The only true limitation is our faith

Mr. Smith entered the bathroom flustered and disappointed again. He was an excellent Science teacher who had developed a great relationship with his students. He often stood after school many hours tutoring and helping with extracurricular activities. However every now and then you could sense a bit of disappointment. I could only speculate, perhaps it was struggles with a particular student, disagreements with administration or perhaps another possibility. Mr. Smith once upon a time had hoped to be a police officer.  However when he applied at the age of 28 they told him he was too old. He tells me that at the time he was ripped and in the best shape of his entire life. He absolutely knew that with proper exercise and eating right he could stay in pretty good shape for the next 20 to 25 years. But they simply said no. One time he explained how the guy behind the desk telling him of his ineligibility was overweight and obviously in no condition to be an officer himself. Sometimes limitations are hard to live with, especially when artificially imposed on us by some authority. However the human experience is filled with such limitations. Too old, too young, too small, too sick, not enough education, not enough preparation, not enough experience and the list goes on and on. Even in the natural world around us we experience limitations.  It is too hot, too cold, too snowy or perhaps too dark outside. By the time we are adults we expect limitations and assume that we cannot escape them. We sometimes go as far as to place limitations on God.

Jesus understood this. He knew that this overwhelming acceptance of limitations was a real faith killer. He also knew that if a person could just believe, great things would be possible, God willing. It is why he said “I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20) On many occasions Jesus would tell a person the miracle was due to faith. (Matthew 9:22, Luke 18:42, Luke 17:19) However at times there was still a lack of faith, even among the disciples.

Jesus stood before an attentive crowd of people, (4000 men, perhaps more woman and children as well), Hungry to hear God’s word, hungry to see miracles, hungry for hope and hungry for FOOD. Jesus explained to His disciples the compassion he felt for the people who had faithfully stayed with Him for three days and were now hungry. (Mark 8:1-10) The disciples complained, “But we are far away from any town. Where can we get enough bread to feed all these people?” (Mark 8:4) I can only imagine what Jesus was thinking, “What have I been doing all this time with these disciples? Have they not seen me raise the dead, walk on water, heal the sick and countless other miracles. Do they not understand that God is capable of anything and everything?” God has no limits!

Jesus did not address their lack of faith this time, He simply asked for what little bread they had, seven loaves of bread and a few pieces of fish, blessed them and told the disciple to begin distributing. Matthew explains that after everyone had eaten they were still able to collect 7 baskets full of food from the leftovers.

This is a God that can start with nothing and make everything. A God that breathes life into the dead, makes whole the sick, stops the Universe and holds still the sun in the sky. This is the God that can raise Kings from shepherd boys and bring them down just as easily. He has no limitations and He can do all that is needed and more in each and every one of our lives. Sometimes the only true limitation is our faith.

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• Loaves and Fishes (amayzinggrace.com)
• Faith and Focus (caileefry.wordpress.com)
• Faith Small as a Mustard Seed (inspirationandhope.wordpress.com)
• Barley Loaves (brokenbelievers.com)
• Know How To Work Your Faith (gwwministry.wordpress.com)
• Matthew 15.21-39 (apologistmike.wordpress.com)
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A Slave to fear

Acting on fear is the downfall of so many of us. In the bible the Israelites are the perfect example. Several times in their history they acted on fear instead of having courage and faith in God.

First they were in Egypt for centuries getting stronger. Pharaoh himself claimed that the Israelites were stronger than the Egyptians. (Exodus 1:8-10) However when the decision was made to enslave Israel, according to biblical records, Israel did nothing. For centuries they were enslaved without a rebellion recorded. (Exodus 12:40-41). After God used Moses with a mighty hand to free them and bring them through the desert, they were confronted with the Canaanites who were living in the promise land.

Once again they lacked faith and react with fear. They declared that they could not defeat the Giants who live there. They did even worst. They wished they had died in the wilderness or had never left their masters in Egypt. (Numbers 14:1-4)Their fear was truly remarkable considering they had seen a multitude of miracles provided by an almighty God with the sole purpose of freeing them and delivering to them the promise land.

Many centuries later, after the Israelites had seen many more miracles, fear would show its ugly face again. The Israelites would once again act out of fear and demand a King that could protect them against their enemies. For centuries God had lifted up men who for the most part were good, wise, moral, who feared Him and were dedicated to Him and whose sole purpose was defending Israel, but Israel’s fear was so intense that they were willing to surrender their freedom. Instead of being slaves to Egypt they would now be slaves to a king.

The prophet Samuel explains that the king would take their land, their earnings, their sons and daughters and force them to serve him. But they still wanted to be slaves in exchange for protection. (1 Samuel 8)

Fear has turned many into slaves. Fear stops us and keeps us from doing all we can and from putting our abilities to use. Opportunities can be lost and in the worst case scenarios we can remain trapped in a place that God does not want for us.

Let us all keep in mind what Paul told one of his young leaders, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God does not want us to fear, but trust in Him and believe or as Jesus said “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Related articles

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• God will deliver you from your Egypt, just like He did with the Israelite’s!(amandalouisehobba.wordpress.com)
• Dependence on God (tchesh.wordpress.com)
• #9 Enslavement and Exodus (biblestudybasics.wordpress.com)
• The Burning Bush (iamchasewordz.wordpress.com)
• Genesis 23.1-20 (9markspastor.wordpress.com)
• What if Moses didn’t raise his staff and stretched out his hand?(chaparnada.wordpress.com)

Johnny throws a stink bomb

“Johnny just do it!” Marcus said. Johnny contemplated the stink bomb in his hand and wondered. He desperately wanted to get out of it. Johnny was popular in his own way. There were certainly enough classmates that thought he was cool and really looked up to him, although he was not as popular as the starting quarterback of the varsity team.  Now He had the unenviable assignment of throwing a stink bomb into Mr. Bender’s classroom, while he was teaching. The smell although not destructive would certainly disrupt the class. Although it was risky, what Johnny hated most was that it was Mr. Bender.  He was a demanding teaching that often would assign the longest Homework and give by far the hardest exams. But he taught American History and Johnny loved the course. He had aced it and his work had been routinely praised as “well thought out”, “an in depth analysis”  “highly developed” and “especially creative”. Johnny had enjoyed his moment in the light with Mr. Bender and all those good memories were floating in his head.  He could hear his favorite teacher discussing the causes of the American Revolution.  Johnny thought to himself “I can’t do this to Mr. Bender.” Then a sweet voice carried across the hall, “Hey Johnny what you got there?” It was Marie, the prettiest girl in his official class. She was Johnny’s dream girl. No way could he appear to be soft in front of her. Now his best friend Marcus repeated the order “Johnny just do it” and added “What are you chicken now, scared of old Bender?”  Johnny looked at his friend and then at Marie and released it. Like the cowards they were they all took off running.

Soon Johnny found himself in the school yard and thought it best to just head home. That evening Marcus called “Man that was a thing of beauty. Why did you take off? Dude nobody knows who did it. Just Marie and she has a thing for you.” The guilt was so great Johnny didn’t even realize what Marcus had said about Marie. Johnny didn’t want to talk about it. Johnny told Marcus “I’m not feeling well Marco, talk to you later” and he hung up.

Two weeks later the guilt was still driving Johnny crazy.  Now he stood before his favorite teacher, frozen and speechless. Old Mr. Bender, grey haired and bearded and wearing a brown cardigan sweater looked up and smiled. “Nice seeing you Johnny, few students had such a deep and extensive grasp of American History. I sincerely enjoyed our discussions. I really thought you enjoyed the course as well.” It’s as if he knew and just wanted to make this more difficult for Johnny. Now came the icing on the cake “Hey Johnny didn’t I write a letter of recommendation for that summer job you wanted. How did that go?”  Johnny could not bear to look at him and while he hung his head low, he finally just came out with it. “I did it Mr. Bender.” Mr. bender decided he wasn’t done with it and added “What are you talking about Johnny.” “ I threw the bomb the other day.” “I knew you had done it Johnny.” “Why didn’t you report it?” Johnny asked.  “In a couple of months you’re going to start applying for colleges. Would you like something like that on you record?”

Johnny now realized he had given in to peer pressure and made a victim, of not only his favorite teacher, but a teacher who was merciful and considerate of his future.  He was undeserving of such kindness and even after the apology still felt there was more he should do. Fortunately, wise old Mr. Bender had an idea. “You know Johnny I was thinking my car is going to need a good cleaning this weekend.” Johnny smiled. “It’s going to be shiny as new by Sunday Morning Mr. Benson.” Mr. Benson responded “Excellent, just in time for my niece and I to go to Sunday school.” Johnny was satisfied and headed for the door when Mr. Benson stopped him “Oh Johnny you know my niece right.” Johnny answered “No sir.” Mr. Benson with a smile said “Oh you do, her name is Marie.”

Solomon said it perfectly “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”(Proverbs 1:10) God does not want us to fold to the pressures of others or this world. We must remain strong and listen to the Holy Spirit that guides our actions. (John 16:13, Romans 8:14 ) It is God himself who speaks to our conscience so that we can do what is right. When we fail it is that same spirit that convicts us. Let us ask God to make us strong that we may resist temptation and live a life that we need not be ashamed of.  Peter wisely adds   “We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:29)

No excuse, no retreat, no surrender

This hero will certainly battle on. He will not retire or call it quits. He has dedicated himself to the cause and regardless of the pain, discomfort or challenges he is determined to give his all. I am speaking of my eighty year old paraplegic father, the Rev. Dr. Cecilio Melendez. He is a model for all to see, an object lesson for none to forget. We live our lives with a higher calling to serve God. With each individual there is of course a variety that is expressed as God uses us all in a unique way. Whether he formed us to sing, preach, teach, play an instrument, be hands of comfort or help, pray, build or fix, and others, we have a very personal mission, a commitment between God and us. My father was formed for many reasons, but one of great importance was to preach.

It was in the fishing town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, in a small Spanish Pentecostal church he was asked to preach to the children of his church. What was remarkable is that he was seven years old. He remembers that he preached on Matthew 24, the topic was “Signs of the End of the Age”. He never looked back. He found the courage to do what few would. He would pull up a crate on the street corner and start preaching. This started at the age of twelve. Around the same time came the many invitations from traveling evangelists for the young man to accompany them and preach before large crowds of hundreds. Before he was a teenager his ministry was in full swing.

By the time my father was twenty years old he was a fully ordained minister. All was brilliant in the life of this young man; now married and the father of a beautiful little girl, my older sister Lisa. Then he was diagnosed with cancer. Treatments began earnestly in order to save this young life. The Doctors never gave my father much of a chance. They thought he would perhaps live a couple of years. But my father a man of great faith, put his life in God’s hands and fifty eight years later he still standing. However this is not the whole story.

The effects of radiation therapy would not become evident for many years later. In his late fifties he would begin to lose the use of his hands. One complication would lead to another. To summarize, both of my father’s arms and hands are paralyzed, he has lost complete vision in his left eye, sees with great difficulty in his right eye, occasionally loses his sight completely, loses his balance, may also at times feel faint, is on a strict diet, suffers from different aches and pains, has paralysis of the right vocal cord, and gets up every morning thankful that God has given him another day, when he was supposed to have been dead over fifty years ago. Doctors have chastised him for preaching and counseling, ordering him to rest his vocal cords, which is exactly what he did for almost a year. It was yet another source of pain and frustration for a man that has been preaching since he was seven. For him preaching was as natural as walking and breathing.

Every last minister and preacher in the church had taken several turns throughout the year and then the merry go round stopped. The Pastor was going to preach. Everyone waited in anticipation. Many I am sure were just waiting for him to retire. Others had been praying for healing. Neither would occur. The brave old man with little vision would locate an old outline from his memory of thousands and the sermon began. More than an hour later, he concluded after having inspired, motivated, excited and spiritually lifting the entire congregation. The time had just flown by. The church had witnessed a man wholly and completed dedicated to God. It did not matter, what physical ailments he would have to overcome, nor would it matter the weariness he had been suffering. Not even the warnings of doctors would stop him. He knew he had to preach. It was probably the best sermon I had heard in over a year. Later in private I would ask my father “Are you going to preach next Sunday?” His response was perfect, “Of course this has to continue!” No excuse, no retreat, no surrender for this hero. He will battle with his sickness and continue with this mission, until God says “no more”.

God is not looking for excuses. He did not accept any from Moses (Exodus 3:11, Exodus 4:1, 10), Gideon (Judges 6:15) or Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). He does not want us to come with excuses either. He is looking for men and women who are willing to sacrifice and overcome obstacles to complete with the mission God has placed in each of their hands. It will not be easy, nothing worthwhile is. But I know as I watched My father preach, I learned that to be responsible to your calling will most likely include great sacrifices and great battles, but “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

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Esau’s bad trade

Esau was sweaty and out of breath, totally exhausted after a hard day’s work of hunting. He wanted two things, to eat and to rest. It is pretty much how most of us feel after a long hard day. We get home and want to just collapse on the living room sofa and perhaps if someone could just bring us our favorite meal, everything would be perfect. Jacob was more than ready to please. The wise younger brother had prepared a splendid meal that Esau could not resist and I am sure many of us would not resist either. However Jacob was not as nice as we would hope, nor was he so generous. Jacob was a man with a plan. (Genesis 25:29-34)

Jacob understood that blessings were worth more than rest or food. He understood how to make a good trade. Jesus also talked about trades. He said “what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Much of what we can obtain in this world comes with a price. It will cost us money, or our time. Jesus made it clear that as we embark on our adventures of conquest, whether they are to obtain wealth, success, recognition, a higher position, or even someone’s favor, we must be sure of what the price is, because we don’t want to lose our souls. We never want to do anything that compromises our principals, our morality and most importantly our relationship with God!

Certainly this means saying no when asked to do something that we know is immoral, but it also means saying no when our time and energy is consumed, leaving little time for God. Our salvation is a great treasure that cannot so easily be surrendered. Our walk with God must be cultivated and developed to its fullest maturity and this takes time.

Esau ignored his great treasure and surrendered it easily. Jacob held that delicious plate of food, whose aroma must have truly been overwhelming, and simply asked for Esau’s birthright. Surely this meant great blessings, an inheritance and rights that should rightly belong to the eldest Esau. Esau agreed and filled his stomach and rested. Jacob would become the father of all Israelites, the chosen people, and from his lineage would descend the Messiah.

Let us not sell our great blessing for so little, all that this world has to offer pales in comparison to all eternity. Let us guard our salvation as it is our greatest treasure.

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• Not for Sale! (brokenbelievers.com)
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• Deal With Your Esau Before He Deal With U. (holyspiritmyteacher.wordpress.com)
• We Should Not Allow Ourselves to Be Swayed From God’s Will by the Pleasures of Sin or Relying on Might. (kneeghan.wordpress.com)
• Jacob Steals A Blessing (lacykitkat.wordpress.com)
• Jacob cheats Esau out of the blessing of Isaac (Gen 27:1-27:45)(efinne1540.wordpress.com)

We are all sinners

“Oooo! You’re in trouble Betsy, when dad and mom find out what you’ve done.” Michael was scaring his younger sister who had broken his mother’s vase. “They’re here Betsy. Daddy is carrying a Duncan Donuts bag. Aren’t Duncan donuts your favorite? I don’t think you’re getting any today. Besides you’re so fat.” Betsy started crying. Michael started laughing. Michael could hear the door opening. “Oh I can’t wait to see this,” Michael said with a huge grin on his face. Then he took off running towards the door.

“Mom, Dad you’re not going to believe this but Betsy broke your vase.” Mrs. Deed’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her face. Mrs. Deeds ran into the living and gasped for air. Then she dropped to her knees and carefully began to pick up each piece one by one. Mr. Deeds came in with his hands on his hips and asked, “Bets you did this?” Betsy still crying shook her head yes and before her father could say another word dropped to her knees besides her mother and said “Mom I’m sorry I know how important this vase was. It was great grandma’s and she gave it to you. I can’t believe I did this. I can’t make up for this. I don’t know what to do mom.” Betsy was crying with her head bowed low. Mrs. Deeds looked up and it was as if she was seeing her daughter for the first time. She freed one of her hands and reached out and wrapped her arm around her daughter. She leaned her head towards her daughter’s and whispered “you’re forgiven.”

When Michael realized what was happening he erupted “What is going on here! What, no yelling, no punishment; she should get what she deserves!” Then Dad spoke, “Michael did you see Betsy break the vase?” Michael amazed at the question, “Dad I didn’t, but she admitted to it.” Calmly dad asked “Where were you when your little sister broke the vase?” There was dead silence. Dad did not have to say another word. Michael realized he had disobeyed. He was not supposed to leave his little sister alone. Now he was wondering, “What do I deserve?”

Paul explained in his letter to the Romans, “For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:22-23). It is easy to be tempted and at times looked down on the faults and failures of others. But we must all remember that we all have sinned and it is actually a good thing that most of us will probably never get what we truly deserve. God in His mercy has forgiven all those who have sincerely repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. We are forgiven and will not suffer the condemnation we deserve. Instead we have received a priceless treasure, eternal life with God.

Bibleaid articles on forgiveness

Forgive them

A repentant tax collector

Judging forgiveness and taking time out for others

Can I be forgiven

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• Are your SINS, Past , Present and Future forgiven, or your Sin forgiven ?(emanuelrendas.wordpress.com)
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• Works Are a Gift of Grace (thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com)
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Praise Him!

Yearning for the morning light
Thought alone was the night
But He was there by my side
My heart and mind did guide
Though thoughts did fight gloom
My dreams, but thoughts of doom
Toss and turn
My heat did burn
But now the morning light
Now I see with new sight
God was with me through the night
He joined me in the fight
My mind almost did break
Tears until I did wake
But hope still reins
Knowing God Sustains
Covers me through the rain
Of doubt fear and Pain
Raises me so that I might shine
Before His presence divine
Fills me with joy and Peace
His work a masterpiece
Loves me with no end
More than the closest friend
With Him I shall not fall
With Him I have all
Praise Him day and night
Praise Him with all my might!

© Samuel Melendez. All rights reserved

The name of Jesus

“Well it seems like a great idea. So many seem to be using the name of Christ to get what they want. There must be some kind of power in that name, whoever he was.” This must have been the thoughts of the seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva. (Acts 19:15-16) Interesting how some who do not even know Christ, think “why not use His name”.

There is no doubt there is power in the name of Christ. Christ instructed us to use his name. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) He said it again in John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” But in both occasions Jesus was speaking to believers, His followers.

Jesus knew that His followers believed in Him and had some faith. On one occasion two blind men came to Jesus wanting to be healed and what did Jesus ask? He asked “Do you believe…?” When they answered in the affirmative, Jesus healed them. (Matthew 9:27-31) There is also the wonderful case of the woman who had a blood sickness and had seen many doctors without any success. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ garment she could be healed. In her weakened state, fighting through a crowd she did exactly that and was healed instantly. Jesus demanded that the woman come forth. She was terrified. Let’s consider why she would be terrified? She knew this Jesus was no ordinary man and feared the power of God, further proof of her faith. Jesus would say of her “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34)

Faith in God is an important ingredient when expecting a miracle. There are other ingredients no doubt. Another ingredient is, knowing that God has to be willing. Now the Sons of Sceva had erred greatly in not considering at least these two ingredients. They did not have true faith in Christ. They had faith in the name of a person they did not know. They thought the name of Jesus was some kind of mystic power they could use for whatever they wanted and to benefit themselves. They were not believers in Jesus Christ, as lord and messiah.

The result was not pretty. The evil spirit after being told to leave in the name of Christ Said “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” then the demon possessed man attacked the sons of Sceva, tearing their clothes off and wounding them. (Acts 19:15-16)

Until this day there are many who would like to benefit from Christ without ever having truly known Him. For them Christianity is a business or a way of manipulating the masses, politicians who never attend church except when election time is near and then say all the right words. Throughout history men have used Jesus to get what they want, manipulate the masses, get away with horrific actions and seize power. However far from being believers, they are actually enemies of the cross. Until this day their horrific actions make it difficult for many to put their trust in Christ. I am sure they will have their reward in the next life.

As believers God has blessed us with a powerful weapon, the name of Christ. However, we cannot simply say in the name of Christ and it will be done. Jesus must be our Lord and we must understand that the power comes from God and He must be willing. We do not proudly demand what we do not understand, we humbly ask in awe of what we know to be real.

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How fickle is the hearts of men

They entered the town on a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. With bold authority they announced a Savior has come.  Then Paul performed a great miracle in the name of Christ. They were amazed. They proclaimed one Zeus and the other Hermes. They began to worship them and offer Sacrifices.  This man of God, called Paul fought them, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”(Acts14:15) They would not listen and continued to worship him.  Then something strange happened. The enemies of the great Apostle Paul, coming from another town arrived and began to speak evil against him. What did they say?  Perhaps it sounded like this “He certainly is no God, he has the devil in him.  He is a blasphemer, whose only mission is to draw us away from our faith!” You must reject this liar. Stone him!”

These same men who sought to worship the Apostle now reached for stones, and if only their aim had not been so good. One stone after another hit the humble man of God, until he could stand no more and down he went and they shouted victory and dragged his beaten body out of town.  His brethren then surrounded him in mourning and despair. But death was not to be this day. For by the hand of mighty God this Apostle did awake. Many more would hear him preach and many more witness miracles by his hands.

This apostle would always know, fickle are the hearts of men who worship you now, and then soon after seek to stone you.  Better to seek the approval of God, who is forever faithful! Years later he would say “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

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4 lepers save the day

Starving and alone the four men suffering from leprosy stood, holding their empty bellies. These men were unwanted, rejected and of little worth to society due to their horrendous disease.  They were homeless and helpless.  To make matters worse they were literally in the middle of a war between Syria and Israel. (2 kings 7) Going to Samaria (city in Israel) meant certain death, since the siege by the Syrians had made food scarce. They were certainly not welcomed in the Syrian camp and if caught, they would most likely be killed. How many in the same situation would have thrown up their arms and just given up? However these men decided to take a chance.    They placed themselves at the mercy of the enemy. Their hearts must have been pounding, but the ache in their stomach was overwhelming.

They walked right into the enemy camp. However there was no one to surrender to. The Syrian camp had turned into a ghost town. Not one soldier could be found.  But there was plenty of treasure, weapons, and most important food left behind!

Moments before the four men walked into camp, God had caused the Syrians to hear the roar of a huge Calvary. Believing that the King of Israel had hired Hittite or Egyptian soldiers they decided to flee in haste leaving everything behind. God had cared for these men, when no one had given them a second thought.

What a feast it must have been. Literally an army worth of food for just four men to eat!  They entered the first tent, ate, gathered a wealth of items and then proceeded to the next tent, where they did similarly.

In this incredible moment of ecstasy, these men who had just been blessed by God with what could be a personal fortune to last generations, and had been rejected by society, decided to share. Even more than this they thought it a responsibility. They said to each other “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news.” (2 Kings 7:9) They immediately went to Samaria told them of this great blessing that all could share in their blessing.

What a multitude of lessons!

1. When there seems to be no answer to the problem God can still make a way.
2. We can be rejected by society, our families, our friends, but God will still care for us and use us as a mighty instrument in His hand!
3.  Those that reject us may someday have to thank us.
4. The blessings of God are meant to be shared, so that they might be a blessing for all!
5. Today, not tomorrow is the day of “Good News”. A truly spiritual message for all those that have been redeemed by the lamb, Jesus Christ. Today we must share this “Good News!”

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• 2 Kings 7 (sisterspray4me.com)

It’s the person, not the thing

It was Judy Pinkleton’s 17th birthday. She was a rather refined young lady who had an eye for precious things.  She knew her fashion and insisted on only wearing the best. Some of her friends were not aware of this. Tom had befriended Judy most recently.  They were lab partners in High School. Tom had a little crush on Judy and hoped to impress her. He had found what he thought to be the loveliest scarf he had ever seen.  It was red with all kinds of bears on it, in a variety of positions all holding hearts.  Surely this would express Tom’s affection. He wrapped it up and it was all prepared for Judy.

Into the classroom she came. With her head held high, wearing the best and smelling like a breath of fresh air. For Tom she was perfection. He swallowed hard and felt his heart racing. She went passed Tom quickly, without saying a word, but did manage to give him a quick look. She immediately started a conversation with her childhood friend Samantha Hoogens. Samantha’s taste was a bit more down to earth, but she knew Judy had a good heart if you could get pass all the high price gear. Judy talked fast and was obviously excited, explaining all her wonderful plans for the evening. Tom sheepishly made his way to her and somehow blurted out “Happy birthday” as he handed her the gift. The conversation came to a halt and a moment of awkward silence followed. Then Judy took the gift and said thank you Tom, how nice of you. I guess I’ll open it.” As she opened it a rather disappointed look came over her as she stared at the scarf. She seemed lost for words and finally said “Well thank you Tom this will definitely come in handy” and she quickly hid it back in the box and then continued her conversation with Samantha.

Tom quietly walked away feeling very much like a fool. Later while Judy and Samantha were walking home they noticed Tom sitting on a bench looking miserable. Samantha turned to Judy, “Isn't that Tom? Do you think he likes you?” Judy laughed and then paused. “You think?”  Judy had always thought Tom socially awkward, yet handsome. She walked over to Tom and just asked him “Hey Tom I’m having a party tonight would you like to come over?” Tom’s face lit up “Certainly, Judy I would love to.” Judy simply said “Great. I’ll see you then.”  She started to walk away when Tom stopped her “Judy, if you didn’t like the scarf I can take it back and get you something else”  Judy turned and looked at Tom.  It was, as if for the first time she realized the importance of the gift. It wasn’t the quality or the price tag that mattered. The value was in who had given it. She looked at Tom and then at the box and said “No Tom, I think I’ll keep it. It’s starting to grow on me.” She gave Tom a smile and added “Make sure you come Tom” and she turned and walked away.

Jesus said “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:31)  He also said, “For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?” (Matthew 16:26) Scripture makes it clear and Jesus specifically revealed the great value of every life or soul.   According to Jesus you could take everything of value in the world and make one big pile of it, and it still would not compare to the value of a life or a soul. We are of incredible, immeasurable value.  Imagine if we could treat each other with our true value in mind.  Judy came to realize that the scarf may not have had much monetary or fashion value, but the gift giver, Tom, had much value indeed.

Also from bibleaid Are you important to God?

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