Old Testament - In 2 Kings 3 verse 3 today we are reminded that King Jeroboam's legacy is held out as a unfavorable legacy... "Nevertheless he (Joram) continued in the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led the people of Israel to commit." That is an interesting thing to think about - a legacy. Jeroboam's legacy was obviously not one we'd like to have. So, what type of legacy would you like to have? And what type of legacy are you in fact leaving these days? The more I think about my legacy, the more I simply hope and pray that my legacy is something along the lines of "one who loved God and loved people." Pretty simple really. But also really tough in our modern world full of so many distractions! And I am not so sure that I am really leaving this legacy some days. I don't want to pursue this type of legacy for the wrong reasons - for any sort of appearing "righteous" or prideful reasons. But I in fact I really do want to spend the rest of my days simply loving God and loving people. Whatever else I do - career, ministry, whatever - pales in comparison to loving God and loving people. I even hesitate to write this hope for a legacy on this blog - I feel like I should go back and delete everything I just wrote. Except - I think this might be the type of legacy we are called to as Christians. Remember the two great commands Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:37 & 39 - "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself." Love God and love people. So - whaddya think? Is this a good legacy for us to aim for? Should we be aiming for a legacy at all? What will your legacy be?
2 Kings 4 verse 8 definitely demonstrates that in addition to being a prophet, Elisha was a very wise man! "One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she invited him to eat some food. From then on, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there to eat." :)
Bible.org's commentary on today's 2 Kings readings titled "The Rebellion of the Moabites" is at this link, "Elisha Prepares to Hear God’s Word" is at this link, "The Victory Over Moab" is at this link, "God’s Supply in the Midst of Poverty" is at this link, and "The Shunammite Woman Receives a Son" is at this link.
New Testament - Wow... amazing readings today... Do you see the depth and strength and love of Paul's faith in verses 19 & 20 - "Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe." Paul is stoned and then gets back up and keeps going forward in his ministry for God! Next thing you know he is praying and fasting for elders in churches - after nearly getting stoned to death! I want a faith like that... Also, it is wonderful to read in today's readings how Paul and Barnabas tear their garments because they are so distressed that people were worshiping them as if they were gods! Would we react so quickly to stop people from worshiping us today I wonder... ?
Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Mission Accomplished" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance from evil. And this Psalm certainly should be a good reminder of the Lord’s Prayer, where we pray – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” What is the one thing that can truly deliver us from evil? Can we deliver ourselves from evil on our own? Or do we need something beyond ourselves for this deliverance?
Verse 7 in this Psalm gives each of us something to consider and should be an encouragement: “O Sovereign LORD, my strong savior, you protected me on the day of battle.” Do you believe God is your strong savior who will protect you from evil on the day of battle? Do you believe that perhaps every day is a day of battle? Do you believe that Satan or evil ever rests in attempting to tempt people? Should we pray for protection from evil on a very regular basis? The Lord’s Prayer / Our Father is one great way to do this each day…
From 1928’s Book of Common Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.” Lord, teach us how to pray...
Proverbs - Proverbs 17 verse 22 for some reason reminds me of Paul again from today's Acts readings: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." Think back again to Paul being nearly stoned to death in today's readings. Think he would have a good "reason" to have a broken spirit after something like that happened to him? But.... we see what he goes and does for the Kingdom just after that tragic incident! My hunch is that Paul had a very cheerful heart - because he was in such close relationship with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. And his cheerful heart was certainly good medicine for him. He did not allow himself to have a broken spirit - even after nearly being stoned to death! Seriously, Paul is amazing - but don't worry, I'm not worshiping him... :) I am just amazed at how in love he was with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit - and how he let that love guide him and propel him forward no matter what. So, back to this Proverb - do you think it is possible for us at times to "decide" whether to have a cheerful heart or a broken spirit? All of us have something bad happen at some time or another. Is it possible that we can "decide" to be cheerful or broken after something bad happens to us? If it is possible to be cheerful after something bad happens to us, why? I think we could learn from Paul's example. If we are so close in relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I pray we can weather any storm that life might bring. Any storm. Do you believe this is true?
Worship Video: 2nd Kings today reminds me of the song "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your heart is cheerful, through the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit living within you through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you encourage others in their spiritual journeys to have cheerful hearts as well. Pray that you will minister to those in your life with a crushed spirit.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Mike doing anything for anyone without the motivating factor of love is useless and will not earn you “goodie” points with God. Well it’s not really useless for the person or people you are doing it for but it is useless for the person doing if there is no love and that is by way of the Apostle Paul as written in the thirteenth chapter of I Corinthians,.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
II Kings 3-4:17
What I love about the bible are all the personal stories of the Patriarchs, the Prophets and kings. To me their stories are like Case Studies that I can observe, study and see all the warts, mistakes, miss-steps and obedience to God or lack there of. Since we live in a “Cause and Effect” world, I don’t have to bop myself upside the head repeating the same mistakes they did. If I study carefully their choices and the subsequent consequences, I can avoid failing down the same well they did. There are so many traps laid out to catch us and it is wonderful to have inside knowledge of how the devil operates, as well as avoiding those choices that eminent from my focus on “self.”
Jehoshaphat again aligns himself with Ahab’s family. This time it is his son, Joram. The last time this happened he almost got himself killed (I Kings 22), yet he again forms a pact with Israel. However because Jehosaphat is with Joram, the prophet Elisha, given the Word of the Lord regarding the battle, tolerates Joram and God gives them a great victory. How many people think they are all that and a bag of chips because they have been involved in something that is successful; however, the success of the project is not because they have clean hands or favor with God, it is because someone on the team is being honored by God because God is giving them respect and favor. I know I have been guilty of that.
We would laugh if we found out that the donkey Jesus rode on in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem thought that all the cheering was for him. But we are like the donkey when we take credit for things that succeed because we think it’s all about us; instead of realizing that the victories we experience, the favor we have, come because God sees us through the prism of His Son, Jesus. When God looks at me, a Christian, He does not see me He sees Jesus.
Isaiah 64:
6We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away.
Acts 14:8-28
When someone who can walk is injured and has to stay off their feet for even one week, when they become ambulatory again, they have a problem with balance. If someone is immobilized for an extended period, they usually go to a rehabilitation hospital to learn to walk and move again. This man that was healed had never walked before so not only did he receive strength in his feet to walk, he got instantaneous control of muscles he had never used before. That is just awesome.
Psalm 140:1-13
I imagine that David wrote this Psalm as he dodged King Saul’s dogged attempt to catch and kill him. Instead of trying to ambush and kill Saul or using the two opportunities that walked into his life to take Saul out, David gave the job of extracting vengeance over to God. David is such a role model to follow when others have wronged us and we want to get our pound of flesh. God takes care of all those who come against His servants and children. That is knowledge that I need to get deep down inside of me.
Proverbs 17:22
How we approach the day, how we respond to our situations and circumstances is a matter of choice, always was, is and will be. Circumstances shouldn’t color our day, we should color our circumstances with a joyful attitude. Happiness is based on circumstances; joy is based on knowing the outcome. As Christians, we are more than conquers which implies that we will have things to conquer, but we win!
As the Apostle Paul states, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4)
Grace and peace, Ramona
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I think one of the most amazing things about the story with Paul & Barnabas is that they had to work so hard to keep the people from falling into idolatry and worship of them. In our American culture, that's what everybody seems to be looking for---celebrity! Even some in ministry unfortunately. And then this same crowd that was ready to make sacrifices for them and worship them as Zeus and Hermes was so quickly stirred up to anger and violence by rabble rousers. Even if they had had selfish motives and wanted to bask in the glow of all this idolatry, it would have turned on them with such a fickle crowd. Moral of the story: don't believe the hype!
Thanks so much for doing this blog. It has been a real blessing to me this year.
Micah Girl
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In regards to your last question...I sort of have a stating of the obvious. Maybe I am just dense, but I never read Proverbs 17:22 this way before...
I've been thinking and talking a lot lately about rejoicing always. Not just rejoicing when things are going well. I find, though, that all too often I (and most everyone I know) are fine with rejoicing so long as we are happy with life...but will give over to grumbling and complaining as soon as that changes.
This verse sort of reinforced this thought for me...that we are to rejoice always...are to have a joyful heart always. I love that he calls it medicine.
Who takes medicine when they are well?
The joy of the Lord is our medicine...what makes us well and gives us strength to stand no matter what life brings.
That just smacked me upside the head this morning! But I am glad for it!!
Tina
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Jehoshaphat was a man who held no grudges,even though in an attempt to save himself,Ahab put Jehoshaphat's in danger,he still went along to help Ahab's son.Even though Joram wasn't as evil as his parents were...he was still bad...and Elisha had no respect for him. It's so obvious from this OT reading who's godly(Jehoshaphat,Elisha)and who's not...Their lives spoke of their faith.I guess that's what I want in my life as well....that my life truly be a light...that I live out my faith and love for God(and my neighbours)not just profess it. I thought a bit about the Shunammite lady...she had money,she came to terms with the fact that she's never have a son...so really she wanted nothing from Elisha except to show honour to God by showing kindness to His servant...no strings attached. The same crowd that was ready to worship Paul and Barnabas turned against them...Sometimes I wonder if we as humans truly know how to worship...When we're happy we sing out loud,praise God with all(?)our heart...when we're faced with problems we get mad at the same God we once worshipped...some even reject Him completely...I pray that God teaches me how to worship Him...No stings attached..just because He is God and I am...terribly me(human)...Oh yes we should reject worship from men...I hear fans who go so nuts over their idols that they rip out earings,clothes from them...stalk them..even when we as christians "respect","adore" certain leaders that we feel God is using....we want to go and unload all our problems,we don't care how tired they are....we just want them to pray for us,hoping for a touch from God..then if they make a mistake in their lives,we're ready to stone them..... I also pray to have the kind of heart Paul did...even with bruises from the stones,maybe even limping...he still went about the kingdom business...his faith so evident in his life... God bless you all Anka
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before even reading the rest of the blog, I must comment...
Mike thanks for the comments on LEGACY... I think they are right on track... And they are great! Loving GOD and loving people... We are all leaving a legacy... What a legacy to leave...
GLORY John
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Here's something on legacy that I found inspiring, but i can't recall the author of the quote. "I expect to pass through this world but once. any good things, therefore, that I can do,any kindness that I can show a fellow being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." It reminds me of the proverb that says, "When it is in your power to do good do not withhold it."
Part of Paul's legacy in Acts 14 is that wherever he went he invested in people (called disciples) who invested in people. Jesus left us that legacy too when he gave us his last words of 'making disciples who make disciples who make disciples, unti He returns.'
Luch
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The reading today about the woman with the empty vessels reminds me of a recent empty-vessel experience in my life. After 15 years working at the local newspaper, my job was eliminated. I could have applied for one of a handful of jobs that were created in the reorganization or I could have done nothing and walked away with a severance package that would continue to provide income for about six months. Should I try for a sure thing -- one of those new jobs -- or should I walk away? I took it before the Lord and was very sure that I was being led to walk away. My colleagues were shocked. What are you going to do? they asked. I had no idea. I would spend some time with my kids, try some freelancing, look around for another job, and if worse came to worse move back home with my parents. (I'm almost 40 and would not want to do that, but they said my family and I were welcome and I was willing to go, if that was God's will.) I had emptied my vessel and laid it before God, then I filled it with the only "oil" I had -- complete faith in God. Well, before I could get my first unemployment check a job offer came in with comparable pay, good benefits and better hours. And get this -- I had not contacted this employer. The vice president, a former co-worker, contacted my husband. Said he had heard about my predicament. He was down to a handful of finalists for an open position but he said if I got my information to him right away he would consider me alongside the other candidates. I did as he requested and I got the job! Hallelujah! Was that a "God thing" or what?! If I had planned the future myself, without laying it empty before God, I probably would have gone for the "sure thing" and applied for one of those other newspaper jobs. I probably would have been unfulfilled and unhappy. Newspaper readership is declining. I could well have found myself in a tough spot again in a very short time. I have yet to start my new job, but knowing that God orchestrated it I believe it will be just what I need for this season of my life. I am so grateful to Him and I pray that the concept of the empty vessel -- just like those in our reading today -- will be one that stays with me for the rest of my life and that God helps me share with others.
Sherri
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Acts 14: Lystra
In a time and area of the world where magic, sorcery, and other activities alleged to have abounded - WHY jump on these guys bandwagon so quickly?
Because the area had, according to legend, screwed up before - and lest it happen again, and they be wiped out - the people of Lystra were trigger happy to worship the return of what they thought were Zeus and Hermes.
"Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker."
In Greek mythology, it was common for the “gods” to come to earth in human form, though they did not always do so for the good of man... The people in Lystra had a legend that once Zeus and Hermes had visited their land disguised as mortals, and no one gave them any hospitality except for one older couple. In their anger at the people, Zeus and Hermes wiped out the whole population, except for the old couple. No wonder the people of Lystra were so quick to honor Paul and Barnabas! - David Guzik
Now Zeus and Hermes (whom the Romans called Jupiter and Mercury) were traditionally connected with that region; in the eighth book of his Metamorphoses (lines 626 ff.) the poet Ovid tells a well known story of how they came to those parts incognito and received hospitality from an aged couple, Philemon and Baucis, who were well rewarded for their kindness, while their inhospitable neighbours were overwhelmed by a deluge. http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/ffbruce/ntdocrli/ntdocc08.htm ====================================================== Paul's Follow-Up: Going back to previous "stops".
Personally this hit me hard. I received almost no follow-up after salvation. I travelled to a family church 30 miles up the interstate, and was on my own the next 6 days. Person at work who pointed me to Christ hardly ever spoke to me - surely not as much as he did when trying to "evangelize me"/"save me".
My faith was not an issue, but after wonderful Sunday worship - I found myself after six months finding it harder to hit my knees in prayer, read the Bible, think of Christ - I JUST started becoming easily distracted. Then going back getting "right" on Sunday only to drift again thru another week.
I am not talking about an indoctrination, but just "caring" for other Christians. A phone call, an email, an accountability/prayer partner, a Bible Study Group, occasional planned activities, and PRAYER for the new Christians.
Paul and Barnabas seemed to have a very succinct and patterned system for follow-up. It is a little different than above because "new" churches (groups of people) were involved - but other than "organization" it would seem also to apply to individual new Christians.
["They" being Paul and Barnabas]
"They were willing to give up their lives to carry the gospel." But have you ever known anyone willing to give up his life for follow-up? They did. They went back to the cities, and it would have been hotter for them than their first visit. It would have been very easy for them to say, "They are already saved, let's play it cool. They are going to get to heaven." They were so committed to follow-up that they would spend their lives if need be. That is some kind of commitment. I find that there are many people burdened over leading people to Christ, and willing to give their lives to preach the gospel, but I don't find too many people giving their lives to follow-up the saints."
1)"strengthening the disciples" - Gk. episterizo: which is made up of epi meaning "upon," and sterix meaning "a prop" or "a support." Paul and Barnabas went back to prop up the disciples. Episterizo is used four times in the book of Acts for propping up new believers (Ac. 14:21; 15:32, 41; 18:23). Literally it means "to strengthen." They helped the disciples to stand on their own and to be strong. - John MacArthur
2)"encouraging them to remain true to the faith" - Exhorting them - The word "encouraging" is parakaleo in the Greek and means "to push a person toward a certain kind of conduct." It is like saying, "Here are the facts, now go do it!" - ibid.
[Purpose of exhorting is to have them continue in faith, and be prepared for the coming hardships (spiritual warfare).]
3)Organization: appointed "elders" so the people would have local leadership when Paul and Barnabas were gone.
4)prayer with fasting: concentrated prayer
5)"committed them to the Lord" - in the end when all the follow-up of the evangelists is done - they "commended" the new believers (church) to God.
Cited direct lifts from a John MacArthur sermon.
John
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Reading the bible takes a lot of study and thought, and each and every time I open the book I learn something new, no matter how many times I read it. I love the bible and the gospel, but have been struggling with church lately, which has been kind of hard for me. I have been reading Ray Barnett's book about titled, "THE GATHERING." THE GATHERING sets people free – pastors, church members, and “wounded orphans” who have long since left the institutional church. It sets them free by allowing them to think about issues that have previously been encased in tradition to the point of suffocation. It has been a great book.
Becky
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Mike and everyone, 2 Kings 3:1-4:17 i was inspired by a sermon by Simon Robinson called "Under the Influence" at sermoncentral.com: Jehoshophat had already been rebuked by the Lord (through His Prophets) for his alliance with the last 2 Kings. 2 Chronicles 19:2 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. (NIV) 2 Chronicles 20:37 37 Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made." The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade. (NIV) And yet when asked by Ahab’s son Joram to join him in battle against Moab, 7b And Jehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses." (2 Kings 3:7b NLT) Joram, the Scripture tells us - "He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, but not to the same extent as his father and mother... he continued in the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed and led the people of Israel to commit."(2 Kings 3:2,3 NLT) And Jehoshaphat only remembered to inquire the Lord's guidance much later, when the alliance of Judah, Israel, and Edom went through wilderness for seven days without water. In the end, though the Lord did help the three allies, the battle had led to "death, destruction, and human sacrifice", when the Moabites turned to human sacrifice in desperation. How different would be outcome be if Jehoshaphat had sought out the Lord's guidance at the outset? May this story be a reminder for us, to daily seek the Lord and His Word as our life's guidance. "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord." (Psalm 119:1 NIV) grateful for Simon Robinson's sermon; most of all - grateful for God's inspired Word.
God bless you! Joyce
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Mike-Thank you SO much for your blog, it blesses me and my husband daily and I thank The Lord for you and your ministry.
I think your legacy is wonderful as it does connect to the first and second commandments. So does J.O.Y. Jesus, Others, Yourself. :-)
I wrote a personal mission statement (legacy) back in 2009 and it is similar to yours... "Glorify and serve Jesus Christ while encouraging, inspiring and loving others!"
ALL for Him,
Kathy
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Good evening all! Cute analogy about the donkey Ramona 2 Kings 3:1-4:17 Israel. Judah both groups team up again. This was in the 18th year of Jehosophats reign This time was to fight against Moab.
Jehosophat made me think of book of Ruth. The allegiance and love "You and I are one. My troops are your troops- my horses your horses-
King jehosophat -seeks a prophet of the Lord
Elisha -gets called While the harp played - the Spirit was all upon Elisha The moabite clan-what a disaster- to sacrifice their own child-so sad
We got to see and witness Elisha and see how awesome he was - helping-the widow and giving wise advice and giving back to the Shunammite woman who was so sweet and hospitable.
Acts 14:8-28 Place: Lystra Paul and Barnabas were healing others based on the faith of believers - a crippled man The people were calling them gods - this saddened them- Paul got stoned again- left for dead. He got up - went on with Barnabas to Derbe returned to Lystrq , Iconium and Antioch- appointed elders in every church- ended today in Antioch God opened the door of faith for gentiles!
Psalm 140:1-13 Psalm of David Rescue me and Lord keep evil away- from me and my family, friends, close ones-protect them
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit saps a persons strength.
Dee
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Mike doing anything for anyone without the motivating factor of love is useless and will not earn you “goodie” points with God. Well it’s not really useless for the person or people you are doing it for but it is useless for the person doing if there is no love and that is by way of the Apostle Paul as written in the thirteenth chapter of I Corinthians,.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
II Kings 3-4:17
What I love about the bible are all the personal stories of the Patriarchs, the Prophets and kings. To me their stories are like Case Studies that I can observe, study and see all the warts, mistakes, miss-steps and obedience to God or lack there of. Since we live in a “Cause and Effect” world, I don’t have to bop myself upside the head repeating the same mistakes they did. If I study carefully their choices and the subsequent consequences, I can avoid failing down the same well they did. There are so many traps laid out to catch us and it is wonderful to have inside knowledge of how the devil operates, as well as avoiding those choices that eminent from my focus on “self.”
Jehoshaphat again aligns himself with Ahab’s family. This time it is his son, Joram. The last time this happened he almost got himself killed (I Kings 22), yet he again forms a pact with Israel. However because Jehosaphat is with Joram, the prophet Elisha, given the Word of the Lord regarding the battle, tolerates Joram and God gives them a great victory. How many people think they are all that and a bag of chips because they have been involved in something that is successful; however, the success of the project is not because they have clean hands or favor with God, it is because someone on the team is being honored by God because God is giving them respect and favor. I know I have been guilty of that.
We would laugh if we found out that the donkey Jesus rode on in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem thought that all the cheering was for him. But we are like the donkey when we take credit for things that succeed because we think it’s all about us; instead of realizing that the victories we experience, the favor we have, come because God sees us through the prism of His Son, Jesus. When God looks at me, a Christian, He does not see me He sees Jesus.
Isaiah 64:
6We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away.
Acts 14:8-28
When someone who can walk is injured and has to stay off their feet for even one week, when they become ambulatory again, they have a problem with balance. If someone is immobilized for an extended period, they usually go to a rehabilitation hospital to learn to walk and move again. This man that was healed had never walked before so not only did he receive strength in his feet to walk, he got instantaneous control of muscles he had never used before. That is just awesome.
Psalm 140:1-13
I imagine that David wrote this Psalm as he dodged King Saul’s dogged attempt to catch and kill him. Instead of trying to ambush and kill Saul or using the two opportunities that walked into his life to take Saul out, David gave the job of extracting vengeance over to God. David is such a role model to follow when others have wronged us and we want to get our pound of flesh. God takes care of all those who come against His servants and children. That is knowledge that I need to get deep down inside of me.
Proverbs 17:22
How we approach the day, how we respond to our situations and circumstances is a matter of choice, always was, is and will be. Circumstances shouldn’t color our day, we should color our circumstances with a joyful attitude. Happiness is based on circumstances; joy is based on knowing the outcome. As Christians, we are more than conquers which implies that we will have things to conquer, but we win!
As the Apostle Paul states, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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I think one of the most amazing things about the story with Paul & Barnabas is that they had to work so hard to keep the people from falling into idolatry and worship of them. In our American culture, that's what everybody seems to be looking for---celebrity! Even some in ministry unfortunately. And then this same crowd that was ready to make sacrifices for them and worship them as Zeus and Hermes was so quickly stirred up to anger and violence by rabble rousers. Even if they had had selfish motives and wanted to bask in the glow of all this idolatry, it would have turned on them with such a fickle crowd. Moral of the story: don't believe the hype!
Thanks so much for doing this blog. It has been a real blessing to me this year.
Micah Girl
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In regards to your last question...I sort of have a stating of the obvious. Maybe I am just dense, but I never read Proverbs 17:22 this way before...
I've been thinking and talking a lot lately about rejoicing always. Not just rejoicing when things are going well. I find, though, that all too often I (and most everyone I know) are fine with rejoicing so long as we are happy with life...but will give over to grumbling and complaining as soon as that changes.
This verse sort of reinforced this thought for me...that we are to rejoice always...are to have a joyful heart always. I love that he calls it medicine.
Who takes medicine when they are well?
The joy of the Lord is our medicine...what makes us well and gives us strength to stand no matter what life brings.
That just smacked me upside the head this morning! But I am glad for it!!
Tina
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Jehoshaphat was a man who held no grudges,even though in an attempt to save himself,Ahab put Jehoshaphat's in danger,he still went along to help Ahab's son.Even though Joram wasn't as evil as his parents were...he was still bad...and Elisha had no respect for him.
It's so obvious from this OT reading who's godly(Jehoshaphat,Elisha)and who's not...Their lives spoke of their faith.I guess that's what I want in my life as well....that my life truly be a light...that I live out my faith and love for God(and my neighbours)not just profess it.
I thought a bit about the Shunammite lady...she had money,she came to terms with the fact that she's never have a son...so really she wanted nothing from Elisha except to show honour to God by showing kindness to His servant...no strings attached.
The same crowd that was ready to worship Paul and Barnabas turned against them...Sometimes I wonder if we as humans truly know how to worship...When we're happy we sing out loud,praise God with all(?)our heart...when we're faced with problems we get mad at the same God we once worshipped...some even reject Him completely...I pray that God teaches me how to worship Him...No stings attached..just because He is God and I am...terribly me(human)...Oh yes we should reject worship from men...I hear fans who go so nuts over their idols that they rip out earings,clothes from them...stalk them..even when we as christians "respect","adore" certain leaders that we feel God is using....we want to go and unload all our problems,we don't care how tired they are....we just want them to pray for us,hoping for a touch from God..then if they make a mistake in their lives,we're ready to stone them.....
I also pray to have the kind of heart Paul did...even with bruises from the stones,maybe even limping...he still went about the kingdom business...his faith so evident in his life...
God bless you all
Anka
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before even reading the rest of the blog, I must comment...
Mike thanks for the comments on LEGACY... I think they are right on track... And they are great! Loving GOD and loving people... We are all leaving a legacy... What a legacy to leave...
GLORY
John
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Here's something on legacy that I found inspiring, but i can't recall the author of the quote. "I expect to pass through this world but once. any good things, therefore, that I can do,any kindness that I can show a fellow being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." It reminds me of the proverb that says, "When it is in your power to do good do not withhold it."
Part of Paul's legacy in Acts 14 is that wherever he went he invested in people (called disciples) who invested in people. Jesus left us that legacy too when he gave us his last words of 'making disciples who make disciples who make disciples, unti He returns.'
Luch
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The reading today about the woman with the empty vessels reminds me of a recent empty-vessel experience in my life. After 15 years working at the local newspaper, my job was eliminated. I could have applied for one of a handful of jobs that were created in the reorganization or I could have done nothing and walked away with a severance package that would continue to provide income for about six months. Should I try for a sure thing -- one of those new jobs -- or should I walk away? I took it before the Lord and was very sure that I was being led to walk away. My colleagues were shocked. What are you going to do? they asked. I had no idea. I would spend some time with my kids, try some freelancing, look around for another job, and if worse came to worse move back home with my parents. (I'm almost 40 and would not want to do that, but they said my family and I were welcome and I was willing to go, if that was God's will.) I had emptied my vessel and laid it before God, then I filled it with the only "oil" I had -- complete faith in God. Well, before I could get my first unemployment check a job offer came in with comparable pay, good benefits and better hours. And get this -- I had not contacted this employer. The vice president, a former co-worker, contacted my husband. Said he had heard about my predicament. He was down to a handful of finalists for an open position but he said if I got my information to him right away he would consider me alongside the other candidates. I did as he requested and I got the job! Hallelujah! Was that a "God thing" or what?! If I had planned the future myself, without laying it empty before God, I probably would have gone for the "sure thing" and applied for one of those other newspaper jobs. I probably would have been unfulfilled and unhappy. Newspaper readership is declining. I could well have found myself in a tough spot again in a very short time. I have yet to start my new job, but knowing that God orchestrated it I believe it will be just what I need for this season of my life. I am so grateful to Him and I pray that the concept of the empty vessel -- just like those in our reading today -- will be one that stays with me for the rest of my life and that God helps me share with others.
Sherri
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Acts 14: Lystra
In a time and area of the world where magic, sorcery, and other activities alleged to have abounded - WHY jump on these guys bandwagon so quickly?
Because the area had, according to legend, screwed up before - and lest it happen again, and they be wiped out - the people of Lystra were trigger happy to worship the return of what they thought were Zeus and Hermes.
"Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker."
In Greek mythology, it was common for the “gods” to come to earth in human form, though they did not always do so for the good of man... The people in Lystra had a legend that once Zeus and Hermes had visited their land disguised as mortals, and no one gave them any hospitality except for one older couple. In their anger at the people, Zeus and Hermes wiped out the whole population, except for the old couple. No wonder the people of Lystra were so quick to honor Paul and Barnabas! - David Guzik
Now Zeus and Hermes (whom the Romans called Jupiter and Mercury) were traditionally connected with that region; in the eighth book of his Metamorphoses (lines 626 ff.) the poet Ovid tells a well known story of how they came to those parts incognito and received hospitality from an aged couple, Philemon and Baucis, who were well rewarded for their kindness, while their inhospitable neighbours were overwhelmed by a deluge.
http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/ffbruce/ntdocrli/ntdocc08.htm
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Paul's Follow-Up: Going back to previous "stops".
Personally this hit me hard. I received almost no follow-up after salvation. I travelled to a family church 30 miles up the interstate, and was on my own the next 6 days. Person at work who pointed me to Christ hardly ever spoke to me - surely not as much as he did when trying to "evangelize me"/"save me".
My faith was not an issue, but after wonderful Sunday worship - I found myself after six months finding it harder to hit my knees in prayer, read the Bible, think of Christ - I JUST started becoming easily distracted. Then going back getting "right" on Sunday only to drift again thru another week.
I am not talking about an indoctrination, but just "caring" for other Christians. A phone call, an email, an accountability/prayer partner, a Bible Study Group, occasional planned activities, and PRAYER for the new Christians.
Paul and Barnabas seemed to have a very succinct and patterned system for follow-up. It is a little different than above because "new" churches (groups of people) were involved - but other than "organization" it would seem also to apply to individual new Christians.
["They" being Paul and Barnabas]
"They were willing to give up their lives to carry the gospel." But have you ever known anyone willing to give up his life for follow-up? They did. They went back to the cities, and it would have been hotter for them than their first visit. It would have been very easy for them to say, "They are already saved, let's play it cool. They are going to get to heaven." They were so committed to follow-up that they would spend their lives if need be. That is some kind of commitment. I find that there are many people burdened over leading people to Christ, and willing to give their lives to preach the gospel, but I don't find too many people giving their lives to follow-up the saints."
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1749.htm
ELEMENTS OF FOLLOW-UP
1)"strengthening the disciples" - Gk. episterizo: which is made up of epi meaning "upon," and sterix meaning "a prop" or "a support." Paul and Barnabas went back to prop up the disciples. Episterizo is used four times in the book of Acts for propping up new believers (Ac. 14:21; 15:32, 41; 18:23). Literally it means "to strengthen." They helped the disciples to stand on their own and to be strong. - John MacArthur
2)"encouraging them to remain true to the faith" - Exhorting them - The word "encouraging" is parakaleo in the Greek and means "to push a person toward a certain kind of conduct." It is like saying, "Here are the facts, now go do it!" - ibid.
[Purpose of exhorting is to have them continue in faith, and be prepared for the coming hardships (spiritual warfare).]
3)Organization: appointed "elders" so the people would have local leadership when Paul and Barnabas were gone.
4)prayer with fasting: concentrated prayer
5)"committed them to the Lord" - in the end when all the follow-up of the evangelists is done - they "commended" the new believers (church) to God.
Cited direct lifts from a John MacArthur sermon.
John
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Reading the bible takes a lot of study and thought, and each and every time I open the book I learn something new, no matter how many times I read it. I love the bible and the gospel, but have been struggling with church lately, which has been kind of hard for me. I have been reading Ray Barnett's book about titled, "THE GATHERING." THE GATHERING sets people free – pastors, church members, and “wounded orphans” who have long since left the institutional church. It sets them free by allowing them to think about issues that have previously been encased in tradition to the point of suffocation. It has been a great book.
Becky
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Mike and everyone,
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
i was inspired by a sermon by Simon Robinson called "Under the Influence" at sermoncentral.com:
Jehoshophat had already been rebuked by the Lord (through His Prophets) for his alliance with the last 2 Kings.
2 Chronicles 19:2
2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 20:37
37 Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made." The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade. (NIV)
And yet when asked by Ahab’s son Joram to join him in battle against Moab,
7b And Jehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses." (2 Kings 3:7b NLT)
Joram, the Scripture tells us -
"He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, but not to the same extent as his father and mother... he continued in the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed and led the people of Israel to commit."(2 Kings 3:2,3 NLT)
And Jehoshaphat only remembered to inquire the Lord's guidance much later, when the alliance of Judah, Israel, and Edom went through wilderness for seven days without water.
In the end, though the Lord did help the three allies, the battle had led to "death, destruction, and human sacrifice", when the Moabites turned to human sacrifice in desperation.
How different would be outcome be if Jehoshaphat had sought out the Lord's guidance at the outset?
May this story be a reminder for us, to daily seek the Lord and His Word as our life's guidance.
"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord." (Psalm 119:1 NIV)
grateful for Simon Robinson's sermon;
most of all - grateful for God's inspired Word.
God bless you!
Joyce
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Mike-Thank you SO much for your blog, it blesses me and my husband daily and I thank The Lord for you and your ministry.
I think your legacy is wonderful as it does connect to the first and second commandments. So does J.O.Y. Jesus, Others, Yourself. :-)
I wrote a personal mission statement (legacy) back in 2009 and it is similar to yours...
"Glorify and serve Jesus Christ while encouraging, inspiring and loving others!"
ALL for Him,
Kathy
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Good evening all! Cute analogy about the donkey Ramona
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Israel. Judah both groups team up again. This was in the 18th year of Jehosophats reign
This time was to fight against Moab.
Jehosophat made me think of book of Ruth. The allegiance and love
"You and I are one. My troops are your troops- my horses your horses-
King jehosophat -seeks a prophet of the Lord
Elisha -gets called
While the harp played - the Spirit was all upon Elisha
The moabite clan-what a disaster- to sacrifice their own child-so sad
We got to see and witness Elisha and see how awesome he was - helping-the widow and giving wise advice and giving back to the Shunammite woman who was so sweet and hospitable.
Acts 14:8-28
Place: Lystra Paul and Barnabas were healing others based on the faith of believers - a crippled man
The people were calling them gods - this saddened them- Paul got stoned again- left for dead. He got up - went on with Barnabas to Derbe returned to Lystrq , Iconium and Antioch- appointed elders in every church- ended today in Antioch God opened the door of faith for gentiles!
Psalm 140:1-13 Psalm of David
Rescue me and Lord keep evil away- from me and my family, friends, close ones-protect them
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit saps a persons strength.
Dee