Special Guest Post by Gary Geiger

Todays Passage – 2 Kings 19 & 20

A few years back I heard a message from a missionary entitled. “At Your Wits End”. I have never forgotten that message. After reading 2 Kings 20, I began to sympathize with Hezekiah and his sickness. Many of you know that I personally struggle with a sickness, often times unto death. I become paralyzed, unable to do anything but the bare minimum. While struggling with my illness a short time ago a few things happened: first, someone said they needed me; second, I was reminded through God’s Word about my value in the body of Christ; and third, instead of waiting for this struggle to pass, I decided to read God’s Word, and I came across this verse;

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:5)

God’s Word is always true. If you are hurting inside and at your wits end, it isn’t over: God is trying to teach you something. In our humanity, I believe we often tend to lean to our own understanding. I do, but God understands our frame. He knows our heart. He feels our pain. He wants us to turn again; to pray; and to cry. The thief on the cross next to the Lord turned one last time and prayed to God in the flesh. I wonder if his heart was crying to the Lord on the inside? I wonder if he shed tears on the outside? God healed him. God healed Hezekiah. God can heal you and me!!!

Gary Geiger

Spread It Before the Lord

May 2, 2026

In "Thoughts from 2 Kings"

Now You’ve Crossed the Line

Today's Reading - 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Second Milers Read - Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2) "Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. ...…

May 2, 2013

In "Thoughts from 2 Kings"

Now By This I Know – The Saturday Morning Post

April 22, 2023

In "Devotions"

Phil Erickson

Pastor Phil Erickson has been the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church since January of 2002. Having grown up in Ocean County, Pastor Phil has always had a burden for the south Jersey area. After graduating from Bible College in Longview, Texas, he and his family moved to Galloway Township with the vision of digging in and serving the Lord and the people of Atlantic County. Pastor Phil and Cindy Erickson have been married since 1985. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Their oldest son, Phil Jr. and his wife Katelyn are serving the Lord in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Their oldest daughter, Melissa, is married to Wesley Clayton who is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in New Mexico. Samantha, their third child, is married to Justin Mears and they are both serving the Lord at the church in Galloway. Hannah, the youngest, is married to Lucas McCollum, and they are also serving here in Galloway. In preparation for ministry, the Lord led him through a variety of educational experiences that have equipped him to serve the Lord and His people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Theology from Texas Independent Baptist Seminary (formerly Texas Baptist College), a Master of Religious Education in Bible from West Coast Baptist College, and a Master of Biblical Studies from The Crown College. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Veritas Baptist College. He is thankful for these opportunities to study God’s Word more deeply, and counts it a privilege to use whatever knowledge the Lord has given him for the building up of His church. In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given Phil the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Vision Baptist College in Berlin, NJ and Veritas Baptist College.

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View Comments

Suzanne DiCanio says:

May 9, 2010 at 6:12 am

Thank you Gary. God bless you.
Gary Geiger says:

May 6, 2010 at 7:35 pm

Thanks Mrs. D. What joy it must be to be cumbered with a load of care. My heart just sank when the fullness of family flooded my heart after reading your reply. I come from a family of 6 all of which have heard the Gospel from me and Pastor Stan; my Mother on her death bed with the entire family present; it bring tears to my eyes this close to Mothers Day but I wanted to share. Shortly after my hospital testimony and the settlement of my Mothers estate my family stopped all connections with me; it has been over 10 years now. Hope this helps you, it helped me, sing it, I did:

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer. O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? take it to the Lord in prayer; in his arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised, Thou wilt all our burdens bear May we ever, Lord, be bringing, all to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright unclouded, there will be no need for prayer Rapture, praise and endless worship, will be our sweet portion there.

Will be praying for your family!!!