April 25 -- "A Skeptic Misses Out"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 7 & 8

"A Skeptic Misses Out"

Doubting God's power can result in missing out on opportunities, blessings, or experiences. Doubt, when approached as a means of questioning and seeking deeper understanding, can lead to personal and spiritual growth. However, if doubt is accompanied by excessive skepticism or fear of exploring new ideas or beliefs, it will hinder growth and limit one's experiences.

Witness the captain's skepticism in today's reading from 2 Kings 7. It's like he enrolled in the "school of doubt" and graduated with flying colors. His response truly leaves us shaking our heads, wondering if he missed the memo on God's power and ability to do the impossible. Perhaps he needed a reminder that God is not bound by human limitations or even by building codes for that matter.

Unfortunately, his doubts overshadowed his ability to grasp the magnitude of God's intervention.

In our own lives, we may find ourselves relating a bit too closely to the captain's skepticism. We can be experts at coming up with reasons why God can't possibly work in our situations. We forget that the Creator of the universe is not limited by our limited understanding. So let's take a lesson from the captain's book, but with a twist. Instead of asking doubtful questions, let's ask, "What if God were to do the impossible in my life?" Now that's a question that can unleash a world of possibilities and leave us in awe of His mighty deeds.

Jesus had some powerful words to say about accomplishing the impossible. In Matthew 19:26, Jesus declared, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Did you catch that? ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Jesus emphasized a fundamental truth: human limitations and impossibilities are no match for God's limitless power. He shattered the notion that we can achieve salvation or overcome our deepest struggles through our own efforts alone. Instead, He pointed to the transformative work of God's grace and divine intervention.

In the end, the captain's skepticism serves as a reminder of the foolishness of doubting God's power. And the seriousness of taking God’s promises at face value. So, let's learn from the captain's doubtful response and choose faith over skepticism, knowing that our God is the master of opening windows in heaven and surprising us beyond measure.

April 24 -- "A Glimpse Into The Invisible Realm"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 6

"A Glimpse Into The Invisible Realm"

Imagine, if you will, experiencing a moment in time where you could literally see beyond our physical world and get a glimpse of the invisible spiritual realm where angels dwell and God inhabits His throne. Upon having your "spiritual eyes" opened, you might feel awe-struck and humbled as you witness the vast and intricate tapestry of the invisible spiritual realm unfold before you, revealing profound truths and connections beyond the confines of the physical world. This is exactly what happened to Elisha's servant in 2 Kings 6.

Elisha prayed for his servant, asking the Lord to open his eyes, and behold… the servant's spiritual eyes were opened to a mind-blowing reality – a view into the invisible realm of the spirit teeming with horses and chariots of fire ready to protect them.  In addition to this incident in 2 Kings 6, there are several instances in the Bible where individuals were granted glimpses into the spiritual realm. Here are a few notable instances:

• ·       Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28:10-17)
• ·       Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6)
• ·       Isaiah's Vision of God (Isaiah 6:1-4):
• ·       Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory (Ezekiel 1:4-28):
• ·       Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-8):
• ·       Stephen's Vision before Martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56):
• ·       John's Revelation on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9-20):
• ·       The apostle Paul’s experience of being caught up to heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

While not every person in the Bible had such encounters, these extraordinary experiences remind us of God's supernatural involvement in human history and His desire to communicate with His people by whatever means He chooses.

It's important to note that these instances were specific to the individuals involved and the purposes God had for them. They were not everyday occurrences but exceptional revelations granted to chosen individuals for specific reasons.

While these examples highlight extraordinary encounters with the spiritual realm, it's essential to focus on cultivating our faith, trusting God's Word, and seeking His presence in our everyday lives. During our walk with Christ, we may or may not, be granted the exceptional experience of visions and heavenly spectacles as those mentioned above, but we can still experience God's presence, guidance, and provision through prayer, Scripture, and a personal relationship with Him.

April 23 -- "Wash And Be Clean"

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 5 

"Wash And Be Clean"

There is a spiritual connotation to the phrase "wash and be clean" in the context of the Scripture passage from 2 Kings 5:13. While Naaman initially understands the command to wash in the Jordan River as a physical cleansing for his leprosy, it also carries a deeper spiritual significance.

In the Bible, water often symbolizes purification and renewal. When Naaman is instructed to wash in the Jordan, it represents an act of faith and obedience to God's command. It is a symbolic gesture of surrendering to God's authority and acknowledging His power to heal and cleanse.

Spiritually, we all have a "leprosy" of sin that separates us from God's presence and perfection. Just as Naaman needed to be cleansed physically, we need to be cleansed spiritually from our sins. The act of washing in the Jordan River illustrates our need for repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

A verse that highlights this concept of cleansing and purification is found in the New Testament: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV)

Here, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians, reminding them of their past sins and their subsequent transformation through faith in Christ. The believers in Corinth had experienced a spiritual washing, being cleansed from their former sins and set apart for God's purposes.

The act of washing and being cleansed spiritually is made easy through God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is simple and accessible to all who believe in Jesus and place their faith in Him. Through Jesus' death on the cross, He paid the price for our sins and offers us the gift of washing and being cleansed. Oh, what joy it is to be clean in the eyes of our Maker!

April 22 -- "An Unconventional Healing"

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 4 

"An Unconventional Healing"

A “miracle” can be defined as an extraordinary and supernatural event that transcends the laws of nature and is caused by divine intervention. It is a remarkable occurrence or phenomenon that cannot be explained or understood through ordinary natural processes or scientific explanations. In this passage, we witness the incredible power of God working through the prophet Elisha. This is one of more than 200 miracles recorded in the pages of Sacred Scripture.

In this case, a young boy, who had fallen into a lifeless state, experiences a remarkable resurrection. In a rather curious and unconventional approach, Elisha lies on the child, exchanging warmth, breath, and touch. As a result, the boy's flesh comes back to life, and he is miraculously restored.

God often chooses to use ordinary people and “strange” methods to accomplish extraordinary things. Elisha was just a man, but he carried the anointing of God upon him. He displayed tremendous faith and acted with a deep sense of compassion. We, too, can be vessels through which God's power flows. We can bring life, hope, and restoration to those around us by allowing God's love to work through us.

Take a moment to consider the people in your life who are in need of God's touch. It may be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. Don't underestimate the impact you can have when you choose to step out in faith, offering your warmth, your breath, and your touch. Your words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and prayers can bring life to those who are spiritually or emotionally dead.

Now, I don't recommend trying the "lying on someone" approach for a miraculous healing. You might end up with some strange looks or, worse, a visit from the local authorities. But, don’t limit God or His methods either. You never know when He will call upon you to do something odd or curious as a means of displaying His miracle working power.

Remember, God's power is not limited by our limitations. He can use our smallest acts of love and compassion, no matter how unconventional, to bring about remarkable transformations. So, let's be willing to stretch ourselves, just as Elisha did, and be conduits of God's healing and restoration.

April 21 -- "Isn't There a Prophet Here?"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 3 

"Isn't There a Prophet Here?"

In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, we often find ourselves facing complex decisions, moral dilemmas, and spiritual challenges. We may wonder, "Isn't there a prophet here? Is there no one who can offer godly wisdom and perspective in the midst of confusion?"

The phrase "Is there no prophet here?" from 2 Kings 3:11 holds relevance even in our modern-day lives. While we may not have prophets in the same sense as in Old Testament times, we can interpret it as a call to seek wise counsel and guidance from the writings of the prophets, the other Biblical authors, and those amongst us who have spiritual insight and understanding.

Fortunately, God has not left us without sources of spiritual guidance. We have access to pastors, mentors, and fellow believers who can provide counsel rooted in biblical truth and personal experience. They can help us navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that align with God's will.

Moreover, the indwelling Holy Spirit serves as our constant guide and counselor. The reality is that there is always a Prophet here. His name is Jesus Christ, the risen and living Son of God. As believers, we have the privilege of inquiring of the Lord by seeking His wisdom and discernment through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and listening to His still, small voice.

In a world filled with noise and conflicting opinions, let us actively seek the counsel of God and the wisdom of those who are spiritually mature. Don't hesitate to reach out to pastors, trusted mentors, or friends who have a deep understanding of God's Word and a genuine walk with Him.

In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, let's not neglect the greatest source of wisdom and guidance—the Word of God. It is the ultimate roadmap for our lives, offering timeless truths and principles to navigate the twists and turns of this world.

April 20 -- "Supersized Divine Mojo"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 2 

"Supersized Divine Mojo"

Have you ever asked for a double portion of pie à la mode? I sure have! Today, however, we see Elisha asking for a double portion of something way more substantial and life-changing: God's supernatural empowerment.

As we delve into 2 Kings 2, we witness a remarkable exchange between Elijah and his successor, Elisha. Picture this: they're crossing the Jordan River, having a deep conversation about life, miracles, and the best places to grab a falafel in Samaria. In this pivotal moment, Elijah offers Elisha the chance to request anything before his heavenly departure.

Elisha seizes the opportunity, but instead of asking for a new set of donkey wheels or a cloak that never wrinkles or a double portion of fig pudding, he asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, referring to the spiritual anointing and power of the Lord. It was God’s anointing and power that Elisha had witnessed upon Elijah’s life on many occasions, and he longed for the same.

Elisha recognized that the work ahead of him required a supernatural touch. He understood that to carry on Elijah's mission, he needed a double dose of divine mojo. And the same goes for us today! In our walk with God, we shouldn't settle for a spiritual happy meal; let's hunger for a supersized, extravagant, excessive, extreme anointing!

Let me encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to follow in Elisha's footsteps. Don't be content with a meager portion of God's Spirit. Ask for more! Seek His power, His guidance, and His presence in your life. God is not stingy with His blessings; He longs to pour out His Spirit on those who earnestly seek Him.

Are you a seeker of the double portion? If so, then let’s boldly approach the throne of grace. Let's ask, seek, and knock, trusting that our heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. Get ready for a supersized anointing, and enjoy your double dose of diving mojo! After all, God's blessings are so good, they're way better than pie à la mode! 

April 19 -- "Faulty Source of Wisdom"

 Today's Reading: 2 Kings 1

"Faulty Source of Wisdom"

Today's incident reminds us of the danger of seeking help from the wrong source. Here, we find King Ahaziah of Israel in a rather unfortunate situation. He falls ill and sends messengers to consult Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, for guidance on his recovery. However, before they reach their destination, the angel of the LORD intercepts Elijah and instructs him to confront the messengers. The angel challenges their choice to seek help from a false god when there is a true and living God in Israel.

The angel's question in 2 Kings 1:3 is not necessarily intended to be sarcastic. The tone of the question seems more like a rebuke or a rhetorical challenge to the messengers of King Ahaziah. The angel is highlighting the irony and folly of seeking help from a false god when there is the one true God in Israel available and ready to hear. The question is meant to emphasize the absurdity of their actions.

This incident reminds us of the danger of seeking help from the wrong source. King Ahaziah's decision reflects a common human tendency to turn to worldly solutions instead of seeking God's guidance. In our own lives, we may be tempted to rely on worldly wisdom, self-help books, or the latest trends to find answers to our problems. But the lesson from 2 Kings 1:3 is clear: God alone is the source of true wisdom and guidance and He finds it absurd that we would seek wisdom from any other source.

Let us be cautious about where we seek help and guidance. Instead of chasing after empty promises and trendy solutions, let's turn to the one true God. He is always available, ready to listen, and faithful to guide us through life's challenges. Don't exchange the truth for a counterfeit! We have the privilege of having a personal relationship with the God who created the universe. So why settle for less?

You know, seeking help from the wrong source is a bit like trying to put out a forest fire with a water pistol. It may look like you're doing something, but the results are going to be less than satisfactory. In fact, you might end up with wet shoes and a whole lot of frustration. So, let's save our feet and our sanity by going straight to the source of all wisdom and power – our loving Heavenly Father.