Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jun 23rd The Steps of a Good Man … by Paul Meyer

Today’s Reading – Psalms 36 – 39 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 1 John 1 – 5; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

Read the “0623 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Reading our passage this morning I’ve been trying my best to ruminate over the verses. I’ve heard it often said that familiarity breeds contempt, as I’ve matured as a Christian I have found myself in a way not appreciating the familiar verses as I should. There is truth and wisdom in simplicity, these few verses particularly I’ve had memorized since I was a child, but I’ve never appreciated them for how they have applied in my life. 

Theres a few things to unpack here. God concerns himself with the minute details as much as he does the big picture. I’m not sure if any of us can recall the first steps we took as a child, but those first steps have led us to where we are today. The average human will take 216,2262,500 steps in their lifetime, that is approximately 110,000 miles – enough to walk around the equator five times! Each step, though inconspicuous, has contributed to arrival at our destination. This may cause initial anxiety. What if I’m not walking in the way God has for me? What if I arrive somewhere I’m not supposed to? It’s easy for us to fear uncertainty but we can rest assured in the fact that our steps are ordered. The word, “ordered,” which is used in this verse does not mean commanded, it means organized. Remember, Psalm 23 paints the picture that the Lord is our Shepherd. A Shepherd leads the way, he doesn’t drive the herd. More importantly in leading the herd he carefully plans out the path to avoid danger. The sheep need only to heed his voice and follow his leading in order to arrive safely at their destination. This isn’t to say that trials and tribulations won’t come, but that they were not a surprise to the Shepherd. We also have a promise in the next verse: 

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:24) 

There’s two ways of approaching this verse. First, a fall is a trial and tribulation in our life. Although we stray into danger it will not utterly overcome us; the Shepherd has promised us a safe arrival at our destination. Second, a fall is a sin, despite the sin we get ourselves into through our journey, the Shepherd has promised not to forsake us and will ensure we are brought into his fold safely. Whatever application you would like to believe, rest assured that the onus for arrival is not based on the herds abilities but on the Shepherds promises. Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10, furthermore he refers to his church as his sheep. 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” – John 10:27-28 

If you are concerned with your steps there is only one piece of advice I can give – listen to the Shepherd’s voice. We have the Bible to guide us and the Holy Spirit to lead us. If you are saved, positionally you are a good man and your steps are ordered by the Lord. I pray we live each day appreciating the steps God has prepared us and listen carefully to his leading.

Jun 20th They Were Delivered – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Psalms 21 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – James 1 – 5; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Read the “0620 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.” (Psalm 22:4-5)

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” (From the Declaration of Independence)

Good morning. Why are many Americans embracing the godlessness of Socialism? Many of them don’t realize that they are loosing their freedom in doing so. Many of you may not remember, but, in 1992, the controlling government of New Jersey (Gov. James Florio (Democrat)) made the decision that eggs served in restaurants must be cooked all the way through. You lost the freedom of dipping your toast in the nice, juicy, yolk. That didn’t go over too well. That was in January of 1991, and many restaurants refused to comply. The law was gone by June 8, 1992. Even today people are complaining about social distancing and wearing a face mask. I just got back from Florida and glad I did not have to wear a face mask there until we reached Virginia. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (Democrat) appears to be dragging his heels in opening up businesses. People need something, that’s how businesses start and continue. But, you know what? Those who started this great nation trusted in God, and that God would deliver them from the evils who were suppressing them. Today I was sitting outside the RV watching the breeze go softly through the tree leaves. I thought about King David…

“Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines. David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.” (1Chronicles 14:14-16)

I thought about this for a few more minutes and then the tops of the trees started moving as a strong breeze passed by. God is going before us. He is the only one who can make things in this nation right, and once more America can be a Godly nation. Even though with the rioting and looting and burning, what can we do? Let’s take a look at Job…

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” (Job 1:1-5)

And what about Jesus…

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39)

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

We can see by the deeds of the people that many are of their father, the devil, and it is his works that they do. What can we do? Intercede for them: ask God to forgive them and open their hearts to the Truth: pray for them as Job did his sons, and Jesus does for us…

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

Only God can change a person from the inside out. We need to beg Him to remove the evil that covers our land.

Peace.

Jun 17th Choose Happiness … by Sara Scates

Today’s Reading – Psalms 1 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click hereto view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Philemon – Hebrews 4; Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Read the  “0617 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this passage – “Kiss the Son“ and “A Recipe for Success.”

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

Who doesn’t want to be happy? Many individuals spend their entire lives seeking happiness. People look to the future and see themselves being happy once they attain certain goals, or acquire certain wealth, or purchase certain things. Many, when these things don’t bring them the happiness they were longing for, then resort to substances or experiences that bring happiness, or at least a temporary escape from their unhappiness.  Unfortunately however, none of these things are the key to happiness.

Psalm 1 starts off with “Blessed is the man…”. Translated, we could replace the word blessed with happy or content. In this passage, we learn some simple truths that we can apply to live a happy, content, or blessed life.  

 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1)

This verse is instructing us on what a blessed man does NOT do. There is a way he should not walk, a path he should not stand in, and a seat he should not sit in. Staying away from these three things mentioned here will bring blessings, happiness, and contentment.  

The first instruction here is to stay away from the counsel of the ungodly.  People like to offer advice and share opinions. Well meaning individuals may have wisdom to share that seems to make sense, but is it really godly?  The world tells us what is good and what is right, but would God agree? God’s word is always the best counselor and godly counselors will always use God’s word as the basis for their counsel.  

The second thing we see here is that it is important to not stand in the way of sinners. Sinners and the righteous should not be heading in the same direction. Sometimes this means we have to take the road less traveled.  Matthew 7:13-14 states: 

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Lastly, in verse 1 we see that a blessed or happy man should not sit in the seat of the scornful. Scornful people are unhappy people. They enjoy criticizing others. Sitting in the company of people that enjoy being critical and finding faults in other people and things will not bring happiness or blessings.  

Instead, verse 2 tells us what we should seek after in order to find happiness:

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

True happiness is found in the word of God! A blessed, happy, or righteous man delights in God’s word. The verse goes on to say that one should meditate on it day and night. Listening to a sermon one morning a week is not enough. Skimming through a few verses most mornings is not enough.  Meditating on the word day and night will help us to stay in the right frame of mind and find happiness. This first chapter of Psalms compares the righteous man to the ungodly man. Choose to be the righteous man. Choose happiness!

Jun 13th Kindling – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 30 – 32 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 1 Timothy 1 – 3; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Read the “0613 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.” (Job 31:38-32:3)

Good morning. The words of Job ended in chapter 31. For twenty-nine chapters Job had to listen to his friends tell him that somewhere along the line, he sinned. And Job’s friends had to listen to Job tell them it was not sin that caused his current condition. Then Elihu, a fourth friend, adds kindling to his wrath. Why? He was mad at Job because Job justified himself and not God. And he was mad at Job’s three friends because they could not find an answer, but condemned Job anyway. Ephesians 4:26 tells us to be ye angry, and sin not. And I did not see the name of Elihu mentioned in Job chapter 42 and verse 7…

“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.” (Job 42:7-9)

Rather than sit around and discuss the problem in deep theological thought, Job’s friends should have helped him. The Bible says in James chapter 3…

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:3-10)

The tongue can be a powerful tool for both good and evil. The tongue can sooth and uplift a person, or it can gossip and destroy a person. The tongue does a good job at kindling a fire. It does no good to talk about people who talk about you. You need to go to that person and get things right. Jesus said…

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

If we are to do this for our enemies, shouldn’t we do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Continuing in Job chapter 42, verse 10…

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.” (Job 42:10-17)

To quote a well know celebrity, “Remember, only you can prevent forest fires!”

Stop adding kindling to the fire.

Peace!

Jun 11th Where Is He? … by Justin Mears

Today’s Reading – Job 22 – 26 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3

Read the “0611 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! … Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:” (Job 23:3 and 8)

Job is going through the worst trial he has ever been through. He has lost everything including his wife, because she is struggling just as he is. They are going through this, not together, but separate. Now Jobs friends eager to help attempt to give clarity and understanding, however sound their advice might be (to someone who had sinned against God, and done something in need of God’s punishment), it just isn’t the case for Job. They tried to understand and even thought they did, but in the end they were only doing damage. They were in reality bringing Job to a place of even more loneliness. The cherry on top, is when Job expresses his deepest pain. In v. 3, he says: “Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!, and then in v. 8: “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:” Job in essence feels absolute loneliness. He doesn’t have anyone to talk to, or have anyone that might encourage him. He even says in v. 9 that God “hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:” What hopelessness Job must feel.

Have you ever felt alone? Ever felt as though God was hiding from you? You looked to your spouse and they are too broken to help you, and your friends are too sure of themselves to grasp your confusion and pain. It seems as though noone understands and even more importantly, you don’t understand. The largest question in the midst of trials is “why?” Job makes mention of this in v. 5: “I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.” Why would an answer from God help? He says in v. 6: “he would put strength in me.” It gives us a bit of strength to simply understand. It’s been said that people can handle bad news better than no news. The anticipation gives great agony. Though Job doesn’t get an answer, the bit of encouragement he does find is that, though none of us understand, God does. Verse 10 states: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” This is the place God must bring us to, in order to build our faith in Him. He puts us in the fire to purify his gold. He is using us for which we were designed……to bring Him glory. God has a way of bringing us down to one… “The One”. God is our only hope! We know it with the head everyday, but with our hearts is the question. 

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7)

Jun 10th Because He Live … by Dawn E. Foster

Today’s Reading – Job 19 – 21(Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click hereto view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Colossians 1 – 4; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 55:17

Read the “0610 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:” (Job 19:23-26)

As we move through the book of Job we see that Job still is faithful to the Lord. I don’t know how many of us would continue to trust in God after losing everything. How strong is our walk with the Lord… that when through losing everything except our life we can still say “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good”? How far can we go without cracking just a little? How do we get through the “hard” times, or going through a pandemic without just turning our eyes, hearts, and souls from the Lord?

In Job 19:23-26, Job finally gets his bearings. Where did he draw his strength from? How did he finally start to turn his eyes back upward?  He looked toward His Redeemer. He stated: “For I know that my redeemer liveth…” (Job 19:25). The same God who was alive back in Job’s day is the same God who lives today. Yesterday, today, forever Jesus is the same.  

Some of us may have suffered a great deal through our lives thus far. Maybe you have lost a child. Maybe you were abandoned by a spouse, or have gone through cancer. When Job lost his children he experienced death.  He even longed to die himself back in Job 3. Through it all however, he cried out to the redeemer.

In the hymn, “Because He Lives,” written by William J. Gaither and his wife Gloria, the refrain says:

“Because He lives I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives.”

Today. Even in the year 2020 we can cry out to the same redeemer. Jesus paid the price for all by shedding His blood for our sins. He died, was buried, and rose again so that we could have eternal life. Have you cried out to the redeemer?

Jun 9th Miserable Friends … by Pastor Wayne Foster

Today’s Reading – Job 15 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Philippians 1 – 4; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 51

Read the “0609 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.” (Job 16:1-2)

Everyone has been through tough times. The times that seemed like everything was just going wrong, and everywhere you turned the walls were closing in. This is where Job finds himself having lost everything. He lost all of children, and all of his wealth. In times like this, when we are in the depths of despair we need encouragement.

Where do we get encouragement from? Hobbies, family, or friends. They are to bring us comfort, hope, joy, love, even peace (Romans 12:15).  Job’s “friends” didn’t come with encouragement; they came with judgmental attitudes. Job called them “miserable comforters” (Job 16:2).  With everything that’s going on in the world today, it’s easy to be unsympathetic to people. There are a lot of people hurting. Even those closest to us could be hurting inwardly without showcasing it to those around them. Often it is easier for us to be judgmental than empathetic. As Christians we should feel others hurt in our hearts. When Job was suffering emotionally and physically, he needed friends to give him encouragement. Sometimes in life you just have “miserable friends.” The ones who are always complaining about this or that. The ones who are the “Negative Nancy’s”, or “Debbie Downers.” In times of deep grief, we need support. Unfortunately, instead of looking up, most of us draw that support from our “miserable friends.” So how do we keep ourselves from being those “Miserable Friends” Job had?  How do we encourage others?  A true Christian friend can be supportive, loving and caring. The best way we can do this is by pointing people to Christ. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is whom we draw our hope, and strength from. Show kindness. Show love. Don’t be a “miserable friend.”

Jun 7th Test

Jun 6th Living The Christian Life – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – Job 5 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Galatians 4 – 6; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

Read the 0606 Evening and Morning post by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!” (Job 6:8-9)

“I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” (Job7:20-21)

Good morning. It seems like Job’s friends while trying to lift him up brought him down. Maybe there are times we don’t know what to say. If we do say something at those times, it will probably cause more hurt than healing. Galatians chapter 6 has a few guidelines we can glean from it…

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Whether it be by sin or not sin, when we try to restore someone, or lift him back up, do it in the spirit of meekness. Don’t kick a man when he’s down: you are just one small step away from being in the same predicament.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Job lost everything he had: his family, his livestock, his health. All he had left was his wife who told him to curse God and die. And, of course, his friends. In the spirit of meekness, his friends should have brought him some of their livestock, lent him servants to replant his fields, applied some medication to his sores. Depending on the situation, there many ways to help in the spirit of meekness. Can you pray?

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Galatians 6:6)

If we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, He will lead us in the right things to say, and the right things to do…

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)

Peace.

Jun 4th No Such Thing As Luck … by Amanda Olive

Today’s Reading – Esther 6 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 2 Corinthians 9 – 13, Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25

Read the “0604 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

When I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, like so many, everything in my life changed. I looked back at my life before and could see God’s hand in every little thing and every big thing. I realized that luck or chance wasn’t a thing. Reading these verses, I can’t help but think God put the book of Esther in the Bible to remind us that God is in total control of everything. There is no such thing as luck. Esther wasn’t lucky to be queen; God made her to be queen for His purpose. Mordecai wasn’t lucky to have overheard the assassination plot; God put him in that spot at that moment for His purpose. It wasn’t luck or by chance that put Haman in the courts at that moment, God knew what He was doing. It wasn’t luck that dropped Esther to her knees to plead for her people, God used her greatly for His purpose. And it was definitely not luck that saved God’s chosen people. God exalted the Jews and Mordeceai, not by luck, but for His good. God knew exactly what he was doing.

As Christians, we must always know that we are not lucky; God is in control. God most definitely sees what is going on in this world right now. His people must stand firm; we need not to worry or be anxious. Pray for God to show you how you can be an Esther or Mordecai in these times. Go to scripture and be reminded that God is in control.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” ​(Isaiah 41:10)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ​(Psalm 46:1)

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
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“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall i fear? the Lord is the strength of my life;of whom shall i be afraid?” ​(Psalm 27:1)

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not I am the First and the Last.” (Revelation 1:17)

We as Christians are blessed to know the end of the story. God wants us to be brave like Esther and Mordecai. Step in faith and get the gospel to all the lost that dont know that God is in control. There is no such thing as luck.