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timewithgod.blog-city.com — July 2010
1 Kings 17 -- God At Work Saving Lives
Idolatry had gotten so bad that God sent word that He was stopping the rain. Idolatry had brought a spiritual drought upon the land, and now God was bringing a physical drought. God took care of His prophet Elijah during the drought, f
Idolatry had gotten so bad that God sent word that He was stopping the rain. Idolatry had brought a spiritual drought upon the land, and now God was bringing a physical drought.
God took care of His prophet Elijah during the drought, first by hiding him from King Ahab in a ravine east of the Jordan River, where ravens brought him bread and meat each day. When water in the stream dried up, God moved him to a town in Sidon, the home country of wicked Queen Jezebel, to live with a Gentile widow and her son. God blessed them for housing His prophet by refilling her jars of flour and olive oil each day. My commentary said, "She had only enough meal for her son and herself. However, the prophet ordered her to make a small cake for him first. By doing this, she was, in effect, giving God first place. When she obeyed, she learned the precious lesson that those who put God first NEVER lack the necessities of life."
For Elijah, how humbling it must have been to be provided food by first unclean birds and later by a Gentile widow, my commentary noted. "God's man, obeying God's voice, will always have his needs met, despite the conditions that prevail around him."
Similarly, years ago my decision to rebel against God and doubt His love for me led me into a spiritual drought. I'd begun to think only of myself. God intervened by sending not a drought but a life-giving Christian friend to show me through his life how totally wrong I'd been about God. Had it not been for him, obeying God's call on his life, I don't know where I'd be today. In turn, God worked in my life to bring my two boys out of the poverty of Ukraine into fellowship with Him and into a family. Now, God is busy reconnecting our family here with theirs in Ukraine. Oh, the riches of His grace!
Last night, I traveled to youth camp to see my boys, who are coming home today. Part of the schedule at camp last night included seeing the movie "To Save A Life". All through it, I couldn't help seeing myself in the life of the lead character (certainly not as a star athlete, but as one who was far from God and searching for something). His eventual efforts to save lives from hopelessness reminded me again of how God directed me to Ukraine and how my sons' lives have changed.
Father, You're in the business of saving, and I'm so glad You sought me out. Thank You for bringing my boys out of that existence and placing us together as a family. Thank You too for saving their souls. Lead us to live in Your will. Help us to continue to let You work in our lives to save others.
www.tosavealifemovie.com
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
God took care of His prophet Elijah during the drought, first by hiding him from King Ahab in a ravine east of the Jordan River, where ravens brought him bread and meat each day. When water in the stream dried up, God moved him to a town in Sidon, the home country of wicked Queen Jezebel, to live with a Gentile widow and her son. God blessed them for housing His prophet by refilling her jars of flour and olive oil each day. My commentary said, "She had only enough meal for her son and herself. However, the prophet ordered her to make a small cake for him first. By doing this, she was, in effect, giving God first place. When she obeyed, she learned the precious lesson that those who put God first NEVER lack the necessities of life."
For Elijah, how humbling it must have been to be provided food by first unclean birds and later by a Gentile widow, my commentary noted. "God's man, obeying God's voice, will always have his needs met, despite the conditions that prevail around him."
Similarly, years ago my decision to rebel against God and doubt His love for me led me into a spiritual drought. I'd begun to think only of myself. God intervened by sending not a drought but a life-giving Christian friend to show me through his life how totally wrong I'd been about God. Had it not been for him, obeying God's call on his life, I don't know where I'd be today. In turn, God worked in my life to bring my two boys out of the poverty of Ukraine into fellowship with Him and into a family. Now, God is busy reconnecting our family here with theirs in Ukraine. Oh, the riches of His grace!
Last night, I traveled to youth camp to see my boys, who are coming home today. Part of the schedule at camp last night included seeing the movie "To Save A Life". All through it, I couldn't help seeing myself in the life of the lead character (certainly not as a star athlete, but as one who was far from God and searching for something). His eventual efforts to save lives from hopelessness reminded me again of how God directed me to Ukraine and how my sons' lives have changed.
Father, You're in the business of saving, and I'm so glad You sought me out. Thank You for bringing my boys out of that existence and placing us together as a family. Thank You too for saving their souls. Lead us to live in Your will. Help us to continue to let You work in our lives to save others.
www.tosavealifemovie.com
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
1 Kings 18 -- How Long Will You NOT Decide?
Three and a half years had passed with no rain. God was going to easily outlast His wayward people when it came to seeing who would give up first. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, commanded the 450 prophets of Baal to assemble at Mount Ca
Three and a half years had passed with no rain. God was going to easily outlast His wayward people when it came to seeing who would give up first. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, commanded the 450 prophets of Baal to assemble at Mount Carmel for a contest proposed by Elijah - the only prophet of God who would be attending. The contest involved preparing a bull sacrifice over a pile of wood, then praying to Baal or God to see which would answer by igniting the offering.
All day the prophets of Baal prayed, danced, and cut themselves during their worship, yet nothing happened to their sacrifice. Elijah then stepped forward, rebuilt the destroyed altar to God, then doused the entire offering with 12 barrels of water so that no doubt would remain once God answered.
When they'd first arrived there, Elijah had asked this question: "How long will you not DECIDE between two choices?" In other words, they couldn't have it both ways. God would not SHARE His sovereignty over their lives with Baal. Baal was a false god. God was the only God. He loved His people too much to let them buy the lie that they could live lives where the two coexisted. The prophets of Baal gave up during the afternoon. Then Elijah prayed just one prayer: "Lord ... prove that You are the God of Israel ... Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that You, Lord are God and that You will change their minds."
At that moment, fire from God came down, consuming not just the water-soaked sacrifice of the bull and the wood, but also the water in the trench around it, the rocks of the altar, and the dirt. Elijah then directed the people to capture and kill the prophets of Baal.
God had pointed out to Elijah that the people just couldn't DECIDE for either God or Baal. They wanted to keep all their options open. And we do the same today. Yes, we worship God, but our human pride still tries to tell us, "Wait! There's more out there than this! And it's worth exploring! God's jealous and He wants to withhold things that can give you pleasure! Don't close off your options. There's room for debate."
But as Elijah had prayed just before the fire fell, "Lord, answer ... and ...change their minds."
God wants to help us see that He's all we need. He knows Satan's tricks, and He knows the damage that can be done when we attempt to live a life that leaves room for anything that competes with Him. He loves us too much to let that happen.
Father, my soul agrees with You. My soul knows You're right and seeks to worship only You. Yet my sin-infected flesh still tries to buy the lie at times from Satan. Forgive me for being double-minded. Strengthen me. Drive out that double-mindedness that Elijah was pointing out here. Help me to live only for You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
All day the prophets of Baal prayed, danced, and cut themselves during their worship, yet nothing happened to their sacrifice. Elijah then stepped forward, rebuilt the destroyed altar to God, then doused the entire offering with 12 barrels of water so that no doubt would remain once God answered.
When they'd first arrived there, Elijah had asked this question: "How long will you not DECIDE between two choices?" In other words, they couldn't have it both ways. God would not SHARE His sovereignty over their lives with Baal. Baal was a false god. God was the only God. He loved His people too much to let them buy the lie that they could live lives where the two coexisted. The prophets of Baal gave up during the afternoon. Then Elijah prayed just one prayer: "Lord ... prove that You are the God of Israel ... Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that You, Lord are God and that You will change their minds."
At that moment, fire from God came down, consuming not just the water-soaked sacrifice of the bull and the wood, but also the water in the trench around it, the rocks of the altar, and the dirt. Elijah then directed the people to capture and kill the prophets of Baal.
God had pointed out to Elijah that the people just couldn't DECIDE for either God or Baal. They wanted to keep all their options open. And we do the same today. Yes, we worship God, but our human pride still tries to tell us, "Wait! There's more out there than this! And it's worth exploring! God's jealous and He wants to withhold things that can give you pleasure! Don't close off your options. There's room for debate."
But as Elijah had prayed just before the fire fell, "Lord, answer ... and ...change their minds."
God wants to help us see that He's all we need. He knows Satan's tricks, and He knows the damage that can be done when we attempt to live a life that leaves room for anything that competes with Him. He loves us too much to let that happen.
Father, my soul agrees with You. My soul knows You're right and seeks to worship only You. Yet my sin-infected flesh still tries to buy the lie at times from Satan. Forgive me for being double-minded. Strengthen me. Drive out that double-mindedness that Elijah was pointing out here. Help me to live only for You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
1 Kings 19 -- We're Not There Yet
Elijah had just been part of the greatest showing of God's presence in years. 450 pagan prophets had been slain, the drought was broken, and rain had nurtured the land and the people's spirits. But Elijah wasn't happy, because
Elijah had just been part of the greatest showing of God's presence in years. 450 pagan prophets had been slain, the drought was broken, and rain had nurtured the land and the people's spirits. But Elijah wasn't happy, because Ahab's wife Jezebel wasn't happy. In fact, she was furious about what he'd done and announced that she was out to accomplish his death!
Elijah and his servant fled. The servant was left at the southern border of Judah, while Elijah headed out into the desert. There God ministered to him with food and water and rest. Whatever this superfood was, it allowed him to travel an additional 40 days to Mt. Sinai alone without additional nutrition.
Elijah had previously said, "I've had enough, Lord." Now, God asks him, "Elijah, why are you here??" Elijah answered in part, "I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill, too."
God commanded him to go and stand before Him on the mountain. My commentary says, "Elijah did not obey. We know this because later he went out and stood in the entrance of the cave." The great wind, an earthquake, and a fire came. "These violent storms must have reminded Elijah of his harsh, censorious spirit. None of these brought him out of the cave," my commentary noted. "It was the gracious voice of the Lord which brought him to the entrance of the cave," and once again it was all about him. He heard God ask again, "Elijah! Why are you here?" Once again, Elijah answered, "I am the only prophet left."
I loved how my commentary analyzed this:
"Had his heart not been occupied with self, he would have learned that tempests, earthquakes, and fires cannot accomplish what the gentle voice of love can. He should have recognized that there was no difference between his heart and that of the nation; and, that as coercion failed to make him leave his cave, so it failed, and must fail, to compel men to leave their sins."
Jezebel was the prime example.
Another thing it noted: "It seems that Elijah's usefulness as a servant of God suffered when he adopted this attitude of self."
One part of the instructions Elijah received from God was to go from that place and anoint Elisha as his successor. "This would teach him that he was not indispensable." Oh, and God told him, by the way, that He still had 7,000 who had not worshiped Baal. The field was still ripe for the harvest.
Elijah seemed burned out and ready to quit. But his anointing of Elisha must have energized Elisha, for he'd been plowing with a team of oxen when he met Elijah. Freshly anointed for service, he butchered the two oxen, broke apart the yoke that had kept them side by side while plowing, and used it to burn the meat as an offering to God. Then he said goodbye to his family and set off with Elijah in service to God.
Perhaps this shows that we each need respite at times. Sometimes we let ourselves become cynical about our service to God. And just maybe we hinder God's work, where "fresh blood", energized for service, could make a real difference. Our limiting factor seems to be our heart and our perception of the world around us. Elijah looked out and only saw sin and hopelessness. God showed him that it was different than his perception. We can't let our perceptions tell us God's truths. Instead, we have to look to him for those answers.
Father, I watch as my dad struggles to absorb the entirely new way of banking that's being forced upon us by our government and the economy. It's strange and new and doesn't feel right, but it's reality now. I see him resisting the change and feeling much like Elijah. Please help him to see how You've used him to guide us through 60 years of already incredible change. Help him to see these changes not as defeat but simply another era beginning. Guide me, both at work and at home, to depend on You for my guidance. Stoke my fire and show me that You've still got lots for me to do.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Elijah and his servant fled. The servant was left at the southern border of Judah, while Elijah headed out into the desert. There God ministered to him with food and water and rest. Whatever this superfood was, it allowed him to travel an additional 40 days to Mt. Sinai alone without additional nutrition.
Elijah had previously said, "I've had enough, Lord." Now, God asks him, "Elijah, why are you here??" Elijah answered in part, "I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill, too."
God commanded him to go and stand before Him on the mountain. My commentary says, "Elijah did not obey. We know this because later he went out and stood in the entrance of the cave." The great wind, an earthquake, and a fire came. "These violent storms must have reminded Elijah of his harsh, censorious spirit. None of these brought him out of the cave," my commentary noted. "It was the gracious voice of the Lord which brought him to the entrance of the cave," and once again it was all about him. He heard God ask again, "Elijah! Why are you here?" Once again, Elijah answered, "I am the only prophet left."
I loved how my commentary analyzed this:
"Had his heart not been occupied with self, he would have learned that tempests, earthquakes, and fires cannot accomplish what the gentle voice of love can. He should have recognized that there was no difference between his heart and that of the nation; and, that as coercion failed to make him leave his cave, so it failed, and must fail, to compel men to leave their sins."
Jezebel was the prime example.
Another thing it noted: "It seems that Elijah's usefulness as a servant of God suffered when he adopted this attitude of self."
One part of the instructions Elijah received from God was to go from that place and anoint Elisha as his successor. "This would teach him that he was not indispensable." Oh, and God told him, by the way, that He still had 7,000 who had not worshiped Baal. The field was still ripe for the harvest.
Elijah seemed burned out and ready to quit. But his anointing of Elisha must have energized Elisha, for he'd been plowing with a team of oxen when he met Elijah. Freshly anointed for service, he butchered the two oxen, broke apart the yoke that had kept them side by side while plowing, and used it to burn the meat as an offering to God. Then he said goodbye to his family and set off with Elijah in service to God.
Perhaps this shows that we each need respite at times. Sometimes we let ourselves become cynical about our service to God. And just maybe we hinder God's work, where "fresh blood", energized for service, could make a real difference. Our limiting factor seems to be our heart and our perception of the world around us. Elijah looked out and only saw sin and hopelessness. God showed him that it was different than his perception. We can't let our perceptions tell us God's truths. Instead, we have to look to him for those answers.
Father, I watch as my dad struggles to absorb the entirely new way of banking that's being forced upon us by our government and the economy. It's strange and new and doesn't feel right, but it's reality now. I see him resisting the change and feeling much like Elijah. Please help him to see how You've used him to guide us through 60 years of already incredible change. Help him to see these changes not as defeat but simply another era beginning. Guide me, both at work and at home, to depend on You for my guidance. Stoke my fire and show me that You've still got lots for me to do.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
1 Kings 20-22 The ONE Thing
Though King Ahab seemed to be doing his best to disobey God, God was still seeking him out. God described a battle plan that would result in victory "so you will know that I am the Lord." Ahab followed the plan and was given vic
Though King Ahab seemed to be doing his best to disobey God, God was still seeking him out. God described a battle plan that would result in victory "so you will know that I am the Lord." Ahab followed the plan and was given victory. The next spring, God again spoke to this idol-worshiping king, desiring that Ahab would KNOW that God is the Lord. The plan worked again and Ahab was given victory. But Ahab allowed the enemy king to go free.
My commentary picks up the story: "Ahab had one thing to do by the command of God, and while he did a hundred things, he neglected the one. What a revelation of a perpetual reason and method of failure! We are given some one responsibility by God, some central, definite thing to do. We start to do it with all good intentions, and then other things, not necessarily wrong in themselves, come in our way. We get "busy here and there" doing many things and we neglect the one central thing."
"Instead of asking the Lord for mercy, Ahab continued to incite the Lord to wrath," it noted.
I think we have to ask ourselves two very important questions: "What is the one thing God has told us to do?" and "Are we doing it?" No matter how many other good things we do for God, if we fail in this, we are disobeying Him.
Father, please clarify for me where my focus should be, then guide me to obey and do what You desire. Don't let me get so wrapped up in all the little things that seem good on the surface that I fail to take care of the major purposes You set before me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
My commentary picks up the story: "Ahab had one thing to do by the command of God, and while he did a hundred things, he neglected the one. What a revelation of a perpetual reason and method of failure! We are given some one responsibility by God, some central, definite thing to do. We start to do it with all good intentions, and then other things, not necessarily wrong in themselves, come in our way. We get "busy here and there" doing many things and we neglect the one central thing."
"Instead of asking the Lord for mercy, Ahab continued to incite the Lord to wrath," it noted.
I think we have to ask ourselves two very important questions: "What is the one thing God has told us to do?" and "Are we doing it?" No matter how many other good things we do for God, if we fail in this, we are disobeying Him.
Father, please clarify for me where my focus should be, then guide me to obey and do what You desire. Don't let me get so wrapped up in all the little things that seem good on the surface that I fail to take care of the major purposes You set before me.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 1&2 -- Passing The Mantle
It was time to pass the mantle. Elijah was about to become only the second person to be taken straight to heaven without experiencing death. His successor, Elisha, was going to miss him greatly, but God had a work already set up for him.&
It was time to pass the mantle. Elijah was about to become only the second person to be taken straight to heaven without experiencing death. His successor, Elisha, was going to miss him greatly, but God had a work already set up for him. One of the first events of Elisha's ministry involved a bunch of wayward boys mouthing off and insulting the new prophet. "Elisha put a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two mother bears came out of the woods and tore 42 boys to pieces." With this and other miracles, the nation of Israel would become convinced that Elisha was God's newest spokesman. The religious state of the nation was headed downhill, and unfortunately the prophets seemed to only be able to prepare Israel for disaster, because they refused to repent.
In the sidebar of my Bible today, Tony Campolo tells us that our ministries may resemble Elisha's at times, but we are not to quit:
"The seeds of repentance and renewal will fall on different kinds of soil ... Every so often ... there will be those individuals who get a handle on the message, realize what is involved, and go with it all the way. In hard and forgotten places they will try to do what must be done for justice to roll down and for shalom to thrive. (I thought of my trips to Russia and Ukraine when reading this.) What they try to accomplish will often leave them frustrated, but they will learn from their frustrations. The people they try to serve will hurt them many times, but they will learn to see Jesus in those people anyway. What they achieve will be limited in the world's eyes, but they will learn how to overcome the world. And in the end they will bear fruit ... And when these people come together, they will be a presence that the world will not be able to ignore. They will be a new people who will shake the foundations of the old order... They will be the beginning of a new kingdom, even as the old one passes away."
Father, I look back at what You've done here through this youth ministry over the last 18 years and in Russia and Ukraine over the last nine years, and I marvel at how You've changed hearts and lives, raising up strong Christian leaders for our future. Thank You so much for letting me be part of what You're doing. Let these leaders in turn pick up the mantle and continue to lead others to You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
In the sidebar of my Bible today, Tony Campolo tells us that our ministries may resemble Elisha's at times, but we are not to quit:
"The seeds of repentance and renewal will fall on different kinds of soil ... Every so often ... there will be those individuals who get a handle on the message, realize what is involved, and go with it all the way. In hard and forgotten places they will try to do what must be done for justice to roll down and for shalom to thrive. (I thought of my trips to Russia and Ukraine when reading this.) What they try to accomplish will often leave them frustrated, but they will learn from their frustrations. The people they try to serve will hurt them many times, but they will learn to see Jesus in those people anyway. What they achieve will be limited in the world's eyes, but they will learn how to overcome the world. And in the end they will bear fruit ... And when these people come together, they will be a presence that the world will not be able to ignore. They will be a new people who will shake the foundations of the old order... They will be the beginning of a new kingdom, even as the old one passes away."
Father, I look back at what You've done here through this youth ministry over the last 18 years and in Russia and Ukraine over the last nine years, and I marvel at how You've changed hearts and lives, raising up strong Christian leaders for our future. Thank You so much for letting me be part of what You're doing. Let these leaders in turn pick up the mantle and continue to lead others to You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 3 -- Reaping What We Sow
Israel and Judah had separated years earlier, both unwilling to have any part of the other. How surprising it seems, then, for Israel to contact Judah and ask them to go to war with them. The king of Moab had stopped paying tribute to Isr
Israel and Judah had separated years earlier, both unwilling to have any part of the other. How surprising it seems, then, for Israel to contact Judah and ask them to go to war with them. The king of Moab had stopped paying tribute to Israel after Ahab's death. There really doesn't seem to be any good economic or other motives for Judah to be entering this war.
King Jehoshaphat of Judah didn't seem to have inquired of God about going to war. That's also surprising since he was thought to obey God pretty well.
A week later, after they'd marched through the desert, they faced a severe water shortage. King Joram of Israel blamed God. Jehoshaphat decided to consult God. Elisha "just happened" to be in the area (God's fingerprints are all over that), and Jehoshaphat consulted him. God directed them through Elisha to dig holes in the valley to capture water that would come the next morning from flooding, even though no rain had fallen. They believed God and it happened. God had also chosen the site for an additional reason. The rising sun would cause the captured water to look like pools of blood, and that drew out the Moabites to collect the spoils, where they were completely defeated.
God also ordered the cities torn down, the good fields to be filled with stones, the springs stopped up, and every good tree cut down. His judgment for their sin of idolatry was total. Today, environmentalists would riot at such destruction, but God knew what those people were capable of, and He directed the army to remove them from the face of the earth and to make their land hard to work so that it would remain uninhabited.
Father, You are never harsh without reason. You are a loving and long-suffering God. But there is a limit to what rebellion You will allow. Please help me never to presume on Your grace. You warn us not to be fooled. I should never try to mock You, for You will be fair and cause me to reap what I sow. That's the price of free will when it goes against You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
King Jehoshaphat of Judah didn't seem to have inquired of God about going to war. That's also surprising since he was thought to obey God pretty well.
A week later, after they'd marched through the desert, they faced a severe water shortage. King Joram of Israel blamed God. Jehoshaphat decided to consult God. Elisha "just happened" to be in the area (God's fingerprints are all over that), and Jehoshaphat consulted him. God directed them through Elisha to dig holes in the valley to capture water that would come the next morning from flooding, even though no rain had fallen. They believed God and it happened. God had also chosen the site for an additional reason. The rising sun would cause the captured water to look like pools of blood, and that drew out the Moabites to collect the spoils, where they were completely defeated.
God also ordered the cities torn down, the good fields to be filled with stones, the springs stopped up, and every good tree cut down. His judgment for their sin of idolatry was total. Today, environmentalists would riot at such destruction, but God knew what those people were capable of, and He directed the army to remove them from the face of the earth and to make their land hard to work so that it would remain uninhabited.
Father, You are never harsh without reason. You are a loving and long-suffering God. But there is a limit to what rebellion You will allow. Please help me never to presume on Your grace. You warn us not to be fooled. I should never try to mock You, for You will be fair and cause me to reap what I sow. That's the price of free will when it goes against You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 4 & 5 -- Just DO It
The Arameans were enemies of Israel. In one of their raids, they'd kidnapped a young girl. Though taken from her parents, she did not forget her faith in God. She couldn't help but notice the plight of the man who now owned
The Arameans were enemies of Israel. In one of their raids, they'd kidnapped a young girl. Though taken from her parents, she did not forget her faith in God. She couldn't help but notice the plight of the man who now owned her - an army commander. He'd been stricken with leprosy. She knew that Elisha, the man of God, could help.
Her master traveled to Israel, but didn't get to actually meet Elisha. Instead, his words were relayed by his servant. "Wash in the Jordan River seven times." But Naaman had another illness - pride - and he almost missed a blessing because of it.
He thought there should have been more drama to the healing. Maybe Elisha should have personally seen to it. And what was so special about the Jordan River?? Naaman disgustedly decided just to head home.
Thankfully, his servant implored him, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? Doesn't it make more sense just to do it? After all, he only told you, "Wash, and you will be clean." Naaman listened and decided to take the servant's advice and give it a try. He was healed completely.
I couldn't help thinking that, but for the little girl getting taken from her home in a raid, Naaman wouldn't have known about Elisha and wouldn't have been healed. Had it not also been for his other servant, Naaman would have returned home in a huff and missed complete healing. God often chooses to place us in uncomfortable situations in order to bless others. He also tests us for pride by speaking through those we may look upon with less honor. We should always be looking for who God may be working through to bless us.
Father, I thank You for helping me to treat others as I would want to be treated. If I ever fail to do that, please remind me of this story. Pride is an ugly stain on a Christian's witness, and You constantly warn us against it in Your word.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Her master traveled to Israel, but didn't get to actually meet Elisha. Instead, his words were relayed by his servant. "Wash in the Jordan River seven times." But Naaman had another illness - pride - and he almost missed a blessing because of it.
He thought there should have been more drama to the healing. Maybe Elisha should have personally seen to it. And what was so special about the Jordan River?? Naaman disgustedly decided just to head home.
Thankfully, his servant implored him, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? Doesn't it make more sense just to do it? After all, he only told you, "Wash, and you will be clean." Naaman listened and decided to take the servant's advice and give it a try. He was healed completely.
I couldn't help thinking that, but for the little girl getting taken from her home in a raid, Naaman wouldn't have known about Elisha and wouldn't have been healed. Had it not also been for his other servant, Naaman would have returned home in a huff and missed complete healing. God often chooses to place us in uncomfortable situations in order to bless others. He also tests us for pride by speaking through those we may look upon with less honor. We should always be looking for who God may be working through to bless us.
Father, I thank You for helping me to treat others as I would want to be treated. If I ever fail to do that, please remind me of this story. Pride is an ugly stain on a Christian's witness, and You constantly warn us against it in Your word.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 6 & 7 -- Having Our Eyes Opened
The Aramean army was searching for Elisha and had during the night they had surrounded the city where he was living. They aimed to capture him to prevent him from divinely revealing to Israel their location and plans. Elisha's serv
The Aramean army was searching for Elisha and had during the night they had surrounded the city where he was living. They aimed to capture him to prevent him from divinely revealing to Israel their location and plans.
Elisha's servant rose early and went outside, seeing the city completely encircled by the Aramean army. It appeared that escape was impossible, and he ran to tell Elisha, saying, "Oh, my master what can we do?" Elisha said, "Don't be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us." Then Elisha prayed, "Lord, open my servant's eyes, and let him see." The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Later, a famine made food so scarce in Israel that people resorted to eating unclean things and even cannibalism. The city was also surrounded by the Aramean army. The king blamed Elisha. But Elisha said that an abundance of food would be sold at bargain prices at the city gate the very next day. When an officer doubted him, Elisha said, "You will see it with your eyes, but you will not eat any of it."
God interceded and caused the Aramean army to desert their camp and all their supplies, leaving a tremendous windfall for the people of Israel. The hurrying and hungry crowd trampled the king's officer to death on their way to gather the food.
I think my commentary pointed out a key here when it quoted D.L. Moody: "If you would believe, you must crucify the question, ‘how?' "
Elisha's servant, standing outside his tent on that early morning, seeing the encircling enemy torches, probably asked himself how he would ever survive that day. It all looked hopeless. The he heard Elisha offer that simple prayer, "Lord, open my servant's eyes, and let him see." God's answer was not to suddenly bring a heavenly host to fight. Instead, he simply allowed the servant to see what was already happening all around him in the spiritual world.
Satan wants to blind us and keep us from experiencing the reality of God's presence in our everyday lives. His favorite word is impossible. When we hear it, our best response is to remember Whose we ARE. The impossible is not even difficult for God. We don't need to worry about how. We simply must step outside the box, where God is, and say, "God, I don't know how, but I don't have to understand. All I have to do is believe. You can bend time, change circumstances completely, and overrule the natural laws because You created them. I BELIEVE. Open my eyes that I may see.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Elisha's servant rose early and went outside, seeing the city completely encircled by the Aramean army. It appeared that escape was impossible, and he ran to tell Elisha, saying, "Oh, my master what can we do?" Elisha said, "Don't be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us." Then Elisha prayed, "Lord, open my servant's eyes, and let him see." The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Later, a famine made food so scarce in Israel that people resorted to eating unclean things and even cannibalism. The city was also surrounded by the Aramean army. The king blamed Elisha. But Elisha said that an abundance of food would be sold at bargain prices at the city gate the very next day. When an officer doubted him, Elisha said, "You will see it with your eyes, but you will not eat any of it."
God interceded and caused the Aramean army to desert their camp and all their supplies, leaving a tremendous windfall for the people of Israel. The hurrying and hungry crowd trampled the king's officer to death on their way to gather the food.
I think my commentary pointed out a key here when it quoted D.L. Moody: "If you would believe, you must crucify the question, ‘how?' "
Elisha's servant, standing outside his tent on that early morning, seeing the encircling enemy torches, probably asked himself how he would ever survive that day. It all looked hopeless. The he heard Elisha offer that simple prayer, "Lord, open my servant's eyes, and let him see." God's answer was not to suddenly bring a heavenly host to fight. Instead, he simply allowed the servant to see what was already happening all around him in the spiritual world.
Satan wants to blind us and keep us from experiencing the reality of God's presence in our everyday lives. His favorite word is impossible. When we hear it, our best response is to remember Whose we ARE. The impossible is not even difficult for God. We don't need to worry about how. We simply must step outside the box, where God is, and say, "God, I don't know how, but I don't have to understand. All I have to do is believe. You can bend time, change circumstances completely, and overrule the natural laws because You created them. I BELIEVE. Open my eyes that I may see.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 8 & 9 -- Who's In Charge?
The idolatry and collusion of the kings of Israel and Judah were causing a bloodbath. Even in Damascus, in Aram, God was at work changing out kings. Elisha notified Hazael, that king's servant, "The Lord has shown me that you wil
The idolatry and collusion of the kings of Israel and Judah were causing a bloodbath. Even in Damascus, in Aram, God was at work changing out kings. Elisha notified Hazael, that king's servant, "The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Aram," and Hazael murdered Ben-Hadad.
Intermarriage between the royal families of Israel and Judah, and similar naming of children in those families make it tough to determine "who's on first". God told Elisha to send a messenger to Ramoth in Gilead (then a part of the northern kingdom of Israel) to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel, tasking him to remove all of Ahab's family. Jehu proceeded to kill King Joram of Israel and King Amaziah of Judah after they'd fought together against Hazael.
Jehu then went on to Jezreel, where he called for loyalty from the residents. Several servants grabbed wicked Queen Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, and tossed her out an upper window to her death.
While it sounds like evil is running its course, it's actually God who's been directing the removal of evil rulers. The sidebar in my Bible said, "If we purposely ignore God's desire for us, we will find ourselves candidates for His discipline."
That same sidebar noted our very human tendency to view events such as these as Satan and God arm-wrestling, with their wrists going first one way and then the other. Nothing could be further from the truth!
"God is infinitely more powerful than Satan ...
Satan owes his very existence to God - he is a created being ...
Satan had to receive God's permission before afflicting Job, and even then he was under definite restrictions...
Satan's demonic hordes feared Jesus and obeyed Jesus' commands ...
He can only do what our all-powerful and all-knowing God allows him to do...."
I particularly liked the prayer at the end of the sidebar:
"Lord Jesus, I have nothing to fear, knowing that You are in control. There is no accident, injury, or circumstance that can happen beyond Your sovereign will. I recognize that the devil cannot touch my life, that he cannot even tempt me without gaining Your permission. Help me to realize just how great and powerful You really are!"
(That sidebar was written by Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed by a diving accident 43 years ago, and just recently learned that she has breast cancer.)
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Intermarriage between the royal families of Israel and Judah, and similar naming of children in those families make it tough to determine "who's on first". God told Elisha to send a messenger to Ramoth in Gilead (then a part of the northern kingdom of Israel) to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel, tasking him to remove all of Ahab's family. Jehu proceeded to kill King Joram of Israel and King Amaziah of Judah after they'd fought together against Hazael.
Jehu then went on to Jezreel, where he called for loyalty from the residents. Several servants grabbed wicked Queen Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, and tossed her out an upper window to her death.
While it sounds like evil is running its course, it's actually God who's been directing the removal of evil rulers. The sidebar in my Bible said, "If we purposely ignore God's desire for us, we will find ourselves candidates for His discipline."
That same sidebar noted our very human tendency to view events such as these as Satan and God arm-wrestling, with their wrists going first one way and then the other. Nothing could be further from the truth!
"God is infinitely more powerful than Satan ...
Satan owes his very existence to God - he is a created being ...
Satan had to receive God's permission before afflicting Job, and even then he was under definite restrictions...
Satan's demonic hordes feared Jesus and obeyed Jesus' commands ...
He can only do what our all-powerful and all-knowing God allows him to do...."
I particularly liked the prayer at the end of the sidebar:
"Lord Jesus, I have nothing to fear, knowing that You are in control. There is no accident, injury, or circumstance that can happen beyond Your sovereign will. I recognize that the devil cannot touch my life, that he cannot even tempt me without gaining Your permission. Help me to realize just how great and powerful You really are!"
(That sidebar was written by Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed by a diving accident 43 years ago, and just recently learned that she has breast cancer.)
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
2 Kings 10 -- Quitting Too Soon?
I saw two important principles in this chapter today. The first had to do with associating with evil or in any way helping its promotion. Ahab and Jezebel had already been killed. Jehu now went after anyone who was related to them o
I saw two important principles in this chapter today. The first had to do with associating with evil or in any way helping its promotion. Ahab and Jezebel had already been killed. Jehu now went after anyone who was related to them or who had willingly served them. Ahab's seventy male descendants were ordered beheaded. This was done to prevent an uprising based on vengeance. But Jehu also ordered "all the leading me, close friends, and priests" killed as well. After all, they'd supported Ahab's decisions rather than attempting to hold him accountable.
Jehu next used a ploy to gather all of the Baal worshipers together and then ordered their wholesale execution. It would appear that Jehu was definitely on God's side, and in fact God rewarded his efforts by promising that his family would rule for four generations. I suppose the question he might have asked was "Why not forever like David's family?" Then God might have told him the rest of the story.
Jehu's flaw was that he didn't go far enough. He continued to promote the worship of the golden calves which had begun when Israel broke off from Judah under Jeroboam. He was also condemned in Hosea for his extreme cruelty in exterminating the house of Ahab. Oftentimes, the ends don't justify the means, and we also have to be careful that we don't allow pet sins to ensnare us.
Father, You've shown me the importance of finishing a task this morning. It seems to go back to the math of obedience: 98% obedience equals 100% disobedience. And that's why we are all sinners deserving of death and in need of Your grace. Without it, where would we be? Help me not to settle in doing Your will. Lead me to always complete what You are guiding me to do, for I will never know this side of heaven what blessings I may have missed by quitting early or failing to do Your will.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Jehu next used a ploy to gather all of the Baal worshipers together and then ordered their wholesale execution. It would appear that Jehu was definitely on God's side, and in fact God rewarded his efforts by promising that his family would rule for four generations. I suppose the question he might have asked was "Why not forever like David's family?" Then God might have told him the rest of the story.
Jehu's flaw was that he didn't go far enough. He continued to promote the worship of the golden calves which had begun when Israel broke off from Judah under Jeroboam. He was also condemned in Hosea for his extreme cruelty in exterminating the house of Ahab. Oftentimes, the ends don't justify the means, and we also have to be careful that we don't allow pet sins to ensnare us.
Father, You've shown me the importance of finishing a task this morning. It seems to go back to the math of obedience: 98% obedience equals 100% disobedience. And that's why we are all sinners deserving of death and in need of Your grace. Without it, where would we be? Help me not to settle in doing Your will. Lead me to always complete what You are guiding me to do, for I will never know this side of heaven what blessings I may have missed by quitting early or failing to do Your will.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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