How many of you actually want the Spirit of God in their lives at all times? I ask this since most people are just fine with their current lifestyle and do not wish to change a thing. The generation we live in is no longer hungering for God and His righteousness to be in them. Instead, they love what they have and their sins also. Because sin prevails in these types of people, God is not their defense and the Holy Spirit is absent from their midst. However, if you are reading this message, then maybe you are different. Maybe you are like Elisha, who saw what Elijah was doing and asked, 1“I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9) He saw that God was doing an amazing work in his life and he also wanted to be used by God in an even greater way. This is an awesome desire and something God is hoping everyone would desire for themselves. I have this desire to be used by God every day, every hour, and every minute of each day. God is my strength and I know exactly what Elisha desired, for I also long to have God’s presence with me always. It was in 2 Kings 2, that after Elisha asked this of Elijah, that 1“there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.” (2 Kings 2:11-14) Wow, God’s power did come upon Elisha. So amazing.
It was then that 1“the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.” (2 Kings 2:15,16) However, these people did not believe that God took Elijah up into heaven and looked and looked for him for three days straight and did not find him. It was then that he performed his second miracle, the first being that he dividing the waters in half. It reads, 1“and the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.” (2 Kings 2:19-22) He was then mocked by a variety of kids on streets, of which I experience all the time as a street evangelist. It reads, 1“there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.” (2 Kings 2:23-24) Wow! What people must know is that God’s servants have His power in them, so messing with them is messing with God.
Let us pray:
Oh lord, I pray that people will desire to have the Holy Spirit in their lives. That this thought of having You with them at all times would actually reside in their hearts. I know that this will take a miracle for most people, but I pray that there are still some people who are willing to do this. You are looking for those who are broken and humble of heart, and who need a Savior. These desire mercy and forgiveness, along with a better life. They are tired of finding temporary joy which only leads to guilt and shame. Lord, narrow is the gate which leads to life eternal and I pray that more people will desire to go through it. Take them out of the wide gate that they are traveling through right now. That You may lead them in the ways that are righteous. Once people experience the type of joy that they can gain while in the Spirit, they will never look back. Even Your very elect will want a double portion of Your spiritual gifts in their lives. These are those that saved and desire to also share the good news of the gospel message with their friends. For how can we be saved and not want to tell anyone else that You can save their lives also. As I’ve read in scripture, we are the light of the world. This is speaking to those who believe in and also live their lives for You. We don’t hide our faith under a bushel but shine our lights for all people to see. This is a dark world that we live in today, but so many people’s lives can still be impacted for the good. If they would just allow You to light up their lives, amazing things would start to happen for them and others around them. I am talking about people who desire to be made alive in You and not be found wanting any longer. Your ways are so good, but only a few people can see this. I just wish that there would be more people saved from the power of Satan and no longer be on the path which leads to hell. Your ways are holy, but also leads us safe way to heaven. Who will follow You is the question? As for me, I will follow You until the end of my days. I am nothing without You in my life. I love You more than anything else. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
