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Elisha's Persistent Pursuit

The Invitation

Recently, in a time of prayer, I heard the Lord speak this phrase to me: "If you want it, here it is! Pastor Oscar Come and get it."

I feel God has a current message for us in this exchange that took place between the two prophets, and the events that transpired afterwards.

We know that when Elisha and Elijah were traveling together, a company of prophets asked Elisha if he knew that the Lord was going to take Elijah away from him that day. Elisha's response (to me) was quite humorous: "Yes, I know, so be quiet" (see 2 Kings 2:3). Then, as if to test him, Elijah told Elisha to remain where he was while Elijah traveled to Jericho. Elisha's response again revealed an intensity, as he said: "...'As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you'..." (2 Kings 2:4).

This whole scenario happened again; this time Elijah was headed to the Jordan. Again he encouraged his friend, Elisha, to stay while he traveled on. Again, Elisha refused, and it was on this journey with Elijah that he became a witness to a miracle that must have stirred him deeply. He saw his mentor, Elijah, take his cloak (or mantle) and strike the waters of the Jordan so that they parted to the right and left.

It was following this miracle that Elisha requested of Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit. "'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not'" (2 Kings 2:10).

We know that Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind that day, and because of his persistent faith, Elisha was present to witness the miraculous event. What followed has a particular significance for us today.

Pick It Up!

Elisha then found Elijah's mantle that had fallen and he picked it up. It's important to see here that the mantle didn't fall on Elisha's shoulders, but instead he had to bend down and pick it up. Friends, we do not need to rush past this significant moment! We know that God distributes gifts and callings on His people, but we play a role in the 'picking up' of those things when it is time.

God has raised you up and trained you for such a time as this. You may have been in a waiting season, but for many of you, the waiting is over. It is time to pick up that thing for which you have been called. It's time to take that step of faith and take ownership of your mantle as Elisha did that day. (Photo via UIHere)

The mantle of a prophet was a special garment usually made of fur or animal skin, distinctive in appearance and recognized by the culture of that day. Elisha didn't just pick up any garment; in this intentional act, he picked up his inheritance and assignment for his generation. What is God asking you to pick up?

"Where Now Is the Lord, the God of Elijah?"

Elisha's next act revealed that he knew it was time to place a demand on the promise of his inheritance. In a bold move, Elisha imitated the act of Elijah and struck the waters of the Jordan with his newly acquired mantle.

"He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over." (2 Kings 2:14)

The phrase "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" has been echoing now in my spirit for several months. God is wanting us to see something in this gutsy act of Elisha. Elisha knew the source of Elijah's power was the LORD God Himself. Elisha knew that the only way he could operate in a double portion of Elijah's spirit was if God came through for him. Elisha's back was up against the wall and he knew it. It was a 'now or never' move when he uttered that cry: "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"

God orchestrates things for many of us in a similar way. We may find ourselves with a call on our lives that we know is too large for us alone. We can only fulfill that call if God comes through for us. He is asking His people to step out in the same spirit as Elisha and not shrink back because we can't fully see how He will fulfill things. As we step out in faith, making our own cry for Him to come, He will surely honor that faith.

Yes, Elisha crossed over! Elisha crossed over into his inheritance and destiny that day. There are many of you who feel that you are in a time of waiting for your destiny to unfold. You know, deep within, that God has more for you. Many of you have received promises and prophetic words spoken to you about things that are yet to unfold. This story holds within it some important keys for stepping into the destiny God has prepared for you. This is a NOW HOUR for obtaining those breakthroughs and seeing your own waters part.

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Our Father God Who Gives To Us Generously By Oscar Smith Are you at the end of your rope, weary, cast down, about to give up? I challenge you to answer the following questions with a simple yes or no: Does the Word of God promise to supply all your needs? Did Jesus say he would never leave you but would be with you to the end? Did he say he would keep you from falling and present you faultless before the Father’s throne? Did he promise you all the seed you need to spread the gospel? Is he more willing to give than you are to receive? Is Christ greater in you than he that is in the world? Are God’s thoughts toward you good thoughts? Is he a rewarder of those who diligently seek him? Is he preparing a place for you in glory? Is he coming in the clouds to gather his people home? Are you going with him when he comes? Your answer to all of these should be “Absolutely, yes!” Now, take inventory. Ask yourself, “Do I really believe God is faithful to his promises or do I waver in my trust? How well do I know God’s Word and his assurances?” Scripture clearly says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:5-7, NKJV). You can lay hold of God’s wisdom, all the wisdom needed to solve life’s problems, if you cast your very life and future on this promise and believe with no wavering. God gives wisdom liberally to all of his children.

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THE BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD BEGINNING WITH THANKSGIVING OSCAR SMITH, Host of Hot Topics Boom NOVEMBER 22-26, 2021 KEEP SPEAKING YOUR THANKSGIVING Read the book of Ephesians like a letter because that’s what it is—a dynamic gospel letter, written to regular people. Beginning in the fourth chapter, the Apostle Paul gives corrections to the church members in kindness and love. If you have thanksgiving in your heart, it’s going to come out of your mouth. Read the book of Ephesians like a letter because that’s what it is—a dynamic gospel letter, written to regular people.  When an instruction comes from the Bible, we, as believers, cannot put off onto God what He has relegated to us. II. Beginning in the fourth chapter, the Apostle Paul gives corrections to the church members in kindness and love.  God gives us instructions and we need to take corresponding actions.  “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). o You put off your former corrupt life, your way of doing things.  “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23). o Be renewed in your mind. Enjoy correction. It’s done in love, and it’s for your good.  “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:25-27). o This is a vital key: The motive of your work must be love.  “Let him who stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28). o Give to those who are in need. o Let your words and attitude be of praise to God; and edify and build up others, instead of expressing a bad attitude. III. If you have thanksgiving in your heart, it’s going to come out of your mouth.  Whatever is in your heart in abundance, your mouth will speak.  Whatever we pray about doesn't inform God. He already knows. First, we pray— then heaven moves on our behalf.  The prayer of agreement is still active in the earth. o Whatever you bind or loose on earth is bound and loosed in heaven (see Mathew 18:18-20). o If any two of you on earth ask, then it will done by the Father in heaven.  Put praise in your mouth, now! MAKE IT PERSONAL Did you know you can control what you think about? You can stop unproductive thoughts by simply telling yourself to think about something different; think about Jesus! Put praise and thanksgiving to God in your thoughts and your words. It’s up to you to monitor your thoughts and your words so that they line up with God’s WORD. Write two things you can think that will please God and move you to thanksgiving. 1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ CELEBRATION THANKSGIVING IS A LIFESTYLE It's Thanksgiving week in the United States—a national holiday dating back to its beginning days.

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