You’d Better Check With Your Father First

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Today’s Reading – 2 Samuel 7 – 9

Have you ever told someone as a child that you were going to do something, and have them reply, “You’d better check with your dad first.” The story that is told in 2 Samuel 7 reminds me of this. David wants to build a house for God, which is a good thing. And David also does the right thing by checking with the prophet Nathan before he breaks ground.

Nathan did what many preachers do, including myself. He said, “Go ahead David. That sounds like a good idea. Do what you want.” But Nathan quickly finds out the the Father has other plans for David and for the house that David wants to build. Nathan should have checked with God first before he gave a reply to David.

Preachers and Laymen that are asked for counsel about some decision in another person’s life should say first, “Let me pray about it, and ask God what His will is” or “Let me search the Scriptures to see what God says about it”. But we should be careful to never just tell people what we think or what sounds good.

You’d Better Check With God First!

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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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Kathy Lopez says:

April 12, 2010 at 9:08 pm

I was a little surprised that David didn't ask the Lord about building a house for him. I frequently see the phrase "David enquired of the Lord". I think that that is one of David's characteristics that is pleasing to God but I guess even David didn't ALWAYS remember to ask the Lord first. That makes me feel a bit better.

While reading chapter nine I began to think about the Lord's provision. I've been thinking a lot about the teachers that I work with and how worried many of them are about losing their jobs. This is a wonderful story of Mephibosheths situation and how God meets his needs. Not only did David's kindness benefit Mephibosheth but I believe also Ziba, his 15 sons, his 20 servants and Mephibosheth's son, Micha as well. When life is difficult it is great to know that we can rest in the Lord. I love to stand back and see what really neat way he is going to provide.
Gary Geiger says:

April 12, 2010 at 8:49 am

With almost every "want" there is always a "wait". I believe that God knows all my wants; long before I ask. Waiting for anything in this gotta-have-it-now world is difficult but it can be profitable; trouble is I think I know what's best and more often then not I am way ahead of God.