What an awesome example Elisha set on how to be a true follower of God. His faith healed many. The story of Naaman (2Kings 5) sticks out to me at this moment. Naaman was highly regarded and stricken with leprosy. He was sent to Elisha to rid him of his leprosy. When he got to Elisha, Elisha sent a message to Naaman telling him to wash in the Jordan seven time. This would rid him of his leprosy. Naaman thought that was silly. He wanted Elisha to come out and call on God, but Elisha had no need. The Lord was already with him. Naaman didn't like this, so instead of being obedient he turned away. This is exactly what we do to God. We ask for change, we ask for completion and when God hands us our answer we go " That doesn't make sense. I'm just going to do what I wanted to do in the first place". Big ugly buzz. That's wrong. If Naaman would have continued to turn away, he would have never been healed. It took his servant to get him to turn around and when he did, he was blessed. He was cleansed. He was restored. He was new. Sounds familiar? 2cor 5:16-17 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:a The old has gone, the new is here! Naaman then went to Elisha and and declared "there is no other God in all the earth, but in Israel" In this moment, he knew God was real and it was, because of Elisha and his faith in the Lord. His obedience to the Lord. We must get in alignment with God then we could do so much. All the people need is to see a true devoted Christian and their love of God and it can change the wickedest of hearts. Naaman didn't just find Elisha, he was told to go to this man of God, because of the reputation he had. That should be us. People should know we are Christ's without even speaking, but by our actions and the love we show.
Reflection
Have you ever found yourself in a "spiritual stand still"? I am experiencing that today. It's like yesterday was amazing. I ended up in a random bible study with the fam (totally normal). There was a new person there, who got to experience our truth digging and that is always fun and exciting. Gaining new perspectives and hashing problems out from the word of God and having a great time, but today...... Oh, do I lack my everyday zeal. Where has it gone? I've wrapped myself up in so many projects and activities on top of my home life that I've left out the very key to my Joy.... My Lord. He has gotten a smidget of my time today, just a smidget. I immediately began working on things for my daughter's party that's on Saturday. Between that and kids, I chose who I would devote my time to. No, not God, not my kids, but to myself. I selfishly did what I wanted to do. If I wanted to make time time for the Lord, I would have. I do. And I am. We must remember that If we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all things will be added unto us. Meaning if we put the Lord first everything will fall in place. That's what I plan to do. Seek Him first.
Thanks for listening.
Accept His Forgiveness
"Jesus came as the Son of Man to rescue us from the great plight of man: we have a sin problem, and we are powerless to help ourselves. Given the right circumstances and the wrong state of mind, each of us is capable of just about anything. Even if we could get our external lives under perfect and legalistic control, we'd probably rot on the inside with the heinous sin of pride. Let's face it, we're all hopeless, except that Jesus came as the Son of Man with the authority on earth to forgive sin."
Beth Moore
Personal Reflection Series "Jesus"
She couldn't have worded this more perfectly. It's true we are all susceptible to sin and we forget that Christ has paid for every sin we've committed or will commit. We find ourselves sitting on a high horse sometimes, thinking we have authority over God's forgiveness, but we don't. At times we commit the sin of not trusting in God completely. We sin then we ask for forgiveness several times thinking that it will make us feel better, but it doesn't and won't until we let our guards down and allow God to do His part.
24 Then He is gracious to him, and says,
‘ Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom; 25 His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the days of his youth. 26 He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness. 27 Then he looks at men and says,‘I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me. 28 He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit,
And his life shall see the light.
Job 33:24-28
Go out & Spread the Gospel
Why is it so hard to talk to strangers about God? We know what He has done for us; He has given us eternal life. So, why don't we feel that's great enough? The great speaker, Ray Comfort used the analogy of the burning house. If you and a bunch of people lived in a house together and one night you wake up to the over bearing smell of smoke; would you,
A.) Rescue yourself
B.) Tell as many people as you can to make sure they are saved before the fire gets out of hand
Think about it, not everyone knows that they can be saved from sin. And, some people think they are"good" enough to not need saving; not true. No one is perfect and no one is sinless or will ever stop sinning that's why Jesus came. He traded His righteousness for our sin so that you and I can be saved from Hell. Go out and spread the gospel.
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