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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Potluck (Meal or Gathering) Deadline 7-26-12 @ 10 AM NY Time (07/19/12)
“Ladies, you really outdid yourselves with this meal!” The preacher of Bible-Belt Baptist pushes away from the fellowship hall table. Jovial, he pats his protruding belly and continues, “Which one of you brought the pot of chicken and dumplings? Best I ever ate!” Grinning, the husband of the cook points her out, as she blushes in mixed embarrassment and pride. The woman has had no formal experience in culinary cuisine; she learned country cooking’ at mama’s side.

Elisha, the prophet, appointed a cook. He had many hungry mouths to feed. “He said to his attendant, ‘Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.’ One went out to the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment would hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, but they were unaware [of what they were] (2 Kings 4:38b-39 HCS).”

The prophets commenced, with much ado, about the pot of stew. “There’s death in the pot, man of God!’ And they were unable to eat it (2 Kings 4:40b HCS).” The peril of food poisoning alerted God’s servant. “Then Elisha said, ‘Get some meal.’ He threw it into the pot and said, ‘Serve it for the people to eat.’ And there was nothing bad in the pot (2 Kings 4:41HCS).”

The masses hunger for soul food. The Lord’s church consists of potholders. It is our duty and privilege to pass the pots. The Master has filled each vessel with the bread of life; He liberally adds living water and seasons with ample dashes of grace. I think I hear the voice of my Bible-Belt Baptist preacher… “Brothers and sisters, it’s supper time. Praise the Lord and pass the pots!”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
07/26/12
I liked how you started this devotion with a story that just about everyone can relate to. This immediately puts the reader in a comfortable state.This is another story that I think would really go more with this week's topic.

But you did a nice job of giving examples and telling about the stories that matched it in the Bible. I almost wish you had continued and told even more about the verses where the men thought the items in the stew were poision. This isn't a story that I can remember really well and would have delighted in hearing your take on it.I do enjoy the new feature that allows us to click on the verses and read them to refresh our memories.

I immediately did that and it really helped me understand your point more. You did a spectacular job in the end of wrapping everything up and putting it into words that most will be able to understand. Good job.
Leola Ogle
07/26/12
I love how you started with a modern story and then went into the story of Elisha in the Bible. Good job! God bless!
C D Swanson 
07/27/12
Succint and to the point. Beautifully done. Divine message and completely lovely. Thank you.

God bless~
Dannie Hawley 
07/27/12
Creative way to connect the present-day practice of church potlucks with Bible truth. I agree that I would like to have more words for you to use so we could get more of the story but I think you did a great job with what you did have. One always wants more with an interesting story.
Noel Mitaxa 
07/27/12
Clever portrayal of separate times, with a clear message that relates to each era.
Edmond Ng
07/30/12
I like the way you direct your readers to the main story in focus between the intro and ending. A nicely written piece!
Hiram Claudio
07/31/12
As others have said, the transition from the opening story to your main point was well done. I like the picture your words painted of us being vessels in which the Lord makes His "stew" if you will, and serves us to the masses. Good job!