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

Considering Curses 2 Kings 2:16-25

Sermon Nuggets Week of April 5, 2010

Sermon Nuggets Mon April 5-

Theme- Curses

Verses 2 Kings 2:16-25

Considering Curses

My chaplain supervisor at Hennepin Country General shared a situation which was very unusual. A few years earlier he was called into a case involving a young adult female who came very ill and not eating. The physicians did various tests to discover the source of the problem. They couldn't find anything physically wrong. They consulted with a psychiatrist and he didn’t have a salutation. They invited the Chaplain to visit with her and see if something might be discovered. He admitted it was a puzzling case.

Finally, her father suggested the reason may be a curse that her grandfather placed on her. It seemed that her grandfather, who lived in the Northern Minnesota woods, did not want her dating. One night she snuck out with a boy. Grandfather was so displeased he placed a curse upon her. Of Course, the physicians discounted that but every day she was getting closer to death.

One day in walked this character, described as being very dirty, very unkept, a long beard and long white hair. He went up to his granddaughter and gave some mumbo jumbo and left. The girl immediately took a turn for the better and was shortly released. Her condition and her recovery stumped the doctors.

It was not uncommon for superstition to be part of the beliefs of people that are somewhat unlearned and uncultured. There are also examples in other parts of the world of people practicing various curses and blessings. Maybe we are beginning more familiar with incantations since many in Haiti are involved with devil worship and witchcraft. Voodoo is practiced to call upon spirits and Voodoo dolls often come with curses on another. Some will be in much fear for those who have experienced their powers. Many missionaries will talk about overt evil spiritual powers that will inflict suffering and injury on others. People live in tremendous fear.

There are different meanings for the word, curse. Someone might have a handicapped and say he is cursed with this malady or illness. To feel afflicted about something can be thought to be a curse, even if it has no spiritual connotations. However, curse is the general word for calling down of evil on another. To swear is to use the name of God or of some holy person or thing as an exclamation to add force or show anger.

When Elisha begins his new ministry he is met with some challenges right away. From a prelude to not being accepted by the prophet students to problems the town is facing to being made fun of.

Change brings it’s own challenges. Not all things that someone does is necessarily the best even though God might use it. We are seeing today stories that relate to curses and the involvement of the prophet Elisha. The Scriptures are realistic-not only are they filled with the blessings and joy of God's mercy, but we are left with strong warnings and examples of God's judgments.

What are some of the circumstances and conflicts that you are facing these days? Do you see it has a curse, or circumstance that leads to ultimate blessing? What can be done to improve your response to what you cannot change?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues April 6

Verses: II Ki 2:16-18 "Look," they said, "we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has picked him up and set him down on some mountain or in some valley." "No," Elisha replied, "do not send them."

17 But they persisted until he was too ashamed to refuse. So he said, "Send them." And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him.

18 When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, "Didn't I tell you not to go?"

The Curse of Change

Today I am thinking of the problem that surfaces too often in our society that is at the heart of the underlying problem for Elisha at the beginning of his ministry. The former prophet, Elijah, was well received and people did not want to follow the prophet of God. They wanted their old one back. It was God that decided a change was in order, not Elijah, nor Elisha. Change is hard for people. Change can be a curse that stops or resists what God seeks to do.

Very often because of unwillingness to change, or an inability to change or adapt, God has to remove leaders and replace them in order to bring in the new or fresh anointing and manifestation of his Spirit.

Luke 5:37-39 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.

No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.

And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"

Elijah didn’t die, God took him. Elisha was committed to the Lord; he was committed to learn from Elijah; he was faithful; he loved his teacher, his mentor, his friend. When the chariots of fire swept down and separated him from Elijah he responded in shock and cried out. He didn’t really want it to happen, even though he knew it was going to happen that he would be taken. But when reality set in Elisha was willing to take up the mantle. He was willing to take over the responsibility, not by his choice, but by the Lord’s appointment.

What happened when he went to face Elijah followers? They didn’t want to believe it. They didn’t want him as their leader. They didn’t believe him. They didn’t accept him. It was the curse of change. They didn’t want change but wanted Elijah back and couldn’t believe the Lord had taken him as Elisha said. .

What changes and what doesn’t? It is obvious the law of God did not change. The power of God did not change. Sin in the land did not change. The Word of God does not change. But the ways of God in that day did change. The culture changed and the person to lead them was different and did not do things the same way, even though God’s hand was on them both.

I’m not suggesting one was right and one was wrong, but their roles were different and the way the prophets responded were going to change. Change comes hard for many people. We like things the way it’s always been. There are churches which know the basics and stick with them. There are churches which in order to go with the times changes the very message and Word of God. There are people for whom even when the Spirit of God has left that group continue to control and manipulate their ways far beyond the will of the Lord. If we are going to be partakers of this fresh movement of God we must become adaptable.

Much of what we have become accustomed to in the church has been the designs of men, Godly men, Godly women but still just men and women used of God. But what ministered to people in cultural ways changes. Music changes, design changes, buildings change, dress changes, ways of teaching, technology, styles all change based on the people and their personalities, experiences and subculture. The ways of doing things in the urban areas are different than the ways of rural. Ways of different ethnic groups are not the ways of others. But even as independent farmers are forced to resign their way of life so do things change within our rural area. People move in and the ways of doing things change.

Unfortunately many times we become like the children of Israel and we become enamored with the things, or methods, or tools, that God has used and when he is through with them instead of giving them up and moving on we find ourselves worshipping them and losing the presence and the anointing of God. It is a concern that when God is finished with the tool, and has chosen other tools, rather than to let go of the old and receive the new we try to force the new into the old because we don’t want to change.

I do not like some of the change. I do not like some of the methods many younger people are using. I do like some of it. But what is far more important to me is the doctrine which does not change; the word of God which does not change; and the call of God on one’s life, not in terms of popularity, but in terms of truth. How that truth is communicated and celebrated is open to change with each new generation. Those who don’t recognize God in it will be like the sons of the prophets who could not accept that God was through with the old and went into the mountains to try and find Elijah’s body.

In other words trying to keep alive something and an anointing whose time is over. How do we know what God is done with, and what he’s doing now? The same way it’s always been: Where we see the movement of God and people’s lives are being changed for salvation, righteousness and good works, those whose passion for God and His Word is growing, then God is doing a good thing even if it is in news ways and with new people. Even if God used different methods in the past doesn’t mean it isn’t time for a change if it is of the Lord. Don’t hang on to what God has taken away.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds April 7, 2010

Verse: II Ki 2:19 The men of the city said to Elisha, "Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."

The Curse of Sin

After the people acknowledged Elisha as the prophet God choose, they brought before him the problem with the water in Jericho. Remember Jericho was the first city taken by the armies of Israel as they went into the Promised Land. When Joshua fought the battle of Jericho not only did he walk around the city once for 7 days, and 7 times on the 7th day, but at the sound of the trumpet, the walls fell down. Joshua 6:26 reads, "At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'cursed before the Lord is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city. At the cost of his firstborn son will he lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest will he set up its gates."

The fulfillment of that prophetic curse was seen in I Kings 16:34 "In Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid it's foundations at the cost of his firstborn son, Abriam, and then he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son, Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua, son of Nun."

The word of the Lord was spoken by his prophet and Jericho was cursed. Part of that curse apparently carried over to the bitter water. A school of the prophets were residing there now. They saw the miraculous power that Elisha demonstrated returning from the other side of the Jordan as he used Elijah's mantle and touched the river. They saw it part so he was able to cross on dry ground. The prophets realizing the Lord's power was with Elisha asked him to take away the curse of Jericho hoping that God would heal the water and allow the land to produce again.

Cursing was introduced in Genesis 3 as a result of sin. The curse of God was judgment against man's disobedience. It was in response to Adam and Eve's fall. It was the result of punishment when they did not heed God's warning to not touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. So when they disobeyed there was judgment of God that fell in the worse way upon mankind. Adam was judged by being driven from the presence of God and from the relationships they enjoyed in Paradise.

There was a curse that came upon man and woman and the serpent, and later for the murder of Able, Cain was cursed and made to be a wanderer.

We all know the great theological treatise. "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the Kings horse and all the king’s men couldn't put Humpty together again."

Did you know that this rhyme is over 1,000 years old and had appeared in 8 differing European languages? It began as a riddle. It asked the question, "What, when broken can never be repaired, not even by strong or wise individuals? Regardless of how hard we try a broken egg can never be put back together again. We simply have to learn to live with the mess and consequences of its fall.

The sinful fall of man is the story of Humpty Dumpty. None of the Kings creatures can do anything about the fall, nor can any part of creation put man together as he was created. Adam and Eve are no longer perched on the lofty plane of paradise, but broken as a result of the fall. Because of sin our lives are out of control, changes come faster than our ability to cope. Broken eggs are an appropriate symbol.

Jericho now looked nice, but the problem lay in one of the most fundamental parts of any town or village. It had bad water, not just bitter, but also caused death and prevented the crops and the land from producing crops. Man looks on the outward appearance, God looks upon the heart.

Does Jericho become a symbol of so many people that we see..well adjusted happy, but underneath hurting, crying, and destroyed people because of sin and the effects of the curse of sin and not having fellowship with God has hindered the most joyful relationship they could possibly have. It is at the heart and unless the heart is pure and clean the whole stream is poisoned and the life is barren.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 8, 2010

Verses- II Kings 2:20-22 "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.

21 Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'"

22 And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken.

The Cure of Sin�

The prophets of Jericho turned to Elisha in their need for fresh water. Elisha hears their request and gives them instructions to go and get a new bowl and put in salt. They do so. If God is the one that gives the curse (as he did through Joshua) then only God can give the cure. Elisha is his prophet now at this place in time, and gives instruction to the prophets who in turn demonstrate obedience and faith. This is a picture of how our curse is handled with God.

God provided for us the sacrifice for our sin. He took upon himself ways of making it right, by the grace of Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to give us forgiveness. When we hear the good news of salvation we respond to it by obedience and faith. We cannot do anything to earn our salvation. It is an act of God. We receive it,accepted it and trust it.

Juan Ortiz imagined the meeting Jesus had with Zacchaeus. Perhaps we might picture Jesus today coming up to Zacchaeus saying, "Well, it's so good to meet you. I would like to have a few words with you, sir, if I may. I mean could you possibly look at your calendar--after all I know that you are very busy man--but maybe I could have an appointment? Is there a time when it would be convenient?" Jesus never said anything like that.He looked up into the Sycamore tree and gave an order, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, I am going to your house today."

When you are Lord, you don't give people choices. Salvation is not a choice it is a command. Zacchaeus now had to decide what to do with the command. He had to obey it or disobey it. To obey means he had to acknowledge that Jesus had authority in his life. If Zacchaeus disobeyed he would be the authority in his own life. Would he be willing to turn from sin and follow Christ by faith? After they were eating Jesus said to Zacchaeus "Salvation has come to your house."

There may be some symbolic or prophetic meaning of the new pot and the salt of Elisha's request. Some suggest that the new pot represents the wineskins that Jesus is talked about in his parable. God makes us new creatures when we are forgiven by his grace. The salt perhaps symbolizes purity and preservation. That is the effect that we are to have on the world. We are to be pure and preserve righteousness for God's Kingdom.

Elisha goes to the source of the problem, not the lake, but the spring. He applies the salt to the spring water and the water is cured and purified and is preserved. The water and the land and the ground become good because the cause of the problem is solved. Elisha said "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'"

It was healed by the Word of God that Elisha met the desperate need of Jericho. How are we to find away of getting right down into the springs and motives of the hearts of men with transforming power and of changing their inward outlook and the attitude and ways of thinking?

Jesus offered a cure that could transform the heart of man. "He that believeth on me,' He said, 'out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.' (Jn 7:38,39)

It is by grace that the waters were cured and the curse against Jericho was removed. It is by grace the curs of sin on our lives is removed because the requirement of God has been made. By faith we respond

and receive Him.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri April 9, 2010

Verses- II Kings 2:23 From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!"

24 He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.

25 And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.

The Consequences of Evil

This second story is a difficult one. It is related to the consequences of sin. It alludes to the spread of evil even among the young and the message of judgment and consequences for sin.

Elisha was God's prophet walking to the town of Bethel. That city was headquarters of idolatry in Samaria. On first reading this can appear to be a story that some naughty boys were calling him names. We might conclude that Elisha’s reaction was an over reaction calling a curse upon them and she bears appear and 42 youths are mauled.

Having read some commentaries the background leaves a different impression. I appears they are reciting the sentiment of people still choosing Baal over Jehovah. They might be liked to a mob of youth ready to do harm.

This past Monday Joshua, our host in India, showed me picture of the many churches and pastors he is training through his school. He should be a picture of one church and the second picture how it was burned to the ground by extreme Hindus. The last picture was how it was being rebuild.

I have talked to people who were beaten by mobs of extreme Hindus and justice was not done as the police did nothing. But God will avenge his own sooner or later.

According to some commentators the Hebrew word in this passage is more appropriately translated young men, not young children. It is believed they are around 14-20 years old. We would call them a teenaged gang today. It is a situation which implies some risk to the life of the prophet. Many of the violent crimes today are committed by young people 14-21 years. They are also seeing many crimes committed by younger children each and every year.

Also consider ‘God's anointed’ meant something. It was serious to attack such a person. When people ridicule and attack God’s anointed there will be consequences. My mind goes to the time when Jesus was facing the cross. They dressed him up as king and gave him a crown of thorns and bowed before him Hail, King of the Jews." They were not hailing him as King of the Jews they were making fun of God. The Bible teaches God will avenge those who have done harm to His anointed.

At Bethel they did not want the Word of the Lord. A story like this in the Scripture can serve to remind us that there is a grim element of judgment to those who reject the Word of God or seek to do harm to God’s anointed. Even the New Testament teaches us that if we will not receive the gracious ministry of blessing by which God seeks to cleanse and renew our lives, then the love and mercy of God which is freely offered to us either to accept or reject, either to honor or insult, is turned into its opposite and will bring judgment and damnation upon us instead of blessing.

Notice the consequence! Elisha called down a curse. The curse is honored by the Lord and some she bears come out of the woods and mauls the group. This serves to speak to us of judgment for sinful actions. God hates sin. These boys were responsible for their actions.

We live in a day when people do not own up to their own responsibilities. All the laws in the world will not change God. We say to ourselves things like "I'm only human." "Everybody does it," "This is the age we live in". "I did what I had to do." "Nobody's perfect." When you tell yourself those things then it is time for confession of sin.

One of the strange facts of the universe is that God will never tolerate sin, but he will forgive it. And when we are forgiven, it is as if our dark and moldy house has just had all its windows flung open to the June breeze.

We are under the curse unless under his offer of grace. We feel the effects of sin- that is the curse. We are offered the cure of sin that is forgiveness. If we reject it we will experience the consequences of our sin and that is the judgment of God.

I look forward to the day when the curse will be removed. But Jesus has removed it at the cross and makes justification available to all who repent and trust Him.

Pastor Dale