JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – 1 Timothy 4 – 2 Timothy 2 (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 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121
Read the “1216 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous post from this morning’s reading passage – “Where Would Our Church Be Without the Young People“ and “Christian Growth“
Respect?
“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Did you ever wonder why God had to include such simple, almost a ‘no brainer’ type instruction to live by? Having respect for other people should be taught at a young age and followed throughout our life.
In more recent days, I’ve notice that being disrespectful to others is starting with children younger and younger. I’ve seen and heard many disturbing things coming from children while shopping or just being out and about. Many times you see on the news of boys under the age of 13 robbing, killing and sexually molesting others. What happen to game playing, participating in sports, build a fort? Sounds crazy doesn’t it? It’s the same thing with preteen girls. They seem to be only interested in looking older and or sexy so they can ‘attract’ the boys. They not only are disrespecting themselves but their parents by rebelling. They listen to the ‘pop world’ and not their parents. But many times the parents are to blame.
Several years ago, I heard a great sermon on “Looking Forward to the Past”. It was about how the older generation looks to the younger generation to set up the standard instead of the elder.
“And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. 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: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;” (1Kings 12:2-13)
The younger generation should always look to the past generation to set up the standards for the next generation.
Now in fairness, it almost seems cruel to blame the young people without pointing the finger to the older crowd. As parents we’ve dropped the ball.
“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.” (Judges 2:10-12)
I’m sure most of you who are reading this blog, try hard, and with much prayer, to train up your own children to do right in the Lord. But we should also
consider inviting others to church so they can learn also.
Together let’s labor to expand the Kingdom of God and by example train up the young while respecting the old.
Thank You
Proverbs 22:6
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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)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl
Today’s Passages – Galatians 4 – 6; (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 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 48:1 & 2
Read the “1209 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “The Schoolmaster“ and “Don’t Shoot the Messenger“
So, What’s Got You Ticked Off?
(Galatians 4:16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Paul was preaching to the Galatians that it’s not through their works, the way of salvation, but through faith. He tried to tell them that they are free from the bondage of works and that salvation is free through Christ, (doing righteous works are a result of salvation not a way to obtain it).
The Galatians had been taught a lie. The doctrines they learned, and the character of those who had led them astray, and by their own error, proved that Paul ceased to be their friend. People don’t want man to tell us of our faults. The reason is, it pains us and we makes us take a good hard look at ourselves. We do not like to have another person tell us how to act or what to do and so on. It’s just human nature for someone to dislike the one who tell us of our faults, or the faults of our families, as our friend. We love to be flattered and it’s painful to think we must repent. Then we stay away from whom is reproving us for our faults and become offended at the truth. Yet they is our best friend.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful,” (Proverbs 27:6)
We’ll resist the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who brings the truth to our heart, and to convict men of their sins.
How often have you gone to a church service and got mad at the Preacher because it seemed his sermon was about you? I have. Believe it or not, it’s what we needed, a message from God. When you get your electric or credit card bill, do you get mad at the mailman? Of course not! Sound silly? But that’s what we do when we gossip about the Preacher because of his sermon God gave him.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
Whose fault is it that the electric and credit card bill is high? We shut off lights and stop spending too much to rectify the bills. Shouldn’t we do the same with the preaching? Just saying.
If you’ve made the mistake of staying out of church because of a sermon, pray to God, ask for forgiveness and get back to church. Trust me, it will make your Pastor’s day.
Thank You
John 3:16
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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.)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl
Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 10 – 12 (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 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 18:3 & 46
Read the “1202 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Learn From The Past“, “Are You Unworthy?” and “Be Careful“
Who’s Your Daddy?
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-6)
Our text starts off with the writer talking about the remembrance of the time when Israel first left Egypt. For four hundred years they prayed to be freed from the bondage of Egypt. They wanted to have the freedom to worship Jehovah God, and God answered their prayers. He send Moses who led them out to the mountain of God. On the way they passed on dry ground as the enemy drowned before their eyes. They witness the very presents of God in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud during the day. He fed them manner from Heaven and they drank the water from the rocks. But how quickly they forgot the very One who was with them each moment of the day.
“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.” (Judges 2:10-14)
Now I would like to look at verse 6.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”
God has written His, road map / instructional book, the Bible. It is to guide us and protect us as the pillar of fire and cloud did for the children of Israel. He didn’t free His children from Egypt’s clutches without walking with them and showing them the way. Neither will He leave us to flounder to find our own way. We try to point our finger at Israel and wonder how they could form a calf of gold to worship it under the mountain of God. Are we not just like them? We have our gods we worship. Money, boats, jewelry, a sports team, other people and many more. These ‘gods’ keep us from serving the One True God. You ask how? Sports may keep you out of church because of playing or watching them. Riches may have you working a second or third job during church time to pay for them. Other people may entice you to stay out late on a Saturday night. Now you’re unable to get up for church the next day and even miss your devotion time.
All that said to say, we must be in our Bible daily to learn from the examples revealed to us. The Bible is our instruction to learn Evil’s crafty ways and avoid them. It’s our sword. Most would never dream of going anywhere without our cell phones. How then can we leave our home in the morning without spending time with God?
Together let’s fight the Devil until he goes where he belongs.
Thank You
Revelations 20:10
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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.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
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)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl
Today’s Passages – Acts 9 – 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 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 40:31
Read the “1118 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Persecutor, Preacher, Prisoner”, “They’re All Precious In His Sight” & “The Beauty Of Salvation“
Shuttest Thy Mouth
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 18:8
When God repeats something in His Word, He means business. In Proverbs we see the same 19 words repeated twice. That must mean that their message is extremely important.
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 26:22
In this verse, the word, words, can be translated a tasty, deadly morsel or words of sport. The word, talebearer, means spice peddler, wounds means deadly wounds, belly means the entire human cavity.
In other words, the tasty deadly morsels (words) of a spice peddler (talebearer) are as deadly wounds to the entire human body (belly). Notice it says, they are deadly wounds.
So there is the person who is gossiping (the spice peddler), the juicy gossip, maybe about a person (the tasty deadly morsels), and the person who is listening to the gossip (the person being killed with the morsels).
So who is destroyed, the talebearer, the listener or the one being gossiped about?
When a gossiper tries to destroy with the ‘morsels’ to the hearer, he thinks it’s the one who hears or accepts the morsels who is being poisoned and destroyed. The talebearer is already been destroyed or poisoned. The morsel (the person or thing that is being gossiped about) is the only one who is innocent
A talebearer is trying to hurt you even though they don’t know it. When you listen to gossip, you are the one who is being poisoned, and you are the one who is going to be destroyed. Most Christians don’t think that just listening to gossip is wrong, but it is self- destruction! A Christian should run from talebearers and consider it as if someone is trying to kill them. They usually are a good person who simply did not have the courage to rebuke the talebearer. Run from the talebearer! Run from the slanderer.
God gave us warnings not to listen to gossip. These are warnings to the hearers not to listen.
3 Things That Listening to Gossip Will Kill
1. It will kill your spirit.
“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:14
2. It will kill your trust.
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:” (1Peter 3:10)
3. It will kill your joy.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Thoughts from Jack Hyles
Thank You
Revelations 20:10
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That the Scripture Might Be Fulfilled by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passages – John 17 – 19 (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 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121
Read the “1113 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” – (John 17:12)
Good morning. What a great way to start the morning with my favorite chapter from the Bible: John chapter 17. Jesus is praying to His Father before going to the cross. Jesus prayed for His disciples, and us: those who would believe through their testimony: their word. And there was only one who was lost: the son of perdition: Judas. And the explanation is given as to why: that the Scripture might be fulfilled (vs12). The Scripture, God’s Word, should be one of the most cherished possessions in our lives. Chapter 17 is all God’s Word (yes, even the 13 words printed black in verse 1). Because God’s will is being done no matter what, we can trust the promises from the Scripture will come to pass: that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
1) The Father would be glorified through Jesus, that the Lord’s glory would be restored as it was before creation, and that we would glorify Jesus (vs 1-10).
Revelation 19:11-16 says,
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.“
That the Scripture might be fulfilled.
2) Safety for believers (vs 11-16).
John 10:27-30 tells us this also,
“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.”
We are protected so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
3) Jesus also prayed that we would be sanctified (made holy) through the Scriptures (verses 17-19). And in Hebrews 10:10 the Scriptures tell us that,
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Because of His sacrifice the Scriptures say we are sanctified.
I’m getting excited about this. Isn’t it great to know you’re saved and on your way to Heaven!
4) In verses 20 through 23, Jesus prays for the unity of those who believe, and that the world would believe. Revelation 7:9-12 gives us a glimpse into the future. John said,
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
And that’s only the tribulation saints, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
5) And I especially like verse 24 which tells us that one day we will see Jesus. Stephen saw Jesus just before he was stoned to death, Acts chapter 7:55-56 tell us,
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Face to face we shall behold Him that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.
6) And that brings us to verses 25 and 26. Jesus prayed that we would have the same love of the Father that He had. This is the sacrificial love, the agape’ love. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This was Jesus going to the cross, paying the price for our sins, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. We are supposed to have the same love in us. We need to die too: die to self. If we can be a little bit humble, maybe bury our pride, we can easily forgive our brothers and sisters when they sin against us, or hurt us.
We should be demonstrating the love of God to others so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Peace (John 14:27).
Posted in Thoughts from John by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
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)
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