Be strong and of good courage…be stablished in the faith.

Joshua 1:6,7,9  “Be strong and of a good courage:…”

      “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law….turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

     “Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage;  be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Duet. 31: 6, 23 (first to Israel) “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:   the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee;  He will not fail thee, not forsake thee.”

(then to Joshua) ” And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.”

It seemed odd to me that courage was only spoken of in the Old Testament.   

        But courage means “to be alert, steadfastly minded, stablished”…and as Christians,  we have been called to be stablished in the faith.

Colossians 2:6-7 “As ye have therefore recieved Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:

        Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

At least six times Joshua was told to be strong….and.. to be alert, steadfastly minded, stablished….in the Word of God….and in faith that God will do as He said.

         He had the job of leading Israel over Jordan and leading them in conquering the promised land.  There were many temptations, enemies, and trials….

…..but he was to be strong…not afraid or dismayed.   

         This is internal.  Fear  is a snare, and to be dismayed is to stop looking to God’s Almightiness….but to our failures. (Joshua 7:6-13)

And he was to be courageous.  He was to remain alert…and be stedfast and stablished in obeying the Word of God, in which he was to ” meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8)

When David gave Solomon charge to build the house of the Lord,  he said concerning the work:

1 Chronicles 22:13 “Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with  concerning Israel:  be strong, and of good courage;  dread not, nor be dismayed.”

(You will notice that strength and courage…being established in the faith…has to do with our “taking heed” to the Word of God…and trusting in the Lord)

In Corinthians 16:13 we are told to:

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

There are four things we are to do:

    “Watch ye”…remain alert.  There are many warnings in the Bible….and we are to be alert to the Holy Spirit, for He will warn us of things to come. 

“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13) 

    “Stand fast in the faith”….we are not “beating the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26)….or running in circles…but we are to “run with patience the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;…”(Hebrews 12:1-2).

   We are to “Be ye also patient;  stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”(James 5:8)     We are to fulfill the work that the Lord gives us….and working to possess the promises He give us, for ourselves and others.

    “Quit you like men”.   Let us not continue as babes in the faith….but go on from “the sincere milk of the Word” (1 Peter 2:2)…which helps us grow in grace…

…to become adults…

    “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,   even those who;  by reason of use   have their senses exercised   to discern both good and evil.”(Hebrews 5:13-14)

    “Be strong”….”be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIs might” (Ephesians 6:10)  We are to be strong in the Lord….getting the grace we need for each situation…

We are to  hold  the ground that the Lord has won for us, and given each of us to stand on…our place in HIs kingdom.

   “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13) 

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast,…

        Now  our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlating consolation and good hope through grace,

        Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

First, we are to be established in the faith.  What exactly does that mean?   Does not every Christian have faith?   Yes, for it is a gift from God.   Faith removes mountains, and shields us in the battle, and takes us through the darkest night into the light.  Faith does that….in us,  then wonderfully it works through us, into the circumstances of this day.

        But  to be established in it, is to know that we can not do anything that will please God, if faith is not in it.   We are to always be looking to the Lord….for faith, even weak faith, looks to Him.

         (It is true….and I think of this often….

                   Oft upon the Rock I tremble

                       Faint of heart, and weak of knee,

                   But the Steadfast Rock of Ages,

                       Never trembles under me! )

We are to use our faith in God, for He is Truth…and in the Lord Jesus Christ,  for He is our Redeemer and Life….and in the Holy Spirit, for He is our Helper and Guide.

Then we are to be established in  our hearts.  And the only true foundation for our affections and emotions is Christ Jesus.  “I held Him and would not let Him go…” (Song of Solomon 3:4)   

        (It is true…that it is not our hold on Him that saves….but His hold on us.  But when it comes to being established [courageous], we must hang on to Him in our affections….not letting every emotion which comes decide our course of action or thought.  “…It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;…” Hebrews 13:9)

And then,  we are to be established in every good word and work.    We are to read, and  know the scriptures, and  hear what they say to us….and be obedient…..and then speak His Word faithfully….to those we are responsible for.

To Joshua, the Lord said, “Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage;  be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”  (Joshua 1:9)

To us, the Lord says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

          Whom resist steadfastly in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

          But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto HIs eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10)

The Lord calls you be strong in Him, and to be courageous or established on the Rock of our Salvation.

Not so, Lord

Peter was staying at a believer’s house, and had gone up on the roof to pray.

There, he saw a vision.

Acts 10:11-15 “And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein was all manner of four-footed beasts, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air:

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter, kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not common.”

“Not so, Lord.”

Can Jesus Christ really be Lord, if we are saying, “Not so”?

You see Peter was thinking like a good Jew. They had been commanded never to eat these “unclean” things; yet God is using these foods as a lesson to His disciple.

They had been called to go out to all the world and preach the gospel to “all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20)

They were to preach of a crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

And they were to teach others in the commandments that Jesus had given them.

But so far, no Gentiles had been preached to.

“Do not call anything common or unclean, that I have cleansed.”

Peter was about to be sent to a Gentile’s house. To preach Christ Jesus to these “unclean” people.

Yet Jesus has just told Peter that if He sends him to preach to a people, whoever they are; they are not to be considered “common or unclean”.

The important thing was: has the Lord “cleansed” them.

It is to be “Yes, Lord”; instead of “Not so, Lord”.

Yet Peter learned his lesson, and when the time came to go, and preach to this Gentile house; he did.

What did he preach to them? Jesus Christ, of course.

Acts 10:38-40, 42-43. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

And we are witnesses of all these things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly;

And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead.

To Him give all the prophets witness, that in His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.”

And these Gentiles received the good news of Christ Jesus, and was given the gift of the Holy Spirit; and was baptized.

Acts 10:44-45, 48 “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

It is as we say, “Yes, Lord”; that His good news is spread abroad.

Let Us Go On

Hosea 6:3 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth”

To know about God; that there is One, that He is up there “seeing” to things; is enough religion for some people.

Religion and everyday life are seen by these, as two separate and distinct issues.

Though they may not come out and say it, they agree with those that keep religion on Sunday,……and their real lives, the rest of the time.

Let me tell everyone who names the name of a Christian:

Jesus Christ interferes with life;……namely our life.

He makes claims upon us. He wants us.

Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways.”

Matthew 10:37-38 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more that me is not worthy of me.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me , is not worthy of me.”

To know only about God is a knowledge that does not save.

They need to be drawn to Jesus Christ for themselves.

Luke 18:9-12 “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give titles of all that I possess.”

The attitude of some is: that God should be God, and I’ll be me.

They say, in their hearts:

“God,….You stay up there in heaven, watch offer me, keep me from harm, care for me, and take me home to heaven when I die;

I’ll stay down here and do nothing too terrible. I will go to church, read my Bible when I need to and pray whenever I’m in trouble.”

These imagine that the bargain is struck.

So off we go completely convinced, like the Pharisee, we are on good standing with the Lord.

But this is a religion that never touches the heart….that never rises above what is good…..for “me”.

Luke 18:13-14 “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

We have talked of “humbling” before. It means to abase yourself…..place yourself (everything of your self)….under Christ.

Some people reject Christ…..not as Savior….but as Lord.

But the truth is….that it is the Lord Jesus Christ that saves….completely and eternally.

The sincere follower has heard the call of Christ; and has left any bargaining behind. He has decided to follow Christ whithersoever He leads.

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

And this decision has far reaching consequences, both to ourselves, and any we come into contact with.

Christ’s life is Eternal Life.

It is Him we receive at new birth, He is our life.

Eternal life is a condition of life, here and now; as well as for eternity.

We receive His nature by the Holy Spirit.

He places the love of God and His Word within, as well as a desire for holiness of life.

Faith, joy, peace, all the graces of God, are at our disposal.

Philippians 3:8-14 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The prize? This high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This calling is to everyone who is born again.

We are called to bring forth fruit.

We are called to walk together with Christ.

We are called to obtain promises.

We are called to witness of Christ.

We are called to know Christ.

To know Christ: this is the goal of any true follower of Christ.

Not to win salvation: that is in Christ.

Not to win heaven: that is the end of those who belong to Christ.

But to know Christ:

For to know Him is the real gain of all things. Real satisfaction, real joy, real peace.

This is to “go on to know the Lord”

When you do, you will also find His going forth with you in power and loving presence.

To follow on. To go on. To seek. These are words we need to activate in our everyday lives.

And the One we need to follow after is the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Truly God is good…”(Psalm 73:1)

Do we believe it?

In this psalm there is an inward battle against the Lord’s ways……the inward cry for knowledge…..and the answer given from the Lord, to His servant.

Some sins are quite prominent…..some, slide into our minds and hearts….and give us quite a battle.

The psalmist sees the wicked….those that should be judged for not keeping the Law…wealthy and successful.

While the righteous are poor and often being persecuted,….or worried because of their situation.

Psalm 73:2-3 “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped.

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

This is a psalm of Asaph (1 Chronicles 16:4-7). He was a leader in the Tabernacle for the songs and praises.

This was a high office,…..yet he was troubled…..he was having a heart-battle about the Lord’s way of dealing with His people…….that is, the way he saw things….

“I was envious at the “foolish” or wicked.”

(We think of envy as a green-eyed monster…..well, it is a monster…..disturbing our thoughts, and emotions:

It says: I wish I had what you had…I wish I was like you…..I wish I was you.

It is truly a monster.)

He sees that they are confident and prosperous…..even though they are wicked,…..and that troubles him….he can not hush the questions that come to his mind.

“My steps had well nigh slipped.” He was in trouble….spiritually…he was beginning to doubt God’s righteous ways.

Psalm 73:5-9 “They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression:….

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.”

Pride is the chief hardener….

For pride separates….making the proud better than others…..even if it is just a little better.

It puts everyone else beneath them.

Others rights or feelings, do not matter to them….they intend to have their way.

They slander God,….does He let them get by with it?….

Psalm 73:11 “And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the most High?”

It seems as if God is letting the wicked slide…….they think God does not see.

……while the righteous are coming to the Lord,….troubled and sorrowful.

Here is a stumbling block to faith….so…

Isaiah 57:14-15 “And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of My people.

For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, Whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

Considering this, Asaph is so troubled….he wants to speak about these things…but….(Psalm 73:15) “If I say, I will speak thus;….I should offend against the generation of Thy children.”

Asaph wanted to talk about his thoughts…..after all he was accusing God of being unjust!

But he was concerned of speaking injury to the younger generation…..of letting his battle with envy spread to others.

(He was the leader of the singers….appointed under David the king.)

Psalm 73:13-14 “Verily (truth) I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.”

It would seem that all his right living, watching that he might not sin,…..had not given him any advantage….at least, the reward of this life.

(When faith is covered up by envy…..we can not see correctly.)

Everything seemed to be upside down……”Until”….

“Until” is a word expressing time,…..and experience….

Psalm 73:17 “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”

Looking toward the mercy-seat:

The heart which had dragged with sadness, and doubts…..he lifts to God.

Chaos began to depart, and God’s light…..and order…..began to be seen.

Until….

He “saw their end”…..that changed everything.

There he saw their final destruction…..and their guilt now, clinging to them like a bad smell…

….it was if they were puffed up, weight added to them…..so if they continue to the end this way….they will sink lower in hell.

He does not envy them now….for God has showed him, by His mercy:

Instead of being placed upon the Rock…..they were sinking in the sand of time already….they just did not recognize the ruin that was coming (Matthew 7:26)

Everyman owes their existence and prosperity to the goodness of God…..in a moment all can change (Psalm 73:19)….so we should use it wisely.

Psalm 73:22-22 “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before Thee.”

And here is the lesson learned….his confession to God…

…..”I was as a beast before Thee”.

My thoughts were only of myself….and satisfying my desires…..I am ashamed….

And then…..his praise is back in his heart….

Psalm 73:23-26 “….Thou hast holden me by my right hand.

Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”

Faith, again, is not hidden behind the curtain of envy….but has been released from doubt.

Faith is true sight…..getting wisdom from God. Trust and you will know.

God had upheld him…..and he praises Him for it.

With the Lord is counsel….and when we come to Him we are sure to be given light…..and to be led aright.

…”and afterward”….what a blessed word. After this life, which is so short.

After the troubles, and sorrows.

Asaph see that God is the portion of the righteous,…..

…..we are blessed in Christ, here….and with Him there.

He had been foolish….envious and doubting….but God had kept him….taken out of his way, his stumbling block…..and led him back into His light….into faith again.

Asaph had learned that natural sight is not faith.

All other things pass away; let our hearts abide in Him…..Who abides forever.

The Test of Devotion/Where is the Lord God of Elijah?

2 Kings 2:1 “And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.”

Elijah was God’s Prophet. He had been called, when Israel was at one of it’s worst times.

He had proved that God was “the God”, before all Israel in a “showdown” with the four hundred priests of Baal, who were supported by Jezebel, the queen. (1 Kings 18:36-39)

His success there, thwarted the efforts of Jezebel to destroy the worship of God.

There were still those who were idol worshippers……but she could no longer kill, and torture those who believed in God, as she had before.

There had been a renewal of the worship of the Lord, because of Elijah.

But now it was time for Elijah to be taken to heaven. Years before, Elijah had been told to anoint Elisha as prophet, in his room. (1 Kings 19:16, 19-21)

And Elisha had been a servant to Elijah, as his helper, while his training had been going on. (Some say this took about ten years…for Elijah’s ministry went through Ahab’s reign into his son’s 2 Kings 1)

2 Kings 2:2 “And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.”

So Elijah and Elisha traveled from Gilgal to Beth-el together.

Elijah had asked Elisha to stay at Gilgal, but Elisha would not leave him. Where he went, his helper would go also.

Elisha knew that God was going to take Elijah, and he wanted to hear every instruction, every prayer, and every help he could, before that happened.

He also felt that being with him till the end was his duty.

That God would show him what to do next, by it.

We have been called to follow Christ Jesus. Through His Word, He has shown us many things.

We know we are born again, but often, we are conscious of a lack of power in what we do….

How are we to do, all we have been called to do?

Of course, it is through the power of the Holy Spirit within….learning all we can from Him….letting Him manifesting Himself through us……staying with Him, everywhere He leads.

2 Kings 2:4 “And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.”

They travel on, together…they are traveling south and east…toward the starting place where Israel first came into the land of Canaan…to the River Jordan.

2 Kings 2:6 “ And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me unto Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.”

Stay here? Elijah asked, at both places…….But again came the reply, “I will not leave thee.”

I believe, Elisha knew that the ministry of Elijah was ending…..and his, as God’s prophet to Israel, was beginning.

He knew that he would need to see the work Elijah started,…..done.

Elijah had awakened the people to God’s claims on their lives…..and Elisha was to guide and instruct them into the Word and Will of God.

There were many who had come out of hiding, and now worship the Lord openly….but they needed instruction….so Elisha was to teach them.

God would part them….that was His Will……but Elisha would continue on as Elijah’s servant, and companion, till God did.

He would not leave him, till then.

2 Kings 2:7c-9 “…and they two stood by Jordan.

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, that a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me.”

Here Elisha sees once more the power of God Elijah received, and put to use…to cross a river which was an obstacle to where they were going…

And here, Elijah asks him “what shall I do for thee?”

Without hesitation, Elisha asks for a double portion of the power of God.

Why a double portion?

He felt that he needed more of that power of the Holy Spirit, to help him finish the work Elijah had started.

It is one thing to begin following the Lord….it is another to persevere through testing and trials….so…

If Israel was to be guided according to the Word of God, then Elisha would need double the power that Elijah had been given.

It is one thing to show God, as “the God”; as Elijah had.

But to guide the believers of God, into the life which they ought to have, stay with them, or visit them, to help them again and again.

This was Elisha’s ministry.

He felt that such a work, would need great power. The enemies of God were still at work. Idolatry was always a problem.

Elisha felt, if he was to serve acceptably as God’s Prophet, he would need much of the Holy Spirit.

2 Kings 2:10 “And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”

Now if Elijah had said this at the first, we could understand Elisha’s sticking close to him.

But that was not the reason for him staying with Elijah.

His devotion was to the man who lead him into a deeper knowledge of God.

Elijah had taught Elisha many things, shared his experiences, and manifested to Elisha the great faithfulness of God to His people.

Now it was time for Elisha to do the same with the sons of the prophets (groups of believers which met together in various cities), and with Israel.

Elijah’s ministry would now be passed on to Elisha, to be finished.

2 Kings 2:11-13 “And it came to pass, as they went on, and talked that, Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went by a whirlwind into heaven.

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My Father, My Father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them into two pieces.

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;”

Going on, walking and talking, as they had done so many times; God parted them, with a chariot of fire and horses of fire.

Elijah was taken up to heaven, without seeing death, and Elisha saw him no more.

Elisha then tore his outer clothes in two pieces, to show he was no longer just Elisha…..and he picked up the mantle Elijah had dropped (which had been cast upon him when Elijah had called him. 1 Kings 19:19).

He was now Prophet in Elijah’s place.

2 Kings 2:13-14 “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan;

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said,

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: And Elisha went over.”

He asked, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”…..are you with me as You were with Elijah?

He had received a double portion of the Holy Spirit which had been on Elijah.

He was now to finish the work of leading the believers of God, in Israel, on to a more full, and joyful life with God….even in these trying times.

In his ministry, Elisha dealt with kings, captains, and those which would be kings.

But his ministry mainly centered around the circuit he walked with his servants, to preach and instruct those that believed in God and stayed true to Him.

From Gilgal, to Mt. Carmel, to Samaria, to Beth-el, and around, Elisha went delivering the message of God; saving such as came to seek God’s help, and leading others to a fuller knowledge of God.

Elisha died an old man….ministering till the last to those who came to him. (2 Kings 13:13-21)

We, too, have a ministry for which we should seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

He is in us, if we are born again; but to have His power in our lives, we need to submit to Him.

The condition of Elisha receiving the double portion, was that he stay with Elijah to the end, and see him go.

Elisha’s obedience gave him that blessing.

So we, too, need to “stay with” the Holy Spirit, by obeying what we have been given to do, removing all that hinders His influence within us, and standing in the place Christ Jesus won for us in His Victory on the Cross.

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? He is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8-9b “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;…”

He is ever ready to “give power to the faint, and to them that have not might, He increases strength”. (Isaiah 40:29)

But it is as we “stay with”, yield to, and obey the Holy Spirit within.

If Thou Wilt.

James 4:13-14 “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and by and sell and get gain

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Only God can say “So be it”. For it is His Will alone, that stands every test.

We, as Christians, may say, “If God wills”, we will do this or that.

How many plans have been destroyed or laid aside, because we have not considered what God wanted with our time?

As Christians we should not walk through life “Willy nilly”:…..this way, then that way.

We should have a definite goal to head toward, and find out God’s way to get there.

Philippians 3:12-14. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul “followed after”;…..not knowing what lay ahead.

But knowing that Christ Jesus did; and that whatever was ahead, was prepared for. Grace was laid up for him to get through each situation.

This should be the goal we are headed for: what Christ Jesus has saved us for.

We are to grow up into Him. For we are all called to go from babes in Christ to full grown Spiritual Adults.

We should ascertain our calling. (We are all called as witnesses, if nothing more. A witness is a personal testimony of what Christ has done for me.)

And this should be the way we go: forgetting those things which are behind me—really putting them behind me—failures and successes;

And reaching forth (in heart, in mind, and in will) to those things He has before me, today, tomorrow, and on.

We have family. We have jobs. We have friends. All of these, we are not to neglect—that is not God’s will.

But before all of these, as Christians, we have our personal duty to God, and His Will.

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required of stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

God’s stewards, are Gospel Stewards. Their duty is to live the Truth of the Gospel.

Truly, if we put God first, He will see to it, that all the other people, and things in our life are not neglected.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

God never forgets our faithfulness to Him. Never.

That I may know Him

1 John 2:12-14 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for HIs name’s sake.

          I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

         I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I have written unto you, young men because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Years ago, my husband had a message he gave on these verses….once a month, for a whole year.   He felt the Lord leading him to deal with these important facts…that any who wanted to go on with the Lord might understand,…and when the year was over….see their growth…according to the Scriptures.

The experience of God’s children vary…some are babes…some young men….and some fathers in the faith.   This has nothing to do with titles or ministries….but experience with God.

          My husband is often saying….”if we would have the strength and wisdom that God wants us to have for tomorrow, or next week….then we must pass through the experiences of today.”   

So many times, we think that we can put off going through a difficulty till “a more convenient season”….but if we do, we will not be prepared for the coming trials.

John begins by…”I write unto you, little children,…”    This  “children”  is a universal name for all the children of God.   All have their sins forgiven, all have the light and life of Christ.

Then John begins to speak to the fathers of the faith.   “I write unto you fathers…” because ye have know Him…and have matured,  by use of their faith in Christ Jesus.   

        (one preacher commented that John does not say “old men”…for there is no feebleness in connection with this group….only the knowledge of God.   This knowledge of what it has worked and will work in  us….and for us.)

         This knowledge is as in:

Daniel 11:32-33 “….but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

And they that understand among the people shall instuct many:…”

       When the soul knows God, it can stand suffering, grief,….and flatteries,….and continue to follow and stand and speak for the Lord Jesus.

“I write unto you young men…”   Strength and energy are characteristics of these.   They have begun to know the practical doing of God’s Will, and the Word of God…and have experienced conflict.   

“I write unto you little children”  John now speaks to those just beginning in the life of God.  They have found the Father…how sweet to know that God is our Father through Jesus Christ.   But how little they truly know, yet, of the experience of the Way.

(My husband used to preach, saying….if I can encourage or awaken one Christian to go on further with the Lord….what a blessing that will be!  Think of what they can  accomplish for Christ’s glory!

         He divided the walk of faith into four stages of growth….

          There are children in the faith….playing before the Father.  Picture a little child skipping down the sidewalk, confident that their Father is right behind them, seeing to all that is around them….for comfort and protection.

          Then there are those who have heard the call to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and deny themselves, pick up their cross, to follow Him.   These are becoming servants….following behind.   And  many times during this experience we are “made to do”….till our wills come to the place that they no longer resist the Lord’s Will in anything…we have made the choice that we will do the Lord’s Will, no matter what.

Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

        Then we go on to friends…John 15:15….the experience of walking side by side with God…having the fellowship of His sufferings (battles),  and His resurrection life and power.  We are becoming good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

        These two divisions are the “young men”.

        Then we go on to union and communion.   We are His ambassadors, fully owned as His.  Because of our experience and knowledge of Him,  we are able to walk in overcoming faith.   But the greatest part of this experience is the closeness and knowledge of our Lovely Lord Jesus, and the love of God.  They  have  learned to look at all things with His eyes.   The world has shriveled up…and they have found Christ as the One who has given rest and satisfaction to them…getting in their experience:…”all things that pertain to life and godliness…” 2 Peter 1:3

          It is not that they know all….for there is so much more to learn from Him….but they know Him.)

As a commentator wrote on these verses:

“True knowledge of God, as every Christian can testify, separates between good and evil.   This is basic discernment, which the Holy Spirit gives us….praise the Lord.

But what Christ will lead us into….is discernment between Christ and all else.

         This knowledge separates….words and words,  actions and actions, thoughts and thoughts, and gives Christ the preeminence in life.

         “That I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10)  To know Christ–the Eternal Son.   In all His attributes and offices.   This is what Paul was ever pressing on for!

No vigor (energy) can make up for that judgment and poise of soul which comes from knowledge of Christ.”

     (Poise is a term hardly heard any more….it means that you are sure of your standing, and are yourself wherever you are.    Some have a home personality,  and a job personality, and a getting together with friends personality…etc.    But to have poise is to be confident as God’s child,….who He has made you, and that you will be His, before anyone….anyplace.)

John then goes on to speak about,  how…or the way to grow in grace…in the world around us.    

                For John shows us,  that as we are in the light (1 John 1:7), and we have the life of Christ…

         (We receive the Word of God..and it becomes an “engrafted Word”….through the Holy Spirit, changing us into the likeness of Christ by grace.)…

…..and that brings in Truth.    

Which will show us that we are to love some things…and not love others.

        1 John 2:15-16  “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

         For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The world here, is that great impressive system….which makes a great show, for it’s audience.

         But it has turned it’s back on God and His rights.

And so, though we walk in it everyday…..we are not to love it….not to hold it dear….but to see it as it is.

     (Notice it does not say we are to “hate it”.   But we are not to love it.  The beauty of creation,  the amazing cycles of life,  the wonder of the sky, stars, and warmth of the sun….we are not to ignore.   But we are to use the wonder of every one of them to bring us to God.)

     How does the world act?

The lust of the flesh….the things that excite emotions, feelings, or our minds.   They  put “self”, center stage.   How does this effect me?

The lust of the eyes….these are the things that excite our imaginations… to keep looking for that “next thing” to satisfy.   Which never does….for it leads to “more, more”.

The pride of life…that puffing up of ourselves,…the desire to have power or dominion over….just to make us “something”.   

1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

          John says look at the end….

the world will pass away….is even now passing away.   

          But….if we do the Will of God,  we will abide for ever….for we abide in Him….and He is the Eternal, Almighty God….Who keeps us, and upholds us everyday…for ever.

That I may know Him

1 John 2:12-14 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for HIs name’s sake.

          I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

         I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I have written unto you, young men because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Years ago, my husband had a message he gave on these verses….once a month, for a whole year.   He felt the Lord leading him to deal with these important facts…that any who wanted to go on with the Lord might understand,…and when the year was over….see their growth…according to the Scriptures.

The experience of God’s children vary…some are babes…some young men….and some fathers in the faith.   This has nothing to do with titles or ministries….but experience with God.

          My husband is often saying….”if we would have the strength and wisdom that God wants us to have for tomorrow, or next week….then we must pass through the experiences of today.”   

So many times, we think that we can put off going through a difficulty till “a more convenient season”….but if we do, we will not be prepared for the coming trials.

John begins by…”I write unto you, little children,…”    This  “children”  is a universal name for all the children of God.   All have their sins forgiven, all have the light and life of Christ.

Then John begins to speak to the fathers of the faith.   “I write unto you fathers…” because ye have know Him…and have matured,  by use of their faith in Christ Jesus.   

        (one preacher commented that John does not say “old men”…for there is no feebleness in connection with this group….only the knowledge of God.   This knowledge of what it has worked and will work in  us….and for us.)

         This knowledge is as in:

Daniel 11:32-33 “….but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

And they that understand among the people shall instuct many:…”

       When the soul knows God, it can stand suffering, grief,….and flatteries,….and continue to follow and stand and speak for the Lord Jesus.

“I write unto you young men…”   Strength and energy are characteristics of these.   They have begun to know the practical doing of God’s Will, and the Word of God…and have experienced conflict.   

“I write unto you little children”  John now speaks to those just beginning in the life of God.  They have found the Father…how sweet to know that God is our Father through Jesus Christ.   But how little they truly know, yet, of the experience of the Way.

(My husband used to preach, saying….if I can encourage or awaken one Christian to go on further with the Lord….what a blessing that will be!  Think of what they can  accomplish for Christ’s glory!

         He divided the walk of faith into four stages of growth….

          There are children in the faith….playing before the Father.  Picture a little child skipping down the sidewalk, confident that their Father is right behind them, seeing to all that is around them….for comfort and protection.

          Then there are those who have heard the call to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and deny themselves, pick up their cross, to follow Him.   These are becoming servants….following behind.   And  many times during this experience we are “made to do”….till our wills come to the place that they no longer resist the Lord’s Will in anything…we have made the choice that we will do the Lord’s Will, no matter what.

Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

        Then we go on to friends…John 15:15….the experience of walking side by side with God…having the fellowship of His sufferings (battles),  and His resurrection life and power.  We are becoming good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

        These two divisions are the “young men”.

        Then we go on to union and communion.   We are His ambassadors, fully owned as His.  Because of our experience and knowledge of Him,  we are able to walk in overcoming faith.   But the greatest part of this experience is the closeness and knowledge of our Lovely Lord Jesus, and the love of God.  They  have  learned to look at all things with His eyes.   The world has shriveled up…and they have found Christ as the One who has given rest and satisfaction to them…getting in their experience:…”all things that pertain to life and godliness…” 2 Peter 1:3

          It is not that they know all….for there is so much more to learn from Him….but they know Him.)

As a commentator wrote on these verses:

“True knowledge of God, as every Christian can testify, separates between good and evil.   This is basic discernment, which the Holy Spirit gives us….praise the Lord.

But what Christ will lead us into….is discernment between Christ and all else.

         This knowledge separates….words and words,  actions and actions, thoughts and thoughts, and gives Christ the preeminence in life.

         “That I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10)  To know Christ–the Eternal Son.   In all His attributes and offices.   This is what Paul was ever pressing on for!

No vigor (energy) can make up for that judgment and poise of soul which comes from knowledge of Christ.”

     (Poise is a term hardly heard any more….it means that you are sure of your standing, and are yourself wherever you are.    Some have a home personality,  and a job personality, and a getting together with friends personality…etc.    But to have poise is to be confident as God’s child,….who He has made you, and that you will be His, before anyone….anyplace.)

John then goes on to speak about,  how…or the way to grow in grace…in the world around us.    

                For John shows us,  that as we are in the light (1 John 1:7), and we have the life of Christ…

         (We receive the Word of God..and it becomes an “engrafted Word”….through the Holy Spirit, changing us into the likeness of Christ by grace.)…

…..and that brings in Truth.    

Which will show us that we are to love some things…and not love others.

        1 John 2:15-16  “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

         For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The world here, is that great impressive system….which makes a great show, for it’s audience.

         But it has turned it’s back on God and His rights.

And so, though we walk in it everyday…..we are not to love it….not to hold it dear….but to see it as it is.

     (Notice it does not say we are to “hate it”.   But we are not to love it.  The beauty of creation,  the amazing cycles of life,  the wonder of the sky, stars, and warmth of the sun….we are not to ignore.   But we are to use the wonder of every one of them to bring us to God.)

     How does the world act?

The lust of the flesh….the things that excite emotions, feelings, or our minds.   They  put “self”, center stage.   How does this effect me?

The lust of the eyes….these are the things that excite our imaginations… to keep looking for that “next thing” to satisfy.   Which never does….for it leads to “more, more”.

The pride of life…that puffing up of ourselves,…the desire to have power or dominion over….just to make us “something”.   

1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

          John says look at the end….

the world will pass away….is even now passing away.   

          But….if we do the Will of God,  we will abide for ever….for we abide in Him….and He is the Eternal, Almighty God….Who keeps us, and upholds us everyday…for ever.

That I may know Him

1 John 2:12-14 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for HIs name’s sake.

          I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

         I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I have written unto you, young men because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Years ago, my husband had a message he gave on these verses….once a month, for a whole year.   He felt the Lord leading him to deal with these important facts…that any who wanted to go on with the Lord might understand,…and when the year was over….see their growth…according to the Scriptures.

The experience of God’s children vary…some are babes…some young men….and some fathers in the faith.   This has nothing to do with titles or ministries….but experience with God.

          My husband is often saying….”if we would have the strength and wisdom that God wants us to have for tomorrow, or next week….then we must pass through the experiences of today.”   

So many times, we think that we can put off going through a difficulty till “a more convenient season”….but if we do, we will not be prepared for the coming trials.

John begins by…”I write unto you, little children,…”    This  “children”  is a universal name for all the children of God.   All have their sins forgiven, all have the light and life of Christ.

Then John begins to speak to the fathers of the faith.   “I write unto you fathers…” because ye have know Him…and have matured,  by use of their faith in Christ Jesus.   

        (one preacher commented that John does not say “old men”…for there is no feebleness in connection with this group….only the knowledge of God.   This knowledge of what it has worked and will work in  us….and for us.)

         This knowledge is as in:

Daniel 11:32-33 “….but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

And they that understand among the people shall instuct many:…”

       When the soul knows God, it can stand suffering, grief,….and flatteries,….and continue to follow and stand and speak for the Lord Jesus.

“I write unto you young men…”   Strength and energy are characteristics of these.   They have begun to know the practical doing of God’s Will, and the Word of God…and have experienced conflict.   

“I write unto you little children”  John now speaks to those just beginning in the life of God.  They have found the Father…how sweet to know that God is our Father through Jesus Christ.   But how little they truly know, yet, of the experience of the Way.

(My husband used to preach, saying….if I can encourage or awaken one Christian to go on further with the Lord….what a blessing that will be!  Think of what they can  accomplish for Christ’s glory!

         He divided the walk of faith into four stages of growth….

          There are children in the faith….playing before the Father.  Picture a little child skipping down the sidewalk, confident that their Father is right behind them, seeing to all that is around them….for comfort and protection.

          Then there are those who have heard the call to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and deny themselves, pick up their cross, to follow Him.   These are becoming servants….following behind.   And  many times during this experience we are “made to do”….till our wills come to the place that they no longer resist the Lord’s Will in anything…we have made the choice that we will do the Lord’s Will, no matter what.

Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

        Then we go on to friends…John 15:15….the experience of walking side by side with God…having the fellowship of His sufferings (battles),  and His resurrection life and power.  We are becoming good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

        These two divisions are the “young men”.

        Then we go on to union and communion.   We are His ambassadors, fully owned as His.  Because of our experience and knowledge of Him,  we are able to walk in overcoming faith.   But the greatest part of this experience is the closeness and knowledge of our Lovely Lord Jesus, and the love of God.  They  have  learned to look at all things with His eyes.   The world has shriveled up…and they have found Christ as the One who has given rest and satisfaction to them…getting in their experience:…”all things that pertain to life and godliness…” 2 Peter 1:3

          It is not that they know all….for there is so much more to learn from Him….but they know Him.)

As a commentator wrote on these verses:

“True knowledge of God, as every Christian can testify, separates between good and evil.   This is basic discernment, which the Holy Spirit gives us….praise the Lord.

But what Christ will lead us into….is discernment between Christ and all else.

         This knowledge separates….words and words,  actions and actions, thoughts and thoughts, and gives Christ the preeminence in life.

         “That I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10)  To know Christ–the Eternal Son.   In all His attributes and offices.   This is what Paul was ever pressing on for!

No vigor (energy) can make up for that judgment and poise of soul which comes from knowledge of Christ.”

     (Poise is a term hardly heard any more….it means that you are sure of your standing, and are yourself wherever you are.    Some have a home personality,  and a job personality, and a getting together with friends personality…etc.    But to have poise is to be confident as God’s child,….who He has made you, and that you will be His, before anyone….anyplace.)

John then goes on to speak about,  how…or the way to grow in grace…in the world around us.    

                For John shows us,  that as we are in the light (1 John 1:7), and we have the life of Christ…

         (We receive the Word of God..and it becomes an “engrafted Word”….through the Holy Spirit, changing us into the likeness of Christ by grace.)…

…..and that brings in Truth.    

Which will show us that we are to love some things…and not love others.

        1 John 2:15-16  “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

         For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The world here, is that great impressive system….which makes a great show, for it’s audience.

         But it has turned it’s back on God and His rights.

And so, though we walk in it everyday…..we are not to love it….not to hold it dear….but to see it as it is.

     (Notice it does not say we are to “hate it”.   But we are not to love it.  The beauty of creation,  the amazing cycles of life,  the wonder of the sky, stars, and warmth of the sun….we are not to ignore.   But we are to use the wonder of every one of them to bring us to God.)

     How does the world act?

The lust of the flesh….the things that excite emotions, feelings, or our minds.   They  put “self”, center stage.   How does this effect me?

The lust of the eyes….these are the things that excite our imaginations… to keep looking for that “next thing” to satisfy.   Which never does….for it leads to “more, more”.

The pride of life…that puffing up of ourselves,…the desire to have power or dominion over….just to make us “something”.   

1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

          John says look at the end….

the world will pass away….is even now passing away.   

But….if we do the Will of God, we will abide for ever….for we abide in Him….and He is the Eternal, Almighty God….Who keeps us, and upholds us everyday…for ever.

Have you seen God’s Provision for You?

A little background is needed:

The king of Syria warred against the king of Israel. He would set up camp in places where the king of Israel would pass through. In this way he thought to destroy him and take over Israel.

But God had a prophet in Israel, called Elisha. He sent to the king of Israel a warning, many times, about such ambushes.

This frustrated the king of Syria, and at first he thought he was being betrayed by someone in his own court.

But a knowledgeable man in the king’s court told him:

2 Kings 6:12 “And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.”

So the king of Syria, a mighty warrior, with a mighty army; sought to lay hands on this man: Elisha, God’s prophet.

2 Kings 6:13-14 “And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him saying, Behold, he is at Dothan.

Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and encompassed the city about.”

Now Elisha was just one man (though he had a servant with him); so sending this large company to get him, seemed like over-kill.

But it was not just meant to take Elisha, but also to scare him. To put him in awe of the might and power of the king of Syria.

Fear comes when we feel that we can not deal with a situation, ourselves.

Or can not get the right help from others, and there is nothing we can do about what is going on.

Then we become afraid.

But surrounded by this great and mighty army, Elisha was not afraid (although his servant was terrified).

2 Kings 6:15 “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do?”

The servant saw that they were surrounded; this surely was something to be afraid of!

Are not we often the same way?

But Elisha saw nothing to be afraid of; for he saw the provision of God for them.

2 Kings 6:16 “And he (Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

The world says: Seeing is believing.

For Elisha, he already “saw” by faith that the Syrian army that was around the city, was surrounded themselves, by God’s army….His provision for them.

The Syrian army was in more trouble then they were!

But the servant of Elisha needed a little more “sight”. He needed to get his eyes off the enemy, and onto the Lord’s army.

2 Kings 6:17 “Elisha prayed, and said, Lord I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses, and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

With that much help around them, they could have walked right through the army, or had them destroyed. (That is the way I would have thought about it.)

But God’s ways of dealing with people are different than ours.

God’s help “came down”.

2 Kings 6:18-19 “And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness.

And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city, follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.”

Elisha, instead, prayed that the army of the Syrians would have a blindness. A blindness to where they were.

Then he led them to the city of Samaria, where Israel’s king and army had them completely surrounded.

2 Kings 6:20-21 “And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, opens the eyes of these men, that they may see.

And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?”

Elisha told him, no. He told the king to feed them, and send them back to their king.

2 Kings 6:22-23. “And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

…So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.“

This saved Israel; for a while.

God’s provision for us is not always horses and chariots of fire.

Most of the time, He provides natural ways of deliverance.

But however He gives us His provision, we need to “see” it, and use it.

Elisha prayed, and sight was given to his servant.

We need to pray and ask God to give us sight, to see what He is, and will provide.

Are you in trouble? In distress? Or just afraid?

Look to Jesus, and seek His provision for you.

Whether simple, natural help is sent. Or heavenly help is sent. He will be found of all those who seek Him.

His answers are there.

Distressed and Alone

I am going to speak of a time in David’s life that was extremely hard for him.

It was not that he had not been by himself before, keeping his father’s sheep.

David was one, in a family of eleven brothers.

After fighting Goliath, he was the darling of the whole nation.

He had the king’s son as his best friend, and married Saul’s daughter; both who were sympathetic to him, but refused his company when he ran….for in the time I am speaking of, he was running from Saul the king.

He was on his own. He could not go home, for fear of putting them in danger, no friends were with him, at this time. He was alone.

An outcast, by no fault of his own; but because Saul, the king, was jealous

I want to explain that when we have gotten into this place: we are not in our right mind…no I do not mean crazy…I mean that the depressed state of our minds gives us ideas, which are often injurious to ourselves and sometimes to others.

He first thinks to get something to defend himself (often our first thought). So he goes to get a sword…Goliath’s sword…..as though that would keep him.

1 Samuel 21:9 “And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: it thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here.

And David said, There is none like that; give it me.”

It was held in the Tabernacle, and in getting it, he caused the priests to get in trouble with Saul; and to be killed. (1 Samuel 21:7, 22:11-23)

1 Samuel 21:10 “And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.”

Then David “thinks”to go down to the Philistines!

David had killed their champion, and now he wants to hide out there?! Is that right?!

Thankfully, he hears them talking about him, and realizes his danger….

1 Samuel 21:13 “And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.”

That tricks them, and he gets away. How gracious our God is!

1 Samuel 22:1 “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam:…”

God knew the danger, yet allowed David to go….so far, before He woke him up to reality….

Psalm 142:1-3 “I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make supplication.

I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my trouble.

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.”

David ran to a cave he knew…and hid.

Like David, we often aggravate our trouble by talking to ourselves about it.

Trying to figure out a solution…and with ourselves as our councilor, we can lead ourselves astray.

But when David gets to the cave; he “cries”….the emphasis on the voice twice suggests this was out loud in the cave…

….but this time, to the Lord.

Psalms 142:4 “I looked on my right hand, and behold, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”

Jonathan, his best friend, encouraged him….but refused to join in his trouble. (1 Samuel 20:42)

His wife, helped him escape a murder-plot against him, but refused to join him; and ended up blaming David, to escape her being in trouble.(1 Samuel 19:17)

(There was a time in my life, when I was surrounded by family; I was working, so I got up every morning, went to bed every night. But…I was “distressed and alone”.

I was saved…a Christian. But I had allowed a grievance to come between me and the Lord.

This was not the usual feeling….no, it was hard to keep going. I felt an emptiness I could not explain. I was alone in a way I had never felt before.

Yes, the Lord got me out of it….but in this time no one was my companion, no one understood.

It is hard, even now, to explain the emptiness I felt. The Lord had not left me,….. yet His sensible presence I had felt since I was born again, was not there.

The days seemed, at the same time, to be exceedingly long; and yet to be here and gone.

I was helped out of it, by the Lord sending His Word to me, through a message preached.

It was on the disciples in the storm in the Sea of Galilee. The words were, “Jesus had not said, “Go out in the middle of the lake and drown.

No, He had said, “Let us cross over.”

Wow! It was like the clouds had dispersed, and the sun came out. I saw….both my self-pity, and the Lord’s mercy. And I knew He would not let me “drown”, but was calling me to “cross over” this.

What a wonderful Lord we have.)

Psalms 142:5 “I cried unto Thee, O Lord; I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

A sword is a good thing; and friends are valuable….but David saw (and we, too, should see this) that God was his need, and his supply.

Psalm 142:7 “Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name:…”

By the end of his psalm (and how long he prayed or stayed alone, it does not say) he was encouraged by the Lord.

David stops asking…and expresses his confidence in the Lord’s goodness toward him.

Psalm 142:7 “…the righteous shall compass me about; for Thou shalt deal bountifully with me.”

Abundant grace was what he was asking for; and what he got.

1 Samuel 22:1-2 “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.

And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.”

There were a few years ahead where he was an outcast; but God would bring him to the throne of Israel, as He had anointed him to be.

God is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)

John 14:16-18 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.

Even the Spirit of Truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it receiveth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come unto you.”

Paul wrote of a time:

2 Corinthians 7:5-6 “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

Nevertheless God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforteth us by the coming of Titus;”

Comfort means “to call near”, to give solace: joy instead of loneliness, and peace instead of distress.

This He wants, and will give to all of us.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

As many as I love…

Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous (boiling hot) therefore, and repent.”

Jesus Christ loves us,…..therefore He will not let us go on and drown in self-will, or be deceived by sin, without throwing us the lifeline, administered by His Holy Spirit: of His Word, messages, and testimonies.

All given to help us hear Him, and repent (turn around).

When we get to heaven, the Lord’s Word will judge us: He will bless the works we have done out of love to Him.

John 12:48 “He that rejecteth Me, and recieveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the words that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

(Remember: “..If a man love me, he will keep my words: “John 14:23)

Paul tells us plainly, it is not how much we do for Christ, but of what sort it is.

1 Corinthians 3:13 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

Only those works which were done by the Holy Spirit through you, will count for eternity.

And only those acts done for the love of Jesus, will stand the fire of the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 3:14-15 “If any man’s work abide which he hath built there upon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Saved. In Heaven. Yet so as by fire.

The works that we do are of two sorts (for they are all imperfect):

those that are done according to God’s Will by yielding to the Holy Spirit, out of love to the Lord Jesus.

And those that we do because we feel me must, or from our own self motives (appreciation, applause, or status).

1 Corinthians 3:11-12 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;”

You can see how the fire of God’s Word will devour up the wood, hay and stubble, of self will.

But the fire will just refine the gold and the silver more. And will not touch the precious stones.

These are those acts which we have let the Holy Spirit work through us.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

These are the fruits of the Holy Spirit that we allow to come through us into the circumstances of our lives.

They reveal themselves in kindness, forgiveness, and peace and faithfulness to God in adversity.

These are the things that the world is searching for. That can reach a hungry soul for Christ. And (amazingly) God uses us!

To have my Christ-life, I must deny my self-life: both cannot rule my life. We choose one or the other.

It is through the fires of my everyday trials, I am brought to see the true value of “Christ in me, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Paul says:

Colossians 1:29 “Whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.”

Does the Holy Spirit work in you mightily?

Well, He is waiting to give you what you need, “above all that ye ask or think”.

But it is according to the power of the Holy Spirit that works within you.

Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Let this power work in us, that it might work by us and through us, to a hungry world, for Christ Jesus our Lord.