Some golden lessons from God’s Word were written about in “Attitude of Gratitude”. An army commander named Naaman was humble and was cured of leprosy. On the other hand, Gehazi was not honest and was judged by God by giving him leprosy.
Gold is golden but truth is always truth whose value stays with you into eternity. Gold without pleasing God is not aligned with His plan. Obtain true treasure by building a life of refinement, character, and integrity. Nothing is worth more than wholeness, peace of mind, and a righteous soul.
This day with God in reading 2 Kings 5, we learn more about humility and honesty. God’s words are flawless so let us be humble with an attitude of gratitude. Wanting to know where we fall short and what we need to do.
Reading today about Naaman who was commander of the army. Through him, the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but a very proud man that had some anger issues.
Naaman had leprosy and his wife’s servant suggested to Naaman’s wife that he go to Israel to get cured. She must have known about Elisha and that he could cure Naaman. Things were set in motion for Naaman to see the king of Israel but the king rejected to cure him. Elisha told the king to send the man to him.
Elisha didn’t meet Naaman in person but gave instruction to a messenger for Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This angered Naaman because he thought Elisha would personally meet him, lay hands on him, and heal him. He was skeptical of the instructions given by the messenger.
Naaman became angry but was calmed down by his servants and took their advice to go to the Jordan. He humbled himself, washed in the Jordan seven times, and was healed. Naaman was full of gratitude towards Elisha and wanted to pay for what Elisha had done but Elisha refused to accept anything.
Elisha told Naaman to go in peace. While Naaman was on his way home, greed overtook Elisha’s servant named Gehazi. He had heard what Naaman had offered Elisha, so he went after Naaman to get the payment he had offered. He made up a story that Elisha needed a talent of silver and two sets of clothing to give to two guest.
Upon returning, Elisha told Gehazi that his spirit had been with him and knew that he was not honest with Naaman. Because of his dishonesty, God judged Gehazi by giving him leprosy.
Gold is golden but truth is always truth whose value stays with us into eternity. Gold without pleasing God is not aligned with His plan. Let us obtain true treasure by building a life of refinement, character, and integrity. Nothing is worth more than wholeness, peace of mind, and a righteous soul.
This day with You Lord, we pray to be humble and honest. These character traits are found throughout Your Word to refine us into the people You want us to be. Help us to accept Your plan and carry out this plan with integrity so we are aligned with Your plan. Sometimes Lord, we fail to live up to Your perfect plan but because of Jesus, we can lay our faults down at the Cross by admitting wrong and begin a rebound. May we start now to refine our life towards the Truth! In the power of Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
A thought after reading John 3:22-36 is that each member of the body of Christ has certain gifts, abilities, and accomplishments that benefit the team with the objective of helping people gain food for the soul. As a Christian, there should not be envy. Each does their part to encourage others to do their part for the team. All who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit!
As recorded in 2 Kings 2, Elijah took his cloak and struck the water of the Jordan River with it. The water divided to the right and to the left. Then, Elijah and Elisha crossed over on dry land.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. – 2 Kings 2:9
There were several examples of this double portion of the Spirit on display as brought out in “Protection and Provision”. All of these miracles provide a great lesson for you today. To continue to follow your spiritual aspirations, don’t stop but give the effort with confidence that you will reap a harvest beyond what could ever be imagined.
Whatever gift, ability, or idea God has given you, believe He can increase it into something worthy just like the widow who had oil and did what Elisha said. Filling up jars of cooking oil and selling it to pay off her debt.
Let us receive inspiration from the song Beyond Me by TobyMac and know that God can take you to the great unknown beyond what you could do on your own. All it takes is a little faith.
God is worthy of praise for His protection and provision. Our praise to the Lord are words that spark our actions towards attainment of great feats for His glory. Each step of the way, momentum is gained until ultimate accomplishment.
In 2 Kings 4, we read about several great feats that are accomplished for God’s glory. Remember that before Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, he asked Elisha, what he could do for him. Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit.
This double portion of his spirit is on display in this passage. Noted is the provision given to the widow in today’s passage. Elisha gave instructions to fill jars with olive oil so she could sell and pay off debts after the death of her husband. Whatever skill, ideas, or property you have, believe God can increase it into something worthy just like the widow.
Also in today’s passage is another woman of faith who provided Elisha a place to stay when he traveled to Shunem. She had no son, and her husband was up in years, so Elisha told her she would have a son. She did have a son, but he then became ill and died. The woman sent for Elisha who brought the son back to life. The woman had faith that Elisha could help and by setting that faith in motion, she was able to receive her heart’s desire.
In yet another occasion, people received protection from a bad pot of stew that was harmful for their health. Elisha made the pot of stew good to eat. There was also provision given to feed a hundred men even though they were in short supply. They ate and had some left over.
All of these miracles provide a great lesson for us today which is to continue following our spiritual aspirations. Don’t stop but give the effort with confidence that we will reap a harvest beyond what could ever be imagined.
This day with You God, we believe that You can take something small and multiply it just like the oil of the widow in today’s passage. Right now, as we pray, we believe our small bit of faith can grow into something beyond what we could ever imagine. Use our gifts, our abilities, and ideas today, Lord. Guide our steps, provide for our needs, and bring the increase daily so we may glorify You in Jesus’ name … Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 