Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Action Words

2 Kings 4:2a, 14
Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you?”; ”What can be done for her?”

In our Couple’s bible study last Monday, we started a new series called Life Apps. It was authored by Jeff Henderson and Charles Stanley’s son, Andy. All six-sessions center around the idea that the truths we find in the Scriptures are to be applied.  That it’s not enough to read and know His words (or memorize, exegete, or blog about it!). Not even our feelings of guilt or joyous singing or our being overly motivated can bring about change. Obedience to God is not a noun, nor an adjective, it has always been a verb.

When the widow of one of the prophets in Israel came to Elisha for help, we did not find him just offering a listening ear or a tap in the back, like we usually do in wakes. It’s a good thing though. But not enough when she had creditors at the door seeking her two boys to serve as slaves. Fast forward to verse 10, and we read of a well-to-do Shunammite woman providing Elisha with a room so that he could have a place whenever he’s in town. We know a thank you would suffice, but he thought there’s more to be done. Two women, one in grief, the other, generous. Shall a prophet see his ministry only for those in need? Or be a blessing only to those treating them kindly? Moreover, Elisha knew better than leave them with words of promises or refreshed spirits. He took time to hear their lives to know their deepest needs. It is God-ordained that He alone can fill those voids. To the widow, a means of livelihood, and to the wife, a life on her womb.  Elisha did not leave their homes without God changing their lives.

God orchestrated that this is my devotion today and last Monday’s topic was all about application. A very good friend mirrored those two women mentioned above. She has been a generous supporter years back and now she’s in her pits with all their belongings washed away by the recent flood. I did encourage her with  text messages and kept myself updated of their howabouts. But that was the LEAST that I could do. Obviously not the MOST. So while I’m mentally listing how I could best extend God’s help to them, I hope you too would prayerfully consider how God wants you to be His blessing to another. Everybody has a need you know. Now GO!

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Action Words

2 Kings 4:2a, 14
Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you?”; ”What can be done for her?”

In our Couple’s bible study last Monday, we started a new series called Life Apps. It was authored by Jeff Henderson and Charles Stanley’s son, Andy. All six-sessions center around the idea that the truths we find in the Scriptures are to be applied.  That it’s not enough to read and know His words (or memorize, exegete, or blog about it!). Not even our feelings of guilt or joyous singing or our being overly motivated can bring about change. Obedience to God is not a noun, nor an adjective, it has always been a verb.

When the widow of one of the prophets in Israel came to Elisha for help, we did not find him just offering a listening ear or a tap in the back, like we usually do in wakes. It’s a good thing though. But not enough when she had creditors at the door seeking her two boys to serve as slaves. Fast forward to verse 10, and we read of a well-to-do Shunammite woman providing Elisha with a room so that he could have a place whenever he’s in town. We know a thank you would suffice, but he thought there’s more to be done. Two women, one in grief, the other, generous. Shall a prophet see his ministry only for those in need? Or be a blessing only to those treating them kindly? Moreover, Elisha knew better than leave them with words of promises or refreshed spirits. He took time to hear their lives to know their deepest needs. It is God-ordained that He alone can fill those voids. To the widow, a means of livelihood, and to the wife, a life on her womb.  Elisha did not leave their homes without God changing their lives.

God orchestrated that this is my devotion today and last Monday’s topic was all about application. A very good friend mirrored those two women mentioned above. She has been a generous supporter years back and now she’s in her pits with all their belongings washed away by the recent flood. I did encourage her with  text messages and kept myself updated of their howabouts. But that was the LEAST that I could do. Obviously not the MOST. So while I’m mentally listing how I could best extend God’s help to them, I hope you too would prayerfully consider how God wants you to be His blessing to another. Everybody has a need you know. Now GO!