{"id":705,"date":"2023-08-09T14:00:23","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=705"},"modified":"2023-08-09T14:00:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T14:00:23","slug":"dig-down-deep","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/dig-down-deep\/","title":{"rendered":"DIG DOWN DEEP!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DIG DEEP!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Kings 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well good morning! Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to be with you today. It in an incredible honor to stand in this sacred space and get to share God\u2019s Word with you from this pulpit. So, if you have your Bible, pull it out with me. Because, it\u2019s my hope that our time in God\u2019s Word will not just inform you \u2014 but will transform you (as you apply God\u2019s Word to your life).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANSITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This morning we pick up the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 3<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have your Bible<\/strong> \u2014 pull it out, and turn their with me. 2nd Kings \u2014 chapter 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I begin this message \u2014 I want to point out that this message is built around a STRONG NARRATIVE (a story if you will). And so, I think the best way to handle a story in scripture \u2014 is to TELL IT! So, like last week and the week before, this morning I want to tell the story, and make some observations as I do. But then, after having told the story \u2014 I want to provide you with a few points of APPLICATION.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, if all we do is study a story from long ago and far away \u2014 and never connect it to our lives today in the HERE and NOW, we\u2019ve failed to really understand the primary reason that God has chosen to give us these stories. So, here\u2019s the story!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2 Kings chapter 3<\/strong>, the nation of Israel<\/strong> was in this dangerous predicament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometime earlier, the nation went through a civil war and had divided into two nations (the northern<\/strong> Kingdom<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong> and southern<\/strong> kingdom of Judah<\/strong>).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The northern<\/strong> kingdom<\/strong> was in a transitional season of leadership. The previous King had died and his successor had taken the throne (it happened to be his brother). This kings name was Jehoram<\/strong> \u2014 and like his brother before him, and his father before him, Jehoram<\/strong> did a lot of evil things! And he taught God\u2019s people to do a lot of evil things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He just wasn\u2019t a good king. And shortly into his reign, he<\/strong> faced a major crisis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the neighboring kingdoms (a nation known as Moab<\/strong>) chose to break an agreement they had with Israel<\/strong>. You see, for years Moab had been paying tribute (or taxes) to Israel<\/strong>. They had been under Israel\u2019s<\/strong> rule<\/strong> since the time of King<\/strong> David<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for years they paid an annual tax<\/strong> to the king<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong> in the form of 100,000<\/strong> lambs<\/strong> and the<\/strong> wool<\/strong> of 100,000<\/strong> rams<\/strong>. That was about 275<\/strong> sheep<\/strong> and baskets of wool per day<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seems like a lot to me \u2014 and apparently, Mesha<\/strong>, the king<\/strong> of<\/strong> Moab<\/strong>, agreed. Because when this new King came to power, he decided he wasn\u2019t going pay this anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, Jehoram<\/strong> couldn\u2019t allow this act of rebellion to go unanswered \u2014 so he gathered his army and prepared for war. But knowing there is strength in numbers<\/strong> \u2014 he reaches out to Jehoshaphat<\/strong> (king of Judah)<\/strong>, and invites him to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, Jehoshaphat<\/strong> agrees and the two kings push out<\/strong> into the dessert where they meet up with the army of Edom<\/strong>.<\/strong> And so, this triad of nations <\/strong>press on. But here\u2019s the thing \u2014 after marching for 7 days in the dessert,<\/strong> and they ran out of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water was a precious commodity \u2014 and they ran out of it.<\/strong> So, after stalling in the desert, Jehoram<\/strong> sort of throws his hands up and says \u2014 \u201cGreat! We\u2019re going to die out here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, it was a good thing Jehoshaphat<\/strong> was there, because this<\/strong> king<\/strong> served God<\/strong>. And even though he had made a rash decision and marched off to war without preparing properly \u2014 he at least<\/strong> had the wisdom to call upon God<\/strong> for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in verse 11<\/strong> it says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 <\/em><\/strong>King Jehoshaphat asked, \u201cIs there a prophet here through whom we can consult the Lord?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And someone spoke up and said \u2014 yes, there\u2019s this guy named Elisha<\/strong>. He\u2019s like the new prophet of God. And he comes with pretty impressive credentials \u2014 because he served Elijah<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the King<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong> apparently didn\u2019t know who he was \u2014 but the King of Judah <\/strong>did. And in verse 12, King Jehoshaphat<\/strong> said, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cHe is a true prophet,\u201d\u2026So the three kings went to Elisha.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, the kings approach Elisha<\/strong> \u2014 but he\u2019s not interested in helping them. He\u2019s traveling with the armies, but he\u2019s not a fan of Jehoram<\/strong>. And in verse 14<\/strong> he says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 <\/em><\/strong>\u2026\u201cBy the living Lord, whom I serve, I swear that <\/em>I would have nothing to do with you<\/em> if I didn’t respect your ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah. <\/em>15 <\/em><\/strong>Now get me a musician.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So Elisha<\/strong> wasn\u2019t interested in helping this new ungodly king sitting on the throne of Israel, but because he likes the King of Judah, he agrees to seek the Lord for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t miss this little phrase in verse 15<\/strong>. After agreeing to seek the Lord<\/strong> \u2014 Elisha<\/strong> says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 <\/em><\/strong>Now get me a musician.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He says, \u201cIf I\u2019m going to hear from God, I need to worship.<\/strong> I want some background music.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come on\u2026that\u2019s great.<\/strong> He wanted to set the mood to hear from God.<\/strong> He wanted to worship and get his heart right \u2014 get his mind right \u2014 he understood that you always ENTER GOD\u2019S PRESENCE<\/strong> with thanksgiving<\/strong> and praise<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a musician<\/strong>, I dig that! I love that God<\/strong> added that line in this story. Because it\u2019s significant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, WORSHIP is key to hearing from God. Don\u2019t ever think that is cool to skip-over WORSHIP. Where ever you are, you can slow down and worship God. And if you need some help \u2014 contact us and we\u2019ll help you build a great play list for worship and prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(We\u2019ll put something together this week \u2014 and make it available to you on our website and FB Page). So be watching for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, as verse 15 <\/strong>continues, we\u2019re told:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the musician played his harp, the power of the Lord came on Elisha, <\/em>16 <\/em><\/strong>and he said, \u201cThis is what the Lord says: \u2018Dig ditches all over this dry stream bed. <\/em>17 <\/em><\/strong>Even though you will not see any rain or wind, this stream bed will be filled with water, and you, your livestock, and your pack animals will have plenty to drink.\u2019\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me pause and explain this to you \u2014 because this is significant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the ancient middle-east<\/strong>, people often survived \u2014 simply off of the water collected in these little gullies or ditches that were dug in the low places of the desert. They were known as \u201cwadis<\/strong>\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A \u201cwadi<\/strong>\u201d was simply a low place or a dry bed in the desert \u2014 sometimes they were hand hewn \u2014 dug out places to catch the waters from the sudden rains or \u201cflash-floods\u201d that might come. But these \u201cwadis\u201d were critical to the sustenance and survival of nomadic peoples like that of Israel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, God is telling these Kings and their armies to get to work. The natural wadis aren\u2019t enough. If you want to survive and receive the BLESSINGS OF GOD<\/strong> that have been promised to you \u2014 then DIG DOWN DEEP! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get working. Break out the shovels! And so, in verse 18<\/strong>, Elisha<\/strong> speaks up again. And informs the Kings \u2014 that this miracle in the dessert isn\u2019t the only thing God is going to do for them. Listen to what it says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>And Elisha continued, \u201cBut this is an easy thing for the Lord to do; <\/em>he will also give you victory <\/em><\/strong>over the Moabites. <\/em>19\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>You will conquer all their beautiful fortified cities; you will cut down all their fruit trees, stop all their springs, and ruin all their fertile fields by covering them with stones.\u201d<\/em> — 2 Kings 3:14-19 (GNT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea here is this: God\u2019s going to help them\u2026He\u2019s going to bless them \u2014 BUT only after they <\/strong>DIG DOWN DEEP!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, verse 20 tells us about the miracle. And it\u2019s EXTRAORDINARY<\/strong>! It says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 <\/em><\/strong>The next morning, at the time of the regular morning sacrifice, <\/em>water came flowing from the direction of Edom<\/em> and covered the ground.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, as the men were getting up from their sleep\u2014they discovered that the rains had come in the mountains adjacent to them, and so much rain had fallen overnight that the mountains were creating a \u201cflash flood\u201d of fresh water that covered the valley floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because they had dug down deep <\/strong>\u2014 and filled the valley with ditches<\/strong> to collect the water (as God had instructed), they were saved. Them and all their animals. The had plenty to drink and be refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in the end (you can read about it later), they also defeated their enemy \u2014 the MOABITES<\/strong>, JUST AS GOD HAD PROMISED!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such an amazing story. Another EXTRAORDINARY<\/strong> STORY<\/strong> of God\u2019s<\/strong> work<\/strong> through Elisha<\/strong> \u2014 an ORDINARY<\/strong> MAN<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, in the time that remains<\/strong> \u2014 I want to shift gears again and give you some real life application from this story. And I hope it will help you learn to DIG DOWN DEEP<\/strong> where you are as you look to God<\/strong> to BLESS YOUR LIFE!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the first thing I want to encourage you to do is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. ALLOW YOUR TROUBLE TO MOVE YOU TOWARD GOD!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I\u2019m saying is don\u2019t waste your hurt. When you life is hard \u2014 turn to God. When pain is increasing \u2014 turn to God. When troubles come \u2014 turn to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s interesting to me that PAIN<\/strong>, an TROUBLE<\/strong>, and DISAPPOINTMENT<\/strong> typically moves people towards God or away from Him. But it\u2019s rare that it doesn\u2019t move people. We rarely apathetic towards our problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people blame God<\/strong> and turn from Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet others, cry out to God<\/strong> and turn to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this story we see nations pulling close and crying out for God! Remember what verse 11<\/strong> said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 <\/em><\/strong>King Jehoshaphat asked, \u201cIs there a prophet here <\/em>through whom we can consult the Lord<\/em>?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In ancient times, God<\/strong> used prophets<\/strong> to communicate His<\/strong> Word<\/strong> to people. And when they wanted to speak to God<\/strong> \u2014 they turned to the prophets or the priests. And so, King<\/strong> Jehoshaphat<\/strong> (being a godly man) \u2014 recognized the size of his problem, and in his desperation<\/strong>, he turned to God<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s what we must do too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can\u2019t tell you how many stories I\u2019ve heard through the years of people who in their moments of deep pain and sorrow \u2014 they abandoned everything and put their faith in God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I bet that\u2019s the case for many of you listening today. Maybe that describes your salvation story. In your desperation \u2014 you cried out to God and He saved you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God is able to take care of every problem you bring to Him. Whatever you are facing may be big to you, but nothing is impossible for Him!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, allow your trouble to move your toward God. Secondly\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. ACT UPON THE WORD GOD GIVES!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just be obedient. Do what He says. Don\u2019t wait for a better word to come from God. Don\u2019t wait for something else to happen to bring you another option. When God speaks \u2014 obey. Let God\u2019s Word be your only option in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God often moves us to do things that may or may not make much sense for the moment, but they are things that will prepare us for what He will do in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if God tells you to dig\u2026then dig down deep!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Israelite<\/strong> army<\/strong>, God\u2019s word was to dig a ditch<\/strong> to collect the water that He would send. And between verses 19 and 20, there appears to have been a lot of work accomplished. Apparently the 3 armies all pulled out their shovels and began to dig. Apparently they acted upon the God\u2019s Word through Elisha. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, God probably won\u2019t ask you to dig a ditch to catch water \u2014 but He will ask you to get involved in the miracles that He wants to work in you. He always does. He never calls you to lay back and be an observer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s plan for you to is be a participant. So act upon His Word \u2014 and specifically, I\u2019d suggest you act upon the Word of God that He\u2019s already given you. And His Word directs you in all areas of your life. So, wherever you want to see God work \u2014 act upon His Word<\/strong> and prepare for His blessing.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU WANT A BETTER MARRIAGE?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and demonstrate kindness and gentleness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and prefer one another above all others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and root sin out of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and practice dating each other again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and put God first, and your spouse 2nd, and all others after them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and express love to your spouse daily, say it\u2026and show it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOUR SINGLE, BUT YOU WANT TO BE MARRIED?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then Dig down deep \u2014 and become a person of godly character. Just start there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and grow closer to God (put him first in everything\u2026seek Him above all things)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and cultivate your own heart and soul (become the best you, you can be).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and work to care for yourself (become settled and satisfied\u2026thats attractive).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then, maybe Dig down deep \u2014 and anticipate God\u2019s blessing to come your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU WANT TO BE FINANCIAL HEALTHY?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and practice integrity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and use your resources wisely<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and set a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and work to eliminate debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and<\/strong> put God first \u2014 practicing faithful generosity through tithes and offerings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AND IF YOU WANT A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and read His Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and spend time with Him in prayer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and discipline yourself to live for Him<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and worship Him, personally and corporately. Sing, shout, praise God, lift your hands and honor Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and make church a priority. Don\u2019t miss out on gathering with others in faith. Show up, love others, and use your gifts and serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig down deep \u2014 and walk in faith \u2014 believe God and expect great things from Him!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of your situation, when you dig down deep<\/strong>, you are CREATING SPACE <\/strong>for God to work in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, allow you troubles to lead you to Jesus. Act upon His Word. And lastly,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. ANTICIPATE GOD\u2019S  GOODNESS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LISTEN, <\/strong>God is kind and generous and benevolent.<\/strong> HE\u2019S A GOOD GOD! <\/strong>And He loves to bless people. So, live your life with an anticipation of His kindness. Expect blessings to come your way. Expect His to do good to you\u2026and to always keep His Word! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be shocked when God<\/strong> does good to you! Live with an anticipation and appreciation of His goodness!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible tells us in verse 20,<\/strong> that \u201c<\/em>water came flowing\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water came flowing. <\/strong>God\u2019s<\/strong> goodness<\/strong> came just that simply. It came \u2014 FLOWING<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There seems to be a description that goes far beyond just the water. But the implication is that all good things come FLOWING<\/strong> from God<\/strong> to you and me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you will live in faith \u2014 trusting and serving God<\/strong>, then good things will come flowing from God<\/strong> to you. Again. And Again, and again. And again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David<\/strong> put it this way in Psalm 23:6<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSurely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice the word he used, \u201c<\/strong>Surely<\/em><\/strong>\u201d<\/strong>. David\u2019s<\/strong> declaring that God\u2019s<\/strong> goodness and mercy are sure things<\/strong>! David<\/strong> didn\u2019t say,\u2018maybe, possibly, I hope so, or even I have a hunch\u2019.<\/em>He said, \u2018Surely<\/em><\/strong>\u2019 and that\u2019s a promise you can count on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this story we\u2019re looking at today \u2014 we\u2019re told,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/em><\/strong>water came flowing\u2026and covered the ground.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an indication that the land was filled with water. But, understand \u2014 the water was only available to the kings and their armies,<\/strong> and do you know why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because they anticipated its arrival<\/strong>. They chose to exercise FAITH<\/strong>! And they dug down deep!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that act of faith set them up<\/strong> for GOD\u2019S<\/strong> EXTRAORDINARY<\/strong> BLESSING!<\/strong> The ditches they dug in faith \u2014 received the water God<\/strong> had promised to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They anticipated<\/strong> that God<\/strong> would<\/strong> show<\/strong> up<\/strong> \u2014 and they acted in faith<\/strong>. Listen, all we can do is DIG DOWN DEEP<\/strong> \u2014 but God has to bring the water! But when we do our part \u2014 HE ALWAYS DOES HIS PART! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just imagine how different this story would have been if they hadn\u2019t acted in Fatih! If they hadn\u2019t anticipated God<\/strong> keeping His Word<\/strong>\u2014if they had disobeyed God\u2019s command, if they would have failed to dig down deep\u2014God\u2019s blessing <\/strong>would have still come, but it would have passed them by.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe God\u2019s blessing still would have come!<\/strong> The rains still would have fallen<\/strong>, and the valley would have still flooded<\/strong>, but the armies would have missed it all because they would not have prepared. If they hadn\u2019t anticipated God\u2019s faithfulness \u2014 they would have died of dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anticipating God\u2019s work in your life is so important!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose to believe<\/strong>. Choose to have<\/strong> faith<\/strong>. Choose to trust<\/strong> God<\/strong>! Because He always comes thru!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible says in Psalm 138:2<\/strong>, that God has magnified (or exalted) His Word above all things \u2014 even His Name<\/em>. Meaning simply, that He keeps His Word<\/strong>. He does what He says. He never breaks a promise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s good news because it tells us that God can be trusted. He can be believed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know something else \u2014 the measure of water available to these men <\/strong>was directly connected to the preparation the men put into and how many ditches they dug. The more<\/strong> they dug \u2014 <\/strong>the more water they received. The deeper they dug <\/strong>\u2014 the greater God\u2019s blessing in their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I guess I\u2019m trying to remind you that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will always be a divine correlation between <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the FAITH you profess and the WORK you express!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The measure of FAITH YOU HAVE IN GOD<\/strong> will always be reflected by<\/p>\n\n\n\n

the measure of WORK YOU DO FOR GOD!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your faith<\/strong> in God<\/strong> is shallow<\/strong> \u2014 you\u2019ll do very little to bring Him glory! Conversely, if you faith<\/strong> in God<\/strong> is great<\/strong> \u2014 then you\u2019ll spend your life doing good in order to Honor Him and bring Him glory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which shouldn\u2019t surprise us \u2014 because FAITH<\/strong> and HARD<\/strong> WORK<\/strong> just go hand in hand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James<\/strong> tells us in his epistle (or letter) in the New Testament that \u201c\u2026faith without works is dead!”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

James 2:26 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faith<\/strong> will always be accompanied by good<\/strong> works<\/strong>. And that\u2019s what this story of digging<\/strong> ditches<\/strong> is all about. In the end, it\u2019s a story of faith.<\/strong> In order for these men to experience God\u2019s<\/strong> presence<\/strong> and power<\/strong> \u2014 they first had to DIG DOWN DEEP! <\/strong>You see, the digging deep<\/strong> was really just their way of giving SPACE<\/strong>for God to work in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s the same for you and me today as well. If we want God<\/strong> to show up in our lives \u2014 then we must DIG DOWN DEEP<\/strong> and create some space for Him to move in us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, don\u2019t misunderstand me<\/strong>. I\u2019m not talking about working to earn salvation. <\/strong>That\u2019s a free gift that is offered completely apart from anything we do. All we have to do is accept it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the beauty of the gospel<\/strong>\u2014you WERE<\/strong> in a pit, too deep to save yourself, and instead of throwing you a shovel and saying dig your way out, the King<\/strong> of<\/strong> kings<\/strong> and the Lord<\/strong> of<\/strong> lords<\/strong> stepped into that put and brought you out.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s a picture of salvation. That\u2019s the gospel!<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLOSING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, as I close this message out \u2014  I just wonder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What ditches need to be dug in your life? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to you wish to see God work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want God to do a miracle in you \u2014 then prepare for that miracle by believing<\/strong> in Him, living<\/strong> for Him, trusting<\/strong> in Him, hoping<\/strong> in Him, and getting to know Him<\/strong> more every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LET\u2019S PRAY!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you pause and bow your head in prayer with me \u2014 right where you are? And let\u2019s pray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spirit of God, we ask you to lead us now to those places in our lives where we need to DIG DOWN DEEP.  Speak to us today. Guide us to those places that need our attention. Help us today to become responsive to you \u2014 as we prepare and make room for you to move in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some listening today \u2014 it\u2019s possible that they\u2019ve never encountered you as their Savior. If that\u2019s the case, then help them today to confess their sin to you \u2014 and accept you as their Savior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do that now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe for others today \u2014 they\u2019ve just grown distant from you. Maybe today you\u2019d call them to carve out some time in their schedule to put your first. Maybe you\u2019re asking them to DIG DOWN DEEP<\/strong> and grow in their relationship with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever it is today that you want to do in our lives \u2014 God, we\u2019re going to be responsive. So as we work to DIG DOWN DEEP<\/strong>\u2014we\u2019re asking you to come and fill that space within us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, for the marriages that need to be rebuilt \u2014 or the families that need your guidance \u2014 or the friendships that need to be reconciled, would you come and rain down your blessing on them? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we dig some ditches this week and see your blessings flow into our lives all the more\u2026because we need you!  So lead us and guide us and we will be obedient to you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DIG DEEP! 2 Kings 3 INTRODUCTION: Well good morning! Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to be with you today. It in an incredible honor …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-705","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=705"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":707,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/705\/revisions\/707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}