Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Apr 23rd Proving God to Others … by Michael Garner

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 18 – 19 (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

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 27:15

Read the “0423 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.” (1 Kings 18:38-39)

In this passage we see Elijah is trying to convince the false prophets of Baal that he knows the true, living God while the false prophets try to the same with their god. Elijah challenges the false prophets to prove who was right. The challenge was whoever’s God struck fire down from above onto their sacrifice on their altar, He would be the real God. When the prophets of Baal did their sacrifice, they began to call out to their god and ask for that fire. They did it all day long and, of course, nothing happened. Elijah gets a laugh out of this and starts to mock them. The prophets kept trying and trying, and nothing worked. They had failed. It then becomes Elijah’s turn to prove the true God. But Elijah does something odd. He wanted to make things more interesting. He begins to dump barrels of water three times on the altar he built. There was so much water, it filled up the trenches he had made. But he wanted to REALLY prove that it was the truly almighty God. When he cried out to the Lord, fire struck the altar from above. When all the people saw it, they believed Elijah and knew it really was the Lord.

In our lives today, we must prove to this world we have the true, living God. In the circumstances we are under right now, people are looking for answers for getting through this virus. Why not show them God! We need to prove to people that our God is the one, true God. Tell people your testimony on how God has changed your life. Tell someone about how serving the Lord is the best life to live. Tell someone about the goodness of God. Tell someone about His faithfulness to us. Tell them about how He will never leave us. Tell someone He’s in the middle of all our problems. And the list can go on and on!

Maybe today we need to find someone that needs proof. When fire came from above and came on Elijah’s altar, the people saw the proof and knew his God was the real deal. today, let’s prove to someone that our God is the real deal!

Apr 22nd Trust and Obey … by Katelyn Erickson

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 15 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 15 – 16; Proverbs 22; Psalms 106 – 110

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

Read the “0422 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

This song comes to mind as I read these first accounts of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17: 

We see that after Elijah prophesied the famine to Ahab, God sends him to a special place, a particular person, and He answers a powerful prayer.

In vs. 1 – 7, God had prepared a place for His man to be well taken care of. He sent ravens to feed him and fresh water to drink. Elijah got all he that he could while he was there…he didn’t squander the opportunity God had given him. When the brook dried up, he didn’t just hang out there…he obeyed and trusted once again. 

In vs. 8-16, Elijah went to a particular person God had planned to use to take care of Elijah. Not someone who had plenty to share, but someone who would have to sacrifice and surrender. A woman who had no hope and needed the touch of God in her life. God wants to use people who will cooperate with Him, especially when what He is doing doesn’t seem to make sense.

In vs. 17-22 When the widow’s son became very sick, Elijah then cried out in powerful prayer to God to heal him. His prayer was not a request out of religious duty, but a genuine plea for help and mercy from the Lord.

The God of Elijah is still the very same God of today and when we find ourselves in our own seemingly hopeless situations, let’s be reminded of these simple truths in this passage….God loves us, provides for us, desires to use us, and He hears our prayers! We just have to trust and obey.

Apr 21st Like Father, Like Son … by Phil Erickson, Jr.

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 13 – 14; Proverbs 21; Psalms 101 – 105

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 121

Read the “0421 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:” (1 Kings 12:6-8)

Most of the sermons, devotions, and Sunday school lessons I’ve listened to or read about Rehoboam have dealt with the issue of his pride, that he was an all around bad guy, and that during his reign“…Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done.” (1Kings 14:22).  And, that’s all true. We need to heed the warnings of those messages. However, every time that I come across this passage, my first thought is, “What happened?”. How did we go from Pop-pop David, a man after God’s own heart, to wicked, prideful, rug-rat Rehoboam? How did an entire nation go from loving and serving God, to doing more evil than ever before? It’s a sobering thought, and it scares me. It scares me to think that in a few generations, you can go from one end of the spectrum to the other. 

Rehoboam made all of his own choices. He chose to live and lead the way he did. But I think all of this might have started with his father, Solomon. When I read this story, I think of Solomon. Again, Rehoboam made his own choices, but he learned how to live, and how to lead, from his dad. Which is what scares me. God has given me a great responsibility as a parent. My kids will learn how to live, how to love, and how to lead – from me. Solomon started well. He loved God, feared God, and was humble. But that changed. 

Here’s a few things I think we can learn from the story of Solomon and Rehoboam:

1 – Stay Focused. 

God has given all of us a purpose. It’s different for all of us. Solomon’s purpose was to lead the people as a king. He was to seek God’s wisdom in leading and guiding the kingdom. As a father, he was to lead his family. He was to love them, and teach them how to love, and to one day lead. But Solomon got off track. He became enamored with doing everything person could possibly do. In Ecclesiastes, he tells how he experienced all the things that anyone could possibly imagine would bring pleasure. I’m sure not all of the things he experienced were bad things. But while he was doing those things, he was not focused on being a king or a father. His focus became pleasure. His focus became getting all the things, and doing all the things that made him happy…and guess who was watching? Rehoboam. Do those following you know that you care about your purpose? Because if you don’t, why should they? Stay focused.

2 – Stay Humble.

When Solomon first became king, God let him choose anything he wanted. All he had to do was ask. Solomon knew that he needed God more than anything if he would be effective as a king, so he asked God for wisdom. He was humble. He leaned on God for everything. But somewhere along the way, Solomon aloud himself to think that he was ok on his own, and started doing whatever he thought was right. One of my saddest memories from growing up was a phrase that my dad would say to me often. Its makes me sad, because at the time, I hated hearing it, but now I know he was right. Every stinkin’ time. He would say, “Do what you want to do Phil, ‘cuz that’s what you’re gonna do anyway.” Now that I’m a dad, and I see the other side of it, I get a sick feeling in my gut when I think about how my pride so often caused my mom and dad to grieve. They knew what was best for me, but I thought I was right, so I did my own thing. Somewhere along the line, this is how Solomon started acting with God. And guess who was watching? Rehoboam. Stay humble.

I started out by saying that this passage scares me. It does. It scares me to think that my choices, my actions, and my pride can have such a huge impact on those following me. I am so thankful that God gave me parents who were focused and humble. Perfect? Not even close! 🙂 But real. I pray everyday for God to give me wisdom. I want my kids and those following me to see someone with a genuine love for God, someone who is focused on what God has given them, and someone who is humble. And I’ll pray for you too. We need the next generation to go farther for God than we can imagine. But they’re watching us.

Apr 18th Good For Something – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 6 – 7 (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)

Read the “0418 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.” (1Kings 7:13-14)

Good morning. King Solomon was given the task of building a house for the LORD. Being it was for the LORD, it had to be the best. Solomon called for Hiram out of Tyre to do all the brass work of the house. Hiram was a worker in brass, filled with wisdom and understanding, and he was cunning to work all works in brass. God supplied Solomon with the right person for the specific job that needed to be done.

Have you ever been told you were good for nothing? Have you ever been treated like you had nothing useful to contribute? Are you good for nothing? God doesn’t think so…

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

We, me and you, are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Take a close look the end of verse 10: “…which God hath BEFORE ORDAINED that we should walk in them. God created good works, and then created us to walk in them. You may think that you are useless, but God created a thing specifically for you to do.

“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.” (John 9:1-11)

Here is a man born blind. Why? Not because of sin, but that the works of God could be made manifest in him. God has created you for a reason. He needs you to walk in the good works that He created for you to walk in. You are good for something. Maybe just to glorify God?

Peace.

Apr 16th Flashy or Faithful? … by Dawson Parker

Today’s Passage – 1 Kings 1 – 2 (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)

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

Read the “0416 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” (1 Kings 1:5)

We can see many things in chapters one and two but what I want to focus on is a comparison. I will be comparing the actions of Adonijah to the actions of Benaiah. From the beginning of the story, much of what we read about is Adonijah and not a lot is mentioned about Benaiah. In I Kings 1:5, Adonijah reminds me of Satan in that he was trying to exalt himself and get the kingdom, which didn’t belong to him (Isaiah 14:13-15). We then see him go out and recruit Joab and Abiathar. Notice that he knew who to, and who not to talk to, as he didn’t try to recruit King David’s mighty men because he knew he couldn’t convince them since they would be loyal to King David. “Rebels raise armies” – Pastor Clark. We keep seeing Adonijah pop up throughout the story, just like sin often rears its ugly head time and time again. Adonijah and his men heard about the anointing of Solomon to become king and they actually were afraid and scattered. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” We know that Adonijah and his men were up to no good because the Bible makes this clear. The last action we see from Adonijah ultimately puts him to death. He comes to Bathsheba which hits home because Bathsheba was King David’s wife and the mother of now King Solomon. Bathsheba asks him if he comes peaceably and it seems he lies and says that he comes peaceably. I believe there was an underlying hidden motive that he wanted to try to get even with King David’s family. He asks Bathsheba to go in unto King Solomon and see if he will grant Adonijah the same damsel that comforted King David before he died! It seems as if this switch flipped for King Solomon in that he made the decision to have Adonijah killed.

Here is where it gets good as we see the other side of the comparison in Benaiah. Guess who King Solomon calls upon to kill wicked Adonijah? That’s right, Benaiah! King Solomon knew he had a friend that had been faithful to him and one that he could count on. We see that Benaiah is not mentioned a whole lot and he is kind of in the shadows or serving behind the scenes but nonetheless he was faithful and doing his job. King Solomon continues to rid the rebellion out by having Benaiah kill Joab. We then see that King Solomon promotes Benaiah in that he put him in his room over the host! And lastly, King Solomon calls upon Benaiah to once again kill Shimei. Benaiah keeps getting these opportunities from the king himself and the best part is he is getting rid of the wicked men.

So, in conclusion, who would you rather be? Would you rather be flashy and ultimately not get used by God like Adonijah or be faithful behind the scenes like the king’s right-hand man Benaiah? The Bible says in I Samuel 16:7, “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” It doesn’t matter if we are in the spotlight and everyone thinks we are being used by God is our heart is wicked like that of Adonijah. It matters what God sees when no one else is watching as he did in in the life of Benaiah. Promotion comes from God and he is keeping a record!

In this time of quarantine and stay at home orders, as we are not having many opportunities to see people, go to church and do ministerial work, let’s make sure we are still faithful in pleasing the Lord as he is still watching. Our personal reading of God’s Word and prayer life has never been so important. Let’s each get our eyes off of ourselves and others and let’s get our eyes on what really matter which is God! Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”

Apr 11th Life And Death And Life – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 21 – 22; Proverbs 11; Psalms 51 – 55)

Read the “0411 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

”And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2Samuel 12:15-23)

Good morning. At the time of this writing, the Covid19 virus score of the world is: 1,450,092 cases; 83,474 deaths; but there are 309,321 victims who have recovered. In New Jersey there are 44,416 cases; 1,232 deaths; and 206 have recovered. Many of us have loved ones, friends, or relatives who may have the Coronavirus. In our reading today we see the child that David had with Bathsheba, through adultery, on his death bed. David has been praying and fasting for the child seven days. The child dies. David gets up from the ground, cleans up, goes to the tabernacle and worships the LORD. After this, he returns home and has something to eat. The servants question him as to why he is doing this, and not still morning for the child…

“Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2Samuel 12:21-23)

Do you have a loved one, friend, or relative, who may have the virus? Pray for them. Who can tell if GOD will be gracious to you, that they may live? Call them. Praise the LORD He gave us the technology to have video phone calls, apps like Skype, Zoom, and others. David had faith knowing that the child was safe with the LORD. He told his servants: “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

You don’t know if that loved one will survive the virus. Do you kow if they are saved? Are they going to Heaven when they die? Talk to them. Share the Gospel with them.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

And…

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

And Jesus makes us this promise…

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:37-40)

Are you saved?

“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 5:13)

The whole point is, is that we have an appointed time.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

Nobody knows when that time is. Isn’t it time for all petty grudges to cease? All families fighting together and not speaking to one another should cease. When will loved ones, friends, and relatives be forgiving? You have no idea if you will ever see that person again. You will see them again, if you and they are saved. Just think, you will all have to spend eternity together forever in Heaven, loving each other, and praising the LORD. Wouldn’t it be nice to start now?

Before it’s too late.

Peace.

Apr 8th Mourning and Weeping and Fasting, Oh My … Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – 2 Samuel 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 – Matthew 15 – 16; Proverbs 8; Psalms 36 – 40

Read the “0408 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.” (2Samuel 1:5-12)

“So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: “ When reading today’s scriptures, these words jumped out at me. Being part of the ministry for many years, unfortunately you see people fall away from the Lord. Some fall further than others but never the less they fall away from where they were. But praise the Lord some open up their hearts again and come back. But what are we doing when they fall? What are we doing when they come back? What about the ones who are struggling and are up and down?

When David heard that Saul and Jonathan were dead he mourned, and wept and fasted. It didn’t matter that Saul was always seeking to kill David, David stayed true to Saul even after his death.

So what should we do if we know of a Brother or Sister in Christ fall away.

1) Love Them Back To The Lord

“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. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

2) Feed The Sheep

After they start turning their life around, back to the Lord, stick with them. Continue to help the find their way back. When you teach a child to walk, you have to stay with them until they can walk on their own.

”He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

3) You Are Your Brother’s (or Sister’s) Keeper – YES

There is no room in the family of God for kicking another when they are down. Why? Because we’re family. Although I come from a small family (I’m an only child) I could never understand why some families fought so much. I always thought they should stick together like glue, and we should.

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

All of us are in danger of backsliding or falling. It’s in our old nature to do so, plus there is one who is always waiting to trip us up.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Peter 5:8)

And just a note to the backslider, God has promised never to let us go. He will never throw us out of His family. We may grieve Him but He will always love us.

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)

Amen

Revelation 20:10

Apr 7th The Choice is Yours … by Mr. Wade Thompson

Today’s Reading – 1 Samuel 28 – 31 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers read – Matthew 13 – 14; Proverbs 7; Psalms 31 – 35)

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

Read the “0407 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.” (1 Samuel 28:4-5)

We’re living in a crazy time, people are losing their jobs, people are getting sick; no one is allowed to leave home, and it seems like the world is spiraling into chaos. Here in 1 Samuel we see two characters, Saul and David, and both are faced with difficult situations, but both men react very differently. In chapter 28 we see the armies of the Philistines making warfare against Israel.

Saul, knowing he is in a tight place and knowing he needs the Lord unfortunately turns to the wrong person. Saul seeks for a witch to bring back the spirit of the great Prophet Samuel.

Saul stooped down to the world’s level, trying to get an answer from God. Saul knew the ways of the Lord but chose to walk wickedly. In this time that we are in we cannot compromise what we know and what we believe in order to try and get the answers that we should be getting from God’s Word. God expects us to live holy and righteousness lives even in tough times when we don’t know what to do. Tough times are not an excuse to live wrong.

David was also faced with a difficult situation in chapter 30. David and his mighty men returned from battle to find their home city completely destroyed, burnt with fire, and all their wives and children were taken captive. The whole camp was in great distress and even spoke of stoning David. Not only did David lose his wives, family, and everything he owned; but now his own men are talking about killing him. David did not use this time to run from God or have a pity party. In verse 6, we see that he encouraged himself in the Lord and sought counsel from the priest. After doing what God told him to do he recovered everything he had lost and achieved a mighty victory. We need to remember as we go through this “virus crisis” that God is always going to be there for us. He will show us what to do, and we have nothing to be afraid of.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 56:3)

In this tough time, we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. As we go through these strange and scary days we have to decide whether we are going to do our own thing and try to get God’s blessing in our own way, like Saul; or, are we going to encourage ourselves in the Lord and get godly counsel, and do things God’s way. It’s a choice we will have to make every day.

Apr 4th Madness – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 19 – 21 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 7 – 8; Proverbs 4; Psalms 16 – 20)

Read the “0404 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?” (1Samuel 21:10-15)

“And when he [JESUS] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.” (Matthew 8:28-32)

Good morning. Here we have two examples of madness. David made himself mad to save his life. The herd of swine went mad when possessed by devils, and they lost their lives.

I use to work security in a casino, on the graveyard shift. You notice many things on this shift. Mainly around the slot machines. People stare, glassy-eyed into the machine watching the numbers and symbols spin around. Their only movement is to hit the spin button. The cocktail waitresses come around serving drinks and alcohol, which being a depressant just adds to the miserable look that is on their faces. From what I understand many are regular customers: they come there all the time. Can I ask you something? Is this the kind of life you planned on having? Something happened to draw these people into the madness of gambling.

I walked by a roulette table, and saw three separate gray chips placed as bets. The wheel was turned and the ball raced around. When all was said and done, those three gray chips went to the house: that’s $15,000 ($5,000 each): that’s madness. Is there a madness in your life?

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:20-27)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who can save people from this madness, as well as other madnesses. The Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program has a slogan: “Only the Truth makes free!” We can show you from the Scriptures how to end the madness. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the only Way: every other path is a dead end. Jesus is the Truth: He doesn’t sugar-coat your problem, but will stand right by your side, and face it with you. Jesus is the Life: He will help you with your life, and keep you from throwing it away. Jesus said…

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15: 4-5)

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:8-9)

If Jesus didn’t think your life was precious, why would He allow Himself to be beaten, spit upon, whipped by a whip that had sharp bones and metal pieces that ripped right through His skin, and then be nailed to a cross shedding His precious blood for your precious soul? He is able, and will stop whatever madness you have.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Peace!

Apr 2nd What Remaineth … by Justin Mears

Today’s Passage – 1 Samuel 15 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 3 – 4; Proverbs 2; Psalms 6 – 10)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Isaiah 40:31

Read the “0402 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:6-13)

Samuel is in a situation where God’s vessel (King Saul) is done being used as king.

“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.” (1 Samuel 15:26)

Now is the time for a new regime. God is looking for a new man, a better man. A man who will be used mightily to bring about revival, blessing, and peace to a nation. Samuel is looking at Eliab and saying surely this is him. He thinks to himself he is strong, tough, and big, this must be the man, however God says no. Samuel begins to go down the line one after the other, each one being rejected. None of these men are the chosen vessel of God. It isn’t until Samuel asks the question, “are here all thy children?”, that we find our answer. His father says, “well there remaineth yet one”. The absolute last resort. The bottom of the barrel. The only crumb left left after a feast. The very last drop of water in a dry and thirsty land. It was then that Samuel and Jesse’s very last resort was realized as God’s first choice. It may have been the worst option to man but it was the best option to God. They thought to themselves, “he is so small, so young, so… insignificant. How could this be the vessel God will use?” God says to Samuel, “the Lord seeth not as man seeth”.

The thought I have today is this: Right now we’re living in a time where all of our normal church abilities are being taken away. All of our “obvious choices” for church are being rejected for the time being. The ability to physically gather has been taken. The ability go door-knocking or physically visit people for the most part has been taken. The ability to physically pray together, go on bus routes, fellowship in person, or even go out with a friend to encourage each other is gone. You might ask, “what remains?,” “what’s left?” My answer is God’s best for this time. Whatever you can do is the “David” of this time. It’s not small or insignificant, it is extremely powerful. Just because it’s our last resort doesn’t mean it’s God’s. The tools he wants us to use today may seem small and insignificant, but to God they are the most powerful. God doesn’t ask what we can’t do, he asks what we can. He asks what’s left, because that’s how he feeds the five thousand, slays a giant, and defeats the Midianites with three hundred men. This is how God does his greatest miracles and wins His greatest battles. 

So ask yourself, “what’s left?,” “what can I do?” Some of these tools we don’t see yet, they are out in the field. Just as Samuel didn’t sit until he found who was left, don’t sit till you find what is left. The Bible, prayer, family, the ability to make a phone call, Zoom a Sunday School class or prayer meeting, Facebook live any/every service, or talk to a neighbor about Christ. We have the ability to be the greatest Christians, parents, friends and spiritual leaders that we have ever had the chance to be. Make the best out of what remains recognizing it is God’s best for us right now. We do believe God is in control right? We don’t think that somehow God missed this right? Just because we may be at our wits end doesn’t me he is. Pastor preached about Esther and about how we’re here, “for such a time as this.” Do we believe that? Let us be challenged to do the best we can with what’s left. Maybe we feel like we’re at the bottom of the widow’s vessel of oil. Just keep pouring and watch what God does. Today ask yourself… “what remaineth?”