinthians 5:17-21)

We become a new creature in Christ: one who has given Jesus their sins, and received His righteousness. This is why Jesus told the Jews, if their righteousness did not exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees, they could not enter the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:20). You, me. or the Pharisees will not make it into heaven with our own righteousness: we need God’s righteousness: freely available to all who come to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:1-10)

Lastly, in Joshua chapter 7, Israel went up against the small city of Ai. They lost, and ran away from their enemies…

“And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.” (Joshua 7:5-13)

God told Joshua to get up and fix it. We need to do the same thing. If we sin (which we will) we need to confess it…

“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)

If someone sins against you, confront them and take care of it: be reconciled…

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

As Jesus made His way to Calvary, there were many people around Him. Some cried out in anger. Some hit Him. Some ripped off His beard. Some spit on Him. And some wept. What would be coming out of your heart?

Peace.

Oct 12th The Saturday Morning Post – Your Minister

Today’s Passage – Matthew 19 – 21 (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 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

(Matthew 20:25-28) “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. (26) But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; (27) And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: (28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Good morning. Jesus said, in the above passage, “…and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus, God Almighty in flesh, came to earth to minister to us. He is our example, and we should be striving to emulate Him. God the Son submitted Himself to God the Father’s will. This is what Jesus said about the Father’s will…

(John 6:37-40) “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (39) 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. (40) 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.”

If you are looking for the will of God for your life, to start, be a servant: a minister for the Lord. As a student, be a servant to your Sunday School teacher. As a Sunday School teacher, be a servant to your students and the Sunday School Director. Director of whatever ministries the Lord has entrusted you with, deacons, assistant pastors; be a servant to those given to your charge and your pastor. As a pastor, be a servant to all those who the Lord has given you. If we all do this we will be ministering to our Lord Jesus Christ. And if God Almighty could wash the feet of men, why can’t we do the same?

(John 13:3-17) “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; (4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. (5) After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (6) Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (7) Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. (8) Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (9) Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. (10) Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all (11) For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. (12) So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? (13) Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. (14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (17) If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

What is your attitude towards your sister or brother in Christ? The Greek word for minister is the root word: Diakonos. This is the same word we get deacon from. A minister is one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master. If we as Christians were more like Jesus, maybe the world would want to receive Him too, and stop chasing after false gods and religions like Islam, Buddhists, Secular Humanism, Baal, and any other false god you can think of.

Peace!

Oct 5th The Saturday Morning Post – Beating The Devil

Today’s Passage –Matthew 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 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)

(Matthew 4:1-11) “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (5) Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (6) And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (7) Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (8) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Good morning. We have an adversary who loves to make trouble for us. He is the father of lies. He is so stuck up on himself that he pictures himself as a god. He hates God, and he hates God’s creation: us. But there are a few things we can do to defeat our already defeated foe.

1) Remember that God is in control.

Think about Job, and everything the devil put him through. God put a limit on what he could do to Job…

(Job 1:6-12) “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And Job lost his children and all he had. The next attack fell on Job, but God spared his life.

(Job 2:3-6) “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (4) And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (5) But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. (6) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

But the devil is strong, and may be hard for you to defeat whatever he is doing in your life. You need help…

2) You need to ask Jesus into your heart and be saved.

Solomon said…

(Ecclesiastes 4:12) “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

If you are saved, God is your Father, and you have Jesus, and you have the Holy Spirit, and a threefold cord is not easily broken: and God can’t be broken. In Matthew 4:1-11, our opening verses, we see the devil’s attack on Jesus: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

3) Know your Bible.

Every time the devil tempted Jesus, the Lord delivered a knockout punch with the Word of God. The apostle John said…

(1John 5:13) “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.

When you get save, you become a child of God. He loves you and will never cast you out. Jesus said…

(John 6:37-40) “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

(39) 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. (40) 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.

You have nothing to fear if Heaven is your home.

Peace.

Sep 28th The Saturday Morning Post – It Gets Worse, But Has A Happy Ending

Today’s Passage – Habakkuk 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 13 – 16; Psalms 136 – 140; Proverbs 28)

Read the “0928 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

(Habakkuk 3:17-19) “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: (18) Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (19) The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Good morning. We are in Quartzsite, Arizona, at the time of this post. We were almost out of food and provisions. On the way in we found an Aldi. When we food shop back in New Jersey, Aldi’s, is the first place we go. And we usually spend under $100. This stop was $250! Now we did buy a few extra things as we will be boon docking in the desert for a while, but still $150 more than usual? When we first started shopping at Aldi’s, we spent about $70. Gradually this went up and up. But God is good…

(Philippians 4:19) “But my God shall supply all your need according. to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

God is good to His children. If you’re not saved, you need to get saved.

(Acts 16:26-32) “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. (27) And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. (28) But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. (29) Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, (30) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”

You see…

(2Peter 3:9) “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.”

The best thing you can do is rely on the Lord. Trust Him to supply your need as He said He would. Put your trust in the Lord, He will not let you down. Let me tell you what happened to Jesus, in His own home town…

(Matthew 13:54-58) “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? (55) Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (56) And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? (57) And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. (58) And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.“

Trust God. He is the only way we can get through the mess in our country that is coming.

Peace! (But only when Jesus comes.)

Sep 27th A Stronghold in Times of Trouble

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)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 4:7 & 8

Read the “0927 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s reading in Nahum – “What Are You Thinking?” and “Whose Side Are You On?“

“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. … The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” (Nahum 1:3, 7)

Some facts about Nahum:

This book is the prophecy of the judgment of God upon Nineveh, which was fulfilled in 612 BC. You will remember that Jonah had previously been called upon to preach to the people of Nineveh. His message, though very short, was basically the same thing that Nahum preached in much greater detail:

“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” – (Jonah 3:4)

Jonah didn’t cry out to the people of Nineveh to repent, he just told them that judgment was on its way. However, the people of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah; but apparently, they did not repent at the preaching of Nahum, though Nahum’s actual message regarding the judgment of Nineveh was much longer. Though the pronouncement of judgment was against Ninevah, the actual message was given to Judah.

We do not know a great deal about Nahum, whose name means “comfort” or “compassion”, except that he was an Elkoshite. We really are not sure where Elkosh is located. Some have stated that there was a town called Elkosh (Al Qosh) in Assyria, just to the north of Nineveh, which could mean that Nahum was one of the exiles from the northern kingdom. Others have claimed that Elkosh was located in what was left of the northern kingdom of Israel, near Capernaum, though by this time, Israel was no more. Most are convinced that whether or not Nahum was originally from the Elkosh of Galilee in the northern kingdom, he lived in Judah during the time of his prophecy. Some even claim that there was also a village called Elkosh in the southern kingdom.

The time of the writing is a little easier to figure out. Nahum refers in the past tense to the destruction and captivity of the city of No (Hebrew – No Amon, Egyptian name – Thebes), which the historians tell us took place in 663 BC. The actual fall of Nineveh is recorded to have taken place in 612 BC; so, it is safe to assume that Nahum wrote in-between these two events (663 – 612 BC), during the reigns of wicked kings Manasseh and Amon, and good King Josiah. More than likely, it was written earlier in that period when Assyria was still strong and Judah was very weak. During King Josiah’s reign Assyria was weakening and Judah was strong (at least spiritually) If the earlier date is right, Nahum may have personally witnessed the fall of Samaria and Sennacherib’s attempted siege on Jerusalem, which would make him contemporary with Isaiah and Micah. If Nahum lived closer to the time of Josiah he would have been contemporary with the prophets Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.

Nineveh had repented at the preaching Jonah, but had quickly reverted back to their cruelty toward the people of God, along with the committing of immorality and idolatry.  The religious idolatry in Nineveh and Assyria had negatively influenced both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom.

Nineveh was a very proud nation that was about to be brought low by God. The downfall of Assyria would bring great comfort to the people of Judah as Assyria had been harassing them for quite some time. Judah never felt safe as long as the threat of Assyria was looming over them. Some would wish that this Book of judgment was not part of the Canon because it seems to go against the message of love, but this Book paints a wonderful picture of God’s final removal of evil in a sin-cursed world. The city of Ninevah was destroyed by King Nabopolassar and his son, Nubuchadnezzar, of Babylon in 612 BC. Nineveh was thought to be impenetrable with walls 100 feet high, and a surrounding moat that was 150 feet wide and 60 feet deep.

Thoughts from the Passage:

Notice two very important facts about our God from Nahum 1:3 & 7:

1. God is very patient with people. This applies to both the Lost world as well as those that belong to Him. God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). God was patient with Nineveh. He sent Jonah to warn them and He postponed the destruction of the city because they heeded Jonah’s warning. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), and He certainly does not want to punish His own children; but He will correct us for His glory and our good.
2. The Lord is good. Whenever things get crazy in your world, just remind yourself of that fact. Whenever your feelings tell you that God does not care about your situation, remember that He is always good, and He knows those who trust in Him. Not only does He know you, He loves you and cares deeply for you.

We are living in a time where craziness and chaos is increasing, and it appears as if the Lord is pulling back His hand of protection and provision from our nation. But if you belong to Him: if you are His child through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have absolutely nothing to fear. He knows you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Stuff may get worse in our world, but the Christian can be comforted in knowing that God will shield him (Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 84:11) from the brunt of what the world is facing. Why? Because He is a stronghold in the day of trouble.

Sep 21st The Saturday Morning Post – Make America Great Again

Today’s Passage – Joel 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 – 2 Peter 1 – 3; Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)

Read the “Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

(Joel 2:1-11) “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (2) A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (3) A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. (4) The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. (5) Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. (6) Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. (7) They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: (8) Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. (9) They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. (10) The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: (11) And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Good morning. How is that coffee you’re drinking? Are you able to afford eggs and bacon for your breakfast too? Are you sick of all the high prices that you have to pay? Are you fed up with the homosexual movement, or schools teaching your sons that they can be girls, and your daughters, boys? God made you just the way He wanted you. Who are you to tell a perfect God that He is wrong? Sin has spread all across our nation. How do you expect God to bless. America will never be great again as long as there is sin in the camp. When He comes back, do you thing He will be happy with what He sees? No, He will not.

(Joel 2:12-13) Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: (13) And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

(2Chronicles 7:14) “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.”

(Joel 2:18-19) “Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. (19) Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:”

(Joel 2:28-32) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (30) And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. (31) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. (32) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.”

So if you want to make America great again, tell others about Jesus.

Peace.