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About Elisha and Those Bears …

We may find passages in the Bible, on occasion, that concern us. We may not understand how a loving God could allow certain things to happen. Or we may wonder why he chose to do something.

It could lead us to doubt the Bible, or even drive a wedge between us and God. Whenever such a passage unnerves us, the best thing to do is to pray to God for an explanation.

Just such a question arose over 2 Kings 2:23 & 24, so I took my question to God. He answered in his own timing, but he DID answer. I am sharing the answer here so you and your loved ones may be blessed.

The story involves Elisha and some little children who taunted him about his baldness. It may seem like a minor thing, but the children obviously angered the prophet God was using in a mighty way in Israel. Elisha cursed the children and two bears came and attacked them. The King James says “there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.” We can rightfully ask why did God allow this to happen to these children, when the offense was relatively minor. After all, how many times have we all let a few things slip that were not quite right?

The answer: Elisha had a relationship with God and was doing God’s work. God is a loyal and faithful friend and would not allow Elisha to be treated that way, not even by children. The analogy that comes to mind is that of two buddies who are peacefully minding their own business when some other folks come around and start insulting one of them. When the insulted party rises up in anger and strikes back, would not his partner rise up with him? Later the friend may suggest fighting was overkill, but in the heat of the moment he will stand by his friend. God is such a friend to us when we have a relationship with him.

In this case, we can only assume the children do not have such a relationship with God. In any event, they have erred in violating one of God’s commands: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:22

In the Old Testament we may find several examples of conduct such as Elisha’s which we, today, find disturbing. Least we believe it is the heart of God to act in such a manner, Jesus sets the record straight. When James and John asked if they should command fire to come down from heaven on their enemies like Elijah did, Jesus replied: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:55,56

Would you like to grow in your relationship with God? Check out my skinny devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook. It will help encourage you to spend some time with God daily.


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Are you Looking for Change?

Everyone wants to change the world, it seems. We believe the world would be a better place if everyone believed as we did, if everyone learned to get along, or if everyone learned to take care of our planet.

On a more personal scale, we may believe the world would be a better place if so-and-so would change or even if we could give up smoking, lose weight, or find a job. We may believe we’d be a much happier person if that could only happen.

Of course we should pray and even fast for the desires or our heart. We should seek the agreement of fellow believers and wait patiently for the Lord to juggle things around.

But we may find our patience waning after a few weeks, months or years. We may be tempted to give up.

Waiting patiently for the Lord, or standing in faith, is not an easy thing to do. After doing that for awhile, we may want to commit, or recommit, our problem or concerns to God. We should be sure we have surrendered to God that circumstance or person for whom we are praying. If not, we may be carrying an unnecessary burden.

At times like these, we need to remember God is on our side. If he hasn’t given us the desires or our heart, there is a reason. If we’ve been praying for someone to change, we need to remember that person still has a choice. If they are unwilling to change, God is very likely respecting that choice — at least for now.

We can’t change the world or others. We can influence it — and them — for good as God enables us. We can get a lot farther with ourselves by being open to changing, through God’s grace.

While we don’t want to give up or quit praying for those good changes we desire, we may find comfort in acknowledging God’s plans are wiser than ours. We may experience greater joy if we focus on the good in our world, others and ourselves.

“…be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

“…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Want more practical advice from God’s word? Check my devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook, a 40-lesson non-denominational book designed to teach new and young believers the nuts and bolts of the Christian lifestyle.


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Cutting through Confusion

Have you ever felt misunderstood? That others just really had the wrong idea about why you were doing something?

Maybe you wanted to explain yourself, but when you did it didn’t help. Or maybe you tried and just found yourself stumbling over words and you just gave up.

You aren’t alone. Unfortunately, sometimes this misunderstanding messes up our relationships. There may be arguments, even fights. The best thing to do in such situation is to talk to God — preferably before problems escalate.

Whenever you feel something may lead to conflict or misunderstandings, stop and pray first. Tell God your heart about the issue. Ask him to weed out anything not of him. Ask him to make you right with him, first and foremost. Then ask him to let others recognize your heart. Ask God to allow others to see your motives are pure. Pray against any spirits of misunderstanding, confusion, bitterness, unclear or poor communication, strife or conflict — against all evil to cover your bases.

The Bible tells us “Jesus is Lord of all” in Acts 10:36, so when we are right with God we can trust he will make things right with everyone else, too.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7

There may be some complications. Not everyone has the right motives and they may not understand you or want to cooperate with God. But you can be at peace knowing your own heart. You can have peace knowing God approves of your conduct. Isn’t that the most important thing, anyway?

Get more practical help for your life with my devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook, a 40-lesson book packed with biblical wisdom to help you meet the daily challenges of life. Fast Track to Victory is written in a non-denominational format and quotes the King James Bible.


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Is your Bible gathering dust?

If you’ve ever resisted Bible study, you’re like most of us. We always seem too busy, or someone needs us, or we figure we’ll get to it later in the day. That later may not come.

At times like these, we need to remember God only wants to bless us. He’s not like some old-fashioned school marm ready to strike our hands with a ruler or our butts with a belt.

He tells us in his word, “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”
Proverbs 8:10, 11

“… wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” Ecclesiastes 7:12

If you want more help, check out my book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook. This Christian book is about helping you to devote time to God every day. It has 40 short lessons which encapsulize the Bible principles that set you free to love others, deal with fear, tragedy and death, and walk in greater health. Learn more here.


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Finding the Shoe that Fits

Many of us go through life wearing the wrong shoes — figuratively speaking. It’s as if we put on our shoes — without socks — and we’re walking around with the leather rubbing against our sore feet, causing blisters.

That’s just the way religion is with many of us. We don’t like the sock rule. The socks are too hot, make our feet sweat, make the shoes too tight, have holes in them anyway, or — you fill in the blank.

So we figure we’ll put on our shoes without socks and just take a few steps. Some of us keep going and going until we have to stop, take off our shoes and give our aching feet time to heal.

With religion, many of us walk away because of hurts, because we just don’t seem to fit in, or because we know we can’t obey all of its rules. Religion is an institution and unfortunately it can distract us from the one it’s intended to serve: Our maker.

Unfortunately, it can make what should be simple a complicated ordeal. God is our maker, our spiritual father. He knows all of us and he wants us to know him. So when we reach out to our creator sincerely, with all our hearts, we can expect him to hear our prayers and answer them. We can expect to have a relationship with him.

The Bible says: “ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

When we have a relationship with God, we can rely on God to direct us to a church with the right fit.


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Kneeling in faith

Have you stood in faith sooooooo long you want to grab a seat? I hear you. I’m with you.

We may be wonder if the God who gave us ears can actually hear, yet God tells us he does.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Isaiah 59:1&2

Ouch. It sounds like, instead of grabbing the comfort of a chair, it would be better to get down on our knees…

Like Job, we may feel righteous and wonder why God has allowed these troubles to befall us. But let us not follow Job’s example in that regard. Let’s follow him in seeing God and repenting in “dust and ashes.” Let’s follow him in praying for our friends and being restored, double.

So, are you game? Do you want to pray and fast, seeking God? Submit your prayer request(s) here and pray for others in faith. Please also pray for a hedge of protection for this ministry, my family and myself. Thanks.

Bolster your faith by listening to the testimony of my miraculous healing on The Digital Gospel Channel.
Download a preview of my devotions book for new and young believers here.


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Combat Stress

With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, it’s easy to become stressed. It is easy to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders.

But God has said: “I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

Remember in times like these that we don’t have to take on the responsibility for another’s choices. Whether it be a spouse or child, a sister or nephew, everyone must decide for themselves whether — or not — to choose God.

“choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Joshua 24:15

So ultimately we are only responsible for our own choices. We can set a good example and try to make the right choices ourselves.

Least you still feel overwhelmed, remember: “it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

We can pray, go boldly to the throne of grace — for strength to face temptation, wisdom to make the right choices, and whatever else we may need.


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Have you surrendered your vote???

As the U.S. presidential election nears, I encourage you to surrender your hearts — and votes — to God. Why not ask him how he wants you to vote? I did.

A few months ago I had a frank talk with God about our elections. Although I usually vote, I told him I might not this time around because I wasn’t sure who to support. I told him, “if you want me to vote, let me know. Otherwise, I just won’t vote.”

In the succeeding months, he has made his choice exceedingly clear. Now, I look forward to casting my vote…not only to exercise my privilege, but to hopefully help our nation and build the kingdom of God on Earth.

It is my prayer that God will have mercy on our nation and give us a president who will hear his voice and obey … because we surely need his help, HIS rescue plan.

“choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Joshua 24:15

(If you have not surrendered your life to God, know it is the most important thing you can ever do for yourself. He has a plan for you: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10)


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Heaven … or Hell???

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus..”
Ephesians 2:5,6

Life often proceeds at break-neck paces. We don’t have time for so many things we want to do. Although we know we need to take time with God, day after day may pass by.
There may be obstacles: Extra hours at work, lock of a quiet house, sheer exhaustion. But making time for God is like … choosing to spend time in heaven.
Yeah, Bible study lacks the allure of heaven. So does prayer. Yet we truly come to the throne of grace — a throne more recognizable when we praise him, either in word or song.
Making that commitment to spend time with God is what’s important. It may not be an hour every single day. There may be obstacles. Yet we can trust God to make opportunities for us and relax in what he allows for us.
When we make a commitment to seek God daily, and begin spending regular time with him, WE are the ones who really benefit.
Our spirits can refresh themselves in God’s presence; our minds can be renewed by the Word. We give God an opportunity to teach us, so many things WE need to know.
Then as we go about our routines, we’re more in tune with God. We’re more likely to enlist his aid, more likely to set our burdens down immediately and let him act on our behalf.
No matter we’re going through, we’re more likely to remember God. We’re more likely to sense our spirits are home in heaven, no matter what hell hole we’re in on Earth.


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When life gives you gators …

It seems, at times, that life is like an arcade game — the game where you’re constantly beating down alligators.
There are a bunch of alligator heads which take turns popping up and down. Your job is to strike their heads whenever you can, gaining points for every one you successfully strike.
It can be challenging. At times, it may seem the alligators are winning…
Whenever life takes such a turn, it’s important to remember God’s promises to us in his word. It’s important to remember the battle is already won.
“thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57


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