Last night we attended a play of the Wizard of Oz at our grand kids elementary school. Today was a day of great weather. I mowed my lawn for the first time this season. This afternoon I made my way to Estes Park for our Allies Men’s Retreat. It should be a good weekend. Mark Batterson from Washington DC, author “The Circle Maker” and several other best selling books will be our speaker.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he pardoned King Jehoiachin of Judah and released him from prison. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne over the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.  So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life.  As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king, a portion for each day, for the rest of his life.” 2 Kings 25:27-30 HCSB

This account of King Jehoiachin is the final report in 2 Kings. Judah is taken captive by Babylon. The years between King Josiah and the final fall of Jerusalem are filled with turmoil, attacks and quick succession of leaders. When you see the elevation of Jehoiachin from prison to a position of privilege is begs the question, “why?”

I believe the key is found in the simple and easily overlooked description of his capture. Jehoiachin was only 18 when he became king and reigned for only three months. As the Babylonians came against the city we read, “Jehoiachin king of Judah, along with his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials, surrendered to the king of Babylon...“ (2 Kings 24:12 HCSB)

Jehoiachin was the only king of Judah to surrender to the Babylons. King Jehoiakim, (Jehoichin’s father) reigned as a vassal of the King of Babylon and then rebelled. He disobeyed the Lord and disobeyed the King of Babylon and died in his disobedience.

King Zedekiah, followed Jehoichin and refused to obey the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. He fled the city at night, was captured by the Babylonians. His eyes were gouged out after he watched the Babylonians kills his two sons.

For years Jeremiah the prophet spoke against Jerusalem that God’s judgment was coming and that it was the Lord’s will for them to submit to the King of Babylon. Jeremiah was ignored, persecuted and treated as a traitor. King Jehoichin was the only leader to surrender and as a result in God’s time was brought from prison to the palace and was given a position of privilege the rest of his life.

I believe these events are a vindication of Jeremiah’s prophetic words. They can almost be missed without “connecting the dots.” Jeremiah had spoken that “if you surrender, to the King of Babylon it will go well for you.” It is hard to hear messages that go against the grain of our expectations. Initially Jehoichin spent several years in prison, but those years ended up a being few compared to the years spent in his elevated position.

Bottom line. When we obey God’s Word and follow in faith, even when it doesn’t make sense and even when there is initial hardship; we can rest assured that the Lord will prove Himself trustworthy and true.

Today wrapped up the symposium, I have been attending. Some good information and excellent presentations. Kirby Wynn, Garfield County Local Energy Designee, was the leader of the event.  I had a chance meeting with when my family was in Glenwood Springs for my niece’s wedding. It was good to be at the conference and meet some county commissioners, and other industry members. I was pleased with how well my trip went getting back to Denver. Yesterday was a taxing day, so I was glad that I had greater energy and strength today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the Lord’s temple. I will add 15 years to your life…. Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What is the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the Lord’s temple on the third day?”       2 Kings 20:5-8 HCSB

Facing a terminal illness in Hezekiah’s day was in many ways more of a “death sentence” than it is in our day. Modern medicine seem to always provide some kind of options, even with the most discouraging prognosis. Hezekiah was not only ill, but received a message from the prophet Isaiah, “Put your affairs in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.” (2 Kings 20:1 HCSB)

Hezekiah could have accepted the “death sentence” and “put his affairs in order.” However, in his desperation he, “…turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Please Lord, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what pleases You.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 20:2,3 HCSB)

On the positive side, Hezekiah knew he had lived a life pleasing to the Lord and brought “revival” to Judah. He sought the Lord with earnestness and tears. I am thankful that in our distress we can “cry out” to the Lord with the assurance that He hears us. We read in the Psalms,  “In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.”  (Psalm 118:5 NIV) “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 62:8 HCSB)

Before Isaiah left the palace, the Lord told him to return to Hezekiah with a response to his prayer. The Lord heard and gave a treatment solution for Hezekiah’s illness and he recovered. But even with Hezekiah’s prayer and the confirmation from the prophet of the Lord, he asked for a “sign.” He desired proof outside of the Lord’s word alone.

This situation and Gideon’s “fleece” are the two times we see in all of scripture where we see the Lord accommodating the doubts of those He spoke to. I believe many today would be more than excited to have God speak an audible word or have a prophet confirm an answer to prayer.

While we see God in His mercy, accommodating Hezekiah’s request, this is not a pattern or a precedent to constantly require God to “prove Himself.”

True trust, takes God at His Word. We see it reflected in the hymn of old, Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, And to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus says the Lord!” Our faith is what enables us to “lay hold” of God’s provision for our life.

In your need, turn to the Lord; cry out to Him; know that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV) As you do that rest in His presence and His promise.

I attended an oil and gas symposium in Rifle, Colorado today. It was well attended and some good information. This evening we had a steak fry on the one of the most remote “ranch” locations I have ever been to. It just happens to be one of the largest natural gas fields in western Colorado. I was pleased to see Scott McGinnis tonight. Before I could get his attention he came over to me to say “hello.” Scott is a former Congressman and candidate for Governor. He was very gracious and introduced me to some people and expressed how pleased he was to see my progress.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.”  Psalm 119:9-11 HCSB

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and perhaps appropriately focuses on  “God’s Word.” This psalm refers to “God’s Word” as His commands, instructions, law and precepts. It is an extolling of the value and power of God’s Word from A to Z. Each stanza begins with a different letter from the Hebrew alphabet.

The psalm begins with the declaration, “How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction!”  (Psa. 119:1 HCSB) The life lived according to God’s ways is the blessed life, it is the way to “keep us  on track.”

We this reflected in the familiar verses above. When we follow the Lord’s commands, when we treasure them in our hearts, they help us to maintain the life that is pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others.

We see that the Lord listens to our cries and it is important for us to listen to His words, “I told You about my life,
and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders.” (Psa. 119:26,27 HCSB) If we seek the Lord ask Him for insight, He will give us greater understanding of His Word and His ways.

The psalmist declares the confidence and boldness that the Lord’s instructions provide, “I will walk freely in an open place because I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. I delight in Your commands, which I love.” (Psa. 119:45-47)

We see the declaration of the permanence of God’s Word, “Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.” (Psa. 119:89 HCSB)

The Lord directs us through His Word. He illuminates the next step for us to take and shines a light on the direction we are to go. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.“ (Psa. 119:105 HCSB)

God’s Word enables us to know God more and the result is worship and praise. “I will lift up my hands to Your commands which I love….I long for Your salvation, Lord, and Your instruction is my delight. Let me live, and I will praise You; may Your judgments help me.” (Psa. 119:48, 174-175 HCSB)

Instructions, laws, commands and decrees are usually viewed as oppressive and something to be avoided. But when our heart is right with the Lord, we understand that His decrees are for our good. They are our salvation and life, if we will learn them and live by them.

This morning after my prayer connection at Everyday Joes, I conducted the devotional time at Morning Star. It was good to have Harry Weimar and my sister-in-law Sue Schmidt join me. After the devotional time, I left for a trip to the western slope. I am visiting my sister at her new home in Grand Junction and then will attend an oil and gas symposium in Rifle, the next two days. I think this is the longest distance I have driven since my illness.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: ‘What are you relying on? You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. What are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me? Look, you are now trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will enter and pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it…‘Don’t let your God, whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.  Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries: they completely destroyed them. Will you be rescued?“ 2 Kings 18:19-21; 19:10-11 HCSB

In sports “trash talk” refers to the barbs and words of intimidation that one opponent speaks to another. This technique to gain an upper hand through words before the conflict begins is as old as warfare. We see it in the words that Goliath spoke to the armies of Israel and even David as the shepherd boy approached the mighty warrior.

Assyria was gaining power and was expanding its territory and conquering nations. They had overthrown the kingdom of Israel and now the King of Assyria set his sights on Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. The intimidation and threatening words were extensive, creating fear and panic.

We see some responses that are instructive for us when facing opposition in our lives. The first thing we see is control over a response in kind. “But the people kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.” (2 Kings 18:36 HCSB) More often than not you lose when lower yourself to the level of the one who is speaking works of condemnation and confrontation. Although I do like response of the King of Israel on one occasion to King Ben-hadad. “The king of Israel answered, “Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.'” (1 Kings 20:11 NIV)

Next we see King Hezekiah turning to the Lord. He realized the challenge before him and instead of turning to human strategies and resources he came to the Lord in prayer. “Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord: Lord God of Israel who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are God—You alone—of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.  Listen closely, Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, Lord, and see….Now, Lord our God, please save us from his hand so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God—You alone.” (2 Kings 19:15-19 HCSB)

Hezekiah recognize that this was a battle beyond the abilities of his armies. He needed the Lord’s divine intervention. As the Lord answered through the prophet Isaiah we see the Lord’s response (His own “trash talk”), “I know your sitting down, your going out and your coming in, and your raging against Me. Because your raging against Me and your arrogance have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will make you go back the way you came.” (2 Kings 19:27-28 HCSB)

The Lord’s words are not to intimidate but to warn. He is the One who does what He says and is able to put actions to His words. When you confront the Lord God, you are going to lose. This is what happened, “That night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and left. He returned home and lived in Nineveh. One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons…struck him down with the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat.” (2 Kings 19:35-37 HCSB)

When we trust in the Lord, when we turn to Him for help, He will be our refuge, defender and the One who brings victory into our life. Perhaps that “trash talk” in your ears is not from human words that create intimidation, but the fear that comes from illness, or disease or past sins or failures. Perhaps it is words of condemnation from the enemy of our souls. Be encouraged that the Lord is on your side. As Paul said, “But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 GWT)

We are returning to spring weather. That means it will be time to mow the lawn for the first time this season. I have a busy week with a trip to the Western slope, so today was a day to address several timely issue. Debbie is hosting our table at the Serve 6.8 banquet on Tuesday night and I was making some final arrangements for that event as well as arranging for a table at Timberline Church to promote the National Day of Prayer breakfast in Northern Colorado coming May 5. I did get in a workout with my trainer today. I am realizing the I need to get to the gym in the morning because it is too easy to get focused on other things that eat up my time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate like their ancestors who did not believe the Lord their God.  They rejected His statutes and His covenant He had made with their ancestors and the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves...”             2 Kings 17:14,15 HCSB

When the kingdom of Israel divided, the Lord told Jeroboam that if he followed him, Jeroboam would have a lasting dynasty, like that of David. But in his insecurity and trying to gain for himself that the Lord said he would do for him. Jeroboam feared that if the people returned to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices that it would threaten the security of his throne, as a result he lead Israel into idolatry.

Idolatry not only became the albatross around the neck of Israel, but also that of Judah. The Israelites drove out the people from the land as they moved in to take their inheritance, but the presence of spiritual darkness served as a temptation, test and eventual downfall for God’s people.

The nation of Israel (the northern 10 tribes) were the first to fall to the invading forces of the Assyrians. This was not just a military conquest of a superior power, it was God’s judgment against those who were His very own people.

We see a detailed description of the reasons for Israel’s downfall. They sinned against the Lord, doing the opposite of what the Lord commanded. The Lord sent prophets to warn, but they were ignored. Solomon warns, “One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly—beyond recovery.”  (Proverbs 29:1 HCSB)

Israel was relentless in erecting altars to false gods and following the practices of the nations around. Was it like many today, who want to “blend in” who do not want to “go against the grain” of a culture or society. Did they want to be viewed as “the rest” of the nations?

When judgment came they blamed God and when blessings came and victory was won over their enemies, they were quick to take credit themselves, believing they had conquered the gods of the nation over which they were victorious. They would then worship that god.

This is a fundamental difference in serving the “Lord” God and the desire to have “gods” serve the ways of human desires and inclinations. We see that in extreme cases in the occult today. People do not desire to serve Satan, but they do desire to have and use spiritual powers of darkness to their advantage.

On the less extreme spectrum, false gods, however they are manifested are designed to place the individual in control. The psalmist warned of false gods, “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.“ (Psalm 115:8 NIV) A powerless god, results in being a powerless person. “They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves…” 

Look at the indictment against God’s people…“This disaster happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God who had brought them out of the land of Egypt…They had lived according to the customs of the nations that the Lord had dispossessed before the Israelites… But they would not listen. Instead they became obstinate…They abandoned all the commands of the Lord their God...They devoted themselves to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight and provoked Him.“ (2 Kings 17:7-17 HCSB)

In our world today, “idols” are more subtle and less obvious than in times past. Today, we can bow at the shrine of success, prosperity, pleasure, education, science, and many other things that in themselves are not bad; but when they cause us to love God less and divert our attention from a life surrendered to the Lord they become a snare and a trap.

Be careful what you pursue. When you pursue what is worthless you become worthless. When you pursue the things of God, you become more like God.

This morning we had a few inches of snow on the ground from our weekend storm. It was a wet, spring snow and not as much in  Fort Collins as in Denver. Now later in the day, the sun is out and most of the snow is gone. This morning I conducted two chapel services as Morning Star Assisted Living. Since Debbie and I attended a banquet for the Colorado Christian Home, Tennyson Center last night we went to the late service at Timberline. By the time we got home, went out to eat and returned it was time for an afternoon nap.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!  The Lord’s right hand is raised. The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!”  I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord disciplined me severely but did not give me over to death.”  Psalm 118:15-18 HCSB

Psalm 118 contains some familiar verses; ones we even see referenced in the New Testament. For example, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone... This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.…Lord, save us! Lord, please grant us success! He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed.” (Psalm 118:22,24-26 HCSB)

There is no better place of rest and comfort than to be assured of God’s presence and intervention in your life. When you have confidence that the Lord is the God of what is ahead it is a cause for rejoicing. Often we when things are well we say, “right now I am in a good place.” Those words remind me of the psalmists declaration, “I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place.” (Psalm 118:5 HCSB)

All of this is pictured in the victory celebration when the Lord would allow the armies of Israel to gain victory over their enemies. Just as there is cheering and chants after a big sports win today, so was the case when the armies of God were victorious. For God’s righteous the victory chant was, ““The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!  The Lord’s right hand is raised. The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!” (Psa. 118:15)

The “right hand” speaks of strength and power. There is none as powerful and mighty as the Lord. When He acts, when His “right hand” is raised, victory is assured.

That victory gives assurance of life over death. “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done.” (Psa. 118:17) Every battle, every confrontation, every setback, carries its own degree of uncertainties. One of the certainties of life, is there are no certainties. But when the Lord is on our side there is confidence in the midst of the uncertainties of life. When we stand on the other side of the battle, we can “proclaim what the Lord has done!”

Finally, when hardships come as discipline from the Lord, we can know we are still in good hands. David had his times of “discipline from the Lord.” In each situation, he saw the Lord working for His good. So, even in a time of discipline we can be confident in a God who is “for us.” In the end there is not just a “wiping of the brow” and a sense of narrow escape. There is a shout of victory knowing, “…The Lord’s right hand performs valiantly!”

We have had some interesting weather today. So far not the heavy snow that has been predicted. Mostly wind, rain and snow flurries. This morning I joined with my Larimer Energy Action team in taping a video for a cable TV project we are working on. I am eager to see how it turns out and the response we get from potential funders.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Again the watchman reported, “He reached them but hasn’t started back. Also, the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman.” 2 Kings 9:20 HCSB

When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab coming to meet him. He greeted him and then asked, “Is your heart one with mine?” “It is,” Jehonadab replied. Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu pulled him up into the chariot with him. Then he said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord!” So he let him ride with him in his chariot. 2 Kings 10:15-16 HCSB

I recall years ago our church in Strasburg hosted a group of young people who were running across the country, with a torch representing the gospel and the light of Christ. I joined them as they ran through the main street of our town to the next. During the next week a community member asked about the event. She said, I told someone, “that guy runs like Ken Summers.”

I’m not sure what stood out in the way I ran, but Jehu’s chariot driving was aggressive and fast made him stand out. Jehu was a military leader in Israel. Elisha sent one of the sons of the prophets to find Jehu and anoint him King over Israel. When the other leaders found out what the prophet had told Jehu, they immediately proclaimed him as King.

Jehu, knowing his mission, quickly went into action and began to execute judgment on the house of Ahab that had infiltrated both Israel and Judah. This all happened to fulfill the Word of the Lord through His prophets. In the process of this “house cleaning” Jehu kills, King Joran of Israel and King Azariah of Judah all members of the family of Ahab and Jezebel. He then goes to Samaria and has Jezebel killed by having her eunuch’s throw her down from the window of the tower on the wall. (Read the story in 2 Kings 9,10)

He then has all the sons of King Ahab killed and displays their heads as a sign to the people about God’s judgment on the wicked ruler’s household. Continuing his “house cleaning” Jehu then has all the prophets and worshipers of Baal killed.

Unfortunately, Jehu’s zeal reached a limit. Nonetheless he was still honored by the Lord for his actions. “Jehu eliminated Baal worship from Israel, but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—worshiping the gold calves that were in Bethel and Dan.  Nevertheless, the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.” (2 Kings 10:28-30 HCSB)

Reflecting on all these events, it is interesting that Jehu did not seek a role, but was divinely called to fill a role. When he received that anointing, he did not hesitate to take action. We can observe that what he did, he did with zeal and did not stop until all of Ahab’s house had been eliminated. He took action against the worshipers of Baal, which was the god promoted by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Jehu invited others to join him in his cause. When initially confronted by messengers, his response was,  “What do you have to do with peace? Fall in behind me.” (2 Kings 9:18,19) We then see Jehu gives Jehonadab a “ringside seat” in observing his zeal for the Lord.

Paul would later write to the Romans, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.“
(Romans 12:11 HCSB) Paul writes to the Galatians, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.”  (Galatians 4:18 NIV)

Jehu was an example of zeal in service for the Lord. That can serve as a model for us today. Regardless of our assignment, we are called by  God and need to view it as a “high and holy” calling. The role is different, but the value is the same. It is not be view with reluctance, resistance or reservation. Solomon said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV) Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Galatians 3:23 NIV)

Allow your zeal to motivate, not discourage others and call others to join you in following the ways of the Lord and doing His work. In your obedience to God’s call and zeal for His work, “proceed with caution” the Lord may take you on a “wild ride.”

Last night I went to my meeting late and left early. I came home to finish my mother’s tax return. I was thankful for a lighter day today, but still felt like I didn’t get everything done I wanted to. I enjoyed a nice lunch with Eric Creed, the Senior Land Man for Great West Oil and Gas. What an interesting background as published author, attorney and publication editor. I found that out when I asked him to write an op-ed on some industry issues.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… one of them [the sons of the prophets] was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Oh, my master, it was borrowed!”…. When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” (2 Kings 6:4,15 HCSB)

I recall my brother talking about the “varied life of a Marine.” In his experience as an Officer, he could be enjoying a fine meal at a banquet on Friday night and then on Saturday be with the troops on training maneuvers, out in the elements, chipping away at a can of rations.

We find described in just a few verses of 2 Kings 6, the “varied life a prophet of the Lord.” In the first situation, the “sons of the prophets” were clearing land to build more houses. In the process the ax head of a borrowed tool flies off into the waters of the Jordan. Panic grips that man who had just lost his friends ax. He cries out to the prophet Elisha for help. Elisha cuts a stick, throws it into the water and the iron ax head floats. The man retrieves the ax head and the “day is saved.”

In the next situation, we see Elisha serving as a “divine spy” for the King of Israel. The Lord would reveal the plans of the enemy to Elisha and he would tell the King of Israel. When the King of Aram asked who the traitor was in his midst,  One of his servants said, “No one, my lord the king. Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:12 HCSB)

The King of Aram sends his armies to capture Elisha. I like this scene as Elisha’s servant walks to the balcony first thing in the morning and what does he see? The hills covered with hundreds of enemy soldiers! Not a good way to start your day!

Elisha is not panicked or concerned. Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16 HCSB) I’m not sure if that brought comfort to the servant. I can see the servant begin counting as he looks at the armies surrounding the city.

But then, Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17 HCSB)

As the enemy armies advances against the city, Elisha prayed again and the Lord struck them with blindness. The enemy troops were led into the city to the amazement of the King. Elisha told the King to feed the enemy troops and let them go. The “day is saved” and Israel was not attacked again by the King of Aram.

What is more of a crisis? A lost ax head that is borrowed or a city surrounded by enemy armies? It depends who you are? At the time, they were both a cause for panic. What we see is God is concerned for both and God used Elisha to accomplish a great miracle in both situations.

The simple lesson for today is: “there is nothing too difficult for God and there is nothing to small or too great for God.” Don’t believe your issue small or large is outside of God’s concern and power to intervene.

“The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”  (Psalm 145:18 NLT)