Trials 2 Kings 4:17-37

Sermon Nuggets Mon May 3

Theme – Trials

Verses 2 Kings 4:18-37

Trials

I share a devotional by Ruth Graham as an introduction.

“I was swimming in the choppy Mediterranean Sea when suddenly my arm felt as if it had touched a high-voltage wire. Spinning around, I saw a tiny blue jellyfish swimming away. It seemed an eternity before I was able to make it the short distance back to the beach, petrified that I might be stung again. Before long, ugly welts rose on my forearm and back.

Later, as I compared notes with a friend who had suffered the same fate, he said to me, "I hope you won't let this keep you from going into the water."

I hadn't the heart to tell him I'd lost all taste for the sea.

But two painful days later, assured by other beach-bathers that the water was clear, I ventured another swim. My friend's familiar voice boomed, "Good for you! Keep it up!"

Long after the jellyfish attack, I remembered those words.

Life is a lot like the sea: full of venomous creatures that attack without warning. I think of baby Christians who, after their first painful encounter, call it quits unless a stronger Christian offers a word of advice, a shout of encouragement.

Has anyone around you been stung lately?”

There are times in our life when we will get stung. Maybe that sting will come from people with whom we have made close friendships and that relationship will all of the sudden seem to turn on you. Maybe that sting will come with a job or ministry, when you have done your best and something surprisingly unfortunate occurs. Maybe there is an act of kindness that you intended that was misunderstood. Maybe there is a new relationship with Jesus and something happens to cause you to wonder if indeed God can be trusted and is listening to your prayers.

In our joys and sorrows the power of God is at work. Our faith grows as we see Him at work.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This week we will see the continuation of the story of the Shumenite woman and her husband who befriended Elisha and showed him great hospitality. In answer to the prayers of her heart God arranged the miracle of birth. But her faith is put to the test through an unexpected trial.

Trials will come. May they be learning experiences to mature your faith.

Pastor Dale.

Sermon Nuggets Tues May 4 –

Verse 2 Kings 4:17-24 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 "My head! My head!" he said to his father.
His father told a servant, "Carry him to his mother." 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, "Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return."

23 "Why go to him today?" he asked. "It's not the New Moon or the Sabbath."
"It's all right," she said.

24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, "Lead on; don't slow down for me unless I tell you." 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.

Tested Faith

The words of the contemporary song reminded me of a question that tests our faith, “God didn’t take us this

far to leave us.”

Last week we looked at the reward and blessing God gave to the woman and her husband for their humble hospitality. Without requesting Elisha declared they would have a son and so he was born. This was the desire of her heart.

Now some years later we read tragedy occurred. Her only son died unexpectedly. What would test our faith more than a death of a child?

There are different views as to how old the boy is. I will propose that he is still young, perhaps elementary age. Being that they family was wealthy and had many servants, perhaps the father was overseeing many of the reapers and took his son along for a ride. Then the boy complained about not feeling well and having severe pain. The father told a servant to take the child home. As he was being taken care of by his mother he kept getting worse and died.

I take Scripture to mean what it says. I do not believe he only fainted, or went into a sleep. He died. He was not resuscitated like many claim experiences today in near death situations. We are grateful for many who are brought to recovery through medical procedures, CPR, and medications. Some conclude the boy was still alive and appeared to be dead or in a coma. I think he died, just as the Bible said.

I noticed the woman's response to the husband and to the servant when asked what is up; she replied that it is all right. Peace? Could she have been in shock and couldn’t face the fact. Could she have been experiencing the trauma of emotion that was in denial? She did not want to face the facts until she could see Elisha.

We will also experience difficult times that will test our faith. We will struggle to make sense of out situations where the pieces don’t seem to neatly fall together. Some will trust the Lord believing completely He will answer one way only to discover being forced to fact a path we did not expect and question why.

Like the Centurion with a sick boy this mother reach out to the one she thought could help. She prepared to leave to visit Elisha for it is through him that God speaks.

People turn to God when they have no place else to turn. Even when our faith is tested, look up! The last chapter isn’t revealed to us yet.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds May 5 – Tempted faith

Verses 2 Kings 4:22-28 She called her husband and said, "Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return."

23 "Why go to him today?" he asked. "It's not the New Moon or the Sabbath." "It's all right," she said.

24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, "Lead on; don't slow down for me unless I tell you."

25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, "Look! There's the Shunammite!

26 Run to meet her and ask her, 'Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?'" "Everything is all right," she said.

27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, "Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why."

28 "Did I ask you for a son, my lord?" she said. "Didn't I tell you, 'Don't raise my hopes'?"

Tempted Faith

Tempted faith is faith under trial, faith that is being tested to make us strong, but there are times when we are tempted to give up. We are tempted to turn our backs on God. Anger, frustration, grief tempts us to sin. When Job experienced the worse of trials his wife said, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

Job replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. Job 2:9-10

The temptation is to give in to your feelings instead of clinging to your faith. The anger and hurt of the woman is seen today in her response to Elisha. She is a grieving mother.

When she leaves home to go to see Elisha she refused to talk to anyone. She was holding her grief inside. Denial was turning into anger which can lead to bitterness. She is set to go to Elisha not just to tell him of her loss but how he and the Lord had failed her! She wanted him to know how unfair it was. It would have been better if the son was never born than experience the pain of his death. It hurts so badly.

She ran to Elisha and hung at his feet in spite of the protests of the servant Gehazi. Elisha has not been revealed the source of the problem, but sees she is in bitter distress. Her words are sharp and clear, "Did I ask you for a son, my lord?" she said. "Didn't I tell you, 'Don't raise my hopes'?"

Sometimes God gives us answers and sometimes He doesn’t. When the request of blessing came to the woman years earlier she asked for none. She felt she had all she needed. But when the subject of being childless came up she didn’t feel she should ask for such a miracle. It was not her idea, but Elisha’s and Gehazi’s idea. She had been many times in despair for being barren. Her hopes many times were dashed by trying to have children and not able to do so. She finally relegated herself to the fact that she would have no child. But when the claim came to her she was going to be a mother, her fears of having those hopes dashed again surfaced. She didn’t want to experience that extreme disappointment again. “Don’t raise my hopes only to have them dashed again”. For her it would have been better to not have a son than to have that son taken from her.

Now those fears were realized. The joy and excitement and hope were overwhelming as God gave her the desire of her heart. Satan was to take it away. She was fulfilled, but now she was to be barren in her heart again with the love of her life gone. The temptation to curse God and die was probably there when she felt the fault lay on Elisha for interceding on her behalf for a child. Now see where it ended up- in greater grief.

There are situations always around us that cause us to question, and happening we that we do not understand. We have our faith tested, but we do something that we believe is of God and we keep on doing it,

What is faith for? Years ago Merv Griffen had a popular talk show and his guest was a body builder. During the interview Merv asked, “why do you develop those particular muscles?”

The body builder simply stepped forward and flexed a series of well-defined muscles from chest to calf. The audience applauded.

“But what do you use all those muscles for?” Merv asked.

Again the muscles specimen flexed and biceps and triceps sprouted into impressive proportions. "But what do you use those muscles for?" Merv persisted-the body builder was bewildered. He didn't have an answer other than to display his well-developed frame.

I was reminded that our spiritual exercises-Bible study, prayer, reading Christian books, listening to Christian radio and CD tapes are also for a purpose. They are meant to strengthen our faith. They are to gain a greater love and devotion to the Lord. They are to be used by God through us to build God's kingdom, not to simply to improve our posture before an admiring audience. Our faith is not just to show our piety, but to be used when times of testing and temptations come. Satan will tempt us to quit. He will tempt us to hold grudges and we can become bitter people. There are many empty pews that once were filled with people who believed but the tempter came and in our despair thought God did not keep up His end of the bargain. He did not do what we wanted him to do. Or someone hurt us in some way. The results are the same. Our faith is sidelined instead of used to help us through.

How might your faith be tempted recently? Where does your feelings overshadow your faith?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thus May 6, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4:29-31 Elisha said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy's face."

30 But the child's mother said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So he got up and followed her.

31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy's face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, "The boy has not awakened."

Trusting Faith

Elisha was given the facts as hard as it was to accept. The boy died. But God had something else in mind in this trial. He was not done showing His glory and power.

There would be nothing wrong to accept that fact that the boy died. We would accept that as God’s will. But trusting faith does something. It looks to God not only in grief to support and sustain, but also in hope to restore and provide.

They prayed for restoration. Elisha trusts in God to go and send Gehazi to the boy and trusts in the power of God to use the staff. Surely the staff was not magical we know that. We also are aware that the servant didn't have any power. Maybe it was the double portion of Elijah’s spirit that fell on Elisha and not anyone else. God wanted to use Elisha and Gehazi was the instrument chosen.

I think of a similar story when the disciples met Jesus coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration. They were trying to get a demon to come out from a boy. They did what Jesus taught them but nothing happened. They were used in the past to heal from disease and spiritual oppression and possession. Why not now?

Jesus saw something they didn’t. He saw the evil power stronger than the desires and abilities of pious men. He reminded them that this situation required much prayer and fasting. There was blessing and power only up to a point of our ability to be used of God. Also we have to be very sure we are not idolizing the tools used so that they might think they had the power. There was no power in the staff. Nor would there be any value in Gahazi the person, who later showed how he gave into temptation of gaining money for the work of God.

I do get upset with all the religious relics sold, touched and displayed as if they were holy or provided some power from God.

Nothing happened through Gehazi even though he was obedient to the commands of his master. What was God trying to teach? Elisha could have been discouraged and questioned why God didn't answer according to his action. Trust involves perseverance. The woman wasn't going to leave Elisha because she believed God presence and power what with the prophet. The woman proclaimed, "As surely as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." As surely as God is alive I will trust, and that was a faith that sought to lay hold and to keep hold, not only of the promises, but of the promiser.

John Killinger tells a story from Atlantic Monthly."A little burro sometimes would be harnessed to a wild steed. Bucking and raging, convulsing like drunken sailors. The two would be turned loose to proceed out onto the desert range. They could be seen disappearing over the horizon, the great steed dragging that little burro along and throwing him about like a bag of cream puffs. They might be gone for days, but eventually they would come back. The little burro would be seen first, trotting back across the horizon, leading the submissive steed in tow. Somewhere out there on the rim of the world that horse would become exhausted from trying to get rid of the burro, and in that moment, the burro would take mastery and become the leader.

"And that's the way it is with the kingdom and its heroes, isn’t it? The battle is determined, not to the outraged but to the committed, not to those who are merely dramatic." It is to those who have trusting faith, Not giving up on God, but believing and obeying and if something isn't working the way we think it should, we pray and trust and keep at it again.

This sickness and death was a spiritual battle in my opinion. It was Satan seeking to attack the miracle of God and causing the faith of the woman to turn from God. Works of man, even pious and well meaning men were not going to change anything around. This kind needed the special intervention from God. Elisha represents, not just Gods’ servant, but the touch from God Himself.

Keep trusting, not in our abilities,or even in our piety, but preserve in trials to see and wait for the hand of God to move.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Fri May 7, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4:32-37 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch.

33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD.

34 Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy's body grew warm.

35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out upon him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, "Call the Shunammite." And he did. When she came, he said, "Take your son."

37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out.

Triumphant Faith

I was talking with Thelma Olds last night. Her daughter and son-in-law have been asked by the Conference to lead up work of supporting and planting a church movement in Estonia. It was under the communistic rule for 70 years when the Christians were being persecuted. Now there is a rising up of the churches in new ways.

Over time the suffering church changed the face of Eastern bloc. They had no power based as such, none but he power of love and prayer. The church was banned from many religious activities, such as radio and television broadcasting. They devoted themselves instead to serving the least and the weakest.

According to Chuck Colson, East Germans look back on Oct.9, 1989 as the turning point that led to a change in government, consummating the peaceful revolution. Four churches in Leipzig held weekly prayer meetings every Monday evening. Gradually the prayer meetings began to swell including not just faithful Christian but also political dissidents and ordinary citizens. Secret police phoned in death threats and posted lookouts around the churches. Then on Oct. 9 police and army units moved in the Leipzig in force, and East German lead Erich Honecker gave them instructions to shoot the demonstrators.

When time came for the prayer meeting, 2,000 Communist party members rushed inside to occupy all the seats. The church simply opened its seldom-used balconies and 1,000 protesters also crowded inside. Party members who attended with the intention of disrupting realized for the first time that the church was indeed working for peaceful change and not violent challenge. No one knows for sure why the military held their fire that night. Everyone credits the prayer vigils in Leipzig for kindling the process of momentous change. In the end 10,000s marched peacefully through downtown Leipzig which brought down a government.

The New Republic a secular magazine said, "Whether or not prayers really moved mountains, they certainly mobilized the population of Leipzig. To hear them sing "A Mighty Fortress Is our God' is enough to make you believe it," Several weeks after the October 9 turning point, a huge banner appeared across a Leipzig street "Wir danken Dir,Kirche (We thank you, church). Indeed in should have read Wir danken See, Gott". For God is the power being triumphant faith.

Triumphant faith is seeing God do things man cannot do and believing an trusting in His sovereignty. It happens in nations and it happens in personal lives.

We gathered yesterday for the National Day of prayer to pray for our nation and God’s sovereignty. And we pray for individuals and families that they faith will be played out in victory as God allows.

There is victory in the miraculous manner of the son of the Shunamite woman being raised to life again. It is triumphant to know that God is at work and at times answers special prayer in special ways, but ultimately triumphant. Jesus has won the battle and when we put our faith in Him we cannot lose. Don't misunderstand. We can face discouragements, failures, and sin-but triumphant faith is the confidence that we are in the center of God's will and care and we have nothing to fear.

Elisha lays on the boy I'm sure with prayer, nothing happens. He walks around and lays on him a second time and the boy sneezes seven times. Perhaps this is symbolic of completion.

How can we bring about life to death? Simply speaking we cannot. This is an act of the grace of God and nothing else. He did it to show his glory through his servants.

Revival is the same way. We pray for aliveness to spiritual deadness, but the grace of God responds at his will and time; Our trails will test us and tempt us to quit. But as we continue to trust we will see the triumph of God. It may not be as we hope and plan in our temporary world and short sighted understanding. It may not be by our timetable, but the hope of the believer is that we will see the work of God in ways we cannot imagine.

Satan was defeated that day. And will be in The Day to come. Put your faith in the only One who can do that.

Pastor Dale

Holy Hospitality 2 Kings 4:8-17

Sermon Nuggets Mon April 26, 2010

Verses: 2 Kings 4:8-17

Holy Hospitality

It is not uncommon for someone to feel alone in the midst of large groups of people. One boy went to Sunday school for his first time in a new church and his parents asked him how he liked it. He said, "I hated it. They put me in a roomful of children all by myself."

Adults too, when they attend a new worship service or a new church can feel the church is a place for friendship and fellowship, but it can be place of polite ignoring, and unintentional loneliness.

In one article Anne Williman told her story as an outsider. After marriage to Jon she was sure she would be happy anywhere with him. They moved to a little northwestern Ohio hometown. However she felt unwelcomed. Being shy she didn't say much and neighbors walked by without a word. They seemed to stare as though she were some unwelcomed intruder. A newcomer to a small community knows what it means to feel like an outsider. People did not speak to her if she didn't take the initiative, and even if they did it was cordial but not a feeling of really wanting to make a friend.

For reasons unrelated, she sought to make a call on her next door neighbor, 93 years old Mrs. Watson who would look at her with piercing eyes from her window in disapproval. As she walked up to the house and rang the doorbell, she thought “maybe she's napping. I can creep away.”

Then her tiny figure appeared. "Why it’s you-Jon's wife. I was wondering when you'd call. Do step in. I'm so glad you finally came by. I know how hard it is to meet your neighbors sometimes. I had that problem when I first married. I've lived her some 60 years now."

As Anne was encouraged to meet other neighbors, she did find that it took effort, however once the initial contact was made she found other outsiders like herself. All were happy to visit.

One married woman confessed. "I thought you didn't like us. But I guess I can understand how you feel. I married someone from this town 8 years ago and I'm still afraid people think me strange somehow.”

Anne prayed for a gift of outgoingness to help overcome her shyness. She also began a hospitality ministry to newcomers to the small town. She sees it a ministry to those who need a friend.

As we look at another passage in the life of Elisha he is shown hospitality as a bachelor in the service of the Lord. The lady who showed him kindness is an example of holy hospitality. We can learn how in giving we also receive.

Pastor Dale.

Sermon Nuggets Tues April 27, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4: 8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat.


Hints for Hospitality- Giving an Invitation

Do you know what the most important thing is about an invitation? You have a desire, a thought, or an intention that is directed toward another. A special invitation means that the host has you in mind.

Now there are general invitations. We see them all the time in the papers and bulletins. "You all come, 'cause everyone is invited." Indeed, we do want as many people as can, to come and be part of our public worship, or fellowship, or celebration. I've received invitations also with a computer label on it. I have been invited to an open house of a new store, or especially invited to buy a product.

That is still a different type of invitation when someone writes or calls us to come over to their house. That is special because that is personal. There was no obligation of that person or family to do that. They just want to have us over, not to talk about a problem with the church, or personal counseling, but just because they want to enjoy time together.

There are people who have the gift of hospitality. Such people make others feel welcome and at home. While visiting informally in one home the hostess commented to me, “It is hard to think of you as a pastor, when you are so ordinary." Well, I wasn't sure how to take that.

Peter Wagner talks about how you can tell if you have a special gift of hospitality. It's not the person who has their house spotless and spends hours preparing the meal so everything is just right. It is the one which is more concerned about you than how their house looks. It really doesn't matter if the cushions are exactly straight. One does not worry if the cake is a day old to serve it. Guests feel like they can just get up and get their own second cup of coffee without asking.

This passage today speaks of a lady who saw how she could serve God by inviting Elisha and his servant to eat with her and her husband whenever they were in the area.

Even folks who may not feel they have a special gift of hospitality can invite others over to eat to get to know them better. Developing Holy Hospitality is when we see that friendships can both minister to Christians and be ways for non-Christians to ultimately come to know the Lord.

Luke 14:15-23 records the parable of Jesus when the King puts on a great banquet and invites many guests. Unfortunately, they all have excuses so he bids his servants to go out into the highways and byways and call on the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. He desires that we have fellowship with him. We may not feel worthy, we may not feel like he cares, but according to the word the personal invitation for salvation is to all who hear his voice. Come and be saved. And in so doing there is a relationship with God.

That is true Holy Hospitality.


Pastor Dale


Sermon Nuggets Weds April 28

Verses- 2 Kings 4:9-10 She said to her husband, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God.
Let's make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us."


Hints for Hospitality- Making Provisions

Now our text tells us that the woman was wealthy. She and her husband had means to not only provide for their own needs, but the needs of others. Of course being wealthy is not required for hospitality. I believe in the context of this story we see that she took what she had and made it available to God by making it available to Elisha to use whether it was food, which most people can provide, or a house, which most people cannot provide. She had the ability to provide a self contained room, reserved for Elisha as he was doing his work.

Part of making provision is helping those who serve the Lord in one area so others can be part of that work.

Sunday mornings many are studying the treasure principle during Sunday School. One point Randy Alcorn, in his video, was emphasizing the Biblical truth where your treasure is there is your heart. We take special interest in the things we invest in directly. His illustration hit home. Because I have been to Russia and India, when I hear of news from those countries my ears perk up and I take more interest because I invested time and money in that. This summer Judi and I will be going to Mexico and hopefully be an encouragement to our missionaries there. Our attentions have never been so directed to Mexico as in these last few months as we are praying for them and that nation.

The involvement of this couple in the work of the Lord has an affect on their spiritual lives, not just because they are befriending Elisha but they are participating in the ways they can with his work. They see that as God’s work.

They say Elisha was real about God. They saw him as a man of integrity. He did not compromise his views when it was financially beneficial to him. He trusted in the provisions from God and received those blessings. But God provided through the means of those he blessed with resources so they too share in blessings of a different sort.

Those with a gift of hospitality have an attitude that says “What is mine is yours.” They are happy to share. As they have freely received they freely give in different ways.

Matt. 10:40-42 "He who received you receives me, and he who receives me received one who sent me. Anyone who received a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and one who received a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple I tell you the truth he will certainly not lose his reward."


Pastor Dale


Sermon nuggets Thurs April 29, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4:11-13 One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there.
12 He said to his servant Gehazi, "Call the Shunammite." So he called her, and she stood before him.
13 Elisha said to him, "Tell her, 'You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?'" She replied, "I have a home among my own people."


Hints for Hospitality- Giving Freely

Elisha and his servant recognized the holy spirit of the woman and her husband and wanted to do something for them. They asked what they could do and the response was they were cared for. They had their family and their needs were met so they were content just to bless others.

I am impressed with the attitude exhibited by the kind woman willing and wanting to provide hospitality to Elisha, the man of God. Her motives are pure. She does not expect anything in return for her actions. When given the opportunity to request something, nothing comes to mind that she would want. She is a contented person.

Too often those who might be considered wealthy also feel as if they would be satisfied if they just had one more thing. Of course that desire for more seldom ends when we find we even are carting around too much.

The woman gave what she had. It was not a selfish attitude or desire to use it to gain more it was a gift freely given. She understood that she was not going to get anything out of it financially. It was not anything she did for personal praise or benefit. It was her way of giving to God because she saw that Elisha was used by God. She could not go and speak and declare the Word of the Lord, but she could give meals and a room when he traveled.

When asked what she might ask from even the king or the commander of the army, two of the most influential people in the land, her thoughts went to her family who could provide anything she felt she needed. She wasn’t out to look for more than what she already had.

There are many who keep records of who paid for the last restaurant bill, who invited whom over last, or whose turn is it to host the next party. We do want to share in the responsibilities and do our part if we are able to contribute. But with the gift of hospitality there are those for whom they do not keep records. There delight is in sharing and serving without any expectations in return.

As God has blessed us, so His instructions are that we should bless others. Freely we have received, freely give. As far as the hospitable woman there was nothing Elisha owed her. She was content.


Pastor Dale


Sermon Nuggets Fri April 30, 2010

Verses 2 Kings 4: 14 "What can be done for her?" Elisha asked. Gehazi said, "Well, she has no son and her husband is old."
15 Then Elisha said, "Call her." So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.
16 "About this time next year," Elisha said, "you will hold a son in your arms." "No, my lord," she objected. "Don't mislead your servant, O man of God!"
17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


Hints for Hospitality- Receiving a Blessing


I heard someone say that some people bring blessing where ever they
go and others whenever they go.

When Elisha was willing to bless the woman and her husband she wasn’t showing hospitality for reward. She was content with what she had and mentioning a family indicated any needs she had probably would also be met by her extended family, but as Elisha’s servant discovered they had no children of their own.

Gehazi recognized the desire of their heart which no one but God could give and that was a son. So with the authority from God Elisha pronounced the blessing that this time next year they would have a son. God blessed them above and beyond for their kindness.

When we carry out God's work there is blessing. There is the immediate blessing of fellowship. There is the relationship with the guest and the growth of knowing and sharing as friends. This is a gift not lightly to be ignored. To love and be loved, to feel worthwhile is the high goal of all people. It is a special gift indeed to have a few good close meaningful friends. But this is Holy Hospitality. It is for God's grace and goodness.

In her faithfulness to service, she was blessed far greater than she gave. God had blessed her with the desire of her heart. Hospitality is a ministry. We take what we have a share it. When we give it to the Lord and seek to serve others because of our relationship with Jesus it is a Holy Hospitality. God's spirit is in it.

Scripture talks much of hospitality, Heb. 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. " I Peter 4:8-10 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

Ken Medema, a very talented and creative musician has taken Matthew 25:42-45 and composed this hymn: "I was hungry and you had no meat for me; I was thirsty and you would not give me drink. I was a stranger and you would not take me in, naked and you would not clothe me, sick and you would not visit me, in jail and you would not come to me, You would not come to me."
And then, a fast frivolous, defensive, exciting manner a chorus chimes in: "Lord when were you hungry? We did not see your need. Lord when were you sick, eh? We did not see you bleed. Lord, when were you in jail? We did not see you there. Were you wearing a disguise? If so, it was not fair."

And the word of the Lord resounds with strength: "If you did not do it to the least of these my little ones, then you did not do it unto me. I was hungry and you.." The abrupt ending tosses the application right into our laps.

Then the composer includes everyone in singing a kind of Postscript. "Someone is waiting right outside your door. Someone is waiting whom you've never seen before. Not the thousands or the million who crowd the city streets, But someone is lying at your feet. Someone is lying at your feet."

I know that not all churches do well in showing hospitality, I know that not all Christians are good examples of friendliness. But there is one who differs from people. He is the example of Holy Hospitality. God invites us into a relationship with him. He made all the provisions. Only instead of the blessing being his, it is ours over and over again. Not only having God's fellowship here, now, but for all eternity. It is because of his offer than he wants his children to demonstrate service one to another.


Pastor Dale

Dealing with Debt - 2 Kings 4:1-7

Sermon Nuggets Mon April 19, 2010

Verses 2 Kings 4:1-7

Dealing with Debt

I remember when Peter Larson, former missionary to Mexico told the story of the cost of one family paid for being a disciple of Jesus. He had a woman as a student who was a young mother of two. She was also a recent widow of a Baptist pastor. Her husband was killed by a machete because of his witness for Christ. Though a full-time student she was seeking to help plant a church near the Bible institute.

Doesn't it seem unfair that a pastor of a young wife and children should be martyred for his faith? Shouldn't God have provided protection? Why did something like that happen to one committed to serving the Lord?

The Bible story today speaks of another episode in the life of Elisha and has to do with a young widow. The context of the passage implies she was married to a son of a prophet, perhaps a seminary student in our culture. He loved God, but like most of the seminary students in our day too, many young families did not have very much money. The couple had two young sons. They were desirous of serving the Lord, but the tragedy came and the man died leaving behind his family in poverty.

Death brings out the best and the worse in us. The thing I like about the Bible is that we read of men and women, we learn from their faith and failings, from their temptations and victories. Men and women face real situations as they are not as we wish they would be. People have problems like we have. They have temptation and we see how the power of the Lord is used for victory. We have the same Spirit. We see how trials are endured with hope. That gives hope in our trials. They demonstrate faith and holiness in a society that is corrupt and perverse and that tells me we can also be faithful and holy.

We see God involved in people’s lives in their homes, businesses, marriage, laws, in their feasts and fasts in their births and in their deaths. Situations are not always glamorized, but God is involved in receiving glory through the circumstances.

Today many face more debt as ever before. Sometimes it is because of unwise decisions of buying more than what they can afford. Sometimes it is a results of poor money management. But what we also see is circumstances over which we have little control-the loss of job due to economic downsizing, the death in a family, an illness requiring unplanned expenses. Sometime tragedies hit with fire, or thievery, or car accident.

This was a day before life insurance and the young man who loved the Lord and provided for his family died unexpected. What is the mother to do?

There are some observations we see as she seeks to resolve her debt.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues April 20, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4: 1-2 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."

Seeking Advice-

Lots of people experience debt of various types. As mentioned sometimes it is not because of bad choices, but unfortunate circumstances as this widow whose source of income and protection was her husband. This was before the days of planning for life insurance policies and savings accounts. Folks lived day by day at what could be provided.

As we see the situation of this woman we see three burdens that face her. She was dealing with grief of the loss of her husband, she as dealing with debt with no help in sight, and thirdly, she was in distress with that fact that she could lose not one, but both of her sons into slavery.

The fact that the husband loved the Lord and sought to serve Him made no difference. Bad things happen to good people. But as we observe life we can also say from our perspective bad things also happen to bad people; good things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. The Bible tells us it rains and the sun shines on the just and the unjust. Because someone has devoted their life to the Lord does not mean that they will have no trouble. Jesus promised that we will. The one thing we can say is that God will not let his hand leave me or you as we seek to follow in His paths.

What options are available to her? First she seeks advice from a godly man, Elisha. In this way it is also like prayer. She wants to do what is right and goes to the one who speaks the word from the Lord.

When circumstances come over which we have no control prayer is essential. Who understands better than the Lord? But also seek to know God’s Word. In the Old Testament it comes first from the prophets, but in the New Testament it comes from the Bible. There are principles and truths laid before us to follow. There are options and avenues that are not open which would be sinful. There are tests we go through that challenge faith.

But seeking advice is also important if not a first alternative to those who are wise. Seek to know how others might have insight and suggestions to each situation. Contact those who might know about how to resolve debt. Talk to others who can pray for you and help in ways that you may not be aware.

So many people feel shame, or embarrassment that they are in debt while others don’t seem to have those needs and think they might be judged or not understood. Our worse enemy is ourselves and our pride. We live in a society where we think we are not dependent upon anyone and can handle our own problems. We don’t think that when it comes to health issues, why would that be the case with financial issues? Our economy and job loss also is beyond our control. Seeking to learn more than we already know is a worthy goal. We go through life with lots of things others know better than we do. Seeking godly advice is also essential since the ways of the world are not the ways of the Lord. Our goals are providing for our needs not necessarily building bigger barns to become the minority of the wealthy.

The culture of that day did not allow women to own property. They didn't have many legal rights. It was not uncommon if that was not done for a woman to make herself a slave, beg or go into prostitution. Yet widows and orphans are to be encouraged to look at many verses in the Bible that tell us God is their special strength. (see Ex. 22:22,24).

One of the biggest problems with debt is creditors. They in part own you. There are strings attached to everyone you owe. They have interest in you and to a degree have a right to tell you what to do and how to do it in regards to your debt. But God also set up a system for people to be merciful to those in need, through generosity in emergency situations, and being generous as well as in loans.

Charles Spurgeon said in a devotional, "Take no thought for the morrow." Matt. 6:34 he began by announcing that "I insured my own life last week, and have thus been able to carry out the injunction of the text, and not to be over-anxious for the morrow, for much undue care and anxiety that I had is now laid aside, secure in the knowledge that my forethought has provided for my loved ones."

Many know Judi and I raised her sister from the time she was 12. When she was married her young husband took out a term life insurance policy. He had a horrible accident before their first child was born and died. Marti was able to pay debts, buy a mobile home in which she still lives now 30 years later. Her immediate needs were met. They listened to some advice. It proved important for her at that time.

If you are burdened with issues that seem overwhelming not only talk to the Lord, read the Word, but seek to share with others who can lighten the burden and give advice that may help.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds April 21, 2010

Verses 2 Kings 4:3,4 Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few.

Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."

Seeking Help

Believers deal with debt in different ways. When someone is in desperate need, like this young widow she listens to the advice of Elisha, the man of God. She seeks help from those around her who know her.

He begins by getting the facts. What are her resources? They are few. He asks what she has at home. All she has is oil. Olive oil was used as butter with flour or meal. It had many other uses as well in that society.

The place to begin when you have need is to see what you actually have in resources. It is important to go through your property and look at the assets as well as liabilities. Sometimes we find we have more than we thought we had. Maybe it isn't readily available, but could be with some time.

God answers prayers in a number of different ways. I know of Christians after praying for specific financial need to their surprise and amazement someone delivers an envelope with the exact amount of money that is needed. I know of others for whom God opens up an opportunity for a job. Or others where there is no quick answer.

The widow was to use an act of her faith. Do what you can and let God do the rest

The next assignment that the widow is given is to go to her neighbors and ask for as many jars as possible. Making request is to let your need be known and see how others might be of help. It is okay to ask for help. It is ok to borrow when you need to feed your family. It is ok to see how God may lead others to help.

She did not have the money to buy jars, but there were jars that apparently others no longer needed. Asking for those jars were an important means for her to take her to the next step of meeting her debt. Some people had things they no longer wanted and could give them to someone who could use them. There is nothing wrong in making such requests and helping people in ways that might be different than money.

People helping people is part of God’s plan. Giving to the poor is a way to receive blessings. Seeking help by those who can provide, although not easy, may be one of the ways God gets us back on our feet.

We are not entities unto ourselves. Going to others for some help is humbling and embarrassing isn't it? It is interesting to see the different attitudes of some of the people that had used our shelf program. Some are very embarrassed. Some refuse to come at all even though the need is very great. They consider it humiliating to ever ask anyone for food and do not want to be known. There are some for whom feeding their children is more important than pride; we can see the tension on their faces.

There are some, however, for whom the attitude is almost demanding as if it is a right. Some even complained about what we gave. Some feel they deserve it and it is their right to the food more often than what the rules allowed. Some lied about their needs. But I would rather help someone who doesn't really need it than deny someone who really does. They have to answer to the Lord if they give false information. But for some who really are in need, God uses others to help. Is it any less from God because he uses his servants? It is a very common means of supplying. We need other people. God often uses others to help answer our prayers, as he did with the neighbors of this woman.

Remember the story of a man was caught in a flood. Someone came with a boat to rescue him, but he replied, “No, God will take care of me.”

A little later another came in a raft with a rope. He declined, "The Lord will take care of me".

Finally a helicopter came and he refused the help. When the water was about to go over his head he prayed out to God, "God, where were you?”

The Lord answered, "I came three times , in a boat, a raft and a helicopter and you refused me now what do you expect?"

The apostle Paul needed Aquilla and Priscilla, he needed Timothy and Titus and Luke and Lydia. Jesus used the hospitality of Mary and Martha and Lazarus as well as James and John and Peter.

Who are the people God leads in your life who are a help in different ways? Who are the people God has laid upon your heart to help?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 22, 2010

Verses- 2 Kings 4:5,6 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.

When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.

Hand of God

The miracle in this story is just as real and from God as the fire from heaven on Mt. Carmel, or the parting of the red sea or the feeding of the 5,000. It is true that God is concerned for his own. I do not know exactly the reason why she was instructed to go to her house and close the door, and keep this in secret. It was understandable that this was also the practice with Elijah and the widow at Zaraphath. There was a famine in the land, Others would have come to her house and discovered Elijah who was hiding from Ahab.

Perhaps there would be misunderstanding if others saw her taking the borrowed or gifted jars and having a very large supply of oil. She didn’t have that oil to begin with. It was multiplied by the Lord in a miraculous manner, but then people who might have helped her wouldn’t have understood and thought she was lying. Frankly we don't know the details other than sometimes God provides private miracles for personal reasons and we know it is by His hand when others do not. Jesus often told people not to tell of his private miracles because his time had not yet come. Perhaps to demonstrate this for others may confuse people since this is not normally the way the Lord works.

Sometimes God fails to get the credit and glory for supplying in his normal manner and people think that it is only by supernatural means that he is to be glorified. I stepped on some glass awhile ago and cut my foot. I took the time to thank the Lord for all the things that I took for granted. I became truly thankful for being able to walk- there are some who can't. I thanked the Lord for indoor plumbing I used the water to wash and clean the wound. Many in the world do not have that. I am thankful for soap and the understanding of bacteria to help keep it from being infected. I was aware of clothes I could but on, and comfortable shoes to wear, and things came to my mind that are provisions from God that I never thank the Lord, but they are gifts from him.

Can you imagine the response when the family witnesses the power of God miraculously increasing the supply of the oil? People want Jesus to do the miraculous all the time. People in Palestine followed our Lord for food and wine and healing of personal disease.

The oil stopped as soon as she ran out of jars. Grace was given to the amount of her faith. She could have gotten more jars if she had only known, but she was given blessings according to her work of faith.

Our blessing may often be limited by our capacity to receive. There is no limit to God's love but often we lack faith, we lack prayer, we lack obedience, or are not making the right use of those things that we have been give stewardship over. This is an encouragement to trust big. He has much to give us but we limit God for we are not ready to receive. Trust, obedience, faith is part of being prepared.

Faith shows itself, not in idleness or laziness, but in action and obedience. We are not given the whole story or we might act differently. But one who trusts God responds without knowing the outcome but believing God will work it out. God doesn't bless those that aren't using what he has given to them already to use. If you don't use it you lose it. Are you using what God has given to you?

A miracle is such because it is not the normal and natural way God chooses to work. But God can and does provide is ways to the those in need which can be pointed to as miraculous. We walk in obedience and watch how God puts the pieces together in His way and at His time.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri April 23

Verses- 2 Kings 4:7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."

Using your Resources

As we have been reflecting on this miracle we see the different ways the Lord helped provide for this widow and her sons. God used Elisha as the spokesman of the Lord to give her practical encouragement. Now God provided the oil under she filled all the jars borrowed and given to her.

Just like the Manna from heaven the people gathered, obeyed and worked in different ways to put it on their table. Responsibility accompanies God’s provision. God created us for work. His provisions at times are miraculous. But we take what God gives and use it.

Addressing debt does involve an evaluation of assets and maybe downsizing by selling things to meet our immediate needs. Too often we want to hang on to things we really do not need. But God also gives abilities and talents that can be used to work in areas maybe we didn’t think of before. As difficult as it is to be out of work there are some valuable lessons learned during times of waiting, praying and trusting. We see the kindness of others. We learn priorities in our lives. It is used as a tool for humility as well as yielding to the Lord and his plan. There are times when answers to questions come and times we are left without clear answers or understanding other than there is a God who loves us and is with us in all circumstances.

The widow and her son where instructed not only to work in finding the jars and filling the jars, but going out and selling the product. They needed to work with the resources provided. Oil was given to her in a miraculous manner, but not without faith and obedience, responsibility and work.

With the economy being so unsettled and unemployment high naturally many would rather find work to help pay their debts than borrowing, or asking for gifts. Sometimes the answers available are not one or the others if someone is able bodied, but both. There was a widow at my previous church who had children and took on a lot of responsibility seeking to make things meet financially. I was blessed to hear how when resources were low she and her daughters would make baked goods and have a bake sale to provide enough to make the purchases she needed. Another family in the area decided to sell what they could through Ebay and discovered some resources they didn’t think they had. They continued to go to garage sales and estate sales and purchase items at low costs and took the time to resell them online, until a job came about.

Some people are not good entrepreneurs. Others by prayer and creativity find ways to create self employment. While in Detroit a neighbor was out of work and decided to go door to door asking to wash windows. Every day he would go to different streets and soon developed some businesses that saw his industry and set up regular times for him to come and clean. Another needed extra money and opened his basement to give people in the neighborhood haircuts. My mother took in sewing, washing and ironing when we needed money to buy a car.

What interests, gifts, and talents has the Lord given to you? What things have you acquired that might be used to help during those times when debts or needs face you? Are your ready to humble yourself, turn to God and seek his will about all things? Are you willing to see the resources God uses in other people and giving Him what we have letting him multiply it and use it as He wills? Are you willing to trust and obey? Are you willing to show kindnesses to others and be merciful unto them?

There are many times when our faith is tested. I am not saying we should test the Lord, but the Lord does test us. The desire is to develop character and something that no one can take away from us nor steal or lose. That is a deeper and personal relationship with the Lord.

The Apostle Paul said it well, Phil 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Pastor Dale

Affects of Music 2 Kings 3:10-20

Sermon nuggets Mon April 12, 2010

Theme- Music

Verses 2 Kings 3:10-20

Affects of Music

We seldom if ever have a worship service that does not involve music. It is an essential part of a Christian’s life. Unless it is a teaching service, Sunday School class, or prayer meeting, music is part of church life.

Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus, said that in heaven there will be little, if any preaching. We won't need admonitions, instructions or reproof because we'll all know the Lord and how to please Him. But there will be lots of music, singing and praising.

Music is something that God gave to man. It is a means of communication that goes beyond just words. God enjoys our praise and our talents as they are given for him and His glory.

In our passage today we see Elisha's need for having music affect him and inspire him to be used for God. The context of this Scripture is a story of the Kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom. Joram of Israel is an evil King. He is the son of Ahab and Jezebel who hated Elijah. Their son was not any better. However, the King of Moab was paying extortion money to Ahab and after Ahab died he stopped payments. Joram still wanted the money and made a pact with Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, and with the King of Edom to attack Moab. However, water dried up and the troops couldn't fight. Jehoshaphat asked the other two kings to bring a prophet of the Lord so they might get spiritual wisdom as to how to proceed with this military campaign.

Two evil kings and one good king were teamed together. One of the officers of Joram reminded them that Elisha wasn't too far away and he could be called. They do so to seek God's will regarding this battle. Elisha was indignant that Joram, this wicked king, would come to him for godly advice when he was hypocritical Baal worshiper. But seeking Jehoshaphat was reason that he would wait and see if God would give him any message. So he was to wait upon the Lord.

How does he do that? Interestingly, Elisha calls a harpist to come and play music for him. He apparently calms his emotions and seeks the Lord by preparing himself listening to music. It has an effect on him to put him in a place to hear from the Lord.

I want to center our thoughts this week on this passage and the topic of the ministry of music and its place in a Christian's life.

What type of music puts you in a mood for worship? Quiet? Praiseful? Mellow?

There are a variety of styles of music can all of them be used of God? This is a hot topic in most churches since people know what they like and want they don’t like and since it is part of worship can take strong positions that differ with one another.

What is it that pleases the Lord?

Pastor Dale


Sermon nuggets Tues April 13, 2010

Verses II Ki 3:14-16
14 Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you.
15 But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha
16 and he said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.


Music Affects the Emotions.

In this topical approach to theses verses I thought I would highlight some of the affects that music has in life and in spiritual life.

Elisha was in no mood to receive a word from the Lord. He was angry. He was indignant that a persons as evil as Joram and the King of Edom would come to him for godly advice when they had nothing to do with God. He needed to emotionally calm down. He called a harpist to help him be put in the right spirit to pray and think about the Lord.

Music indeed affects our emotions and can help us prepare for worship. The tone, volume, melody, harmony rhythm have effects on people and alter moods. Various experiments have been done from time to time. I don't know who would allow this, but babies have been tested psychologically on their responses to various music. Some babies were placed in room without any noise or sounds. Some were placed in rooms with quiet and soothing music and some with rock music. Those in the rock group were agitated, nervous, upset and excitable. Those with the quiet music were much more content, at peace and ultimately appeared happier than even those without any music or sound.

At home if you are feeling down, or angry or upset, I suggest you get some good Christian music, and let it help change your moods. Although I am not a singer I will sing at times when I am not in a mood. I am not always sure if the music affects the emotions or the emotions affect the music. I think both are true. There are times when many who lead in worship realize the flow of the songs and the style of the music that can enhance worship. Other times our moods move us to listen or sing a certain type of music.

Proverbs 25:20 says, "Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart." Sometimes certain music is not appropriate. You do not sing "Come on Lets get happy, or “Whistle a happy tune" to someone who has just lost a friend in death. There are appropriate tunes and melodies for various occasions. Funeral music is mean to be more quiet and reflective.

I realize music is also cultural and personal. People from different countries and cultures and sub-cultures learn to appreciate different styles of music. Japanese music is generally not received that well down south. You don't play African music in the high churches of Europe. Many love certain types: country music, Jazz, classical, pop, opera styles that appeal to the various tastes of people in our own country. The Appalachian music in church services is appreciated in one congregation whereas the rhythmic clapping and shouting excites another church crowd. Some congregations will not allow instruments at all and others regularly have full orchestras.

The temptation is to think that what someone likes is what God likes. Yet it is apparent that God enjoys variety, but the heart is what makes the difference.

I am glad that within our sub-culture of Stanchfield we can allow some variety and not feel so selective as to ignore one another. I believe that is as it ought to be. That shows love for one another. As one mountain preacher put it, "Some things are better felt than telt." And many times the emotional result of a musical number speaks much better than any sermon you will hear, for we are listening and communing with God in music.

Augustine said, "How greatly did I weep in thy hymns and canticles, deeply moved by the voices of thy sweet-speaking church; the voices flowed into mine ears, and the truth was poured fourth into my heart, whence the agitation of my piety overflowed, and my tears ran over and blessed was I therein."

Are we prepared like Elisha to want to receive a message from God? Although there are many styles that affect our emotions that which allows us to focus on Him brings a spiritual quality unlike any other.

Pastor Dale


Sermon Nuggets Weds April 14

Verses- II Ki 3:15-18 But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha
16 and he said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.
17 For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink.
18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also hand Moab over to you.


Music Affects the Mind

Elisha is seeking to be put in a right frame of mind so that God will speak to his mind. There is a message to be received. He conveys that message to the kings. God was to show them his glory. Elisha was willing to speak God's truth fearlessly even before kings. He was desirous of sharing God's word be it curse or blessing. It was the message they wanted to hear.

Paul says in I Cor. 14:15-17 “I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say Amen to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying. You maybe given thanks well enough but the other man is not edified."

You see there is a place for music that inspires emotions, but it is also a tool to inspire the mind with thought and doctrine. Music becomes a tremendous tool to convey truths about Christ. One of the tools of worship is to speak to us through emotion that will affect our minds to God's truth. Music works the message into the consciousness and with rhythms instills it on the memory.

The harpist playing for Elisha allowed him to calm his emotions and start thinking and praying and listening to what that voice of the Lord is saying to him. Since music often has words put to the song it is clear it affects our thinking.

Much of the worldly values are conveyed not only through rock but in all styles of music that affect its listeners. Be careful of what you listen to. Many of the top country Western ballads and popular pieces as well promote morals that are ungodly. We soon get so used to it we don't realize how it changes our thinking.

Within the church we also know that music is a teaching tool. I think it is important to have Christian music played at home where children are, as well as in the car and especially children songs too. We need to evaluate what we sing. Does it convey Biblical truth? Do we think about the words that we sing, or are sung to us? Just because it is a Christian song doesn't mean it is appropriate to use in many occasions.

Many groups seek to be evangelistic conveying through mood and music the story of Jesus Christ. There are some groups believing their message will be better received if it is in the style that is more popular to the non-Christian. I even heard of one woman listening to a Christmas carol on the radio. It was used of the Lord to cause her to question some of the things of her faith and ultimately come to know Jesus Christ as her personal Messiah.

Do the words in a hymn or special music convey truth about God or doctrine? Many songs and hymns have lousy theology. I think of the chorus, "God can do anything, anything, anything." Well, I understand that in the context of children's teaching of the omnipotence of God, but God cannot do anything. He cannot lie; He cannot steal; He cannot go against his perfect character; He cannot accept anyone into his kingdom without repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ; He cannot save people outside of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus

One young man stood up to sing and said, "the Lord gave me this song." and proceeded to sing, "all we need is love. That is the first and only thing we need in knowing Jesus is to love." Well, I don't know where he got his song, but it wasn't from God, because it isn't true to the Bible. The first and only thing we need is not love. We need repentance we need confession, we need to be made righteous by his grace; we need much more that just love. We need self control, we need kindness, we need patience, and we need fear. If he would have sang that greatest of the commandments is to love the Lord your God and love your fellow man then it would be truth.

Think about what we sing and then sing it heartily unto the Lord as spiritual worship or to others as affirmation and proclamation of our faith. Good music affects the mind with truth.

Pastor Dale


Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 15, 2010

Verses II Ki 3:15 But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha.


Music Affects the Soul

Elisha was also ministered unto. God spoke to his soul. The spiritual relationship was with God, Himself. Only God can fill the heart with Himself and His spirit. There is a close connection with moving of our emotions and moving of our souls toward God. Our emotions too often can be moved and we can praise the musician. When our souls are moved we praise our Lord. Our emotions can be touched and we enjoy the beauty and entertainment and enjoyment of the experience. When it touched the soul we come into the presence of God in a renewed and wonderful way. We are reminded about His character and His goodness; we want to pray, or communicate that message from God to others.

The Lord has used secular music to speak to my heart and to make that a personal spiritual experience too. One friend mentioned to me that he didn't know if a certain musician was a Christian or not, but his music caused him to think about God. There was another secular contemporary number that God used to speak to me about my lack of proper devotion to Him and about the priorities of my life. The Holy Spirit can use music in ways I'm sure the musician never intended. But that is the great thing about God- when we are ready to listen He speaks in ways that maybe no one else will hear.

I read an article in Christianity Today called “The Lord gave me a song and the copyright laws have taken it away.” Mr. Bigalow wrote asking permission to use songs for worship by various publishers and artist and discovered that most charged form $5 to $100 for one time use in congregational worship on overheads or in a printed bulletin. There are many court battles concerning unauthorized copying of music. This raises an important legal and ethical question. At what point is God using gifts and talents to be given to Him and how to we properly compensate Christian musicians, especially if this is part of their lively hood?

Our church, like most, pays an annual fee to CCLI that handles the copyright legal question allowing us to use some projection of songs from the musical books that we have purchased or the right to use them in group settings. The company makes sure that publishers and writers are getting some money for the privilege of singing their songs. We want to be ethical and if the law restricts the public use of some song then I guess the Lord has something else we should sing or play. If we are unwilling or unable to pay someone what they ask, then perhaps God has someone else in mind to bless our hearts. But don’t mistake being cheap with being pious. Just because someone is a Christian doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be generous with our blessing in financial ways as well.

Sacred music is the greatest of all music for it praise God and give expression of hope and joy and faith. It is not glorifying to God to take entertainers who use gospel songs solely looking for fame and riches. I get troubled with using church for purely entertainment and personal popularity. I would much rather worship with someone who loves the Lord with all their heart and be a little off key than to hear excellence sung or played for the wrong reasons.

Are you conscious of God presence in worship, or in music? Maybe it isn't the fault of musicians or the numbers that are used, but your own heart and thoughts? Only God knows your hearts. Maybe we would get more out of worship and delights our souls if we deal first with sin, or rebellion, or poor attitude, or the spiritual struggles.

What is music that affects your soul?

Pastor Dale


Sermon Nuggets Fri April 16, 2010

Verses- II Kings 3:12-13 Jehoshaphat said, "The word of the LORD is with him." So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
Elisha said to the king of Israel, "What do we have to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother." "No," the king of Israel answered, "because it was the LORD who called us three kings together to hand us over to Moab."


Music Affects our Actions

Although these verses are a prelude to the harpist playing for Elisha, the kings were waiting for a word of prophecy from the Lord. Jehoshaphat from Judah wisely did not want to do battle on his own power or against the enemy without the Lord’s help. He desired that since Elisha had the hand of God upon him they should seek him out to hear from the Lord and respond accordingly.

What action did they want from Elisha? Simply to listen and speak truth. Two kings only wanted the blessing of their already made plans. Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from the Lord whether or not that word was for or against them. He did not want to do action on his own without it being in the will of the Lord.

We had discussed how music affects our emotions, our minds, our souls, and you could say our bodies, but I want to say our actions. Yes, there are physical responses to music that might result in toe tapping or clapping, dancing, or raising of hands, or smiles, or tears- all of which are physical responses to music. But it also moves people to do something or say something they wouldn’t otherwise.

Music has been practically used to call armies to battle. Pep bands in school arouse excitement among the players and encourage them to victory and playing better games. Sometimes athletes will listen to some music to encourage a higher level of performance There are blues that cause people to feel melancholy. Some lose weight exercising better to the beat of music. There are lullabies to bring babies to sleep.

The TV advertisers are masters in seeking to have music influence your action to buy their product. They creates moods and jingles to help you remember their product. Many times children will hum and sing jingles to our embarrassment advertising a product we do not endorse.

There is problem with much music today that gives very ungodly, and indeed, perverse messages so we now have warning labels on many of the rock albums. There are some seminar leaders warning of the affect that some music teens listen to result in actions that are illegal and immoral. They point out a direct result of activities promoted by the songs and music of some groups in doing violence, having sex, or doing drugs and even death. The times indeed have changed from what radio would allow in my day. Many records today use subliminal messages where words and phrases that are unintelligible to our ears but to our subconscious pick up erotic words, sensual words on various speeds and sounds. Messages received through sub consciousness have showed to have a serious affects on the actions of many of the listeners. This moves into mind control without awareness or permission.

I had recently preached a sermon on the purpose of music following the passage of the praise response by the Israelites to God following the escape from Egypt and the drowning of their soldiers in the Red Sea. I pointed out that Christian music can be focused on upward, inward, and outward direction. We want music first to praise and honor the Lord. The actions we desire are to live lives dedicated and holy unto Him. God has used music to bring about repentance and confession and correction with hearts pointed God ward. Lives of dedication in love and service as we are in the presence of the Lord and listening to music designed to have that spiritual effect.

Music outward is encouraging and teaching one another as fellow believers. Some of the Bible lessons I learned came from singing songs in Sunday School. Those I remembered the best. But action songs were also meant to do more than just teach but bring about life changes in honor to the Lord. It can be a call to service or to action to follow the truths of the Bible.

The prophecies from Elisha moved the kings to war and see the plan of God carried out just as it was predicted.

Music also has the focus on the unsaved in evangelical testimony, or even entertainment that can be used to bring people to a place to meet God. We see God using individuals and groups in their talents to serve him in order to change their lives for eternity by putting their faith and trust in the Lord.

How has music helped in your faith walk? How has music gotten in the way? May it be used to praise and power in Christian commitment and living.


Pastor Dale