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BROOK CHERITH MINISTRIES
The name of this ministry comes from I Kings 17: 3-6. The brook Cherith is where the man of God (Elijah) was both to receive his drink and nourishment.

We, like Elijah, need a place we can go to find nourishment in the time of this drought. We claim no special gifts or abilities, just the unadulterated Word of God and words of encouragement. We will provide tapes, short writings, CD's of our preaching and singing etc.. These tapes and CD's have been compiled for over 40 years. The focus is on giving God the glory and showing man his true position as a helpless sinner.

BROOK CHERITH MINISTRIES endeavors only to magnify the Sovereign Lord in an age when HE is mocked, ridiculed, disbelieved and disobeyed. Prayerfully, the light of this ministry can shine upon you in this darkened time.

One Voice/One Man's Opinion

We invite you to read the editorials written under the title, "ONE VOICE". These are written by Dr. Larry W. Montgomery and express his personal convictions and/or truths from the Word of God.

We pray those of you who enjoyed this One Voice/One Man's Opinion on various radio stations in the past will once again be blessed.

Thursday 25 June 2009

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Thursday 25 June 2009 - 14:55:39

COULD THIS FLAG POSSIBY FLY IF THE CROSS CEASES TO STAND IN AMERICA?

Thursday 11 June 2009

MY FATHER

Thursday 11 June 2009 - 17:36:07

MY FATHER

“…..Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy….”
(I Kings 3:6)

Words of praise and compliments can be heaped upon men from numerous sources as well as words of condemnation and ridicule. These words are never so weighty as when said by one who knows.

Solomon was the son of David. He knew his father well, and now in a most honest moment before God, he commends his dad. Two of David’s sons had rebelled and attempted to take his kingdom (Absalom and Adonijah). Their attempts to gain power and thwart the plan of God were quickly brought to an end. Solomon, God’s choice to follow David, was much wiser.    He knew his dad to be a man “after God’s own heart”. He, being a wise son, respected his dad. Solomon had matured watching this great soldier and king conquer kingdom after kingdom, all the while showing himself a man worthy of such words as ‘truth’, ‘righteousness’ and ‘uprightness’.

These are powerful words and not easily said of most men; yet Solomon has no hesitation saying them about his father. There was absolutely no reason for this man to speak honorable words of one already gone, especially before God if they were not true.   David had exemplified the characteristics of a righteous man before his son, and this is the way his son remembered him. Seven times in the first 26 verses of I Kings 8 Solomon referred to David as “my father”.

Years have passed since my dad went to be with the Lord. His memory is as clear to me as if he were still here. One of the saddest days of my life was when I received the news that he had suffered a heart attack. As I prayed just moments later, the Holy Ghost clearly let me know dad was gone. My brother Gary and I preached his graduation exercise. What a privilege and joy!

Hundreds of people took my hand through the days of mourning and spoke well of dad. He was never so much praised as during these days.    I pondered what I would say; words of commendation for his being a great father; how well he taught we boys the worth of the work ethic; maybe the strength of his arms that, from a boy working in a sawmill, were like miniature booms of a back-hoe. I could have spoken of his handsome façade or his graceful spirit. Above all, I had to speak of him as a man of God; one whom God had chosen to bear His message of saving grace and, to the very night he stepped out of this world, a lover of God’s Word. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.(Psalm 24: 1-4). These were some of the last words my dad read from God’s Word. He read of the King of glory and moments later went to be with him.

Can I say, as Solomon did, my dad was a truthful, righteous and upright man? With my heart I can shout it! He had no special claim on any grace; he, like his off-springs, failed, but like David, he followed the revealed will of God. He spent no time at the well of the wicked, but drank constantly at the fountain of living water.

When dad arrived in glory, his voice was not strange to the Savior or saints, for since my mind can recall, he lifted we boys daily before the throne of grace. I just have a feeling the next time I see dad he’ll be right there at that throne, awaiting my coming….””that’s my father, my dad”.

Dr. Larry W. Montgomery

Tuesday 26 May 2009

FRIENDS IN ADVERSITY

Tuesday 26 May 2009 - 17:41:31

FRIENDS IN ADVERSITY

II Samuel 15-23

Nothing is so well equipped to unveil the dishonesty, self-serving, latent hatred of acquaintances as adversity. It also shakes out those who are friends and gives them a chance to expose their love, devotion and common decency.

The life of David is a good example of the truth of the lead statements in this writing. His life, from the day he was anointed king, was one of joy and discouragement; victory and defeat; expectancy and disappointment. He is one for whom I gain more respect and admiration each time I study his life. God brought the giant, Goliath, into his life early to show him how tough a pilgrimage he was facing. Though he gained a great victory over Goliath, there were many giants he would yet face.

We often remember the failure of David more than his successes. It is but the norm for depraved humanity to do so. Look, though, at the Holy Ghost description of this great man. He is known as “…a man after God’s own heart…” (I Samuel 13:14). The adversities of this great king of Israel are chunked full of instructions and examples for the modern believer. We could mention Job, Joseph, Moses, Jacob, Abraham, etc., but the few chapters of II Samuel (noted above) will serve well to instruct us at this time.

My personal definition of “friend” is one who carries us through the rough spots in life while continually telling us we are not heavy.

For the purpose of this writing, I will construct an acrostic from the word “friend”.

F – Most of us will have very few faithful friends. There will be some we meet in life who, when adversities come, will show themselves to be faithful. Six hundred men had been with David. They had fought beside him, experienced his victories, his disappointments, and his rejoicings. Now they pass on with him as he leaves the city of Jerusalem because of the rebellion, and attempt to unseat the king by his own son, Absalom. I will not pursue the rebellion of Absalom, except as it serves the purpose of this writing. He, though, brings one of the greatest adversities in the life of King David.

Ittai, the Gittite, has just recently become a part of David’s men (II Sam. 15: 19-22), yet he will be faithful as he declares in v.21 “….whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.” He is expecting nothing, and in the worst of adversities he is shaken out as one of the faithful friends of the king.

Hushai, the Archite (v.32) is another faithful friend. He is in great sorrow because of the king’s plight. He also would go with him, but David enlisted him to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, of whom we will speak later (v.31). Faithful friends will not hesitate to put themselves at their friend’s disposal, even when it is obvious there is no gain or glory for them in doing so. It should never come as a shock to us when the number of faithful friends is small. The host that will gather around to pat our backs and rejoice in accomplishments, will soon disappear in times of adversity.

R – The next letter in “friend” is R.   A friend is Resourceful. Zadok and Abiather, the priest, along with their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan, would serve to spy out the intent of Absalom and report to David. These were friends in the proper places and positions to be advantageous to the king. Their presence, while needful to David in his fleeing, was more so needed to keep him advised in order that he might keep his people in safety.

Resourceful friends have been given the abilities to meet needs just by virtue of where God has placed them. They are indispensable in times of adversity. Their contribution will often bring deliverance. I’m reminded of Ebedmelech, ( Jeremiah 38: 11-13) who delivered Jeremiah from the pit. He was resourceful enough to not harm the weakened prophet, but pull him safely from what would have been his grave.

Jonathan was resourceful in finding the danger determined against David by his father, Saul, and reporting it to his friend. It is a real blessing of our Heavenly Father to give us those who have resources and can be resourceful to befriend us in the valleys of our life.

These men were men of character who would not be fooled by the deceptive deportment of Absalom. They had seen adversity. They had experienced, both in prayer and practice, the behavior of the king, and were not about to be beguiled by a pride-filled-glory-seeker. Oh! For more men of this caliber who not only act religious in the services, but are truthful in the trenches. Many are wordy, but few are willing when they must themselves be put in harm’s way.

Never trust an untried friend in your adversity. An inquiring friend will rarely be silent or supportive. It has been my experience that young friends will seek what benefit they can from your crisis. They are willing to live long at your fare and quickly betray you with a Judas kiss.

I – Immutable. We will have but one or two immutable friends (unchanging). Come rain or come shine, they will not forget our trial and will go beyond to show themselves a friend. These will not be as vocal as they are valuable. Their reassurance will out-sound their rhetoric. Their assurance and assistance silences accusations.

Mephibosheth is just that kind of friend. Though Ziba had spoken falsely of him when the king returned (Chapter 19) Mephibosheth came to welcome him back. Because of the accusations of Ziba, David had given the land to him, leaving Mephibosheth with nothing. His only thought was that his king had returned safely. He was willing to give up all just to know his friend and benefactor was well. Read the humble account in II Samuel 19: 24-30.

Zadok and Abiather the priest are unchanging friends. They hold a very responsible position, thusly are mature men and knowledgeable of both the hearts of men and the Will of God. They are not tale-bearers or out to defame the king in an effort to exalt themselves in the eyes of men. Believe me, there are many in the ministry who are both immature and tale-bearers. They may be on in years, but if they are busy or employ themselves in an effort to demean or defame God’s men they are not as Zadok and Abiathar. They could have easily turned to Absalom and betrayed God’s man, but they were immutable in their friendship to David. It was their friendship that saved David’s life.

God uses men.  In adversity, God will shake out the hypocrites and shake up the real friends.   We will see few in this class. Those who are unchanging friends should be cherished . Thank God for immutable friends! They will be there when you are in favor and disfavor. They are precious friends. I could list the name of some here, but that is not necessary, those who are of this sort know it, and those who aren’t, know as well.

E – stands for economical. The word economical comes to mind, friends who willingly part with their goods to see you are cared for during adversity. II Samuel 17: 27-29 introduces us to such friends; Shobi, Machir, and Barzilai. These men came to David with beds, basins, vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched corn, beans, lentils, pulse, honey, butter, and cheese . These fellows must have had a tractor-trailer load of supplies. They had dipped into their own coffers to see to it that their friend was cared for in the time of adversity. God has chosen to bless some dear folks, His sheep, with resources and money for the purpose of giving. He knows who will be faithful in the time of adversity to satisfy the economical needs of a friend. There are those who have, and will not part with a thought of it, let alone the deed. They will often say “anything….anything I can do”, yet nothing comes. I’ve mentioned needs in my life, only to God. It’s pretty obvious who hears His Voice when He speaks.

Do not forget, God uses men, then blesses them for hearing and doing deeds to help others. No one can say they have found my hand closed in their time of need. I can also resound the fact that God has, from the acquaintances of my life, opened the hands of friends who have not just said “if there is anything I can do….”, but have opened their hands to share of their goods. You will have many speak of their willingness to do, but few who will see the need and supply. Too many would want you to ask that they might feed a prideful spirit when they give and many who say, “just ask”, will excuse themselves with “I wish I could” or “Times are hard” or give a token amount. Real friends hear God’s voice and respond without one having to plead.

These men knew of David’s need and supplied in his adversity. I could write pages here, suffice to say, few will respond in such a way. Thank God, there are some who know the Voice of God. It is better to give than to receive. Far too many are like Nabal.

N – The next letter shows us a near friend.   A near friend stands out in David’s life, a feisty sort of fellow; one who did what he must to stay next to his king. He is a fighter, yet a wise man in cautioning David not to number the people (II Sam. 24: 1-3), which would have saved a great judgment upon Israel (v. 15).

Joab is close kin to David, the son of David’s sister. He shows no desire in any of his history to bring hurt or defame; quite the contrary. He is in strict defense of King David. He has been with the king from his first days and remains true to him, though some things he did displeased David (the slaying of Abner and Absalom). It is obvious both from devotion and deed, that Joab was a near friend.

These are, as well, hard to find, for those near us, family members, often have little or no respect for us. They know us all too well and can’t see beyond the times of youth and folly (Luke 4:24). Blood is thicker than water, but sadly, not many of us can say we have near friends. God gave me a great family (I have 3 brothers). As far as I know, we are great friends.   We have stepped through many valleys, trials, sorrows and disappointments and emerged brothers and friends. I am more than comfortable in saying my brothers are my near friends.

I’ve noted in my years that few families have a bond after the siblings are grown, even fewer have any form of friendship. I’ve witnessed near wars at funerals and bedsides of dying family members over meaningless things. The bond of friendship is often broken because of a few dollars or a keepsake. How foolish!

Near friends come from brothers and sisters in Christ as well. Again, they will be few, but God will dot the landscape of our pilgrimage with those who will, in a moment, rise to our defense. These often come from most unexpected quarters. Those who have been so vocal about their allegiance and devotion are usually not the ones who are our defenders and rescuers. I’ve been more than amazed at how quickly the proclaimers desert and how firmly the quieter ones stand in one’s defense. Those who have been fed at our table, lived on our fare, whom we have spared no time or resource to help and advance, will be the quickest to turn and gore you at the first adversity. Maybe we should call them “nearly friends”. Several names come to mind at that thought.

One of the first things I learned in the service of my country, was that you never know how one will react until faced with a crisis or in a position of authority unearned. How well I’ve learned that lesson. Near friends will face the enemy to refresh a friend as these of David’s men did to get him a drink from the well in Bethlehem (II Sam. 23: 13-17). No one told them to do this, they overheard David speaking of the water from the well of the city of his birth…..enough said.

D – The final letter is “D”. Defending friends (II Samuel 21: 15-17).   David is at war with the Philistines. Here is a man who swung the sword as long as he could hold one. His battle skills have waned because he is now an aged man. He is engaged in battle with Ishbibenob, the son of Goliath. The offspring of old enemies may well visit us as well. David grew weak in the battle and would have been slain except Abiahai, one of his mighty men, rescued him by slaying the giant. Please picture the aged David in an adverse circumstance; the enemy ready to pounce upon him and take his life. The king, so weak he can no longer defend himself, is within a fleeting moment of death. Then a defending friend takes on the enemy, slays him, and delivers his friend.

Abishai was willing to put himself in harm’s way to defend a friend. I’m convinced Abishai was aware of the danger, I’m also aware that he was a soldier and that’s what soldier’s do. Yes, and that even more so proves my point. We are soldiers…not cowards. Why then are defending friends so hard to come by? Could it be that our ranks are truly filled with cowards rather than gallant soldiers? Could it be that we would rather ‘switch than fight’? Has it become the right thing to do in our compromising age to leave our friends to the mercy, or lack thereof, of the enemy? Can we really be called soldiers if we refuse to fight? Are we soldiers if we remain uncommitted? Or found to be affiliated with the enemy? What if Abishai had not defended David on this occasion and had done as Judas? The life of a great man would have been taken and one who should have proven himself a man on this occasion, would have shown himself to be a coward.

I’ve learned that in an adverse circumstance many men are really cowards. They will not stand if the stand may prove unpopular or against the vocal crowd. How long will we languish in the vale of ignorance and not learn that 99% of the time the vocal crowd is wrong? They act on impulse, not information, and are expert in scattering balderdash. How can we bless God and spread gossip with the same vocal apparatus? Oh! For more Abishai’s in our adversities! He showed up in the nick of time with a determination to defend his friend. No doubt the enemy looked fearsome and was purposeful in his attack upon David. He had a bone to pick, an axe to grind, a grudge to satisfy, but not on Abishai’s watch!

As we come to the close, let me set your thoughts on a Friend above all friends. He is Forgiving, Redeeming, Immortal, Eternal, Necessary, and the Dearest of friends. The song writer said, “What a friend we have in Jesus”….One that sticketh closer than a brother; the One Who will never leave us or forsake us when all other friends have tipped their hats and exited our adversity. HE will still be there as Shepherd and Friend to His sheep. Oh! How Sweet to Trust in Jesus!

“And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends”.
(Zechariah 13:6)

Dr. Larry W. Montgomery

Wednesday 08 April 2009

FAMINE IN THE LAND

Wednesday 08 April 2009 - 17:40:18

FAMINE IN THE LAND

“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife, and his two sons.”
(Ruth 1:1)

The book of Ruth is a fresh breath of air in the midst of a garbage heap. The previous book of Judges revealed the loathsomeness of Israel’s unbelief and idolatry. The book of Ruth introduces a Gentile into the family tree of David, and thusly, our Lord. The account is, by no means, simple and that is what inspired me to write on this topic.

We, (like Judah at the time of the happening of the verse before us) are in a famine or ‘recession’. While the two are not necessarily the same, many similar things come from each.

I have noticed several articles in periodicals and newspapers concerning the dwindling number in the pews of the visible church. It is said, by some, to be a result of the recession. How convenient! Elimelech (the ‘certain man’ mentioned in verse one) was a citizen of Bethlehem (the city of bread), but there was a famine in the land. Times were hard and he moved his family to Moab (God’s wash pot {Psalm 60:8; 108:9}). This was a place Elimelech had no business even considering. It is the land populated by one of the incestuous sons of Lot and a land of idolatry. Yet, in time of trouble, it became a refuge to one with little foresight of the consequence.

Elimilech, as a father, was more physically and materially minded than spiritual. So it evidently took little time for him to uproot and relocate. He left the place of God’s promise and blessing to go to a place where he thought there would be comfort and lack of want. No doubt he thought it would offer more entertainment to keep his sons occupied. ‘Young people need to have something to keep them interested’ (we often hear in this day and time). Elimelech had decided Bethlehem had nothing to offer. How many times has this excuse been used to soothe the guilt-ridden conscience? How sad that men will rob themselves and their family of a good spiritual heritage, in order to satisfy the longings and lust of the flesh.

“Bethlehems” (the place where bread is delved out and the blessing of God is present) are few and far between. To find a “Bethlehem” is a great find and as precious as gold, but often the real is left behind for lightness and frivolity of modern religion (Moab). The death march is the result of this non-Spirit guided decision. There is no better place than the place of the blessing of God!

Think now, when you hear the name “Bethlehem”, what comes to mind? The obvious answer is - the birthplace of Christ. No such thing follows the mention of Moab, it is, rather, a negative nature – (an attempt to satisfy the flesh and help ‘poor ole God’; the hatchery of a false religious system). Bethlehem is chosen of God. It is a place of refreshing water (II Samuel 23;15). The very name declares its worth. It is the city of the birth of our Lord; the visit of the wise men; the city of the King (Both David and Christ). To leave for the gaiety and tomfoolery of Moab is a route chosen only by those with no concept of truth. At the very time when Elimelech should have been seeking the will of God and finding the bread and refreshing water, he was willing to leave it all for the sake of a lesser good. No one would fault a dad for wanting to care for his family, however this is not the way to do so. While the physical needs are important, the greatest need is spiritual. Elimelech would have survived the famine, the others in Bethlehem survived. Naomi didn’t return to an empty town. She DID return “empty”, but she returned because of her faith. Her husband had made the decision for them to move away and the result was the loss of both his life and that of the two sons – A huge price to pay for leaving the place of blessing, but not at all unusual.

God used this tragic happening to bring Ruth into the household. He used the tragic unbelief of Israel to bring us (Gentiles) into His family. How gracious of our Lord to take, from the darkness, a people for His glorious light!

Ruth means “glamorous”. The word today does not mean what it did originally, due to the influence of Hollywood. It is a word of worth. It speaks of beauty, poise, elegance and delight. Ruth was a prize for Boaz, and he was a great blessing to her, for he was her redeemer. Because of him, she would become fruitful. Mahlon (the husband who died) was weak and pining, and from him she bore no children. But her redeemer, Boaz, makes her fruitful and a blessing to the household of God.

So, from the cursed comes a blessing. We, who are cursed by the law, yet redeemed through grace, will bear fruit to Him who has redeemed us.

God, help us not to leave the place of God’s blessing during the famine, but rather to drink from the well and eat the bread. The draw of the world, with its scanty devices and deceptive practices, may seem desirable, but nothing will satisfy the hungry and thirsty soul except the place of God’s blessing.

FORSAKE NOT THE OLD PATHS ~~THEY ALWAYS LEAD TO A “BETHLEHEM”

Dr. Larry W. Montgomery

Sunday 17 February 2008

Grace Baptist Church, Metter, GA

Monday 18 February 2008 - 01:40:22

Grace Baptist Church in Metter, GA is in need of a Man of God to lead them.

They are a small Bible believing congregation with a heart for their community.

Retired or bi-vocational preferred

Contact by mail:

Ed Brantley

P.O. Box 123

Metter, GA 30439

or via phone

478-763-2747

Tuesday 07 August 2007

STREAMING SERMONS AND MUSIC!!!

Tuesday 07 August 2007 - 22:13:54

   August 7, 2007 marks the official opening of Brook Cherith Ministries. We are very happy to announce the newest feature of this site- the streaming media player.

By clicking on the player at the top of this page, you can hear some of the music and sermons available in our online store. We hope you enjoy the media presentations!

Monday 06 August 2007

IN THE STUDIO

Monday 06 August 2007 - 17:15:44

The latest audio programs are coming soon! Jim Hethcox and John Perry are working together from the studios in LaGrange, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida, digitally re-mastering the audio series for download. We are very excited, as the digital format will also be edited for time, allowing us to distribute them to various radio stations across the country! No release date has been set, but you can expect to be able to hear and download these sermons shortly.

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MY FATHER

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