Walter Spires - Minutes For Men

...only because His life, death and resurrection fulfilled many of them.  The rest will be when Jesus returns.  Are you ready for that?  Bible References: Isaiah 7: 14; 9: 2 - 7; 40: 35;  52: 13 - 53: 12

That was just part of Isaiah's humble response when his eyes beheld God Incarnate on His throne in all of His glory.  He followed that with, "I am a man of unclean lips".  Listen and learn more from this great man of God.  Bible References: Isaiah 6: 1 -13

The fact that God told Hosea to marry a whore is mind-blowing for some.  The fact that her name was Gomer makes many in our culture today chuckle.  But God was never more serious about His message and intentions - then and now. Bible References:  Hosea 1: 2-3;  read all of chapter 4

That title provides an overview of the first "major" prophet's book.   The theme remains consistent because that is the nature of God.    We are going to hit the high and low points as we move swiftly thru this long book of prophecy.  As always, look for what the Holy Spirit has for you to apply at each stop along the way.   Bible References:  Isaiah 1 - 66

"...yet you have not returned to Me."  Thru Amos - a fig farmer not a prophet, God called out His people and gave them more chances to repent and turn back to Him.  He does the same for us.   Most of Judah chose not to repent and seek forgiveness.  How did you respond?   Bible References:  Amos 4: 6,8,9,10,11; 7: 14

Key Verse:  "And rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil."  Joel 2: 13 In three short chapters, Joel prophesied of devastation to come because of the people's sin and how they could avoid it, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the judgment "day of the Lord", and His mercy for those who return to Him.   

Elisha's servant was a lot like many of us.  His vision was limited to what he could see...until God opened his eyes.  Bible References: 2 Kings 6: 8 - 23

How can a man of lofty position who was also a leper be so prideful he refused the healing God had for him?   Bible References:  2 Kings 5: 1 - 14

Miracles get everyone's attention.  There is more to this story than filling pots with oil... Bible References:  2 Kings 4: 1-7 

Before Elijah departed for Heaven, he asked Elisha what he could do for him.  His answer will surprise some and challenge others.  Bible References:  2 Kings 2: 9 - 14

The Jordan River is one of the most important locations in biblical history.  The events and crossings that took place over and in it changed history and our lives forever.  At some point, the Lord will lead you to your "Jordan".  The question will be, will you trust Him to cross over?   Bible References:  2 Kings 2: 6-15; Joshua 3: 1-17; Matthew 3: 13-17  

Just as it was in the days of Joshua and Elijah, the power of God is on display today through the Holy Spirit in the lives men of faith who believe He is.... Bible References:  2 Kings 2: 4-5; Joshua 5: 13 - 6: 1 - 27; Hebrews 11: 6

Loneliness is epidemic in our country despite all the "social media".   God asked me to remind you His presence is always available IF we choose to enter into it.  Bible References:  2 Kings 2: 2-3; Genesis 28: 10 - 22

God is deeply committed to the "man preparation" business.  As He did throughout Scripture, His desire is to prepare us for His work.  The question is are we letting Him?  Bible References:  2 Kings 2: 1; Joshua 5: 2-9

Got told Elijah to make one more circuit through several of the cities in which he had ministered. Elisha faithfully followed and that is the point of today’s lesson.  Bible References: 2 Kings 2: 1-2

In all the Bible, I do not think there is a wider swing of emotions - the high experienced from God's awesome display of power over Baal to fear and the depths of depression and a death wish.  My dear brothers, pay close attention to this episode and share it widely.   Bible References: 1 Kings 19: 1 - 21

After three years of drought and the accompanying hardships, God told Elijah to come out of hiding and stand before the king that sought to kill him.  God was about to demonstrate His power (again) for one reason - remind His people Who He is and Whose they are (or were).  Bible References:  1 Kings 18: 1-40

No prophet or preacher wants his first words from God to be telling "His people" they are about to enter a long, crippling - even deadly - drought.  Elijah was faithful to obey God and bring this bad news.  Just as we saw with Jonah, God often used nature to bring about His punishment and discipline to get their attention and try to bring repentance.   Bible References: ! Kings 17: 1 - 6

Resentment is an unbecoming condition of the heart in any man of God, especially a prophet.  Why would Jonah be angry that God forgave the repentant people of Nineveh and spared them and the city?  God gets to the heart of the matter. Bible References:  Jonah 3: 1 - 4: 11

God sometimes goes to great lengths to get our full attention.  From the belly of a giant fish, He had Jonah's! Bible References:  Jonah 1: 4 - 2: 10