2 Kings 4:1-7
Elisha and the Widow’s Oil

Pastor Dave used the story of Elisha and the widow’s oil to discuss four characteristics of God’s provision for our needs.

>>> The widow, in her great need, undoubtedly thought she had nothing. But that wasn’t quite true. Elisha’s question, “What do you have?” elicited the answer, “Only a jar of oil.” What pressing need do you have right now? Think about what you do have; don’t dismiss it as insufficient or useless. Offer what you have to the Lord.

>>> Elisha told the widow to borrow empty vessels – many, not just a few – from her neighbors, and she obeyed. I think I would have questioned Elisha. “Why? How’s that going to work?” Lord, help us obey Your instructions without seeing the results or understanding Your plan. It goes against our human nature, but that is what You expect of us.

>>> God’s miraculous provision for the widow included work on her part, filling the vessels and selling the oil. Work is a good thing, part of God’s plan for us. Work is not to be disdained or resented. Thank God for your work, paid or not. Each day, ask Him to help you obey Colossians 3:23, which says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.”

>>> Elisha instructed the widow that her two sons were to help with the work of filling the vessels. God expects the family to play a role in meeting a need – specifically, the younger generation helping the older. Ask God how you in your family and how we as a church can train our young people to serve others.

Calvary Family

This is the last prayer blog till fall. Thank you for being a blog reader and for praying! Here are some things going on over the summer to keep in prayer:

>>> Lift up Calvary’s centennial celebration on June 8. Praise and thank God for His faithfulness to Calvary for 100 years. Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1) Pray for Calvary’s future, especially for pastors and elders who are faithful to God’s word.

>>> Pray for the annual business meeting on June 22, asking God for wisdom and unity as we make decisions about leadership and the budget.

>>> The entire VBS team covets your prayers for VBS week, June 23-27. Lift up Krisa, our Children’s Director, the many youth and adult volunteers, and all the children who attend.

>>> Plan to attend the baptism service on June 29 and then pray for the individuals who take that step of obedience to their Lord.

>>> Three “Family Camp Nights” are scheduled (July 11, July 25, & August 8) to provide some of the fun of Family Camp in our back parking lot. Pray for great fellowship and relationship building.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert