Good morning, World.
I wish some folks could see that it is religion, values, principles and ideology that give people the ambition to get the job you want done done.
When you elect someone, you are choosing the one who's belief system is matched to your own.
Without a belief system what's the point?
If you take away people's core beliefs, then you take away their hope for the future, and they will throw up their hands and roll with the tide.
Being a good businessman does not translate in being a good diplomat or military general -- or commander-in-chief. How many jobs have you had that you quit? Was it because you couldn't do the job or because you disliked your boss? We can't fire Donald Trump before he pisses everyone off, and we can't quit him once he is there. Just remember that.
I feel sorry for this country because it is full of people who will believe anything anyone tells them without checking the source of the information for the truth. I'd rather be considered a troll in some circles and tell the truth than to know I mislead millions of Americans into believing a lie and electing someone who will ultimately destroy them. To me, that's treason.
Are you listening to the rags or the candidates that say it? Are you researching the courts to find the actual charges or are you hearing what others are saying the charges are? Are you believing what they will do based on what they say they will do, or are you believing what they will do based on the history of what they have already done that can be verified in the records? Are you thinking for yourself or repeating what somoene you admire thinks?
I'm praying you all have a blessed day, and remember who you are voting for.
Shonda Ponder
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A Terrifying Thought...
by Shonda M. Ponder
August 15, 2013
I remember when I was a kid, during the Cold War. There was a movie that came out called Red Dawn, starring Patrick Swayze. The thought of Red Dawn actually happening was terrifying. Today, the enemy is ten times worse, and the thought of these terrorists invading our country should be more than terrifying--for the simple reason that once they do, they will never stop. No matter how many we kill, they will just keep coming. Perhaps they learned from our trip to Normandy.
The thing is, they are not afraid to die. In fact, they live to die. And, to torture those who they have no tolerance for is a rewarding experience for them. Our women and children will not be safe. Our men will have to watch as their wives get raped, and their sons sodomized, their daughters sold into slavery, and their loved ones buried alive, burned slowly for sport, spit on (although that is preferable to the rest of what will happen), beaten, skinned alive, beheaded, submerged in acid, and a number of other terrifying atrocities.
Once they are here, there will be no one to appeal to, but God. And, if you haven't listened to God before now, what makes you think He is going to listen to you now? The only thing left for you to do at this point is to join their religion, or die for your God, and hope that that's enough to keep you out of a worse hell than the one you just came from.
I don't mean to be gloom and doom, or sound graphic and insensitive, or hard and angry. But, I am. Because WE THE PEOPLE are letting it get to this point, and there is nothing stopping it from happening.
Reader beware: Our American pride and unified narcissism is going to destroy us all. We love our guns, our parties, our clothes, our homes, our food, our pets, our trucks and boats, and vacation spots and football games and schools...and our national symbols. Our pride in all these things is going to destroy us. When it is over, we will have nothing left. Maybe then we will learn to live to die, just like they do, because then, we will have nothing more to lose.
We are already slowly being infiltrated. When it happens, we will be able to do nothing but wonder how in the world things got this way. I can tell you how it got this way: apathy. It got this way because too many people continue to hold the belief that it will never, or can never happen here. If they would stop and take notice, there are a lot of "will nevers" and "can nevers" that have already happened just in the last decade.
Wake up, America! Before it's too late!
August 15, 2013
I remember when I was a kid, during the Cold War. There was a movie that came out called Red Dawn, starring Patrick Swayze. The thought of Red Dawn actually happening was terrifying. Today, the enemy is ten times worse, and the thought of these terrorists invading our country should be more than terrifying--for the simple reason that once they do, they will never stop. No matter how many we kill, they will just keep coming. Perhaps they learned from our trip to Normandy.
The thing is, they are not afraid to die. In fact, they live to die. And, to torture those who they have no tolerance for is a rewarding experience for them. Our women and children will not be safe. Our men will have to watch as their wives get raped, and their sons sodomized, their daughters sold into slavery, and their loved ones buried alive, burned slowly for sport, spit on (although that is preferable to the rest of what will happen), beaten, skinned alive, beheaded, submerged in acid, and a number of other terrifying atrocities.
Once they are here, there will be no one to appeal to, but God. And, if you haven't listened to God before now, what makes you think He is going to listen to you now? The only thing left for you to do at this point is to join their religion, or die for your God, and hope that that's enough to keep you out of a worse hell than the one you just came from.
I don't mean to be gloom and doom, or sound graphic and insensitive, or hard and angry. But, I am. Because WE THE PEOPLE are letting it get to this point, and there is nothing stopping it from happening.
Reader beware: Our American pride and unified narcissism is going to destroy us all. We love our guns, our parties, our clothes, our homes, our food, our pets, our trucks and boats, and vacation spots and football games and schools...and our national symbols. Our pride in all these things is going to destroy us. When it is over, we will have nothing left. Maybe then we will learn to live to die, just like they do, because then, we will have nothing more to lose.
We are already slowly being infiltrated. When it happens, we will be able to do nothing but wonder how in the world things got this way. I can tell you how it got this way: apathy. It got this way because too many people continue to hold the belief that it will never, or can never happen here. If they would stop and take notice, there are a lot of "will nevers" and "can nevers" that have already happened just in the last decade.
Wake up, America! Before it's too late!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
It's my opinion that while we should all "grab a sword", our preparedness should be more in the tune of preparing for a world in which Jesus is King, than in fighting a one world government. If everyone did that, do you realize the peace there would be in the world (and no need for the sword we carry)? We should not be fighting against armies of terrorists, but rather against the evil they represent: Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The forces of evil can do nothing we don't allow. Pray with your legs. In other words, you don't pray that God will give you a job if you are looking for employment by just sitting at home waiting for one to come to you. You pray while you are looking. Pray while you vote. Pray while you take action of some kind. And, be prepared for the worst.
For those who are thinking that the rapture will save you before the worst happens, is the rapture pre, mid, or post tribulation? As a Baptist, we are taught pre-trib rapture, but as a realist, nothing in the Bible specifies this. Therefore, while we hope for the best, I think it is wise to prepare for the worst.
In truth, I think it was left out of the Bible for a reason. God did not want us to live too comfortably, with the belief that we are all going to be saved from the persecution that is to come, because it would facilitate apathy.
The forces of evil can do nothing we don't allow. Pray with your legs. In other words, you don't pray that God will give you a job if you are looking for employment by just sitting at home waiting for one to come to you. You pray while you are looking. Pray while you vote. Pray while you take action of some kind. And, be prepared for the worst.
For those who are thinking that the rapture will save you before the worst happens, is the rapture pre, mid, or post tribulation? As a Baptist, we are taught pre-trib rapture, but as a realist, nothing in the Bible specifies this. Therefore, while we hope for the best, I think it is wise to prepare for the worst.
In truth, I think it was left out of the Bible for a reason. God did not want us to live too comfortably, with the belief that we are all going to be saved from the persecution that is to come, because it would facilitate apathy.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1
After Solomon became king, "God magnified him exceedingly". He became very popular. He had a reputation that exceeded the borders of his kingdom. Kings and Queens from lands far away heard of him and sought to meet with him. People who were not even of his own land respected and revered him, because he followed his father's teaching, and he worshipped the One True God with all his might.
He probably felt overwhelmed, being of such a young age and having been made King of Israel. When his own beloved father passed away, he sought comfort in the one his father had told him about that would never leave him, if he chose to be righteous and follow Him.
Overwhelmed and thankful for God's guidance because of his success, he sacrificed in front of his people, and worshipped God in a public setting, not hiding his faith or his dependence on the One True King over all.
7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
God loved Solomon for his dependence on Him, and his humbleness of spirit, in spite of his station in life. And, because of his humbleness, gratitude and determination to credit God for his support, God determined to give Solomon all he could ever want or ask for, as well as wisdom and knowledge that he would need to keep it.
As children of God, we must never forget who gave us the gifts that we have, and we must never forget to honor and credit Him for it. If we do so, continually, never forgetting where we came from, God will bless us abundantly more than we could ever hope or ask for.
SOLOMON: The Reign of the Wisest King in the World in 3D Illustrations
The book shows us the basic moments of a governing in ancient ISRAEL by King SOLOMON, depicting his life and work, coronation, politics, economics, building of The Temple, forts and cities, reconstruction of the army and trading, fleet construction, peace and cooperation with other countries. Richly illustrated, the book inspires any teen's fantasia, letting them to adopt all stories nicely and easily.
He probably felt overwhelmed, being of such a young age and having been made King of Israel. When his own beloved father passed away, he sought comfort in the one his father had told him about that would never leave him, if he chose to be righteous and follow Him.
Overwhelmed and thankful for God's guidance because of his success, he sacrificed in front of his people, and worshipped God in a public setting, not hiding his faith or his dependence on the One True King over all.
God loved Solomon for his dependence on Him, and his humbleness of spirit, in spite of his station in life. And, because of his humbleness, gratitude and determination to credit God for his support, God determined to give Solomon all he could ever want or ask for, as well as wisdom and knowledge that he would need to keep it.
As children of God, we must never forget who gave us the gifts that we have, and we must never forget to honor and credit Him for it. If we do so, continually, never forgetting where we came from, God will bless us abundantly more than we could ever hope or ask for.
SOLOMON: The Reign of the Wisest King in the World in 3D Illustrations
The book shows us the basic moments of a governing in ancient ISRAEL by King SOLOMON, depicting his life and work, coronation, politics, economics, building of The Temple, forts and cities, reconstruction of the army and trading, fleet construction, peace and cooperation with other countries. Richly illustrated, the book inspires any teen's fantasia, letting them to adopt all stories nicely and easily.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Conviction of Conscience
Have you ever been convicted? Have you ever had this "sudden realization" that you've been doing things all wrong, and the strong urge to stop what you are doing wrong to make things right?
If you have, then you have experienced "conviction". Conviction can happen at any time. The word "convicted" is related to the word "convict". To convict someone denotes an active participation in causing someone else to become convicted. On another note, a "convict" is someone who has been found guilty of a crime. Therefore, if you are "convicted", then you have been found guilty of some action you know is not right and deserves changing in your life.
The word "convicted", although used liberally in Christian circles, is only used one time in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. It is at the part of the story about the prostitute who was caught in the act of sinning. When they brought her before Jesus in order to try to convict him of blasphemy, or false teaching, Jesus told them, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." One by one, from the eldest to the youngest, they walked away. In John 8:9 it says that they were "convicted by their own conscience, and walked away."
What is conscience, then, that it should convict anyone?
I have heard it argued that the conscience is the Holy Spirit convicting you; but, according to the Bible, you can have a good conscience or a bad conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul seeks to use food that has been offered to idols as a example. As Christians, we know that idols are nothing; therefore, we have no problem eating food offered to them. However, those who were raised in idolatry revere idols as holy. If they see you eating food offered to idols they may be offended. Someone who is offended by you may not want to listen to you when you tell them about Jesus, or what is right or wrong. Paul calls their conscience "weak". Therefore, it is diplomatic form, to say the least, to learn their customs and seek not to offend them in order to keep their minds open to your teaching of the Gospel.
To Titus, (Titus 1:15), Paul writes, "To the pure all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure: but even their mind and conscience are defiled."
In Hebrews 9:14, Paul explains how a person with a defiled conscience gets a clean start to rebuild their conscience to God's glory: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
When you accept Christ into your life your slate is wiped clean. All of your sins are forgiven. From that moment on, you do your best to keep your heart and mind pointed toward Christ, walking in his precepts and laws. From that day forward, your conscience will convict you when you turn down the wrong paths.
If you have, then you have experienced "conviction". Conviction can happen at any time. The word "convicted" is related to the word "convict". To convict someone denotes an active participation in causing someone else to become convicted. On another note, a "convict" is someone who has been found guilty of a crime. Therefore, if you are "convicted", then you have been found guilty of some action you know is not right and deserves changing in your life.
The word "convicted", although used liberally in Christian circles, is only used one time in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. It is at the part of the story about the prostitute who was caught in the act of sinning. When they brought her before Jesus in order to try to convict him of blasphemy, or false teaching, Jesus told them, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." One by one, from the eldest to the youngest, they walked away. In John 8:9 it says that they were "convicted by their own conscience, and walked away."
What is conscience, then, that it should convict anyone?
I have heard it argued that the conscience is the Holy Spirit convicting you; but, according to the Bible, you can have a good conscience or a bad conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul seeks to use food that has been offered to idols as a example. As Christians, we know that idols are nothing; therefore, we have no problem eating food offered to them. However, those who were raised in idolatry revere idols as holy. If they see you eating food offered to idols they may be offended. Someone who is offended by you may not want to listen to you when you tell them about Jesus, or what is right or wrong. Paul calls their conscience "weak". Therefore, it is diplomatic form, to say the least, to learn their customs and seek not to offend them in order to keep their minds open to your teaching of the Gospel.
To Titus, (Titus 1:15), Paul writes, "To the pure all things are pure. But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure: but even their mind and conscience are defiled."
In Hebrews 9:14, Paul explains how a person with a defiled conscience gets a clean start to rebuild their conscience to God's glory: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
When you accept Christ into your life your slate is wiped clean. All of your sins are forgiven. From that moment on, you do your best to keep your heart and mind pointed toward Christ, walking in his precepts and laws. From that day forward, your conscience will convict you when you turn down the wrong paths.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 16
After Pekah had ruled for seventeen years, Ahaz ruled Judah. He was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he was evil in the sight of the Lord.
Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah, king of Israel went to war against Ahaz. They besieged Ahaz, but was unable to conquer him. It was during that time that Rezin took back Ahath and drove out the Jews.
Ahaz allied with Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, and he asked for help from the besiegement by Pekah and Rezin. He gave all the gold to Tiglath-pileser he could find from the temple and the king's house. So, Tiglath-pileser killed Rezin and took Damascus captive.
King Ahaz saw an altar in Damascus that he liked, so he had Urijah the priest make one like it and place it in the temple for the king's personal use. Then, Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah became king.
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My Comments
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All of Judah's gold, and all of Israel's gold is steadily being depleted in order to gain political allies and maintain their independence. Slowly, God is exacting His punishment for their failure to follow Him. They still have an opportunity, but will they take such opportunity to turn from their sins and receive the blessings of God and live in the peace and splender that Solomon had enjoyed, or will they continue down the road that will eventually lead to their demise and utter destruction?
Compare this with the America of today. We started as a blessed nation. We won the favor of all the world. Then, over time, because of our tolerance of other gods and other beliefs; and, as we continually let other viewpoints conform us and change us, we put God on the back burner and now we are faced with enemies that get paid to be our allies and terrorism around every corner. Our country, which once was the richest country on earth is now over $16 trillion in debt. Our credit is steadily maxing out, and slowly we are being sold into slavery. There is corruption in every level of our government.
We still have the opportunity, but will we take such an opportunity to turn from our sins and receive the blessing of God and live in peace and splender that God gave us after the Revolutionary War, or will we continue down the road that is steadily leading us to our eventual demise and utterly be destroyed?
==========
Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah, king of Israel went to war against Ahaz. They besieged Ahaz, but was unable to conquer him. It was during that time that Rezin took back Ahath and drove out the Jews.
Ahaz allied with Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, and he asked for help from the besiegement by Pekah and Rezin. He gave all the gold to Tiglath-pileser he could find from the temple and the king's house. So, Tiglath-pileser killed Rezin and took Damascus captive.
King Ahaz saw an altar in Damascus that he liked, so he had Urijah the priest make one like it and place it in the temple for the king's personal use. Then, Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah became king.
=============
My Comments
=============
All of Judah's gold, and all of Israel's gold is steadily being depleted in order to gain political allies and maintain their independence. Slowly, God is exacting His punishment for their failure to follow Him. They still have an opportunity, but will they take such opportunity to turn from their sins and receive the blessings of God and live in the peace and splender that Solomon had enjoyed, or will they continue down the road that will eventually lead to their demise and utter destruction?
Compare this with the America of today. We started as a blessed nation. We won the favor of all the world. Then, over time, because of our tolerance of other gods and other beliefs; and, as we continually let other viewpoints conform us and change us, we put God on the back burner and now we are faced with enemies that get paid to be our allies and terrorism around every corner. Our country, which once was the richest country on earth is now over $16 trillion in debt. Our credit is steadily maxing out, and slowly we are being sold into slavery. There is corruption in every level of our government.
We still have the opportunity, but will we take such an opportunity to turn from our sins and receive the blessing of God and live in peace and splender that God gave us after the Revolutionary War, or will we continue down the road that is steadily leading us to our eventual demise and utterly be destroyed?
==========
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 15
When Azariah began to reign, Jeroboam, who was king of Israel, had been reigning for 27 years already. Azariah followed God, but like his forefather, he didn't take down the high places where some of the people of Judah still worshipped. So, God struck him with leprosy. Because Azariah had to remain separated from the people, Jotham, his son, judged Israel for him. After 52 years reigning Judah, Azariah died and Jotham became king.
During Azariah's 38th year as king, Jeroboam of Israel died and his son Zachariah became king. But Zachariah only reigned for six months. He was evil in his reign. So Shallum conspired against him, killed him, and took the throne. Zachariah was fourth generation, So God had lived up to his promise of letting Jehu's sons rule until the 4th generation. Now there was new blood on the throne.
Shallum reigned only a month before he was killed by Menahem, who then became king. When the people of Tiphsah refused to acknowledge him in business, Menahem killed all of them and ripped open the women who were withchild, killing their posterity as well. He was evil in God's eyes, but he ruled for ten years.
When Pul, the king of Assyria came against Israel, Menahem collected taxes from the wealthy in Israel and gave Pul one thousand talents of silver (or $10,760,000) so that Pul would be his ally. Pul then left Israel alone.
When Menahem died, his son, Pekahiah, ruled. He, also, was evil. After two years, Pekah killed him and took the throne. He also was evil.
While Pekah was king, Assyria took eight of Israel's cities and made the people captives. Then Hoshea conspired and killed Pekah.
When Pekah had been king over Israel for two years, Jotham became king of Judah. He followed God, except that he, too, failed to take down the high places. So, God began subjecting Judah to attacks from both Syria and Israel.
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My Comments...
============
In Leviticus Chapter 26 God sets before the Israelites the consequences He has planned for their actions if they obey, and if they disobey. Israel and Judah's disobedience was reaping the consequences of those promises in 2 Kings 14.
America, today is also reaping consequences. We still have a chance. We still have a choice as to who we wish to follow, God or the secular world. Jesus did not come to take away the consequences. He came to provide a graceful sacrifice so that we could afford to turn away from our sin. He became the last payment. But, in Leviticus, it says that when we make our sin sacrifice and repent, we still will have to live with what we've done. We still have to pay for our past mistakes, but our way becomes easier and more blessed over time. Paul, in the New Testament, says that God can take our failures and use them for His good and His purpose, and turn them into blessings.
If it was easy, it wouldn't be life. The difference is that we have to pay for what we do while we are here, and then when we are in God's kingdom after we leave this earthly life, we will have all the blessings without any more consequences.
===========
During Azariah's 38th year as king, Jeroboam of Israel died and his son Zachariah became king. But Zachariah only reigned for six months. He was evil in his reign. So Shallum conspired against him, killed him, and took the throne. Zachariah was fourth generation, So God had lived up to his promise of letting Jehu's sons rule until the 4th generation. Now there was new blood on the throne.
Shallum reigned only a month before he was killed by Menahem, who then became king. When the people of Tiphsah refused to acknowledge him in business, Menahem killed all of them and ripped open the women who were withchild, killing their posterity as well. He was evil in God's eyes, but he ruled for ten years.
When Pul, the king of Assyria came against Israel, Menahem collected taxes from the wealthy in Israel and gave Pul one thousand talents of silver (or $10,760,000) so that Pul would be his ally. Pul then left Israel alone.
When Menahem died, his son, Pekahiah, ruled. He, also, was evil. After two years, Pekah killed him and took the throne. He also was evil.
While Pekah was king, Assyria took eight of Israel's cities and made the people captives. Then Hoshea conspired and killed Pekah.
When Pekah had been king over Israel for two years, Jotham became king of Judah. He followed God, except that he, too, failed to take down the high places. So, God began subjecting Judah to attacks from both Syria and Israel.
============
My Comments...
============
In Leviticus Chapter 26 God sets before the Israelites the consequences He has planned for their actions if they obey, and if they disobey. Israel and Judah's disobedience was reaping the consequences of those promises in 2 Kings 14.
America, today is also reaping consequences. We still have a chance. We still have a choice as to who we wish to follow, God or the secular world. Jesus did not come to take away the consequences. He came to provide a graceful sacrifice so that we could afford to turn away from our sin. He became the last payment. But, in Leviticus, it says that when we make our sin sacrifice and repent, we still will have to live with what we've done. We still have to pay for our past mistakes, but our way becomes easier and more blessed over time. Paul, in the New Testament, says that God can take our failures and use them for His good and His purpose, and turn them into blessings.
If it was easy, it wouldn't be life. The difference is that we have to pay for what we do while we are here, and then when we are in God's kingdom after we leave this earthly life, we will have all the blessings without any more consequences.
===========
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 14
Now, when Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, was king of Israel, Amaziah, the son of Joash of Judah was king. Amaziah did well in the sight of the Lord, except he didn't take down the high places of he idols of Judah and some of the people still worshipped there.
He killed the servants that had conspired and killed his father, but he did not kill their children. He followed God's law that the children should not be put to death for their father's sin, only for their own. He defeated Edom, then he invited Jahoash to visit him.
Jehoash said, "Yeah, right. You defeated Edom and now you are feeling cocky and want to try your hand at me." But Amaziah finally convinced him. Jehoash defeated Amaziah and broke down the gates of Jerusalem, took all the treasures of the temple, then returned to Samaria.
Jehoash died and his son, Jeroboam, took his place.
Then Amaziah was conspired against and slain in Lachish. Judah made Azariah, his son, king. He was only sixteen years old.
Jeroboam did evil in the sight of the Lord, but God let him restore all of the lands that were lost in his father's day.
When Jeroboam died, his son, Zachariah, took his place.
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My Comments...
===========
A famous movie director, Steven Spielberg, once sported a quote from Shakespeare in his movie Something Wicked This Way Comes. It said, "O, what a wicked web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive." The web was getting more and more wicked as Israel and Judah continued to sin. The consequences were growing worse with each passing king, and continual refusal to repent.
==========
He killed the servants that had conspired and killed his father, but he did not kill their children. He followed God's law that the children should not be put to death for their father's sin, only for their own. He defeated Edom, then he invited Jahoash to visit him.
Jehoash said, "Yeah, right. You defeated Edom and now you are feeling cocky and want to try your hand at me." But Amaziah finally convinced him. Jehoash defeated Amaziah and broke down the gates of Jerusalem, took all the treasures of the temple, then returned to Samaria.
Jehoash died and his son, Jeroboam, took his place.
Then Amaziah was conspired against and slain in Lachish. Judah made Azariah, his son, king. He was only sixteen years old.
Jeroboam did evil in the sight of the Lord, but God let him restore all of the lands that were lost in his father's day.
When Jeroboam died, his son, Zachariah, took his place.
===========
My Comments...
===========
A famous movie director, Steven Spielberg, once sported a quote from Shakespeare in his movie Something Wicked This Way Comes. It said, "O, what a wicked web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive." The web was getting more and more wicked as Israel and Judah continued to sin. The consequences were growing worse with each passing king, and continual refusal to repent.
==========
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 13
After Jehoash had reigned for 23 years, Jehu's son, Jehoahaz took the throne of Israel. He was evil and this made God angry. So God let Hazael, king of Syria, take Israel. Then, Jehoahaz prayed to God to help them; so God, being a God of mercy and forgiveness, sent them a leader to help break the bonds of Syria, then they went back to their former lives. They continued in their old ways.
Jehoahaz died, and his son Jeroboam reigned.
When Israel was taken by Syria, it was Elisha that Jehoahaz went to for help to talk to God. Elisha told Jehoahaz to beat the floor with his staff. Jehoahaz hit the floor three times, and Elisha reprimanded him for his lack of determination. "If you had hit the floor at least five times, you would have drove the Syrians away for good! But, you will only be able to defeat them three times now."
Elisha was old and sick. He soon died. They placed him in a tomb. Later, the Moabites invaded the land. Once, when they were in a funeral procession for another man, they saw a band of men coming that they supposed were enemies, so they quickly put the dead men in the tomb with Elisha's bones. When the dead man touched the bones, he immediately came back to life.
Hazael, king of Syria, oppressed Israel until he died. Then, his son Benhadad became king. Jehoahash took back all the lands Hazael had taken when Benhadad became king.
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My Comments:
========
"I'm sorry" only works if you turn from your actions that you are sorry for and determine not to do it again. If you say you are sorry, and ask for help, you may be helped. But if you turn back to your old ways, the one who helps you may be more likely to let you wallow in your misery. God has patience, to a point. After a while, though, He determines to practice "tough love" by letting you wallow in your misery until you learn why you should turn from your sin and determine to sin no more.
God doesn't want to hear His children cry. But, if they fail to learn from their mistakes, the only option He has is to let them suffer the consequences.
When God asks you to do something that will help you, then you should do it whole-heartedly. If you just half-heartedly do it, you will only get a half-hearted result, and the problem could come back at full force later. It's best to whole-heartedly take care of the problem once and for all.
Elisha had so much faith and spirit in him that the power God gave him even permeated his decaying body.
=============
Jehoahaz died, and his son Jeroboam reigned.
When Israel was taken by Syria, it was Elisha that Jehoahaz went to for help to talk to God. Elisha told Jehoahaz to beat the floor with his staff. Jehoahaz hit the floor three times, and Elisha reprimanded him for his lack of determination. "If you had hit the floor at least five times, you would have drove the Syrians away for good! But, you will only be able to defeat them three times now."
Elisha was old and sick. He soon died. They placed him in a tomb. Later, the Moabites invaded the land. Once, when they were in a funeral procession for another man, they saw a band of men coming that they supposed were enemies, so they quickly put the dead men in the tomb with Elisha's bones. When the dead man touched the bones, he immediately came back to life.
Hazael, king of Syria, oppressed Israel until he died. Then, his son Benhadad became king. Jehoahash took back all the lands Hazael had taken when Benhadad became king.
========
My Comments:
========
"I'm sorry" only works if you turn from your actions that you are sorry for and determine not to do it again. If you say you are sorry, and ask for help, you may be helped. But if you turn back to your old ways, the one who helps you may be more likely to let you wallow in your misery. God has patience, to a point. After a while, though, He determines to practice "tough love" by letting you wallow in your misery until you learn why you should turn from your sin and determine to sin no more.
God doesn't want to hear His children cry. But, if they fail to learn from their mistakes, the only option He has is to let them suffer the consequences.
When God asks you to do something that will help you, then you should do it whole-heartedly. If you just half-heartedly do it, you will only get a half-hearted result, and the problem could come back at full force later. It's best to whole-heartedly take care of the problem once and for all.
Elisha had so much faith and spirit in him that the power God gave him even permeated his decaying body.
=============
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 12
When Jehoash of Judah began his reign, Jehu had been king of Israel of seven years. Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord, except he never took down the high places of t, he idols of the land, and some of the people still worshipped other gods there.
Jehoash ordained that taxes and offerings should be made to the temple, to be set aside for repairs on the temple that age had set in disarray. After he had reigned for 23 years, he noticed that the repairs had still not been made. In a meeting with the priests, it was settled that he would no longer collect taxes from the people if it was not going to be used where it was supposed to be used.
At this point, Jehoiada put a bucket in the temple on the right side of the altar and asked for donations to be placed in that bucket. After a while, there was found quite a bit of money in that bucket, and they took it to the king and told him that they found the money in the temple and started the repairs.
Then Hazael, king of Syria, took control of Gath and started toward Jerusalem with intentions of taking it, too. So, Jehoash took all the dedicated treasures from his forefathers houses and gave it to Hazael to keep him from invading Jerusalem.
Some people didn't like how Jehoash handled the problem, or the kingdom, so his servants conspired and killed him.
His son, Amaziah, took his place.
==========
My Comments:
==========
Just like today, there is corruption in the highest offices of the land. No matter who is the leader of our people, there are going to be people who are constantly criticizing how he handles things. People are so full of hatred, they can't tell the difference between truly good intentions and outright attacks on our beloved system.
Ecclesiastes says it best when it says "There is nothing new under the sun." Maybe the way that things are carried out is different, but the reasons behind it are one and the same.
Jehoash was doomed to die anyway because of his neglect to take down the high places of the gods. But, God was merciful on Israel with his leadership for awhile because he tried to be a good person for God in spite of his failure.
God won't let your failures go unpunished, but He is more tolerant of those who try, and He gives them more room to come to their senses.
=============
Jehoash ordained that taxes and offerings should be made to the temple, to be set aside for repairs on the temple that age had set in disarray. After he had reigned for 23 years, he noticed that the repairs had still not been made. In a meeting with the priests, it was settled that he would no longer collect taxes from the people if it was not going to be used where it was supposed to be used.
At this point, Jehoiada put a bucket in the temple on the right side of the altar and asked for donations to be placed in that bucket. After a while, there was found quite a bit of money in that bucket, and they took it to the king and told him that they found the money in the temple and started the repairs.
Then Hazael, king of Syria, took control of Gath and started toward Jerusalem with intentions of taking it, too. So, Jehoash took all the dedicated treasures from his forefathers houses and gave it to Hazael to keep him from invading Jerusalem.
Some people didn't like how Jehoash handled the problem, or the kingdom, so his servants conspired and killed him.
His son, Amaziah, took his place.
==========
My Comments:
==========
Just like today, there is corruption in the highest offices of the land. No matter who is the leader of our people, there are going to be people who are constantly criticizing how he handles things. People are so full of hatred, they can't tell the difference between truly good intentions and outright attacks on our beloved system.
Ecclesiastes says it best when it says "There is nothing new under the sun." Maybe the way that things are carried out is different, but the reasons behind it are one and the same.
Jehoash was doomed to die anyway because of his neglect to take down the high places of the gods. But, God was merciful on Israel with his leadership for awhile because he tried to be a good person for God in spite of his failure.
God won't let your failures go unpunished, but He is more tolerant of those who try, and He gives them more room to come to their senses.
=============
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Learning to Trust Him
Years ago, I spent every hour I had every day to update a web site and make people who came there aware of the evil being perpetrated on our own people by our own government. I spent so much time doing it, in fact, that I lost track of what I was doing it for.
When I finally started longing for the things I was missing -- time with my family, smelling the roses, appreciating the stars in the sky, just simply taking time out to commune with God and His creation -- I gave it all up. I even gave up television and radio. I didn't want to hear the news. I didn't want to see it. I wanted relationships with real people, real things, real life. I wanted to get to know what I was fighting for.
I spent ten years doing nothing but living. During that ten years, I lived. For the first time in my life, I found myself alive. I got to know people. I learned to love the differences in people. I learned to love as God does. I owned several businesses. I worked in several different places. I travelled the 48 states. I joined a church.
At one point, I found myself homeless and learned that God was watching me, wondering how much faith I still had in Him. I never waivered. I remained positive. And, over and over again, I saw Him bless me.
I met some really great people with nothing. I met some really great people who had everything. I learned that material possessions have nothing to do with a person's character. I learned that only those who knew how to give were the ones who were really living. I learned that the ones who took without ever giving back were the ones who were most ungrateful and bitter with their lives. They were not living at all.
The whole ten years was a lesson on stewardship. In the end, I came to understand that God had given me chance after chance in this life. If I took the opportunities and used them wisely, I was blessed. If I failed to use those opportunities to work with-in His will, what little I had was taken away. My patience, my sanity, and my faith were tested over and over during this time, until I had learned well what it was He wanted me to learn.
Each time I failed, I went to the Father and inquired as to why? I sought to understand where I had gone wrong. I dug into His word, and stood tall on my knees declaring that I would not stop believing, and that I would trust Him, no matter what. I had a lot to learn.
Finally, I came to the realization of what it means when it says to completely trust in the Lord. I now understand that I can do nothing. He is really the one who does all things through me. When I take over, I fail. When I let Him take over and lead me, I succeed.
For the first time in my life, I am fearless. I know that no matter what I am going through, God will provide for all my needs according to His riches in Glory. If I have no food, somehow, He gives me food. If I am bored, somehow He stimulates my senses. If I have no clothes, somehow, He clothes me. If I am without shelter, He protects me. I have never done without, and I know now that He will never let me. All I have to do is keep trying, keep working toward whatever goals He sets for me, and keep seeking to be more like Jesus every day.
He does not do all this because I deserve it. He does this because I am His child. He does this because I believe in Him. He does this because He loves me. The most precious thing He has ever given me was His son, Jesus. If He would give me His only son, who died so that I could live, and then turn around and adopt me as His own child, how can I not fully trust Him?
My journey is far from over. There is still a lot my Father wants me to learn. This is evidenced by the fact that I am still here, on this earth, with you. Each experience I have brings me closer to Him, and teaches me to be a better person to you. I look forward to where He will take me next and what experiences I am destined to have. I hunger to see His every day miracles, and how they will affect me, which will in turn affect you. This is what the "abundant life" is all about.
Finally, I invite you to take this journey with me. It's simple: all you have to do is trust in Him. Let Him lead the way. Listen to what He says in His word. Live according to the example of Christ. Learn from your failures. Thank Him for your blessings. Give Him credit for where you are and who you become without blaming Him for your mistakes. Accept the offering that He made for you in His son, Jesus. Then, let Christ live through you.
===========
When I finally started longing for the things I was missing -- time with my family, smelling the roses, appreciating the stars in the sky, just simply taking time out to commune with God and His creation -- I gave it all up. I even gave up television and radio. I didn't want to hear the news. I didn't want to see it. I wanted relationships with real people, real things, real life. I wanted to get to know what I was fighting for.
I spent ten years doing nothing but living. During that ten years, I lived. For the first time in my life, I found myself alive. I got to know people. I learned to love the differences in people. I learned to love as God does. I owned several businesses. I worked in several different places. I travelled the 48 states. I joined a church.
At one point, I found myself homeless and learned that God was watching me, wondering how much faith I still had in Him. I never waivered. I remained positive. And, over and over again, I saw Him bless me.
I met some really great people with nothing. I met some really great people who had everything. I learned that material possessions have nothing to do with a person's character. I learned that only those who knew how to give were the ones who were really living. I learned that the ones who took without ever giving back were the ones who were most ungrateful and bitter with their lives. They were not living at all.
The whole ten years was a lesson on stewardship. In the end, I came to understand that God had given me chance after chance in this life. If I took the opportunities and used them wisely, I was blessed. If I failed to use those opportunities to work with-in His will, what little I had was taken away. My patience, my sanity, and my faith were tested over and over during this time, until I had learned well what it was He wanted me to learn.
Each time I failed, I went to the Father and inquired as to why? I sought to understand where I had gone wrong. I dug into His word, and stood tall on my knees declaring that I would not stop believing, and that I would trust Him, no matter what. I had a lot to learn.
Finally, I came to the realization of what it means when it says to completely trust in the Lord. I now understand that I can do nothing. He is really the one who does all things through me. When I take over, I fail. When I let Him take over and lead me, I succeed.
For the first time in my life, I am fearless. I know that no matter what I am going through, God will provide for all my needs according to His riches in Glory. If I have no food, somehow, He gives me food. If I am bored, somehow He stimulates my senses. If I have no clothes, somehow, He clothes me. If I am without shelter, He protects me. I have never done without, and I know now that He will never let me. All I have to do is keep trying, keep working toward whatever goals He sets for me, and keep seeking to be more like Jesus every day.
He does not do all this because I deserve it. He does this because I am His child. He does this because I believe in Him. He does this because He loves me. The most precious thing He has ever given me was His son, Jesus. If He would give me His only son, who died so that I could live, and then turn around and adopt me as His own child, how can I not fully trust Him?
My journey is far from over. There is still a lot my Father wants me to learn. This is evidenced by the fact that I am still here, on this earth, with you. Each experience I have brings me closer to Him, and teaches me to be a better person to you. I look forward to where He will take me next and what experiences I am destined to have. I hunger to see His every day miracles, and how they will affect me, which will in turn affect you. This is what the "abundant life" is all about.
Finally, I invite you to take this journey with me. It's simple: all you have to do is trust in Him. Let Him lead the way. Listen to what He says in His word. Live according to the example of Christ. Learn from your failures. Thank Him for your blessings. Give Him credit for where you are and who you become without blaming Him for your mistakes. Accept the offering that He made for you in His son, Jesus. Then, let Christ live through you.
===========
Monday, November 12, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 11
When Athaliah heard that her son, Ahaziah, was dead, she killed all of his sons. Joram's (late king of Israel) daughter was Ahaziah's (late king of Judah) sister, Jehosheba. She took Joash, Ahaziah's baby son, and hid him from Athaliah in a bedroom with his nurse. She hid him for six years. Jehoiada the priest knew of this.
So, when the child was seven years old, Jehoiada called all of the military leaders together for a meeting. He made them swear an oath of allegience and then he introduced Joash to them. Then, he assigned all of them a station to protect, as Joash's bodyguards, charging them that if anyone comes within those perimeters without permission, they should be killed.
Then, they all went to the temple and made him King. Jehoiada put the crown on him, gave him the testimony of the Lord to keep, and they all shouted, "God save the king!"
Athaliah heard all the commotion and went to see what it was about. She was not happy at all when she found out what was happening. She rent her clothes in mourning and cried, "TREASON!" to them all.
Jehoiada commanded the men to take her outside, and slay her outside the House of the Lord. He did not want to desecrate the temple with her blood. They took her to the king's house and killed her there.
Jehoiada then made a covenant with the King, between the Lord and Joash the king and the people, that he would lead them according to the Lord, and that they would be God's people. Then, all the people went and tore down the house of Baal, and then they praised the king, and lived in peace.
Joash, the new king of Israel was only seven years old.
===================
What we have learned...
===================
Joash was the answer to the predicament that Judah had found herself in by following other Gods. He represented innocence, and newness. He was God's way of "starting over". Being so young, he was easily influenced by the priest of God to do what was right in God's eyes, and having no other man around to be his role-model, Joash depended on Jehoiada for instruction and advice.
When God doesn't like the direction something is going, He initiates a cleansing. With this cleansing, He raises up a shepherd to guide the people in His ways. He never leaves His people without a leader.
===================
So, when the child was seven years old, Jehoiada called all of the military leaders together for a meeting. He made them swear an oath of allegience and then he introduced Joash to them. Then, he assigned all of them a station to protect, as Joash's bodyguards, charging them that if anyone comes within those perimeters without permission, they should be killed.
Then, they all went to the temple and made him King. Jehoiada put the crown on him, gave him the testimony of the Lord to keep, and they all shouted, "God save the king!"
Athaliah heard all the commotion and went to see what it was about. She was not happy at all when she found out what was happening. She rent her clothes in mourning and cried, "TREASON!" to them all.
Jehoiada commanded the men to take her outside, and slay her outside the House of the Lord. He did not want to desecrate the temple with her blood. They took her to the king's house and killed her there.
Jehoiada then made a covenant with the King, between the Lord and Joash the king and the people, that he would lead them according to the Lord, and that they would be God's people. Then, all the people went and tore down the house of Baal, and then they praised the king, and lived in peace.
Joash, the new king of Israel was only seven years old.
===================
What we have learned...
===================
Joash was the answer to the predicament that Judah had found herself in by following other Gods. He represented innocence, and newness. He was God's way of "starting over". Being so young, he was easily influenced by the priest of God to do what was right in God's eyes, and having no other man around to be his role-model, Joash depended on Jehoiada for instruction and advice.
When God doesn't like the direction something is going, He initiates a cleansing. With this cleansing, He raises up a shepherd to guide the people in His ways. He never leaves His people without a leader.
===================
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10
Ahab had seventy sons. So, Jehu wrote letters to Samaria, and to the rulers of Jezreel and told them, "You have all of Ahab's sons with you. So, when you get this letter, choose one that you would have as king, then get ready because I am coming to fight you."
Those who received the letters were afraid, seeing that Jehu had already killed two kings. So, they wrote him a letter back saying, "We don't want to fight you. We will let you rule over us as King. We will be your servants."
So Jehu wrote them back and said, "If what you say is true, then I want the heads of all seventy of Ahab's sons in Jezreel by this time tomorrow."
So they took Ahab's sons and cut off their heads and sent them to Jezreel. A messenger went to Jehu and said, "The heads have arrived." Jehu told him to put them at the gate of the city in two heaps until in the morning.
In the morning, Jehu went to the gate of the city, where the heads were and said to all who were standing there, "You be the judge: Yes, I conspired against my king and slew him. But, I didn't kill these. Who did? God told Elijah that these things would happen. Nothing God says ever fails to come to pass."
Then Jehu killed all that remained, the servants and priests including, that were a part of Ahab's house there in Jezreel. Then, he left to go to Samaria. On his way, at a shearing house, he met up with two-hundred and forty of Ahaziah's brothers who were going to see the king and his family in Samaria. Jehu ordered them taken alive, then killed them at the pit near the shearing house.
When he left there, Jehu met up with Jehonadab. Jehu asked, "Are you still my friend?" To which Jehonadab answered, "Yes." Jehu took him by the hand and pulled him into his chariot and said, "If that is true, come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord." So, Jehonadab, having no choice, rode along.
When he got to Samaria, he killed everyone who was anything to Ahab.
Then, Jehu gathered all the people together, and in trickery, he said, "Ahab served Baal a little. I want to show you how a king REALLY serves Baal! I have a great sacrifice to make. I want everyone who follows Baal at the temple of Baal for a solemn assembly." So everyone throughout the kingdom who served Baal came to the temple. Jehu ordered that all the uniforms and supplies for serving Baal be brought to him. Then he set forty men outside the temple and ordered them not to let anyone leave or escape, or it would be their heads. Then after the sacrifices were made, he killed everyone in the temple. Then he took all the images and things that pertained to Baal and destroyed and burned them, and tore the temple down.
But, Jehu left the golden calves that Jeroboam had built.
God was happy with Jehu for what he had done, and told him that his seed would sit on the throne up until the fourth generation. But, Jehu followed Jeroboam in his sin with the golden calves, and God began to cut Israel short because of it.
Jehu ruled for twenty-eight years, then his son, Jehoahaz, took the throne. They buried Jehu in Samaria.
==============
What we have learned
==============
I have always wondered how it is that someone can give God credit for events and victories, yet refuse to keep following Him. It doesn't make sense why anyone who knows the power of God would not let God be the King of their lives.
In verse 10, Jehu says, "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." (KJV) And yet, in verse 31, "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." (KJV)
Perhaps, if he had followed God with his whole heart, God would have given him the same promise he gave to David, that his seed would forever rule the throne, that there would always be a place for him in His kingdom.
==============
Those who received the letters were afraid, seeing that Jehu had already killed two kings. So, they wrote him a letter back saying, "We don't want to fight you. We will let you rule over us as King. We will be your servants."
So Jehu wrote them back and said, "If what you say is true, then I want the heads of all seventy of Ahab's sons in Jezreel by this time tomorrow."
So they took Ahab's sons and cut off their heads and sent them to Jezreel. A messenger went to Jehu and said, "The heads have arrived." Jehu told him to put them at the gate of the city in two heaps until in the morning.
In the morning, Jehu went to the gate of the city, where the heads were and said to all who were standing there, "You be the judge: Yes, I conspired against my king and slew him. But, I didn't kill these. Who did? God told Elijah that these things would happen. Nothing God says ever fails to come to pass."
Then Jehu killed all that remained, the servants and priests including, that were a part of Ahab's house there in Jezreel. Then, he left to go to Samaria. On his way, at a shearing house, he met up with two-hundred and forty of Ahaziah's brothers who were going to see the king and his family in Samaria. Jehu ordered them taken alive, then killed them at the pit near the shearing house.
When he left there, Jehu met up with Jehonadab. Jehu asked, "Are you still my friend?" To which Jehonadab answered, "Yes." Jehu took him by the hand and pulled him into his chariot and said, "If that is true, come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord." So, Jehonadab, having no choice, rode along.
When he got to Samaria, he killed everyone who was anything to Ahab.
Then, Jehu gathered all the people together, and in trickery, he said, "Ahab served Baal a little. I want to show you how a king REALLY serves Baal! I have a great sacrifice to make. I want everyone who follows Baal at the temple of Baal for a solemn assembly." So everyone throughout the kingdom who served Baal came to the temple. Jehu ordered that all the uniforms and supplies for serving Baal be brought to him. Then he set forty men outside the temple and ordered them not to let anyone leave or escape, or it would be their heads. Then after the sacrifices were made, he killed everyone in the temple. Then he took all the images and things that pertained to Baal and destroyed and burned them, and tore the temple down.
But, Jehu left the golden calves that Jeroboam had built.
God was happy with Jehu for what he had done, and told him that his seed would sit on the throne up until the fourth generation. But, Jehu followed Jeroboam in his sin with the golden calves, and God began to cut Israel short because of it.
Jehu ruled for twenty-eight years, then his son, Jehoahaz, took the throne. They buried Jehu in Samaria.
==============
What we have learned
==============
I have always wondered how it is that someone can give God credit for events and victories, yet refuse to keep following Him. It doesn't make sense why anyone who knows the power of God would not let God be the King of their lives.
In verse 10, Jehu says, "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." (KJV) And yet, in verse 31, "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." (KJV)
Perhaps, if he had followed God with his whole heart, God would have given him the same promise he gave to David, that his seed would forever rule the throne, that there would always be a place for him in His kingdom.
==============
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Bad Day? Praise God!
by Shonda M. Ponder
It is so much easier to praise God when things are going right. But, when things are going wrong is when we should praise Him the most. It is when things go wrong that we should be most assured that everything is in control. We should have faith that God knows what He is doing, and we should let God be God and do what God does.
When the Israelites were travelling to the Promised Land, they would sometimes worry and fret. They worried about food. They worried about water. They worried about their potential enemies. If there is one thing that gets on God's nerves, it's a child, who is supposed to be His, who worries.
Every time the Israelites would whine to Moses, Moses would tell them, "Why are you whining to ME? I'm not God!" It doesn't do any good to whine about things to other people. All that does is show other people how little faith you have in your God. But, the people demanded that Moses get them out of the situation that they perceived he got them into. Moses could never make them understand that he didn't get them into that situation, God did. God was leading the way. God was holding the reins. God was in the driver's seat.
God gave Moses the task of leading His people out of bondage because Moses did understand that. Moses may have felt inadequate, or insecure, or unsure of how to proceed or what to say at times, but he knew who was in control; and, he knew where to go when things got tough. The people saw that Moses was always calm (except when he got angry with them, and he had a temper!), always collected, and always willing to do what it took to get where he was going. So, naturally, they came to him when things went wrong. And, because he was something they could see, touch, feel, and talk to and listen to audibly, they blamed him when things seemed to go wrong.
Moses did what he was supposed to do, he pointed them to God. He gave God the credit for all that happened. He directed them to follow God's instructions. However, Moses didn't like repeating himself over and over again, and God is a God of patience. God will do anything for as long as it takes to see to it that His children are safe and cared for. So, when Moses lost his temper with them, God punished him by letting him see the Promised Land, but not letting him enter it.
When things seem to be with-in your grasp, but somehow alluding you, it is always best to reflect on how you are acting and what you are doing wrong. Maybe it's time to make a change in your own attitude, and praise God for getting you as far as He has, and be patient with those around you who don't understand the pressure that you are under to stay with-in God's will.
Psalms 100:2 says, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. " God wants you to serve Him joyfully, not in contempt or bad humor or impatient grumblings.
Remember, your job is to lead by example. If you are worrying and fretting, you are not a Moses. You are an Israelite. Try to be a Moses, with your feet going forward, your head held high and, remembering that the Great I Am is leading the way, "I can" should be your motto.
It is so much easier to praise God when things are going right. But, when things are going wrong is when we should praise Him the most. It is when things go wrong that we should be most assured that everything is in control. We should have faith that God knows what He is doing, and we should let God be God and do what God does.
When the Israelites were travelling to the Promised Land, they would sometimes worry and fret. They worried about food. They worried about water. They worried about their potential enemies. If there is one thing that gets on God's nerves, it's a child, who is supposed to be His, who worries.
Every time the Israelites would whine to Moses, Moses would tell them, "Why are you whining to ME? I'm not God!" It doesn't do any good to whine about things to other people. All that does is show other people how little faith you have in your God. But, the people demanded that Moses get them out of the situation that they perceived he got them into. Moses could never make them understand that he didn't get them into that situation, God did. God was leading the way. God was holding the reins. God was in the driver's seat.
God gave Moses the task of leading His people out of bondage because Moses did understand that. Moses may have felt inadequate, or insecure, or unsure of how to proceed or what to say at times, but he knew who was in control; and, he knew where to go when things got tough. The people saw that Moses was always calm (except when he got angry with them, and he had a temper!), always collected, and always willing to do what it took to get where he was going. So, naturally, they came to him when things went wrong. And, because he was something they could see, touch, feel, and talk to and listen to audibly, they blamed him when things seemed to go wrong.
Moses did what he was supposed to do, he pointed them to God. He gave God the credit for all that happened. He directed them to follow God's instructions. However, Moses didn't like repeating himself over and over again, and God is a God of patience. God will do anything for as long as it takes to see to it that His children are safe and cared for. So, when Moses lost his temper with them, God punished him by letting him see the Promised Land, but not letting him enter it.
When things seem to be with-in your grasp, but somehow alluding you, it is always best to reflect on how you are acting and what you are doing wrong. Maybe it's time to make a change in your own attitude, and praise God for getting you as far as He has, and be patient with those around you who don't understand the pressure that you are under to stay with-in God's will.
Psalms 100:2 says, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. " God wants you to serve Him joyfully, not in contempt or bad humor or impatient grumblings.
Remember, your job is to lead by example. If you are worrying and fretting, you are not a Moses. You are an Israelite. Try to be a Moses, with your feet going forward, your head held high and, remembering that the Great I Am is leading the way, "I can" should be your motto.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9
Elisha called one of the other prophets under him, and he said, "Take this box of oil to Ramoth-Gilead, and annoint Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, as king. Then run away as fast as you can."
So, he did as he was told. When he got there, the Captains of the host of Jehoshaphat's army were sitting outside. He said, "Captain, I have to do something for you."
Jehu said, "For who?"
The prophet said, "For you." He took him into the house and he told him, "God says, 'I have annointed you as king over my people. You shall rid Israel of the House of Ahab and avenge the blood of the prophets that were killed at the hand of Jezebel; and you will leave none of them, and Jezebel will be eaten by the dogs and no one will bury her." Then he ran.
When Jehu came out of the house, the other Captains said, "What was that all about? That man was crazy! What did he say to you?"
Jehu just shrugged and said, "Like you said, he's crazy." Then he told him what the prophet said. They all stood up and put on their garments and blew the trumpet and announced him King over Israel. And Jehu began to conspire against Joram.
Joram had gone to heal his wounds from the Syrians in Jezreel. So Jehu went to see him. Ahaziah, the king of Judah was also there to see Joram. A watchman saw Jehu coming in his chariot driving furiously and told Joram, who sent out a messenger asking, "Do you come in peace?"
Jehu told him, "What do you know about peace?" and kept driving. So they sent another, who got the same answer.
So Joram and Ahaziah went out to meet Jehu on the way and Joram said, "Do you come in peace, Jehu?" And Jehu answered and said, "As long as your mother continues to reak havoc on Israel, there is no peace!" Joram turned and fled away, yelling for Ahaziah to run. "It is treachery, Ahaziah!" he yelled. Jehu grabbed a bow and shot him between the shoulders.
Jehu told them to cast Joram in the field of Naboth. Then as Ahaziah was running away, they shot him, too. He went to Megiddo, where he died.
Jezebel heard of what happened and she painted her face. When Jehu got to Jezreel, she asked, "Did you have peace in your heart when you came to Joram?" as she leaned out of an upstair window. Jehu yelled to the servants in the house, "Who is on my side? Anybody?" Three Eunuchs came out and he said, "Throw her down!" So they went upstairs and threw Jezebel out the window. Then he ran over her with his horse and went into the house to eat.
When he had done eating, he told them, "You know, she was a king's daughter and we ought to bury her properly. Go get her." So they went out to get her, but the dogs had eaten all but her skull, the palms of her hands and her feet.
Jehu knew that it was the Lord, for he had been told by the prophet this would happen.
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When God annoints you to do something, it is what you should consistently work toward until it is finished. If you do, all that God promises for you will happen.
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So, he did as he was told. When he got there, the Captains of the host of Jehoshaphat's army were sitting outside. He said, "Captain, I have to do something for you."
Jehu said, "For who?"
The prophet said, "For you." He took him into the house and he told him, "God says, 'I have annointed you as king over my people. You shall rid Israel of the House of Ahab and avenge the blood of the prophets that were killed at the hand of Jezebel; and you will leave none of them, and Jezebel will be eaten by the dogs and no one will bury her." Then he ran.
When Jehu came out of the house, the other Captains said, "What was that all about? That man was crazy! What did he say to you?"
Jehu just shrugged and said, "Like you said, he's crazy." Then he told him what the prophet said. They all stood up and put on their garments and blew the trumpet and announced him King over Israel. And Jehu began to conspire against Joram.
Joram had gone to heal his wounds from the Syrians in Jezreel. So Jehu went to see him. Ahaziah, the king of Judah was also there to see Joram. A watchman saw Jehu coming in his chariot driving furiously and told Joram, who sent out a messenger asking, "Do you come in peace?"
Jehu told him, "What do you know about peace?" and kept driving. So they sent another, who got the same answer.
So Joram and Ahaziah went out to meet Jehu on the way and Joram said, "Do you come in peace, Jehu?" And Jehu answered and said, "As long as your mother continues to reak havoc on Israel, there is no peace!" Joram turned and fled away, yelling for Ahaziah to run. "It is treachery, Ahaziah!" he yelled. Jehu grabbed a bow and shot him between the shoulders.
Jehu told them to cast Joram in the field of Naboth. Then as Ahaziah was running away, they shot him, too. He went to Megiddo, where he died.
Jezebel heard of what happened and she painted her face. When Jehu got to Jezreel, she asked, "Did you have peace in your heart when you came to Joram?" as she leaned out of an upstair window. Jehu yelled to the servants in the house, "Who is on my side? Anybody?" Three Eunuchs came out and he said, "Throw her down!" So they went upstairs and threw Jezebel out the window. Then he ran over her with his horse and went into the house to eat.
When he had done eating, he told them, "You know, she was a king's daughter and we ought to bury her properly. Go get her." So they went out to get her, but the dogs had eaten all but her skull, the palms of her hands and her feet.
Jehu knew that it was the Lord, for he had been told by the prophet this would happen.
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When God annoints you to do something, it is what you should consistently work toward until it is finished. If you do, all that God promises for you will happen.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 8
After Samaria was restored, Elisha told the woman, who's son he had brought back to life, to travel away from Israel because a famine was about to occur.
In the meanwhile, the king had spoken to Gehazi, who told the king about all he had witnessed that Elisha had done.
After seven years of living in the land of the Philistines, the woman came back, and she went before the king to petition that he give her her land and her home back. Gehazi informed the king that this was the woman he had spoke to him about.
The king asked her to tell her side of the story, and she did. So, he restored her property to her.
Elisha went to Damascus. The king of Syria was sick, and when he was told of Elisha's arrival, he sent a messenger to enquire as to whether or not he would recover.
So Hazael, the messenger, went to Elisha and asked. Elisha told him, "Yes," but he began to cry, trying to keep his composure, but failing to do so.
When Hazael asked, "What's wrong?" Elisha told him, "I see what you are going to do to Israel. You will slay all the men, all the children and all the women who are with-child brutally."
"Am I a dog that I would do such a thing?" Hazael protested. Elisha insisted that he would be king.
When Hazael returned to the king, the king asked, "Will I recover?" Hazael told him, "Yes." The next day, he took a cloth, dipped it in water, and put it over the king's face, smothering him to death. Hazael became king.
After Joram was king over Israel for five years, Jehoram became king of Judah. Jehoram was married to Joram's sister, and he reigned for eight years, doing evil in the site of the Lord, who would not destroy Judah for David's sake. God had promised that Israel would always have a light.
While Joram reigned, Edom and Libnah revolted. Joram defeated Edom in battle, and Ahaziah ruled in his stead. Ahaziah was Joram's son-in-law. Before Joram died, he was wounded in battle, so he went to Jezreel to recuperate, and Ahaziah went to see him.
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Shakespeare, one of the most notorius playwrites history has to give us, once wrote, "Oh what a wicked web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive!" One sin leads to another. It causes others to stumble and sin. Soon everyone is corrupt and the whole land is covered in sin. Sin is hard to purge. The stains are thick and heavy, and Israel is in despair in 2 Kings 8 because of it.
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In the meanwhile, the king had spoken to Gehazi, who told the king about all he had witnessed that Elisha had done.
After seven years of living in the land of the Philistines, the woman came back, and she went before the king to petition that he give her her land and her home back. Gehazi informed the king that this was the woman he had spoke to him about.
The king asked her to tell her side of the story, and she did. So, he restored her property to her.
Elisha went to Damascus. The king of Syria was sick, and when he was told of Elisha's arrival, he sent a messenger to enquire as to whether or not he would recover.
So Hazael, the messenger, went to Elisha and asked. Elisha told him, "Yes," but he began to cry, trying to keep his composure, but failing to do so.
When Hazael asked, "What's wrong?" Elisha told him, "I see what you are going to do to Israel. You will slay all the men, all the children and all the women who are with-child brutally."
"Am I a dog that I would do such a thing?" Hazael protested. Elisha insisted that he would be king.
When Hazael returned to the king, the king asked, "Will I recover?" Hazael told him, "Yes." The next day, he took a cloth, dipped it in water, and put it over the king's face, smothering him to death. Hazael became king.
After Joram was king over Israel for five years, Jehoram became king of Judah. Jehoram was married to Joram's sister, and he reigned for eight years, doing evil in the site of the Lord, who would not destroy Judah for David's sake. God had promised that Israel would always have a light.
While Joram reigned, Edom and Libnah revolted. Joram defeated Edom in battle, and Ahaziah ruled in his stead. Ahaziah was Joram's son-in-law. Before Joram died, he was wounded in battle, so he went to Jezreel to recuperate, and Ahaziah went to see him.
========
Shakespeare, one of the most notorius playwrites history has to give us, once wrote, "Oh what a wicked web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive!" One sin leads to another. It causes others to stumble and sin. Soon everyone is corrupt and the whole land is covered in sin. Sin is hard to purge. The stains are thick and heavy, and Israel is in despair in 2 Kings 8 because of it.
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Monday, September 17, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 7
Then Elisha told the king, "This time tomorrow, food will be sold cheap here in Samaria."
Then, a close friend and servant of the king said, mocking, "Yeah, right, just like there are windows in heaven."
Elisha turned to him and said, "Oh, it will happen, but you won't be around to enjoy it when it does."
There were four leprous men at the gate of the city. They were irritable and hungry and said to each other, "What is the point in us just sitting here? Even if we went into the city we'd starve. If we go out to the Syrians who have us surrounded, they may kill us. Either way, we'll die. It's worth taking a chance." So the next morning, they went into the Syrian camp, but there was no one there.
The night before, God had made a great noise that sounded like armies approaching, and the Syrians thought that Israel had contacted their allies somehow and that the allies were coming to save them, so the Syrians took off running, leaving everything behind.
The lepers went in one tent and ate, then took all the valuables they could find and hid them, then went into another tent and did the same. Then, they stopped and thought about what they were doing.
"Anything could happen to us out here. We need to go tell the king." So, they went to the gate of Samaria and called to the porter, and told him what they had found. The porter sent a messenger to the king.
The King found it hard to believe. He said, "They are probably hiding out in the fields, waiting for us to come out so they can get in and take over the city."
One of the king's servants then said, "But, isn't it worth checking out?"
So the king sent two chariots out to check things out. He also sent his friend that had mocked Elisha to guard the city gates. When they came back with a good report, the people were so ecstatic about getting out and spoiling the tents of the Syrians for food and valuables that they trampled the guard to death.
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When you are surrounded by enemies, you may have to endure hard times and go through some nasty things; but, with patience, you will see that God will take care of the problem. It is times like these when you need to have the most faith; for if you doubt, you may see the light at the end of the tunnel but never reach it.
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Then, a close friend and servant of the king said, mocking, "Yeah, right, just like there are windows in heaven."
Elisha turned to him and said, "Oh, it will happen, but you won't be around to enjoy it when it does."
There were four leprous men at the gate of the city. They were irritable and hungry and said to each other, "What is the point in us just sitting here? Even if we went into the city we'd starve. If we go out to the Syrians who have us surrounded, they may kill us. Either way, we'll die. It's worth taking a chance." So the next morning, they went into the Syrian camp, but there was no one there.
The night before, God had made a great noise that sounded like armies approaching, and the Syrians thought that Israel had contacted their allies somehow and that the allies were coming to save them, so the Syrians took off running, leaving everything behind.
The lepers went in one tent and ate, then took all the valuables they could find and hid them, then went into another tent and did the same. Then, they stopped and thought about what they were doing.
"Anything could happen to us out here. We need to go tell the king." So, they went to the gate of Samaria and called to the porter, and told him what they had found. The porter sent a messenger to the king.
The King found it hard to believe. He said, "They are probably hiding out in the fields, waiting for us to come out so they can get in and take over the city."
One of the king's servants then said, "But, isn't it worth checking out?"
So the king sent two chariots out to check things out. He also sent his friend that had mocked Elisha to guard the city gates. When they came back with a good report, the people were so ecstatic about getting out and spoiling the tents of the Syrians for food and valuables that they trampled the guard to death.
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When you are surrounded by enemies, you may have to endure hard times and go through some nasty things; but, with patience, you will see that God will take care of the problem. It is times like these when you need to have the most faith; for if you doubt, you may see the light at the end of the tunnel but never reach it.
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Sunday, September 16, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6
The prophets Elisha worked with did not like where they were living, so they told Elisha that they'd like to go and live in Jordan, where there was easier access to the place. Elisha told them to go ahead. They asked Elisha to come with them and he agreed.
When they got there, they had to construct their new homes. One man had borrowed an iron ax and was chopping when it flew off the handle and landed in the Jordan river. He was very dismayed because it wasn't his ax. Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water, and the iron ax-head floated so the man could retrieve it.
The king of Syria warred with Israel. He told his men where he'd be staying. Elisha, in Israel, told his king where not to go in order to stay safe. The Syrian king accused his men of playing the spy, until one of his servants told him about Elisha. He wanted to know where Elisha was, and the servant told him, "Dothan". So, the king of Syria surrounded Dothan.
Elisha's servant began to panic, "What are we gonna do?"
Elisha told him, "Don't worry about it. There are more of us than there are of him." Then he prayed that the servant would see, and he opened his eyes and saw that the whole mountain around Elisha was packed with men on horses and chariots of fire everywhere.
Elisha prayed that God would strike the Syrians with blindness, and He did. Elisha then led them to Samaria, to the King of Israel, where they were given their sight back. The king of Israel wanted to kill the men, but Elisha talked him out of it by saying, "You don't kill prisoners of war!" So, the king fed them and sent them to their masters, and the Syrians left Israel alone after that until Benhadad besieged Samaria.
During the siege, there was famine. It was so bad that the price of food skyrocketed. One day the king of Israel passed by a wall and a lady cried out in despair, telling the king, "I had a son, and my neighbor had a son. We agreed that I would kill and eat my son one day, and that they would do so the next. It is her turn, but she has hidden her son!" The king was very distraught at the state of Israel because of this, and he wore sackcloth and mourned.
He was also angry. He sent someone to fetch Elisha, who locked himself in his quarters. The king cried out, "Why should I serve a God who allows this!"
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The king did not understand that Israel was paying for their sins. God told Israel that if they refuse to follow His laws, this would happen over time. God does not give punishment without warning first!
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When they got there, they had to construct their new homes. One man had borrowed an iron ax and was chopping when it flew off the handle and landed in the Jordan river. He was very dismayed because it wasn't his ax. Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water, and the iron ax-head floated so the man could retrieve it.
The king of Syria warred with Israel. He told his men where he'd be staying. Elisha, in Israel, told his king where not to go in order to stay safe. The Syrian king accused his men of playing the spy, until one of his servants told him about Elisha. He wanted to know where Elisha was, and the servant told him, "Dothan". So, the king of Syria surrounded Dothan.
Elisha's servant began to panic, "What are we gonna do?"
Elisha told him, "Don't worry about it. There are more of us than there are of him." Then he prayed that the servant would see, and he opened his eyes and saw that the whole mountain around Elisha was packed with men on horses and chariots of fire everywhere.
Elisha prayed that God would strike the Syrians with blindness, and He did. Elisha then led them to Samaria, to the King of Israel, where they were given their sight back. The king of Israel wanted to kill the men, but Elisha talked him out of it by saying, "You don't kill prisoners of war!" So, the king fed them and sent them to their masters, and the Syrians left Israel alone after that until Benhadad besieged Samaria.
During the siege, there was famine. It was so bad that the price of food skyrocketed. One day the king of Israel passed by a wall and a lady cried out in despair, telling the king, "I had a son, and my neighbor had a son. We agreed that I would kill and eat my son one day, and that they would do so the next. It is her turn, but she has hidden her son!" The king was very distraught at the state of Israel because of this, and he wore sackcloth and mourned.
He was also angry. He sent someone to fetch Elisha, who locked himself in his quarters. The king cried out, "Why should I serve a God who allows this!"
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The king did not understand that Israel was paying for their sins. God told Israel that if they refuse to follow His laws, this would happen over time. God does not give punishment without warning first!
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Saturday, September 15, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5
Naaman was captain of Syria's army. He was very good at his job, and a very valient soldier, who had earned a lot of notoriety. But, he had leprosy.
Naaman had a wife, too. His wife had a servant who was an Israelite. One day, the servant/handmaid said, "If Naaman were in Israel, he could see a man of God who would get rid of his leprosy."
Well, someone overheard her tell Naaman's wife that, and went and told Naaman. So Naamen went to Israel with a translater and went to see the King of Israel. When the King of Israel got the letter from his servant, telling him why he was there, the King rent his clothes and angrily said, "Yeah, right. Like I can heal leprosy! He is trying to start a war with me!"
Elisha heard what was going on, and told the king to send Naaman to him. So, Naaman went to see Elisha. Elisha then told Naaman to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan river and the leprosy would be healed. This made Naaman mad. "I could have washed in any of the rivers at home! Why is he telling me to do this? This is stupid!" And he started to travel home.
But, Naaman's servant stopped him and said, "If he asked you to do something harder, would you do it? All you gotta do is do what he says. It's worth a try!" So, Naaman calmed himself down and went and did it, and was healed.
Naaman was so happy he offered to pay Elisha with silver or cattle. Elisha refused, saying he would not take credit for what God had done. So, Naaman started toward home, still happy.
Gehaza, Elisha's servant, thought to himself, "If Elisha doesn't want the money, I do." So, he caught up with Naaman, and told him, "Over there are two prophets that are just coming. Elisha said maybe you should give the money to them. Give it to me, and I'll make sure they get it." Naaman did, happily.
When Gehaza got back, Elisha asked, "Where have you been?"
"No where," was Gehaza's answer. But Elisha said, "Gehaza, I know what you did and it was WRONG. And, because it was wrong, you and your family will be cursed and you will carry the leprosy that Naaman lost."
So, Gehaza became a leper.
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You might think you are being sneaky about sinning, but you should never forget that God sees everything. Whatever you try to hide, God will bring out in the open, and you will have to suffer the consequences.
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Naaman had a wife, too. His wife had a servant who was an Israelite. One day, the servant/handmaid said, "If Naaman were in Israel, he could see a man of God who would get rid of his leprosy."
Well, someone overheard her tell Naaman's wife that, and went and told Naaman. So Naamen went to Israel with a translater and went to see the King of Israel. When the King of Israel got the letter from his servant, telling him why he was there, the King rent his clothes and angrily said, "Yeah, right. Like I can heal leprosy! He is trying to start a war with me!"
Elisha heard what was going on, and told the king to send Naaman to him. So, Naaman went to see Elisha. Elisha then told Naaman to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan river and the leprosy would be healed. This made Naaman mad. "I could have washed in any of the rivers at home! Why is he telling me to do this? This is stupid!" And he started to travel home.
But, Naaman's servant stopped him and said, "If he asked you to do something harder, would you do it? All you gotta do is do what he says. It's worth a try!" So, Naaman calmed himself down and went and did it, and was healed.
Naaman was so happy he offered to pay Elisha with silver or cattle. Elisha refused, saying he would not take credit for what God had done. So, Naaman started toward home, still happy.
Gehaza, Elisha's servant, thought to himself, "If Elisha doesn't want the money, I do." So, he caught up with Naaman, and told him, "Over there are two prophets that are just coming. Elisha said maybe you should give the money to them. Give it to me, and I'll make sure they get it." Naaman did, happily.
When Gehaza got back, Elisha asked, "Where have you been?"
"No where," was Gehaza's answer. But Elisha said, "Gehaza, I know what you did and it was WRONG. And, because it was wrong, you and your family will be cursed and you will carry the leprosy that Naaman lost."
So, Gehaza became a leper.
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You might think you are being sneaky about sinning, but you should never forget that God sees everything. Whatever you try to hide, God will bring out in the open, and you will have to suffer the consequences.
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Friday, September 14, 2012
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4
A woman who was the wife of the sons of the prophets came to Elisha and told him, "My husband is a good man who fears the Lord, and you know it! But, we are so broke, that the creditors are wanting to take my sons as bondservants to pay the debts!"
Elisha then told her, "What do you expect me to do about it? Do you have anything in your possessions?"
"The only thing I have is a pot of cooking oil."
Elisha told her to go and borrow some bowls and dishes from all of her neighbors. She did. Then he told her to fill the bowls with the oil. She did. As she poured the oil from her dish, it filled all the bowls she had borrowed until there were no more bowls to be filled.
Elisha told her to go and sell the oil and pay her debts.
When Elisha would travel through Shunem, a great woman would stop him and pressure him to eat dinner with her. So, this day he went to eat with her. She told her husband that she understood Elisha to be a man of God, and since he passed by so often, they should offer him a room of his own to rest in when he comes. So he went to his room at her house. As he lay there, he had his servant, Gehazi translate for him as he spoke to her.
"What shall I do to repay you for your kindness, ma'am?" She said she had no child and her husband was old, so Elisha told her, in due time next year she would have a son.
"Don't tease me!" she said. But, she conceieved and had a son.
The boy grew and one day he went out with his father to the reapers as they reaped the harvest and he suddenly fell down. His father went to him and he was complaining about the pain in his head. So his father sent him to his mother, where she held him on her lap until about noon, when he died.
She got up, laid the boy on Elisha's bed, and told a servant to grab an ass and saddle it. Her husband asked what she was doing and she said she was going to see the man of God. He said, "You can't do that, there is no special occasion for you to see him!" She just patted his cheek and said, "He will see me." She told the servant to drive fast and not slow down unless she told him to.
She met up with Elisha at Mt Carmel. He sent Gehazi back with her, with his staff. He told Gehazi to lay his staff on the child's face. Gehazi did as he was told, but nothing happened. He went back and told Elisha, "The child is, indeed, dead."
Elisha then went to the woman's home himself. He prayed, stretching himself over the child. The child awoke, sneezed seven times, and then he was okay. Elisha told the woman to take her child and she came and got him.
Then Elisha went to Gilgal to the sons of the prophets during some sort of plague. He told them to cook up some soup. One of the guys went out to gather stuff to put in the soup and got some stuff from a wild vine. When it came time to eat, the men complained that the soup would kill them if they ate it, so Elisha told them to pour some meal in it, and after that it was alright to eat.
A man from Baalshalisha came to give his firstfruit offering to Elisha. It was twenty loaves of barley bread and corn. Elisha told him to give it to the hundred men who were with him to eat. The man said, "This won't be enough!" Elisha said, "God said it will, and there will be left-overs." So he did, and there was.
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When you believe in God, the Great I AM, your motto should be "I CAN". There was nothing impossible for Elisha because he believed in God and served Him diligently.
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Elisha then told her, "What do you expect me to do about it? Do you have anything in your possessions?"
"The only thing I have is a pot of cooking oil."
Elisha told her to go and borrow some bowls and dishes from all of her neighbors. She did. Then he told her to fill the bowls with the oil. She did. As she poured the oil from her dish, it filled all the bowls she had borrowed until there were no more bowls to be filled.
Elisha told her to go and sell the oil and pay her debts.
When Elisha would travel through Shunem, a great woman would stop him and pressure him to eat dinner with her. So, this day he went to eat with her. She told her husband that she understood Elisha to be a man of God, and since he passed by so often, they should offer him a room of his own to rest in when he comes. So he went to his room at her house. As he lay there, he had his servant, Gehazi translate for him as he spoke to her.
"What shall I do to repay you for your kindness, ma'am?" She said she had no child and her husband was old, so Elisha told her, in due time next year she would have a son.
"Don't tease me!" she said. But, she conceieved and had a son.
The boy grew and one day he went out with his father to the reapers as they reaped the harvest and he suddenly fell down. His father went to him and he was complaining about the pain in his head. So his father sent him to his mother, where she held him on her lap until about noon, when he died.
She got up, laid the boy on Elisha's bed, and told a servant to grab an ass and saddle it. Her husband asked what she was doing and she said she was going to see the man of God. He said, "You can't do that, there is no special occasion for you to see him!" She just patted his cheek and said, "He will see me." She told the servant to drive fast and not slow down unless she told him to.
She met up with Elisha at Mt Carmel. He sent Gehazi back with her, with his staff. He told Gehazi to lay his staff on the child's face. Gehazi did as he was told, but nothing happened. He went back and told Elisha, "The child is, indeed, dead."
Elisha then went to the woman's home himself. He prayed, stretching himself over the child. The child awoke, sneezed seven times, and then he was okay. Elisha told the woman to take her child and she came and got him.
Then Elisha went to Gilgal to the sons of the prophets during some sort of plague. He told them to cook up some soup. One of the guys went out to gather stuff to put in the soup and got some stuff from a wild vine. When it came time to eat, the men complained that the soup would kill them if they ate it, so Elisha told them to pour some meal in it, and after that it was alright to eat.
A man from Baalshalisha came to give his firstfruit offering to Elisha. It was twenty loaves of barley bread and corn. Elisha told him to give it to the hundred men who were with him to eat. The man said, "This won't be enough!" Elisha said, "God said it will, and there will be left-overs." So he did, and there was.
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When you believe in God, the Great I AM, your motto should be "I CAN". There was nothing impossible for Elisha because he believed in God and served Him diligently.
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