Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Dec 27th For Thy Pleasure – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Revelation 4 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 27)

Read the “1227 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:8-11)

God created all things, and for His pleasure they are and were created. Even the United States of America. For His pleasure. In 2010, the United States sent out 127,000 of an estimated 400,000 missionaries. There were 32,400 missionaries that were sent to the United States from other countries in 2010 also. In 2010, there was an estimated 314,000 Christian churches across the United States. And in 1998 the porn industry was making almost 1 billion dollars per year. Leviticus 18 says…

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness. The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her. And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 18:1-30)

What are your eyes focused on? Does it bring pleasure to the Lord?

Peace. (Proverbs 15:3)

Dec 13th Zombies – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Colossians 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalm 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:1-17)

Good morning. According to the dictionary, a zombie is a dead body that has been reanimated by a power or spell. You see them every day. They walk the earth just like you and I, going about their business. The spell, and the power, and their business are called sin. Zombies go about their business of committing acts of anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication from their mouth, and lying. Sometimes the living can be like zombies: they do the same things that zombies do. Yes, even though they are called Christians, and are made alive by the Holy Spirit living inside them, they can still do the works of Zombies: acts of anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, etc.

How can we get rid of the zombie in us? Take the advice given in verses 16 and 17…

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

Peace! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Dec 6th How To Have Happy Holidays – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passages – 2 Corinthians 6 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalm 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2Corinthians 6:1-10)

Good morning. If you happen to drive past Germania Cemetery, on Moss Mills Road, tell Melissa, “Happy Birthday!”: she’s 39 today. On February 16, 2012, at 1:15 am Thursday, Cervical Cancer took her to her new home: Heaven. My wife remarked today that many people do not seem to be in a ‘Christmas Spirit’. We just finished with Thanksgiving, and I was thankful for God’s salvation, and a Heaven. Early this year, my brother went home to be with the Lord. Shortly after that, my Uncle Frankie joined him there. All this was evident around the Thanksgiving table. Just me and Camille, my sister Ruthie, and my sister-in-law: Kathy. Our group is shrinking in size. But we can still be happy knowing that the separation from loved ones is only for a season. Let me give you three ways to have happy holidays…

1) Have JOY (Jesus, Others, You).

Put your sorrow into perspective. Start with Jesus. We thank God on Thanksgiving for all the love He has given us throughout the year…

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

We celebrate Christmas. Yeah! Santa Clause! No! Emanuel, God in the flesh, Jesus’ birthday. We thank God for sending us His only begotten Son…

“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)

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter), we celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice, thank God for the love He showed us, allowing His Son to die on a cross, and shed His precious blood for us…

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:8-9)

We should be thankful, not only on those special days, but every day of the year. If we keep our focus on the One who gives us every breath we breath, our lives will start coming into perspective. JOY: Jesus first, and then others.

One thing we learned from our dwindling table, is that life is short: compared to eternity, our life is just a breath. Do you really have time for petty quarrels with family and friends? You don’t know how much time you or they have left on this earth; is it worth it? No. Go bake some cookies and be reconciled with them…

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:21-24)

Jesus first, others second, then you. And what do you think our attitude should be? Jesus was our example. Shouldn’t we be more like Jesus who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1Peter 2:24). Paul vowed…

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (2Corinthians 12:15)

If you are saved, your not going to Hell. Why do little things bother us so much? We need JOY: Jesus, others, then you. So…

1) Have JOY.

2) Have Peace.

Jesus said…

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

Some may have been praying for Melissa’s recovery: that God would heal her from the Cervical Cancer. Thank you for your prayers for they were answered. Like I said, my daughter is 39 today. When she was 8 years old, she was afflicted with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She underwent several joint replacements which gave her some relief from the pain. But the drugs she was taking affected her bones. When her head started slipping down on here spine, the doctor told us it would be a 4 hour operation. Ten hours later, the doctor told us she would be okay. He was able to wire her head so it would not slip. The reason it took 6 hours longer: every time he went to place a wire, a piece of her vertebrae would break off. Melissa was no stranger to pain. After almost thirty years of dealing with the pain of Arthritis, and the Cervical Cancer, God finally healed her by taking her home. Now she is alive and well, no more aches and pains. She is with her Saviour: the Lord Jesus Christ. And in perfect condition: even better than new! We can have peace through all this… but… we still miss her. And that brings us to…

3) Have Faith.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-18)

It’s only for a season, and then we’ll get to see Melissa again. So Have JOY, Have Peace, Have Faith, and you will have a happy holiday!

Peace! (Jesus IS the reason for the season.)

Nov 27th Thankful For Family and Friends

Today’s Passages – Romans 8 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 27)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – 1 John 3:1

Read the “1127 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s reading passage – “Paul’s Motivation“ and “‘Whosoever’ Meaneth Me and ‘Preacher’ Meaneth Me, Too”

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,” (Philippians 1:3)

Last night, as we were studying the Book of Romans during our Wednesday Evening Bible Study, I was reminded of the fact that one of the characteristics of our fallen nature is a lack of thanksgiving. Romans 1:21a states: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;”. Selfishness and discontentedness come naturally to sinful men, but true thanksgiving, on the other hand, is supernatural, something that we can only get through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit of God within us. The carnal man sees himself as the center of the universe and is never satisfied or content with the way life treats him. Conversely, the spiritual man sees himself as a rotten sinner deserving of nothing but judgment, so much so that when he receives even the smallest blessing, he is thankful for it.

I have an awful lot to be thankful for today. God has truly blessed my life in so many ways. However, after carefully considering how awesome God has been to me, I have realized that the things that I am most thankful for are not things at all; they are people. God has brought into my life so many wonderful people. Not only has He given me an amazing wife and great children (and now grandchildren); God has also blessed me with many good friends that have been a tremendous source of encouragement and strength during the difficult seasons of life. You cannot place a value high enough for family and friends. If I were to lose all of the things that God has blessed me with, but still retained my friends and family I think I could still find happiness; but if I were to lose the people I think my life would be miserable.

To all of my family and friends, I would like to say “Thank You”; and please know that I truly appreciate the fact that God has brought you into my life.

Nov 22nd Are You In The Ministry? – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passages – Acts 20 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 106 – 110; Proverbs 22)

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

Read the “1121 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:8-14)

Good morning. Jesus said to a disciple named Ananias in a vision…

“…Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:11-16)

The Apostle Paul had been through alot. He still had alot more to go through. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, all for the cause of Christ. And now he had made his mind up to go to Jerusalem. In our passage in Acts 21, he was warned that he would be bound and turned over to the Gentiles. The disciples who were gathered with him, tried to talk Paul out of going. But Paul was in the ministry. And he told them, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Are you in the ministry? If you are saved, you are…

“And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Did you ever notice the first two verses of ‘Am I A Soldier Of The Cross’, by Isaac Watts?

*1*

Am I a soldier of the cross,

A follower of the Lamb?

And shall I fear to own His cause,

Or blush to speak His name?

*2*

Must I be carried to the skies to the skies

On flowery beds of ease,

While others fought to win the prize,

And sailed thro’ bloody seas?

Are you in the ministry? Is it really that difficult to hand somebody on the street a tract. Or even leave one in a public rest room? Paul was in the ministry. Beaten and locked in prison, he was still ministering the gospel to those around him…

“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:23-31)

Are you in the ministry? Just something to think about.

Peace! (Matthew 28:18-20)

Nov 8th Bring Glory To God – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passages – John 6 – 7; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 36 – 40; Proverbs 8)

“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7:16-18)

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

Good morning. Do you have peace this morning? Look at John 20:21. Jesus said, “Peace be unto you…”; and then there is a colon. A colon usually gives a fuller explanation of the statement before it. According to what Jesus said in John chapter 7, He was seeking to bring gory to His Father who sent Him. And there is peace for us in doing the same. How can we bring glory to God? Here are 9 ways…

“And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.” (Joshua 7:19)

1) Be Truthful – Achan was told to give glory to the Lord by telling the truth about what he had done.

“And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:12-19)

2) Be Thankful – only one of the 10 lepers returned to give God glory.

“Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.” (1Chronicles 16:10)

3) Be Joyful – let your heart rejoice in His Holy Name.

“Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.” (1Chronicles 16:24)

4) Be Witnessing – declare His glory.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (1Chronicles 16:29)

5) Be Giving – bring an offering, and come before him. God doesn’t need your money: He’s given you 168 hours this week, do you have 17 hours to bring to Him?

“Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.” (Psalm 138:5)

6) Be Singing – God will give you a song to sing no matter what your situation is.

“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:21-23)

7) Be Fearful – the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Abraham…

“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” (Romans 4:18-21)

8) Be Believing – what God has promised, He is able to perform!

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

9) Be Saved – for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

Peace. (Habakkuk 2:14)

Nov 4th JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

Today’s Passages – Luke 21 – 22; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

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

Read the “1104 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “This Is Just The Beginning” and “God Sees“

There Is Safety in Numbers

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.”  (Luke 22:3-6)

Although Judas was with Jesus and had his place with the twelve, he did not believe who Jesus really was, the Only Begotten of the Father.  Satan too was with God but wanted to be a god.  It seems obvious that Judas would be a likely candidate for Satan to use.

Now I would like you to notice the last part of verse 6, “sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude”.  Isn’t that just how Satan works?

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

Have you ever watched a lion hunting for prey?  They will crouch down and walk slow and quietly.  The sneak up and watch their prey.  Most all animals live and travel in groups.  There are some who may be weak or stray a little.  Those are the prey that the lion goes after.  They are the perfect ‘candidate’ for the lion to ‘devour’.

Satan wanted to wait for Jesus to be alone when he attacked.  He thought if there was a crowd, they would fight back and he would lose the chance to kill Jesus.  Just a side note, Jesus gave His life willingly.  Unknowing to Satan, it was in God’s plan, and He was using Satan to fulfill His will.

Satan works the same way today.  He is waiting for an opportunity to strike his pray.  As Christians we must stay close to our Saviour.  It’s important to pray, read our Bible and stay in church.  We also must be in fellowship with other Believers.  We must stay strong and stay with God’s crowd.  Once we start straying or become a weak Christian, Satan will pounce as that roaring lion going for the kill.

For now, things may seem hopeless.  You may be on the verge of growing weak or even straying away.  You’re growing weary of Satan’s attacks.  But be of good cheer.  Someday he will get what he deserves.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”  (Revelation 20:10)

AMEN

Thank You

1 John 5:12 – 13

Nov 1st A Walk Through Hell – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Luke 14 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalm 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes…” (Luke 16:19-23)

Good morning! Here we have the true story of a rich man who is in Hell as you read this. He has been there for around 2000 years. In the book of Ezekiel God warns us twice…

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)

And…

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die…” (Ezekiel 18:20)

Twice in the same chapter: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. This goes right along with what Psalm 9:17 says…

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17)

George Washington said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God… to be greatful for His benefits…”

(If you want to know what’s wrong with America, read Leviticus chapter 18.)

The Soul that sinneth, it shal die…

“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” (Isaiah 5:14)

But here in Luke chapter 16 we have the story of a certain rich man, and a beggar. The beggar was named Lazarus, and his body was full of sores. Someone would always lay Lazarus at the rich man’s gate. He could see the rich man through the window, and would have loved to eat the crumbs that fell from the table. And the rich man could probably see Lazarus also. The rich man may have said, “What!? Who’s that lying by my gate? It’s that beggar again. He’s gonna drive my property value way down. Look at him – disgusting! Sores all over his body. Torn, ragged clothing; looks like a reject from The Goodwill Store. I’ll bet he hasn’t showered, or taken a bath, in several years. I can smell him all the way over here! I’ll fix him. Release the dogs!”

And the dogs ran to Lazarus. But God had compassion on Lazarus: instead of biting him and tearing him apart, the dogs licked his sores, giving him some relief from his pain. But then…

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24)

We can see from these few verses, as we take a walk through Hell, is that it is a place of torment: extreme suffering. Hell has flames, and Hell is hot. Sulfur, or Brimstone, burns with black smoke: Hell is pitch black. At one time, though, there was light in Hell. That light came from across the great gulf, far away, in a place called Abraham’s Bosom. All those who believed God, and put their trust in the coming Messiah, were all there. The light that God gave them shown bright enough to give light to those in Hell. The rich man could see Abraham, holding Lazarus, and comforting him. This also would torment him, remembering all those things he said about Lazarus. But shortly after Jesus told the people about this rich man and Lazarus, they nailed Him to a cross, and crucified Jesus. As the rich man looked over to Abraham’s Bosom, he may have seen a brighter light come down, and a voice ringing out…

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:18)

And suddenly, before he had a chance to fall on his knees before God, there was darkness: the light was gone. All those in Abraham’s Bosom were with Jesus in Paradise. He was left in the dark flames of Hell. When sulfur is on fire, it melts like wax: it starts dripping. As the rich man felt his way around, every place he touched, the burning sulfur would stick to his skin. At this point, it was aaround 250 degrees. Reaching out his hand, he touches something. It feels like a crown. Instantly, he feels sharp teeth dig into his arm holding him fast. He cries out in pain, as he feels the stinger pierce his flesh. It felt like a wasp, and he could feel the pain travel up his free arm. He had just encountered one of the creatures who will be released to attack those who do not have God’s mark on them during the Great Tribulation period. (see Revelation chapter 9)

Time is running out for the rich man. He has been tormented for over 2000 years. Suddenly he is out of the Hell he was in. This is what he saw…

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

And the Lord commanded the books to be opened. “Does the rich man’s name appear?”

“No Lord.”

And then the rich man hears those final words: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…”

Sulfur boils at 832 degrees. He stares at the Lake of Fire realizing that this will be his new home forever. Then an angel picks him up by the arm and flings him into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. Tossed out like garbage. It didn’t have to be that way. He had Moses and the prophets telling him about the coming Messiah. He had what little time he spent in the temple and the synagogue. He may even had had a friend speak to him. Once he died, it was too late. The Bible says, in the book of Jude…

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:17-23)

God knows who will receive, and who will reject Jesus as their Saviour. We don’t. That’s why He commands us to go into ALL the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY creature. It’s not up to us to save them, they have to make that choice. Our job is to give them the gospel so they can choose. Remember, God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Help pull them out of the fire. Tell them about Jesus, and how to avoid Hell. It’s up to them to avoid the fire, the torment, the burning, and the stinging that hides in the blackness of Hell; but we need to tell them.

Peace. (Mark 16:15)

Oct 25th Mary: Not For Ladies Only – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage –Luke 1 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:26-30)

Good morning. And no this isn’t my wife’s Tuesday morning blog: ‘For Ladies Only’. I just borrowed, and modified the title a bit. So this is not for ladies only, it’s for men too. The Bible is clear, that a woman should not usurp authority over a man. But we men can learn from women (you understand this principle, especially if you are married to one!). Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot, and other ladies who have been through the mill have a story we can all learn a lesson from. This woman who we read about in chapter was chosen by God to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. If she found favour with God, I would want to know how, wouldn’t you? Here are three characteristics that we can gleen from Luke chapter 1 about Mary.

1) Mary Was A Woman Of Faith

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30)

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Is this one of your characteristics? Do you believe that God is? Do you believe that God really does answer prayers? Do you diligently seek Him? Mary did. Mary was a woman of faith.

2) Mary Kept Herself Pure

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (luke 1:30-35)

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25)

Mary kept herself pure: she was true to her espouced husband, Joseph.

“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” (Titus 1:15)

I want to borrow something else here. If you have ever been to a Reformers Unanimous meeting, you know that ‘Principle #3’ would fit in good with this…

“It is easier to keep the heart clean than to clean it after it has been defiled.” (Steven Curington RUI Founder)

Mary was a woman of faith.

Mary kept herself pure.

And…

3) Mary Gave Praise To God

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:46-55)

Mary praised God for all the He had done for her. She also praised God for everything He had done for Israel. Have you praised God lately…for anything? Have you defiled your heart? Remember what the Word of God says…

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)

Now there’s something we can all praise God for, and He’ll take care of the ‘clean-up’.

Peace! (Luke 1:37)

Oct 18th Be Not Afraid Only Believe – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passage – Mark 4 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.” (Mark 5:21-24)

“While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:35-42)

Good morning. A ruler of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came to ask the Lord to help his daughter who was near death. And as they went to the house. certain people came from Jairus’s house, and told him, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?”

I know how I felt when our daughter Melissa died. And Jairus was about to learn more about the God he served in the synagogue.

1) Notice that when Jairus was in need, he went straight to the Lord. Jesus said…

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

2) Notice that Jesus and Jairus walked together, and that Jesus was with Jairus when he received the news of his daughter’s death…

“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5:36)

Jesus was there to give Jairus words of comfort, hope, and faith: Be not afraid, only believe. And Jairus continued on walking with Jesus in faith: believing.

3) Notice that when you walk in the truth, people will criticize.

“And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn…” (Mark 5:38-40)

People criticize because they don’t understand. They don’t know what the only True, Living God can do. They need to know…

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

They need to hear…

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

They need to be born again…

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John3:3-7)

And…

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)

Then they will understand. And that brings us to the last thing Jairus learned from being with Jesus…

Jesus took…

“…the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.” (Mark 5:40-42)

4) Notice that where Jesus is, there is Life!

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John10:10)

“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. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

So, when problems arise, go to Jesus. He will never leave you nor forsake you. People will criticize you for your stand on the Lord. But in the end, He gives you life. Be not afraid, only believe.

Peace! (John 10:11-18)