1 Kings 17:20 "And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?"
There is a large amount of comfort in the fact that the greatest men of God were men, the same as we are. They experienced the same fear, pain, doubt and heartache as we do. There lives were not perfect, neither did everything make perfect sense at all times.
Yet despite that, they trusted God. They pushed through the fear and doubt, allowing it to build, rather than destroy their faith. We see Elijah crying out to God, not understanding "why". I must realize that God has created me with the emotions I have. They are not all good, not all to be encouraged, but they can all be used to draw me closer to Him. Doubt, if used correctly, can lead me to seek truth. Questioning God can help me find His purpose and my direction.
How has God met me in my most desperate times? Do I use my emotions to draw me closer to God?
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Make It for Me First
1 Kings 17:13 & 16
"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. . . And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah."
Elijah's request to have his food made first appears almost selfish at first glance. This widow had no one to provide for her, and had probably been fending for herself for some time. She had probably been very frugal and sacrificial, attempting to save the life of her son. Yet Elijah makes his request.
However Elijah's request comes with a promise and the admonition - "Fear not." Think of the faith exercised by the widow. Elijah had no proof of his claims, as far as we know, she didn't even know who exactly he was, he had no track record as of yet. Yet she obeyed.
And as the Lord promised, He took care of her. Think of the timing as well. The widow was down to her last handful of meal. God could hardly have cut it any closer. Elijah was waiting in the wilderness by the brook while this widow watched her food supply be used up day by day. As someone once said, God is never late, but seldom early.
Again we see God teaching His children patience coupled with faith. What situation has brought me to my "last handful of meal"? How have I seen God come through in His timing?
"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. . . And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah."
Elijah's request to have his food made first appears almost selfish at first glance. This widow had no one to provide for her, and had probably been fending for herself for some time. She had probably been very frugal and sacrificial, attempting to save the life of her son. Yet Elijah makes his request.
However Elijah's request comes with a promise and the admonition - "Fear not." Think of the faith exercised by the widow. Elijah had no proof of his claims, as far as we know, she didn't even know who exactly he was, he had no track record as of yet. Yet she obeyed.
And as the Lord promised, He took care of her. Think of the timing as well. The widow was down to her last handful of meal. God could hardly have cut it any closer. Elijah was waiting in the wilderness by the brook while this widow watched her food supply be used up day by day. As someone once said, God is never late, but seldom early.
Again we see God teaching His children patience coupled with faith. What situation has brought me to my "last handful of meal"? How have I seen God come through in His timing?
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Elijah: Patience and Faith
1 Kings 17:1-7
"So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan."
Elijah makes a statement to King Ahab, then God calls him into the wilderness for "awhile" where Elijah waits. We have no record of what he did except that God provided two meals a day in a supernatural way. We don't know how long he waited there, but it must have been a good amount of time since streams don't dry up overnight.
This is the first introduction we have to Elijah, one of the greatest prophets ever. It is interesting to note the beginning of his service to God. He obediently puts his life on the line to deliver God's words to Ahab, then goes into hiding where he must depend utterly and completely on God. He learns patience and his faith is grown as daily God provides his every need.
Elijah would need this time of testing later in his life. He knew what God had done for him, he was well aware of what God was capable of doing.
Perhaps I am in a similar time where nothing seems to be happening. Could it be, if I would just be still and know, that God is waiting to provide, teach me patience, and increase my faith?
"So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan."
Elijah makes a statement to King Ahab, then God calls him into the wilderness for "awhile" where Elijah waits. We have no record of what he did except that God provided two meals a day in a supernatural way. We don't know how long he waited there, but it must have been a good amount of time since streams don't dry up overnight.
This is the first introduction we have to Elijah, one of the greatest prophets ever. It is interesting to note the beginning of his service to God. He obediently puts his life on the line to deliver God's words to Ahab, then goes into hiding where he must depend utterly and completely on God. He learns patience and his faith is grown as daily God provides his every need.
Elijah would need this time of testing later in his life. He knew what God had done for him, he was well aware of what God was capable of doing.
Perhaps I am in a similar time where nothing seems to be happening. Could it be, if I would just be still and know, that God is waiting to provide, teach me patience, and increase my faith?
Ahab: The Blot
1 Kings 16:33
"And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him."
"And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him."
Ahab's legacy is a blot on Israel's history. What his predecessors did was evil, and yet Ahab excelled beyond all that was done before him and brought evil to new depths.
As Christians in America today, we are seeing evil being brought to new depths. It is discouraging and sad. Yet we can take comfort from this story, knowing there is nothing new under the sun. What was done shall be done again. What is once was. And God remains on His throne.
Ahab's reign came to an end, in God's timing
Friday, May 20, 2016
Sin's Vanity
1 Kings 16:13
"For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities."
Vanity. Is that not the essence of sin? Nothingness, vapor, smoke in the wind. A waste of time, a waste of life itself.
Sin offers so much - satisfaction, contentment, pleasure. But it delivers none of what it promises. The pleasure may endure for a season but then it is gone in a moment leaving us with nothing but the ruin, destruction and death that will always come from sin.
God desires so much more for us. A life full of purpose and meaning, a contentment and satisfaction that nothing else can offer. He created us, He created life, don't you think He would know best how it should be spent?
What vanity is tempting me today? How can I purposely choose God?
"For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities."
Vanity. Is that not the essence of sin? Nothingness, vapor, smoke in the wind. A waste of time, a waste of life itself.
Sin offers so much - satisfaction, contentment, pleasure. But it delivers none of what it promises. The pleasure may endure for a season but then it is gone in a moment leaving us with nothing but the ruin, destruction and death that will always come from sin.
God desires so much more for us. A life full of purpose and meaning, a contentment and satisfaction that nothing else can offer. He created us, He created life, don't you think He would know best how it should be spent?
What vanity is tempting me today? How can I purposely choose God?
His Might
1 Kings 16:5
"Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
"Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
Strength is a quality that can be just as good as it can be bad. Baasha was a man of might and yet his history is one of rebellion and shame. He misused his strength.
A person who is relying on God will renew his strength and will be able to accomplish God's will. A person relying on his own strength will have no hope or desire to accomplish God's will. This will result in them settling for their own will, which always has painful consequences.
In what areas has God given me strength? In what areas do I need more strength? Am I using my strength to accomplish God's will or my own?
Just As He Said
1 Kings 15:29
"And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:"
"And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:"
God 's word is true. It is worthy of our trust and faith. His word will not return void but will accomplish His purpose.
These are facts we may know, but have a hard time truly accepting. How many times have we prayed and prayed regarding an issue, feeling as of God is ignoring us, then weeks, months, maybe even years later find that He has answered us in a way we couldn't have imagined?
God's judgment on Jeroboam was not swift in our human perception, but it was sure. There was never a moment when it was not going to happen just as God has said.
What have I been seeking from God that has not happened yet? Prayer must be patient, persistent and tenacious.
Ways
1 Kings 15:34
"And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin."
"And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin."
"The ways of Jeroboam" were evil in God's sight. How utterly tragic. God laid out a choice for Jeroboam, God wanted to use him for good. But Jeroboam rejected that and chose the wrong path.
Then even after his death, Jeroboam's memory is tarnished and synonymous with evil. The writer did not need to spell out what exactly Baasha did, all that needed said was "he walked in the ways of Jeroboam".
The way we walk through and live our lives is of the utmost importance. Not only for us, but for those who will follow.
What are my "ways"? Would I rejoice seeing my children walk in my ways?
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
A Lamp In Jerusalem
1 Kings 15:4-5
"Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite."
"Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite."
Only a truly humble person will realize the real expanse of God's mercy and grace, because only a truly humble person will see themselves for who they truly are in light of Who God truly is.
A humble person is honest enough to see the sin in their own life and how powerless they are you remedy it. They are honest enough to realize and acknowledge God and His unfathomable righteousness.
A humble person is honest enough to see the sin in their own life and how powerless they are you remedy it. They are honest enough to realize and acknowledge God and His unfathomable righteousness.
In the history of Israel we see countless instances of grace and mercy being poured out on a rebellious, undeserving nation. Judgment does come on the unrepentant, but none can say God did not give them a chance.
What are some instances of God's mercy in my life I can thank Him for today?
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Choose
1 Kings14:24
"And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."
"And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."
The history of a nation or a people is vital to their survival. On several different occasions, God laid out a choice for Israel - life or death. Choose who you will serve - the One True God or the false idols. Then He laid out exactly what would happen depending on the choice they made.
God was not ambiguous or unclear about what the consequences of unfaithfulness to Him would be. And Israel turned their back on Him over and over again. Was it because of rebellion? Or had they chosen to forget what God has said? Or perhaps a combination of the two and pride, thinking that they knew better than God.
Whatever the cause, God lays out the same choice to you and I everyday - choose. He makes very clear and obvious that following Him means taking up our cross and suffering, but just as clear is the never ending horror of rejecting Him. And yet His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He will never leave or forsake you and He has gone to prepare a place for you.
Today, what do you choose?
My Servant David
1 Kings 14:8-9
"And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:"
"And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:"
Here we see God holding up David as an example of what it means to truly follow God wholeheartedly. David was far from perfect, however his heart was following God.
We see in Jeroboam a stark contrast and God says that his evil is beyond all those who came before. It appears from the passage that the reason for this great condemnation is Jeroboam's reasoning behind his actions. God says he did it "to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back..."
Jeroboam made his own gods to spite the One True God. How desperately wicked is the heart of man that he could turn so wickedly against the Creator Who gave him the breath he uses to curse God. But for the grace of God go you and I.
I must examine my heart daily. Am I seeking to follow God and fulfill His commands? How can I bring my heart into subjection to God today?
Monday, May 9, 2016
Old Mistakes, New Problems
1 Kings
"If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."
"If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."
Again, we see a king who doubted God, but instead of using that doubt to motivate his seeking for God, he sought counsel from man instead of God. Jeroboam did that "which he had devised of his own heart".
In this story we see the need to constantly draw closer to God and seek Him in every situation. In this story we also see the need to remember our history. We can only speculate that Jeroboam knew the history of Israel, the story of Aaron and the golden calf. Either he was completely ignorant or completely desperate and willing to disregard the consequences. Neither is a good situation to be in.
Knowledge and peace comes from only one place - God Almighty. Am I seeking Him today? What in my past will keep me from mistakes in the future?
In this story we see the need to constantly draw closer to God and seek Him in every situation. In this story we also see the need to remember our history. We can only speculate that Jeroboam knew the history of Israel, the story of Aaron and the golden calf. Either he was completely ignorant or completely desperate and willing to disregard the consequences. Neither is a good situation to be in.
Knowledge and peace comes from only one place - God Almighty. Am I seeking Him today? What in my past will keep me from mistakes in the future?
Friday, May 6, 2016
For David's Sake
1 Kings 11:12-13
"Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen."
"Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen."
God's hands of judgment was stayed for David's sake. Solomon had forsaken the God Who had blessed him beyond imagination and he deserved punishment. However God's mercy was extended because of the memory of His servant David.
That is incredible, that the life and actions of an imperfect human can have an impact on God and the lives of those not yet born. It begs the question, what if David had forsaken God like Solomon did?
Do I see my life as a legacy? Do I attempt to look ahead to what my present actions will cause in the future? Would God show mercy for my sake?
That is incredible, that the life and actions of an imperfect human can have an impact on God and the lives of those not yet born. It begs the question, what if David had forsaken God like Solomon did?
Do I see my life as a legacy? Do I attempt to look ahead to what my present actions will cause in the future? Would God show mercy for my sake?
His Heart Was Not Perfect
1 Kings 11:4
"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."
When we think back on the life of David, the first thing that comes to mind is generally not perfection of heart. He was an adulterer, had Uriah killed and caused much destruction by numbering the people against God's will.
Contrast that with Solomon who has no recorded blot in his life until "when he was old". Also, Solomon was the one who built the temple, while David spent his life engaged in war.
However, as God told Samuel,
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
When Solomon sinned, we have no record of any remorse. Apparently, Solomon seared his conscience until it stopped "bothering" him.
When David sinned, we know from the Psalms how completely it destroyed him on the inside, knowing that he has broken fellowship with His Heavenly Father. We see his desperate longing for renewal, to be made clean and pure again. We see his utter rejection of the sin and how much he despised it.
God saw Solomon's heart. God saw David's heart. God sees your heart.
David was not perfect but his heart's direction was completely towards God and His law. Sin in David's life was a mistake not a way of life. It was a stumble, a falter, not his daily walk.
What does God see when he looks at my heart?
They Shall Hear
1 Kings 8:42a
"(For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;)..."
How was it that Solomon foresaw people turning to the One True God? He prophesied that they would hear of His great name, His strong hand and outstretched arm. Why would they hear of this? Because when God works, humans instinctively know it is supernatural, and occurrences like that do not go unnoticed.
Why would Solomon think God would be working? The previous verses make it clear - God would be working in miraculous ways because His people would be praying. Their prayer for forgiveness, their prayers for God's listening ear, would be heard and God would respond and act. This would in turn cause people to ask questions, giving His children a chance to testify and witness of His power. This evidence of God's power would have a magnetic result, causing strangers and foreigners to come from far lands seeking to know this God Who answers prayer.
But this will never happen if God's children are not fervently praying, waiting for Him to respond. And then when He does as He promised, we must tell others, testify, witness of His powerful hand and outstretched arm.
Do I pray? Do I see answers to my prayers? Am I testifying to God's power in my life? Am I looking for those who come from afar?
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Forsaking Counsel
1 Kings 12:8
"But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:"
"But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:"
Rehoboam's folly in this instance was not forsaking the wisdom of his father's advisors. His folly was in forsaking the real source of his father's wisdom.
Due to Solomon's vast number of wives and concubines, it is doubtful he was a very engaged or interested father in the lives of his children. We read in Proverbs admonitions that Solomon gave to "my son" regarding wisdom and walking in the fear of the Lord. The later part of Solomon's life however was not a demonstration of this wisdom preached throughout Proverbs. As they say, actions speak louder than words.
Rehoboam had to have known about his father's encounter with God and how God has blessed him. However we see his first act as king was the epitome of foolishness. This is because he sought the wisdom of man and did not look to God.
We've seen how generous God is at all times, always promising blessings when His commands are followed. We've seen man's utter disregard of this law of the universe. Would my first act as king after Solomon have been seeking early wisdom? Or tearing down the places of false god worship?
Due to Solomon's vast number of wives and concubines, it is doubtful he was a very engaged or interested father in the lives of his children. We read in Proverbs admonitions that Solomon gave to "my son" regarding wisdom and walking in the fear of the Lord. The later part of Solomon's life however was not a demonstration of this wisdom preached throughout Proverbs. As they say, actions speak louder than words.
Rehoboam had to have known about his father's encounter with God and how God has blessed him. However we see his first act as king was the epitome of foolishness. This is because he sought the wisdom of man and did not look to God.
We've seen how generous God is at all times, always promising blessings when His commands are followed. We've seen man's utter disregard of this law of the universe. Would my first act as king after Solomon have been seeking early wisdom? Or tearing down the places of false god worship?
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