Willing Servants

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 29 – 2 Chronicles 2

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, (1Chronicles 29:6)

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. (1Chronicles 29:14)

This passage of Scripture reminds me of the original offering taken for the Tabernacle of the Congregation in the Wilderness. Remember, God had to tell them to stop giving because they gave way to much. Why is it so hard today for people to let go of their treasure and their time and use it for the service of God? I have a couple of thoughts on the matter:

1 The people preparing for the Temple here, as with the the people building the first Tabernacle are very excited about what God is doing in their lives. They are completely convinced that God is everything, and they trust Him implicitly with their lives, and their substance. Perhaps the people in our churches today lack that kind of trust. I guess it is easy for the leaders to blame them; but maybe it’s really because they don’t see that the money and time that they are sacrificing are really making a difference.

2 The people here also had complete trust in the devotion, dedication, and stewardship of their leaders. I hate to say it; but perhaps the reason why people are reluctant to give of themselves sacrificially at our church is because they don’t fully trust my leadership; or perhaps they lack faith in my motives.

It is easy for the preachers of today to blast the people in the pew for the lack of zeal in these areas; but just maybe, we are to blame. This is a sobering thought, but if I could develop (through the power of the Holy Spirit) into the type of leader that David was, then maybe I (we) could see God do great things like He did here in this passage. I know that this is true because I see God doing amazing things in other ministries. Pray for me as a pastor, that I do not hold back the blessings of God on this church due to my lack of leadership.

Who Are The Nethinim?

Today's Reading - 1 Chronicles 8 - 9 As I was reeading today's passage, I was caught by the name used in verse 2 of chapter 9, Nethinims: Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. (1Chronicles…

May 12, 2010

In "Devotions"

Nethinims – Faithfully Serving Behind The Scenes

Today's Passage - 1 Chronicles 9 – 10; Proverbs 9 (Second Milers also read - John 9 – 10; Memorize James 3:5) As I was reading today's passage, I was caught by the name used in verse 2 of chapter 9, "Nethinims": "Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions…

May 9, 2011

In "Thoughts from 1 Chronicles"

Who Were The Nethinims?

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible) (Second Milers Read – John 9 – 10; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9) Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –…

May 9, 2014

In "Thoughts from 1 Chronicles"

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.