Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

May 13th Did You Even Ask God? … by Melissa Clayton

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 19 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 17 – 18; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

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

Read the “0513 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this passage – “The Place of Sacrifice“; and “Get Busy.“

“Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.” (1 Chronicles 19:1-4)

It didn’t take very long into chapter 19 for the Lord to speak to me. In this chapter David’s friend Nahash, the king of the children of Ammon, has died. He was a good friend to David and David goes to Ammon to comfort his son Hanun. Hanun has this group of friends or advisors, the princes, and they start speculating over the true nature of David’s visit. They start sowing seeds of doubt in Hanun’s ears by saying that David wasn’t there to comfort, but rather to spy out the goods of the land, and soon Hanun starts to believe the things they are saying. This series of gossip, followed by speculation and doubt, set in motion a series of events that wind up costing the children of Ammon dearly. They wind up losing their allies and becoming servants to David.

There are a couple of lessons here. The first one is gossip: these princes think they knew something, and they began to whisper in Hanun’s ear about it. The second is speculation: Hanun listened to these whispers and started this battle in his own mind of doubt. The first thing he should have done is gather the facts. I suspect if he had prayed about this and asked God to give him clarity over the situation, God very well could have said “Well go ask David instead of just sitting here wondering about it.” But, he didn’t ask God; he just chose to act.

But, then I realized that I am just like Hanun. I have been Hanun over and over again in my life. A situation arises with a friend or family member, or within the church, and I gossip, or listen to gossip, I speculate and doubt instead of praying for wisdom. I battle in my mind and then act, and then consequences arise. How many relationships have been broken because of situations like this? Probably a ton. I can do better. We as Christians can do better than that. We need God’s wisdom in our relationships, don’t forget to include Him. 

May 12th The importance of Praise … by Rebekah Rice

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 15 – 16; Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 51

Read the “0512 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this passage – “Check With God First;” and “Taking Time to Rejoice.”

“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 16:9-10)

How many times I sat down to read the entirety of these three chapters but was instead left in complete awe at chapter 16 had to have been more times than I care to count. Although I did get to chapters 17 and 18 as well, and they only served to enrichen it even more. How passionately these chapters demonstrate the subject of praise and the goodness of God is enough to write a book on, but I’ll spare you the time and keep it concise.

I’ve been reading through Psalms separately from this, and I find it as no coincidence that this chapter coincided perfectly with the Psalms I read this week. Psalm 96 is parallel to 1 Chronicle 16:23-36 and it is the Psalm that David writes to praise and thank God for their victory in war and the retrieving of the ark that symbolizes God’s presence with them. It’s also the Psalm that brought revival to my spirit last year, when my walk with God began to feel dry and it seemed like I had forgotten how to praise. It served as a powerful reminder that God really was always with me, which in and of itself is always a reason to praise Him.

The difference between praising God in your personal walk, in comparison to the way that David praised God in the Old Testament, is that ours is a spiritual war while David was fighting literal wars. David praised in an elaborate and awesome way for an earthly victory, but God won when He died on the cross and that is the ultimate victory that we should celebrate through our praise today. That has unfortunately almost become a cliche statement, but it should never become routine. Praise is an intentional acknowledgment of God’s victory over our lives.

Chapter 17 and 18 are a great ending to the vignette of the story as it shows David’s promises from God, and his victories as the king, both of which I’m confident are direct results of His praise to God. Praise and victory go hand in hand, so to have victory in your walk with God, start by simply praising Him.

May 9th The Death Of Saul And The Death Of America – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 9 – 10; Psalm 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Read the “0509 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died. So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together. And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa. And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people. And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon. And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” (1Chronicles 10:1-14)

Good morning. King Saul is dead. Why? For his transgression against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord which he kept not, and also asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the Lord. What bothers me is that the Bible says, right here in black and white, that Saul not only transgressed the Law (Saul did what he shouldn’t do), but he also did not keep the Law (Saul didn’t do what he should have done).

Election time will be coming up: watch the campaigning. Does the candidate support Israel?

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 3:1-3)

Does your candidate support killing babies: abortion? There have been over 61 million innocent babies killed since Roe vs. Wade (1973).

“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jermiah 1:4-5)

Have you lost a loved one to cancer, or some other disease? Maybe God had ordained one of those 61 million with a cure?

What does the candidate think about God’s Law? Should he get the Bible back into schools, government offices and courts? Do you feel the same way as David?

“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.” (Psalm 119:126)

“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (Psalm 119:136)

We need the True Living God, not some idol of stone that has ears, but can’t hear; eyes, but can’t see; a mouth, but can’t speak. Thus saith the LORD…

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…” (Isaiah 46:9)

And God made it easy for us to be happy and blessed again…

“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)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 32:12)

“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15)

The government is going broke, affordable health care is a joke. The Communists are trying to kill us with germ warfare. But…

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.” (Psalm 28:3)

Peace!

May 7th Got Talent … by Micah Rice

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 5 – 6; Psalms 31 – 35; Proverbs 7)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25

Read the “0507 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. … Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” (1 Chronicles 6:31, 48-49)

Ezra, the believed author of Chronicles, is educating us on who certain people are and what their jobs are. He mentions many different jobs and tasks ​and I couldn’t help but realize that there’s different people in the whole nation of Israel and not everyone does the same thing. And even in the tribe of Levi were there different roles and tasks to do that certain people were better at than others.

1. Singers (v. 31) – I am sure that the ones appointed to sing were people who had a musical ability. Who were well trained in their position.

2. Servers (v.48) – Men who were highly skilled in serving. Men who could sweep or carry out ashes. Men who knew their job. Obviously not any lesser than musicians but played a different role.

3. Sacrifices (v.49) – These men had to have a specific skill. They had to know how to kill the animal. They had to know how to cut it. They had to know how to dissect it. And they had to know how to burn it. Such a delicate task required a skilled set of hands.

Everyone in the church has their own particular set of skills. Their own speciality that has been honed. A skill set that has been tested and tried. God has given each and every one of us a talent we must use. Whether it be singing, fixing, serving or teaching we should use it all for the glory of God.

 ​“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.​ (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Because we are all gifted with talents from God we must all strive together to learn how to use our talents together for the best possible outcome. A church is composed of many people that have many different talents and it is essential that we learn to adjust and accommodate everyone in areas that they can most efficiently use their gifts.

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit​” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

For example I have personally found out that I am not the best at comforting and counseling. So to put me in a position where I need to counsel people would be, for a lack of better terms, futile. To put a person who is not musically inclined leading a choir would be not the wisest decision. To put someone who does not know how to work in a kitchen to be in charge of a church dinner would not be the best. All these are examples of people without talents not in their area of expertise.

And we must not get confused by comparing talents or gifts. To think highly of yourself because God gifted you with a certain talent would be impractical .​

“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?​” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

We need to understand that everyone has a different gift and no one has a gift that is more important than another. All talents are to be used for the honor of Christ and not the honor of man. If we stop using our talents to lift ourselves up and start using our talents to uplift the Lord then foolish irrational comparings would cease to exist.

 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…​”(Romans 12:3​)

Many people think they have a very powerful gift that helps the church but when they constantly uplift themselves and never use their talent in the church the only gift they have is the gift of grievance. We must learn to start thinking about how smooth the church runs and not about our self-image.

If you are a Pastor of a church or in a position of leadership at a church I hope as you read this it helps you to analyze how your church / classroom / bus route is set up and see if you can make some changes or adjustments in order to maximize your effectiveness in reaching the lost world with the Gospel. If you’re a church member I hope that you are encouraged by this to find out what your talents are (if you do not know) and use them for the honor and the glory of Christ.

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” ​(1 Peter 4:11​)

May 6th Everybody Matters … by Moriah Rice

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 3 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 3 – 4; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 19

Read the “0506 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea, And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things. These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.” (1 Chronicles 4:21-23)

We can see in 1 Chronicles 3-4 that it goes through the genealogy of David’s sons and successors. We often read through these passages of Scripture in order to just get through the list of names and check it off of our reading list, but as I was reading through those difficult to pronounce names this thought struck my mind, “God put every name here for a purpose.” It seems like a simple thought, but I correlated it with “God put every person on this earth for a purpose.”

We so often look at the big picture, per say. We see people and names and faces, but we don’t often recognize who they are and why God placed specific talents and abilities in certain people for a reason, including ourselves. We can see in 1 Chronicles 4:23, after it goes on to list all the names. It says, “These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.” We know that they are talking about the king that reigned during that time frame, but the thought is that we are all here on this earth ultimately to do the King’s work. We are all, when it comes to those who are saved, simply potters for the Lord’s use and if we personally choose to count that as an honor then there will be an automatic response of humility that follows. To be a potter for the Lord should be counted as a privilege and we should be able to find purpose in that.

We can see in chapter 5 where it talks about the sons of Reuben and in verse 1 it says: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.” We see the importance of genealogy and birthright. God had a purpose for every single person He created for the time and purpose He created them. We can see in verse 1 when Reuben had sinned that it not only messed his life up, but also the genealogy that followed him. May it be a small reminder to be Christ-like in the way that we live, because in the end it does matter. God has a purpose; He has a plan and His ultimate desire is for us to follow and obey that which He has already put in place. Our heartbeat should be to find purpose in what He has called us to do, and then to live out His purpose in our lives all for His honor and glory. 

May 5th The Runt of the Litter … by Pastor Gerald Hicks II

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 1 – 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 1 – 2; Psalms 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read the “0505 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse, And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:” (1 Chronicles 2:12-15)

After reading this passage, I just can’t help but think of the privilege it is to serve the Lord. If you’re saved today, aren’t you grateful to be playing for Jesus’ team!

In the passage, we see the lineage leading up to David, and we see he’s the youngest of seven brothers. The youngest son growing up around 6 older brothers most likely was not always a walk in the park. He probably had his days of getting bullied and made fun of, especially for being the youngest. Even when David went down to see the battle involving Goliath, he received ridicule from some of his brothers, even then.

Little did they, even David, know, how God would tremendously use David, not just that day amongst the giant, but even greater days lies ahead for him.

In a group of animals, a runt is a member which is significantly smaller or weaker than the others, making survival in the wild especially, almost impossible. We do not know how much smaller or weaker David was than his brothers, but in comparison to Jesus Christ, we are all runts! 

We are all good for nothing sinners that deserved to get tossed aside and forgotten about! And without Him, we wouldn’t survive! Aren’t you grateful that as His focus was like a flint, unwavering, on the cross of Calvary, that you were on His mind!

We may not see the whole game, the big picture as Jehovah God does, but we can trust that He does. We can fully rely on and abide in our Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Don’t take for granted the honor it is that we can call ourselves, Christians! We GET to serve Almighty God!

Aren’t you glad that God does not look on the outward appearance as man does! He doesn’t care how old or young you are— you can still serve Him! 

He does not care how much you’ve messed up— you can still serve Him!

” Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

We need to fall more and more in love with our God and His Word each and every day!

Love Him because He’s good, He’s wonderful. Love Him because He’s holy, perfect, and true! Love Him because… there’s nobody like Him!

“I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: … For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. … Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:5, 18, 21-23)

May 2nd God’s Protection – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4

Read the “0502 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Now You’ve Crossed the Line”

“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.” (2Kings 19:32-37)

“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3: God promising Abraham)

Good morning. With the attack of COVID-19 going on, it would be nice to have God’s hedge of protection on this nation again. When you touch something that belongs to God, in trying to steal it from God, you are in some serious trouble. The king of Assyria should have read Genesis before invading and trying to conquer God’s city of Jerusalem. God said that He would bless those who bless Abraham, and curse those who curse Abraham. The king of Assyria ended up dead by the hands of his two sons. We had this same protection once, until we started messing with Israel… England, damaging the Bush’s home and many others.

August 23, 1992, talks resume for Israel to surrender “Land for Peace.”

1991, President George H W Bush institutes his Land For Peace Plan. The result is “the Perfect Storm.” One hundred foot waves pound New Withing 24 hours, Hurricane Andrew hits causing $30 billion in damages to the U.S.

August 27 through September 13, 1993, Israel and the PLO work out a compromise peace plan in Washington, D.C. Our country is hit with the worst flooding in our history and $21 billion in damages.

August 25 through September 10, 2001, the U.S., Arabia, and Israel prepared the most comprehensive peace plan ever. God lifts His hand of protection, and the Twin Towers along with the Pentagon are attacked on September 11th, just before the plans were finalized. This cost the U.S. over $40 billion.

November 7 through 12, 2002, during Ramadan, President Bush hosted a dinner to honor Islam and the “revelation of God’s word in the holy Koran.” When officials flew to pressure Israel, 88 out of season tornadoes hit seven states.

In 2005, President George W. Bush pressured Israel to give up the Gaza strip. Israel did, and the next day Hurricane Katrina hit: the largest disaster in U.S. history. One million people were forced from their homes, and close to $200 billion in damages.

Now, in 2020, even though this is not against Israel, there have been almost 62 million abortions performed since Roe vs. Wade in the U.S. Sixty-two innocent children murdered since 1973. Do you think God is angry? There have been 60,057 deaths due to COVID-19 in the United States. All states have been affected by this virus. Here in New Jersey, 6,770 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. The United States is not mentioned in the end times, in the Bible. I would like to think that all of America was caught up in the Rapture. But this is doubtful, unless of course, America goes back to her roots and we become one nation under God again. The Bible needs to be back in schools, teach the children that life is precious: that they didn’t evolve from swamp scum: they were created in the image of the Creator. Maybe then they will stop chasing after drugs, alcohol, and stop killing themselves, or each other. The Ten Commandments need to go back in our Federal Buildings, and our Courts. Then our judges can judge righteously, and not compromise. And most of all we need to support Israel, God’s chosen people. If we stay on the same path in which we are going we will end up like Sennacherib king of Assyria: dead!

“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)

Peace!

May 1st Halfway Doesn’t Cut It With God … by Mason Atwood

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 16 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Luke 17 – 18; Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)

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

Read the 0501 Evening and Morning devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Note – this post is from yesterday’s reading passage.

“And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.” (2 Kings 13:17-19)

As we recall the account of Elijah’s translation, we remember Elisha as a man of God who who would stop at nothing to get the power of God. This hard work and determination to stick to his cause, is what brought a double portion of Elijah’s power upon him. 

In this passage of 2 Kings 13, while the prophet Elisha was lying on his death bed, Joash, the king of Israel, had come to see him. As Joash is weeping over him, Elisha tells him what would come to pass. Joash takes a bow and arrow and shoots out of a window. This was a symbol of God’s deliverance from Syria. Elisha was showing Joash that by shooting the arrow of God’s deliverance, Joash could consume the armies of Syria.

Next came the test. As Elisha is lying there, he tells Joash to smite the ground. Joash had already shot a random arrow out of a window. To smite, or hit, the ground probably seemed like a trifle or trivial task but Joash did it anyways. The verse says he smote the ground three times and stayed. To stay means to fix oneself where you are and to settle. 

This passage teaches us that if Joash had smitten the ground five or six times then would Israel be delivered. Since Joash had only halfway done what the man of God had told him to do, Syria would lose a few battles but the deliverance of God only went as far as the effort Joash put towards smiting the ground.

 God doesn’t appreciate it when congregations only half-way follow their pastor. Whoever that person is in your life, should have the utmost respect to the point that you will give all of your effort to whatever task you are given. What charges have come from your pastor? How many have you half-way done?

Apr 28th Are You Longing for Christian Fellowship? … by Mike Bliss

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 11 – 12; Proverbs 28; Psalm 136 – 140

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read the “0428 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.”  – (Philippians 1:8)

A little over a month ago, our Nation, States, Townships, and most importantly churches entered into the current situation of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. As an Adult Bible Class Leader for our church, we suddenly faced the problem in that we were not able to assemble as normal in order to protect against the spreading of the virus. I certainly was not pleased with this new situation, but we chose to make the most of it. We adapted, and by the second Sunday we convened our class virtually via the Zoom Video Conferencing Application.  

During these first few weeks of the quarantine, I reflected on the Apostle Paul’s situation as he was imprisoned in “House Arrest” in the city of Rome. We know he authored many letters during his time in Rome, relying on the “Zoom” technology of his day, the written letter and personal courier.  In those letters, we are able to grasp Paul’s heart-felt compassion for his fellow believers that he left behind from his missionary journeys.  We see in the first chapter of the Book of Philippians in verse 8, Paul states “I long after you all”, referring to the believers in Philippi. Not only did Paul “long” to be with the people, but in verse 3 of the same chapter he thanks God: “upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).  Likewise, in verse 4, Paul makes a point to mention that he “with joy” prays for the same believers. (Philippians 1:4)

When we did host that first Zoom Bible class session, can I report that our class thoroughly enjoyed seeing and fellowshipping with each other. Just like the Apostle Paul, we “longed” to see and talk to our class members, and even to the point that we took for granted such a luxury of assembling for church services. We are blessed by today’s technology in that we are able to not just talk, but to visually see people in locations around the world. As a retired U.S. Army Soldier, I have experienced many extended periods away from my family in the service of our great Nation. I assure you during all of those occasions of separation that from the minute I was dropped off at our base for the start of the mission, I “longed” to be home with my family.  That feeling never subsides until we are re-united again with our family.  As each day goes by during this season of separation, are we longing to see our fellow church believers? Do we “long” for Christian fellowship like the Apostle Paul expressed for the believers in Philippi?

Apr 25th Truth And Consequences – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 5 – 6; Proverbs 25; Psalms 121 – 125

Read the “0425 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD? And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.” (1Kings 22:14-28)

Good morning. Can you imagine being thrown in jail because you told the truth? King Ahab recognized that Micaiah lied to him in telling the king to go and attack Ramothgilead? The king should have known right then that he should not go. Then Micaiah explained how the LORD allowed a lying spirit to speak through Ahab’s prophets. He would believe it was ok to go and attack Ramothgilead. That got Micaiah a slap in the face from one of Ahab’s prophets. But Ahab imprisoned Micaiah and went off to do battle. And…

“So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle. But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country. So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.” (1Kings 22:29-38)

So the king died. Elijah was released. He roamed free until taken to Heaven in a whirlwind in 2Kings chapter 2.

We may be in lock down for this Corvid19 virus thing, but we are still free. We get to have our church services on-line. We can still go shopping at Walmart as long as we stay six feet away from others and wear a mask. Remember that even the nation of Israel, down in Egypt, had to stay inside their homes, behind the blood on the door posts till the LORD passed over the land taking the first-born.

“And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.” (Exodus 12:29-32)

Freedom is coming. Wait on the LORD and renew your strength. Remember what Paul said…

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

Peace.