Inspirational Thought of the Day:
There is a quest for “more” that God approves of – especially when it is spent on others for His glory.
Scripture of the Day:
2 Kings 2:9
“When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘What can I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha answered, ‘May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.'”
When I was twelve, a quarter was very important. It was the difference between doing laundry or not. For my mom and I, every penny counted during that time. I confess I felt remorse and guilt at spending two quarters on a video game at a Pic Quik store across the street that made my mom cry.
In those lean times, we learned to economize and be grateful for what we had. My mom met someone special and one of his favorite things to do was to go out to eat, and one of my favorites was when he said, “Let’s go to Baskin Robbins”. This was amazing to me.
A visit to an expensive ice cream place (sorry to bust on Baskin Robbins), was amazing to me. When it came my turn to order, it all looked so good. I just could not decide, so I asked for a double scoop. Hmmm . . . the good ol’ days when I could get a double scoop. Not so much now, my metabolism has caught up with me.
Wait a minute . . . I interrupt myself to say that there might be a connection between yesterday’s blog and today’s, both having food as a source of delight – hmmm – could I be dieting again? But I digress . . .
Being greedy or gluttonous in the area of food might add to the Gluteus Maximus if you know what I mean. But there is a quest for more that God approves – especially when it is spent on others for His glory.
Elisha desperately did not want his mentor – his brother and discipler – Elijah to leave. Who would? When asked what Elijah could do for him, Elisha asked for a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energized Elijah.
Elisha was not asking for His glory, power or fame. He wanted the relationship with God that Elijah had. He knew He would need God’s grace to continue in the work God gave him to do. With all that Elijah did, who could fathom what a double portion would be? And what prompted such a desire?
In Old Testament times, the firstborn son was the inheritor of the “double portion”. Elijah was like a father to Elisha and Elisha wanted the spiritual inheritance from his father. What a great request – smart – kind of like Solomon asking for wisdom instead of riches.
Elisha saw His need of God to accomplish the ministry before Him, and he spent that double portion lavishly on God and His people, not for himself. Though there was this incident with mocking youngsters who kind of got mauled by a bear for calling him, “baldie” . . . so Elisha wasn’t perfect . . . but He hungered after God.
We aren’t so perfect, either. All the more reason to ask God to grant us a double portion spiritually that we might have energy, strength, wisdom and grace to serve God and His people with all our heart, mind, body and soul.
Oh God, may You grant a double portion to those who read this blog post today and to me, as well. Enable us to impart faithfully what You have given. Each talent, every gift You have so generously given – poured out and spent all for You.
Denise,
I love when you share personal stories on your blog. You tie them in to scripture with great wisdom. I appreciate your commitment to blogging.
Thanks, Sheila! May He take all my life and use it for His glory! Thanks for stopping by!
Love your post. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Kelly!
I to am on the diet cycle. More importantly I am reading daily scripture that you provided. I have never been so convicted on my lack of knowledge and not being in the word. I feel so blessed to have opened a new chapter in my life that can only enhance my love for our Lord and savior.
Praise God! Keep going, Lisa! It will be worth it, and God is faithful to reward those who earnestly seek Him! Thanks for joining and reading!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Your story about how important a quarter was while growing up is so important. Then to provide the scriptural references brought it all together in a wonderful way. We learn so much when we look back at our lives.
Andy, don’t we? Sometimes we might not like the learning process, but God is so faithful to use it all. Thanks for sharing!
Your story about how important a quarter was while growing up is so important. Then to provide the scriptural references brought it all together in a wonderful way. We learn so much when we look back at our lives.
Andy, don’t we? Sometimes we might not like the learning process, but God is so faithful to use it all. Thanks for sharing!
Great message Denise. Would I have asked for a double portion from Elijah, or for wisdom, like Solomon? Honestly, I’m not certain that I would. That’s why staying in the Word is so critical. Daily reminders on our journey. Bless you for your faithfulness.
Great insight, Emily. 🙂 We desperately need God and His Word. Thank you for reading, friend.
I enjoyed reading this post in how you related scripture to your childhood. It was a big deal when we were brought out for ice cream too.
YES! What was your favorite flavor? I could never decide between Pralines and Cream and Daquiri Ice. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and reminiscing with me.
I remember liking black raspberry ice cream. It was purple and we got it at the dairy farm that is now a luxury housing development. Then, there was the Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen. I loved the hot fudge and peanuts I’d find at the bottom. The good old times when we had no worries!
I enjoyed reading this post in how you related scripture to your childhood. It was a big deal when we were brought out for ice cream too.
YES! What was your favorite flavor? I could never decide between Pralines and Cream and Daquiri Ice. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and reminiscing with me.
I remember liking black raspberry ice cream. It was purple and we got it at the dairy farm that is now a luxury housing development. Then, there was the Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen. I loved the hot fudge and peanuts I’d find at the bottom. The good old times when we had no worries!
Yum! It is the simple pleasures in life that often are more meaningful. 🙂
I forgot all about this passage about Elijah and Elisha. Don’t we need that double portion. Maybe not in ice cream, but for God’s help and strength as we minister in His name.
Amen! Asking Him for it daily, that I may serve Him well. Thanks for stopping in! God bless!
I forgot all about this passage about Elijah and Elisha. Don’t we need that double portion. Maybe not in ice cream, but for God’s help and strength as we minister in His name.
Amen! Asking Him for it daily, that I may serve Him well. Thanks for stopping in! God bless!