9 May (2 Kings 4-5)

2nd Kings 4

Elisha does a miracle much like Elijah did with the cakes of bread...this also makes us think of what Jesus did with the feeding of the 4,000 men in Matt 15.

(v.6) The vessels are symbolic of us...we are empty vessels until we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Our flesh fights the Holy Spirit in us, and it's up to us to let the Spirit guide us...not our flesh. I also show my kids that the vessels all were filled up, until there were no more. I see this as a type of the Church, when that certain number that the Father wants is fulfilled, He will send His Son to take charge over the whole earth!

(v.10) This is a nice story by itself, but it also shows us that we need to prepare a way for ourselves to let God's Spirit to enter us. What I mean is, that we need to make a choice, and stick to it, so when we ask God's Spirit to enter us, He will be enabled to work in us. Our hearts and minds need to be committed, not just our emotions.

(v.17) Like Sarai, Elisabeth and Hannah before her, God heard this woman's prayers, and defied biology and gave her a son. Nothing is impossible with God!!!

(v.27) Elisha was surprised that God hadn't told him about this woman's son. We are also surprised or sad when we don't hear immediately from God, but He will reveal His plans for us on His perfect timing...not ours.

(v.43) God works through Elisha like He did through Jesus in Luke 9:17

2nd Kings 5

(v.8) The king of Israel would've known that there was a man of God if he was looking for one. But as we see with many of these kings, they weren't walking with God, and in fact, were worshipping pagan gods.

(v.11) Naaman was angry that Elisha himself didn't come to him...isn't this like us at times? Often we think the pastor of our church needs to hear our problems, when God will send us a friend or another brother/sister in the church to encourage us!

(v.15) Naaman's servant was wise...we don't need to see huge miracles to know that God does them in our lives. Most of the time, God does miracles in our lives that are little in scope, but they influence us immensely.

(v.16) We should serve without expecting a reward on earth...our reward is in heaven. Matt 6:20

(v.26) Lying is only going to get us in trouble...we should remember that God knows the truth, and even if we deceive another person, we haven't fooled God! Again, we shouldn't wish to serve for the purpose of gaining earthly goods or treasures...we should serve others because Jesus commanded us to. John 13:14