Good News...

This may seem a little stretch in comparison but good news is good news, so give it a chance. If the news benefits others, then it’s our obligation to share it with them. Here in 2 Kings chapter 7 we read about a famine that struck Israel. It was so bad people were eating their own children (no joke). The Aramean army was planning an attack, but God caused them to flee in fear. They left everything behind. Three desperate lepers went to surrender to them but they found the camp deserted, and all the spoils left to their discretion. While they were consuming the booty, their consciences were stirred. They knew this was too good to be true. It was unbelievable. They went there hoping the enemy would take them as slaves and feed them, but we’re willing to die if they didn’t. Isn’t this the same with the Gospel? The Good News of Jesus’ work on the cross? It’s not until we are willing to accept the bad news, that we are sinners headed for death and eternal separation from God with no hope of redeeming ourselves, that we are willing to accept the free gift of God’s grace. The Good News becomes the Best News we will ever hear. Then, just like the 3 lepers, we realize that we need to share this Good News with everyone, because it will benefit them as well as honor God in carrying out the Great Commission. It’s only when we are willing to risk it all, give it up, die to self, that the Message of the Bible truly becomes Good News. If the Gospel is Good News to you, then it isn’t fully put to use until you share it (what it means to you personally) with the world. Go out today and share the spoils of the message of salvation with all the starving souls God has prepared to hear it. Then you will experience a soulful satisfaction, the depths of how Good the News really is.

3 Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates. “Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. 4 “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.”5 So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 6 For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. “The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. 7 So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives.8 When the lepers arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. 9 Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let’s go back and tell the people at the palace.”10 So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. “We went out to the Aramean camp,” they said, “and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered and the tents were all in order, but there wasn’t a single person around!” 11 Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace. 2 Kings 7:3-11

Seeking His Will...

The only way to know the will of God is to be patient, attentively seeking God out. Knowing what He commands: to seek justice, love mercy, and humbly walk with Him is a start. Loving God and our neighbors is a good pattern to follow. And doing what you know is right, will most certainly, help you know during the process. When you abandon these principles, and base your actions on your emotions, you’ll probably end up regretting it, most likely at the expense of others. Taking matters into your own hands rarely works out. Peter often learned this the hard way. Our will rarely matches His will when it is governed by our emotions. Feelings are real, but often overrated.

1 After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. 2 Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with His disciples. 3 The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.4 Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to Him, so He stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” He asked.5 “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied.“I AM He,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them.) 6 As Jesus said “I AM He,” they all drew back and fell to the ground! 7 Once more He asked them, “Who are you looking for?”And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.”8 “I told you that I AM He,” Jesus said. “And since I am the One you want, let these others go.”9 He did this to fulfill His own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those You have given Me.”10 Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given Me?” John 18:1-11

Wealth Deceives...

Wealth deceives people. It develops a false security, that blinds people to the truth. Having means (wealth) gives man the ability to say, “NO” to God. Don’t allow yourself to ever go there.

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Proverbs 18:11

Integrity, a Whole New Meaning...

Integrity has no holidays. Doing what’s right in God’s sight will never be politically correct, but it will always be correct. As soon as we accept this truth, political speech will release its grip on us. God is always watching, even if when we think no one is. Truth is truth no matter the day, time, or geographical location we may be living in. When our reverence for God exceeds our need for “saving face”, integrity will take on a whole new meaning to us, being careful to not allow it to turn into pride. We must learn that there is something greater out there than us, He’s called God. And we are responsible to Him and all that He has ordained.

5 May they fear You as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever! Psalms 72:5

To See Spiritually...

I’ve prayed for this type of spiritual sight quite often, and God has answered my prayers. I may not physically see chariots of Fire, but I do clearly see the spiritual side to things a whole lot clearer. Lord, help us have eyes to see, to see spiritually.

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.”9 But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” 10 So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.11 The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”12 “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”13 “Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” 14 So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.18 As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.19 Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria.20 As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria.21 When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?”22 “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.”23 So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel. 2 Kings 6:8-23

Selfish Gain...

Selfishness is the root of all kinds of evil. Here is a prime example when a good man gives into his greed. Gehazi paid the price for going against Elisha’s declining of the gifts Naaman brought. The second Gehazi put into practice his selfish desires, his life took a turn for the worse. Greed will always have negative consequences. Unfortunately, Gehazi experienced it the hard way. Nothing is worth compromising the truth, especially for selfish gain.

20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi set off after Naaman.When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked.22 “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75  pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.”23 “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. 24 But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house.25 When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”“I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied.26 But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? 27 Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow. 2 Kings 5:20-27

A Heart Matter...

As I read the rest of the story of Naaman, the Aramean officer, I can’t help but be confused about his request to Elisha to pray for him. Here we have a newly converted and convicted believer in the God of Israel. He has sworn to not practice idolatry anymore. Yet his prayer is for a pardon when he bows down to the pagan god of the king of Aram that he serves. If he is certain God is real and the only One worthy of our praise, why wouldn’t he declare that to his king? Why would he bow down to a false god? Isn’t this a compromise, going against his belief system? Isn’t this the very thing Shadrach, Meshach, and Obendigo willfully risked their lives for in the fiery furnace? Daniel in the den of lions? OR did it really matter? Because he knew in his heart that there is only One True God, when he bowed down it was only out of respect for his king, not disrespect for God, that it didn’t mean anything to him. He asked Elisha for God to pardon his behavior before it even happened, proved this bowing down, was meaningless for him. God knew his heart; where his allegiance was. This wasn’t a test to prove his allegiance to God. So I leave you with this: when God knows your heart, the reason behind your “doing of things”, it no longer becomes a proving ground to Him or to you. Compromise? Religious defector? Are you still loyal to your Maker? Ask God to reveal the truth about this in your heart. Then and only then, will you know where your treasure truly lies (Matthew 6:21).

17 Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. 18 However, may the Lord pardon me in this one thing: When my master the king goes into the temple of the god Rimmon to worship there and leans on my arm, may the Lord pardon me when I bow, too.”19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said. So Naaman started home again. 2 Kings 5:17-19

A Muddy Creek...

Pride, more than anything else, keeps us from God. The very thing that God gives us (freewill - the freedom to choose) is the very thing when exercised in a selfish manner, turns us away from what is best for us; away from the Giver. Naaman was a prideful man. When Elisha didn’t greet him at his doorstep, Naaman was furious, for he had come a long way and the situation was not unfolding as he had planned. The Jordan River failed in comparison to the rivers or Aram. It was like a muddy creek compared with Caribbean blue waters. Naaman’s pride wouldn’t allow him to stoop to the degradation of dipping himself in a muddy, insignificant river. He had brought silver and gold, so he expected a grand, showmanship type of ceremonial healing. When have you ever behaved like this? I know I have. When you’ve been wanting something for so long, you tend to build up the expectation of it into a grandeur that rivals a Hollywood movie. Then when it doesn’t turn out the way you pictured it in your mind, your pride kicks in and lets loose on those around you. Your disappointment, drives the humility out, and welcomes in the arrogant, “I’ll play God” role, which keeps you from appreciating and enjoying the event. Here’s my advice: ask God to help you manage your expectations. Ask Him to help you appreciate all that He’s done in your life. Ask Him to help you put things into the right perspective, and keep Him the focal point of your life. That way, when things don’t turn out the way you envision them, you can know the Creator of the universe is still behind it, and you’ll still get what you need. It just may not be the way you expect it, rather a muddy river that you have to dip seven times in. When God and His sovereignty is the focus of your life, everything fails in comparison to what He’s already done for us. And the gift of eternal life awaits those who take Him at His Word. Remember, we are not Home yet....

9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’ ” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:9-15

Jesus Prayed for You...

Here’s something that most people rarely acknowledge that they know, or never acknowledge because they don’t know or do not believe when told; Jesus prayed for you and me. That’s right, in the “real” Lord’s actual prayer, He prayed for all future believers. That means you and me. Some people say, “no He didn’t “, but read it for yourself and tell me it isn’t true. How many other religions can actually say, “God prayed for me”? Christianity can, proof is right here in John chapter 17. How does it make you feel that Jesus, the God-Man, prayed for you? I hope you take it personally, and hold it dear to your heart. We serve a personable, relatable, and loving God. He took the time to personally address a prayer 2000 years ago, that included me and all believers. Just one more reason when you pursue God, you discover the unfathomable treasures He has in store for those that believe and love Him. Does anyone know of such a personable and knowable God in any other belief system in the world? Just goes to show you, Jesus is one-of-a-kind.

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message.21 I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one–as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me.22 “I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one.23 I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.24 Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began!25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know You, but I do; and these disciples know You sent Me. 26 I have revealed You to them, and I will continue to do so. Then Your love for Me will be in them, and I will be in them.” John 17:20-26

God is Real....

It still gets me that you can read in John chapter 17, the very words of Jesus, and not understand that knowing Him is eternal life. God opens the eyes of the blind. The question you must ask yourself is this: if God is real (Israel- get it), then if He reveals Himself to you, will you accept the truth?

3 And this is the way to have eternal life–to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth. John 17:3

The Remedy is Right Next to the Problem...

I’ve heard that researchers claim that in nature, remedies grow right next to toxic-to-humans plants. For example, there are numerous poison plants that grow world wide, but right near them grow plants that have the remedy to the toxins in the plant. This happens with God too. The remedy is right next to the problem occurring. Here, Elisha puts flour in the pot to cancel out the toxins from the poisonous herbs. The remedy was right there waiting to be mixed in to save the people from dying. What an awesome God we serve. Just when you think it’s over, He shows up with the remedy. The ultimate remedy is Jesus. He cancels out the wages of sin for the believer. And the greatest part about this is He’s right there waiting for you.

39 One of the young men went out into the field to gather herbs and came back with a pocketful of wild gourds. He shredded them and put them into the pot without realizing they were poisonous. 40 Some of the stew was served to the men. But after they had eaten a bite or two they cried out, “Man of God, there’s poison in this stew!” So they would not eat it.41 Elisha said, “Bring me some flour.” Then he threw it into the pot and said, “Now it’s all right; go ahead and eat.” And then it did not harm them. 2 Kings 4:39-41

There’s Always Hope...

“No matter what you've done, no matter how far you've slipped away, there is always hope. There is always possibility. There is always more to be gained in Christ than you've lost along the way.” - Dennis Rainey, Family Life Today.

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A False Faith...

Isn’t it ironic to think that people who persecute Christians actually think that they are doing God a favor. The truth is, as seen here, they don’t know the God they claim to serve. Know anyone like this? It’s the clear sign of religiosity on display. When you see this in action, know it’s a false faith.

1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God.3 This is because they have never known the Father or Me.4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember My warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer. John 16:1-4

Words Matter...

Here’s a funny, yet not funny story in the Bible about making fun of others. The moral to the story: never make fun of a prophet of God. In this case, God silenced these mockers with two bears. Your words matter, and they are a reflection of what’s in your heart. And regardless of what people say, the old “sticks and stones” rhyme isn’t true. Words do hurt, they can destroy people. Words spoken during childhood, have the ability to continue affecting people throughout their lifetime. Including the ones that come out of the mouths of the name callers. Choose your words wisely.

23 Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, baldy!” they chanted. “Go away, baldy!” 24 Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them. 25 From there Elisha went to Mount Carmel and finally returned to Samaria. 2 Kings 2:23-25

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;they are asking for a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;they trap themselves with their lips. Proverbs 18:6-7

The World Needs More LOVE...

Loving someone is easy and hard. It’s simple and yet complex at the same time. It’s what we all want from others, but fail to give it to all others. It’s more than a feeling or emotion. It’s a willful decision we make ever moment of our lives. Those that have loved, I mean truly loved, are those that have been loved. The concept is so misinterpreted these days, and rarely displayed. Jesus spells it out for us as believers, we are to love one another. It’s not a choice, it’s a command. Are you loving like you should? If so, continue doing it. If not, maybe you need to have a long conversation with God, and set things straight. The world needs more love, and it’s up to us as believers to show them what real love looks like. It can only come from the Source. Draw on Him today, and give what He gives you freely. No one has ever regretted truly loving someone else.

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.10 When you obey My commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!12 This is My commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.14 You are My friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in His slaves. Now you are My friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me.16 You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name.17 This is My command: Love each other. John 15:9-17

Denying Justice...

Modern day lawyers need a daily dose of Proverbs. In particular, this one would be a great start. It really makes me wonder how you can willfully defend someone you know is guilty of their crime. If lawyers stopped defending the (knowingly) guilty, would the crime rate decrease? I wonder.....

5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent. Proverbs 18:5

Random Chance...

When you think about random chance that people talk about so freely these days, do you believe it? Luck, chance, coincidence? What do you believe? The Bible shows us time and time again, there is only God’s will. And God’s will doesn’t involve luck, or chance, or coincidence. When things happen people try to explain it; without God, these words are all that is left to try to explain the will of God. Ahab’s death was not chance, or a freak accident. The Aramean soldier’s arrow had Ahab’s name on it the day it was crafted. Even though the Bible says he randomly shot it, it had what modern day missles have, a guidance system with Ahab’s precise location. Nothing in life is luck or random. We serve an all mighty, all knowing, and all loving God. As Jesus said, “God knows the number of hairs on our head”. Think about that for a minute. The number of hairs on our head changes daily. God keeps up. So the next time someone says, “oh, that was random”, kindly remark, “God is in control, isn’t He?” We must trust Him with all things, for they all work for together for good of those that love Him”.

34 An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. “Turn the horses and get me out of here!” Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. “I’m badly wounded!”35 The battle raged all that day, and the king remained propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived he died. 36 Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: “We’re done for! Run for your lives!”37 So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria and buried there. 38 Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the Lord had promised. 1 Kings 22:34-38

A Lying Spirit...

You’ve heard the verse that says, “all things work together for good to those that love the Lord” (my paraphrase), but do they really? Here in 1 Kings chapter 22, we read of God putting a lying spirit in the 400 prophets Ahab had. This lying spirit told Ahab to go into battle for he would succeed. Then we King Jehoshaphat inquired of a real prophet, Micaiah told them the truth, that Ahab would be killed. How is it that God allows a lying spirit to accomplish His will? I don’t have the answer. But I know that God is in control. And I can trust Him with that. I may not understand it all, but the closer I am to Him, the better I know Him, the more trust I have in Him overrides any worries or concerns I may have that arouses doubt. That, I can take rest in. Trusting God; taking Him at His Word.

10 King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on thrones at the threshing floor near the gate of Samaria. All of Ahab’s prophets were prophesying there in front of them. 11 One of them, Zedekiah son of Kenaanah, made some iron horns and proclaimed, “This is what the Lord says: With these horns you will gore the Arameans to death!”12 All the other prophets agreed. “Yes,” they said, “go up to Ramoth-gilead and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory!”13 Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”14 But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”15 When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we hold back?”Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory!”16 But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?”17 Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’ ”18 “Didn’t I tell you?” the king of Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat. “He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.”19 Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on His throne with all the armies of heaven around Him, on His right and on His left. 20 And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’“There were many suggestions, 21 and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’22 “ ‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked.“And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’“ ‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’23 “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”24 Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the Lord leave me to speak to you?” he demanded.25 And Micaiah replied, “You will find out soon enough when you are trying to hide in some secret room!”26 “Arrest him!” the king of Israel ordered. “Take him back to Amon, the governor of the city, and to my son Joash. 27 Give them this order from the king: ‘Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle!’ ”28 But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the Lord has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!” 1 Kings 22:10-28 | NLT

No Power Over Him...

Always remember this, we need not fear Satan and his demonic cohorts. Of course we should have an accurate view of him, and his influence, but we need not fear him. He is powerless when it comes to Jesus; for he holds no power over Him. When we focus on the Redeemer of our souls, it gives us a confidence that keeps our perspective on evil, exactly where it should be.

30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over Me, John 14:30

The Only Way...

In a politically correct world when someone asks me if Jesus is the only way to God, I simply say “yes, He certainly is”.

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Why We Call Good Friday “Good”?

If you think about it, Christians follow a life full of contradictions in the world’s eyes. Dying to self allows us to fully live. Forgive our enemies. Lose your life in order to gain it. First shall be last, and the least shall be greatest. And the list goes on. With Good Friday here, I thought, “how can we call it ‘good’?” I mean Jesus was crucified, tortured, ridiculed, hated, and died on this day. All of his followers (but a handful) deserted Him during His greatest time of need. People were celebrating his suffering and death. And the religious leaders wanted His body to be guarded against any possibility of His followers crafting a scheme about Him being alive. The Muslims even believe Jesus faked His death. What is “good” about any of this? Well, you’ve heard the saying, “hindsight is 20/20”, it couldn’t be more true here. So what makes Good Friday “Good”? Here’s a list: what happened 3 (Jewish) days later. Jesus’s resurrection. The curtain being torn in the Temple. The one thief on the cross who repented. The women who stayed throughout the entire suffering. Joseph of Aramathea, and Nicodemus’ preparing the body for burial, and placing Him in Joseph’s own tomb. The disciples walking with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Jesus appearing to all the disciples and breaking bread with Him. Jesus and Mary’s interaction at the tomb. Jesus reinstating Peter’s apostleship and designating his leadership role. Jesus’ instruction to all the disciples, which includes us, to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. What makes Good Friday “Good” is Jesus’ resurrection 3 days later. If He didn’t suffer and die on Friday, we wouldn’t be called Christians. If God didn’t fulfill His plan to provide authenticated forgiveness, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. If the curtain wasn’t torn, providing evidence of the way to God being opened up to us, we wouldn’t have a way to pray. And if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, conquering death and the grave, everything we do as Christians is in vain. Good Friday is “Good” because of all the bad that happened to Jesus on that day. He took the punishment we deserve, and turned it into the only way back to God. He gave us the only suitable answer for the problem of sin. And He showed us what True Love really is. What makes Good Friday “Good”? Light overcomes darkness, and hope conquers fear. What makes Good Friday “Good”? Jesus. Embrace Him today and let the Good News transform and sanctify you. Easter is all about the power of the gospel transforming lives, restoring that which was lost, and showing the world what true love really is. Now that’s “Good”.

26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified–one on His right and one on His left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let Him save Himself if He is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked Him, too, by offering Him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to Him, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened to the cross above Him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”39 One of the criminals hanging beside Him scoffed, “So You’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself–and us, too, while You’re at it!”40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” The Death of Jesus 44 By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust My spirit into Your hands!” And with those words He breathed His last.47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching. The Burial of Jesus 50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. 54 This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.55 As His body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where His body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint His body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law. Luke 23:26-56

1 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day.”8 Then they remembered that He had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell His eleven disciples–and everyone else–what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. The Walk to Emmaus 13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus Himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing Him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”19 “What things?” Jesus asked.“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and He was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed Him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified Him. 21 We had hoped He was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.22 “Then some women from our group of His followers were at His tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said His body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, His body was gone, just as the women had said.”25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering His glory?”27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if He were going on, 29 but they begged Him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So He went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, He took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And at that moment He disappeared!32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Jesus Appears to the Disciples 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized Him as He was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus Himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” He said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!38 “Why are you frightened?” He asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?39 Look at My hands. Look at My feet. You can see that it’s really Me. Touch Me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.”40 As He spoke, He showed them His hands and His feet.41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He ate it as they watched.44 Then He said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And He said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’48 You are witnesses of all these things.49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” The Ascension 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting His hands to heaven, He blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. Luke 24:1-53

The Source of Love....

The reason people don’t honor God with obedience is because they don’t love Him. Jesus tells us these very words in John chapter 14. Those that don’t see God as Omnipotent, are the ones who fail in the “love” department as well. God is love; you can’t give what you don’t possess. Those that disobey in a defiant, everyday manner, lose the capacity to love because you can only get it from the source. Not being plugged in to the source, eventually drains your battery. Their love tanks eventually dry up due to lack of replenishment. The very Being we are to love (God), gives us the ability to love so much more, to the point of changing lives. And in that process, we are blessed with peace of mind, that diminishes the effects of trouble and fear.

23 Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. John 14:23-24

27 “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Our Opinions...

We must always be careful to view ourselves in the light of the truth. As Paul says, “we must not think more highly of ourselves as being better than we really are”(my paraphrase). By doing this our opinions won’t take on more value than they should. Seeking to understand is a virtue. It shows us that we are not the center of the universe, God is. Our opinions are just that, opinions. Truth is truth. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

2 Fools have no interest in understanding;they only want to air their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2

Our Pity Parties...

Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment that we lose touch with God and reality. Our false or distorted view of reality drives us to think we are the only ones going through this. Then we start in with our “pity party”. Why is it we do this? Isn’t God bigger than our problems? Of course He is. Maybe the reason God allows us to think this is just part of the process of sanctification. In order to become more humble, we need to think of others more than ourselves, God has to rub us like two sticks, creating friction, that helps us realize in the heat of the moment, that we are not the center of the universe. We are important to Him, but we are not Him. Elijah was heavily into his own pity party when God, in a still small voice, spoke to him, fed him, comforted him, and instructed him on what to do next. God also reminded Elijah that it wasn’t all dependent on him. The major take away from this is to always go to God with everything, especially when you think “woe is me”. He will be there with you to see it through. When you think, “where are You, Lord?”, you just need to take your eyes off yourself, freeing you up to concentrate and hear and recognize that still small voice He has a tendency to use more times than not. It’s our responsibility to hear it, especially when we think the world is against us and we are all alone. We are never alone. God’s plan involves more that just me, these struggles help bring that view back into the proper perspective.

Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with You, torn down Your altars, and killed every one of Your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”11 “Go out and stand before Me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with You, torn down Your altars, and killed every one of Your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”15 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as My prophet. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7 ,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:9c-18

Too Much Gumption...

Remember when Jesus told the woman at the well that there was a time coming in which God would be worshipped in the way He designed us to worship Him: in Spirit and in Truth? We need to always remember that we need a proper balance of Spirit and Truth in order to be effective. Too much enthusiasm (Spirit) without Truth, will get us in hot water. Here is an example of too much gumption without enough Truth. Peter blurts out that he is ready to die for Jesus, when He really wasn’t. We have to be careful because often times we are more over-zealous than prepared. Ask God for the proper amount of Spirit and Truth, so you can be an effective witness for others today.

36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?”And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with Me now, but you will follow Me later.”37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for You.”38 Jesus answered, “Die for Me? I tell you the truth, Peter–before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me. John 13:36-38

Two Ears and One Mouth....

You’ve probably heard it said before, “you have two ears and one mouth, so you should do twice as much listening”, but do you know where it comes from? These are Solomon’s words when it comes to this topic. Listening promotes understanding. Talking impedes listening. So we can honestly say, talking while in conversation, will deter your level of understanding. Start listening, and stop thinking about what you want to say. Seek to understand first, then be understood, you’ll become a wiser person.

27 A truly wise person uses few words;a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:27-28

“Dead Souls”...

The life Elijah revived in the widow’s son, is the same life God revives in us when we come to Him through repentance in Jesus. The soul revived and made alive in us is through the power only God can grant. There are so many “dead souls” out there that need reviving. Ask God to use you today to resuscitate a dead soul. And let your witnessing of it, be a blessing to you as well.

17 Some time later the woman’s son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. 18 Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?”19 But Elijah replied, “Give me your son.” And he took the child’s body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. 20 Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, why have You brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?”21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” 22 The Lord heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! 23 Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!”24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.” 1 Kings 17:17-24

A Matter of Trust...

If God can feed Elijah by commanding wild birds to bring him food, I’m certain God can provide for my needs as well. It’s just a matter of trust; once established, changes everything. Jesus said it best, “when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed”. Free from what? The power of sin: fear, worry, anxiety, depression, etc... it’s sets us free from everything that holds us back from pursuing God, and being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. It’s what fulfills our purpose in life. Faith in God is the greatest gift we could ever possess. And to think, it’s freely given to us when we ask with the right motive.

2 Then the Lord said to Elijah, 3 “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. 4 Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.”5 So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:2-6

You Don’t Understand, But Someday You Will...

You probably been told this as a child by one of your parents growing up: “you don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will”. Did it come true? Well, I bet you didn’t know that it came straight from Jesus’ lips, when He was addressing the disciples as He washed their feet. When I read this I took this personally, as we all should. When God tells us to do or not do something, we need to listen and be obedient, even if we don’t understand. In time either we will comprehend it, or it will no longer be of importance due to the fact that God’s presence will over ride any desires to be selfish. Take Jesus at His Word, trust and obey, there’s no other way..... true joy comes from obedience to God. Do you believe this core truth of scripture?

6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”8 “No,” Peter protested, “You will never ever wash my feet!”Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to Me.”9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray Him. That is what He meant when He said, “Not all of you are clean.”12 After washing their feet, He put on His robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the One who sends the message.17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:6-17

Youthful Decision-Making...

All you children out there listen up. The decisions you make affect more people than you think. You may think it will only affect me, but your wrong. The people who raised you will be affected as well. I’ve seen this so many times and will say it is a hard core fact. The fastest way to grieve your family, especially your parents, is to continue to act foolish in your decision-making. The longer you live in foolishness, the harder it will be to escape. And the amount of grief and bitterness that will flood your parents lives will become unbearable. Think about that, and take heed.

25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. Proverbs 17:25