July 31

 
Isaiah 64-66
Make no mistake in considering God's judgment. A day will come when He will pronounce judgment on all mankind, and there will be those who will suffer His wrath. However, as we read in Isaiah 65:2: "All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—" God is patient, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. However, He knows that just one bad piece of fruit has the potential to spoil the whole barrel. Therefore, He is not willing to allow even one tainted person to enter what He has in store for the redeemed. The good news is that He has provided a way for us to be cleansed and made holy through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ!

July 30

   
Isaiah 59-63
Jesus reads from this portion of Isaiah in Luke 4:18, in what I like to call his inaugural address, as He outines His mission. Is interesting that Luke omits the phrase: "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted." Although it is implied in other parts of the quote. Who are the brokenhearted? Well, it would seem that Jesus intends this to refer to those who have been broken by lifes circumstances and then rejected by those who have not been so victimized. These are the divorced, the addicted, the widowed, the homeless -- those who have suffered the cruelties of life in a fallen world. It's difficult for many of us to relate to these. However, Jesus said that He was sent to take these broken vessels, and restore them, binding them up with His love and grace, making them a thing of beauty! And, even when others cannot appreciate their beauty, they can rest assured that their Father in heaven does!

July 29

Isaiah 54-58
This section is filled with Messianic prophecies, as well as, instruction and explanations.  Through His man, Isaiah, God reveals aspects of Himself that are useful to His followers, and, if heeded, to those in rebellion.  I found one phrase particularly fascinating to me: “. . . the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”  We often wonder why it seems that the good die young.  Well, this is one possible reason.  I lost my brother at a very young age.  He was twelve days short of ten when leukemia took his life.  We were extremely close, being just nine months and seven days apart in age.  When we found out that he was going to die, I pleaded with God to let me take his place, because Gene was such a good person.  I felt like he was a much better boy than I, and that he deserved life more than I did.  As I grew up through the turbulent sixties, I began to see that it was a far better thing for Gene to not have had to go through the turmoil.  The more I witness our nation sinking further into degradation, the more I realize that my little brother is the fortunate one, for he has been spared from evil.  This passage fits so well.  Indeed,  the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil!

July 28

 
Isaiah 49-53
I suppose one of the more interesting aspects of the chosen Messiah is His lack of good looks, comely physical appearance. We often follow the "pretty" people, those who are appealing to the eye. However, the prophet tells us that if we are drawn to the Messiah it will be for something more than the external. Isn't that really the crux of the matter? Many are still looking for the material, physical aspects of a kingdom. But, Jesus said that His worshippers would not be concerned about the physical. Rather, the Lord's followers will be those who worship in spirit and truth. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, placed in heavenly realms, by our God, who is spirit. Thus, rather than looking to the outward, we should be looking inward, matching our spirit with His.

July 27

 
2 Kings 19; Psalm 46, 80, 135
The psalmists write praises to a God they know, a God they can speak to with full confidence in His hearing, a God who is alive and speaks and acts on their behalf, a God with whom they share a personal relationship. Is it any wonder that they mock the gods of the surrounding nations? These idols are not able to speak, hear, or act. Relationship doesn't exist in the vernacular of idolatry. Idolatry, in the form of molded images, seems to be somewhat archaic in our modern world. Or, is it? There are still those who bow to graven images depicting dead mortals. And, what of those who exalt money, sex, drugs, forms of recreation, and even science, to a point where these are worshipped and adored? No, idolatry is not archaic, it just changes form and practice.

July 26

 
Isaiah 44-48
In today's reading Isaiah concentrates on the sovereignty of the Lord using those words that God has given. The 45th chapter has an interesting statement: For this is what the Lord says — he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited — he says:“I am the Lord , and there is no other. Isaiah 45:18 TNIV. There are those who believe that "Mother Earth" would be better off without humans. As they try and understand the dynamic balance of nature, put into place by the Creator, they forget that we humans are part of the equation. This is done at their own peril, for in leaving one part out the whole becomes unbalanced and destruction is sure to follow.

July 25

Isaiah 40-43
“Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together.”  God issues the challenge, confident that His deeds speak for themselves.  All creation screams out the Lord who brought all things into existence.  From Eden to the Flood, through the Exodus and the Babylonian Captivity, the culmination of all in Jesus Christ, God is seen and proven to be true.  When all the evidence is presented, the case is so strong there is no way to refute.  All of the idols from the beginning of time, the philosophers, the wise, the strong, fall short when compared to the surpassing greatness of the Lord.  When all of the arguments are presented and the case is born out from every angle, the only logical conclusion to be made is that Jehovah God is who He proclaims to be.  He is the Creator, our Savior, mankind’s only hope.  Therefore, I will trust in Him and delight in His salvation!

July 24

Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 78
Hezekiah hears the pronouncement of judgment against his descendants and takes comfort in knowing that God’s wrath will not come in his lifetime.  How different from most who love their families!  I would ten times rather suffer than to have any of my sufferings projected on my children or grandchildren.  I don’t say this because I believe myself to be any better than anyone else, because I fully believe that most parents feel the same way.  However, it is a sobering thing to realize that our sins can impact future generations.  Such was the case with Hezekiah.  The primary difference is that there are those who sorrow at knowing their sin will affect others, while there are still others who could care less.  I pray that I might never fall into the latter category.

July 23

Isaiah 35-36
The king of Assyria defies the Lord, telling the people of Judah that there are no gods who are mightier than the king of Assyria.  He dares to compare the one true living God to the gods of the nations.  Yet, he is going to attack Judah at the Lord’s bequest.  He is going to be used by God to fulfill His judgment against His people because of their sin.  We often find it disturbing that the Lord allows ungodly men to rule.  However, we would do well to remember that He is still in control, and that He is often using these men as part of His plan to discipline those who are supposed to be following Him, but have turned away in rebellion.  I personally believe that we see this taking place in America at this time.  As a nation, we have turned from the truth of God’s word, and have embraced popular thought when it comes to immorality and the sanctity of life.  We have forgotten the injunction of Jesus that it would be better that a millstone be hung around the neck than for one to harm a child.   “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 18:10

July 22

Isaiah 31-34
Isaiah speaks of a day when God will take his vengeance on the world, a day when all who have persecuted His people will suffer retribution.  Unfortunately, there are many who see this as a physical act, instead of being a spiritual fulfilment.  There is a clue given in this prophecy when He says that their horses are flesh and not spirit.  Jesus tried to point the people in His day to the spiritual kingdom, but they desired an earthly one.  Many today still look to a physical, earthly, kingdom where Jesus will sit on a throne and the host of heaven will fight a physical battle on earth against Satan and his minions.  I will not limit God in any way.  He can do what He desires in any fashion He wishes.  However, logic should help us to see that if He is going to take vengeance on those who have persecuted His people, and He is going to do it on earth, then He will have to first resurrect those people, giving them new life, for the vengeance to have any meaning.  But, if it is to be a spiritual thing, exacted in His realm where time doesn’t exist, we have a completely different scenario, and it makes a lot more sense.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 4:12 NIV

July 21

Isaiah 28-30
In pronouncing judgment on Israel for her unfaithfulness, the Lord says, “They say to the seers, “See no more visions!” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.”  Even though I’m not much into hell-fire and damnation sermons, when preaching the truth one cannot help but step on some toes.  Unfortunately, there are many popular evangelists who refrain from the hard truths, teaching a gospel of prosperity and blessings without any consequence for sinful lifestyles.  Because they preach these feel-good messages they are surrounded with those who want life on their terms instead of living a spirit filled life in the Lord, bowing to His will.  For those who choose to follow the truth they often find themselves worshiping in smaller groups.  However, they are free from the bondage of sin and are pleasing to God.

July 20

Hosea 8-14
Over the years I have had a number of people question the wrath of God.  A very sweet lady who visited our church often once asked me if I really believed God would send anyone to a place as horrible as hell?  I simply told her that if the Bible says He will, then I believe He will.  Recently I had a dialogue with someone who mocked the severity of hell.  There are a number of passages that use the terminology: Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!”  This particular quote is from today’s reading.  These kinds of phrases point to the terror of God’s wrath.  His punishment is so severe that those who are experiencing it would rather have the mountains and hills fall on them, covering them up with no escape.  I can’t imagine anything much worse than to be under a mountain or hill with no exit, left to die without air or any other of life’s necessities.  Yet, God’s punishment is much worse.  Rather than question or mock His wrath, it would be a far better thing to avoid His wrath.  He really isn’t wanting to display His anger.  God would that all would submit to Him in humble obedience, so as to receive His immeasurable blessings.  It isn’t difficult to receive His salvation, and this free gift is offered to all.  However, as gracious and merciful as He is, we deny His wrath at our own peril.

July 19

Hosea 1-7
Israel had made a fatal error.  Instead of being faithful to their first love, they went whoring after others.  Jehovah was their husband, they were His bride.  They had made a covenant between each other.  As their husband, God provided for them, loved them, nurtured them, and laid out a plan that would only bring them good, not harm, all the days of their lives.  Yet, Israel was never satisfied with the Lord.  In their ignorance they believed they could do better with other gods.  The Lord put up with this adulterous bride for centuries.  He would forgive and restore them over and over again.  However, even the Lord has a breaking point, and Israel found it.  He eventually found it necessary to do something He hates.  Jehovah God divorced his bride, Israel.  Because it is not good for man to live alone, God created a mate and instituted marriage.  Man is made in God’s image.  Thus, God does not want to live alone.  He desires to have a bride.  Hosea prophesies concerning this new bride that the Lord would take as His very own after the divorce from His first wife, Israel.  “I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’  I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” This prophecy found fulfillment in the church.  I am proud to say that I am part and parcel to being the bride of the Lord!  And, it doesn’t bother me in the least, that we are His second wife.

July 18

 
2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48
Hezekiak is a bright spot in the history of Judah. He sought to remove all of the idol worship, including the worship of the bronze snake Moses had made to save the Israelites when they had rebelled against God. This is interesting, in that, they had taken that which was good and sacred and made it into an idol. Do we do that same thing with some of our doctrines? Is it possible to make the Bible an idol? I think the answer must be in the affirmative. If we are not careful, we can turn anything into an idol. Once it starts to take the place of God, being held in higher esteem than He, it becomes an idol. There are many good doctrines, symbols, and practices, we just need to make sure and keep them in their proper place.

July 17

Isaiah 23-27
Yesterday I wrote about the faith of the prophets and why they had that faith.  Isaiah says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”  He understood this truth because he had a personal relationship with God.  Over the years I have had many people ask me how I know that heaven exists, or that the devil is real, or that Jesus really died and was resurrected?  Of course, I refer them to the Bible, God’s inspired word.  But, then I am asked how I know that this is true?  Ultimately, I am reduced to simply stating that I know these truths to be evident because of my faith in the Lord.  My faith is born out in my relationship with Jesus Christ.  He has been with me, guiding and providing for me.  I know that He lives because He lives in me and I have experienced His power in my life.  For an unbeliever to experience this kind of saving relationship they first must accept that He is who He says He is.  This acceptance is a step of faith.  However, when that step is taken a transformation takes place in the heart and the questions all melt away.  For, it is through this miraculous transformation that we come to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God and everything about Him is real and true!  It is this trust in the Lord that answers all of our questions about eternity.  I desire to bring as many people as I can into a saving relationship with the Lord.  Some of my closest friends and family members are not saved.  They doubt the veracity of the Bible.  However, they don’t doubt the life of faith I live.  Perhaps, I pray, they will one day accept Jesus Christ, be transformed in heart, and come to understand why it is essential to trust in the Lord forever.

July 16

Isaiah 18-22
Reading Old Testament prophecy can be confusing for the neophyte, such as I.  A working knowledge of ancient history and cultures can be helpful.  I have a friend who is just such a scholar.  He spends a great deal of time studying the historical and cultural context of scripture.  Sitting in on one of his classes is extremely informative and interesting.  However, as I read my daily portion and meditate on its meaning, I don’t have the benefit of learning from my scholarly friend.  There aren’t many of us who do.  What I can find from prophecy such as this is that God spoke to the ancients through special messengers who were required to live lives without the regular comforts of most.  Many of the prophets were poor and suffered persecution and humiliation.  Yet, they were fulfilled because they had a unique relationship with the Creator of everything.  It was through this bond that they were able to realize something that transcends our limited existence.  If we would but look at the prophets lives, perhaps we could come to have a greater faith.  These men willingly gave up all that earth could offer because they had firsthand knowledge directly from God.  These were not ignorant, simple-minded men.  Rather, they were intelligent, articulate, men of God who shared open dialogue with the Lord.  Could there be any other reason why they would, without hesitation, suffer as they did if there were no God to offer a better life in eternity?

July 15

   
Isaiah 13-17
Isaiah prophesies against those who have forsaken the Lord, and in doing so he demonstrates God's control over everything. He manages the seasons and sets in place those who rule and exercise power. He uses rulers to accomplish His purposes, and He brings famine and blight to do the same. In the ever present arrogance of mankind it is assumed that we have control over climate change and global political movements. However, we have little to do with what takes place in natures actions or the overall happenings in the world. The only concrete influence we can exert is through our devotion, or lack thereof, to the One who does have control. If we really want to see positive natural and social change we should be turning to God in earnest, seeking to accomplish His will, and begging His forgiveness for our straying away from the proper path of righteousness.

July 14

   
2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17
The Israelites imitated the other nations, attempting to mix foreign customs and religious practices with Jewish customs and laws that had been handed down by God. Even though they had enjoyed the blessings of God when He had delivered them, they still turned back to the other nations. This kind of reminds me of America. Through the providence of God, people from all nations came here to escape religious persecution. They set up a nation under God, and for more than two centuries have enjoyed the blessings of God as a Christian nation. But, that is all changing. America has started imitating other nations, embracing customs and religions that run counter to God's will. For the very first time in our nation's history our leader has proclaimed that we are not a Christian nation! As offended as I am by the President's statement, I must admit that it is true. America can no longer rightly call itself Christian. Our nation has become like the other nations. I pray we return to the God who made us great before it is everlastingly too late, and we find ourselves suffering the same fate of Israel.

July 13

Micah 1-7
“And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Life in the Lord is not difficult, as some believe.  To live as He would have us live, only brings good to our lives.  Acting justly protects our environment and makes life a pleasant experience.  Loving mercy relieves us of the burden of judgment, thus causing many to enjoy our company and surrounding us with friends.  The only hermits are those who are miserable.  We were created to be social creatures, and that is refreshing to our souls.  Walking humbly with our Lord brings peace and hope into our lives.  His requirements are for our benefit.  I have often said that being a Christian is a win, win situation.  If, when I die, I discover that there is no God, I still win, because my life has been so much fuller than if I would not have had faith in God.  Conversely, if I discover the object of my faith when I die, I will win even bigger, because I will spend eternity with my Lord, enjoying the fullness of His glory and blessings!  However, if I choose to reject the God of all creation I stand to lose much in that final day.  If you are not already a believer, let me encourage you to get to know the Lord and become one of His followers.  It can do nothing but improve your life here and now, and throughout eternity!

July 12

2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12
Jotham was the first fulfillment of this section of prophecy.  However, the One who would fulfill it completely is the Lord, Jesus Christ!  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  There are many who would have us believe that this does not belong to the Christ of antiquity, those who deny His deity, who refuse to acknowledge His triune nature.  However, they do so at their own peril.  The Hebrew writer reminds us that there is no remaining sacrifice.  Jesus died once for all, and He isn’t going to do it again.  He is all that Isaiah proclaims Him to be.  We merely need to accept His salvation, taking Him on as Lord of our life, and we will spend eternity with the Everlasting Father!

July 11

Amos 8-9
The minor prophets are called that because we see very little of them in scripture.  However, that doesn’t mean that their message was minor, or that the Lord did not use them in powerful ways.  When Amos prophesied against Israel, he was banished.  He, along with the other prophets, suffered persecution because of their proclamation of God’s word.  People didn’t want to hear the bad news; they didn’t want to be convicted of their sins or hear the real truth.  Jesus said the same is in store for those who proclaim the truth today.  It is true that if one chooses to proclaim the truth of God’s will, persecution will follow.  Throughout my years of serving the Lord I have found this to be true.  There are truths that call upon us to change, repent of our way of life, and turn to the Lord.  Unfortunately, many do not want the change and resist.  They end up taking out their frustration on the messenger who has convicted them of their sin, or who has called upon them to stand with the truth.  The truth is often unpopular, and standing for the truth will often mean that people will revile and slander you.  Yet, when that takes place we should rejoice, knowing that we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ!  Praise be to God for the opportunity to serve and share in the same treatment our Lord received!

July 10

Amos 1-5
God pronounces judgment because of injustice and unrighteousness.  Throughout history one nation after another has fallen or been destroyed because of injustice or unrighteousness.  Unfortunately, we don’t learn from history.  Of course, there are those who give the credit to others, but it is still God behind the judgment.  Germany fell because of its sins.  The USSR was brought down because of injustice.  Every great nation is brought to its knees because of sin.  I fear for the United States of America.  How long will the Lord put up with the injustice meted out by our judicial system?  Will He stand for the sexual immorality much longer?  Greed is running rampant.  Do we believe that God will simply ignore the oppression of the poor by those with all the wealth?  I don’t know when judgment will come, but I do know that if our nation repents we can avoid the wrath of God.

July 9

Isaiah 5-8
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”  A warning specifically for Israel, a warning and a prophecy for people of all time.  This very thing is happening in America and has been for quite some time.  We, just as Israel, need to come to a reckoning.  We must start calling that which is evil evil, discouraging people from following the ways of darkness.  Isaiah 8:20: “Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”  I have found that when I proclaim light in this world of darkness that there are many who refuse to consult God’s instruction.  People who wear the name of the Lord reject His word, choosing to follow mankind’s reasoning instead.  The very people who are calling that which is evil good and good evil.  They are the dark spots in our festivals of light, the tare that will be weeded out in the final judgment.

July 8

Isaiah 1-4
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”  It has always been God’s desire to reason with His children.  He understands our weakness, acknowledges our sinful ways, and is heartbroken by our rebellion.  Still, He stands at the ready to forgive, forget, and restore.  Isaiah, arguably the chief of messianic prophets, begins his book of prophecy this way.  He has had a ringside seat, witnessing the atrocities committed by the Israelites.  Even though they had the benefit of history, they chose to ignore the lessons of the past.  Sodom was destroyed because of the rampant, perverted sexual activity, yet Israel has allowed the same perversion to run rampant, even engaging male prostitutes at their holy shrines!  Even so, God is willing to let bygones be bygones if they will only sit at the table of reason and mercy.  He only asks for repentance, to turn from the sins of the past and seek His righteousness.  Oh Lord, may my people, the people of my nation, sit at your table of reason, reflect upon how far we have fallen, and repent, so that you may remove the sin from our land.  Have mercy upon us, for we have sinned greatly and need cleansing.  In Jesus name, Amen!

July 7

2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26
In our reading from Chronicles, we read in verse sixteen that 1after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God.  Up to this point Uzziah had had great success and he had followed the Lord.  Unfortunately, his success was also his failure.  How many are blessed by God and then, instead of giving Him the glory, they become puffed up and take credit for what the Lord has done?  This is why Jesus said it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle.  He’s using hyperbole, but the point is clear.  If we are blessed with the ability to attain riches there is a very great temptation to become prideful in what we have accumulated and in our own ability.  There are precious few who are able to deal with the responsibility that comes with money or fame.  I’ve often wondered if that is why the good Lord has not blessed me with either.  Perhaps He knows that it would be more than I could bear, even though I think differently.

July 6

Jonah 1-4
Jonah knew that God is gracious, willing to forgive and extend mercy to those who repent. However, he wanted to be the one to choose who the Lord would provide grace. Are we that way? I read a book that made this sort of accusation toward Christians, saying that we want certain people to suffer eternal torment, that we take comfort in knowing that bad people will suffer. I took umbrage with this statement. I, for one, cringe at the thought of anyone suffering. It would be perfectly fine with me if, in the final judgment, God chose to extend mercy and save everyone. However, from what I read in His word, that isn't the way it is going to go down. Furthermore, with today's reading fresh upon my mind, I realize that there are probably some Christians who are quite happy with harsh judgment being meted out to those who are evil.

July 5

2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25
Amaziah did what was right, but he didn’t serve God wholeheartedly.  He killed those who had killed his father, but he didn’t kill their children.  This was in accordance with the Law.  Yet, he still did not follow all of the Law.  It’s interesting how he chose to observe one of God’s commands, while not following others.  Isn’t this what a lot of people do?  Many will choose what part of the Bible they want to obey, while rejected those portions they don’t agree with.  Thomas Jefferson actually created his own bible, using only those passages he wanted.  Even though there aren’t many as famous as Jefferson, there are those who have written their own version of the Bible, choosing those parts they like, while rejecting the words of God they don’t like.  How do you suppose God feels about that?

July 4

2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24
Joash is a bright spot in the line of kings following David.  He did what was right in God’s eyes, listening to God’s priests and following His commands.  On the other hand, the people of Israel would not listen to the prophets.  There are many prophets.  Well, maybe preachers, teachers, overseers, shepherds, elders . . . those who proclaim the Word of God, teaching His followers how to live a life for Christ.  So, the question is, do we listen to them or not?  I have spent most of my Christian life working hard to teach the truth to others.  I firmly believe that most who aspire to proclaim God’s word put a lot of work into preparation and delivery.  God uses these to further His cause.  Are we going to listen and follow?

July 3

2 Kings 9-11
Jehu accomplished what the Lord had commanded in taking out the house of Ahab and the Baal worship in Israel.  As we look at the gruesome account and the numbers involved, it becomes very clear that Israel was heavily caught up in the worship of this pagan god.  Athaliah had her part in the degradation of God’s people, leading them into idol worship and destroying all who could be a threat.  That is, except for Joash.  Only because he was well hidden for six years.  For those of us who follow Christ it may be a little difficult to understand how anyone could worship an idol.  However, anyone in sales can tell you that intangibles are much more difficult to sell than that which can be seen, held, or smelled.  I tried selling life insurance when I was a young man, and even though the product was useful and provided a degree of security, it was very hard to sell because it is an intangible.  Such is the case with God.  He is an intangible, whereas, idols are tangible.  They can be seen and touched, experienced by our physical senses.  The living God must be experienced through the spirit.  We can have an ongoing relationship with Him through faith and the interaction of His Holy Spirit.  Perhaps it’s this tangible/intangible thing that brings some into idol worship.  However, if they would just think about it, they would know that a relationship with a dead idol is no relationship at all.  Jehu understood this, along with all of God’s faithful followers.

July 2

2 Kings 5-8
The story of Naaman being cured of his leprosy has been used in sermons over and over again to demonstrate that faith without works is dead.  However, what it actually shows is that we must act in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense.  God’s ways are higher than ours.  There are those who question the Trinity because they don’t understand it.  I confess that the doctrine of the triune godhead defies our human understanding.  That doesn’t negate its truth.  Just as Naaman had to accept that God would heal him of his leprosy when he dipped himself in the river Jordan seven times, so we must accept that God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Spirit, are all the same God, being one in three.  Sometimes we must admit that our understanding is not necessary, but our faith is!

July 1

2 Kings 1-4
Elijah, followed by Elisha, performs a host of miracles through the Lord.  It amazes me that there were people who would still rely on the pagan gods that could do nothing.  Yet, there are still those who rely on those things and people who have no ability to do anything without the help of God.  Even though we no longer have prophets who perform God’s miracles, we still have miracles from God.  Unfortunately, we often call them such things as, coincidences.  Or, we give full credit to some form of treatment.  But, without God’s intervention no one would ever experience healing.  There is no other explanation when two people have the same illness, receive the same treatment, under the same conditions, and one is healed while the other is not.  There are miracles happening around us every day, and we should be giving the glory to God!