2 Kings_5

Scripture

 

2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

 

Observation

 

2 Kings 5:5 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

 

Naaman wanted to be healed so he went to see Elisha but when he got there he didn’t receive the treatment he has hoped for.

 

2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

 

Understanding  

 

Naaman wanted to be transformed into a new person free from all the disease that was causing decay. He wanted the clouds to part and the light to shine down from heaven, with all the fireworks, and angels singing, the whole nine yards, and poof your healed!

 

Yes! That’s what I want too! And why shouldn’t I have instant transformation? I’m a pretty good Christian (allegedly), I serve and do good deeds, I don’t want to have to do anything extra, just give me the “poof” so I can go on with my life…

 

Naaman had to wash seven times. He probably had to go into the Jordan, dunk, scrub, rinse, walk out of the Jordan, repeat.

 

It can become mundane and discouraging to have to do the same thing over and over until  you eventually see new growth. Like teaching your kids, over and over and over again. Like going to the gym, over and over and over again.

 

It’s interesting that he had to go to the Jordan River, the place where the Israelites had to change their mind before they had enough faith and courage to cross over and go into the promised land. They had to leave all of their old slave mentality behind in order to receive the new blessing God had already planned for them. A place of faith in God to move forward.

 

I believe Naaman’s faith was growing each time he dunked and washed. He had to have faith each time he followed the instructions and saw no change to keep going and not give up...because on the seventh time...if he just stayed obedient… he would see his transformation.

 

Application

 

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

When I was a young parent I did not want to pass on ugly words to my kids the way I had experienced as a child. It was first nature to me. I was also a new Christian and I wanted it to be gone from my mouth. I remember being impressed by the Holy Spirit to control my tongue, just don’t say the bad words when the opportunity arises. Each time there was a stressful situation, as there are many when you have  a toddler and a baby, I would consciously make the decision not to curse, or degrade, but to speak with patience and good correction, or just not say anything at all. It was really hard!

 

It took awhile… but I had enough faith in my heart to believe that God had something better for my children and I. I believed that this was a curse that would be broken!

 

And so… I kept on dunking in the river, over and over, until one day, I was transformed! The disease that was causing decay was gone!

 

We come alive in the river!!! Keep on dunking!

 

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

 

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7

 

Scripture

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

 

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

Observation

 

Paul continues to write to the church of Corinth regarding the giving of finances, but in this chapter he emphasizes the heart behind giving. He highlights the the importance of what amount each person should give and how the attitude dictates the blessing.

 

Understanding

 

Heart dictates attitude, and attitude denotes blessing.

 

I know that Paul is directly relating this to the giving of finances, but this speaks volumes when also looking at our everyday actions. Personally, I have been struggling for the need of approval of others. I recognize that it is something I crave too much and too often, to the point that I overthink every action I make. This verse is a gentle reminder that I reap what I sow. If I long for the approval of others, I continuously put myself in a place of sowing anxiousness. In return my attitude reaps people-pleasing and not living for God. And as harsh as it sounds, why would the Almighty want to then bless me with an abundant harvest if I am sowing the wrong seed? In essence, I have not only wasted my time, but God’s time.

 

If I am to expect and overflow of blessing I’m all in! Not just that, I am all about sowing the right seed. Allow me to quote a well-known pastor I consistently listen to: “The difference between a tithe and an offering is the order.” In these verses, the difference between receiving a blessing and missing out is your heart. I don’t want to give all of myself to other people, just for the sake of being liked to only then give God the leftovers. In the same way I want to see the harvest come to fruition because I planted the right seeds. I want to give with my whole heart, and it be evident in the outcome. God longs to bless us, He’s just waiting for us to plant the right seeds and plant them abundantly.

 

Life Application

 

Trust that you’ve been equipped with the right seeds and get planting!

 

The harvest will only come if the seeds have been planted. If you are not at the place that you feel you have the right seeds then check your heart. Ask God to reveal to you His desires for your life. When He responds (because He will) make your attitude is cheerful, as it denotes what kind of blessing you will receive. Lastly, God loves a cheerful giver… but He’ll take it from grump as well.

 

-Allison Khan

2 Corinthians 8

Scripture 

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:2-5, 7-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us....But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.”

Observation-What does it say?

Paul is addressing the issue of stewardship in this letter, not just of money, but also of time (gotquestions.org). The Macedonians were pointed out as being generous givers and Paul encouraged the Corinthians to do the same.

Understanding-What does it mean?

God wants ALL of it, because all of it belongs to Him.

The Lord has given so generously to us because the only thing we are truly deserving of is hell. God wants our hearts and to give back our lives generously to Him. Our lives were bought with a price, Jesus' blood. That’s why it belongs to Him.

I love how Paul mentioned that the Macedonians gave in the midst of a severe trial and extreme poverty. It was a privilege for them to partner with the church in ministry. It wasn’t a burden. They actually urgently pleaded to be part of giving and partnering with the church. It wasn’t when things were going well that they decided to be generous. It was when things were not going well that they remained joyful and generous. 

Life Application

Give generously. 

Have you ever wanted to take back your life, but then the Holy Spirit convicts you of why He saved you in the first place? That happened to me yesterday. Our lives are not our own. It belongs to Him.

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew‬ ‭10:38-39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How are we managing and stewarding His resources? If we believe that it ALL belongs to God—our money, possessions, time, gifts/talents, lives, how are we doing with managing it for His glory, honor and Kingdom purposes? 

Dear Lord, I want to partner with You in ministry with a grateful and joyful heart, “urgently pleading for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people even in the midst of a severe trial or extreme poverty” as the Macedonians faced. Thank You for their example through Your Word. It is very encouraging. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi