II Kings 5: 15-27

The natural inclination and deeds of the old nature are nowhere more cleverly disguised than in Christian service. Just because someone is actively serving the Lord, or at least outwardly appearing to do so, does not mean that God is pleased. Often we do not realize that selfish interests are involved, and this is what makes fleshly service so deceptive. This account of Gehazi’s trickery is helpful in evaluating our old service to see whether or not our interest, or God’s interest, is really at the heart of our labors.

Gehazi was a servant to Elisha (v. 20), who was the servant of God. The two held different stations, but both were equally responsible for being servants of God. Being around godliness or a godly man is not enough. There is always personal accountability to our Heavenly Father for a godly, dedicated walk. It was not enough that Gehazi was identified with a godly man like Elisha; Gehazi needed to be godly himself. We cannot rest on someone else’s laurels.

Gehazi saw Naaman as an income producing statistic rather than a sinner saved by grace (v. 20). Elisha, on the other hand, was concerned for the new converts spiritual well-being (v. 19). How do we view potential “converts?” As more income to meet the budget? If so, then we have a lot in common with Gehazi. What will it take to get us to compromise our message in order to keep more Naaman’s in the congregation? Is our honest desire spiritual growth or carnal gain?

Pious talk is often an attempt to cover an underlying deception of the heart – in this case an out right lie (v. 22). It is terribly tempting to talk about all we do for the Lord or how tirelessly and selflessly we serve and the Lord’s vineyard; but mere talk is a dead giveaway for a listless spirit within. Yes, Gehazi prospers for the moment (v. 23); but another ally is needed and so on, and so on, as the ditch defense (v. 25). The sin of selfishness in the end bears bitter and lasting fruit (vv. 26-27).

The preoccupation of Gehazi with the things which would seemingly bring gratification to the flesh pointed to the inner spirit of covetousness – the fountainhead of evil. Beware of this plague! Follow after the right things! Blessings are assured now, and reward later. Flee selfishness; follow after godliness! Which of the two are we living in our lives of Christian service?

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Good Morning!  Are you ready for the work week, or did you already complain in your heart (or out loud) that it is time to go back to work?

Thus far, in the first selection on murmuring, we have discussed how the Spirit leads us in dealing with complaining and its negative influences on our lives. Through faith we can use the positive plan, God promised us, to deal with dissention among our fellow brothers.  We also looked at how God intends us to lead others who engage in murmuring. The second selection showed us that we need consultation and leading from God to overcome Satan and his strategies.  The Lord leads us to what we shall and shall not do, according to His will.  In this third and final selection, we will complete the remaining Spirit-led requirements, leaving us with a better understanding of what He would have us do when encountered with murmuring, whether it is from others or within ourselves.

Let us begin with the fourth requirement from God; “Thou shall not focus on the murmurers.” As we continue to look at the Israelites in the wilderness, God states in Exodus 16:6, “…You shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt.” Here, Moses and Aaron could have scorned against the Jews, however they would have been taking on the Israelites’ negative characteristics.  Leaders often become prey to the very issues that irritate them.  They start complaining about the complainers.  Moses never complained about the Jews, despite their continued grumbling.  Often times, we complain and lose out on the blessings, contentment, and peace, which God intends for us.

Next, we are instructed that, “Thou shall talk truth to the murmurers.” In Exodus 16:7-8, the scripture states, “…then you shall see the glory of the Lord.” This was a positive statement about the future.  Sometimes there is pressure to compromise the truth, due to the consequences, but we’ll never be good leaders if we fail to tell complainers the truth.  Instruction six says, “Thou shall not bear the murmurers alone.” Exodus 16:9 states, “…Come near before the Lord.” Moses used Aaron to speak to the congregation.  They were not only brothers, but a team.  Aaron challenged the Jews to come near before the Lord, “…for He hath heard your murmurings.” If we are dissatisfied, hungry, or hurt, we are to come near before the Lord.  This is where you can get real, lasting help.

We also see that, “Thou shall not point people to yourself.”  In Exodus 16:10, the Bible says, “…They looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.”  Moses told Aaron, “We are not their saviors.”  The ego drives people to look to others; however the Spirit always directs people to look towards the Lord and not draw the focus on themselves.  You’ll never be able to live up to the performance standard of God.

Finally, we see, “Thou shall persevere until death.” Dealing with those who complain, whether it is in ministry, family, or business, ranks high on the list of why leaders quit.  For instance, statements are uttered like, “I’ve had it; I’m not putting up with this anymore!” This was not an option for Moses.  Our success is not based on how many people we change from being negative, to being content.  If you take that as the standard, even Moses was a flop.  A leader is not here for the followers, but for Him.

In conclusion, throughout these selections on murmuring, we’ve seen how faith must be used to combat murmuring, both among others and within ourselves and how good leadership is a reliance on God.  Our success is measured by our willingness to remain faithful to the call of God, with a good spirit, regardless of the situation.  Every leader will be criticized.  God called us here to persevere.  It’s inevitable that people will perpetually murmur.  Get over it and move on. Love God, serve the Lord, persevere, and enjoy a wonderful week!

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As the old song says, “We’ll understand it better by and by.” Sometimes God wants us to use blind faith in times of desperation, despite our lack of understanding in the ways and means of His solution.  We’ve seen in this series on leadership how God requires that we make certain assumptions, take certain actions, and as we’ll see below, in the conclusion of this series, understand certain analogies, when leading those in their time of need.

Let us look at the analogies which must be understood when leading those who have a basic need that is unmet.  One effective strategy is to look for the analogies of the Old Testament.  These are the “meatier” portions of the Word.  Ask yourself, “What is He really trying to teach?” The first of the analogies is that water was a need.  In John 4, Jesus sat at a well and told a Samaritan, “I can give you water that will take your thirst away.  I am the Living Water.” Jesus was the fulfillment of the analogy that took place in Exodus 17.  God always does more than simply what we see on the surface.  Here, we see that the big picture.  The Israelites needed to observe that the Water of Life came from the smitten Rock, which symbolized the Son of God.  The Bible declares very candidly, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, that the Rock which Moses struck was, “The Rock of Christ!” When the rock was struck, this was a prophetical smiting of the Son of God.  He was smitten for our sins that the Water of Life might come out, and all who would drink by faith may live forever.  It’s teaching Biblical salvation through Christ.

Now, there is also the analogy of the rod of Moses.  This rod was useful in balancing his walk. Moses had forty years of balancing his walk by traveling over the rocks and rugged terrain with his sheep.  It kept him from breaking his neck, as well as, defending and rescuing his sheep when they were in trouble.  God then used him in a supernatural way.  God needs to do a work personally in us before He can do anything through us.  Learn to be stabilized by the Lord.  Walk with Him.  Consistently depend on Him and His power. The rod was a symbol similar to the scepter in the hand of pharaoh.  It was key in dividing the Red Sea, bringing the plagues, and in bringing forth water from the rock.  Be reminded, Moses didn’t simply pick up the rod at a “nickel and dime” store, he honed it over forty years of applying Godly principles to his own life.  It was then that God used the rod in an awesome way.

Moses understood that God was the reason for stability in his walk, self-preservation, and security in life. It all depended on the power of God represented by this walking stick.  These verses in Exodus 17, indicate to us that we should not think God is wrong when He says, “I’ve not seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread.” There are other aspects to consider.  If you are where God wants you to be, you may have needs which are unmet.  You may need a miracle.  He’s the One Who can give you that miracle!  You don’t have to manipulate Him.  He can bring you the miracle in His time.  You may get thirsty and complain. However, be careful not to criticize others.  You can take your burden to God and cry out to Him.  See what He can do.   He can do much through your need!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. Paul A. Kingsbury

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“Owe no man anything, but to love one another…” (Romans 13:8.)

Recently in my travels, I realized that everyone is not an expert traveler like I have become! All joking aside, I began to notice people trying to get through the TSA lines that were unaware of the rules and regulations.  However, I also began to notice how these novice travelers were being treated by those who had a “job” to do. As I proceeded through the major international airport of Chicago, the Holy Spirit made me aware of others who could use a “helping hand.”

One such instance was a gate change, which caused over 200+ people to move from a C gate to an E gate. Since I spend almost every weekend at O’Hare International Airport, I know that this is a 25 minute walk or there is a bus that will take you there in just a couple of minutes. However, no one seemed to care to give this information, and many were just puzzled on how to get to where they needed to go.

Another such instance happened on the airplane, where I was sitting in “bulkhead” (the first seats behind first class.)  A traveler, who does not normally sit in bulkhead, was attempting to keep a large backpack on the floor in front of her.  I knew that once the airline attendant came through to check, this lady would be required to gate-check her bag, causing her much inconvenience, as the bins overhead were filling up fast.

During both of these situations, I had a decision.  I could selfishly enjoy my “typical Saturday morning commute” and keep to myself or I could heed the Holy Spirit and pay the “debt” in His power with the fruit He produces called love.

That morning, I had read the verses Romans 13:8-14, which includes the verse in the heading. I began to contemplate how much the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit loved Ben Burks – me! I believe every morning we ought to wake up and “take a bath in God’s love.” I think everyday we ought to try and feel loved by the Father. Every one of us needs a Resourcing of love. You can find this through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation is one enormous Book on the love of God. You can also be reminded of God’s love in a good song and hymn book from your church. One such song goes “Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan; oh, the grace that brought it down to man.” Or maybe even the little song, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.” Not only did I take a bath in God’s love that day, but I began to notice others to whom that love needed to be demonstrated.  Praise the Lord I heeded His leading and paid “love” to others in need of help.

It has been my observation that the biggest problem we have is the fact that love is lacking in the places where it is needed the most with the people who deserve it the least. There are many selfish reasons why we withhold love to those who need it the most and deserve it the least….but the truth is every one of us fall into this category as one of those people!

True love begins when nothing is looked for in return. To give and not expect anything in return is what lies at the heart of love. Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get…only what you’re expecting to give – which is everything. It’s easy in our world today to look around and see the appearance of chaos, difficulty, and strife; yet when we our hearts are open to His love, we can always see our opportunity to pay a debt of love.

P.S. Before you travel anywhere today – whether across the nation or across town or across your living room – take a bath in God’s love and share it along the way!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!

Benjamin R. Burks

Check out Bro. Burks’ great new book, “Recovery without Relapse“, available on ON SALE at the RU E-Store for $6.30, Normally $9.00

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Psalm 119:97-104, “MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.  (98)  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.  (99)  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  (100)  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  (101)  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.  (102)  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.  (103)  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  (104)  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”

The knowledge gained through the study of the Bible is intended to be more than mere idle speculation. Such is often the case for those religious scholars who boast of their prowess in the original languages and their intellectual mastery of the Bible’s content but who demonstrate, on the other hand, little or no concern for its Divine origin or its absolute truth. That kind of knowledge is far removed from the understanding this “MEM” stanza is talking about. Spiritual understanding is exclusively for those who love the Lord with a pure heart, and are willing to walk in the light of His precious Word.

“Through thy precepts I get understanding…” (vv. 97-100). Understanding requires study, and God is concerned with how we study too. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to study material you really enjoy and, conversely, how difficult it is to dig into subject matter you simply do not care about? The former is more profitable, right? So it is with the Word. God wants us to love His Word, and we will if sin is not allowed to harden our hearts and dull our receptivity to the Holy Spirit’s speaking through it. The psalmist loved God’s law, and pondered its truth night and day. It is no wonder then that the fruit of his meditation resulted in an astuteness that surpassed all the learned, and even his enemies (vv. 98-100). Notice, too, the connection between the ability to understand the Word and a disposition to obey it: “I understand… because I keep thy precepts” (v. 100). Many times we rebel against God and then wonder why the Bible has lost its sweetness and attraction. There is no mystery here at all; we know what needs to be done.

… Therefore I hate every false way” (vv. 101 – 104). How contrary this statement is to what we hear on every hand today. We are told to be positive, not negative; to look for the good in everything, even if that means that what is bad is consciously overlooked. Oh, no! When the Bible speaks to a matter, whatever is contrary to the eternal Standard must be labeled as such and handled accordingly. There is no virtue whatsoever and soft pedaling what God has said is wrong. The Holy Spirit will never lead us to endorse what God has condemned, or accept what God has rejected. Meditate on these concluding verses and then ask yourself if God would have us focus on that which is a bit negative at times.  You may be amazed at what you discover!
Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. George Crabb D.O.

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We have been talking about those who seek God’s mercy.  Now let us discover how we may obtain this mercy from God?  Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  We want to start with considering the Lord Jesus Himself.  I want you to remember in your need for mercy, that you have a Savior in Heaven Who understands your dilemma. Jesus never did drugs, but he knows what it is like to have a craving that is almost overwhelming, a desire to escape reality. He knows what it is like to be tempted to go get drunk. He knows what it is like. Every temptation that we will ever face in our lives, Jesus faced a similar temptation, yet without ever yielding to sin.  How could God have mercy on a sinner except God take on the form of a sinner and endure what it is like to be a sinner? That is how Jesus can be our merciful and faithful high priest.  When you have need of mercy, you need to consider Jesus and run to that throne of grace.

Second, to receive mercy we must come boldly.  Hebrews 4:16 makes it clear, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” This phrase means “to approach frankly, bluntly, candidly, truthfully, and with confidence.” I know we all have certain “canned” prayers. If I asked you to pray for a meal, and you pray for the meal, chances are next week if I ask you to pray for a meal, it is going to sound very much like the prayer you said last week.  I am not being critical of those things at all, but when the Bible talks about coming boldly before the throne of grace, it means “to come with a transparent honesty.” This is a person who comes to God and says, “Life has brought me to the very end of my rope, and I’m losing my grip. I have no more mercy to give them. I need mercy from You, or I am not going to make it.”

I live on Riverside Boulevard, on the other side of Interstate 90 from our church.  There is a bridge there that I think they have been rebuilding for a hundred years now.  When you go eastbound on Riverside, there are signs up that say stay in right lane, lane closure ahead. When I get to McFarland Road, I have to get in the right-hand lane.  I am following the traffic laws and I am in the right lane, even though there is more traffic there.  Invariably, someone comes along in the left lane and tries to cut into my lane in front of me at the last second.  What is the natural reaction?  I want to give them a piece of my mind.  I want to lay on the horn.  I want to cut them off.  What do I do?  I flee to the throne of grace for more mercy!  I do not want to give them any mercy at all, but I need to. That is the way my life is…and the way your life is. This illustration my not seem like that big of a deal, but the truth is, there are always going to be people around us who need mercy and then need more mercy.

What do you do when you run out?  You stop and think about the wonderful Savior we have Who loves you in spite of who you are, or where you are and what you have done; and you go back to Him and you say, “I’m here, and I’ll admit to You that I don’t deserve anything from You but judgment, but I need a big dose of mercy today.” Come boldly to the throne of grace because the outcome is already settled; you can obtain mercy.  The word obtain means “to accept with amazement.” It is amazing that we can give mercy to others, but it is even more amazing that God extends mercy to us in the first place.

Let me close with this analogy.  We talked earlier about our tendency to loosen our grip and let things drift.  We have been offered “grace to help in time of need.”  This help is like taking a rope and tying our vessel tight to the moorings to stop our tendency to drift away.” When you come boldly before the throne of God’s grace, you will obtain mercy, you will find grace to wrap ropes tightly around your grip to help you stay tied to the moorings. So, where do we go when we run out of mercy? Go to Him. Go to that throne of grace, obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. Paul A. Kingsbury

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This “JOD” stanza, in Psalm 119, deals with the personal blessings and instruction received after experiencing the refining fire of adversity. A renewed desire for fellowship with the righteous is a key element in this revival, as well as a keener awareness of the plight of the wicked.

“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort…” (vv. 75-77.) Though undeserving, we are afforded tender mercies from our Lord which transcend anything this world could ever offer. Why do we look for comfort anywhere else when we have all in Christ Jesus? Why do we question our Fathers care when we are called upon to bear a heavy burden or go through a difficult circumstance? The psalmist learned through his experience that God’s judgments were right, and that even if these judgments resulted in his own affliction, God was faithful in accomplishing his purpose verse 75. The psalmist desired God’s best as promised in God’s Word. Our prayer should reflect what we, too, have learned in the Word and through experience: perfect peace and overcoming love are found only in our Lord.

“Let those that fear thee turn unto me…” (vv.74, 78-79.) Victorious grace manifested in the midst of affliction is a blessing to others; the saint who has proven the trustworthiness of the Word by experience is a joy to the righteous verse 74. Notice too how the psalmist seeks out the fellowship of those who have a reverence for God and a respect for His Word in verse 79. Yes, Christian maturity places an extremely high value upon right fellowship with faithful believers who are dedicated to the way of righteousness and bear the marks of a courageous life on the front lines of the battle. Not so for those who have “dealt perversely”; they will be ashamed.

“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes…” (vv. 73, 80.) The sovereign Creator fashioned man to live for the pleasure of His tender mercies (verse 77,) and quickened the spirit of the redeemed to learn His perfect will (verse 73.) He also renewed the heart of the inner man so that its spiritual vitality and soundness will only be experienced when that heart is set on “thy statutes.” It is no wonder then that a life opposed to the Word is destined for shame and utter confusion.

Time and again we see the integral link between meditation and the Word and enjoying God’s blessing in the life. May we purpose to walk in its light today.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. George Crabb, D.O.

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Continuing through Ephesians 6 Paul says in Verse 16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The next piece of the armor I would like to discuss is the Shield of Faith, but before I get to that we need to understand what it’s made to protect against, fiery darts.

Fiery Darts-
What are fiery darts anyway? You may have envisioned a Roman Soldier wrapping an arrow with a cloth, setting the cloth on fire and then shooting the arrow at the enemy. The arrow somehow stays lit sailing through the air at over 30 miles per hour, and then with pinpoint accuracy it happens to hit something flammable, explodes destroying half the enemy army.

However that idea is from Hollywood, Roman soldiers definitely used flaming missiles to destroy their enemies, but they were much more subtle appearing, and more deadly. The “fiery darts” we read about in this passage were made from a hollow reed. One end was plugged then the reed was filled with a flammable liquid, a mixture of alcohol and naphtha for instance. A loosely fitting stopper holding an ignited wick was slipped into the other end of the tube and lit. It was then shot like an arrow, not at a flammable target but at the soldier himself. Since the dart had it’s own fuel source and the wick was protected by the tube, the missile kept burning until it hit its target. When it hit a soldier, the wick popped out, the liquid spilled over the soldier’ s armor and ignited, cooking him in his own armor.

So now we know what a fiery dart is in the physical realm but what spiritual reality was Paul illustrating here. While he doesn’t say exactly what fiery darts are he does tell us they can be defeated by faith. This shows us that these darts are weapons that produce the opposite of faith, unbelief. But what produces unbelief, to best understand this we must understand what faith is, and how it is produced. Faith simply put is rock solid confidence in God. Confidence He exists, He is capable of providing, and protecting us, and that He is bringing about the ultimate good.

Faith is produced by studying, meditating on, and comprehending the Word of God. Romans 10:17 declares this when it says, “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The word of God is truth Jesus said, “Thy Word is Truth.” So fiery darts are attacks on God’s truth, commonly called lies. These lies come in many subtle forms, they may come as a thought, a doubt, an unholy idea, an event, a casual comment by a friend. Satan comes to you and offers you a lie contrary to the Word of God that produces unbelief in God’s existence, character, ability, etc.

Let’s illustrate how fiery darts might look in action: a coworker gets a raise, and mentions it to you casually in passing. Satan will then come to you with a lie saying, God doesn’t provide for me, or God doesn’t want to bless you after all you have done wrong. At this point if you accept this lie about God what started as a small comment will consume your meditations like a fire till you are literally cooked in your armor in anger, and bitterness.

Another example of a fiery dart might be an attractive, or flattering coworker he/she might come across your path at a rough spot in your marriage. Inevitably Satan will come to you with a lie such as, “they would make me happier”, or “this might be exciting.” Inevitably if we accept Satan’s lies we will have to accept the consequences of his steal, kill, destroy agenda.

Shield of Faith- What is our defense? Well, this scripture tells us that it is the shield of faith. The Roman shield was as large as a door, and was made of the hardest woods available. The surface of the shield was charred with a torch and then covered with leather. A soldier could hide his entire body behind this shield. The fiery dart could hit the shield, and the liquid spread out, but the charred wood of the shield wouldn’t catch fire so the soldier was safe beneath his shield.

The analogy here is that every time Satan attacks you with lies you can counter with Faith. There are over 7,000 promises in the word of God that attest to God’s goodness, faithfulness, and provision. We must learn these verses, and have them at the ready to hold up as a shield when Satan attacks us. In the desert when Jesus was being tempted by Satan He answered every lie with a Bible verse. If you are struggling with lies about God right now concerning a particular topic, you need to search the Bible for God’s truth on the issue. That way whenever the fiery darts are sailing your way you can hold up the shield of faith.

Paul explains this entire process in 2 Cor. 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. The Bible says that every thought, every image in our head, every reasoning has to conform to the truth of God. You see you’ll never quench all fiery darts till you start checking every thought. Every thought that comes into your head needs to pass this question, does this line up with the word of God? If they do not they must be rejected as lies from the enemy. So today let us start lifting God’s faith-producing truth against every fiery lie of the devil.

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