From: June 22, 2025
“And Elisha said to the king of Israel, ‘What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.’ But the king of Israel said to him, ‘No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.’” (2 Kings 3:13 ESV).
When Jehoram, the king of Israel, found himself in crisis during a joint military campaign with Judah and Edom, he sought out Elisha, the prophet of the Lord. Elisha responded sharply, challenging Jehoram’s sincerity by telling him to seek help from the prophets of his father Ahab and mother Jezebel, who had led Israel into Baal worship. Elisha’s rebuke exposed the king’s inconsistent relationship with God. Although Jehoram had tolerated idolatry and distanced himself from the Lord in times of peace, he now came pleading for divine help in a time of desperation. Elisha made it clear that he would not even regard Jehoram if it were not for the presence of Jehoshaphat, a godly king of Judah.
How often do we act like Jehoram? We may live self-reliantly or even compromise with the world when life is running smoothly, but the moment trouble strikes, we cry out for God’s help. While God is merciful and often meets us in our distress, Elisha’s words remind us that God is not someone to be used in times of crisis and ignored in seasons of comfort. We must examine our hearts. Are we seeking the Lord daily or only when our plans unravel? Do we treat God as a refuge to run to only when our idols fail us? Let us turn to Him not just in times of need, but at all times, with love, worship, and obedience.
PRAYER :Dear Father, forgive us for the ways we turn to You only when we are desperate, after ignoring You in times of comfort Help us not to treat You as a last resort but as our first love. Teach us to seek Your face daily, to walk with You in faithfulness, and to rely on You at all times. May our devotion be steady, not seasonal. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2024
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23 ESV).
After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples in city after city, they returned to each city to appoint elders in every church. In this way, a gospel centered, church-planting movement began to sweep across the Roman world. The speed with which the early church spread seems unbelievable, yet within this account we might find explanation.
First, the Scripture reported that after preaching the gospel they made disciples in every city. They weren’t simply making church goers, they made disciples, people who were serious followers of Jesus.
Second, after they would return to a city, they would consider which of their disciples had shown themselves faithful. Then, with much prayer and fasting they would appoint those that the Spirit had confirmed to them as elders.
Finally, they entrusted the ministry to these that were young in the faith without holding them back. They could’ve stayed in any of these cities themselves as the most qualified elders. Yet they trusted that the Lord would complete the work that they had begun in them.
How can we learn from the ministry of the early church in the raising up of young leaders today?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray for a gospel movement in our cities today. We pray for wisdom to raise up young people whose hearts will be set afire for You. Give us insight to know how to raise up the next generation and to lay hands on them to lead in Your ministry. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2023
“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too” (Acts 14:27 NLT).
Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too.
This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.
Our church has sent out many short term and long term mission teams. But you don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent. You are sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, your coworkers, and your city. What will you report to Jesus?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being sent on mission in Your Name. We are Your ambassadors carrying the gospel to the world. Empower and embolden us, so that Your Word goes out. Stretch forth Your hand to open doors and hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2022
THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED MEDICINE
Solomon was given wisdom from God to write many proverbs on many topics. Among them, is this proverb on the connection between body, mind, and spirit, and how the health of one affects the other.
Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the proverb teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body.
Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.
As Nehemiah said, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh. 8:10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have made us so that our spiritual joy and our physical strength are connected. Encourage us this day by Your Holy Spirit. Give us the joy of the Lord that we might be strengthened to do Your will this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2016
Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the Bible teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body. Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.
From: June 22, 2012
The “worthless things” to which Paul referred was the worship of Zeus and Hermes. He contrasts them with the “living God” who is Creator of all. We are still called to bring this message to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard.
From: June 22, 2011
The Shunammite woman built a “Prophet’s Chamber” for Elisha. Rural homes often provided a room like this for itinerant preachers in the US. Would there be room at your house for such a one?