Distressed or JUST Upset!

1 Kings 17:8-24
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." 13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' " 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?" 19 And he said to her, "Give me your son." So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." 22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, "See, your son lives!" 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth." 



How many opportunities to we get to help another person out during a day, week or even a month? In reading the above, seeing a woman give that of which she had so little of, became much in the hands of the prophet! When Elijah came to her, she was gathering what little she had and adding the needed sticks for the fire to bake her meager portion of bread. The prophet told her to prepare without fear, a portion and bring to him first. Yikes, what little only to give to someone else. What was this prophet thinking? Yet, she obeyed him, and prepared the small cake from it first and brought it to him, and then she and her son ate. And it was as the prophet spoke. "The bin of flour shall not be used up, not shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth."

Every year about this time, I always recall a lady who had three daughters. While working at the gym, I encountered her and learned she was far from family and friends. It was late in November of 2003, and her husband had been sent to the northwest to work for this well known company. He was good at his work and was considered valuable there. In this relocation of coming across an entire country, brings one to those thoughts of loneliness and distress or despair. Although they had two healthy daughters ranging in ages of 3-6 years of age, the baby had been born with severe allergy to most foods and formulas for a baby to have. Whatever went into that little tummy, would have a bad outcome to her causing much abdominal pain and gas. She would cry out in her distress and pain. The mother was alone at times to care for the children, as the husband had to fly overseas and her only time away from home was the gym. 

She would appear at the door of the establishment. Although very tired and pale looking, she would present the baby to whoever was at the desk, make her apologies of the baby's pain and tears, and make her way toward the locker room to change. She always told whoever was at the desk that they could come and get her if it "was just too much crying for them to handle." "She said she understood the crying was non-stop and very loud and painful to hear for long periods. " 

The supervisor would tell the Mom to be at peace, exercise and rest while she could, and just come back when she was ready. The limit of time for any child or baby was two hours, and the Mom always appeared right on time to get the child. Off she would go, with much thanks rolling from her like a torrent of water that runs along a gorge. In two days, she would be back looking tired and haggard again.

After about two months of seeing the baby and hearing her terrifying cries, the Dr. was trying out some new rice formulas but alas, they did not work. Again, one could hear those cries all over the gym. About a year after the baby's birth, the specialists were finding things the child could have with much less pain and agony. She began to grow somewhat more quiet with her new schedules of feedings and much more activity of playing and not just being held anymore. Another year went by, and now the child had a sweet smile on her face. She had a laugh that was beautiful to hear. And her mother, well, she could come to the gym and enjoy some time to herself, and work out without any fear of someone coming to get her because of the crying baby!

One day while in a supermarket picking up a few things to add for an evening meal, I heard this cry. I recognized it as the small child we would see at the gym. But this cry was more like just being upset! Yes, I like many others had grown accustomed to her "cry" of distress. But now this cry represented a small one who was just upset at something within the boundary of the store. As I checked out with the cashier, and walked out those sliding doors, I could still hear that cry!

Years passed, and one day the Mom came to say they were moving back to the East Coast. What her husband had come to do had been accomplished. They would be leaving and before they did, they would be coming in to give a farewell to those within the gym and the childcare department. It was a difficult moment. She came in with all three girls. They wanted to thank everyone there, but particularly two who would hold that baby for hour each while she exercised, gained her composure to fight another battle with stomach cramps and pains of a tiny baby. She shed tears of thankfulness and great love for those who gave of what they had within them. She was gracious indeed and I will never forget her or those three fine young ladies.

Today, I reflect on that which this mother had in feeding her son. I wonder at the pain they both might have experienced and looking at what remained to keep them alive was so little and somewhat bleak. The prophet said, "please bring me a little water in a cup". Yes, she was off to get the water, but then a demand came for a morsel of bread.

What we hold in our hands can certainly help another person! What we regard as lack or even in famine still has value that can be given for one in need. Sometimes people just need to know that they are not alone. As with this mother and her son, it would prove to her advantage when her son would fall dead some time later.

What we see happen for another, God will see to it that it will be done for us, for our family. What I experienced was a baby who could not be comforted, but she knew we would not leave her alone in all that pain. For the mother, she came to know that she too was not alone, and that someone would be there to help. Sometimes people just need a moment of our time, not a lecture, not some great advice, but just be there. Just show up for that job, and see who needs that hug, maybe a card to encourage, maybe a joke or two to lighten the day for them, and then remind them that they are not alone in this moment of anguish, distress..........in a day of more of the same, when we, as the children of God, can bring light, bring hope, bring laughter to a somewhat turn down day for some.

If I could just in this moment help you see that what you have right now will help another. What you can give right now, is greater and of more value to one who has lack in some area of life.
What we can share, speak or even pray can help another see that God is with us. In that moment of time, when all is set and done, and it is time to leave, will we hear,  "Now by this I know that you are a man (or woman) of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."

There may be an "Amanda" or maybe an Adam in your life. He or she may need some extra love and care today. Find that someone who needs that hug, a hand-up, and lift them in a way that will help them see God in you. You will touch their heart, change their life, and bring you to a place that You CAN SEE GOD!

Our character is seen when we respond to something out of control. In spiritual health, one is hinged on hearing the good news which brings health to us. It is of utmost importance that we remain the loyal, those who speak truth, tolerant of others, have that loving nature, and traits of one who is the patient and determined.

Father, we desire to be Your Witnesses forever. Help us to see where we should declare without hesitation that True Word that brings faith and hope. We desire our lives to be that which is the reverent before You Lord, obeying truth always, and to glorify Jesus, so that our faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21) Help us to target that which must be corrected that hinders us from being a "help" to others. May we be those who are the trees of righteousness, for the healing of the nations. It is in Jesus' name and to His praise and glory. Amen!

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Is there a Ziba in Your Life?

What do you usually think of when you think of King David or any given leader over a ministry?
As for me, I keep one question to how each keeps a committed heart, as we see with David. For the answer to David's commitment was continuing no matter the transgression, the peril, the personal loss, what he started as a young boy caring for sheep, he continued to carry a strong core belief and trust that God was with him. He ended up king over millions of people.
I bring you to David and his heart for others!
In 2 Samuel 9, we find David asking about anyone who was left of the house of Saul.



2 Samuel 9...........9:1 Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" 2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" And he said, "At your service!" 3 Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." 4 So the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar."

5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!" 7 So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." 8 Then he bowed himself, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?"

9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given to your master's son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10 You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master's son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread at my table always." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do." "As for Mephibosheth," said the king, "he shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons." 12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet. NKJV

aaaah.......but now we have a Ziba added to the mix! It is in the verses of 2-11 that we find Ziba. And he appears to be willing to be at David's service. But when we continue to read in 2 Samuel 16:1-4, we find some wickedness in Ziba.

2 Samuel 16:1-4.............16:1 When David was a little past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who met him with a couple of saddled donkeys, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, "What do you mean to do with these?" So Ziba said, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink." 3 Then the king said, "And where is your master's son?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.' " 4 So the king said to Ziba, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours." And Ziba said, "I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!" NKJV

Ziba had planned evil, and put Mephibosheth in the middle of that evil. Ziba told David that this crippled son of Jonathan had planned to see the kingdom of Saul return to him. We find in all this, first, David did not find out the truth to all of this that Ziba was speaking. And in second place, David gave all that was suppose to be Mephibosheth's is now in Ziba's family. Yes, David acted too quickly without finding the truth about what was being spoken about, and that was believing that Mephibosheth was wanting the kingdom.  With the uprising of Absalom and his men, David believed the best place for him at the time was to leave Jerusalem. It was at that time, Ziba schemed to take supplies out to David and those who were with him. But when asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba lied about Mephibosheth and that Mephibosheth wanted the kingdom and David believed that Mephibosheth was siding with Abasalom.

After much time passing and Abasalom dead, David rides back into Jerusalem to take his reign as king again. It was then that David started to find out truth. Mephibosheth had not shaved or bathed, washed his clothes nor had taken care of his feet. Mephibosheth stayed within the home and the king's table in support of David and David only.
As David asked questions, he saw Ziba's heart. He asked why Mephibosheth had not ridden out to meet him and the other men. David found that Ziba told Mephibosheth to stay back. That his going would be of no useful help to David. Mephibosheth told David how Ziba had lied to him.

Ziba now was the slanderer, the deceiver. Ziba was going to extort to get other people's possessions. The most powerful thing in all this, was that David had given kindness to the "crippled". David had compassion on other family member's of Jonathan and it helped Mephibosheth to come into a being with others, and making a difference for others, like he had seen David do for himself! No where do we find any complaint out of Mephibosheth's mouth.
Then in  2 Samuel 19:24-30, we find the fate of Ziba! David divided the land equally. Even though David found guilty of believing the lie, he gave to both in equal terms. He, David, kept to his word to Ziba though it cost David to not know the truth in the situation. And one thing was evident, Mephibosheth, was happier and grew stronger in knowing the Lord was with him. Ziba grew more bitter and unhappy. There are Ziba's who desire much possessions and will do anything to get it. There are Ziba's who plot to do evil to gain much, either because they think more possessions will make them happier or that they will gain status if other's see their wealth.

One thing to take from this, is that David could move in and out of Jerusalem and in and out of the city with those would walk with him and believe God for justice. David was content in life and that came from knowing God and having the relationship vital for a king to have.

In my own walk with the Lord, I am happy with HIM, wherever we might be and whatever we might be doing for His kingdom. Truly the Lord knows those who are His.


2 Timothy 2:19..............19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. NKJV

Wherever you go in this life, you will always find those jockeying for a position. They will be the "Ziba" who will easily throw out innuendos. They are those who will insinuate, hint or even suggest something evil against you. But when we stand with the Lord and do His will, we know that we can stand knowing that He will see justice done for us as well as for the Ziba.

Father, just as You sent Jesus into the world, You have sent me. You are ever with me for I always seek to that which pleases YOU!
In the name of Jesus, Father thank You that we are free from the fear of man which brings a snare. Today I pray that we all would lean on You, trust in You, and put our confidence in You for we are safe and set on high. Today, You know those that are Yours, and they ever seek to please You wherever they go. I pray that You would help us to hear both sides of a story before making a decision about anything. Help us to see those who are against us and help us to hear wisdom. Like David, may we have opportunity to bless those on our pathway. I pray that we would know that we are Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, and we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We will bear with others and forgive whatever grievances we may have against anyone.
Father, You are the Supreme Authority. Today we submit our will to you that we would find protection and dwell in the secret place of the Most High God. Your will be done in our lives today as it is in heaven. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV