Good day dear friends.
We rejoice in having received a new member yesterday during our Coffee with the Pastor. And speaking of new members, Steven Lawrence and his wife, Theresa, are new to our church (they joined last month), they have no family or friends yet, and Steve is in the hospital. He's in CTMC, Room 326 and could use a visit. I saw him yesterday afternoon, and he will be hospitalized another two or more days. If you have time and would like to make a new friend, please pay Steven and Theresa a visit.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: 2 Kings 6, 7, 8
In some ways, Elisha is as irregular a personality as was his predecessor Elijah. What are the qualities that make him an effective prophet of God?
I highly recommend the readings assigned today, especially in The Message version. Interesting reading! You'll love the part that explains what you could buy during a famine in Israel. "Eighty shekels for a donkey's head!" And you'll also read about some terrible stuff that goes on during a famine.
As for Elisha being as irregular as Elijah, and I have to admit it sounds more like a commercial for Metamusil, both were quirky men, given to following their thinking; but both were men of God. Their faith never wavered. God was real. God was accessible. God answered their prayers. God blessed and protected them. Both were men loyal to the Lord and to their nation. They sought what God wanted for Israel and they knew it was in the best interest of all concerned to live their lives in ways that would please God, though few of the kings were so disposed.
How are we among friends, especially those who have little or no faith? Our youngest works in a place where a get-well card was purchased for one of their managers, and one of the employees refused to sign the card because the name of Jesus was on it. She became more a focus of prayer than one to be rejected or ridiculed. Not everyone will believe as us, and we may find we are ridiculed for our beliefs, but should we waver in our faith or abandon it altogether? No! We who love the Lord should seek to strengthen our faith.
PRAYEY: Loving God, I thank you for loving me, and I pray that today You would share with me wisdom to love and serve You. May my words and actions reflect my commitment to You. As I encounter people who need You direct me to ways that show how loving You are. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
