CHARIOTS OF FIRE
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6-7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Herod’s Gate (named after Herod the Great), also known as Gate of the Flowers, is a gate in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. It adjoins the Muslim Quarter and is a short distance east of the Damascus Gate. The city gate that is mentioned in 2 Kings 7:1 may have looked like this.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, as Your disciples asked You, “Teach us to pray!” Even so, I ask You this blessing, not just what to say when I pray, Lord, but to actually do it with fervency. I believe You now for Your Spirit to come upon me, giving me a spirit of intercession. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As I read our Bible reading for today, which will keep us consistent in the two-year through-the-Bible program, I wrote an entire sermon outline in my notebook. However, my instructions from the Lord, I believe, for this study is to aim for 100 words of teaching. This goal keeps me concise (most of the time I go over the 100 words) and determined to present only what seems to me the most important lesson for the day.
The well-known London, England, pastor, Charles Spurgeon, preached on “Man’s Extremity, God’s Opportunity.” I think of his message as I meditate on the circumstances of Israel in today’s reading. If you can find the time, click here to read Spurgeon’s sermon (PDF file).
Here’s a little insight about the four lepers mentioned in 2 Kings 7:3. There is a tradition, not in the Bible, that these were the former servants of Elisha, Gehazi and his three sons. Review from yesterday 2 Kings 5:27.
Yours for fervently inviting God’s intervention in our lives and circumstances,
David
This question is going to sound really stupid and I understand if people aren’t comfortable answering but, I grew up Catholic and was always told about demons (and the evil one) and how they seek to interfere.
How active do you think they are and how can we recognize their activity or influence or tell the difference between it and just bad luck or man’s own depravity?
Not a silly question at all Robert. We were always taught “there’s no such thing as luck” at home. Everything that happens is either of our Lord or the devil. Hope this helps.
God bless you.
I once read a book on spiritual warfare and the author compared the them to germs in physical world- they are out there, and like germs in the real world you should do all you can to protect yourself from them by practicing healthy spiritual habits — but you shouldn’t become so afraid of them that you are paralyzed by them, seeing them more threatening than they really are.
Meaning we need to be careful not to blame everything negative in our life to being from the devil. Sometimes when we stub our toe, it just that, not a spiritual attack–but if something negative comes from outside your personal choices, that is impeding your ability to do God’s will and prevents you from praying, or praising God, or loving God or others, that is most likely an attack.
Remember the devil and his followers are not all knowing and can’t be everywhere at once like God. They usually target the spiritually vulnerable or the spiritually strong so if you are in one of those two groups, extra precaution and care should be followed. But other than that, I would use the germ metaphor, be aware, but don’t dwell on them.
And in my humble opinion there is no such thing as a dumb question. Seeking understanding is the beginning of knowledge.
Wonder why it is called gate of flowers!
What miracles were performed in today’s reading!
Robin, hope u saw my “reply” yesterday. May God give u the spirit to continue with your lovely, inspiring poetry.
“Lord, may we be quick to listen and slow to speak and to judge. A proud attitude so easily infects our lives. Give us instead a humility that reflects Your heart and love.”
Blessings fellow saints.
This has nothing to do with our study today but just had to share this little fella’s talent. Enjoy!
— http://1funny.com/blue-moon-kentucky-carson-peters/
WOW!
I believe that Charles Spurgeon’s prophetic sermon of 1880 has great relevance to us today.
I will be thinking of you on Saturday as you fly overnight to Tel Aviv. I know that Ron will help you with the technology of getting your daily blog to us all without a hitch!
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
Yes, and please remember all the ones who have joined this tour group. Thank you and God bless you.
Interesting insight re the four lepers! Great sermon by Charles Spurgeon, applicable to today’s churches and time of life.
This may be of help Robert: “how does one recognize the phony five dollar bill from the authentic? by studying all about the authentic. “keeping our eyes on Jesus”
Eph: 6:10-18 might be helpful
as soon as I feel I am being attacked by the devil I phone someone for prayer, I phone 100 Huntley Street often, they are available 24/7, praying daily, asking the Lord to protect us from all evil this day, thanking Him for His protection , put on the armour of God, play Gospel music, and remember the devil does not have a hold on anyone or anything, through the death and resurrection of our Saviour, God’s Son, Jesus Christ, sin has no hold over anyone. I rebuke the devil in the Name of Jesus Christ, through His death and Resurrection, through His precious blood, our sins are forgiven and forgotten, and we need to walk bodly in the Name of Jesus, loving, forgiving, caring, sharing the Gospel to all the peoples everywhere. In the Name of Jesus AMEN AMEN AMEN
Amen Sah !!