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.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.“‘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.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?
From Jennifer Gracey’s recent newsletter. This is the same church and location shown in a video I posted recently.
The remains of SeaSide Bible Chapel in the earthquake disaster zone. The people in the photo are leaders from 3 different houses of prayer in the Tokyo area who are working together. This trip took place from June 12-14th. The sign in Japanese says in essence, “there will be revival in Japan and in this place.” As we were told by the pastor of this church and his wife, there were about 600 children who were saved because of the location of the church building. SeaSide Bible Chapel was in the direct path of the tsunami and the elementary school was directly behind the church building. Because the tsunami hit the church first, some of the force of the wave was diminished which meant, it didn’t reach the roof are where the children had evacuated to. If the church building had not been there, the children would have perished. One local citizens’ reported comment was that, “God sacrificed His own temple to save the children.” It is interesting indeed that the cross is the only thing standing in this area save the remains of damaged buildings and a few trees.
(Posted July 6 2011)
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…?Dear praying friends,
March’s natural disaster has brought a lot of attention to Japan. The current deathtoll is over 20,000 people. However, there is another statistic that many people don’t know: Over 30,000 commit suicide in Japan every year. And now, this year’s natural disaster is just adding to the ongoing tragedy of hopelessness; there were 20% more suicides reported this May compared to the same period last year.
All of this just emphasizes the truth that Japan is a nation in desperate need of hope. If this was true before March 11, how much more obvious is it now? Please continue to pray for the continuing relief efforts in north-eastern Japan. Pray that God will use this disaster to draw people to Himself. Pray that the Church will be effective in reaching out to lost people with the love of Jesus. Pray for hope.My July Prayer Needs:
While you are praying for Japan, here are some specific things you can pray about on my behalf:
– My English students.—————————————————————————————
Earthquake Relief
Click here for info on how you can help: http://www.crashjapan.com
(posted June 30 2011)
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/24081017 w=400&h=225]
I posted this on my Facebook about a month ago, but for those of you who didn’t see it there I thought I would share it here as well. This has no connection to my ministry but is a good look at north-eastern Japan 2 months after the disaster, and what God is doing there. A little long in internet-video terms, but worth taking the time to watch, for sure.
(posted June 30 2011)
[wpvideo NdAeO5CJ]
Shot in Yamaguchi a few weeks back.
Yesterday’s baptism at Immanuel Nagoya Church.
(posted Mon. Jun. 20, ‘11)