Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The LORD Sees and Knows All

2 Kings 13 & 14

Inspired thots

The Lord is SO merciful; He hears the voice and cries of His children even when they do not obey Him always. He is compassionate towards His people. He does not leave them alone though they deserve their just punishment. God always hearkens to His people for He SEES their oppression. 

Though Israel got rid of Baal, they did not get rid of worshiping at the high places.

Elisha was the 'last' prophet before Isaiah came on the scene. Elisha served many kings who died earlier for their unfaithfulness or lack of commitment to the Lord. Indeed, God preserves the lives of those who love and obey Him deeply. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Short But Right Rule

2 Kings 11 & 12

Inspired thots

King Joash was only 7 when he started to reign; after he was protected by his aunt from being killed by king Ahaziah's mother. He had a good priest Jehoiada beside him to guide him into the things of God. Joash did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord; he got rid of Baal worship.

But people are stubborn and rebellious; they conspired and killed Joash after 40 years of reign. How sad...

Monday, May 28, 2012

Zeal for the Lord ALL The Way

2 Kings 10

Inspired thots

Jehu started well as king over Israel; he was on fire for the Lord and did according to what was in God's heart ~ eliminating Baal worship but he did not eliminate idol worship; hence, his reign lasts only 4 generations.

How important to continue in one's zeal for the Lord all the way; if not grow it every day. God is a holy God.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Boldness to Obey God's Word

2 Kings 8 & 9

Inspired thots

Anyone can be made used of by God; as soon as the word of God came to the individual, he would act on it immediately.

1) The Shunammite woman left Israel to Philistines to avoid the famine after instructed by Elisha. She was restored of her properties when she returned.

2) Hazael became king of Syria after Elisha gave the word. Hazael was bold to murder Benhadad.

3) Jehu killed Joram (Israel) and Ahaziah (Judah) when anointed as the new king of Israel.

One must be bold to act when God's words come by. Then victory is achieved and glory to God according to His will.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

NEVER Doubt God

2 Kings 6 & 7

Inspired thots

Why does man doubt God when he knows it is God at work and God is mighty?

The king of Israel show disrespect and contempt with God for the famine in the land; yes, God brings on the hardship but for a purpose. Hence, God does not punish him harshly as He did the commander who doubted on Elisha's word of provision.

If the commander knows that it is God who make windows in heaven, why doubt that God can provide for the people's needs? God is SO great! He has ways to cause things to pass because He is mighty and in control. Everything man desires is so simple for God. Why does man not see and remember? Life would be so simple and there would be more miracles.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Serving God For NOTHING Earthly

2 Kings 5

Inspired thots

What an amazing chapter! The Great Naaman came to Israel seeking to be healed of his leprosy; desperate measures for desperate needs. Although he was at first arrogant about dipping into the dirty waters of Jordan after a sham treatment by Elisha, he relented and followed the instructions to be made well. Eating a bit of humble pie fills up more than the stomach.. How quickly he believes in Almighty God and promises allegiance; he must be a very loyal commander.

Such the opposite of Gehazi, Elisha's servant who was covetous about rewards; he forgot it was God who healed; Elisha who gave God's word. His little role was just the messenger and servant; yet he lied and manipulated to get some rewards off Naaman. He was cursed as a leper; not him alone but his descendants also. How sad!

Elisha did not need to go out to meet anyone for ministering; he spent time waiting on God; hence, he received the word from God. He could also go out in spirit instead to know what is happening. How awesome! God really empowers when one is faithful and obedient to Him.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Miracles in Life

2 Kings 4

Inspired thots

Although the chapter records of the miracles that happened in Elisha's ministry, it is a revelation too that miracles can happen in one's life. God is such a loving God that He gives the best to His people; He cares and  provides when there is not enough; He gives the desires of the heart; He protects one from danger and harm. How Great and Wonderful is our God!

Faith and Obedience are key ingredients to God's miracles. Believing in the Almighty God opens the heaven for miracles in our lives. How exciting! One must be expectant in heart... yes, Lord! Thank You for your work in my life; these are my miracles. You hear my prayers and heart's cry.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

On the Lord's Side

2 Kings 3

Inspired thots

1) Jehoshaphat remembered to seek God when in trouble; he asked to inquire of the Lord through His prophet and Elisha sought the Lord on his behalf because Jehoshaphat revered God, unlike Jehoram king of Israel whose mother was Jezebel and father was Ahab, wicked in God's sight.

2) The POWER of God came upon Elisha when he praised and worshiped God through music. Elisha gave the word.

3) Nothing is impossible with God; it is a LIGHT thing for HIM to perform miracles in nature; water came to refresh the armies; battles are won.

It is advantageous to be on the Lord's side.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Where Does Our Faith Stand to Lead Us?

2 Kings 2

Inspired thots

Elisha took over Elijah's ministry with a double portion of Elijah's spirit. But he is still very human; he succumbed to other prophets' influence who insisted that they search for Elijah on his behalf; knowing well that God has taken up Elijah.

Why is it SO hard for one to stand up on our faith especially when we know it to be true? Why is it one can succumb to the insistence of others easily instead of being sure of what we are?

Elisha succumbed to the insults of young boys and cursed them. Perhaps he was still grieving and misused his power in God. One must be careful when the anointing falls; it is to be used for God's glory alone. But all things come about by God's will. Perhaps God vindicated Elisha. God is SO good to His own.

Monday, May 21, 2012

A Jealous God Who Desires His People's Dedication

2 Kings 1

Inspired thots

King Ahaziah was drawn to inquire of foreign gods rather than his Jehovah in times of trouble. God was angry with him and sent a word of curse through Elijah. Although Ahaziah thought he was king and mighty to subdue everyone around him, he forgot that he cannot be compared to the Almighty God. His wicked intentions to punish Elijah for the bad prophecy fell through as God is mightier.

King Ahaziah just did not get it; he did not revere God to repent. Hence, he caused 100 soldiers to die; only the third commander was humble to respect Elijah and pleaded with him for mercy in inviting him to King Ahaziah's presence.

It was hard for the 3rd commander who was obliged to serve a wicked king and revere God's servant. But a humble heart overcomes all and God is merciful to those who humble themselves before Him.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Contrasting Characters

1 Kings 22

Inspired thots

There is SUCH A DIFFERENCE between king Ahab (Israel) and king Jehoshaphat (Judah). Ahab seeks pleasure and man's favor; always wanting to hear good things about himself to feel good  but Jehoshaphat seeks only God's will. Hence, the outcome as per one's heart priority.

The way of the parents passes on to their children; Ahab's sons continued to sin while Jehoshaphat's sons walked with God and were blessed. Such as CONTRAST of characters.

Let me walk RIGHTLY before God and lead my children likewise all the days of our lives, Lord! Amen

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Enticed by Self & Greed (things of the world)

1 Kings 21

Inspired thots

King Ahab acted like a child although he was king of Israel. He was already SO rich but yet coveted a simple man's possession just because it is next to his. Surely King Ahab has enough land in his palace for a vegetable plot; surely he would not tend the garden as king; why covet another's livelihood? ~ Greed. Selfishness.

He asked and did not get from Naboth; so he pouted and sulked like a child. Jezreel, his wife, planned wickedly to give him his heart's desire. But God is not pleased. Forceful possession is displeasing to God. Ask from God and if it pleases Him, He would not withhold.

Ahab repented humbly before God and was forgiven; how loving and forgiving our Heavenly Father to His children. What a great virtue to emulate of God!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Never Be Wise in Your Own Eyes

1 Kings 20

Inspired thots

King Ahab started off well SEEKING the Lord's direction with specific instructions against his enemy, Ben-hadad the Syrian. But when battles are won, King Ahab did not depend on God as much; he even made his own decision ~ to spare Ben-hadad's life ~ which was detrimental to his own life.

Lesson:  
Never be wise in your own eyes; no matter how many victories were obtained. It was God at work to give those victories; not self. Hence, I must always remain humble and remember that it was GOD who worked in me and through me to give me the victory. It is His grace and mercy through which I enjoy victory after victory; blessing after blessing.