You Are What You Eat? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage –Leviticus 11 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 5 – 6; Proverbs 6; Psalms 31 – 35)
Read the “0206 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.” (Leviticus 11:21-23)
“And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey…” (Mark 1:6)
Good morning. Have you had breakfast yet? And I don’t mean to “bug” you about this, but did you know it was okay to eat locusts if you were Jewish. The Jewish dietary laws were strict, but locust is on the menu. Look at the picture above. The Greek New Testament word for locust means: as pointed, or as lighting [LANDING] on the top of vegetation. But God doesn’t make mistakes. Did you know that locusts are 50% to 60% protein and only 12% fat? And the fat breaks down to 44% saturated fat, and 54% unsaturated fat (2% other). As a plus, the carbohydrates are very low making them great for the Atkins Diet. Some people describe cooked locust as similar to smoky flavored bacon and reasonably tasty. And, like I said, God doesn’t make mistakes: He wanted His children to have a well balanced diet of things that were good for them.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.” (Leviticus 11:1-3)
“These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.” (Leviticus 11:9)
It would appear that the fowls of the air that you could not eat were scavengers: they ate the remains of dead creatures. And all this seams to be a good thing if you want a healthy diet. Just remember that we, as Christians are not under the Law, we were given these guidelines…
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (Acts 15:28-29)
And remember Peter’s vision…
“On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (Acts 10:9-15)
In case you would like to try, here are some recipes from the United Nations’ website…
Tinjiya (Tswana recipe): remove the wings and hindlegs of the locusts, and boil in a little water until soft. Add salt, if desired, and a little fat and fry until brown. Serve with cooked, dried mealies (corn).
Sikonyane (Swazi recipe): prepare embers and roast the whole locust on the embers. Remove head, wings, and legs, in other words, only the breast part is eaten. The South Sotho people use locusts especially as food for travellers. The heads and last joint of the hindlegs are broken off and the rest laid on the coals to roast. The roasted locusts are ground on a grinding stone to a fine powder. This powder can be kept for long periods of time and is taken along on a journey. Dried locusts are also prepared for the winter months. The legs, when dried, are especially relished for their pleasant taste.
Cambodia: take several dozen locust adults, preferably females, slit the abdomen lengthwise and stuff a peanut inside. Then lightly grill the locusts in a wok or hot frying pan, adding a little oil and salt to taste. Be careful not to overcook or burn them.
Barbecue (grilled): prepare the embers or charcoal. Place about one dozen locusts on a skewer, stabbing each through the center of the abdomen. If you only want to eat the abdomen, then you may want to take off the legs or wings either before or after cooking. Several skewers of locusts may be required for each person. Place the skewers above the hot embers and grill while turning continuously to avoid burning the locusts until they become golden brown.
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 3 comments.
Do As Your Told … by Gerald Hicks II
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 8 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 3 – 4; Proverbs 5; Psalms 26 – 30)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Joshua 1:8
Read the “0205 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “Strange Fire.“
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.” (Leviticus 8:1-5)
The Lord gave a command for Moses to follow and he did as he was told.
“And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.” (Leviticus 9:6)
Moses then explained to Aaron and his sons what God commanded him to tell and show them so they could follow suit, and what would be the result if they listened to the Lord’s command.
“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:22-24)
The thought for this morning is to simply trust and obey the Lord God, Our Maker, Sustainer, and Friend.
Sounds simple?
But yet we make listening to Him more complicated than it needs to be.
Constantly hearing this is happening, this is going on, this is coming down the pike, look out for this not, knowing what’s true or not.
The feel of everything in our world, specifically our country, our churches Just feels strange, feels off balance, feels unknown, just wondering what’s going to happen next.
I want to remind you of a few things that we can never forget:
- Let’s never forget Who sits on the throne in Heaven above
- Let’s never forget Who’s not feeling strange or uncertain
- Let’s never forget Who ALWAYS knows the unknown!
One thing I keep coming across either from praying with others or just thinking from time to time
Is that right now as Christians , in this world right now, in this America we are living in: we need wisdom! God’s wisdom!
Every time I consider the word wisdom
I think of this acronym:
When
I
Stop
Depending
On
Myself
When I stop relying on my strength, my power , my abilities, my intuition and words and wit to figure out and do everything my way or what I think is the best way
And rely fully upon Him and His Words – applying His will to my life — those are the wisest options we have at our disposal!
We know our country is in rough shape but hey let’s pick ourselves up as Pastor Erickson says by our boot straps and keep pressing on — keep going — keep serving — keep doing what’s right — keep living for the Lord
4. Let’s never forget THERE IS A REMEDY
And His name is Jesus Christ!
this is a wake up call obviously the Lord knew we needed in America spiritually speaking — maybe to get us gospel centered — being more gospel minded — I don’t know
This is our time to wake up!
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Does America need to hit Rock bottom? I hope not obviously.. but Maybe it’s what America needs! I have no idea and it’s not our job to try to figure out God — His ways are not our ways – His thoughts are not our thoughts – it’s our job to just listen and do as we have been told — trust and obey
5. Let’s never forget Who saved us and what He called us to do
That’s a living a Spirit led life
That’s getting the gospel out
How concerned are we really with these concepts?
6. Let’s never forget the Mighty God we worship
Praise Jesus!!
Aren’t you glad you’re saved!?
In the midst of the storms and distractions around us!
Aren’t you glad you have a calling on your life!
We have a mission!
Our Saviour saw us worthy enough to take on a task so awesome, so powerful — to tell people about Him!
Praise God!
Keep going.
Don’t quit.
Trust Him!
Posted in Devotions by Gerald Hicks with 3 comments.
Acknowledging God … by Ashley Acosta
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 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 – Luke 23 – 24; Proverbs 3; Psalms 16 – 20)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
I want to take a detour today into Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5, 6 are very familiar verses to us as Christians. They were some of the first verses I learned as a child, and have helped shape my Christian walk for years. I turn to them often when I feel confused about the future, or not sure what decisions to make. God recently has opened my heart to something in these 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)
I want to focus on the end of verse 5, and beginning of verse 6. “…and lean not unto thine own understanding.” We do get understanding from the Bible, but Solomon is referring to “our” understanding, not wisdom that God has given us. Where did we get this understanding from? We were born into this world with none, so how have we adopted so much of “our” knowledge. Our understanding has come over time from education, experiences, peers, family, social media, news, or even celebrities. Our understanding is worldly and fleshly. Why are we leaning on this worldly and fleshly understanding? Have you ever stood in line at an amusement park on a hot summer day? You lean on the railings, or your friends because you’re so tired of standing. No matter how hard you try to get relief nothing works. Why do we lean on unreliable, faulty things? Priscilla Jane Owens penned the great hymn that says it perfectly
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul. Steadfast and sure while the billows role, fastened to the rock which cannot move, Grounded FIRM and DEEP in the saviors love.”
This brings me to the beginning of verse 6, and the main truth that God has showed me:
“In all thy ways acknowledge him.” (Proverbs 3:6a)
If on Sunday Morning, we all attended church and as Pastor got up to preach we all walked out of the building one by one, I think Pastor would be very confused and hurt. If we all decided that we didn’t acknowledge his position in our congregation, unfortunately he would have to leave and we would have to vote in a new pastor. A definition for acknowledgment is: “to recognize the rights or authority of.” Do I acknowledge God’s position? I have always seen that as acknowledging his presence, but am I acknowledging him as God? If his own children aren’t acknowledging him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, during this important time in America, how will others acknowledge him? I have been so convicted by this. Is God not God? Is he on the throne or isn’t he? When we lean on our own understanding, we are literally not acknowledging God as God. We are saying no Lord you aren’t powerful; you aren’t mighty, you aren’t all knowing. We are taking him out of his rightful place.
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)
“Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)
“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” (Psalm 62:11)
The verse goes onto to say, and he shall direct thy paths. I think the future gets a lot clearer when we acknowledge God as God, and put him back in his rightful place.
My prayer is: “Lord, I acknowledge your power, I acknowledge your wisdom, I acknowledge your infinite mind, your all healing hands, your almighty truth. You. Are. God.
Posted in Devotions by Ashley Acosta with 3 comments.
The Heart-Stirred and Wise-Hearted Servant by Issan Acosta
Today’s Passage – Exodus 36 – 38 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 19 – 20; Proverbs 1; Psalms 6 – 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: Exodus 36:1-2
When I read this passage of scripture the first thing that comes to mind was my first Winter Camp a couple of months after I got saved. Brother Charlie Clark was preaching the last message of camp on the topic of “Living for God”. That night, I surrendered my life to the Lord. I did not want to waste my life away pursuing treasures on earth. From that night forward my heart was stirred for the work of the Lord, much like Bez’aleel, Aho’liab and the men mentioned in Exodus 36:2.
In chapter 36, we see God continuing to give Moses instruction on the the design of the tabernacle: the curtains, the boards and the veils to be specific. This spectacular structure that would be assembled and disassembled as they wandered in the wilderness was the Lord’s dwelling place and was not any ordinary tent that was to be put up. I would like to focus your attention this morning to verses 1 and 2 of chapter 36. God used men that had these two key characteristics for the work of the Lord:
Wise-hearted- It is so easy to serve the Lord in the capacity of our own understanding and way. We get accustomed to it and learn that we can get by with it well through out our Christian life. As servants of the Lord it is critical that we ask the Lord for wisdom when we are serving and working for him.
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
Very early in ministering for the Lord I learned that not every problem and issue we may come across has a cookie cutter solution to it. A saw and a utility knife are both important tools to a carpenter, but they both can yield very different results depending on how and when they are used. When was the last time you asked God to give you wisdom when ministering for him?
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established Proverbs 24:3
A Stirred Heart – The fumes of going through the motions in serving the Lord will only get you so far before your flesh, the devil and the world tell you to call it quits. The best fuel for serving the Lord is a stirred heart. I can tell you from experience that it is very difficult for your heart to be stirred for the work of the Lord when you are living for yourself and are spiritually anemic. Spending time with the Lord in his word and through prayer is key to developing a heart that is stirred for the work of the Lord. Serving God with a stirred heart takes the pressures off of ourselves and allows us to give God the Glory!
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2
Posted in Devotions by issan.acosta with 4 comments.
Truth Or Consequences – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Exodus 30 – 32 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 15 – 16; Proverbs 30; Psalms 146 – 150
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold… …And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.” (Exodus 32:31 & 35)
Good morning. Have you ever noticed that when you sin there is always a price to pay? The price may not manifest itself right away, but it will eventually get there. And how soon we forget. In Genesis chapter 32, we find that Moses had gone up to mount Sinai and was communing with the LORD. He was gone a long time, and the people corrupted themselves. They gave Aaron gold, and he made them a golden calf, a false god, an idol to worship instead of worshiping the only true, living God. The result: around three thousand men were killed by the swords of the Levites, and the LORD plagued the people.
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” (Psalm 115:1-8)
The first and second commandments tell us…
“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6)
Jesus told us that He is the Way. Jesus is the Truth. And Jesus is the Life: the way to life is only through Jesus, and that’s the truth! When we try other ways, other than the Truth, there are consequences…
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32)
Yes, the wages of sin is still death. That is the consequence of not believing the Truth. But…
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
“But 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)
The Bible calls out what is the Truth and how you can know Him and be st free no matter what the circumstances…
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:12-13)
Know the Truth or suffer the consequences.
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
I’ll Handle It – by Phil Erickson Jr.
Today’s Passage – Exodus 22 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 8 – 9; Proverbs 27; Psalms 126 – 130)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 51:11
Read the “0127 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Every time I read about the children of Israel wandering through the desert, and I read about them obeying God, then disobeying God. Back and forth, back and forth. Doing right, doing wrong. I get flashbacks of my childhood. I think back to my dad telling me to do something, or how to do something, and I would do it how I was supposed to for a little while. Then, I would decide that my way was better, and it would all fall apart. I can still hear my dad saying, “Phil, would you please just listen to what I tell you to do.” In Exodus 24:20 – 33, God is telling the people that He will take care of everything for them. Whatever they might come up against, He would handle it. They would just need to be patient and trust Him to do what He said He would do.
I’ll Handle It
Exodus 23:20-22 – Behold, I will send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions:for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
God assured them that He would take care of any enemy, any obstacle, any sickness. He would make sure they had food and water. He made sure they would live longer. He even made sure that their enemies would be so afraid of them, that when the enemy heard they were coming, they would turn their backs and run. In verse 28, He said they wouldn’t even have to fight! He would send hornets in ahead of them to drive out their enemies. But…He asked them to…
Be Patient and Trust Me
Exodus 23:29-30 – I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
Even if the people of Israel had obeyed everything God had commanded, He wasn’t going to give them everything all at once. Even though they might have wanted everything all at once, God knew they wouldn’t be able to handle it. They needed time to increase in number and strength. They didn’t have enough people to handle all of what God had planned for them. He also knew that spiritually they needed some time to grow. From verse 20 through the end of the chapter, He warns them, a few times, not to turn to the gods of their enemies (Which they had a habit of doing).
God has greater things planned for your life and mine than we can ever possibly imagine. He tells us that what He has for us is greater than we could ever ask or think. But He wants us to trust Him. So often, we don’t trust God and try to handle things on our own. And much like the younger me with my dad, God is looking down saying, “Why don’t you just do what I ask you to do?” Or, we start to trust Him, but we get impatient. We have to trust that if things aren’t happening as fast as we would like, that He probably has a really good reason for it. Know that He’ll handle it, be patient, and trust Him.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson Jr. with 5 comments.
How Big Is Your Jesus? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Exodus 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 1 – 2; Proverbs 23; Psalms 111 – 115)
Read the “0123 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.” (Exodus 12:3-4)
Good morning! How big is Jesus, the Lamb of God, to you? Is He only big enough for you? Or, is He big enough to share? He is the Passover Lamb. He is the Lamb that shed His blood to pay for our sins. And He is the One who gave us the Great Commission.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
How big is your Jesus? He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He would have to be very big to do that. So you need to share Him with your neighbor. Then our neighbor will share Jesus with his neighbor, and his neighbor with his neighbor. Before you know it the whole neighborhood is saved. And then the whole city or town is saved. Then the county. Then the state. Then the nation! Can you imagine what living in the United States would be like if it turned back to God?!
It could happen. But we need to start someplace. Have you told your neighbor yet?
“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.
Calling the Midwife
Today’s Passage – Exodus 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 11 – 12; Proverbs 20; Psalms 96 – 100)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121
Read the “0120 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
[Exo 1:7-17 KJV] 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we: 10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land. 11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour. 15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one [was] Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. (Exodus 1:7 – 17)
In the above passage we read that the king of Egypt was threatened by the growing number of Gods people. He tried treating them poorly and increasing the load of labor but the more the people were afflicted, the more they multiplied. This made the king of Egypt increasingly angry, he had to think of something. He went to the midwives and instructed them to kill any male child of the Israelites that was born. Now, I want to pause for a moment and reflect on the absurdity of this command. I’m sure, at the time, there were many that thought “what a great idea, these people will overtake us if they aren’t stopped”, “it is for our best”, “If the king said it, he must know something we don’t and we should just follow”. In Hindsight, we can all see this is absolutely of Satan and absolutely absurd. Regardless, this was the king’s command. This was now the “law” for the midwives to follow. V.17 But the midwives feared God and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them but saved the men children alive.
I would like to focus in on the midwives in this story. Perhaps, because I have given birth 3 times, these midwives really stood out to me. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. With each of my children, I was delivered by a midwife. They delivered my child to me, if I didn’t have a midwife, things could have gone very differently, and my children may not have been delivered in good health or delivered into my arms at all. Once I entered the hospital, it was the midwives responsibility to safely deliver my child. The midwives in this passage of scripture had a very hard choice to make. They were COMMANDED by the king(the law) to kill these male children upon delivery. But they feared the Lord and chose instead to do what was right.
This is where the conviction set in, for me. If you think about it, we as Christians are called to deliver sinners to their Heavenly Father. Are we not, in a sense, midwives in the spiritual hospital of this world? Is it not our job to bring the lost to Christ? How are we doing? Because lately, we have been told “stay away from people”, “don’t fellowship”, “fear talking to people”, “Church isn’t safe”. We have been handed a commandment by “the kings” and we are laying down and giving in.” It is for our best” , “ if the kings said it, it must be for our good”. If you can’t see that what is going on in the world today is a spiritual attack on the hearts of mankind than you need to take another look.
I cannot help but think of the verse in Proverbs, “There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” How many times over the past year have we cried “there is a virus in the way; a virus is in the streets”. “We cant go to church, there is a lion in the way”, “ I cant witness, there is a lion”. I AM CONVICTED. Maybe you are all good Christians and haven’t struggled with this, maybe you are witnessing more than ever, and “delivering” the babes to Christ, but I know I haven’t been. I know that I have fallen prey to “obeying the laws of man” over the Law that God has given. Please don’t mistake me for saying the virus isn’t real and dangerous for some. It is. (so are lions) But we must recognize that there is a much larger Pandemic in the world and one we are ignoring.
If the Midwives obeyed the king, the story would be vastly different. And if we don’t start fearing the Lord over man, the story will be vastly different for many ,many lost souls out there. Now, more than ever, the world needs Midwives, helping to deliver them to Christ. Will you be the one that fears the Lord and takes a stand?
20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. (Exodus 1:20 – 21)
God will take care of you, just do what He wants you to do.
Posted in Devotions by Samantha Mears with 5 comments.
Living for God’s Plan by Justin Mears
Today’s Passage – Genesis 45 – 47 (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)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – James 4:10
Read a previous post from this passage – “The Big Picture”
“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:5)
When I read this passage and see Joseph’s mindset, I can’t help but wonder how a man who had been wronged by so many people could have had such great peace? How could he even care for his brothers after what they had done to him? Even to say such words to them like: “don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves.” After a lot of thought and consideration I believe there are at least three characteristics of Joseph that helped him move through the storms of life with unshattered faith in God and His plan.
1st – Joseph was living for something bigger than himself. Before he was ever thrown in the pit, sold into slavery, or put in prison, he wanted to serve God, which made him a faithful servant to everyone he found himself under the authority of. He recognized that he was just a vessel in God’s grand plan.
“These [are] the generations of Jacob. Joseph, [being] seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad [was] with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” (Genesis 37:2)
2nd – He saw the spiritual before the physical. He recognized that it was not any person that put him in Potiphar’s house, or prison, but God who sent him there. He knew it was the calling of God on his life that placed him in these predicaments. He realized it wasn’t about blaming anyone. He understood it wasn’t what he saw but instead what he couldn’t see.
“[There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
3rd – He had the ability to be content in any situation that God put him in. Every time the plans changed, he changed. He actually excelled and flourished in every circumstance. He was adaptable. He didn’t spend time trying to alter his circumstances or wallow in the misery of them. He recognized God’s will was moving him and it was time to adapt.
“And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.” (Genesis 39:3)
Has God placed some undesirable circumstances in you life? How are we handling it? Does your desire to live for God come before everything else? Are we living for something bigger than ourselves?
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Are we seeing things with the eyes of faith? Or are we getting caught up with all the things that we see. Are we remembering the spiritual warfare or are we getting distracted by the winds and waves as Peter did as he walked on water to Jesus in the storm?
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].” (Ephesians 6:12)
Do you find yourself running away from the adversity or trying to hide and wait it out, or are you adapting to the challenges God has placed in your path? Are you rising to the occasion, or are you still trying to change things back to the way you want them? Can you be content and thrive in any situation God puts you in like Joseph?
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
Posted in Devotions by Justin Mears with 3 comments.
Behold, It Was A Dream – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Genesis 41 – 42 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 3 – 4; Proverbs 16; Psalms 76 – 80
Read the “0116 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass. And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean-fleshed, and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well-favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of grain came up upon one stalk, rank and good. And, behold, seven ears, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. And the thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.” (Genesis 41:1-7)
Good morning. A woman at work asked me if I believed in dreams. She had heard about God talking to people in dreams. One of the things she heard is that the dream would be the opposite of what God was trying to say. I don’t know where that one came from, unless whoever thought about it was confusing dreams with visions. (Look at 1Kings 22 to see the vision of Micaiah who was to entice king Ahab to go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, and be killed.) Micaiah agreed with Ahab’s other prophets telling him to go. Ahab knew that Micaiah was lying and Micaiah told him the vision of the lying spirit placed in the mouths of his prophets. And Ahab went up, and was killed. With Joseph, God had a plan for this dreamer.
1) God-given dreams will have purpose and line up with His Word.
“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.” (2Peter 3:9)
In order to preserve life during the seven years of famine, God’s plan was to get Joseph down to Egypt. He gave Joseph dreams that would aggravate his brothers to the point of wanting to kill him…
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” (Genesis 37:5)
“And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:19-20)
“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him; and they took him, and cast him into the pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother, our flesh. And his brethren hearkened unto him.” (Genesis 23-27)
God brought Joseph to Egypt, where he was sold as a slave. Through various circumstances, Joseph would end up in prison. But God sent the chief butler, and the chief baker there also. And they both dreamed dreams. God used their two dreams to get Joseph out of prison…
“Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker: and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.” (Genesis 41:9-14)
2. God-given dreams can be used to get you where God wants you.
Pharaoh would have never known about Joseph if God did not give him a dream which he or his magicians were not able to interpret. Joseph was set before Pharaoh as Pharaoh told Joseph the dream.
3. God-given dreams can warn you and instruct you.
“And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: what God is about to do he hath declared unto Pharaoh. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine. That is the thing which I spake unto Pharaoh: what God is about to do he hath showed unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: and there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine which followeth; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. And the food shall be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.” (Genesis 41:25-37)
In Matthew chapter 1, Joseph, Mary’s soon-to-be husband is instructed not to fear and take Mary as his wife…
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18-20)
In Matthew chapter 2, God uses dreams to warn and instruct the wise men and also Joseph (Matthew 2:12-13,19 &22).
Today we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and the complete preserved Word of God for English speaking people in the King James Bible. Does God need to use dreams today? Maybe as a catalyst to start something He needs to accomplish in your life or the lives of the others around you. But God-given dreams will have a purpose and line up with His Word; can be used to get you where God wants you; and can warn and instruct you; but so can the Holy Spirit and your Bible.
I need to go fulfill prophecy now…
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams…” (Acts 2:17)
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 2 comments.