Be Ye Transformed
Today’s Passages – Romans 11 – 13 (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 136 – 140; Proverbs 28)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – 1 John 4:7 & 8
Watch Pastor Chappell’s Growth Points Video – “Think-fulness is Thankfulness“
Read the “1128 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “What’s the Difference” and “The Fullness of the Gentiles“
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – (Romans 12:1-2)
In the Greek language, the word that is translated into the English word “transformed” is the word metamorphoo, which is the same word root word that names the process of metamorphosis. You may remember from high school biology that metamorphosis is the biological process by which a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. By the way, isn’t amazing that our God can take a something as “creepy-crawly” as a caterpillar and completely change it into a beautiful butterfly. God transforms the Christian in much the same way. He takes the worldly child of Adam and forms him into the image of Christ.
Notice from our text above that this transformation process comes through the “renewing of your mind”. God has to change the way we think. You see, the transformed Christian has the mind of Christ. How do we renew our mind? Through the transforming power of the Word of God. As we spend time daily in the Word, God gradually changes our whole mindset. Instead of thinking the way men think, we begin to see and understand things through the eyes of God. However, this process is dependent upon the fact that we take the time to read and study the Bible. It would seem to me then that we have the power within us to speed up, or hinder this process. It just makes sense that the Christian that does not open his Bible, will not be transformed as quickly as the one that takes the time daily to meditate upon the truths of God’s Word. We need to make our walk with God a priority if we are going to grow the way God wants us to.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Posted in Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Passages – Romans 4 – 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 126 – 130; Proverbs 26)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – James 4:10
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Enemy of Gratitude“
Read the “1126 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Imputed Righteousness” and “Peace“
Trials and Tribulations
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4)
Have you ever wondered why you go through, such hard times, of what ever kind? I’ve heard so many times and even said it myself “If God loves me so much, why does He allow this to happen to me?” (I know why and replied “Sometimes I wish He wouldn’t love me so much!”) He allows us to go through things because He loves us so much and knows what’s best for us.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
It’s so we can glorify Him and to help others.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19)
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:12-16)
You can write it down, you will go through some kind of trial before you leave this earth pokie machine online. It’s all about how you handle it and what you’re going to do with it that counts.
A while ago, I did a blog on a woman named Corrie ten Boom. She was a lady who helped the Jews flee from going to Nazi war camps. She herself, a non-Jew, found herself in one of those camps. While there she was able to have Bible studies with the ladies and I’ve heard a least one was saved if not more. She later became a well-known speaker for ladies ministries. (Read or see the movie on Youtube for free: The Hiding Place). Elizabeth Elliot was another great lady who suffered but was greatly used of God. Her missionary husband was killed by the very people they were trying to reach. She too went on to be a well-known speaker for ladies ministries, she also led the very man to Christ who killed her husband. If you’re thinking that they are not the ordinary, you’re wrong. They started out just like you and I until one day God took hold of their lives. A more resent young lady who is being greatly used of God is Bethany Hamilton. She, as a young born again teen, was surfing and lost her arm to a shark. She too asked “Why?” Since the tragic event, she has given all glory to Jesus Christ and inspired more young people for the Lord. (Read her story “Soul Surfer”). What more can you ask for?
What can we do while in a trial?
Trust God. He has your best.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Pray. He’s listening.
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11)
Wait. He will see you through.
“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalms 69:3)
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14)
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:…” (Psalms 37:7)
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs3:6)
I pray you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy your families.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Felix Trembled – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:24-25)
And wouldn’t you tremble too? Good morning. Felix listened while Paul tried to reason with him. And Felix trembled. And why not? Paul was giving Felix the Word of God. The Holy Spirit was at work on Felix’s heart. It was if the Lord Himself were speaking to Felix. And Felix trembled. Paul reasoned…
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
1) Paul reasoned of righteousness. Your righteousness must be greater than the righteousness of the Pharisees…
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
And you know what God says about our righteousness…
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6)
And…
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…” (Romans 3:10)
Only the Lord can make you righteous…
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2Corinthians 5:21)
He is our righteousness…
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
And Felix trembled as…
2) Paul reasoned of temperance. Felix, you need some self control. I’m trying to tell you about the Lord, and all you can think about is money…
“He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.” (Acts 24:26)
Temperance is also from the Lord. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit…
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26)
And Felix trembled.
3) Paul reasoned of the judgment to come.
“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 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. 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 20:7-15)
And Felix trembled. Are you trembling? Jesus is coming back soon. Are you ready? You can be. If you have never called on the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart and save you, then you need to do it before it’s too late. Don’t tremble like Felix. Start rejoicing because the trumpet is about to sound!
Peace. (John 6:37-40)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just for Ladies by Mrs. Camille Stahl
Today’s Passages –Acts 11 – 13; (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 91 – 95;Proverbs 19)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 51:11
Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Shattering Pastoral Caricatures“
Read the “1119 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Begotten from the Grave” & “The Beginning of the Journey“
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” (Acts 12:1-7)
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Corinthians 10:13)
Peter was always getting in trouble for preaching the Gospel, but that never stopped him. He keeps going for the Lord. You would think that because he was doing God’s will that his life would just fall into place. No worries, no trials, just smooth sailing.
We too strive to do the will of God and serve him as we try hard to serve our family. As ladies, we are keepers of our home, raise our children, and serve beside our husband. But like Peter, we find ourselves in prison bound with chains. Most ladies have more on their plate then they should because of one reason or another. Our time is spent doing all we have to do and more. Satan is right there trying to defeat us. He keeps us too busy so there’s no time for us to spend with God. We then fall into a pit and there seems like there is no way out.
In l Corinthians 10:13, it says “…make a way to escape…”. God did not create us to be overwhelmed with our serving Him or our family. Let’s take a look at a few suggestions that can help us break the chains of prison Satan has us in.
First we must make time every day to spend with God. Some will say, “But I don’t have time”. This is the most important start of your day. We cannot neglect God if we expect Him to do a work in our life. Make Time.
Second, make a list of what you need to accomplish. Cross off the things that bog you down. Learn to say NO, because I am already over committed. We have complicated our lives beyond what God would have for us. Get rid of the extra stressful burdens.
Next, remember that God will always provide a way out if we follow.
“And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.” (Acts 12:8)
Peter had to follow the angel out, as we also must follow the Lord. Without the angel, Peter had to do something, he put his garments on, then followed. If Peter didn’t follow, he might have lost his way and found himself back in prison bound in the chains. We must make changes in our lives, and then follow Christ. Follow Christ.
Last, I want you to notice that Peter was on his death bed. The Bible says “…And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night…”. Herod wasn’t going to wait until after Easter, he wanted to get rid of Peter right away. But by the Grace of God, He delivered Peter at the last moment. Sometimes God waits to answer our prayer or to deliver us out of our chains. Then when He does, we can give Him the praise and the glory for what He has done.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (Act 12:11)
Wait on Him.
Thank You!
John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Mirror Mirror – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passages –Acts 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 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)
“Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him , and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:9-15).
Good morning. When others look at you, what do they see? When you look in a mirror, what do you see? When the men who sat in the council looked at Stephen, they saw his face as if it had been the face of an angel. And false witnesses had told the council that he blasphemed against God. Taken prisoner, forced to stand before false accusers, nowhere and nobody to run to. Trapped and about to be stoned, his face should have shown fear. His face should have shown anguish. There should have been trembling and there should have been tears running down his face. But his face was as the face of an angel.
Mirror, mirror, what do people see in my face? Do they see calm or adversity, strength in truth or cowardness in lies, angels or devils, Jesus or Satan. You can have the face of an angel if you want too.
1) Stephen was full of faith (vs 8). He must have pleased God…
“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)
2) Stephen walked with the Holy Spirit. Stephen was full of power (vs 8)…
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).
3) Stephen had wisdom (vs 10)…
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
When men accuse you, will you hang your head in shame knowing they are right? Or will you stand boldly on God’s truth, and have the face like an angel? Mirror, mirror?
Peace (1Corinthians 15:58)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
At the Men’s Retreat – No Wifi
Good morning! We are at the men’s retreat at Camp Calvary. I haven’t been able to access the wifi here yet, but as soon as I am able, I will post something. I am posting this note with my phone.
Today’s Passages – Acts 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Joy Killers“
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL
Today’s Passages –John 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 –Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 119:105
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Joy Killers“
Read the “1112 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “He Will Never Leave You“
Fall Pruning
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:1-6)
I don’t know about you, but I spent my Friday morning raking and blowing leaves and burning the branches that fell during the windy fall weather.
In the passages above, we see that God explains the question the disciple asked of how He will manifest (declare Himself plainly) to them and not the world.
The nutrition of a tree comes from the roots into the trunk or vine. It then goes through the branch into the fruit or flower. With out the vine the nutrition can not get to the branch to produce the fruit, no fruit.
As a child, my Dad had some fruit trees. For a couple of years, one of the apple trees was yielding little fruit and it was all rotten. Needless to say, he cut down that tree. While I was blowing and raking leaves, I also picked up many fallen branches, which I burned in our fire pit. In Texas, we rented a duplex that had a beautiful rose bush right outside the back door. It grew so big that you had to move the branches in order to get in the door, but the roses were small. At the end of the summer, I cut it back so much that I thought I killed it. Come spring, I notice the bush was budding. You would never believe the beautiful BIG roses it produced. This is what Jesus was referring to when He said ‘purgeth it’.
I wanted to expand on the purging. Because time is getting closer to Christ’s return, I believe God is warning us and trying to wake us up by purging us. So many of us are under such oppression, that we are ineffective to God, our families, others and ourselves. We must be aware of were this is coming from.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Peter 5:8)
What should we do when trials and tribulations come our way?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“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)
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Thessalonians 5:15-18)
Are you weary are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus
Are you grieving over joys departed Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tear flow down your cheeks unbidden? Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden? Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do you fear the gath’ring clouds of sorrow? Tell it to Jesus – Tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow? Tell it to Jesus alone.
For Christ coming Kingdom are you sighing? Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus He is a friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother, Tell it to Jesus alone.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Caught In The Act – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passages – John 8 – 9 (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)
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 89:1
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “The Joy Killers“
Read the “1109 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Put Down Your Stones”; and “I Am”
“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)
Good morning. Ever get caught in a lie, or any other sin, for that matter? Maybe you were just never caught. Having your sin exposed to the whole world (or even just a few people) is not a good situation to be in. Think about this woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. Being taken in the very act, she was probably naked when the scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus. And it takes two to Tango: where was the man who was involved? There are only three explanations to the man’s whereabouts: he either escaped, or he was a scribe, or he was a Pharisee. Either way, the woman was alone, naked, and facing the fruit of her sin. Scary. The Law said that she should be stoned to death. What would Jesus say? After all, He was the Man of God, and the Pharisees were hoping to entrap Him with His own words. They all waited for the Master’s replay, and it was not what they expected. And He said unto them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
Some scholars say that the word sin in Jesus’ reply refers to the sin of adultery: the same sin as the woman. I don’t have time right now to verify this, but Jesus said…
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
The Bible also says: for all have sinned. So it really doesn’t matter if it was the sin of adultery or some other sin: they all had sinned and could not cast the first stone. The only one there who could cast the first stone was Jesus. Her accusers put down their rocks and departed. All that was left there was Jesus, the woman, and her sin. And Jesus asked, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?”
She said, “No man, Lord.”
And Jesus said unto her, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Do you know someone who was caught in the very act of sinning in some way? Maybe you are sinning, but haven’t gotten caught yet. What would you rather hear? “You bonehead! How could you do something that stupid?”
Or would you rather hear something like, “These things happen to the best of us. Let’s pray, and ask the Lord for help with this.”
We need to be more like Jesus, instead of running with stones and ready to kill. Our attitude should not be one of condemnation, but one of restoration: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Peace. (Romans 5:8)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Heart Burn
Today’s Passages – Luke 23 – 24 (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 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 55:17
Scripture Memorization for November – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “If I Don’t Pray For You“
Read the “1105 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)
Years ago I had a friend that loved to eat Chinese food. The problem was that it would destroy his stomach whenever he ate it. He would get the worst heartburn every time. But do you think that kept him from eating it? No! He would feast at the Chinese restaurant every chance he got. Our passage today contains an account about a different kind of heartburn. Two of the disciples of the Lord are walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus which was about 7.5 miles from Jerusalem. All of a sudden the Lord draws near and begins walking with them but they do not recognize Him after His resurrection. They begin to tell this “stranger” about all of the events surrounding the crucifixion that had taken place in Jerusalem just three days ago. They also recount the fact that the Lord’s body is now apparently no longer in the tomb and some of the women have claimed that He has risen from the dead. Jesus then begins reciting passage after passage from the Old Testament Scriptures that foretold that all of these events would happen, and He rebukes these disciples for not believing the Word of God.
I found it interesting that twice in chapter 24 the Lord takes the Old Testament Scriptures and uses them to teach the disciples regarding Himself. He did not perform any miracles here. He just opens up their understanding to the Word of God. I got excited about that because that is exactly what I do. I open up the Scriptures and through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, I help people understand them. The disciples on the road to Emmaus stated the their hearts burned within them as he taught them the Scriptures. When was the last time your heart burned within you because of the Word of God. We almost act like God’s Word gives us the bad kind of heartburn, like my friend got when he ate Chinese food. We avoid reading and studying the Bible like it causes us pain. The Word of God is the most powerful tool that we have available to us today in the transformation of our own lives, and in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, yet we seem to be using it less and less these days. Our sermons are getting shorter and shorter, and whole services and studies are being removed from the schedule. It just seems that in practice we do not recognize the power of God’s Word to transform lives. Jesus did. He quoted Scripture all the time: when tempted by Satan, and here He is quoting Scripture to help these disciples understand His death and resurrection. We need to place the same emphasis on the power of God’s Word in our lives. Let’s get back to reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible.
Posted in Thoughts from Luke by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Faith As A Mustard Seed – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passages – Luke 17 – 18; (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)
Memory passage for the month of November – Psalm 95
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105
Scripture Memorization for August – The Kenosis Passage – Philippians 2:5 – 11
Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “If I Don’t Pray For You“
Read the “1102 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “Forbid Them Not”; and “Attaboy”
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)
Good morning. When the Lord returns to earth, will He find faith when He looks at you or me, or anybody? Will the Lord be pleased? Without faith it is impossible to please Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we ask God for things in prayer, the evidence appears in the form of an answer to those prayers. God gives us something to ask Him for, then He answers by granting the request: God is the beginning and the end of our faith, and everything in between. The disciples wanted to please God, so the asked for an increase in their faith…
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6).
Jesus compared the Kingdom of God as a mustard seed…
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” (Mark 4:30-32).
Consider this…
I am a mustard seed. I am nothing on my own: just a seed only 1 to 2mm in diameter. But, plant me in the ground and give me fertilizer, and water; after 3 to 10 days, I start to germinate. My roots stretch deep into the soil looking for nutrients, and water; while my leaf breaks through the surface to bask in the light of the sun. I grow from the smallest of seeds to the mightiest of all the herbs of God’s creation. I am a mustard seed.
Also, consider this…
I am a human being. I was created in God’s image, but I am nothing on my own; just a person with a soul, and a dead spirit. But, give me the gospel, and the chance to receive Jesus as my Saviour and I become a new creature. My dead spirit is quickened: made alive. My eyes search God’s Word for His will for my life. I grow spiritually. I bask in His love, and the light of His Word. I go from being dead to being alive; from being lost and now found. I am saved. I am a Christian.
We all have to start somewhere: we need to start with Jesus for without Him we could do nothing (see John 15:5). When we hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit tells us we need to believe it and be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9, John 15:26, Acts 16:19-34). We become a new creature, a child of God (see 2Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26). It is all by faith; it is all by Jesus, God the Son: He is the author and finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2).
So Christian, let me ask you again: will the Lord find faith when He returns to earth? As His return comes closer, and the devil’s time grows shorter, what little faith we have may be shaken. Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us to: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
God is in control. He knew about all the ups, and the downs you have had, have, or will have in your life. He already has the solution to your problems, all of them. Trust Him. Believe Him. Have faith in Him.
Peace. (Hebrews 11:6)
Posted in Guest Posts by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.