There are so many miracles it’s hard to capture my thoughts. I wish I could upload a picture of my notes! I think the picture that’s stuck in my head from everything is Elisha opening up the Aramean army’s eyes so they can see the angels of God protecting him with “hills full of horses and chariots of fire.” I like to think of God protecting me like that too!
There is something to be said about these miracles of plenty occurring in the same passages as Gehazi’s greed. He has seen divine power to heal, feed, redeem, and had yet not counted the value of faith in God and instead sought after minuscule earthly treasure. The same failure that Judas Iscariot committed. May we also recognize that our treasure is not in the comparatively worthless conveniences of the world, but treasure Him who is powerful and good to give these things and much more for the soul.
It’s interesting to me how the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, but blinded the eyes of the Arameans. Similar (but opposite) miracles in a sense. And the healing of Naaman vs. his servant being struck with the skin disease due to his greed. It’s interesting to compare–the miracle isn’t about one person’s response, but affects the community.
Naaman came to the prophet and was angry and discouraged when he wasn’t cured right away. He was hurting and troubled and wanted an easy fix, which I can so relate to. When I’m going through a difficult time I often wish everything would change for the better and, like naaman says, for God to just wave his hand over me and make the pain go away. but as I’ve seen throughout the bible our struggles aren’t without purpose and instead of simply praying for everything to get better, I need to ask God to guide me and help me do what is right in his eyes, even if it’s hard. Like naaman I’ve had doubts, but I pray that I can let go of my need to always understand and control my circumstances, that I can have faith & trust in gods plan for me, that I can turn my hardships into blessings, that I can do the right thing even when it’s hard, so that i can live the life he’s intended for me
I read a study about Naaman that pointed out how he was stubborn in the way he wanted healing that he almost bypassed his own healing. I wonder how many times stubborn in my own ways of how things should be I have bypassed an opportunity to have a blessing?
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
-Philemon 1:15-18
When I read this portion it reminded me of the Prodigal son reading it, by welcoming home another member of Christ. I can’t help, but this is exactly what Jesus would be telling Our holy Father when He died for our sins.
Two main things that stand out to me today, the woman gifted with a son by Elisha, who had strong enough faith in God’s power that even when her son was dead to say “everything is fine.” She reminds me of Job, “the lord gives and the lord takes away, blessed be the Lord.” Then, in contrast, the woman on the wall who asks the (earthly) king for help. She has had faith in the wrong things. She has looked to the wrong King. And how evident that becomes when she tells her story and reveals that she has killed her own son to save herself and has therefore doomed herself. This story rips at my heart.
Naaman’s initial response to Elisha in Kings 5 so reminds me of my own resistance to God. Elisha offers to heal him of leprosy and to make him clean by sending him to wash in the Jordan seven times, and Naaman responds by saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper’ (v 11). It made me laugh reading Naaman’s angry response to God’s grace being poured out through Elisha, because so often I respond the same way. I come up with a weirdly specific solution to my sin problem and decide that’s the best way for God to make me clean. God has a greater plan for me in Christ, a greater story of redemption for me than anything I can come up with by myself! His way causes me to respond like Naaman does after the Jordan cleansing works, saying ‘Behold, I know there is no God in all the earth but in Israel’ (v 15).
Dear SRT leadership and staff:4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, (sister) have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
I don’t remember any of these stories about Elisha! I am enthralled. This verse leapt off the page. Can you imagine having your eyes literally opened to the heavenly army surrounding you? It gives me chills. We may not have our eyes opened to see our spiritual surroundings all the time but we can still pray for the Lord to open our eyes. And what a reminder of the protection we are under with the Lord. Thank you God!
I haven’t commented in a long time, I’m not so great at keeping disciplined with stuff like this.
I was excited to see how so many things were a foreshadowing of Christ . So amazing.
Please remember me in prayer sisters, I’m dealing with a rough season of motherhood, as well as struggling through my major depressive disorder and I feel so far from the Father it hurts. I know that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces hope- but I am really struggling to keep my eyes fixed on Him.
That being said, just being in the Holy Word and reading the sufferings of Paul, remind my heart that struggles with come but- I just love this- Our Christ is bigger, and the Father’s grace is sufficient for me.
Whew. Even when I feel like I can’t do it, it is ONLY through God that I can. I draw near to Him, and I know that He draws near to me, too. Praise Jesus!
I’m praying for you, Anne-Marie! I have been in the exact same place, as a mommy. I dealt with depression… and constantly felt submerged in guilt for dealing with it. I didn’t see how God could ever receive glory from that season in my life. But God is SO good and has a plan for everything! So many women face these issues and feel trapped by them. I can promise you now, that the struggles you are facing- if you stay focused on Jesus, will be a testimony! You will be a light to so many other women who need encouragement in similar seasons! Stay in the word, cast your cares on Him, and allow your weaknesses to be Jesus’ podium. He will get you through like only He can. And you will have a message in your heart on the other side of this struggle. Also, one thing I try to remember is, God himself is who blesses us with children. He has given us a gift in them! Therefore, the enemy is constantly going to tell us we are failing. That we aren’t capable of completing the task of motherhood. He is on a mission to steal our promises! Don’t let him. Be on guard and cherish your gifts. Our children are our inheritance. They are the very vessels that will hold the truth of Jesus to be passed on to others. Motherhood is a powerful thing! Keep fighting!
Prayers being sent your way for peace, strength and calm. Your faith is deep, by evidence of your note. Our Father loves and blesses you. Try to find a place to breath each day, eat for nourishment, sleep to be replenished, have small simple conversations with God as you go about His day. Thank Him for each blessing and beauty He presents to you. You are cherished.
I love Reading about all the things God did through Elisha, gifted with a double-portion of the Spirit that Elijah had, yet this one verse stands out to me:
2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and THE Lord HAS HIDDEN IT FROM ME and has not told me.”
Sometimes God is quiet, and doesn’t warn us in times of distress, even for those whom are close to the heart of God.
But just because God isn’t pouring out revelations in every circumstance, doesn’t mean he’s not there and won’t guide Elisha to bring life to this woman’s son.
13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” – today’s story of Elijah was a reminder to me to always focus on Gods mission and never veer even if it makes no sense to us at the time.
I’m enjoying starting Philemon to hear letters written by Paul to the Epostle
So thankful for the grace of God! ❤️
❤️
4I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,
❤️
❤️
♡
✅
✝️
There are so many miracles it’s hard to capture my thoughts. I wish I could upload a picture of my notes! I think the picture that’s stuck in my head from everything is Elisha opening up the Aramean army’s eyes so they can see the angels of God protecting him with “hills full of horses and chariots of fire.” I like to think of God protecting me like that too!
Good thoughts
There is something to be said about these miracles of plenty occurring in the same passages as Gehazi’s greed. He has seen divine power to heal, feed, redeem, and had yet not counted the value of faith in God and instead sought after minuscule earthly treasure. The same failure that Judas Iscariot committed. May we also recognize that our treasure is not in the comparatively worthless conveniences of the world, but treasure Him who is powerful and good to give these things and much more for the soul.
4I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, -ellie
The Shunammite woman had great faith in the man of
God!!!
It’s interesting to me how the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, but blinded the eyes of the Arameans. Similar (but opposite) miracles in a sense. And the healing of Naaman vs. his servant being struck with the skin disease due to his greed. It’s interesting to compare–the miracle isn’t about one person’s response, but affects the community.
Naaman came to the prophet and was angry and discouraged when he wasn’t cured right away. He was hurting and troubled and wanted an easy fix, which I can so relate to. When I’m going through a difficult time I often wish everything would change for the better and, like naaman says, for God to just wave his hand over me and make the pain go away. but as I’ve seen throughout the bible our struggles aren’t without purpose and instead of simply praying for everything to get better, I need to ask God to guide me and help me do what is right in his eyes, even if it’s hard. Like naaman I’ve had doubts, but I pray that I can let go of my need to always understand and control my circumstances, that I can have faith & trust in gods plan for me, that I can turn my hardships into blessings, that I can do the right thing even when it’s hard, so that i can live the life he’s intended for me
I read a study about Naaman that pointed out how he was stubborn in the way he wanted healing that he almost bypassed his own healing. I wonder how many times stubborn in my own ways of how things should be I have bypassed an opportunity to have a blessing?
Agreed! I so often try to do things in my own strength and power!
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
-Philemon 1:15-18
When I read this portion it reminded me of the Prodigal son reading it, by welcoming home another member of Christ. I can’t help, but this is exactly what Jesus would be telling Our holy Father when He died for our sins.
Praying for you all.
Two main things that stand out to me today, the woman gifted with a son by Elisha, who had strong enough faith in God’s power that even when her son was dead to say “everything is fine.” She reminds me of Job, “the lord gives and the lord takes away, blessed be the Lord.” Then, in contrast, the woman on the wall who asks the (earthly) king for help. She has had faith in the wrong things. She has looked to the wrong King. And how evident that becomes when she tells her story and reveals that she has killed her own son to save herself and has therefore doomed herself. This story rips at my heart.
Naaman’s initial response to Elisha in Kings 5 so reminds me of my own resistance to God. Elisha offers to heal him of leprosy and to make him clean by sending him to wash in the Jordan seven times, and Naaman responds by saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper’ (v 11). It made me laugh reading Naaman’s angry response to God’s grace being poured out through Elisha, because so often I respond the same way. I come up with a weirdly specific solution to my sin problem and decide that’s the best way for God to make me clean. God has a greater plan for me in Christ, a greater story of redemption for me than anything I can come up with by myself! His way causes me to respond like Naaman does after the Jordan cleansing works, saying ‘Behold, I know there is no God in all the earth but in Israel’ (v 15).
Yes, so good! I love getting to see (and experience) how the Lord is true wisdom.
Love this.
Dear SRT leadership and staff:4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, (sister) have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Alexis,
Thank you for this sweet encouragement today! We are so grateful to have you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
I don’t remember any of these stories about Elisha! I am enthralled. This verse leapt off the page. Can you imagine having your eyes literally opened to the heavenly army surrounding you? It gives me chills. We may not have our eyes opened to see our spiritual surroundings all the time but we can still pray for the Lord to open our eyes. And what a reminder of the protection we are under with the Lord. Thank you God!
Goor reminder Christina! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Yes! So good!
Awesome I know! I also didn’t remember most of these stories about Elisha and am finding it all so fascinating! :)
SO enthralling! I can’t wait to read more!
I haven’t commented in a long time, I’m not so great at keeping disciplined with stuff like this.
I was excited to see how so many things were a foreshadowing of Christ . So amazing.
Please remember me in prayer sisters, I’m dealing with a rough season of motherhood, as well as struggling through my major depressive disorder and I feel so far from the Father it hurts. I know that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces hope- but I am really struggling to keep my eyes fixed on Him.
That being said, just being in the Holy Word and reading the sufferings of Paul, remind my heart that struggles with come but- I just love this- Our Christ is bigger, and the Father’s grace is sufficient for me.
Whew. Even when I feel like I can’t do it, it is ONLY through God that I can. I draw near to Him, and I know that He draws near to me, too. Praise Jesus!
You’ve got my prayers sister! I also struggle with depression and it’s been a huge part of my faith journey!
I’m praying for you, Anne-Marie! I have been in the exact same place, as a mommy. I dealt with depression… and constantly felt submerged in guilt for dealing with it. I didn’t see how God could ever receive glory from that season in my life. But God is SO good and has a plan for everything! So many women face these issues and feel trapped by them. I can promise you now, that the struggles you are facing- if you stay focused on Jesus, will be a testimony! You will be a light to so many other women who need encouragement in similar seasons! Stay in the word, cast your cares on Him, and allow your weaknesses to be Jesus’ podium. He will get you through like only He can. And you will have a message in your heart on the other side of this struggle. Also, one thing I try to remember is, God himself is who blesses us with children. He has given us a gift in them! Therefore, the enemy is constantly going to tell us we are failing. That we aren’t capable of completing the task of motherhood. He is on a mission to steal our promises! Don’t let him. Be on guard and cherish your gifts. Our children are our inheritance. They are the very vessels that will hold the truth of Jesus to be passed on to others. Motherhood is a powerful thing! Keep fighting!
Prayers being sent your way for peace, strength and calm. Your faith is deep, by evidence of your note. Our Father loves and blesses you. Try to find a place to breath each day, eat for nourishment, sleep to be replenished, have small simple conversations with God as you go about His day. Thank Him for each blessing and beauty He presents to you. You are cherished.
I didn’t remember that Elisha fed a large number of people with very little food. Another foreshadowing of Jesus doing the same thing, pretty cool.
I was thinking the same thing this morning!
I love Reading about all the things God did through Elisha, gifted with a double-portion of the Spirit that Elijah had, yet this one verse stands out to me:
2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and THE Lord HAS HIDDEN IT FROM ME and has not told me.”
Sometimes God is quiet, and doesn’t warn us in times of distress, even for those whom are close to the heart of God.
But just because God isn’t pouring out revelations in every circumstance, doesn’t mean he’s not there and won’t guide Elisha to bring life to this woman’s son.
13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” – today’s story of Elijah was a reminder to me to always focus on Gods mission and never veer even if it makes no sense to us at the time.
I’m enjoying starting Philemon to hear letters written by Paul to the Epostle