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Nate taught from 2 Kings 5 that pride can keep us stuck while humility opens the door to God's healing and grace. Naaman's story shows us that breakthrough often starts with boldness and that true healing requires laying down our pride. Pride distorts our perspective, but God promises His favor to the humble calling us to stop striving to prove ourselves and instead walk in the freedom only Christ can give. Breakthrough often starts with boldnessHealing requires humilityPride distorts your perspective Life Group Discussion:Can you share a time when someone else's boldness impacted your faith journey?What are some areas in your life where pride has kept you from taking a step God was calling you to?Where do you see pride trying to distort your perspective right now—in relationships, work, or faith?
Nate taught from 2 Kings 5 that pride can keep us stuck while humility opens the door to God's healing and grace. Naaman's story shows us that breakthrough often starts with boldness and that true healing requires laying down our pride. Pride distorts our perspective, but God promises His favor to the humble calling us to stop striving to prove ourselves and instead walk in the freedom only Christ can give. Breakthrough often starts with boldnessHealing requires humilityPride distorts your perspective Life Group Discussion:Can you share a time when someone else's boldness impacted your faith journey?What are some areas in your life where pride has kept you from taking a step God was calling you to?Where do you see pride trying to distort your perspective right now—in relationships, work, or faith?
This weeks show starts off with with music from Burning Spear, The Heptones, Dennis Brown, The Mighty Fantels, Earth & Stone, The Mighty Diamonds, The Revolutionaries, Culture, The Gladiators, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Barry Brown, Ronnie Davis, Lee Scratch Perry, Johnny Clarke and Jah Stitch, Freddie McKay, Jimmy London, Wayne Jarrett, Frankie Paul, Richard Ace & The Sons Of Ace, Earl Bengiman, Carlton Livingston, Cocoa Tea, and Black Uhuru. New music this week comes from Yeza & Rory Stonelove, Vanzo, Eesah & Little Lion Sound, Clinton Fearon, Indra, The Co-Operators, Cultural Warriors & Johnny Osbourne, Double Tiger with Sly & Robbie, Roots Architects, The Breadwinners, Roll & Record with Lasai, Elastica Dub, Zion Marley, Rocky Dawuni and Cedella Marley, Heavyweight Rock and Jemere Morgan, Tony Chin, L'Entourloop with Joe Yorke, Fatbabs, and Earl 16 with Mafia & Fluxy. Enjoy! Burning Spear - Jah Is My Driver - Farover - Heartbeat Records The Heptones - Everyday Life - Deep In The Roots - Heartbeat Records Dennis Brown - Milk & Honey - Visions Of Dennis Brown - VP Records Mighty Fantels & The Revolutionaries - Everywhere - Roots From The Yard 7” Earth & Stone - Three Wise Men/Knowledge - Kool Roots - Pressure Sounds The Revolutionaries - Toothache - Island Presents Dub: 38 Hard & Heavy Dub Cuts - Island Records Mighty Diamonds - Dreadlocks Time - Deeper Roots: Back To The Channel - Virgin/Frontline Culture - Pirate Days - Two Sevens Clash: The 30th Anniversary Edition - Shanachie The Gladiators - Nyahbingi Marching On/Nyahbingi Marching On Version - Roots Natty - Tabou 1 Bob Marley & The Wailers - Exodus - Exodus - Tuff Gong Barry Brown - Give A Helping Hand - Love & Protection - Radiation Roots Ronnie Davis & The Tennors - Tradition - Sings Hits From Studio One & More - Rhino Records Lee Scratch Perry - Night Doctor - Lee Perry At Wirl Records - Kingston Sounds Johnny Clarke - Sinners Repent - King InThe Arena - Culture Press Jah Stitch - Sinners Repent Your Soul - Original Ragga Muffin 1975-1977 - Blood & Fire Freddie McKay - I Man - Roots From The Yard 7” Jimmy London - It Ain't Easy - Zion Land - Culture Press Wayne Jarrett - Bubble Up - Showcase Vol. 1 - Wackies Frankie Paul - Gunshot - Sizzling - VP Records Richard Ace & The Sons Of Ace - Living On The Edge - Family - Earl Bengiman - Health & Sorrow - Negus Roots Carlton Livingston - 100 Weight Of Collie Weed - Hi Grade Ganja Anthems - Greensleeves Yeza & RoryStonelove - Heavy Weight - Star Of The East - RoryStonelove/Black Dub Music Yaadcore - Reggaeland - Reggaeland - Delicious Vinyl Island Cocoa Tea - We Do The Killing - Reggae Anthology: The Sweet Sound Of Cocoa Tea - VP Records Black Uhuru - Party Next Door/Party In Session - Liberation: The Island Anthology - Island Records Vanzo - String Up A Sound - Evidence Music Eesah & Little Lion Sound w/ Groovewax - Big & Bad - Evidence Music Suns Of Dub & Sleepy Time Ghost feat. Shumba Youth & Jah Bami - Riding East - Suns Of Dub Stephen Marley feat. Damian Marley - Tight Ship - Revelation Part 1: The Root Of Life - Ghetto Youths International Clinton Fearon - It Go So - Jah Is Love - Baco Music/Boogie Brown Productions Indra - The Little Things - Reality Shock Records The Co-Operators feat. Dennison Joseph - More Fire - Sounds From The Fridge - Waggle Dance Records The Co-Operators feat. Dennison Joseph - Bring Down Fire - Dub Over Yonder - Waggle Dance Records Roaring Lamb - Rasistance - Roaring Lamb Cultural Warriors & The Disciples feat. Johnny Osbourne - Inflation - The Remixes Showcase - Evidence Music Double Tiger Meets Sly & Robbie - Yearning - Easy Star Records Keith & Tex - Tonight - Redux - Soulbeats Joe Yorke & The Co-Operators - Last Nights Tune - A Distant Beat - Waggle Dance Records The Co-Operators feat. Joe Yorke - Last Nights Dub - Dub Over Yonder - Waggle Dance Records Roots Architects feat. Dwight Pinkney & Dean Fraser - 45 Charles Street Dub - From Dub Til Now - Fruits Records King Tubby - Dub Ites, Green & Gold - King Tubby & Friends: Dub Like Dirt 1975-1977 - Blood & Fire Augustus Pablo - East Of The River Nile - The Rockers Story: The Mystic World Of Augustus Pablo - Shanachie Brad Osbourne - Storm & Lightening - Rockers Almighty Dub - Clocktower The Breadwinners - Yard Vibes - Hi Dynamic Instrumental & Dub - Breadwinners Records Jerry Johnson - Rockers - Strength & Wisdom - Jerry Johnson Music Michael Prophet & Roots Radics - Righteous Are The Conqueror/Conqueror Dub - Iration Steppas: Dubs From The Foundation - Greensleeves Roll & Record feat. Lasai w/William Spring & Conscious Sounds - Guide Over Us/Dub Over Us - Roll & Record Elastica Dub - Rootsland - Dubophonic Records Little Kirk - Weed Them Out/Weed Them Out Dub Version - Real Rock Records Voice Of Progress & Jah Bernord - Mini Bus Driver/Can't Take The Fussing On The Bus - Negus Roots Zion Marley - Marching - Zion Marley Enterprises Rocky Dawuni feat. Cedella Marley - I Got A Song - Aquarian Music Heavyweight Rockaz feat. Jemere Morgan - Kool Runninz - Notis Records Tony Chin - Rub A Dub - Tony Chin Music L'Entourloop feat. Joe Yorke - Rocksteady - Evidence Music Vanzo - People Jumping - Evidence Music Fatbabs feat. Naaman & Davojah - Rambo - This Love Is Forever - Big Scoop Records Alborosie - One Chord - Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets The Wailers United - VP Records Stephen Marley feat. Damian Marley & Buju Banton - Jah Army - Revelation Part 1: The Root Of Life - Ghetto Youths International Earl 16 - Tribute To Jah Shaka - The Great Warrior Riddim - Gaffa Blue Mafia & Fluxy - The Great Warrior Riddim - The Great Warrior Riddim - Gaffa Blue
Can a child really make a difference in a world of suffering, injustice, and spiritual darkness? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the unforgettable story of a young Israelite girl whose single sentence sets off a miraculous chain of events. Captured in war and forced into slavery, this nameless girl lives in the home of a powerful Syrian general named Naaman. Her decision to speak up, to care, and to point him toward the living God, becomes the turning point in his life—and a powerful reminder for you today. You'll learn that effective witnessing doesn't require a platform or pedigree. What it takes is compassion, faith, and courage. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a professional, you'll see how God can use your life to speak eternal truth. Discover the heart of God through the words of a child, and find encouragement to speak boldly, love deeply, and trust fully—no matter your circumstances.
Can a child really make a difference in a world of suffering, injustice, and spiritual darkness? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the unforgettable story of a young Israelite girl whose single sentence sets off a miraculous chain of events. Captured in war and forced into slavery, this nameless girl lives in the home of a powerful Syrian general named Naaman. Her decision to speak up, to care, and to point him toward the living God, becomes the turning point in his life—and a powerful reminder for you today. You'll learn that effective witnessing doesn't require a platform or pedigree. What it takes is compassion, faith, and courage. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a professional, you'll see how God can use your life to speak eternal truth. Discover the heart of God through the words of a child, and find encouragement to speak boldly, love deeply, and trust fully—no matter your circumstances.
What stands between you and God's grace? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the story of Naaman—a decorated Syrian general whose impossible situation brought him face to face with a greater power. Though respected, wealthy, and celebrated, Naaman was still a leper. When told that healing could come from Israel's prophet, he set off with silver, gold, and political letters—ready to earn a miracle. But grace doesn't work that way. Stephen unpacks Naaman's journey from pride to humility, from resistance to surrender. Along the way, you'll see how the same two lies still deceive us today: that spiritual healing can be bought, and that God's way can be replaced by our own. Naaman had to dip in the muddy Jordan River—not once, but seven times—to discover that salvation comes on God's terms, not ours. This message offers powerful lessons for anyone wrestling with pride, religious effort, or the desire to earn God's approval. If you've ever thought you had to clean yourself up before coming to God, this episode is for you. Grace is not for sale. Salvation is not a reward. But for those who come by faith, it is freely given—and eternally secure.
What stands between you and God's grace? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the story of Naaman—a decorated Syrian general whose impossible situation brought him face to face with a greater power. Though respected, wealthy, and celebrated, Naaman was still a leper. When told that healing could come from Israel's prophet, he set off with silver, gold, and political letters—ready to earn a miracle. But grace doesn't work that way. Stephen unpacks Naaman's journey from pride to humility, from resistance to surrender. Along the way, you'll see how the same two lies still deceive us today: that spiritual healing can be bought, and that God's way can be replaced by our own. Naaman had to dip in the muddy Jordan River—not once, but seven times—to discover that salvation comes on God's terms, not ours. This message offers powerful lessons for anyone wrestling with pride, religious effort, or the desire to earn God's approval. If you've ever thought you had to clean yourself up before coming to God, this episode is for you. Grace is not for sale. Salvation is not a reward. But for those who come by faith, it is freely given—and eternally secure.
# Miracles Week 9: The Power of Humility In our ongoing series on miracles, we delve into the story of Naaman from **2 Kings 5:1-19**. This narrative is a compelling illustration of how humility can create space for divine intervention, while pride can obstruct it. ## The Story of Naaman Naaman, a revered commander of the army of Aram, was a man of great power and prestige. However, he suffered from leprosy, a condition that no amount of status or wealth could cure. This story is not just about his physical healing but a profound transformation of his heart. ### Key Themes - **Humility vs. Pride**: The sermon emphasizes that humility opens the door for God to act in our lives. Naaman's journey underscores this truth as his initial pride prevents him from accepting the simple solution offered by the prophet Elisha. It is only through humbling himself and obeying God's directive to wash in the Jordan River that he finds healing. - **God's Use of the Humble**: A pivotal character in Naaman's story is a nameless, enslaved Hebrew girl who suggests that Naaman seek out the prophet in Samaria. Her humble, compassionate whisper sets the miracle in motion, highlighting how God often uses the overlooked and powerless to achieve His purposes. - **Divine Healing and Transformation**: Naaman's healing is not just physical but spiritual. His willingness to obey the simple, humble command to wash in the Jordan signifies a surrender that leads to a deeper transformation. The story illustrates that true healing involves a change of heart and a recognition of God's sovereignty. ## Lessons from Naaman's Journey 1. **Pride Obstructs Divine Grace**: Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions is one of anger and pride. His expectation of a grand gesture reflects a common human tendency to value status and spectacle over simple obedience. **Proverbs 16:18** warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," a truth evident in Naaman's journey. 2. **The Role of Humility in Healing**: Naaman's story teaches that healing and redemption begin when pride ends. The simple act of washing in the Jordan becomes a symbol of his humility and obedience, leading to his restoration. 3. **God's Sovereignty in Healing**: The narrative demonstrates that God's methods may seem simple or beneath us, but they are effective. Naaman's transformation from a proud commander to a humble worshiper of the true God is a testament to the power of God's grace. ## Conclusion Naaman's story is a powerful reminder that God's miracles often require us to lay down our pride and embrace humility. As we reflect on this narrative, we are encouraged to consider the areas in our lives where pride may be hindering us from experiencing God's full blessings. By stepping into the metaphorical Jordan River of our lives, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. In closing, remember the words from **James 4:10**: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Let us strive to live lives marked by humility, allowing God to work His miracles in and through us.
Have you ever followed what God asked of you and still felt like nothing changed? This message explores what happens when we obey God, even when there are no results in sight. • Elijah's servant kept searching when nothing showed up.• Naaman nearly missed his miracle because the method felt beneath him.• The Sons of Sceva tried to fake spiritual authority and got exposed.Obedience does more than keep us from sin. It leads us into the kind of breakthrough we cannot manufacture on our own. Watch now and be encouraged to trust the process even when it doesn't make sense.-----------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49460766Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!#sermon #church #christianity
Sermon by Bryce Kittinger on Sunday, July 27th at Chenal Valley Church.
Message - Pastor Paul I. KimElisha Story: Christlike Prophet 5"Path of Miracle: Healing of Naaman"2 Kings 5:1-14
Hear how Naaman started out prideful but humbled himself to do Something Great from 2 Kings 5 scripture.
Pastor Kevin digs into the power of humility through the story of Naaman. Discover how pride can block healing and why simple, humble obedience opens the door to transformation. Discover the pathway to true relational and spiritual healing.Scriptures Referenced2 Kings 5:1-27 ; Proverbs 13:10, 16:18; Philippians 2:3-5, 2:8; James 4:6Key InsightsJesus Christ's move in your life is what makes your story great.Sometimes healing looks humble, simple, and uncomfortable.Every miracle God does is to point you to HIm.Pride is often mistaken for strength, but it's poison.Healing follows humility.Naaman made the right choice after he got angry and walked away.The greatest healing you will ever receive is not physical - it's relational.Humility is the pathway for relational healing.Prayer TargetsPlease join us in prayer for:A hunger for the Word.Tears for the lost.Testimonies to share.Get sermons delivered automatically: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Your Favorite Podcast AppWe would love it if you would consider joining us in person for one of our Sunday gatherings.Gathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 Additional ResourcesConnect online: Download our appVisit our website at SpringhouseSmryna.com.Subscribe on YouTubeGiving: Online tithes and offeringsJoin us online: LivestreamLearn what we believe.Find out what ministries we support.Discover Springhouse Theatre CompanyCCLI License 2070006
In this message, Pastor Emlen Bailey shares on Jesus' invitation to ask, seek, and knock—a divine call to persistent, expectant prayer and wholehearted pursuit of God.➡️ ASK – God invites us to boldly request what we need. Sometimes, unanswered prayers are actually His mercy protecting us from what we think we want.➡️ SEEK – Like the bleeding woman or Naaman, miracles often follow the ones willing to investigate, press in, and surrender their pride. What are you willing to give up to see breakthrough?➡️ KNOCK – Real faith keeps knocking. With shameless audacity, with wrestling perseverance like Jacob, we knock until doors open.This is more than a formula—it's an invitation into deeper relationship with a good Father who longs to give good gifts to His children.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) During a visit to the Pacific Northwest several years ago, I met a man who told me he’d been heavily into alcohol and drugs. His marriage, he said, had been hanging by a thread. One day, he loaded a gun, planning to kill himself. Then he turned on the TV. There on the screen was a Harvest Crusade, where I was sharing a message called, “How to Get Right with God.” The man said, “God began to speak to me. When you led those people in prayer, I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life.” After he found Christ, the man realized he needed to reconcile with his father. So, he rode his motorcycle across the country to see his dad. That’s a long ride on a motorcycle. That sounds like a conversion to me. That sounds like a man who had met God, because there was a change in his life. That’s a familiar pattern in Scripture: have a personal encounter with the Lord and then find that your life is changed as a result. In 2 Kings 5, after the military commander Naaman was healed from his leprosy, he immediately rejected all idols and wanted to show his gratitude with a gift. In Acts 9, after Saul encountered Jesus on his way to arrest Christians, he changed the entire trajectory of his life. He became a leader of the people he had been persecuting. In Acts 16, after the Philippian jailer became a believer, he washed the backs of the prisoners he had previously whipped. And in Luke 19, after the tax collector Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he vowed to give half his wealth to the poor and repay the people he’d cheated four times what he owed them. Let’s be clear: None of these people changed so that they could make themselves good enough for the Lord. They didn’t earn their salvation or righteousness with their good deeds. The change came after their encounter with the Lord, as a result of His impact on their life. The apostle Paul—the man known as Saul in Acts 9—wrote, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). After you give your life to Christ, your next step is to foster this new person and embrace the changes that will occur in your life. The Holy Spirit, who takes up residence inside you when you receive Christ, will guide you in this step. He will remind you that certain attitudes, habits, and routines are part of your old life. He will help you adjust to the changes that Jesus initiates. He will help you enjoy the “rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) that only Jesus offers. Reflection question: What has changed in your life since you became a believer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us as we explore the powerful story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-14 — a man of great power, but also great need. In this message, "Obedience is the Key," we uncover how Naaman's healing didn't come through pride, position, or wealth—but through simple, humble obedience to God's word.This sermon will challenge you to trust God even when the path forward seems unusual or uncomfortable. Whether you're facing a personal battle, seeking direction, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your faith, this message reminds us that obedience opens the door to God's power and healing.
Sunday Sermon - Elisha Sermon Series
Naaman was a powerful military leader brought low by a physical affliction and asked to take a humbling, simple step of obedience to receive healing from God. His story reminds us that godly courage often begins where we feel the most powerless and that courage grows best in places of humility, often through the simplest of actions. God invites us to take those simple steps of courage — and often, to let others help us along the way.
Marty Solomon concludes our 3 sermon mini-series with Elijah and Elisha by taking a look at the story of Elisha and Naaman.
Pastor Viny unpacks the powerful story of Naaman and an unsung hero: a young, nameless Israelite slave girl. Her unwavering grace, compassion, faith, generosity, and missionary heart led to a life-changing miracle, proving that profound impact often comes from unexpected places.Discover how her spirit, despite her circumstances, challenges us to be a blessing right where we are.
In this Bible Story, we learn of Naaman's new found love for God and desire to bless the people of God. However, Elisha's servant Gehazi's heart changes for the worse, as he descends into a cycle of greed and treachery. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 5:15-27. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 5:27 from the King James Version.Episode 134: Israel was at war once again, this time against the King of Aram. However, the God of Israel, who knows all, would inform Elisha of what the King of Aram was planning and Elisha would, in turn, inform his King. This constant outmaneuvering irritated the King of Aram and he sent soldiers to hunt for Elisha. When the army of Aram arrived at Dothan they surrounded Elisha and his servant. But Elisha was unafraid because He could see the armies of heaven surrounding the armies of Aram. So he prayed and God delivered the men of Aram into Samaria, the land of their enemy. But instead of bloodshed, they were given a feast, and God's mercy was revealed to the nations.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Old Testament figure named Naaman appeared to have it all––riches, power, favor. But he encountered a problem he couldn't fix. And through his story we see how God often operates in unexpected or (from a worldly perspective) upside-down ways. Would Naaman (and will we) trust in the solution God offers? Cloud of Witnesses Drew Heindel Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.
The story of Naaman is a powerful reminder that God's path to new life often looks nothing like we expect but leads to everything we need.
Antony Jeffares
This Week at Rise City Church-- Pastor Jeremy takes the stage for the first time and shares part of his personal story, drawing a powerful connection to the biblical account of Naaman. Through this parallel, he explores the theme of obedience to God in difficult circumstances, and how trusting God's plan—no matter how unexpected—leads to something greater than what we could plan for ourselves.
This Week at Rise City Church-- Pastor Jeremy takes the stage for the first time and shares part of his personal story, drawing a powerful connection to the biblical account of Naaman. Through this parallel, he explores the theme of obedience to God in difficult circumstances, and how trusting God's plan—no matter how unexpected—leads to something greater than what we could plan for ourselves.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:1-14 1Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. 2Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. 6He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”8But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha's house. 10Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” 11But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. 13But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean'?” 14So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Psalm: Psalm 30 1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health. 3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. 4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; * give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, * his favor for a lifetime. 6 Weeping may spend the night, * but joy comes in the morning. 7 While I felt secure, I said, “I shall never be disturbed. * You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.” 8 Then you hid your face, * and I was filled with fear. 9 I cried to you, O Lord; * I pleaded with the Lord, saying, 10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? * will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? 11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; * O Lord, be my helper.” 12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; * you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy. 13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; * O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. Old Testament: Isaiah 66:10-14 10Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her— 11that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. 12For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. 13As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies. Psalm: Psalm 66:1-8 1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; * sing the glory of his Name; sing the glory of his praise. 2 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! * because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you. 3 All the earth bows down before you, * sings to you, sings out your Name.” 4 Come now and see the works of God, * how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people. 5 He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot, * and there we rejoiced in him. 6 In his might he rules for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; * let no rebel rise up against him. 7 Bless our God, you peoples; * make the voice of his praise to be heard; 8 Who holds our souls in life, * and will not allow our feet to slip. Epistle: Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 [1My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5For all must carry their own loads. 6Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.] 7Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. 11See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gospel: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 1After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!' 6And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you;9cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.' 16“Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” 17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Join us for the first Sunday of FUN Month at Overflow Church as we dive into 2 Kings 5 and unpack the powerful truth that your presence matters more than you realize. This inspiring message, delivered by our Small Groups Pastor, reminds us that the greatest gift we can give—and receive—is presence.
In this Bible Story, God heals a foreign warrior plagued with leprosy, and who turns down by the King of Israel. Elisha sees this as a perfect opportunity to show all the nations that the Lord is a Lord of healing and power. Naaman is refreshed in the cool water of the Jordan River. As he bathes himself in the river, his sick and dying flesh is replaced with new life. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 5:1-14. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 5:14 from the King James Version.Episode 133: Naaman, now joyfully and powerfully aware of God, rushed to Elisha to proclaim his allegiance to the God of Israel and to give gifts to Elisha. But Elisha would take no gifts for this was a generous act of God. So Naaman departed with dirt from Israel so that he may worship The God of Israel, in his home country. But even in such a moment of joy, evil was at work. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, gave in to his greed and pursued Naaman for gifts of his own. Little did he know that God saw this and made it known to his master. Gehazi and his descendants would be forced to carry the consequences of his actions forever.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Peace of GodPhilippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”The other night was very hard. I knew it was going to be a long night, and so I decided, while it was quiet, I would write a devotional. I only got as far as asking the Lord for a scripture verse that would get me through the night. One that was just what I needed for the situation I was in. When I have done this before, I have had my Bible with me, and I would ask the Lord a question, then ask Him to show me the answer in His Word. Then I would randomly open the Bible and read the pages until I found my answer.Tonight I didn't have my Bible. I mean, I could have gone upstairs to get it, but honestly, I didn't really have the energy to move. So, I wondered how I could randomly search an online Bible, as I did have my computer. I decided to type into the search bar “A scripture verse to help me make it through the night.” And I told the Lord that He knew my exact circumstances, and I asked if He could give me the verse I needed to read or hear.Today's verse is the one that appeared in the search results. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I laughed at first because I thought that was a pretty tall order. Not to be anxious in this situation was definitely difficult, as one of my sons was making poor choices, and there wasn't much we could do about it. However, when I really thought about it, I realized I wasn't anxious. I was mad and I was sad, but I wasn't anxious.This reminded me of a conversation I was having with a friend the day before. When I told her all that was happening, she asked how I was dealing with it all. She asked how I was getting out of bed in the morning. I stopped and thought about it, and the answer was through the grace of God. This is not just something I was saying because I didn't know what else to say. I truly mean it. I can look at the situation and know that God's grace is helping me through it. I can see His hands all over this situation and that makes it easier for me to turn it over to Him.I could absolutely be worrying about my son all day, every day. I could be trying to fix it and trying to make sure all goes smoothly, and I may be doing that more than I need to. I could let this get to me so much that I stay in bed with fear of what might happen or sadness of what has already happened. Yet I am not, and I know that is because God prepared me for this moment. He prepared me for difficult times. There have been so many really hard things that have happened in the last 21 years, and I know that they were all preparation for this moment.I know God will get me through this hard time because He has gotten me through so many other hard times.I know that this addiction will not destroy my son because God has promised me that it won't, and I can trust in His promises. I can wait for God's timing on this because I have waited a really long time for things in the past, and although the wait was never easy, it was always worth it in the end. I always say that I don't know how I developed a deep trust in the Lord. I don't know why I am not more worried about my son. I think this is because we all expect it to be complicated. We expect some difficult formula to show us how to trust in the Lord. I think it is actually so simple that we don't want to believe it. Kind of like the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5.Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. He found out about a prophet in Samaria who could cure him. Long story short Naaman came to Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean'?” So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.We think it must be complicated to follow the Lord. It must be complicated to hear his voice and to know what He wants us to do. It must be complicated to figure out how to hand things over to him and how we can get Him to answer our prayers. We search for the perfect formula or what to do and what to say to make God happy. We search and search for the next thing we can do to earn his love. And yet, it is not complicated. God tells us so simply what to do and yet we don't listen. Jesus told in Matthew 22:37-40, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Love is the answer.I say it is simple, but I don't think it is easy. Loving others is hard, I get that. I know that, trust me, I do. I have loved some people who were doing some pretty terrible things for a very long time. However, the breakthrough didn't happen when I followed all the steps laid out to me in all the various books that I read. A breakthrough also didn't happen when I did all the things the experts and counselors said I needed to do. The breakthrough happened when I did what Jesus said to do, and I poured so much more love into the situation.This verse gives us a formula for peace, and yet I think many of us dismiss it because it isn't more complicated. Let's review the verse again, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In every situation where you are struggling right now, are you doing all that this verse tells us to do? Are you praying to God about it? Have you asked God for exactly what you need? Have you talked with Him about it? Yes, God knows what you need, and yet He also wants us to turn to Him and ask. What about the Thanksgiving part of it? Have you been grateful in this situation? Not necessarily appreciative of the problem, but while going through hard times, there is always something for which we can be thankful. Then it says to present your requests to God. Don't be afraid to ask God for help. Your request is neither too big nor too small. Bring it to Him!The verse ends with “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is how I get out of bed in the morning. This is how I can watch my kids struggle and yet not let it take over every thought in my mind. This is how I can make it through hard times. That doesn't mean I don't have hard days. That doesn't mean I didn't spend a week watching TV recently, just to take my mind off the situation. I am not doing this perfectly, I know that. Yet, I firmly believe with 100% of my being that this will not be forever. This addiction will not get the best of my son. There is a whole, amazingly bright future for him, and God's timing is better than mine. So by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all of us today. Lord, help us to come to you with prayer and petition. Help us to know that you are the creator of the universe, so whatever our problem is, you can handle it! Help us to obey your simple commandments to love God and Love one another. Help us to open our ears, minds, and hearts to you and to truly hear what you are saying to us. Help us not dismiss it because it is too easy. Help us be obedient, Lord. We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. I pray you all have an amazing Fourth of July tomorrow for those of you who live in America! Remember, Jesus loves you, just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
“When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” “I haven't been anywhere,” he replied. But Elisha asked him, “Don't you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.”- 2 Kings 5:25-27 NLT
In this Bible Story, God promises a child to a childless woman to reward her generous spirit. However, when the boy's life was abruptly taken, all hope seems to disappear. Elisha lays over the child's body, and by the grace of God his life was restored. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 4:8-37. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 4:35 from the King James Version.Episode 132: Naaman, a mighty warrior for Syria and beloved by his King, developed leprosy and his days in battle started becoming fewer. When an Israelite slave in Naaman's house heard of his condition, she told of the prophet Elisha and how he could heal her master. At once Naaman requested permission from his king to visit this prophet in Israel. But when Elisha sent word for what he had to do to be clean, Naaman was outraged. However, his servant talked to him gently and he softened his heart to obey. And as he dipped into the waters of the Jordan; his heart and his body were made new.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A little different kind of sermon for Sunday. I'm gonna talk a little bit about what Jesus said about the heart - the idea is that it's the controlling center of people. You can tell a lot about where a person's heart is by the things they do - especially when they're tested. So we'll walk through the story of Naaman and leprosy and see if we might discern some things about each character. We'll start with Naaman - he's a four-star general in the Aramean army. He's normally the one in control - he calls the shots. Then, he gets leprosy and finds out that his sworn enemies are the ones who can help him. When he gets there he's told to dunk himself in the Jordan - 7 times. It's humiliating. It's tough when we struggle with humility - it's hard to admit you can't control everything, you can't heal yourself - at times, we all need to ask for help. Maybe you're like the servant girl. She's the one in the story - a nobody - who has the guts to point someone in the direction of healing. Maybe you're with Gehazi - gee, I hope not! - but you're always looking for an edge, looking for a way to take advantage of situations and people in order to get what you want. Or, maybe you're with Elisha - you're the one of the ones who humbles themselves and works with the divine to bring healing into the lives of others - to help put things back together. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-27
“So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked. “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house.”- 2 Kings 5:21-24 NLT
ALC Recommends: “King of Hearts” - Album by Brandon Lake“But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him…”- 2 Kings 5:20-21 NLT
Have you ever feared a serious diagnosis? Sickness can come with physical as well as social implications, and that was the case with leprosy in the ancient world—it was not only a death sentence, leprosy also led to exclusion and isolation. Naaman was a very highly respected commander of the Syrian army who had earned the applause of the world with his success, but he was also a repulsive leper. Unlike the world, God seeks out those who are sick to show them that He is real, and He sees their suffering. Those suffering from infirmity and isolation are always on God's A-list because, like Naaman, they have an opportunity to turn to the Great Physician in trust and have their lives completely changed. God invites the sick to His table to dine—and then He heals them. God values the sick. Do you?
The Bible tells us how enslaving, corrupting, alienating, and defiling sin is. Over and over again, Scripture reminds us of the terrible consequences sin brings. But sometimes, God SHOWS us those truths in stories. The story of Naaman the leper from 2 Kings 5 is one of those graphic reminders of not just the destructive power of sin, but the redemptive power of God in the Gospel. Sin tears us apart, but God puts us back together again—better than before!
My microwave has this very useful ability to bring food back to life; like, oh, store bought baked goods for example. Have you ever noticed? It's just better if you pop them in the microwave. You know, nuking it? If you get some of that store bought coffee cake or donuts or muffins, you know, they may not be fresh from the bakery. But we found that they are so much better if you heat them up. What happens is the heat makes them softer. The other day I had a cookie that was getting a little on the old side, and I put it in the microwave and it was like it came right out of the oven - soft and warm. Sometimes the box will even tell you that you ought to "nuke it." And sometimes it will say, "Better when heated" or something like that. Actually, that would be true of about half of the human race. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Heat That Heals a Heart." Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Kings 5:1. We're reading about a man named Naaman who it says is "commander of the army of the king of Aram. He's a great man in the sight of his master, highly regarded, he was a valiant soldier." Now, that's at the beginning of the story. At the end of the story in verse 17, he is saying to God's man, Elisha the prophet, "Your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord." Wow! Something happened in between these two verses, something that made this man of war into a man of God. Now, what is it that makes a warrior into a worshipper? Well, I didn't read it after it said "He was a valiant soldier." Let's go on. "...but he had leprosy." So he goes, and Elisha tells him he has to wash in the dirty waters of the Jordan River seven times in order to get well. It says Naaman went away angry. He said, "I won't go into the dirty river. We've got great rivers back in our country I could get into." And his servants say, "Hey, if he asked you to do some great act, you would do it wouldn't you? Why don't you go wash and be cleansed." Then we read in verse 14, "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times." He's finally humble. "And his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy." Now, Naaman did not yield to God until there was something bigger than he could possibly handle. When I say that, we've probably just described about half the human race; my half of the human race, the male half of the human race. When God turned up the heat on Naaman, He softened his heart so He could save him. You know, a man says, "Hey, I can handle it." That's our motto, "I can handle it!" And we give God money, we give Him time, we give Him belief, but we want the control. God hears us say, "I can handle it" and He says, "Oh no, you can't." And so He sends to us men something that all our ability, and our power, and our connections cannot handle: a child goes astray, something happens to our health, our job, our marriage, an injury. The breaking of the man is the making of the man. It's not because God doesn't love you, it's because He does. One man told me recently, "God could never get control of my life until my son attempted suicide." Another man recently said, "I almost died in an accident, and finally I surrendered to Christ." See, God does this over and over again with us men, this humbling thing so we will finally let go to the Lord. And guess what? Then we're finally complete; we're finally whole like Naaman was only after he was broken. See, God turns up the heat on us men because we get pretty hard like those old pastries, and He uses this heat to soften us up so we can finally become all we were created to be. Maybe He's been turning up the heat so you will finally turn your heart to Jesus. Would you do that today and let Him make you a man you could never be without Him. We're always better after we've been through God's heat, because remember, the breaking of a man by the Lord is the making of the man.
The Story of Naaman's Servant Girl | Series: Life Lessons from the Least Likely | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 6-22-25 10:45am Tag: Old Testament Characters, Naaman, Leprosy, Trust, Servant, Help, Israel, Camping, Sky, Impact, Baptism, Faith, Pride, Obedience
Monday, 23 June 2025 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Matthew 11:5 “Blind – they up-look, and lame – they walk, lepers – they are cleansed, and deaf – they hear, dead – they are roused, and poor – they are evangelized” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus told John's disciples to report what they heard and saw. Now, He gives a description of some of those things beginning with, “Blind – they up-look.” This is a new word, anablepó, coming from ana, up, and blepó, to look at, behold, see, etc. Thus, it literally says up-look, but with the intent of the blind seeing once again. This was something prophesied in the Hebrew writings, such as – “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened.” Isaiah 35:5 Verses such as this indicate that there would be a time when the blind would see. Jesus is attributing this to His ministry without explicitly saying it. He merely asks John's disciples to report what they see. He next says, “and lame – they walk.” This was also an anticipated event – “Then the lame shall leap like a deer.” Isaiah 35:6 Isaiah excitedly pronounced more than just walking, but jumping like a deer. The disciples might not have seen that, but they would have witnessed them at least walking after being lame. Jesus continues with, “lepers – they are cleansed.” This is not a specific prophecy, but it is something that was accomplished in 1 Kings with the healing of Naaman the Syrian. The healing was at the word of the prophet Elisha. As Jesus was accomplishing this same healing by His own power, it is an implicit reference to the power of the Lord working through Him. Next, He says, “and deaf – they hear.” This is found in the second half of Isaiah 35:5 – “And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” Jesus states these things as a matter of fact. They had heard of them or personally seen them. The confirmation of Jesus fulfilling the role of the Messiah is clearly being explained to them. Understanding this, He continues with, “dead – they are roused.” As with the leprous, this is not explicitly prophesied (except in the resurrection) as something the Messiah would do. However, like the example with Naaman, both Elijah and Elisha restored the dead to life. In both cases, the prophets prayed to the Lord for restoration, and it came to pass. In Jesus' case, He healed under His own power and authority, demonstrating that He is the anticipated Messiah. Lastly, Jesus notes, “and poor – they are evangelized.” This includes another new word, euaggelizó. It is a verb indicating to announce the good news and thus evangelize. This was referred to in Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound” Isaiah 61:1 Due to the words about preaching the good tidings, which come from the same verse as proclaiming liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison for the bound, Jesus is surely hinting at the fact that ending John's imprisonment is not beyond His ability to change. As such, John will have to grasp this and accept that God's will for him is being worked out through his imprisonment. This is the point of Jesus' carefully stated words. John's disciples would return and report what they heard and saw. John would then have to understand that another was not coming. If his imprisonment continued, it was for a purpose that he was not privy to. Life application: John did not understand his situation and asked for clarity as to whether Jesus was the right person to deliver him from it or not. It doesn't seem that he even clued into the fact that maybe his imprisonment was meant to be, and even meant to continue. Therefore, his words were essentially, “Hey, I'm in prison and the doors aren't opening up. When will this end?” Jesus responded with His capabilities, revealing that He was doing exactly what the Messiah was expected to do, even if not all of it for all people everywhere. The lesson is just as valid for us today as it was for John. God can heal the lame. He can bring sight to the blind. He can cure maladies and diseases. The question from us should never be, “God, are you limited in Your care for me?” Such is not the case. If you have something in your life that isn't right, it isn't that God is uncaring about it. Rather, it may be there to serve a purpose you never thought of. He may be molding you as He molded Paul in his affliction. He may be using you to get a scientist to invent something that could cure you along with millions of others with a similar affliction. Whatever the reason, God allows trials in our lives. We should never question His goodness for us, even if we don't understand why such things have taken place. Let us continue to hold fast to the promises which are sure to come to pass when we are brought to Him forever at Jesus' coming. Until then, just keep on praising God that we have been delivered because of the shed blood of Jesus, our Lord. Lord God, the trials we face often seem unbearable, but Jesus certainly went through worse. We will be carried through our trials, and we will be in Your presence forever because of what He has done. Until then, give us the ability to keep praising You, even through our troubles, trials, and afflictions. Amen.
The Story of Naaman's Servant Girl | Series: Life Lessons from the Least Likely | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 6-22-25 10:45am Tag: Old Testament Characters, Naaman, Leprosy, Trust, Servant, Help, Israel, Camping, Sky, Impact, Baptism, Faith, Pride, Obedience
In this message, we look at the story of Naaman, a powerful commander who was desperate for healing—but almost missed it because of pride and partial obedience. When Naaman finally followed God's instructions completely—no shortcuts, no edits—he received more than just physical healing; he stepped into a future of transformation and belief. This message will challenge you to stop delaying or diluting your obedience and start trusting that what God asks of you now is the key to the future you've been praying for. God's design for your destiny always requires your full surrender. Partial obedience may seem easier, but it won't unlock the fullness of what He's prepared for you.
As we continue to strengthen our engagement with Scripture, we are tracking through the Old Testament by following the lives […]
What does it take to receive God's grace when pride stands in the way? The story of Naaman shows how healing depends not on wealth or status, but on simple obedience and humility. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the humble path of Jesus that leads to genuine transformation.
Pastor Jim explores the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, highlighting how God's mercy extends to even those perceived as outsiders or enemies. Through the humility of a young servant girl and Naaman's eventual surrender, we see that salvation comes not through power, wealth, or status, but through simple, obedient faith. Jim challenges listeners to lay down self-reliance and pride, receive God's free gift of grace, and become conduits of mercy, even toward those we consider enemies.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 4-5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode—June 20th, 2025—we journey through Second Kings, chapters 4 and 5, Psalm 83, and First Timothy, chapter 2. Host Hunter guides us through powerful stories of miracles, faith, and God's provision. We'll hear about Elisha's compassion as he brings hope to a struggling widow, restores life to a grieving mother's child, purifies a poisoned meal, and heals the mighty Naaman of leprosy. As we reflect on these acts, we see vivid foreshadowings of Christ—the one true Mediator who brings life and reconciliation. Alongside these narratives, we explore prayers from Psalm 83 and mindful instructions from First Timothy on worship, prayer, and living a godly life. Join us as we open our hearts to what the Spirit is saying, seek God's presence in prayer, and are reminded—no matter where we are or what we face—that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There is only one man who can make things right. The woman of Shunam knew this deep in her soul. In her hour of loss and grief, when her boy had died, she didn't want just anyone—she sought after the man of God. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, or anyone else simply wouldn't do. She believed, against all hope, that somehow this one man could bring her son back to life, could set things right that had gone terribly wrong. And Elisha did something unexpected. He went up to the lifeless boy, stretched himself out face to face, hand to hand, eye to eye over the child. It is as if Elisha was absorbing the death of the boy into himself so that the child could be restored to life. What a powerful image—a man of God bridging the gap between death and life. But this isn't just about one miracle centuries ago. It's a living picture pointing forward to another man who would come and absorb death—not just for one boy, but for the whole world. Jesus, the true Man of God, stepped into our story. He absorbed our sin, our sorrow, our death into himself upon the cross. He defeated death, and with tender care, draws us into his life—face to face, hand to hand, eye to eye. In him, we experience resurrection even now, the beginning of eternal life. Paul, in today's reading, reminds us: “For there is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” Jesus stands alone as the One who can bridge the gap, the only One able to make things right between us and God. His resurrection life is offered to us. His victory over death is our hope, our foundation, our future. May God open our eyes to see that death has been defeated. May we recognize the One who stands before us, calling us into a resurrected life—today and always. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation. Shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And our Lord, make my hands ready for mercy. Make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift. To bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Sometimes the biggest thing standing in the way of God's help… is us. In this episode, we look at the story of Naaman and see how pride can block the rescue God wants to give. Humility isn't easy, but it's the key to experiencing God's best.
Naaman was man of great influence afflicted by persistent pain. Out of desperation, he searches for relief, but he is led down an unlikely path that challenges his expectations, and ultimately reveals a God whose power and mercy transcend all boundaries. Catch the latest sermon at bridge.tv/sermonsSupport the show
The LORD cares not only for Israel; He cares for all the nations. That's why He places His Word in the mouth of a little Israelite slave girl to her master Naaman that healing is available for his leprosy if he goes to the prophet of the true God. The king of Israel knows his own limitations, but Elisha knows the power of God's Word. Elisha therefore sends Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River with the LORD's promise that Naaman will be healed. Naaman's servants cut through their master's anger to point him to the greatness of God's Word, and by that great Word of God, Naaman receives full cleansing and health. Naaman's faith in the LORD contrasts with Gehazi's greed, and the leprosy of Naaman comes upon the unfaithful servant of Elisha. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 5:1-27. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ.