by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The one word that comes to mind when I read the story of Ahaz, king of Israel, is “compromise.”
And not the good kind, either.
Ahaz not only allowed pagan worship to go on in Israel; he took part in it himself. He led by example, even to the point of sacrificing his own son in the fire. Compromise.
Ahaz compromised went under attack as well, paying for Assyria’s help by taking silver and gold from the Lord’s temple. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what that treasure was intended for. Ahaz also, in deference to the king of Assyria, “renovated” the temple, even though it had been originally built according to God’s design. Compromise.
What Ahaz compromised I’m sure he reasoned was in Israel’s or his own best interests. But the things he compromised were dishonoring to God. Thus, they weren’t his or Israel’s best either.
Jesus calls us a life of no compromise. Leaving everything to follow Him. Making Jesus our Lord, and not giving the world or the devil even a small area of control. Easier said than done, I’m afraid. But nothing is impossible with God.
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In verses 7-15, Elisah predicts, to his face, that Hazael would kill the king. Actually Elisha only hints at it, but Hazael, knowing what he’s talking, about “felt ashamed.” (v. 11) Sadly, this shame was meaningless, because he went ahead with his plan and murdered the king anyway (v. 15).
Feeling ashamed about our sin is not enough. If it doesn’t lead to repentance, shame is meaningless.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In 2 Kings 7:1-2, Elisha conveys a message of hope during a desperately hopeless situation. But the response he gets is one of skepticism. Elisha warns that, yes, the miracle will indeed happen, but that the skeptic would not get to enjoy it.
I wonder how often God wants to do something amazing for us, but we miss it for lack of faith. I wonder how often He is actually doing something amazing right in front of us, but we miss it for lack of faith. God is at work in our world, all around us, and we can either be a part of it or miss out completely, depending on our openness, faith and response.
Lord, please give me eyes to see, as You did for the young man in 1 Kings 6:17. Don’t let me miss out on Your best for my life. Don’t let me miss out on being a part of the amazing thing You’re doing here, right in front of me and all around me. Help me see, believe, and act accordingly.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'” (2 Kings 6*16)
There is so much about the spiritual realm that you and I don’t understand. But I am thankful for the truth of this verse. No matter what we are facing — temptations, discouragements, challenges, fears — we are not alone. God’s got an army on His side, and as followers of Christ, we have Him on our side.
Lord, help me to remember this truth. Help me to be in touch with Your Spirit, aware of Your presence, and filled with Your power. Thank you, Jesus, that victory and freedom are mine in Christ.
by Whitey | Jul 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
I find it interesting that it was a captive slave girl who suggested to Naaman that he go to see Elisha in Israel. It seems like she would have had every reason to resent her master, not want to help him. Yet she, for some reason, wanted his best. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we’d rather not be in. Maybe it’s a job we don’t like, a coworker who’s difficult to get along with, or a noisy neighbor. We could let this lead to bitterness and resentment.
But Jesus calls us to be “salt and light” in those relationships. We can show His love, speaking words of life into the lives of those around us, like the anonymous slave girl who sent her master to the place where he found healing.
Interesting, too, that it was also his servants who convinced Naaman to do what the prophet had told him. God really uses people in humble circumstances. And sometimes people need a little encouragement to take a step of faith. Are we humble enough to let God use us that way? Or, to look at it from Naaman’s point of view, are we humble enough to listen?
by Whitey | Jul 4, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
When King Joram went to war against Moab, he called on Jehoshaphat for help. They were going about their plan, but then things got scary. It was only when they were in trouble that “Jehoshaphat asked, ‘Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?'” (v. 11)
What about us? Is God our first response or last resort?
It’s good to turn to God in times of trouble, but what things are going well? This is especially challenging for those of us involved in ministry. Do we plan our events, write our messages and do our ministries in our own wisdom and strength? Do we only call on God when we see that our own plans aren’t working? Or do we, as we should, seek God’s guidance, strength and presence in our lives and ministries first?
What about you? Is God your first response or last resort?
What about me…?
