The halfbaked Bard

2Kings 17 Why does God abhor idol worship? Why is idol worship something which He really hates? * The first of the ten commandments * The essence of the covenant made with the people of Israel * The root cause of all punishment that God gives them. The invasion of Assyrians. The exile to Babylon. * When idol worship was at its peak, that was the time when the judges were raised. Each time Israel disappointed God by following other gods, He gives them over to other nations. Then Israel repents and the Lord raises up a judge to rescue them. * A powerful prophet is brought to the scenario, when idol worship was at the apex. So much it pains Him, to see His own children walk away from Him to go to other worthless idols, that He calls the act, prostituition. Now the word is caramelized; no matter how much the government has legalized it, that word is always looked with contempt and condescence. Why, is there so much aversion for God? Because of one character that describes the e...

2Kings:16 King Ahaz replaced the things in the temple with things which he thought was better. All that God instituted, he changed according to his logic and wisdom. Some he used for his own benefit too. What do I do of God instituted sacraments in my life? Relationships / Responsibilities Time / Money Do I use it for God? Or for my personal benefit? Or according to my wisdom? As a father / as a mother / as a sister/ brother - do I logically try to direct things in my own comfortable ways? Or in God's ways. Because doing it in my own way according to my wisdom is rebellion, telling God, I know things better  Where as if we ask God for wisdom, to be guided to guide is humbling and saying, I don't know what to do, Help me Lord. James:1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, You should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.

All of us, at least for a moment would have wanted to run away, at some point of our life. Just to run off where no one knows me. A wanting to just vanish off from the present situation - be it because of a fear of sin exposed, be it ridicule, be it being caught red handed and shame exposed, be it fear of cornered for unintentional mistakes, be it lack of consideration from loved ones, be it fear of responsibility. Oh! That I could just go to some unknown place. Where no one knows me, no one bothers about me. So that I could start things afresh. Some go to the extreme of thinking of ending life. Do you feel rejected? Dejected? Lonely? Do you feel unwanted? Do you feel unloved? Do not worry. One of the greatest lovers of Jehovah, God, his name is King David felt the same  Oh, that I had wings like a dove Then I would fly away and rest I would fly far away To the quiet of wilderness How quickly I would escape Far from the wild storms of hatred. Ps:55:6-8 The good thing is...

2Kings:15 Uzziah was a king who ruled over Judah and he did good in the sight of the Lord, like his father, Amaziah. And he was probably one of the longest reigning king of Judah - for 52 years. But he was struck with leprosy, and he had the illness till the day he died. There was no healing for him. There were even worse kings than him. But he was the only king who died a leper. He did not have healing. Was it because he couldn't appropriate faith? Was it because he didn't pray much? Was it because of his sins? I really don't know why. But one thing I know for sure; that God knew what He was doing. He was sure and He was in full control. He did not let Satan take over. No. Even Paul, the greatest apostle had a thorn in his flesh. He prayed. He definitely prayed with faith. But ultimately the answer that he got was different. Not healing. But grace to forbear it. My mom was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis which is a connective tissue disease which progresses t...

Ps:54:4 But God is my helper The word helper in the Bible, doesn't signify the present day depiction; where it denotes somebody inferior, somebody who does it for survival, who helps in our house's routine - as in a servant or a housemaid. When David says in Psalm:121:2 My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth; He means it is the Almighty Creator God, who is omnipotent; for whom nothing is too difficult. Help comes from the helper, who can help. Not somebody who is helpless. Hence what is our response to an All powerful God who chooses to help me. TRUST. He chooses to be on our side. Then who can be against me. Actually we are the one who is helpless. All we can do is to place ourselves in His perfect will. When things look bleak and out of control. Helpless as we are, all we can do is To place our marred helpless hands unto . The wounded but strong hands of the One who said Let not my will, but Yours For He is the same one who said Come to me who is we...

What does foolishness depict? It is stopping to seek God. Ps:14:1, Ps:53:1 Man is created in His own image and likeness Man is promised life abundant, to its fullness Matt:6:33 Fool is he, who doesn't ask the manufacturer Nor follows the manual. What does foolishness portray? It is about not being rich unto God. Lk:12:21 Wise he was by world's standards, a wise investor But God asks him, what if I ask of your life today Fool is he, who is not certain of life's uncertainty Who thinks of life in this world alone And it is indeed futile and limited. What does foolishness illustrate? It is the act of despising discipline. Pro:1:17 For the Lord corrects the one He loves Fool is he, who runs away from difficulties and persecutions Persist in the Agape love of God. Rom:8:28 Cling on, hold fast to the hand of God, no matter what. What does foolishness render? It denotes a blabbering mouth. Pro:18:2 They cannot keep silent, have opinion for everything Even fools are thou...

2Kings:13:5 Then the Lord provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Oh! How wonderful to be that nameless somebody in somebody's life. Where He uses for the sake of His name's glory alone. Because we become a nobody in anybody's life, everybody would see God's hand. But when we try to become that somebody, it becomes useless. Yet so, in contrast, when God  brings that somebody, the purpose is served. Where lies our happiness? In helping someone or in introducing ourselves to them after the help. How many times we have vanished off from the scene after the help is done. Or do we wait to be acknowledged. Do we wait to be thanked for. Do we wait to be appreciated. We might not be the priest or Levite who did not help the Jew who was attacked by the robbers on his way to Jericho. But do we want to be known as the Samaritan who helped him? Do we want the Jew to testify what I did for him, or the innkeeper to tell others of my kin...

Honesty is integrity Something's entrusted to you You do it genuinely Even when no one else is watching. Honesty is truthfulness To yourself; to God who is always watching To stand by what is right Showing what is your standard. Honesty is genuinety To the work that is entrusted upon To work hard, to strive well To let go of your comfort zones. Honesty is not seeking your self But the betterment of others It is loving others more than these Rebouncing Christ and his love. Honesty is the privilege to reflect God Both to your client and to your boss The kind of love that God would show them A glimpse of your God, if they could see. Based on 2Kings:12:15

2Kings:12:1-3 Joash had some undesirable examples set before him. His father was king. So was his grandfather. And his grandmother was queen too. All had set bad examples. A forgettable lineage. Born in a cruel, sinful and God forgetting dynasty. But how he lived his life and led Judah was his choice, not his family's. He chose to follow the God of his great grandfather King Jehoshaphath. He chose to listen to the guidance of the prophet at that time, Jehoiada. Of course there were other voices too. But he was clear whom to follow. Dear one, do you feel nailed to the wrong family? Do you feel stuck to the wrong set of friends. Your destiny is not determined by the people around you. It is determined by the choices you make, who you want to follow. The voices around you may be loud enough to distract. But choose to listen to the still small voice. Also your destiny is not determined by your stars. How can your life, your end be determined by an inanimate object lying mil...

There was havoc in Judah at that time. As King Ahaziah was killed and Queen Athalia takes over. Nobody was there to guide. Jehosheba takes up responsibility as she protects the infant Joash, the next king. Jehoiada also owns up and arranged for the anointing of Joash. He instructs the boy as he grows up in the law of the Lord. Jehoiada also makes a covenant between God and people and also between the king and the people. He also took initiative to destroy the temple and the altars of Baal. Own up, be responsible for your plight or the plight of your area, your land, your nation. Do whatever you can to bring people up. At least pray for them. Who knows you are placed in such a place as this for this.

Jehu, the next king of Israel, obeyed whatever the Lord had asked him to do. Everything. Killed the entire dynasty of Ahab, including King Joram. He killed Jezebel the wicked queen. He killed Ahaziah the bad king of Judah. He killed all the prophets of Baal. But ultimately what is the one liner about him? 2Kings:10:31 But Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. Doing so much for the Lord; yet his heart was far away from God. His hands did so much the Lord commanded, but his heart was far away. Oh! Had he loved the Lord wholeheartedly? Do we selectively obey? Do we find ourselves willing to obey few things and unwilling to obey few? May be minor things we are willing to obey. What about the majors? Some of us master in the majors and struggles when it comes to smaller ones. Assuredly it is because I am not able to love Him with all my heart. Let us translate this to...

Hazael was hungry for power. Till then a  nobody, schemed and did evil because of his wanting for power. He killed his own king. Jehoram, had probably one of the best examples to follow, his own father, king Jehoshaphath who was a man who followed God's ways, went to extent a hand of peace with King of Judah. But he chose to follow the evil ways of the king of Israel because of the influence of King Ahab's daughter his wife. His son Ahaziah, due to the influence of his mother, also chose to do evil in the eyes of God. 2Kings:8 Your choices are determined by your influences. It could be your inner influences - your greed, your desires, your passions. Or it could be external influences. Whatever it is, make sure dear one, it is God directed. Because that is the key to live a life of fulfilment, life in abundance, which the creator has designed you for. For if you run after your greed and desires and passions, it would be yours that it would satisfy, and that would nev...

As you struggle with sin, with addictions, with habits When doubts rise about your love, your commitment When the question is all about your pride, your foremost desire Do I love only me? Is my love always directed to my own self? No answers are required to be honest. Neither does He demand. Nor is it truthfully deserving "Why?" Is a useless question. Coz the answer is always the rebellious me. "How" is the question needed for the hour. Crying and pleading. Help me Lord. All I can do is that. Helpless as I am. No more condemnation. Even my own self. All my wretchedness will He heal. One day He alone will be my love, my heart's only desire. The healing could be today, tomorrow or the day after. But I will keep asking, and I will keep pleading Even when I am discouraged and I have lost all hope. Because sitting alone will not help, brooding and analysing neither Only seeking, only desiring, only repenting, only returning. There lies my rescue; there li...

2Kings:8:6. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her, including the value of any crops that had been harvested during her absence. What an amazing God we serve? Who restores whatever we have lost. Even the produce of the land while she wasn't even there. And all of these, why? Because she did something extra ordinary for the country? Why was it that she was able to find favour in the king's eyes? Not because of any good in her. But because of the testifications by Gehazi to the king that her son was raised up from the dead. Gehazi the leper was talking to the king about the miracles that Elisha has done. Exactly the time when he was talking about the Shunemite woman, she comes in to ask the king.... I'm enthralled at the timing. Remember, the king of Israel is not a very good king. Why on earth should he ask about Elisha who he was trying to kill sometime back. Gehazi because of his greed has just been punished ...

You will see the glory of God, if you believe. Therefore the alternate is also true. If you do not believe, you will not see the glory of God. Faith is the eyes through which you see, not just miracles, but the wonder of God, the glory of God, the attributes of God; infact very God Himself  For without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is the channel which makes God reachable, approachable; infact real. The officer assisting the king of Israel missed it; but the lepers didn't because the ventured out in faith. Martha and Mary could actualize it; but the others who went to tell the religious leaders; infact the leaders themselves couldn't experience it. The equation is quite simple. Unless you choose to believe and act accordingly, you wouldn't enjoy Him. Believing that God would, is the first step to healing. Now you act upon it. The lepers set out early morning and that is why they could eat their full; they could actualize the victory that God gave. ...

Channelize your sorrow (Based on 2Kings:6:27-33) Come sorrow, where do you let it go? Blaming yourself. Point all your fingers to your own self. Labelling yourself pathetic; The world doesn't revolve on your head. Yes you need to own up for things, which you have done. But a burlap is not the ultimate solution. Blaming others and letting vengeance grow. All my problems are not because of him. His act or choice is not the result of your plight. Do not let grudge bias you. Yes the sword is not the final solution too. Blaming God and putting all the baggage on Him. Saying with sarcasm, the Lord has done it  Now why should I follow Him; meaningless useless questions. Yet already determined not to pursue Him. Yes, rebellion is not the last solution too. Every sorrow is a sign post that points my sin, my plight Every sorrow, a consequence of sin; the entity. A reminder for the need of the cross. And the last drop of blood, dripping from His wound. Every sorrow is also a point...

In order to overcome fear, very often we include people on our side. We try to increase the man power who is on our side. That is often the strategy of kings; to form alliance before a war, so that people with them would seem more than people with their enemies. That happens when confidence is in man; his skill. Fear is often overcome by at least the assurance that we have more people. 2Kings:6:16  Do not be afraid. For there are more on our side than theirs. Apparently the two of them was up against the mighty Aramean army. Defeat and capture was imminent. But when the eyes of the servant was opened, he could see horses and chariots of fire on the hillside around Elisha. The angel army, the angelic hosts (only a portion of it) has come down under the command of the Almighty God to rescue Elisha. Not able to see? Seems abstract? Let us pray that our eyes would be opened and we would be able to see. That our blindness would be healed. If God is for us, who can be against...

Thrive is a constructive and fertile word. It denotes growth as well as flourish. It means to grow prosperously. To grow wonderfully well. So the opposite of thrive is either no growth at all or malnourished. Ps:52:7&8 draws this same contrast in a beautiful way. Thriving actually happens in the presence of God - growing in trust in His unfailing love. While shriveling is when you grow in wickedness or growing in the standards of this world. Living ordinary lives, just surviving or existing, just going with the current is not what you are meant to live. But to thrive. To flourish. Let your roots go deep, searching for the living waters. Dig deep into His word. Be immersed in His love. Be sure of your identity in Christ, not having to prove to others. Assured of your position in Him. Act like your Father. That is how you thrive. This is life in its fullness, abundance which He has promised. Just surviving is in contrast being tossed about the opinion of every Tom, Dick a...

 A white lie; an unharmed word. Which would bring me good. Doesn't harm or illtreat others. That would be good, if I get a fortune Gehazi thought so; but because of his foolish act, There was lifelong defame for Elisha Naaman would have never known the innocence of Elisha. Gehazi thought of earthly riches alone Next in line to Elisha to become the prophet But crumbles down to nothing because of greed. One sin that leads you to another. More and more of lying and hiding. But he forgets there is no lesser sin in God's eyes  If you have faultered in one. You have broken it all  Gehazi thus slowly vanishes off into oblivion. With sin comes, curse and punishment he forgets. Do not retain sin in your heart dear one. When you get the opportunity, when God confronts Repent and throw it off. Do not brush it under the carpet; do not hide Do not bring in any excuse  Repent and renounce, and run back to your Father. Crying out aloud, Abba, I have failed you again, fo...

When there is a life changing experience, Naaman takes a bold decision that he would offer sacrifices to no other God other than the Lord. An experience should always result in a motivation and a decision. If it is positive - it should push you more towards the Giver. If it is negative - it should push you farther away from it  Yes all things God works together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His promise. We need to channelize everything to the will and plan of God. Let these signposts help us to reroute ourselves to God. Yes all roads should lead to our destination, being like Christ, the head. Then there is no scope of discouragement or elation. No scope for disappointments or self worth. All God foreknew. He has always been in control. All the apparent bad things are infact channels of blessings. Oh my soul, why are you discouraged Put your trust in the Lord.

Naaman expected Elisha would heal him of his leprosy in a particular way that he wanted. When that didn't happen, he went away in rage. Already he was frustrated because he had to wait till Elisha  send him a message. Not even the prophet would come to greet him, he just send him a word. Do I expect God to act in a particular way? Not only do we expect Him to answer our prayers; but we want Him to act also in a way that we want. Our norms. Our ways. Nothing else would satisfy us. Forget accepting no for an answer. What about wait? Would we accept with gladness. What if God remains silent? What about a 'yes' answer, but through a different, longer, tougher route? Frustrated? Irritated? Dejected? Angry? Is it because of the self worth we have; the pride that is always ruling our hearts; when we think this is the most comfortable and easiest and loveliest path to trod. We question, 'Why this way?' because of fear of uncertainty and lack of surity as to whet...

Naaman's servant girl had a wish. That her master would be well. Healed of sickness. That made a difference in Naaman's life. Brought healing for him. He never knew of the prophet in Samaria. But she knew. That brought the difference. And why did she choose to wish. Because of her concern and because of her love. Things were not at all conducive to her. But she chose to love him. Will you be a channel of blessing dear one,  to people around you. They might not know this God as much as you do. But would you love them so much so that you would wish for them. You would pray for them. That could bring a difference in their lives. You could bring about a difference in their lives.  How wonderful it would be in their lives.  I remember with gratitude the people who loved me like this. Wished for me like this and made a difference in my life like this.  May God help us.

Very often miracles do happen in our lives - a divine intervention, a godly work of power. But actualizing it in our lives, require faith. 2 Kings:5:38-41 described about Elisha working a miracle and rendering a stew non poisonous. Once the flour was sprinkled into it, it became edible.  But unless they eat it in faith that it has become good to eat, how would it benefit them? They had to just eat it in faith. Keeping aside all their questions and doubts and then take it in faith. Often setting out in a step of faith is as important. That God is faithful. That God is enough. That God would take care. That despite evidence to the contrary, I believe that God will work things for good for me. It is a matter of absolute trust and blind faith. He is our Appa who has His best of interest for me. As Abraham was promised generations like stars in the sky and sand on the shore- but he had to wait for 25 long years. He continued to hope, he continued to believe. Rom:4:16 So the ...

What am I overwhelmed with? Overwhelmed with joy. Or may be grief sometimes. Overwhelmed with bitterness to someone. Or may be love. Or may be overwhelmed with passion to excel. We all have that driving force in our lives which prompts us, to push us to do something. Here is a woman who is overwhelmed with gratitude. She never dreamt of a son nor did she ask the prophet. But it was the Lord's gift to her. And once the child dies, she rushed to Elisha to plead. The Lord miraculously brings the child back to life. Then! She is overwhelmed with gratitude. Ask the woman whose child was restored and given back to her, by King Solomon. She would be overwhelmed with gratitude. Ask the thousands of people who were healed by Jesus during His lifetime. They would all be overwhelmed with gratitude. We as children also might have our portion of miraculous deliveries in our life where we would also be thankful for the time. Even overwhelmed. But what about a month or so later? As ti...

The  woman from Shunem had a genuine cause. She did not have a son. But she was not the one who went about asking Elisha for a favour. She wasn't the one who pester him with her need. She kept quiet. It was Gehazi who pointed this out. How do I pray. Listing all my needs and wants before God? Can we come to God's presence just to be there, just to enjoy His presence. Just to be there. Rather than bringing a to do list for God. Everyday new new ones. But will He give enough thought and find out what we need seeing our genuinity and love to Him. And then act upon it? My God shall supply all my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus Phil:4:19

The woman at Shunem had a wise idea  The man had the humility to agree. They together formed a wonderful team. And that was a podium for God to work. Sometimes it is the other way round. The man's idea, and the woman submits Even if you can't agree, love covers it all Humble yourself prayerfully and agree. God is so happy, with this family. For the command is to submit to one another. The wife is not the one to submit always. In heavenly accord, as God gives wisdom. This family in Shunem was immensely blessed. Because of this submission. Because of the divine intervention. A family in unity, in humility. Which doesn't quarrel for petty issues. But says yes, if it is the Lord's will. Who prays over it together and pleads for mercy. For they know a cord of three strings cannot be broken. Set aside all my prides and egos. Set aside all of my plans and ways. But let it be our way. Our plan. Or rather His plan, let us together seek His will  For our family and fo...

Our God is a God of miracles. He was; He is and He will continue to be. The same God who did miracles in the Old testament. The same God, Who did it for you yesterday. Will do it today as well. He does not change, yesterday, today and forever. If you believe, you will see the glory of God. Belief is upon the One who is able. Not on miracle. But the source. Not that He will. But that He is able. That He is an Almighty God. For nothing is impossible for Him. If I hope for a miracle, that is belief. But if I focus on Him, that is trust. That He would work everything good for me. That He would carry it on to completion. When our focus is on Him, who loves us. That is when we could say, Not my will, but yours. And; Even if He doesn't, like the three little boys. In front of the fiery furnace. So let us look at the person; Not what He would do. Let us look at His heart; not His hands. For the greatest miracle has already been done. Saving me from hell, by the willfull bloodsh...

Would you stand in the midst Interceding for your unbelieving friend That person in the family, who so clearly Have rejected and avoided the Way. Have you felt burdened for them? And therefore pleaded for their sake  That boy whom you lost track, who slowly faded away That someone who so obviously went away Who submerges himself in sin, not knowing his plight. Who indulges in unforgiveness, adamant to sin Would you stand up for him. For her. Holding their hands upto the throne of grace Pleading to the Father to show mercy Asking to deliver them from the clutches of the enemy. Would you be that one person, who would pray for them? Intercede on their behalf. Speaks for them unto the Father Would you part take in this ministry alongside Jesus May be you are unable to do something proactively. But would you pray 2Kings:3:14 I wouldn't even bother with you except for my respect for King Jehoshaphath of Judah.

Making fun of Elisha, was not a good thing - if you ask the forty two boys, who felt the brunt of the curse of Elisha and was mauled by two bears - 2Kings:2:23-25 No matter what! Ridiculing an elder or a minister of God is not right. Or judging them. This is my view point. I don't know whether you can agree. But I'm convinced. I might have failed. I seek forgiveness. It is between them and God. Who am I to? If you can take a leaf out of their lives and course correct yours, rather than pointing fingers. As a matter of fact who are we to judge any one? Jesus says - First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friends eye. He infact starts by saying - Do not judge others. The truth is, the log in your eye and the speck in their eye is made of the same material. You are seeing the speck only because there is a huge log in your eye. If it is pride that you see - it is pride that you struggle with. Repent. If it i...

Many quarrels and unrest have outbroken between siblings because of the disparity they think, they have inherited. Many people haven't talked to their relatives, out of this unrest. Getting a share is often considered as a right. Owning an inheritance as a bonus, where as actually it is a gift. If your eyes are set on such things, you will be disappointed for sure. Elisha had his eyes set on something different. He even asked for a double share. A double share of the spirit that is in Elijah and be his successor. But because he desired the right thing, he was given it as well. No disappointments. Q#1 What share do I desire from my parents? What examples do I want to follow? What inheritance do I aspire from my spiritual mentors? Q#2 What example do I leave behind to my children? What would my children (physical and spiritual) and juniors desire to have from me? What would they want to emulate? Would they want a double portion of the spirit that is in me?

Three times Elijah asked Elisha to stay away. But all the three times, Elisha persistently insisted. And because he insisted, he was blessed. It was a choice he made. And because he made that right choice, he was blessed with a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. Do we stand our ground? Do we persistently and consistently insist to follow Jesus? If we do; we will be blessed too.