Jehu did what was right in the eyes of the Lord… but not everything right. Yet he still was rewarded and blessed immensely! His line would sit on the throne for 4 generations. There would be a dominion given to him for over a century, and that was for partial obedience!
When I read the OT and see the judgment it is hard to reconcile Psalms that say that God is slow to anger, rich in love…, but here is a great example of just that! In fact, the judgments that have been handed down in the context of everything were not only just, but were not swift! God was waiting and wanting His people to repent, but after a certain time, God sees that His mercy is hurting more than helping and judgment must come, especially for the future generations.
This passage illustrates God’s willingness to bless us. Jehu’s whole heart was NOT for God, yet He blessed him and his children. Just think of what God would do with a heart that is fully His!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15
What happened with Elisha’s bones is both stunning and interesting. As I read it the Lord spoke to me about what happens when people come in contact with me. Do they receive life and love or does nothing out of the ordinary happen? This wasn’t a purposeful happening either, it was a quick and thoughtless intersection with Elisha’s bones because of another happening in the life of those burying their friend. When people just “bump” into me, do they receive life?
Almost every time that I would talk to Pastor Dave, he would have some lesson for me. He was purposeful about giving me something – do I? I think sometimes I would rather just move on and get to the business at hand. But that is not my calling! My calling is to have a life giving affect on the people I come into contact with. I want them to leave different – in a good sense.
Finally, it was miraculous! Even after his death Elisha’s life was bringing miracles! There is a lesson in that for me (us). He lived his life in the supernatural realm! I keep thinking – how did he get there? He was completely submitted and served a man of God that was supernatural.
Almost every time that I would talk to Pastor Dave, he would have some lesson for me. He was purposeful about giving me something – do I? I think sometimes I would rather just move on and get to the business at hand. But that is not my calling! My calling is to have a life giving affect on the people I come into contact with. I want them to leave different – in a good sense.
Finally, it was miraculous! Even after his death Elisha’s life was bringing miracles! There is a lesson in that for me (us). He lived his life in the supernatural realm! I keep thinking – how did he get there? He was completely submitted and served a man of God that was supernatural.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14
The priest were given money and didn’t start the work of repairing the temple. So Joash hired workers (after some time) and they were completely honest and finished their work. The King, Joash, started his reign well enough, but something happened to him and he ended miserably, even killing the chief priest’s son in the temple! Wow! The king and the priests were outdone by the craftsman!
Sometimes it is not the well positioned, nor the highly anointed, nor the greatly gifted, not even the expected visible leaders that come through for the Lord. It is the regular Joe’s who keep their nose to the grindstone and do the work of the Lord and bring it to completion.
Will I be that type of men? Will I be faithful in performing my duties to completion with integrity and honesty? I will Lord. Strengthen me and show me you power working in me to see things through and never fall short of completing the work you have for me.
Sometimes it is not the well positioned, nor the highly anointed, nor the greatly gifted, not even the expected visible leaders that come through for the Lord. It is the regular Joe’s who keep their nose to the grindstone and do the work of the Lord and bring it to completion.
Will I be that type of men? Will I be faithful in performing my duties to completion with integrity and honesty? I will Lord. Strengthen me and show me you power working in me to see things through and never fall short of completing the work you have for me.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11
I read this and think, that is a lot of killing! I look at it from the perspective of a 21st century American though. It wasn’t that long ago that the world was conquered by the shedding of blood, empires were built and kings were overthrown. The one thing that hasn’t changed is that the Word of the Lord will come to fruition. Whether it is because there is a king (you and me) that knows the Word of God and brings it to fruition with great effort, (like the killing of Ahab’s family), or the Lord performs is himself, (like the devouring of the body of Jezebel), it will happen!
The thing I get from a reading like today is that God is serious about purging evil from his people. He was serious in all of the law that we have read and He was serious about the kings who lead his people into idolatry and He is still serious today! We know that there is a serious violence that is happening in the spirit realm right now! Violence is a way of life for us who call themselves Christians. These passages illustrate that violence against whatever in my life that causes me to turn to anything but the Lord (idolatry) is warranted. I cannot caudle things in my life that take me away from the Lord, I must kill them without hesitation! We are in a battle, not just for our lives, but for the lives of those around us! That is our reality! God help me to be a zealous warrior for you!
If I may make an observation that God has given me. The devil has gone after men and emasculated them by various means. One of the reasons for this is because he (satan) wants to take the fight out of the man. He doesn’t want any men like Jehu around because they are a huge threat to do real harm to his dominion.
The thing I get from a reading like today is that God is serious about purging evil from his people. He was serious in all of the law that we have read and He was serious about the kings who lead his people into idolatry and He is still serious today! We know that there is a serious violence that is happening in the spirit realm right now! Violence is a way of life for us who call themselves Christians. These passages illustrate that violence against whatever in my life that causes me to turn to anything but the Lord (idolatry) is warranted. I cannot caudle things in my life that take me away from the Lord, I must kill them without hesitation! We are in a battle, not just for our lives, but for the lives of those around us! That is our reality! God help me to be a zealous warrior for you!
If I may make an observation that God has given me. The devil has gone after men and emasculated them by various means. One of the reasons for this is because he (satan) wants to take the fight out of the man. He doesn’t want any men like Jehu around because they are a huge threat to do real harm to his dominion.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10
Wow!!! What a day! How in the world can I focus on one thing? Some of the greatest histories in the Bible are in today’s reading!
A couple things stand out to me as fresh manna. The first is that the servant asked Elisha what they should do about the overwhelming odds against them and Elisha said – “Don’t be afraid.” That is so powerful to me – that is that ACTION that I need to willfully perform in the face of adversity, trouble or suffering. To not be afraid here is to not see the doom of the circumstance, but see the Lord’s deliverance.
Second, Naaman was only healed when he humbled himself. In fact the whole scenario seemed to be set up as one of humiliation. The King freaked out because Naaman was coming to be healed, (he knew he had no power to do that – which is humiliating) which was no big deal to God. There is a lesson there… The other humiliation was that Elisha wouldn’t come out to see Naaman, but gave instruction through his servant – who is another person who didn’t humble himself to his master’s (Elisha’s) wishes. Naaman humbled himself and was healed, Gehazi didn’t and got leprosy. That is powerful!
Jesus, help me to be fearless, and help me to be humble and do whatever you tell me to with the faith that you have all things in the palm of your hand!
A couple things stand out to me as fresh manna. The first is that the servant asked Elisha what they should do about the overwhelming odds against them and Elisha said – “Don’t be afraid.” That is so powerful to me – that is that ACTION that I need to willfully perform in the face of adversity, trouble or suffering. To not be afraid here is to not see the doom of the circumstance, but see the Lord’s deliverance.
Second, Naaman was only healed when he humbled himself. In fact the whole scenario seemed to be set up as one of humiliation. The King freaked out because Naaman was coming to be healed, (he knew he had no power to do that – which is humiliating) which was no big deal to God. There is a lesson there… The other humiliation was that Elisha wouldn’t come out to see Naaman, but gave instruction through his servant – who is another person who didn’t humble himself to his master’s (Elisha’s) wishes. Naaman humbled himself and was healed, Gehazi didn’t and got leprosy. That is powerful!
Jesus, help me to be fearless, and help me to be humble and do whatever you tell me to with the faith that you have all things in the palm of your hand!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9
In this short reading we see that judgment was pronounced on Edom in the form or “you reap what you sow”. God is my defender! When men conspire against me, who will not be paid back out of their own garden of ill will? I may not always avoid a battle, but one thing that I know is that God is with me and He will take care of my enemies with His righteous judgment. I don’t know if my enemies getting what they deserve is that much of an encouragement to me, but it is encouraging to know that I have a Father that is for ME!
The other thing is that what I sow, I will reap. That universe-al principle is not just for my accusers and people who criticize me and want me to fall, but it is for ME! I will reap what I sow as well!
Help me to sow good seed Lord, seeds of love, faithfulness and blessing. May I throw into the fire those seeds of doubt, discouragement and judgmentalism.
The other thing is that what I sow, I will reap. That universe-al principle is not just for my accusers and people who criticize me and want me to fall, but it is for ME! I will reap what I sow as well!
Help me to sow good seed Lord, seeds of love, faithfulness and blessing. May I throw into the fire those seeds of doubt, discouragement and judgmentalism.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8
Elisha, another of my heroes is purposed in seeking the Lord and he does so with the playing of the harp. This is what stood out to me at first in this reading. The Lord was reminding me of what I have known for many years – use songs of worship to draw close to me. It is one of my passions and I was encouraged by the Word of God today to do just that. The prize of this is hearing my Papa!
Yet, as I was about to write the blog, a fact popped into my head. Elisha said that if it were not for King Jehoshaphat he wouldn’t even have come to the meeting. That seemed pretty rude, but there is a lesson in that for me. Not everyone is worthy of my ministry. Even saying that seems rude, but it is true. There are people, that for whatever reason, I should not honor with my place as priest. I think those would be extreme cases but they do exist. The other thing is that some people reject my discipleship, leadership and my teaching. God is telling me to not spend my time on them, but to go to those who are open, willing and desirous to be disciple and taught through me.
Yet, as I was about to write the blog, a fact popped into my head. Elisha said that if it were not for King Jehoshaphat he wouldn’t even have come to the meeting. That seemed pretty rude, but there is a lesson in that for me. Not everyone is worthy of my ministry. Even saying that seems rude, but it is true. There are people, that for whatever reason, I should not honor with my place as priest. I think those would be extreme cases but they do exist. The other thing is that some people reject my discipleship, leadership and my teaching. God is telling me to not spend my time on them, but to go to those who are open, willing and desirous to be disciple and taught through me.
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 7
I know that the miracles were grouped together in this reading, but it sure spoke to me about the life of a man of God. Elisha’s life was nothing short of miraculous! Did you notice that some of the miracles were just to fill a small need? (Like the axe head floating). That spoke to me as well. Why shouldn’t I expect the same thing in my life? Why shouldn’t I live a life of miracles? The answer of course, is I should, or better yet, I can!
When I read these accounts in the Bible I must make sure I don’t read them as a story, but read them as life giving revelation. It is easy to make excuses of why we don’t live like that (why I don’t), but there really is no excuse. The one thing that Elijah and Elisha had in common was they expected things to happen. There is a great clue on why! Remember when the Shunammite woman came to Elisha and fell at his feet? He didn’t know why because God hadn’t told him. They (and all miracle workers including Jesus) were listening to God and would do what He said, even if it was to throw a branch into the river to find the axe head.
I will expect miracles and be surprise that when asked for or acted for or commanded, they don’t happen. Give me that faith Lord, to know in my knower that you have commanded these things to happen already, and I am just bringing it to pass on the earth.
When I read these accounts in the Bible I must make sure I don’t read them as a story, but read them as life giving revelation. It is easy to make excuses of why we don’t live like that (why I don’t), but there really is no excuse. The one thing that Elijah and Elisha had in common was they expected things to happen. There is a great clue on why! Remember when the Shunammite woman came to Elisha and fell at his feet? He didn’t know why because God hadn’t told him. They (and all miracle workers including Jesus) were listening to God and would do what He said, even if it was to throw a branch into the river to find the axe head.
I will expect miracles and be surprise that when asked for or acted for or commanded, they don’t happen. Give me that faith Lord, to know in my knower that you have commanded these things to happen already, and I am just bringing it to pass on the earth.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 5
Ahab was sullen and angry because Naboth refused him. When he didn’t get his way, he acted like a spoiled brat. Now you know that I have never been like that :/ but just in case I have forgotten an instance or two, God spoke this to me – Jezebel was released to do her evil by the king acting like a spoiled brat. The Lord is speaking to me today about the rise of evil and the rise of Jezebel (one who usurps – takes over what is rightfully my place). When I act all bummed out when I don’t get my way, (and throw a little fit), there is a release of someone else to get in my way – and it isn’t the Lord! The enemy is released! It can come in different forms, but one of the forms will become and enmity between me and the person who disappointed me. Another form is that I will give my rightful place of rulership away. Wow!
Thank you Lord for this revelation. Help me to remember it when I become “sullen and angry” over not getting my way. I don’t want to give away my authority, nor do I want the enemy released to pit people against me and me against them. Further than that make me like you who never threw a fit.
Thank you Lord for this revelation. Help me to remember it when I become “sullen and angry” over not getting my way. I don’t want to give away my authority, nor do I want the enemy released to pit people against me and me against them. Further than that make me like you who never threw a fit.
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4
I love Elijah and all of his life. It is hard not to preach this blog today, but I will stay true to the vision – what has God spoke to ME.
Elijah had quite a day of ministry in the supernatural. He went against the prophets of Baal, prepared a bull, killed and had the prophets of Baal killed, prayed for rain and got it, ran with supernatural strength and then he traveled into the desert. This probably happened over a couple of days, however Elijah was tired – whooped – exhausted and depressed. After all, he just proved God is God and not Baal - 3 times (offering by fire, rain, running) and look what victory God gave him, Jezebel swore to kill him. That word from her destroyed him and he took off and hid. When he was under the broom tree, he wanted to die and asked the Lord to take him. Hmm….
The angel who gave him some food and water said, “the journey has been too much for you”. The first thing God wanted to do for Elijah to bring him back to reality was feed him. This was a time of refreshing that Elijah had to have to gain his strength back and this happened, I believe, in preparation for his meeting with God. The Lord spoke to me and said that I need the same. I need to come apart, eat, drink and be refreshed BEFORE I meet with Him. When I am physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted I can’t hear Him like I should. Elijah should have been on cloud nine, but there was a chink in his armor which allowed Jezebel’s words to mean too much to him. (Or anything at all) I so identify with that.
Oh Lord, draw me away to get refreshed and to meet with you when I am exhausted and downcast. Let me have the understanding to see those times in my life when times of refreshing must be forced – when I should be exhilarated at the work of your hand yet and am heavily affected by the few – and when I am exhausted. May I come away with you, not to wish to die, but to be built up to carry on your work.
Elijah had quite a day of ministry in the supernatural. He went against the prophets of Baal, prepared a bull, killed and had the prophets of Baal killed, prayed for rain and got it, ran with supernatural strength and then he traveled into the desert. This probably happened over a couple of days, however Elijah was tired – whooped – exhausted and depressed. After all, he just proved God is God and not Baal - 3 times (offering by fire, rain, running) and look what victory God gave him, Jezebel swore to kill him. That word from her destroyed him and he took off and hid. When he was under the broom tree, he wanted to die and asked the Lord to take him. Hmm….
The angel who gave him some food and water said, “the journey has been too much for you”. The first thing God wanted to do for Elijah to bring him back to reality was feed him. This was a time of refreshing that Elijah had to have to gain his strength back and this happened, I believe, in preparation for his meeting with God. The Lord spoke to me and said that I need the same. I need to come apart, eat, drink and be refreshed BEFORE I meet with Him. When I am physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted I can’t hear Him like I should. Elijah should have been on cloud nine, but there was a chink in his armor which allowed Jezebel’s words to mean too much to him. (Or anything at all) I so identify with that.
Oh Lord, draw me away to get refreshed and to meet with you when I am exhausted and downcast. Let me have the understanding to see those times in my life when times of refreshing must be forced – when I should be exhilarated at the work of your hand yet and am heavily affected by the few – and when I am exhausted. May I come away with you, not to wish to die, but to be built up to carry on your work.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3
I have heard 1 Chron. 6:9 (For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.), my whole Christian life, but I have never “caught” the context, the rest of the verse and how significant it is! “You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” That is the end of the verse! Wow!!! The context is King Asa, who was super blessed for following the Lord, turned to the King of Aram for help. He sought diplomacy to beat an adversary instead of seeking God. God had already allow for years of peace and when the peace was broken by an army much larger than his, God beat that army and Asa got all of the spoils of war! Yet Asa, not doing anything “evil” sought others to help instead of the Lord. The judgment for that was unending war!
God is telling me that He is looking for me to be totally His so He can make me strong with all the strength of God. However if I look elsewhere for help in life, marriage, ministry, church growth or anything else, I will be at war! What a principle of life God has given me today. Thank you Lord. It is only by God’s might that the Kingdom goes forth!
God is telling me that He is looking for me to be totally His so He can make me strong with all the strength of God. However if I look elsewhere for help in life, marriage, ministry, church growth or anything else, I will be at war! What a principle of life God has given me today. Thank you Lord. It is only by God’s might that the Kingdom goes forth!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2
“So they will learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.” “Indeed there was some good in Judah”
God taught Rehoboam (King of Judah) a big lesson that spoke to me today. King R. not only didn’t follow the Lord’s commands, he became involved in and led Judah into idolatry. God was angry and gave them into the hands of the King of Egypt. That is where we find the above verses. King R. and Judah humbled themselves before the Lord and God did not allow the King of Egypt to destroy Jerusalem, but they all became enslaved.
When I replace God with idols (money, earning potential, wit, effort, comfort in materials, security in relationships, preoccupation with building my empire – however small it may be…), yet I humble myself before the Lord, there may NOT be a full deliverance that is immediate. In fact I would dare to say that there hasn’t been, in most of my life, an experience of FULL deliverance at the point of repentance and humility. God lets the effect of my decisions linger to teach me and instruct me FOR my future. That is good revelation to me, but check this out - “Indeed there was some good in Judah”.
My challenge is this, will I settle for the SOME good I am having? Do I want to be fully free or is it o.k. to only have some of what God wants for me, which is total freedom. Total freedom comes at a cost – continued worship of only 1 God.
Eyes – don’t stray from the Lord as your all and everything! Look towards nothing else – and give your life to no other effort except that of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
God taught Rehoboam (King of Judah) a big lesson that spoke to me today. King R. not only didn’t follow the Lord’s commands, he became involved in and led Judah into idolatry. God was angry and gave them into the hands of the King of Egypt. That is where we find the above verses. King R. and Judah humbled themselves before the Lord and God did not allow the King of Egypt to destroy Jerusalem, but they all became enslaved.
When I replace God with idols (money, earning potential, wit, effort, comfort in materials, security in relationships, preoccupation with building my empire – however small it may be…), yet I humble myself before the Lord, there may NOT be a full deliverance that is immediate. In fact I would dare to say that there hasn’t been, in most of my life, an experience of FULL deliverance at the point of repentance and humility. God lets the effect of my decisions linger to teach me and instruct me FOR my future. That is good revelation to me, but check this out - “Indeed there was some good in Judah”.
My challenge is this, will I settle for the SOME good I am having? Do I want to be fully free or is it o.k. to only have some of what God wants for me, which is total freedom. Total freedom comes at a cost – continued worship of only 1 God.
Eyes – don’t stray from the Lord as your all and everything! Look towards nothing else – and give your life to no other effort except that of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1
No matter what you think of the whole story of the prophet, there is a powerful lesson of strict obedience. When I don't follow the Lord's will and Word, I open myself up to devouring! It is quite sobering to think about. I am reminded that the devil prowls like a lion seeking to devour people. He will have opportunity to reek havoc in my life only when I don't follow the Word of the Lord. How far outside of God's will do I have to get? I don't know - and I never want to find out through experience.
May 31
A time for everything. Hmmm... I tend to do certain things the same way. I wash the car in a certain way - top, hood, sides and don't let the soap dry! The same way -every time.
What God says is that there is a time for everything which many times necessitates change. I like change in certain places, but many times change is uncomfortable or shall I say uncontrolable. God's hand can work wonderfully within staying or changing. I grow more many times within change.
I gave special note to the phrase there is a time to quit. That rocked me because I hate quitting. There cannot be change without quitting what you are doing. Help me Lord to be sensitive to you and be willing to switch between laughing and crying, stopping and going. I want to hear you Lord - speak.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
