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?
Friday, August 26, 2016
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?
Sold Thyself
1 Kings 21:20
"And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD."
The pleasures of evil always come with a far heavier price. This price outweighs any perceived benefit of sin. God established the rules of the universe, and the price that will be paid when they are broken.
Elijah, speaking God's words, says that Ahab sold himself in order to perform this evil. What was the value of the vineyard? What kind of vineyard would be worth selling your self to evil?
As Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:25-26
When Ahab died, that precious vineyard passed on to another person. But his soul has already been sold, and there was little hope of redemption.
What is my soul worth to me?
"And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD."
The pleasures of evil always come with a far heavier price. This price outweighs any perceived benefit of sin. God established the rules of the universe, and the price that will be paid when they are broken.
Elijah, speaking God's words, says that Ahab sold himself in order to perform this evil. What was the value of the vineyard? What kind of vineyard would be worth selling your self to evil?
As Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:25-26
When Ahab died, that precious vineyard passed on to another person. But his soul has already been sold, and there was little hope of redemption.
What is my soul worth to me?
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