Hebrews 13:5
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Saying "Jesus is enough" sounds like a cliche platitude used when someone is trying to sound "holy". However, the Bible makes it clear that we are to live without covetousness in our lives. We are to live with complete contentment in what we have. And the one reason that we can live in that way is because Jesus said, "I will never leave you, or forsake you."
He was not being redundant here. Leaving and forsaking are two different things. We leave family members all the time, with intentions to return. However, that doesn't mean we forsake them. Jesus, however, said that He will never leave us. He will not go anywhere. He is beside us through the rest of our lives.
Forsaking is a step up from leaving. You can be right next to someone and completely forsake them. Forsaking meaning to abandon or renounce. When we are in desperate need, someone could be standing right next to us, not having left, but still forsake us by renouncing or abandoning us, not assisting us in our time of need. This, Jesus will never do. He has promised.
So, am I avoiding covetousness? Is my motivation for contentment based on the deep, satisfying relationship I have with my God?
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
He Himself Hath Suffered Being Tempted
Hebrews 2:17-18
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
Imagine the Son of God, the Savior of the world, being tempted. In every way that we have ever been tempted, so has He. Jesus was tempted to lie, steal, lust, sexual impurity, gluttony, disobedience, and the list goes on. Yet He endured without sin.
There truly was no other way for Jesus to be our Friend and our Savior. God is just and righteous, yet through this human experience He showed His faithful mercy.
We often see God as the One to Whom we go for forgiveness after we have failed at resisting temptation. As well we should. However, we seldom see Jesus as the Source of assistance and aid during a time of temptation. Since He has been through it, He understands what we experience and therefore is not willing that we should endure it alone.
When was the last time I was tempted? What was my response? Do I seek Jesus for succor?
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
Imagine the Son of God, the Savior of the world, being tempted. In every way that we have ever been tempted, so has He. Jesus was tempted to lie, steal, lust, sexual impurity, gluttony, disobedience, and the list goes on. Yet He endured without sin.
There truly was no other way for Jesus to be our Friend and our Savior. God is just and righteous, yet through this human experience He showed His faithful mercy.
We often see God as the One to Whom we go for forgiveness after we have failed at resisting temptation. As well we should. However, we seldom see Jesus as the Source of assistance and aid during a time of temptation. Since He has been through it, He understands what we experience and therefore is not willing that we should endure it alone.
When was the last time I was tempted? What was my response? Do I seek Jesus for succor?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Good Works
Titus 2:14
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Titus 3:8
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
There are not many places in the Bible where we are told to be zealous regarding something in particular. The word means to be burning with zealously or eager desire. There should be a fire kindled by love within the heart of each Christian that drives them to do good works.
The question then becomes, what is a good work? On the most basic level, a good work is some action or attitude that is pleasing to God. This is the fruit Jesus commands us to bear through abiding in the Father. This fruit, these good works, must flow from a love for God and not a selfish desire for credit or a grudging compliance to a command.
Thinking back over yesterday, can I think of any good works that I accomplished? Am I zealous regarding good works?
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Titus 3:8
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
There are not many places in the Bible where we are told to be zealous regarding something in particular. The word means to be burning with zealously or eager desire. There should be a fire kindled by love within the heart of each Christian that drives them to do good works.
The question then becomes, what is a good work? On the most basic level, a good work is some action or attitude that is pleasing to God. This is the fruit Jesus commands us to bear through abiding in the Father. This fruit, these good works, must flow from a love for God and not a selfish desire for credit or a grudging compliance to a command.
Thinking back over yesterday, can I think of any good works that I accomplished? Am I zealous regarding good works?
Friday, November 25, 2016
Wholly
1 Timothy 4:15
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
God is not ok with half measures in the life of His children. Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing. Lukewarmness is not tolerated. "Give thyself wholly to them". Wholly.
Surrender is a terrifying thing. Letting go of my control over areas of my life is completely antithetical to my normal, fleshly way of thinking. And that is the beauty of it.
If I will take the time to truly meditate on the Word of God, on His commands and accompanying promises, I will have nothing less that complete commitment in my heart. If I meditate on the power, love, and grace He longs to pour into the life of a surrendered Christian, nothing would stop me from giving it all away, without reservation to my King. The result will then be a world having a front row seat to what God can do through a wholly committed life.
What is holding me back from wholly giving myself to God? What part of my life do I hold onto with fear? How can I take a step toward letting God have that? Am I meditating on Who it is I serve?
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
God is not ok with half measures in the life of His children. Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing. Lukewarmness is not tolerated. "Give thyself wholly to them". Wholly.
Surrender is a terrifying thing. Letting go of my control over areas of my life is completely antithetical to my normal, fleshly way of thinking. And that is the beauty of it.
If I will take the time to truly meditate on the Word of God, on His commands and accompanying promises, I will have nothing less that complete commitment in my heart. If I meditate on the power, love, and grace He longs to pour into the life of a surrendered Christian, nothing would stop me from giving it all away, without reservation to my King. The result will then be a world having a front row seat to what God can do through a wholly committed life.
What is holding me back from wholly giving myself to God? What part of my life do I hold onto with fear? How can I take a step toward letting God have that? Am I meditating on Who it is I serve?
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Fulfill It
Colossians 4:17-18
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."
There are two very important lessons that we learn from these two short verses.
First, we know very little about Archippus, but it is supposed that he may have been a pastor in need of encouragement. Whatever his role, we see from this brief admonishment that just because our purpose may have been revealed to us, it does not mean that we will always faithfully pursue it. Often we get so caught up in searching for God's will and purpose for us that once we find it, it can be easy to let our passion wane. That is not what God wants. When our purpose is revealed, when we receive our own personal ministry from the Lord, it is time to work to fulfill it with all our might.
Am I actively seeking God's work for me to fulfill? Am I pursuing it with all I am?
Second, Paul asks the church to remember his bonds. Paul did not have an easy life, let alone one the world would term enjoyable. The persecution he underwent would cower the boldest Christian of today. But he told the church to remember that he was in prison.
Jesus said that what we do to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and those in prison is what we do to Him. Therefore it follows that Paul's plea was not for his sake, but rather for the church's sake. He was reminding them of Jesus' instruction.
Do I remember my fellow Christians in bonds? What does that remembrance motivate me to do?
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."
There are two very important lessons that we learn from these two short verses.
First, we know very little about Archippus, but it is supposed that he may have been a pastor in need of encouragement. Whatever his role, we see from this brief admonishment that just because our purpose may have been revealed to us, it does not mean that we will always faithfully pursue it. Often we get so caught up in searching for God's will and purpose for us that once we find it, it can be easy to let our passion wane. That is not what God wants. When our purpose is revealed, when we receive our own personal ministry from the Lord, it is time to work to fulfill it with all our might.
Am I actively seeking God's work for me to fulfill? Am I pursuing it with all I am?
Second, Paul asks the church to remember his bonds. Paul did not have an easy life, let alone one the world would term enjoyable. The persecution he underwent would cower the boldest Christian of today. But he told the church to remember that he was in prison.
Jesus said that what we do to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and those in prison is what we do to Him. Therefore it follows that Paul's plea was not for his sake, but rather for the church's sake. He was reminding them of Jesus' instruction.
Do I remember my fellow Christians in bonds? What does that remembrance motivate me to do?
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Enemies of Christ
Philippians 3:18-19
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
This verse ought to be seen, not as an opportunity to judge those around us, but rather as a challenge to examine our own lives. A chance to take the beam from our own eye first before helping our brother with the speck in his own eye.
Notice in this verse that Paul does not say that these people became enemies of Christ and then made their belly their god, etc. Rather that list is a description of the enemies of Christ. Doubtless, they did not set off to become enemies of Christ. It is not in most people's nature to intentionally be an enemy. Yet by their "soft choices", their decisions to put themselves first, they became enemies of God.
In looking at my life, I must ask myself - who's desires am I fulfilling? God's? Or the fleshly desires of my own hungers? Do I find glory in things that God sees as a shame? Where are my thoughts? On the Heavenly? Or on the earthly?
The are vital questions to ask and answer honestly. "Enemy of Christ" is a title to be avoided at all costs.
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
This verse ought to be seen, not as an opportunity to judge those around us, but rather as a challenge to examine our own lives. A chance to take the beam from our own eye first before helping our brother with the speck in his own eye.
Notice in this verse that Paul does not say that these people became enemies of Christ and then made their belly their god, etc. Rather that list is a description of the enemies of Christ. Doubtless, they did not set off to become enemies of Christ. It is not in most people's nature to intentionally be an enemy. Yet by their "soft choices", their decisions to put themselves first, they became enemies of God.
In looking at my life, I must ask myself - who's desires am I fulfilling? God's? Or the fleshly desires of my own hungers? Do I find glory in things that God sees as a shame? Where are my thoughts? On the Heavenly? Or on the earthly?
The are vital questions to ask and answer honestly. "Enemy of Christ" is a title to be avoided at all costs.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Infirmities, Etc.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
I don't know about you, but I like the first sentence of these two verses. The rest of it is a bit harder to "like". The words "most gladly" and "take pleasure" do not generally apply to our attitude regarding the list of negatives that Paul provides. However, this is yet another demonstration of how radical the Christian life and attitude is supposed to be.
Infirmities, etc. are not something we as humans have the ability to enjoy. But with the power of God in our lives, things are different. We now look past the infirmities, etc. toward what we know is waiting on the other end. The power of Christ, His perfect grace, His perfect strength.
What is my perspective on and attitude toward infirmities, etc.? How does my view of God influence that?
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
I don't know about you, but I like the first sentence of these two verses. The rest of it is a bit harder to "like". The words "most gladly" and "take pleasure" do not generally apply to our attitude regarding the list of negatives that Paul provides. However, this is yet another demonstration of how radical the Christian life and attitude is supposed to be.
Infirmities, etc. are not something we as humans have the ability to enjoy. But with the power of God in our lives, things are different. We now look past the infirmities, etc. toward what we know is waiting on the other end. The power of Christ, His perfect grace, His perfect strength.
What is my perspective on and attitude toward infirmities, etc.? How does my view of God influence that?
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Bringing Into Captivity
2 Corinthians 10:5
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
I believe this is one of the key verses in our spiritual warfare that many miss. The war is not with flesh and blood, as we well know. It is in the heart and mind. And it is in the heart and mind that God desires to strengthen you, to make you mighty. Yet because we so often miss what is in this verse, we so often fall short.
Our thoughts are under our control. Anything that is going against what we know of God is to be cast down. And every thought, no matter the thought, is to be brought into captivity, it is our prisoner and we make it obey Christ. This is Christ's power working in us. This is the renewing of our mind. This is being conformed to the image of Him, from the inside out.
Are my thoughts under my control as I place myself under the control of my King?
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
I believe this is one of the key verses in our spiritual warfare that many miss. The war is not with flesh and blood, as we well know. It is in the heart and mind. And it is in the heart and mind that God desires to strengthen you, to make you mighty. Yet because we so often miss what is in this verse, we so often fall short.
Our thoughts are under our control. Anything that is going against what we know of God is to be cast down. And every thought, no matter the thought, is to be brought into captivity, it is our prisoner and we make it obey Christ. This is Christ's power working in us. This is the renewing of our mind. This is being conformed to the image of Him, from the inside out.
Are my thoughts under my control as I place myself under the control of my King?
Monday, November 7, 2016
Fear and Trembling
Psalm 2:11
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
I'm afraid now and then that all Christians are guilty of forgetting Who they serve. We are the children of Love personified. Yet He also is the very being of Justice and Righteousness. He is the Judge Who will condemn the unrepentant. The Holy One Who turned His back on His only Son when He became sin for us.
God is Love, and His mercy is boundless and unknowable for its vastness. Yet we cannot focus on that to the exclusion of His other qualities. Serve Him because of love, but do it with fear. Rejoice in His mercy and grace that is poured out daily in our lives, but do it with trembling. Not fear and trembling as the world knows it, but that staggered awe, honor and respect that the King of Righteousness deserves.
How do I feel about the seeming dichotomy of God's character? How should that influence the way I live today?
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
I'm afraid now and then that all Christians are guilty of forgetting Who they serve. We are the children of Love personified. Yet He also is the very being of Justice and Righteousness. He is the Judge Who will condemn the unrepentant. The Holy One Who turned His back on His only Son when He became sin for us.
God is Love, and His mercy is boundless and unknowable for its vastness. Yet we cannot focus on that to the exclusion of His other qualities. Serve Him because of love, but do it with fear. Rejoice in His mercy and grace that is poured out daily in our lives, but do it with trembling. Not fear and trembling as the world knows it, but that staggered awe, honor and respect that the King of Righteousness deserves.
How do I feel about the seeming dichotomy of God's character? How should that influence the way I live today?
Sunday, November 6, 2016
The Love of Christ Constrains Us
1 Corinthians 5:9, 14-15
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him...For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
The labor that Paul speaks of here is not good works in order that we might receive our salvation. Rather, it is a labor driven by a love. A love that will let us do nothing else.
We have a daily struggle, the flesh fighting the Spirit within. If we were to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, we would daily walk in this love of Christ that compels us to labor for Him. We would live our lives not for our own benefit, but for Him Who died.
Christ's love and sacrifice for us must be the motivation behind our labor. If it is not, it is done in the flesh and will not endure.
Am I laboring for Christ? What is my motivation, what compels me?
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him...For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
The labor that Paul speaks of here is not good works in order that we might receive our salvation. Rather, it is a labor driven by a love. A love that will let us do nothing else.
We have a daily struggle, the flesh fighting the Spirit within. If we were to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, we would daily walk in this love of Christ that compels us to labor for Him. We would live our lives not for our own benefit, but for Him Who died.
Christ's love and sacrifice for us must be the motivation behind our labor. If it is not, it is done in the flesh and will not endure.
Am I laboring for Christ? What is my motivation, what compels me?
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Leading By Example
1 Corinthians 11:!
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
We serve the Creator God Who placed everything on this earth for a reason. His plan and purpose are revealed to us through His Word. Part of that plan is for His children to be leaders. He did not die to save us so that we could call it good there.
You and I have a higher purpose, to lead others to the Living Water. We should be able to say to everyone we meet, "See what I am doing and where I am going? Follow me, and as you follow me, we will together end at Christ's feet." Obviously we are imperfect humans who will fail from time to time, but our direction must be toward Christ. We must always get up and continue in that direction so that we can say with Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."
Where would I lead someone if they followed in my footsteps today?
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
We serve the Creator God Who placed everything on this earth for a reason. His plan and purpose are revealed to us through His Word. Part of that plan is for His children to be leaders. He did not die to save us so that we could call it good there.
You and I have a higher purpose, to lead others to the Living Water. We should be able to say to everyone we meet, "See what I am doing and where I am going? Follow me, and as you follow me, we will together end at Christ's feet." Obviously we are imperfect humans who will fail from time to time, but our direction must be toward Christ. We must always get up and continue in that direction so that we can say with Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."
Where would I lead someone if they followed in my footsteps today?
Monday, October 31, 2016
Necessity is Laid Upon Me
1 Corinthians 9:16
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
God does not save us so that we can continue living our lives as if nothing happened. There is a reason behind our salvation, a call that He places on the life of each of His children. It varies from person to person, but it cannot be ignored.
Paul knew his calling was to proclaim the Gospel, no matter what. His satisfaction in life was gained through pursuing this goal. Do you think Paul would have been happy being a blacksmith? I doubt it. God called him to be a missionary, a teacher, a preacher. Paul made it clear that he had learned how to be content no matter what life threw at him. However, this contentment came because he knew life's circumstances could never stop him from pursuing his one goal - proclaiming Christ.
What necessity is laid upon me? When I am old, will there be something in my life that causes me 'woe' because I did not do what God had called me to?
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
God does not save us so that we can continue living our lives as if nothing happened. There is a reason behind our salvation, a call that He places on the life of each of His children. It varies from person to person, but it cannot be ignored.
Paul knew his calling was to proclaim the Gospel, no matter what. His satisfaction in life was gained through pursuing this goal. Do you think Paul would have been happy being a blacksmith? I doubt it. God called him to be a missionary, a teacher, a preacher. Paul made it clear that he had learned how to be content no matter what life threw at him. However, this contentment came because he knew life's circumstances could never stop him from pursuing his one goal - proclaiming Christ.
What necessity is laid upon me? When I am old, will there be something in my life that causes me 'woe' because I did not do what God had called me to?
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Washed, Sanctified, Justified
1 Corinthians 6:11
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
Washing: symbolized by baptism, what God once saw (our filthy sin) He sees no more because it has been washed away.
Sanctified: Separated from the profane, dedicated to God in holiness.
Justified: declared as one ought to be, to show or exhibit that one is righteous and just.
These three steps that God takes each Christian through at the time of salvation are unfathomable to our human conception. The love and sacrifice that was poured into our lives in order to cause this transformation took heavenly perfection to accomplish. Look at where you were, what you came from, who you were before Christ. That is the past. Behold, the new has come. And it is full of glory and unspeakable joy.
How can I show my thanks to God today for what He has done in my life? Am I living in the joy of this transformation today?
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
Washing: symbolized by baptism, what God once saw (our filthy sin) He sees no more because it has been washed away.
Sanctified: Separated from the profane, dedicated to God in holiness.
Justified: declared as one ought to be, to show or exhibit that one is righteous and just.
These three steps that God takes each Christian through at the time of salvation are unfathomable to our human conception. The love and sacrifice that was poured into our lives in order to cause this transformation took heavenly perfection to accomplish. Look at where you were, what you came from, who you were before Christ. That is the past. Behold, the new has come. And it is full of glory and unspeakable joy.
How can I show my thanks to God today for what He has done in my life? Am I living in the joy of this transformation today?
Friday, October 28, 2016
Power, Not Words
1 Corinthians 4: 19-20 "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."
The speech of a godly Christian can be easy to emulate. Even much of the "good Christian" things to do can be done for a short while in the flesh. However, there is more to being a Christian than words and deeds. The Holy Spirit of the Living Creator God comes to dwell within the Christian. That cannot happen without causing a major change. That cannot happen without the power of the Holy Spirit being evident in a Christian's life.
Think back to Elijah. What set him apart from the false prophets was not what he said or what he did. Rather it was what God did through Him. The demonstration of God's power through a surrendered servant. It was this showcase of power that turned the hearts of Israel back toward God.
Do I see God's power in my life on a daily basis? Do not look for big things, but concentrate on the small things, the things that can be easily overlooked. If I am not seeing His Holy Spirit's power active in my life, why not? What could be stopping it?
The speech of a godly Christian can be easy to emulate. Even much of the "good Christian" things to do can be done for a short while in the flesh. However, there is more to being a Christian than words and deeds. The Holy Spirit of the Living Creator God comes to dwell within the Christian. That cannot happen without causing a major change. That cannot happen without the power of the Holy Spirit being evident in a Christian's life.
Think back to Elijah. What set him apart from the false prophets was not what he said or what he did. Rather it was what God did through Him. The demonstration of God's power through a surrendered servant. It was this showcase of power that turned the hearts of Israel back toward God.
Do I see God's power in my life on a daily basis? Do not look for big things, but concentrate on the small things, the things that can be easily overlooked. If I am not seeing His Holy Spirit's power active in my life, why not? What could be stopping it?
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Demonstration of the Spirit and Power
1 Corinthians 2:4-5
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
What is my faith based in? Have I witnessed the power of God in my life? Can I point to even one example in my recent past? Is His Spirit active in my heart and mind? Do I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Is His "still small voice" speaking to me?
Wiser, Stronger
1 Corinthians 1:25
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
There is a Heavenly scale that measures us against our Creator. Imagine God's weight on the scale being that of the entire universe while ours is that of a down feather. If God were foolish or weak, He would still be incalculably wiser and stronger than man.
So many things in life are about perspective. Humility comes when we gain this Heavenly perspective on life.
Do I see my wisdom and strength as nothing compared to God? Am I depending solely on His might and wisdom?
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
There is a Heavenly scale that measures us against our Creator. Imagine God's weight on the scale being that of the entire universe while ours is that of a down feather. If God were foolish or weak, He would still be incalculably wiser and stronger than man.
So many things in life are about perspective. Humility comes when we gain this Heavenly perspective on life.
Do I see my wisdom and strength as nothing compared to God? Am I depending solely on His might and wisdom?
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Through the Power of the Holy Ghost
Romans 5:13
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
True hope is supernatural. It is beyond the power of man. The power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a Christian is what causes hope to abound in our hearts.
God never intended us to "try" and "work up" emotions like love and hope. He wants to be our Spring of Living Water. He wants to be our Source. Every good thing comes from our Heavenly Father. Attempting to "make it happen" may succeed for a brief time, but it will end in failure.
How can I let the Holy Spirit be my Source of hope, joy, and love today?
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
True hope is supernatural. It is beyond the power of man. The power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a Christian is what causes hope to abound in our hearts.
God never intended us to "try" and "work up" emotions like love and hope. He wants to be our Spring of Living Water. He wants to be our Source. Every good thing comes from our Heavenly Father. Attempting to "make it happen" may succeed for a brief time, but it will end in failure.
How can I let the Holy Spirit be my Source of hope, joy, and love today?
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
It Is Well, Even When It Isn't
2 Kings 4:26
"Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well."
When our confidence and trust is in God, nothing can shake us. When we have a deep faith that is rooted in a deep relationship with Him, knowing intimately Who He is, no crisis can touch that faith.
This woman had just lost her only child, a child who had been a miracle, and no doubt a daily reminder of God's power despite her lack of faith. She would not doubt this time, not like she had before.
Her ability to say "it is well" did not come from some effort on her part to stay positive. It did not come from knowledge that her son would, without a doubt, be revived. Rather it came from an unshakable faith in a God she knew.
Do I have faith like that? Is my trust in God based in my intimate relationship with Him as my Heavenly Father?
"Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well."
When our confidence and trust is in God, nothing can shake us. When we have a deep faith that is rooted in a deep relationship with Him, knowing intimately Who He is, no crisis can touch that faith.
This woman had just lost her only child, a child who had been a miracle, and no doubt a daily reminder of God's power despite her lack of faith. She would not doubt this time, not like she had before.
Her ability to say "it is well" did not come from some effort on her part to stay positive. It did not come from knowledge that her son would, without a doubt, be revived. Rather it came from an unshakable faith in a God she knew.
Do I have faith like that? Is my trust in God based in my intimate relationship with Him as my Heavenly Father?
God's Thoughts
Psalm 139:17
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"
"God's omniscience, which might have justly watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good....
[God's thoughts] are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight.
They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts....
We cannot conceive how many God's kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns He has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from Him....We cannot conceive the multitude of God's compassions, which are all new every morning." ~Matthew Henry
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"
"God's omniscience, which might have justly watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good....
[God's thoughts] are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight.
They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts....
We cannot conceive how many God's kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns He has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from Him....We cannot conceive the multitude of God's compassions, which are all new every morning." ~Matthew Henry
Monday, October 24, 2016
No Helper For Israel
2 Kings 14:26-27
"For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash."
Man's mind is only limited by how far he is willing to look up. A man with a heavenly perspective does not fear, does not let the things of earth discourage him. In man's eyes, from man's perspective, Israel was done for. There was no one who could help or save them. It was the end.
However, the Lord remains on His throne. Nothing can move Him, nothing surprises Him. He saw Israel's plight before the foundation of the world. Who would honestly think He was unprepared to help? Jeroboam was the vessel God used to accomplish His purpose.
Often, there are situations where I may fear the unknown. When life presents a problem with no way out, it is easy to be disheartened. But when I look around and see no helper, when all hope is lost, it is past time to turn my eyes up. God is waiting for your cry.
What in my life has me overwhelmed? How can I view God as my deliverer and helper in this situation?
"For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash."
Man's mind is only limited by how far he is willing to look up. A man with a heavenly perspective does not fear, does not let the things of earth discourage him. In man's eyes, from man's perspective, Israel was done for. There was no one who could help or save them. It was the end.
However, the Lord remains on His throne. Nothing can move Him, nothing surprises Him. He saw Israel's plight before the foundation of the world. Who would honestly think He was unprepared to help? Jeroboam was the vessel God used to accomplish His purpose.
Often, there are situations where I may fear the unknown. When life presents a problem with no way out, it is easy to be disheartened. But when I look around and see no helper, when all hope is lost, it is past time to turn my eyes up. God is waiting for your cry.
What in my life has me overwhelmed? How can I view God as my deliverer and helper in this situation?
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
The Bones of Elisha
2 Kings 13:21
"And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet."
Elisha did some incredible miracles during his lifetime. The pot of oil, the Shumanite's son, Naaman's healing, and others. Yet his impact, the power of his intimate walk with God still had residual effects even after his death. Before Elijah left the earth, Elisha made a request - a double portion of the spirit of power that Elijah had known. His request was granted.
First of all, from this we see that all of us leave something behind us when we die. Perhaps nothing so miraculous as this, yet our legacies will have impact on generations to come.
Second, we see that God honors bold tenacity when it comes to seeking Him. Elisha could have asked for "just enough" of God's Spirit. But instead he wanted more. He needed more. He was not satisfied with what others had experienced.
When I am gone, will my absence affect those around me? As I live now, am I allowing myself to be satisfied with "just enough" of God, just what others have? Or am I tenaciously pressing toward Him, desiring more?
When I am gone, will my absence affect those around me? As I live now, am I allowing myself to be satisfied with "just enough" of God, just what others have? Or am I tenaciously pressing toward Him, desiring more?
Monday, October 17, 2016
Smite Five or Six Times
2 Kings 13:18-19
"And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice."
How much of our life is limited by the effort we do not expend? There is much we do not know from this passage, however, what we do know is that the king gave up at what Elisha considered the half-way point. This resulted in Judah's enemy not being totally consumed.
Perhaps we see the same thing in our Christian walk. Perhaps a lingering "pet sin" remains in our life despite repeated efforts. Perhaps the problem is not the sin, but us only "striking thrice". God's power in our lives may only be limited by our belief.
How can I "smite five or six times" today? How can I expend more effort than required to pursue my God?
Friday, October 14, 2016
Repetition
2 Kings 13:1-13
Some passages of the books of Kings seem to be mere repetition of the same events with different names. Israel fell into terrible, predictable patterns. And they rarely got out of that rut because they never fully got rid of all their sin. A "little sin" was always allowed to linger. But just like a little cancer, sin never remains alone for long.
Some passages of the books of Kings seem to be mere repetition of the same events with different names. Israel fell into terrible, predictable patterns. And they rarely got out of that rut because they never fully got rid of all their sin. A "little sin" was always allowed to linger. But just like a little cancer, sin never remains alone for long.
They Dealt Faithfully
2 Kings 12:15
"Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
The Lord does not look for success, but faithfulness.
"Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
The Lord does not look for success, but faithfulness.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Hidden Roots
2 Kings 11:17-18
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD."
Generations of evil do not just go away. It takes a serious, dedicated cleansing. It takes a thorough breaking of the old before the new can be introduced. It will be painful, it will be hard, but it will be worth it.
Every person faces this same challenge on an individual level in their life. Sin puts down roots in our lives. These roots choke, kill and destroy everything they touch. And they will tenaciously hold on when extraction is attempted. It can be easy to just knock off the head and leave the roots, because getting the roots hurts, it's difficult, and requires getting your hands dirty. But it is the only way to get rid of that sin - we must thoroughly break it.
What sin in my life has hidden roots? What steps can I take to allow God to thoroughly cleaned me today?
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD."
Generations of evil do not just go away. It takes a serious, dedicated cleansing. It takes a thorough breaking of the old before the new can be introduced. It will be painful, it will be hard, but it will be worth it.
Every person faces this same challenge on an individual level in their life. Sin puts down roots in our lives. These roots choke, kill and destroy everything they touch. And they will tenaciously hold on when extraction is attempted. It can be easy to just knock off the head and leave the roots, because getting the roots hurts, it's difficult, and requires getting your hands dirty. But it is the only way to get rid of that sin - we must thoroughly break it.
What sin in my life has hidden roots? What steps can I take to allow God to thoroughly cleaned me today?
Replacing Evil
2 Kings 10:28 & 31
"Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel....But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin."
Jehu accomplished a work that no king before was able to do. It took dedication and tenacity. Yet despite his willingness to commit to getting rid of an evil, he had no commitment to replacing it with good.
Our lives are never stagnant, and while we may stumble and rise again, we are always in motion toward God or away from God. Jehu stopped Israel from heading away from God and toward Baal, yet he did not redirect them toward God. And as a result, they continued to drift away from their Savior.
Is there a sin in my life that needs removed? It may mean bloody war to root out that sin, but it's worth it. After that sin is removed though, I must ask myself, with what am I replacing that space in my life? Will it draw me toward God, or draw me away?
"Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel....But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin."
Jehu accomplished a work that no king before was able to do. It took dedication and tenacity. Yet despite his willingness to commit to getting rid of an evil, he had no commitment to replacing it with good.
Our lives are never stagnant, and while we may stumble and rise again, we are always in motion toward God or away from God. Jehu stopped Israel from heading away from God and toward Baal, yet he did not redirect them toward God. And as a result, they continued to drift away from their Savior.
Is there a sin in my life that needs removed? It may mean bloody war to root out that sin, but it's worth it. After that sin is removed though, I must ask myself, with what am I replacing that space in my life? Will it draw me toward God, or draw me away?
Not One Word Shall Fall
2 Kings 10:10
"Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah."
Trust in God should not be a radical thing. He has proved Himself more times than we can ever know, in more powerful ways than we can fathom. Therefore, explicit trust in the Creator should be a given.
What He speaks will come to pass. This should encourage and motivate us. We can trust the truth that one day we will all face eternity, either with Christ in paradise, or else in Hell because of a rejection of Christ.
This knowledge, spurs us on to be like Elijah, speaking God's word, being His faithful messenger. A servant obeys his master. How much more should we obey an infallible Master?
How can I let God's trustworthiness motivate me today?
"Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah."
Trust in God should not be a radical thing. He has proved Himself more times than we can ever know, in more powerful ways than we can fathom. Therefore, explicit trust in the Creator should be a given.
What He speaks will come to pass. This should encourage and motivate us. We can trust the truth that one day we will all face eternity, either with Christ in paradise, or else in Hell because of a rejection of Christ.
This knowledge, spurs us on to be like Elijah, speaking God's word, being His faithful messenger. A servant obeys his master. How much more should we obey an infallible Master?
How can I let God's trustworthiness motivate me today?
Way of the Kings
2 Kings 8:18-19
"And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children."
Israel was warned exactly what having a king would mean for them. This was not God's perfect plan for them, though He still worked it out to His will. All the way back to Samuel, Israel was warned against establishing a monarchy, yet they ignored the warnings. And look what happened.
Kings like David were an exception to a rule. The rule was the "way of the kings of Israel" - idolatry, wickedness, iniquity. That was their way, David, the exception chose to walk in God's way instead.
David's choice resulted in God's mercy being poured out again and again on an undeserving nation. A nation of prostitutes who went after evil false gods, rejecting outright the love, mercy and grace of the One True God.
Sound familiar?
"And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children."
Israel was warned exactly what having a king would mean for them. This was not God's perfect plan for them, though He still worked it out to His will. All the way back to Samuel, Israel was warned against establishing a monarchy, yet they ignored the warnings. And look what happened.
Kings like David were an exception to a rule. The rule was the "way of the kings of Israel" - idolatry, wickedness, iniquity. That was their way, David, the exception chose to walk in God's way instead.
David's choice resulted in God's mercy being poured out again and again on an undeserving nation. A nation of prostitutes who went after evil false gods, rejecting outright the love, mercy and grace of the One True God.
Sound familiar?
The Man of God Wept
2 Kings 8:11
"And he settled his countenance steadfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept."
It is hard to imagine Elisha crying. This great man of God, who was one of the most powerful prophets of all time, weeping tears of sorrow for what is to come. However here we see a side of Elisha that is both curious and instructive.
Elisha was not a selfish man. No man that is truly walking in the Spirit can be. Being prosperous and successful was not one of his considerations, as evidenced by his refusal of the riches Naaman tried to give him. Elisha cared not for himself, but for his God, and for others. That is why his entire life was a ministry, demonstrating God's love and power.
Elisha is one of the greatest examples of waking in the Spirit that the Bible gives us. And part of his example is selfless love and caring about others. Not easy, but something we all must strive to emulate.
How am I affected by the plight of others? Does the knowledge that everyone I see will have eternity someday move me?
"And he settled his countenance steadfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept."
It is hard to imagine Elisha crying. This great man of God, who was one of the most powerful prophets of all time, weeping tears of sorrow for what is to come. However here we see a side of Elisha that is both curious and instructive.
Elisha was not a selfish man. No man that is truly walking in the Spirit can be. Being prosperous and successful was not one of his considerations, as evidenced by his refusal of the riches Naaman tried to give him. Elisha cared not for himself, but for his God, and for others. That is why his entire life was a ministry, demonstrating God's love and power.
Elisha is one of the greatest examples of waking in the Spirit that the Bible gives us. And part of his example is selfless love and caring about others. Not easy, but something we all must strive to emulate.
How am I affected by the plight of others? Does the knowledge that everyone I see will have eternity someday move me?
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Faithful
2 Kings 8:1
"Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years."
Here we see the stark juxtaposition of belief and non belief. In the previous chapter we saw how the lord who did not believe Elisha perished as a result. In this chapter we see the widow, full of faith still, saved from a horrible famine.
We have no record of Elisha warning anyone besides the widow, though he easily could have. He single her out to save because of her faith.
Jesus Himself asked, "...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Faith is a vital key to our daily Christian walk. God seeks faithfulness in His servants, not success. Faithfulness, not wealth. Faithfulness, not grandeur.
At the end, it is the heart's desire of all God's children to hear those blessed words, "Well done, thou good and FAITHFUL servant..." Do my actions today make me think those are the words I will hear?
"Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years."
Here we see the stark juxtaposition of belief and non belief. In the previous chapter we saw how the lord who did not believe Elisha perished as a result. In this chapter we see the widow, full of faith still, saved from a horrible famine.
We have no record of Elisha warning anyone besides the widow, though he easily could have. He single her out to save because of her faith.
Jesus Himself asked, "...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Faith is a vital key to our daily Christian walk. God seeks faithfulness in His servants, not success. Faithfulness, not wealth. Faithfulness, not grandeur.
At the end, it is the heart's desire of all God's children to hear those blessed words, "Well done, thou good and FAITHFUL servant..." Do my actions today make me think those are the words I will hear?
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Beggars Leading Beggars to Bread
2 Kings 7:9
"Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household."
We often hear the phrase "just one beggar leading another beggar to food". This truly is what we are as we spread the Good News of Christ. There is nothing in us or about us that makes us worthy. We would perish without Christ just as much as the next person. We have merely been blessed to find the Bread of Life, and He truly is a gift we cannot keep to ourselves.
Notice here, the lepers did not say, it would be nice of us to share this information with others. No, instead they said, it would be wicked of us to withhold this vital, life saving news and we would suffer if we did withhold it. These are two very different perspectives on evangelism. The first will never sustain our motivation. The latter however will provide a urgency, and a need to share the Gospel out of love and concern for others.
How do I view myself as a Christian? How am I motivated to share the Gospel?
"Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household."
We often hear the phrase "just one beggar leading another beggar to food". This truly is what we are as we spread the Good News of Christ. There is nothing in us or about us that makes us worthy. We would perish without Christ just as much as the next person. We have merely been blessed to find the Bread of Life, and He truly is a gift we cannot keep to ourselves.
Notice here, the lepers did not say, it would be nice of us to share this information with others. No, instead they said, it would be wicked of us to withhold this vital, life saving news and we would suffer if we did withhold it. These are two very different perspectives on evangelism. The first will never sustain our motivation. The latter however will provide a urgency, and a need to share the Gospel out of love and concern for others.
How do I view myself as a Christian? How am I motivated to share the Gospel?
Thou Shalt See, But Shalt Not Eat Thereof
2 Kings 7:2
"Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof."
Unbelief always robs us of the blessings God would bestow on us. Often it feels right and we feel justified to not believe. After all we are merely using rational thought, right? We know from Scripture and experience, that no thought is rational which does not take into account the superintendent hand of Providence.
God longs to see faith on the earth. Not dead faith, but living faith that moves us to action on His behalf. God longs to bless that kind of faith. However unbelief will steal that blessing every time if we let it.
I want to see God's blessings, but that is not enough for me. I want to partake. It can only be done by faith. What unbelief is lurking in my life today? How can I root that out and replace it with faith?
"Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof."
Unbelief always robs us of the blessings God would bestow on us. Often it feels right and we feel justified to not believe. After all we are merely using rational thought, right? We know from Scripture and experience, that no thought is rational which does not take into account the superintendent hand of Providence.
God longs to see faith on the earth. Not dead faith, but living faith that moves us to action on His behalf. God longs to bless that kind of faith. However unbelief will steal that blessing every time if we let it.
I want to see God's blessings, but that is not enough for me. I want to partake. It can only be done by faith. What unbelief is lurking in my life today? How can I root that out and replace it with faith?
Wouldest Thou Smite Them?
2 Kings 6:22
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
How often are our impulses wrong, or misguided? Heavenly logic is more than likely going to be 180 degrees different than early logic. It shouldn't be surprising though considering the fact that God's thoughts are so much higher than ours - like the heavens are above the earth.
Earthly logic would say, when your enemy is in your power you take him out, destroy him while you have the chance. Heavenly logic says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44. It is difficult to wrap our brains around this concept, however doing things God's way is always the wisest course of action, whether we understand it or not.
What is my attitude toward my enemies? What is my attitude regarding God's way of doing things?
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
How often are our impulses wrong, or misguided? Heavenly logic is more than likely going to be 180 degrees different than early logic. It shouldn't be surprising though considering the fact that God's thoughts are so much higher than ours - like the heavens are above the earth.
Earthly logic would say, when your enemy is in your power you take him out, destroy him while you have the chance. Heavenly logic says "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44. It is difficult to wrap our brains around this concept, however doing things God's way is always the wisest course of action, whether we understand it or not.
What is my attitude toward my enemies? What is my attitude regarding God's way of doing things?
More With Us, Than With Them
2 Kings 6:16
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
The revelation that the hosts of the Most High God were defending Elisha was done for the benefit of Elisha's servant. But not only for him, also for all servants of Elisha's God who would follow and read of God's power on behalf of Elisha.
Imagine this scene. Picture it in your mind and let that picture fill your heart. Imagine the fear and utter terror this young man was feeling, knowing for certain that their death was upon them. Now imagine the mingled awe, fear, and relief upon seeing the hosts of God standing in your defense.
Fear cripples. Faith emboldens and mobilizes
Matthew Henry:
"When we are magnifying the causes of our fear we ought to possess ourselves with clear, and great, and high thoughts of God and the invisible world. If God be for us, we know what follows, Rom. 8:31."
Can I ask God to open my eyes right now? To see Him, to see His power and love right now?
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
The revelation that the hosts of the Most High God were defending Elisha was done for the benefit of Elisha's servant. But not only for him, also for all servants of Elisha's God who would follow and read of God's power on behalf of Elisha.
Imagine this scene. Picture it in your mind and let that picture fill your heart. Imagine the fear and utter terror this young man was feeling, knowing for certain that their death was upon them. Now imagine the mingled awe, fear, and relief upon seeing the hosts of God standing in your defense.
Fear cripples. Faith emboldens and mobilizes
Matthew Henry:
"When we are magnifying the causes of our fear we ought to possess ourselves with clear, and great, and high thoughts of God and the invisible world. If God be for us, we know what follows, Rom. 8:31."
Can I ask God to open my eyes right now? To see Him, to see His power and love right now?
A Leper, White As Snow
2 Kings 5:27
"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."
Greed and deception very often go hand in hand. The Bible makes it very clear that God will not tolerate either. Ananias and Sapphira's greed for notoriety within the church led them to attempt to lie to Peter. Their foolish actions had disastrous consequences.
Greed strikes at the very heart of who we are you be as believers. We are you be people who live our lives by faith, desiring things to come in heavenly treasures, not earthen rot.
Deception too is the opposite of trusting God. For it is at its core the belief that the Truth is not good enough to "get me what I need".
Another element of this story we should not overlook is the fact that God uses fallen humans. Gehazi had a choice. He was a close fellow of Elisha, he saw the power of God everyday. Imagine how God could have used him! Yet he threw it away for "stuff". God wanted to use him, yet Gehazi chose selfish desire instead.
Can I see any seeds of greed or deception in my life? Do I see serving God as my highest aspiration or am I seeking my own profit?
"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."
Greed and deception very often go hand in hand. The Bible makes it very clear that God will not tolerate either. Ananias and Sapphira's greed for notoriety within the church led them to attempt to lie to Peter. Their foolish actions had disastrous consequences.
Greed strikes at the very heart of who we are you be as believers. We are you be people who live our lives by faith, desiring things to come in heavenly treasures, not earthen rot.
Deception too is the opposite of trusting God. For it is at its core the belief that the Truth is not good enough to "get me what I need".
Another element of this story we should not overlook is the fact that God uses fallen humans. Gehazi had a choice. He was a close fellow of Elisha, he saw the power of God everyday. Imagine how God could have used him! Yet he threw it away for "stuff". God wanted to use him, yet Gehazi chose selfish desire instead.
Can I see any seeds of greed or deception in my life? Do I see serving God as my highest aspiration or am I seeking my own profit?
No Other "gods"
2 Kings 5:17
"And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD."
Worship, in today's culture is often viewed as a confusing subject. We know it can involve singing and praise, but it can also be prayer, but it can also be service and acts of love to others. So what is worship?
In Naaman's mind, worship was encapsulated in sacrifices and burnt offerings. Once he realized that there was only one God and His name was Jehovah, he immediately renounced any affiliation to false gods and proclaimed his dedication to the One True God. He did this by pledging to only offer sacrifices and burnt offerings to the True God. In his mind, that was his worship and he would only give it to God.
I believe we can learn something significant here. Worship, in whatever form it takes, always involves giving. Whether it be our time in acts of service and love for others, our breath in praise and songs, our dedication in prayer and supplication, or our possessions in tithe, worship is lovingly giving back to God. Because He first gave for us.
Do I have a proper view of worship? How am I worshipping God today?
"And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD."
Worship, in today's culture is often viewed as a confusing subject. We know it can involve singing and praise, but it can also be prayer, but it can also be service and acts of love to others. So what is worship?
In Naaman's mind, worship was encapsulated in sacrifices and burnt offerings. Once he realized that there was only one God and His name was Jehovah, he immediately renounced any affiliation to false gods and proclaimed his dedication to the One True God. He did this by pledging to only offer sacrifices and burnt offerings to the True God. In his mind, that was his worship and he would only give it to God.
I believe we can learn something significant here. Worship, in whatever form it takes, always involves giving. Whether it be our time in acts of service and love for others, our breath in praise and songs, our dedication in prayer and supplication, or our possessions in tithe, worship is lovingly giving back to God. Because He first gave for us.
Do I have a proper view of worship? How am I worshipping God today?
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Walking Humbly
1 Kings 5:11 & 13
"But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper....And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
Naaman was obviously a great, important man. He had but to ask and the king of Syria did as he bid. He was a great leader, had men under his command, and was used to power. Yet he was impotent, completely powerless in comparison to God.
This was obviously not a feeling he was used to, nor was it one he liked. Naaman had allowed his power and authority to go to his head. He had fallen into the snare of pride. And it nearly cost him his life, for then there was no cure for leprosy.
Humility is a fundamental key to being a Christian. It is not merely words to say that the first shall be last, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, these are truths to live our lives by. Everyday, every moment, living in the knowledge of who I am in regards to Who God is.
Am I walking humbly with my God?
"But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper....And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
Naaman was obviously a great, important man. He had but to ask and the king of Syria did as he bid. He was a great leader, had men under his command, and was used to power. Yet he was impotent, completely powerless in comparison to God.
This was obviously not a feeling he was used to, nor was it one he liked. Naaman had allowed his power and authority to go to his head. He had fallen into the snare of pride. And it nearly cost him his life, for then there was no cure for leprosy.
Humility is a fundamental key to being a Christian. It is not merely words to say that the first shall be last, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, these are truths to live our lives by. Everyday, every moment, living in the knowledge of who I am in regards to Who God is.
Am I walking humbly with my God?
Far, Far Better
We do not run from sin only because it is evil and wrong, we run from sin and toward God because He is better.
Faithful Availability
2 Kings 5:1-2
"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife."
Here we see two very different people used by God in very different ways. God gave deliverance to Syria "by him" (Naaman). God gave deliverance to Naaman through the little maid.
Naaman was in a position of power and influence and was used by God. The little maid was a captive, a servant a nobody. Yet she too was used by God.
Every child of God longs to be of service to their King and Father. The key we find in this passage is simple - availability. If we ask God to use us, then remain so busy with the cares of this world, we may miss our opportunity. The little maid was not distracted by her captivity, her homesickness, or what was probably a hopeless situation. She was focused on others and how she could love them. Naaman, despite his sickness, a disease that would normally be debilitating, was known as a mighty man of valor.
No matter my circumstances, God wants to use me. And He will, if I make myself available to Him and seek His will. Am I doing that today?
"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife."
Here we see two very different people used by God in very different ways. God gave deliverance to Syria "by him" (Naaman). God gave deliverance to Naaman through the little maid.
Naaman was in a position of power and influence and was used by God. The little maid was a captive, a servant a nobody. Yet she too was used by God.
Every child of God longs to be of service to their King and Father. The key we find in this passage is simple - availability. If we ask God to use us, then remain so busy with the cares of this world, we may miss our opportunity. The little maid was not distracted by her captivity, her homesickness, or what was probably a hopeless situation. She was focused on others and how she could love them. Naaman, despite his sickness, a disease that would normally be debilitating, was known as a mighty man of valor.
No matter my circumstances, God wants to use me. And He will, if I make myself available to Him and seek His will. Am I doing that today?
My Abundant Provider
2 Kings 4:44
"So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD."
Throughout this chapter we have seen God demonstrate over and over that He is the abundant provider. The needs and desires of His children and near to His heart. He hears, He listens.
And not only does He meet our needs, He often goes a step beyond. There was no need to provide leftovers. The fact that the food miraculously was enough for all present was enough. Yet He went a step beyond. He provided abundantly.
How have I seen God's abundant provision in my life today? What can I do to thank Him?
"So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD."
Throughout this chapter we have seen God demonstrate over and over that He is the abundant provider. The needs and desires of His children and near to His heart. He hears, He listens.
And not only does He meet our needs, He often goes a step beyond. There was no need to provide leftovers. The fact that the food miraculously was enough for all present was enough. Yet He went a step beyond. He provided abundantly.
How have I seen God's abundant provision in my life today? What can I do to thank Him?
Friday, September 2, 2016
Behold, The Child Was Dead
2 Kings 4:32
"And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
If you desire to grow in faith, you must be prepared to have that faith tested. When a vision dies, hope can soon follow. And faith is the substance of things hoped for. If hope dies, faith is hanging on by a thread.
This woman didn't believe Elisha when he said she would have a child. Her faith was nearly nonexistent. Yet when her son dies, she is able to say "it is well". Her faith had grown and was ready for the test.
This was also a test for Elisha. He appears to find it strange that God had not told him before hand about the child's death. Imagine, walking into the room, seeing the child you had prophesied would bring this family so much joy dead. But like the woman, Elisha knew who his God was. Knew Him deeply. And because of that his faith was firm.
What is my first thought when my vision dies?
"And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed."
If you desire to grow in faith, you must be prepared to have that faith tested. When a vision dies, hope can soon follow. And faith is the substance of things hoped for. If hope dies, faith is hanging on by a thread.
This woman didn't believe Elisha when he said she would have a child. Her faith was nearly nonexistent. Yet when her son dies, she is able to say "it is well". Her faith had grown and was ready for the test.
This was also a test for Elisha. He appears to find it strange that God had not told him before hand about the child's death. Imagine, walking into the room, seeing the child you had prophesied would bring this family so much joy dead. But like the woman, Elisha knew who his God was. Knew Him deeply. And because of that his faith was firm.
What is my first thought when my vision dies?
Do Not Lie
2 Kings 4:16
"And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid."
When we really stop to carefully consider God's love for us, it truly is unbelievable. As well as we know our own hearts, He knows us deeper. As clearly as we see our own faults and failures, He sees deeper. Yet despite all that, He loves us.
This woman received a blessing from God that was so out of her comprehension that she accused one of the greatest prophets of all time of being a liar. Yet it was true, and God's blessing was poured out on her.
What gift has God given me that seemed completely and utterly impossible? Do I take it for granted instead of appreciating it with marveling wonder?
"And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid."
When we really stop to carefully consider God's love for us, it truly is unbelievable. As well as we know our own hearts, He knows us deeper. As clearly as we see our own faults and failures, He sees deeper. Yet despite all that, He loves us.
This woman received a blessing from God that was so out of her comprehension that she accused one of the greatest prophets of all time of being a liar. Yet it was true, and God's blessing was poured out on her.
What gift has God given me that seemed completely and utterly impossible? Do I take it for granted instead of appreciating it with marveling wonder?
Empty Vessels
2 Kings 4:3-4
"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full."
Here we see a powerful illustration of what is meant here:
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
And again here:
Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Using human reasoning and logic, the widow would have been quite justified in making sure not one drop of oil left her pot. After all, it was all she had left. Pouring it out would be foolish. Yet we know that man's "wisdom" is foolishness compared to God's true wisdom. And more often than not, the two are diametrically opposed.
Only by pouring out and emptying all that was "hers" could the widow's giving be returned. So often we collect what we have and guard it ferociously, all the while calling our selfishness "good stewardship". God seeks to reward generosity. But He so seldom finds it. Give, and it will be given. It makes no sense to the world, it's an utter impossibility. Yet with God all things are possible.
Would I be willing to pour out my final possession? Do I give generously out of love and gratitude?
"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full."
Here we see a powerful illustration of what is meant here:
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
And again here:
Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Using human reasoning and logic, the widow would have been quite justified in making sure not one drop of oil left her pot. After all, it was all she had left. Pouring it out would be foolish. Yet we know that man's "wisdom" is foolishness compared to God's true wisdom. And more often than not, the two are diametrically opposed.
Only by pouring out and emptying all that was "hers" could the widow's giving be returned. So often we collect what we have and guard it ferociously, all the while calling our selfishness "good stewardship". God seeks to reward generosity. But He so seldom finds it. Give, and it will be given. It makes no sense to the world, it's an utter impossibility. Yet with God all things are possible.
Would I be willing to pour out my final possession? Do I give generously out of love and gratitude?
Friday, August 26, 2016
Nothing...But....
2 Kings 4:2
"And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil."
It'd incredible to think that this widow had nothing in her house but a pot of oil. That is about as poor as you can get. Yet she still had what she needed in order to receive God's provision - one pot of oil and a relationship with her neighbors.
Sometimes in our own lives we may feel desolately poor, completely helpless. Things are spinning out of control and there's nothing we can do. But perhaps like the widow, we are merely overlooking a gift God has placed in our lives. If I feel I only have one talent or ability left on the "house" that is my life, maybe God's provision is only waiting on me to use what He has already given.
That talent or ability may seem useless, small or insignificant, but it is a gift from God. And it is exactly what you need.
What gifts from God might I be overlooking in my own life?
"And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil."
It'd incredible to think that this widow had nothing in her house but a pot of oil. That is about as poor as you can get. Yet she still had what she needed in order to receive God's provision - one pot of oil and a relationship with her neighbors.
Sometimes in our own lives we may feel desolately poor, completely helpless. Things are spinning out of control and there's nothing we can do. But perhaps like the widow, we are merely overlooking a gift God has placed in our lives. If I feel I only have one talent or ability left on the "house" that is my life, maybe God's provision is only waiting on me to use what He has already given.
That talent or ability may seem useless, small or insignificant, but it is a gift from God. And it is exactly what you need.
What gifts from God might I be overlooking in my own life?
Make This Valley Full of Ditches
2 Kings 3:16
"And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
We serve a good God Who is the very embodiment of love itself. He delights in His children and blesses us in ways we do not even realize on a daily basis. He also answers prayers and listens to our hearts, hearing our innermost pleas.
But I wonder if perhaps the reason we often miss out on the blessings and answers He wants to give us is because we fail to make our "valley full of ditches". Consider if Israel had just waited, sitting on their hands for God to work a miracle. Would they have received an answer to their prayer? There would have been nowhere for the water to be. Now it is true that God didn't have you require any action on their part to bless them and answer the prayer, and often we are blessed in that way. However, the point here is that He did require action on their part.
Perhaps sometimes our prayers appear to go unanswered because we fail to prepare for blessings. We have failed to make the " valley full of ditches ".
What prayers have appeared to go unanswered in my life recently? How have I prepared for them to be answered?
"And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
We serve a good God Who is the very embodiment of love itself. He delights in His children and blesses us in ways we do not even realize on a daily basis. He also answers prayers and listens to our hearts, hearing our innermost pleas.
But I wonder if perhaps the reason we often miss out on the blessings and answers He wants to give us is because we fail to make our "valley full of ditches". Consider if Israel had just waited, sitting on their hands for God to work a miracle. Would they have received an answer to their prayer? There would have been nowhere for the water to be. Now it is true that God didn't have you require any action on their part to bless them and answer the prayer, and often we are blessed in that way. However, the point here is that He did require action on their part.
Perhaps sometimes our prayers appear to go unanswered because we fail to prepare for blessings. We have failed to make the " valley full of ditches ".
What prayers have appeared to go unanswered in my life recently? How have I prepared for them to be answered?
You Won't See It Coming
1 Kings 3:17-18
"For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."
This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. First we see the unworthiness of the petitioners. The kings didn't seek God until things looked too dire for them to handle. Elisha makes it clear that it's only because of Jehoshaphat that he is willing you listen to them.
Second we see God's complete power and control in His ability to work in ways we cannot even conceive of. Large amounts of water rarely, if ever, come in the absence of wind and rain. Yet God says it is only a small matter to fill a dry valley with water that will bring life.
And third, we see God's grace, bestowing upon unworthy sinners above and beyond more than mercy. God could have given them water and then said, "Alright, good luck fighting the Moabites." But instead He delivers them into the hand of the three kings as a bonus.
This is the same God that is alive today in each of His children. He calls on is to "ask what you will", He is saying, "challenge Me. I will show you how much I love you."
Am I in tune enough with God to hear Him whisper this? Do I have the faith necessary to ask?
"For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."
This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. First we see the unworthiness of the petitioners. The kings didn't seek God until things looked too dire for them to handle. Elisha makes it clear that it's only because of Jehoshaphat that he is willing you listen to them.
Second we see God's complete power and control in His ability to work in ways we cannot even conceive of. Large amounts of water rarely, if ever, come in the absence of wind and rain. Yet God says it is only a small matter to fill a dry valley with water that will bring life.
And third, we see God's grace, bestowing upon unworthy sinners above and beyond more than mercy. God could have given them water and then said, "Alright, good luck fighting the Moabites." But instead He delivers them into the hand of the three kings as a bonus.
This is the same God that is alive today in each of His children. He calls on is to "ask what you will", He is saying, "challenge Me. I will show you how much I love you."
Am I in tune enough with God to hear Him whisper this? Do I have the faith necessary to ask?
What Have I To Do With Thee?
2 Kings 3:13
"And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab."
It is incredible that the king of Israel had the audacity to approach Elisha knowing that Elisha was the disciple of Elijah. Surely, growing up Jehoram had heard stories if not seen with his own eyes the miracles performed by Elijah. Elijah had prophesied the death of his parents and it had come true.
But here he is. Then Elisha tells him he should go ask the prophets of his parents, knowing that most of those prophets were killed by Elisha's teacher. All this just demonstrates how desperate Jehoram is.
Anytime a true man of God says, "What have I to do with you?" What relationship do we have? You should be worried. On earth, it is a fixable problem. But there will come a time when the King is kings will say something similar, and then it will be too late. "Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity. I never knew you." What have I to do with you?
Pray you never hear those words. Work, live you life in such a way that a relationship with God is your aim, desire and destination. Let your goal be hearing those precious words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
What will you hear on that day? What if that day was today?
"And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab."
It is incredible that the king of Israel had the audacity to approach Elisha knowing that Elisha was the disciple of Elijah. Surely, growing up Jehoram had heard stories if not seen with his own eyes the miracles performed by Elijah. Elijah had prophesied the death of his parents and it had come true.
But here he is. Then Elisha tells him he should go ask the prophets of his parents, knowing that most of those prophets were killed by Elisha's teacher. All this just demonstrates how desperate Jehoram is.
Anytime a true man of God says, "What have I to do with you?" What relationship do we have? You should be worried. On earth, it is a fixable problem. But there will come a time when the King is kings will say something similar, and then it will be too late. "Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity. I never knew you." What have I to do with you?
Pray you never hear those words. Work, live you life in such a way that a relationship with God is your aim, desire and destination. Let your goal be hearing those precious words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
What will you hear on that day? What if that day was today?
He Departed Not
2 Kings 3:3
"Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom."
A person's attitude toward sin is very important. We are all fallen human beings and therefore sin will be part of our life until we die. However, the degree and frequency of sin's presence in our life depends on our actions and attitudes.
The word "cleave" here means to cling closely to, to pursue closely. This king didn't stumble into sin. He chased it down, went searching for it.
We know our automatic response should be to flee when we are confronted with temptation. And if we do fall, our instant response must be repentance.
What is my attitude toward sin?
"Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom."
A person's attitude toward sin is very important. We are all fallen human beings and therefore sin will be part of our life until we die. However, the degree and frequency of sin's presence in our life depends on our actions and attitudes.
The word "cleave" here means to cling closely to, to pursue closely. This king didn't stumble into sin. He chased it down, went searching for it.
We know our automatic response should be to flee when we are confronted with temptation. And if we do fall, our instant response must be repentance.
What is my attitude toward sin?
Double Portion
2 Kings 2:9
"And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."
King Solomon was once put in a similar situation, an open ended question, ask what you will. We often praise him for his wise choice, asking for wisdom instead of riches, glory and long life. God was indeed pleased with his request and gave him above and beyond what he asked.
However we know that despite his great wisdom, Solomon did not apply the wisdom in his head to his heart and ended his life in idolatry and wickedness.
Here we see Elisha granted a request and he knows exactly what to ask for. He, like Solomon, doesn't seek wealth or glory. Unlike Solomon though, he seeks something beyond mere wisdom. Rather he wants a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah's relationship with God was unprecedented, but Elisha wanted twice what Elijah had. Knowing God and fearing Him is the beginning of wisdom. A life dedicated to loving, knowing and serving God is a life storing untold treasures in Heaven, bringing glory to God.
If I were Solomon or Elisha, what would my request be?
"And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."
King Solomon was once put in a similar situation, an open ended question, ask what you will. We often praise him for his wise choice, asking for wisdom instead of riches, glory and long life. God was indeed pleased with his request and gave him above and beyond what he asked.
However we know that despite his great wisdom, Solomon did not apply the wisdom in his head to his heart and ended his life in idolatry and wickedness.
Here we see Elisha granted a request and he knows exactly what to ask for. He, like Solomon, doesn't seek wealth or glory. Unlike Solomon though, he seeks something beyond mere wisdom. Rather he wants a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah's relationship with God was unprecedented, but Elisha wanted twice what Elijah had. Knowing God and fearing Him is the beginning of wisdom. A life dedicated to loving, knowing and serving God is a life storing untold treasures in Heaven, bringing glory to God.
If I were Solomon or Elisha, what would my request be?
I Will Not Leave Thee
2 Kings 2:6
"And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on."
Three times Elisha is told to tarry, and three times he refuses. Elijah was a man so filled with God's spirit that just being around him felt like a way of being nearer to God. Elisha, desperate for that closeness and intimacy with God won't even consider leaving Elijah's side.
This story brings to mind another where a follower of God was asked three times about how close he was to God, yet in that story, Peter, unlike Elisha, denied his relationship with God and attempted to distance himself. Peter's denial of Christ was indeed tragic, but it was not the end.
Do I have that same passionate desire to be close to my God? Would I, like Elisha, continue walking, pushing through the hot day, tired feet, and hunger, just to be with Him Whom my soul desires? Or would I, like Peter, prefer the comfort of a warm fire, even if it many denying my Lord?
"And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on."
Three times Elisha is told to tarry, and three times he refuses. Elijah was a man so filled with God's spirit that just being around him felt like a way of being nearer to God. Elisha, desperate for that closeness and intimacy with God won't even consider leaving Elijah's side.
This story brings to mind another where a follower of God was asked three times about how close he was to God, yet in that story, Peter, unlike Elisha, denied his relationship with God and attempted to distance himself. Peter's denial of Christ was indeed tragic, but it was not the end.
Do I have that same passionate desire to be close to my God? Would I, like Elisha, continue walking, pushing through the hot day, tired feet, and hunger, just to be with Him Whom my soul desires? Or would I, like Peter, prefer the comfort of a warm fire, even if it many denying my Lord?
Like Passions
2 Kings 1:15
"And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king."
After Elijah has called down fire from Heaven, not once, but twice, to destroy a troop of fifty soldiers each time, after he stated that fire would be proof of his status as a man of God, after all the amazing miracles Elijah had seen prior to this, from Mount Carmel to food in the wilderness, to the provision for the widow and the bringing back of her son to life, after all of this, God's angel still reminds Elijah, "be not afraid of him". Most of us would probably like to think that after a life like Elijah's, there would be absolutely nothing that could scare us. No situation or mere mortal man could pose a threat because we know God is on our side.
However Elijah still had to be reminded not to fear. Possibly one of the most powerful verses in the Bible explains why:
James 5:17
"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
The phrase "subject to like passions" means suffering the like with another. Elijah was no super human. He loved, feared, got angry, felt sadness and depression in the exact same way that every single other human being through the history of the universe has. Yet behold what God did through Elijah.
James uses the illustration of Elijah directly after this phrase, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
When we are righteous through Christ and pray fervently and effectually, God can use us like He used Elijah. Do I truly believe that today?
"And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king."
After Elijah has called down fire from Heaven, not once, but twice, to destroy a troop of fifty soldiers each time, after he stated that fire would be proof of his status as a man of God, after all the amazing miracles Elijah had seen prior to this, from Mount Carmel to food in the wilderness, to the provision for the widow and the bringing back of her son to life, after all of this, God's angel still reminds Elijah, "be not afraid of him". Most of us would probably like to think that after a life like Elijah's, there would be absolutely nothing that could scare us. No situation or mere mortal man could pose a threat because we know God is on our side.
However Elijah still had to be reminded not to fear. Possibly one of the most powerful verses in the Bible explains why:
James 5:17
"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
The phrase "subject to like passions" means suffering the like with another. Elijah was no super human. He loved, feared, got angry, felt sadness and depression in the exact same way that every single other human being through the history of the universe has. Yet behold what God did through Elijah.
James uses the illustration of Elijah directly after this phrase, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
When we are righteous through Christ and pray fervently and effectually, God can use us like He used Elijah. Do I truly believe that today?
Fire
2 Kings 1:13-14
"And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight."
This is truly an incredible story from history. We often hear and all know about Elijah calling down fire on Mount Carmel, however this event is seldom heard.
The most striking aspect of this is Elijah's closeness with God. The Bible makes clear that when we abide in God, and His desires are so close to our heart that they meld into one, we will make requests based on those desires, that are His desires, and He will answer. Elijah's relationship with God is unlike anything we've seen in our time.
DL Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him." God's power of limitless and He looks to work through His children if they will only surrender and aside.
Would I desire a life like Elijah's?
"And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight."
This is truly an incredible story from history. We often hear and all know about Elijah calling down fire on Mount Carmel, however this event is seldom heard.
The most striking aspect of this is Elijah's closeness with God. The Bible makes clear that when we abide in God, and His desires are so close to our heart that they meld into one, we will make requests based on those desires, that are His desires, and He will answer. Elijah's relationship with God is unlike anything we've seen in our time.
DL Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him." God's power of limitless and He looks to work through His children if they will only surrender and aside.
Would I desire a life like Elijah's?
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
All That His Father Had Done
1 Kings 22:53
"For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done."
We all have an influence on the people around us whether we realize it or not. However the influence of a father is possibly one of the most profound influences, especially in the life of a son. The legacy of a father is so important.
Ahab was wicked and did evil in God's sight. The debauchery of Baal was promoted and encouraged. He allowed his wife to lie, steal and murder on his behalf. He despised God's prophets and allowed many to be killed for telling the truth. This was his fatherly legacy. This was the corruption handed down to his son.
Though I may not be a father, my legacy is something to take very seriously. What would my son's life look like if patterned after my own?
"For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done."
We all have an influence on the people around us whether we realize it or not. However the influence of a father is possibly one of the most profound influences, especially in the life of a son. The legacy of a father is so important.
Ahab was wicked and did evil in God's sight. The debauchery of Baal was promoted and encouraged. He allowed his wife to lie, steal and murder on his behalf. He despised God's prophets and allowed many to be killed for telling the truth. This was his fatherly legacy. This was the corruption handed down to his son.
Though I may not be a father, my legacy is something to take very seriously. What would my son's life look like if patterned after my own?
The Lord Hath Not Spoken to Me
1 Kings 22:28
"And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you."
The truth does not fear testing. Micaiah was facing prison, deprivation, and potential humiliation, yet he boldly proclaimed the unpopular truth because it was the right thing to do. Truth does not fear the light, it invites skepticism and questioning.
How often does it seem that those who are truly, boldly honest are the ones who are punished? All the while, the wicked, those who lie and deceive appear to get off totally free. This can be discouraging, as we see in the Psalms, David cries out to God regularly about this issue. Why do the wicked prosper? How long oh Lord?
But we know that the wicked will receive their reward. We know the boldly honest too will receive their reward. The question is, do you want to endure trials now with hope of eternal reward? Or would you rather have pleasure now with no hope for the future and the knowledge that punishment awaits?
The decision is yours.
"And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you."
The truth does not fear testing. Micaiah was facing prison, deprivation, and potential humiliation, yet he boldly proclaimed the unpopular truth because it was the right thing to do. Truth does not fear the light, it invites skepticism and questioning.
How often does it seem that those who are truly, boldly honest are the ones who are punished? All the while, the wicked, those who lie and deceive appear to get off totally free. This can be discouraging, as we see in the Psalms, David cries out to God regularly about this issue. Why do the wicked prosper? How long oh Lord?
But we know that the wicked will receive their reward. We know the boldly honest too will receive their reward. The question is, do you want to endure trials now with hope of eternal reward? Or would you rather have pleasure now with no hope for the future and the knowledge that punishment awaits?
The decision is yours.
But I Hate Him
1 Kings 22:8
"And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
Do I love truth? No matter where it comes from, no matter what it says about me, no matter what it may change in my life, no matter how uncomfortable it may make me, do I love truth no matter what?
Ahab didn't hate Micaiah because he lied or cheated. Ahab despised this prophet because Ahab didn't like what Micaiah had to say, because it made Ahab uncomfortable. No one likes to hear bad things about themselves, no one likes to hear that evil is coming because of sin. But when the truth is painful, it is often when we need it the most.
Do I love truth, no matter what?
"And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
Do I love truth? No matter where it comes from, no matter what it says about me, no matter what it may change in my life, no matter how uncomfortable it may make me, do I love truth no matter what?
Ahab didn't hate Micaiah because he lied or cheated. Ahab despised this prophet because Ahab didn't like what Micaiah had to say, because it made Ahab uncomfortable. No one likes to hear bad things about themselves, no one likes to hear that evil is coming because of sin. But when the truth is painful, it is often when we need it the most.
Do I love truth, no matter what?
Seest Thou How Ahab Humbleth Himself?
1 Kings 21:25, 29
"But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.... Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house."
There is no word that can fully encompass the depth and magnitude of God's unfathomable mercy. After stating plainly that Ahab was unlike any other on his wanton wickedness, selling himself in order that he might work evil in God's sight (in other words, not trying to hide it at all, but throwing it rebelliously in God's face), after all that, despite all that, God showed mercy on this wicked king.
The consequences of sin remain and the punishment was still dealt. However because of his humility, Ahab himself was spared. This truly is incredible.
Today, dwell on God's mercy. Think back on the sins He has forgiven, the sins He has borne and taken your punishment for. How can I say thank you today?
"But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.... Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house."
There is no word that can fully encompass the depth and magnitude of God's unfathomable mercy. After stating plainly that Ahab was unlike any other on his wanton wickedness, selling himself in order that he might work evil in God's sight (in other words, not trying to hide it at all, but throwing it rebelliously in God's face), after all that, despite all that, God showed mercy on this wicked king.
The consequences of sin remain and the punishment was still dealt. However because of his humility, Ahab himself was spared. This truly is incredible.
Today, dwell on God's mercy. Think back on the sins He has forgiven, the sins He has borne and taken your punishment for. How can I say thank you today?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)