II Kings 4:18 ¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
19 And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.
20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.
24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:
26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.
27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.
28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?
29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
30 And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.
31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.
32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.
33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.
35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
This is a post about Mother's day. The outline for the passage follows.
A great woman.
A. Cares for the man of God.
B. Blessed by God's man.
C. Had faith that God could work a miracle in "her" life.
D. Saw the results of God working in "her" life.
The first thing we can see about her is that she worked through her husband.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
God is not Guilty
This is not an origial idea. I heard a great preacher preach a message with the same title as my post. Think about the statement though. Most of us want to blame God for bad things that happen in our lives. We ask, "God, why did you treat me this way?" We need to realize that God is not guilty. Job had this attitude. When bad things started happening to Job, he said he was not going to charge God with being guilty. His statement about God giving and God taking away is still true today. Job didn't realize that Satan was the one doing the actual harm, and that God was just allowing it to happen. Hey, God is not guilty. Another instance of this in the Bible is when David lost the son he had had with Bathsheba. David prayed for the baby until he knew the baby had died, then he got up and stopped mourning. He said he was hoping for God's mercy, but it was God's decision. God was not guilty, and David didn't blame Him. Jonah and Elijah both blamed God for their problems and God almost immediately ended their ministries. God is not guilty. God knows what is best for each of us, and that is what He will arrange to happen, even if it is some form of punishment. We must all learn not to foolishly blame God for our problems.
Friday, February 26, 2010
God is good.
God is always good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He never makes a mistake. Often we tend to blame God for things, and to have a bad attitude about what He is doing in our lives. God is still good. Many people in the Bible had attitudes that were bad toward God, but God was still good.
Jonah was God's man, but he went away from God, and ended up in a whale's belly. God was still being good to Jonah. Not only was God being good to Jonah, God was also being good to a whole city full of people who needed to be saved. Hey, God is always good.
Jonah was God's man, but he went away from God, and ended up in a whale's belly. God was still being good to Jonah. Not only was God being good to Jonah, God was also being good to a whole city full of people who needed to be saved. Hey, God is always good.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Parallels of Politics.
Mark 6:14 ¶ And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
The death of one of the greatest preachers in history. This passage is very interesting because of some simple parallels between the story and what is happening in America right now. First, let's take a look at "king" Herod. A quick observation of history will let you know that Ceasar was the king of the Roman empire at this time, so Herod's title was really just a formality, and in reality Herod was just a puppet of the government. Second, look at the girl. She was obviously the neice of Herod, but was being subjected to a demoralizing exhibition of herself, in front of her uncle and many wicked men. Her purity was being put on display for all to see, and we are told that the men watching were pleased with the show. Thirdly, look at the men who were with Herod. These are wicked men who have no moral character, and who revel in thoughts and imaginations of impurity and sin. Finally, take a look at the preacher. A man who was doing what was right, and was put into prison and finally killed because of his stand.
Most of us know the story, but now to the parallel. America can be put into the place of the girl. The purity of this nation is on display for all of the wicked men (political leaders both of our country and of the world) to see. As a whole the nation shamelessly displays itself, hoping for the adoration of the masses, and desiring the pleasure that comes from applause. Herod (Mr. President) enjoys and encourages the show, and for a pretense offers the girl (Americans) as much as they want of things he does not own. He has no kindom, nor does he have any money, yet he open-handedly "gives" billions of dollars away for every little project imaginable. Then comes the disaster, America's mother (sin) decides that it would be easier to live without a godly influence. So rather than get the prosperity of money, she teaches her daughter to hate the man of God. Hate those "old fogies" who preach about doing right. The man of God is destroyed. Sin abounds, and sooner-or-later the parties involved open their eyes in Hell wondering what could have happened. Wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This could be you!!!!!!!!!
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
The death of one of the greatest preachers in history. This passage is very interesting because of some simple parallels between the story and what is happening in America right now. First, let's take a look at "king" Herod. A quick observation of history will let you know that Ceasar was the king of the Roman empire at this time, so Herod's title was really just a formality, and in reality Herod was just a puppet of the government. Second, look at the girl. She was obviously the neice of Herod, but was being subjected to a demoralizing exhibition of herself, in front of her uncle and many wicked men. Her purity was being put on display for all to see, and we are told that the men watching were pleased with the show. Thirdly, look at the men who were with Herod. These are wicked men who have no moral character, and who revel in thoughts and imaginations of impurity and sin. Finally, take a look at the preacher. A man who was doing what was right, and was put into prison and finally killed because of his stand.
Most of us know the story, but now to the parallel. America can be put into the place of the girl. The purity of this nation is on display for all of the wicked men (political leaders both of our country and of the world) to see. As a whole the nation shamelessly displays itself, hoping for the adoration of the masses, and desiring the pleasure that comes from applause. Herod (Mr. President) enjoys and encourages the show, and for a pretense offers the girl (Americans) as much as they want of things he does not own. He has no kindom, nor does he have any money, yet he open-handedly "gives" billions of dollars away for every little project imaginable. Then comes the disaster, America's mother (sin) decides that it would be easier to live without a godly influence. So rather than get the prosperity of money, she teaches her daughter to hate the man of God. Hate those "old fogies" who preach about doing right. The man of God is destroyed. Sin abounds, and sooner-or-later the parties involved open their eyes in Hell wondering what could have happened. Wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This could be you!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
This is the day.
Exodus 18:13 ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
There are several things we can learn from this passage.
1. We are not the only ones who can do anything. Moses seemed to think that he was the only one capable of rendering judgment.
2. We can wear ourselves out by trying to do too much. Sometimes we take on too much, and this can really hurt us in the long run.
3. Some things we do are more important than others. Moses' most important job was talking to God.
4. We need to listen to good counsel. Moses' father in law was concerned, and because of his concern, he gave sound advice.
5. We need to balance things in our lives. Have you read your Bible today? Then why are you watching the news, or playing on the internet? Have you prayed today? Then why is the sports score important? A balance is necessary for living for the Lord. Moses had to learn about a balance, and we need to learn to be balanced as well.
14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
There are several things we can learn from this passage.
1. We are not the only ones who can do anything. Moses seemed to think that he was the only one capable of rendering judgment.
2. We can wear ourselves out by trying to do too much. Sometimes we take on too much, and this can really hurt us in the long run.
3. Some things we do are more important than others. Moses' most important job was talking to God.
4. We need to listen to good counsel. Moses' father in law was concerned, and because of his concern, he gave sound advice.
5. We need to balance things in our lives. Have you read your Bible today? Then why are you watching the news, or playing on the internet? Have you prayed today? Then why is the sports score important? A balance is necessary for living for the Lord. Moses had to learn about a balance, and we need to learn to be balanced as well.
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