Snatched Away From a Pity Party

O. T. #813  "Snatched  Away From a Pity Party"
August 16, 2016
Summary of 1 Kings


LET IT GLOW

Today, we are wrapping up First Kings. What did you learn? I have learned by reading this book that even kings and prophets fall into sin, doubt, but God...
So I have encouragement that when I am having a pity party of one, in a pit of sin or despair, or under my juniper tree, God can and does snatch me away with His loving hand. He picks me up, dusts off all that depravity and self-pity, and walks with me along the rode of faith once again.
Thank you friends for not giving up on me either.

This book opened with David being in his 70's. He appointed son Solomon as his replacement as king of Israel. However, another son, Adonijah, proclaimed himself as king, causing a rebellion, which was later resolved by Solomon. Solomon was God's appointed king over Israel. Earlier, David had collected materials for building the Temple of God, but was not allowed to construct it, since he was a man of war.

1 Chronicles 29:28 describes David's life: He died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor.

Solomon is remembered as the wisest and wealthiest man, with a mighty army during his time. When God asked him his greatest desire, Solomon's answer was to help his people, so God gave him wisdom and knowledge to do such, in addition to wealth, riches, and fame as no other king has had before or since. Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs, according to 4:32. So we enjoy his God given gift today. (Let me insert that his downfall was marrying foreign women.)

Also, he built a magnificent Temple for the Lord, where the Israelite sacrificial system was active. He used gold, silver, and bronze on the articles inside. His king's palace was something else. Eve midst all of that splendor, Solomon remained faithful to worshiping only God.

At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon declared, God is good! His faithful love endures   forever.  (2 Chronicles 7:3, which is a history book.)

We are reminded by Paul in his letter to the Romans (chapter 9), that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ-not trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, destitution, danger, or threat of death, angels, demons, fears for today or worries for tomorrow, powers of hell, no power in the sky, on the earth, nor any creature.

It is our unconfessed sins that breaks our relationship with God. So if when we need reassured that we are loved, we should look inside and find the sin which separates and causes our doubt of being loved by God loved.

LET IT GROW

By chapter 12, we read of Israel becoming a divided kingdom, with the 10 northern tribes remaining united and 2 southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin being a separate nation. It was difficult to follow the kings and their reigning over both kingdoms due to the Word skipping back and forth between the two. Some were good, some were bad, in that they either remained faithful to worship God or they turned to idol worship.

An example is Jeroboam, who led Israel into idolatry by chapter 12. Six kings are listed, beginning with Nadab and ending with Ahab, and all did evil. There was a total of 8 dynasties of Israel an 5 kings of Judah.
Asa and his son Jehoshaphat were good kings, ridding Judah of idols and reinstalling worship of God.

God sent the prophet Elijah to reveal to all of Israel and King Ahab that he is Almighty and the Most High God. It was  accomplished through the use of 3 1/2 year drought and the showdown at Mt. Carmel where God's fire consumed Elijah's sacrifice on the wooden altar after being drenched completely with water and the trench. Yet, Ahab did not turn to God, but allowed his wife Jezebel to threaten the prophet's life. Both Ahab's blood and Jezebel's blood were licked up by dogs, as previously predicted. They went to the dogs alright. Leading Israel away from God as he reigned 22 years.

We journeyed with Elijah through the wilderness to his juniper tree and cave, then to anoint Elisha some 200 miles away. He wasn't the only one serving God, for he was among 7,000 others.
We leave the two kingdoms still divided. What is to come are more kings and their influences upon God's people, minor prophets used to predict and proclaim God, and an enemy nation to capture them for judgment to bring repentance.

So stay with me, dear ones. We have more to learn about our God.
If Go can bring Elijah out of his depression and fear, he can do the same for us.
Give thanks to the Lord, for His love never ends.
He is the God of wonders, holy, righteous, and sovereign.


LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for crashing my pity party.

I am grateful that You do not give up on me, but restore me.

Keep me in Your will, doing it Your way and for Your glory.

Father, bless us all with faith and love in Jesus Christ overflowing today.

Protect us as we face the challenges of living in this world.

And if anyone is still under their juniper tree, snatch them away, Lord.



 

Good or Bad Example

O. T. # 812  "Good or Bad Example"
August 15, 2016
1 Kings 22-Part 3
Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the example of his father, Asa. (1 Kings 22:43)

But he (Ahaziah) did what was evil in the LORD's sight, following the example of his father and mother... (1 King's 22:52)

LET IT GLOW

I look at the examples of a good king and a bad king that appears at the end of this book and wonder-what will others say about me when I am dead and gone? Did I show kindness, give to those in need, show love and encouragement, stay faithful to my God; or was I judgmental, saying discouraging words, stay in my ivory house, turn my head away from those in need? Is my life only words, or is it a doer of The Word? Am I a living example of what I teach, as Jesus' was?

King Ahab of Israel was dead. He was buried in Samaria. This king had lead Israel away from God for 22 years. Then his chariot was washed beside the pool there, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the LORD had promised. He is remembered as being the worst king of Israel.

His son, Ahaziah, ruled Israel for two years. He followed in his mother and father's example, as well as Jeroboam, doing hat was evil in the LORD's sight. He served and worshiped Baal, which provoked the LORD to anger just like his father.

Are our children following in our footsteps? Are they faithfully serving Jesus as we are, or are they going their own way?

LET IT GROW

Getting back to King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who had joined Ahab in battle against the Arameans in the attempt to conquer the city of Ramoth-gilead. He returned safely home in Jerusalem. He was age 35 when Jehoshaphat became king and reigned 25 years. Doing our math, he is now 60.

What was the accomplishments of Jehoshaphat during his reign as king over Judah?

• He followed the example of his father, Asa. (verse 43)
• He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight.
• However, during his reign, Jehoshaphat failed to remove all the pagan shrines in the high places, so the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.
• He made peace with the king of Israel, yet compromised his loyalty in refusing to cooperate with Ahaziah in another attempt at restoring sea trade with Africa for gold.
• He removed the male cult prostitutes.

Jehoshaphat is noted as the king who made many contributions to the spiritual, moral, and material health of Israel. Although, he was not successful in eradicating the hill shrines.

As we close the book, let us consider what influence our life has on another generation-good and bad.

LET IT GO

                             ... of my family's unforgiving tendencies and forgive others.
                             ... of my selfish ways and love others.
                             ... and share and care today.
     

A Crack in My Armor

O.T. #811  "A Crack in My Armor"
August 12, 2016
1 Kings 22-Part 2
An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. 1 Kings 22:34

LET IT GLOW

Everyone has one-Goliath, David, Saul, Ahab did. We do also, if we will only admit it. I'm talking about a crack in our armor-a weakness in our life, which causes us to stumble into sin or the pit, over and over again.
Yep, discouragement puts me down in the pit every time. Someone's arrow of hurtful words hit me smackdab dead center in the heart and I bleed, with self-worth and confidence drained and running down to the ground. What's ironic is its source always surprises me,  but it should not. After all these years, I should be prepared for it, right? That mean arrow of action, the stone-cold word slung at me that I don't dodge, wound me and brings me to my knees. The devil uses his same ole tricks, just different faces. You know, I really need to wise up. Where's my shield of faith that I can hold up for counter action? Why don't I use my sword of the spirit, God's Word to ward them off? Hmm. It is time.

In spite of being forewarned of his death by the prophet Micaiah, King Ahab went into battle (along with Judah) to conquer Ramth-gilead, which used to be their possession. Ahab's planned to avoid death by disguising himself while Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes with God's protection.

The enemy, king of Aram, issued his orders to attack only the king of Israel and to not bother with anyone else. (verse 31) So the Armean chased after Jehoshaphat, thinking he was Ahab as a conspicuous target. If he had not cried out, the king of Judah would have been killed in Ahab's stead.
Then it happened-an archer took a random shot, not knowing he was aiming at Ahab, and hit the king in a crack in his armor. David Guzik describes the arrow as a sin-seeking missile.

Being seriously wounded, Ahab retreated to his chariot, propped up to encourage his troops, but the place where he slowly bled to death, with his blood running down on the floor of his chariot. There it is, folks, Ahab had been told twice of his upcoming death, but did not heed the warnings and went into battle anyway.

Where's the crack in our armor? Do we recognize it? The devil  knows just where to attack us with temptation, discouragement, or accusations-in our crack of armor. Are we protecting that weakness by putting on the full armor of God-salvation, righteousness, truth, peace, faith, and the Word of God?

LET IT GROW

The troops ran for their lives once their king was dead. Although King Ahab was buried in his capital, and as predicted, dogs licked up his blood (21:19). His blood was washed off of his chariot and armor at the pool where the harlots bathed. Such a thing was further indignity for the king. Why was it mentioned?

MacArthur says that Ahab, the spiritual harlot was associated with the physical harlots at his death.
The prophecies of Elijah (21:19) and Micaiah (verse 17) were fulfill at Ahab's death. In this, we find that our God keeps His Word. What He says will come to pass.

May I add a question- What good is Ahab's ivory house doing him now?

Ahaziah, Ahab's son, ruled Israel for two years. He did evil in the LORD's sight, following the example of his father and mother, and Jeroboam. He served and worshiped Baal, which provoked the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, just as his father did.

Sometimes people try to escape reality by disguising themselves-changing jobs, moving to a new town, even changing spouses. But God sees and evaluates the motives of each person. Any attempted disguise is futile. (Life Application Study Bible)

We haven't heard the last of wicked Jezebel. The next book tell of her deeds.


LET IT GO

Identify my crack in my Christian armor, then take steps to mend it.

Speaking the Truth

O. T. #810  "Speaking the Truth"
August 11, 2016
1 Kings 22


LET IT GLOW

As previously said, Ahab was the wickedest king Israel ever had. He sold himself to work evil. Jezebel, his heathen wife, rule Ahab behind the scenes and made sure that her idol worship of Baal was the nation's religion.

God gave Ahab two victories over Syria, who was Israel's enemy, for His people's sake, as well a showing His grace. Then Ahab compromised and made a covenant of peace with Ben-hadad. However, this was disobedience with God's Word and judgment was coming upon Ahab-his death.

Then Ahab had a man stoned for his garden. He wouldn't give his vineyard, which was an inheritance, to the king to use as his garden, so Jezebel had the man killed, and later his sons, too.

With that said, we are coming down to the end of this book and Ahab's life, also.
Ahab did not defeat Syria when he had the chance, so this enemy came back to attack and kill him.

We pick up a story 3 years later of the king of Judah (other 2 tribes of Israel in southern kingdom), Jehoshaphat, joined his army with that of Ahab's (10 tribes of Israel in northern kingdom).
King Jehoshaphat wanted to know God's will about this battle, so they asked of the 400 prophets to Ahab and worshipers of Baal.
(These guys always catered to Ahab, giving him a good report, whether it was the truth or not.) So victory was promised when these armies with to battle with Syria.  Jehoshaphat was not satisfied, so he wanted to hear from a prophet from the Lord, so Micaiah was brought.

Micaiah told the kings to go ahead and they would have victory, only it was said sarcastically. Then king replied sharply, How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the LORD? (verse 16)

Do we seek the Lord's will before going into battle, making decisions, starting our day? Do we
speak the truth when we are speaking for the Lord? Or do we speak soothing words, tickling their ears, making our listeners happy?  Which would God have us do?

LET IT GROW

Micaiah told  of his vision: Israel as scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd The LORD said, Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace. (verse 17)

This prophet continued to tell what else he saw:

• The LORD was sitting on His throne with the armies of heaven around Him.
• He asked who would go and entice Ahab to go in battle against Ramoth-gilead so he could be killed.
• A spirit volunteered and God put a lying spirit in the mouths of all Ahab's prophets.

King Ahab would be killed in this battle and his army would be scattered, as Micaiah prophesied.
Micaiah was slapped and put back into prison, getting no bread or water until Ahab returned from the battle.
The prophet said, "If you return safely, it will mean that the LORD has not spoken through me."

This must have been Satan, whom the Lord  allowed to speak through 400 demons who indwelt the 400 false prophets. (MacArthur)

Life Application Study Bible adds:

God uses everything-both good and evil-for His good purposes (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28). God does not entice anyone to evil, but He allows those who are committed to evil to sin even more in order to hurry their deserved judgment (Ex. 11:10). We don't need to understand very detail of ho God works in order to have perfect confidence in His absolute power over evil and His total goodness toward us.

I think the main focus here is not the evil, but God's will was accomplished, one way or another. He is always in control, sovereign. Do we surrender to His will?
We will see how Ahab's situation turns out next time. (Of course, we already know he is doomed.)

LET IT GO

I may as well surrender, for God is going to have His will done, one way or another.

Cheerfully submit and obey.

Speak the truth.

Watch the blessing flow.

The Verdict Came

O. T. #809  "The Verdict Came"
August 10, 2016
1 Kings 21-Part 2
Give him this message This is what the LORD says: Wasn't it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth? 1 Kings 21:10 NLT


LET IT GLOW

Naboth knew the dangers of disobeying a ruthless king, but refused to violate God's law and courageously refused Ahab's request for his ancestral land. Israelites were not to sell their land permanently, for the Promised Land belonged to God (Lev. 25:23). To acquire Naboth's vineyard for her husband, Queen Jezebel  committed several cries: forgery, hypocrisy (using the religious ritual of fasting to cover up the scheme), perjury, and murder. She even had Naboth's sons killed (2 Kings 9:26).
(David Jeremiah)

But God knew all that happened. He sent Elijah to settle the matter with the king:

• Ahab called Elijah his enemy in the NLT version.
• Elijah told that he came because Ahab sold himself to what is evil in the LORD's sight.
• The Lord's message to Ahab was that He was going to bring disaster on him and consume him.
• God would destroy Ahab's descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel!
• God was going to destroy Ahab's family as He did the family of Jeroboam and Baasha for he led Israel into sin and made God very angry. Those dying in the city would be eaten by dogs and those dying in the field would be eaten by vultures.
• Jezebel's body would be eaten by dogs on the plot of land Ahab got from Naboth.

Verse 25 says, No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.

His worse outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done.

Good news is found here-When Ahab heard this message he went into deep mourning, tearing his clothing, dressing in burlap, and fasting.
If you are like me, you wonder if it was all a show, a put on, like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
However, God sees into the heart. He asked Elijah if he saw how Ahab humbled himself before God. Because of that, God changed His time of executing judgment, not during Ahab's lifetime, but his sons and dynasty would be destroyed.

Numbers 32:23 states, Be sure your sins will find you out.

Do we confront those who do wrong and warn them of God's discipline? Are we praying for them to come to repentance?

LET IT GROW

Elijah announced doom to the household of Ahab, and in a short time his prophecies came true (2 Kings 9-10). Ahab himself had "sold himself to do wickedness" and therefore he had to accept the wages he had earned. the king humbled himself before the Lord (whether sincerely or hypocritically, we do not know), so the Lord postponed the punishment. (Wiersbe)

We must accept God's sovereignty on those occasions when He seems harsh by our standards, and also when He seems too merciful by our judgment. (Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary)

God took notice and reduced Ahab's punishment. The same Lord who was merciful to Ahab wants to be merciful to you. No mater how evil you have been it is never too late to humble yourself, turn to God, and ask for forgiveness. (Life Application Study Bible)


LET IT GO

                              ... and let God handle those doing wrong when I have done all I can do.
                              ... and stay faithful to God so I am not among those who do wrong.

Persistence

O. L. #808  "Persistence"
August 9, 2016
1 Kings 21
I'll get you Naboth's vineyard.  1 Kings 21:7c

LET IT GLOW

I have been having a night visitor on my front porch for a while now. It eats up the leftover cat food and digs in my flowers there. So in an attempt to discourage it, I remove the cat food nightly and placed some good sized rocks among the flowers. However, my scheme has not been successful. What a persistent dude!  It does not realize that it is not welcome here. And stop destroying my flowers! What kind of wild animal is so persistent? I had my ideas of the possibilities, but they were incorrect. Care to take a guess?

So, one night, at midnight to be exact, I was up late waiting on my antivirus to run its protection and heard a noise on the porch. The intruder was scooting the empty cat bowl. Awe ha! The mystery was about to be solved. I ran to get a flashlight and spotlighted it. A huge raccoon was the critter.  But what good does it to "know" what is stealing my cat food? I can't shoot a gun. So the saga continues. I wonder who I can get to eliminate my problem.
Today's focus is on a man named Naboth who is bothered by the king that is persist, not taking "no" for an answer, in an attempt to get his vineyard. Like my raccoon, he keeps coming back. Let's see what happens.

King Ahab is not satisfied with ruling over 83% of the Promised Land (10 out of 12 tribal inheritances) His empty idolatry is not satisfying. Thus, this king of Israel is constantly lusting after things, as the heart of the wicked does.
What does Ahab covet? His neighbor's vineyard that he wants to make into a vegetable garden. Really? Why not just buy Naboth's grapes? Or use another plot for your garden and leave the poor hard-working man alone.
The problem is, Naboth does not want to trade nor sell this plot of land. Besides, the man feels like he would be violating, disobeying the Word of God (Lev. 25:23 and Num. 36:7).  The Israelites' land was to not be sold, ever.

What do we do when evil keeps persistently challenging us? Do we give in or stand firm? Are we going to let the devil rob us of our joy today?

LET IT GROW

Ahab, a mighty warrior pouts at home, before his wicked wife Jezebel, because a farmer refused his offer. Who can feel sorry for the man?
Leave to me, honey, I'll take care of it. You deserve having everything you want, after all, you are king.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament explains: 
Queen Jezebel schemes again:

• She brings in false witnesses against Naboth;
• she forges letters in her husband's name;
• she hides the entire undertaking under the disguise of a religious fast.

The innocent man Naboth was stoned to death just to satisfy the lust of King Ahab and his Baal-worshiping wife. Jezebel resolved Ahab's unhappiness with a scheme that involved perverting the law, perjury, and murder.
In 2 Kings 9, we find out that Naboth's male heirs are also killed so there were no surviving heirs to the land belonging to his family. And those kind of people are running the nation of Israel?
Anyone twisting the law to get what they want is guilty of sin.
We need to aware here in our nation of what kind of leaders we have or are potential? Are they law twisters?

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
 (Jeremiah 17:9)

Do we go to extremes to get our way? Hopefully not, but do we know women like this Jezebel?

LET IT GO


Leave revenge to God.

Stay faithful to His Word.

Burlap and Rope

O. T. #807  "Burlap and Rope"
August 8, 2016
1 Kings 20-Part 3
So they put on burlap and ropes, and they went to the king of Israel and begged...
1 Kings 20:31

LET IT GLOW


I find it funny that burlap has become a popular material in decorations, even at weddings. Why, when I was a kid, feed for the hogs and cows came in bagged in burlap, which was a humble means. It was considered anything but decorative back then. It is used in today's story in order to deceive the king.

After being defeated by Israel's God, the Syrians planned another invasion the nest spring, as a prophet warned King Ahab. Due to the defeat, the Syrians thought Israel's God could win in the hills, but not win in the valleys or plains. So that was their strategy, which failed. God gave a second victory to Israel as they killed 100,000 Arameans and a wall fell upon 27,000 killing them, also.

Benhadad's officers suggested to the Syrian king that they put burlap around their waists and rope on their heads, pretending to repent and humble themselves before proud Ahab. Their scheme worked, for Ahab was led into a wicked compromise with the enemy, as Satan does often. so the two kings made a covenant of peace, allowing Benhadad to live, which was in direct disobedience to the Word of God. Ahab is later killed on the battlefield in 22:35.

Are we easily deceived? Do we compromise God's Word?


LET IT GROW

An anonymous prophet met King Ahab, with a drama portraying  a story of a soldier who allowed a  prisoner to escape. The prophet was able to get King Ahab to confess his own guilt and pass his own sentence, as the soldier. (Like Nathan did with David). Ahab would die along with many of his people because he refused to follow God's directions.
Hazael's words came true at the right time (19:15-17). God had given Ahab time to repent, showing mercy. Since Ahab spared Benhadad, his own life was required.

Do we know what God's Word says?
Micah 6:8 tells us what the Lord requires: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

In our everyday dealings, do we do justly?
Are we showing mercy?
Daily, do we walk humbly before our God?

LET IT GO

                               ... of pride and walk humbly before my God.

                               ... of self profit and do justly my business dealings.

                               ... of revenge and show mercy.

Counting Chickens Before They Hatch

O. T. #806 "Counting Chickens Before They Hatch"
August 5, 2016
1 Kings 20-Part 2


LET IT GLOW


When I was little, we had a few hens and roasters in the garage. If we didn't eat up all the eggs, the settin' hens  would remain on their nest of eggs to keep them warm so their chicks would hatch. It was hard to predict how many chicks would actually hatch out. That was because we had an old hound dog that liked to eat eggs. Ahab's enemy sent a threat of his victory over Israel, but Ahab told him, in not so many words, to not count his chickens before they hatched.

Anyone need a victory today? How about a little grace, too? Ahab need both, for a huge army was coming against them.
King Ahab of Israel had armies from 33 kings come against him, to take over his kingdom. Ahab gave his wealth and his family, but refused to give up the possessions of his palace. Now we see the conquest. God stepped in to save the king and his people, but not that they deserved it. No, God had a cause against Syria and the time of her judgment had arrived. He showed grace to Israel.
Ben-hadad sent a message to Ahab threatening him. Ahab sent a message meaning that one should not count their chickens before they hatched. It may not turn out like expect.

Then an unnamed prophet gave Ahab a message from God:
Do you see all these enemy forces? Today I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD. He would use the troops of the provincial commanders to do it. (verse 13, 14)

Do we seek the Lord for victory over our enemies? He is El Shaddah, the LORD Almighty. Grace is available.

LET IT GROW


So Ahab mustered up the troops of the 232 provincial commanders, as well as 7,000 men from his army. While the Aramean army's 32 kings were relaxing with their drinks in their tents as a premature celebration, Israel approached, ready to fight. As the Israelite soldiers began killing their enemies, it put the Aramean army into a panic and they fled. Ahab destroyed the horses, chariots, and slaughtered a great any Arameans (except King Ben-dad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses).
This was the first victory. Ahab was told by another prophet to prepare for another battle, for Aram would return in the spring.
Do we prepare for spiritual battle before we leave our house in the morning by putting o the whole armor of God?

LET IT GO

Seek God's grace.

Trust Him for victory today.

Valuables

O. T. #805  "Valuables"
August 4, 2015
1 Kings 20
They will take away everything you consider valuable! 1 Kings 20:6b

LET IT GLOW


If we had an invasion, which would we willingly give up-wealth, family, house, valuables, land, Bible, car, jewelry? What do we consider valuable?  Ahab faced such a dilemma.

The northern kingdom of Israel had 8 evil kings in succession. King Ahab went down in history as the most wicked king that Israel ever had. His wife Jezebel ruled him behind the scenes and got Baal worship as the official religion in the land. Ahab sold himself to work evil, as 21:20 and 25 inform us. Elijah had been the instrument which God used to demonstrate that His is the only powerful, living God. Yet, Ahab did not have enough faith to follow God.

God allowed other nations to gain strength and become Israel and Judah's enemies. During the next two centuries, three enemies threatened both of them-Aram, Assyria, and Babylon.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament  shows us Ahab's defense:  

1. The challenge (verses 1-12)
2. The conquest (verses 13-30)
3. The compromise (verse 31-43).

When we are surrounded at work or in our family by those who choose to not honor nor serve God, are we remaining faithful to God? Will we lift up Jesus instead of lowering our standards to their level?

LET IT GROW

The challenge Ahab faced was with the king of Syria and his vast army, assisted by 32 other kings,  threatened Samaria. His messengers asked for King Ahab's wealth and family, to which he agreed to obey. What!! You sorry king! You gave up your family without a fight? You experienced the mighty power God at Mt. Carmel, so why not pray to Him to give you victory?

When the invaders asked for the privilege of looting his palace, Ahab refused. Looks like we know what is most important to this codger. If only Ahab had been walking with the Lord, then he could have turned his problem over to Him, but Baal was unable to deliver the king.

What is our priority? Is God's Word and His ways, or our own? Are we so deep in debt that w have to spend al time working with no time spent worshiping?

LET IT GO

Stand up for Jesus.

Defend His Truth.
 

Go Back To Go Forward

O. T. #804  "Go Back To Go Forward"
August 2, 2016
1 Kings 19-Part 6
Go back the same way you came... (verse 15)
Go on back, but think about what I have done to you. (verse 20c) 

LET IT GLOW

Go back the same way you came. Elijah had to travel back to the wilderness of Damascus. He had a new assignment-anoint two kings and a prophet. God was not finished with Elijah yet, he was still breathing and walking and talking. And so it is with us, friends. It's when we sit down under our juniper tree and have a pity party, like Elijah had done, when we stay in a cave of despair, that we loose our focus-God. Sometimes we have to go back in our mind and spirit and let Him work through all those hurt emotions and hate. I have to forgive those who hurt me and allow Jesus to heal me.

The purpose of Elijah anointing these three was for them to be commissioned to destroy Baal worship in Israel. Later in 2 Kings we will read of their success in achieving it through God's help. Actually, Elijah was not the one directly involved in commissioning the two kings, but Elisha was. In the process, Elijah was renewed a he immediately obeyed God.

Walking the second mile probably will not be on an easy, smooth road. Elijah needed a purpose to walk on, to continue walking by faith. God gave him one. It may be more than we can handle, but God wipes away the tears and gives us strength to go uphill when it is required. Let's not hammer in the peg and say that is as far as I am going. If we do, then it is us who misses out on the blessings.

LET IT GROW

What happens when Elijah finds Elisha?

• Elisha plowing in a field with 12 yoke of oxen. Apparently Elisha's family was wealthy to have such a team of oxen in that day.
• The name Elisha means my God is salvation.
• As Elisha passed by Elijah during his work, Elijah threw his mantle upon him.
• A mantle or cloak was the most important article of clothing a person owned. It was used a protection against the weather, as bedding, as a place to sit, and as luggage. t could be given as a pledge for a debt or torn into pieces to show grief. Elijah put his mantle upon Elisha's shoulders to show he would become Elijah's successor. (Life Application Study Bible)
• Elisha asked Elijah permission to return to his parents to say good bye and then return to follow Elijah. Elijah agreed to allow Elisha to go back, but asked Elisha to think about what he had done to Elisha.
• Elisha returned and killed his team of oxen as a symbol of his strong commitment to follow Elijah. The wood of the plow was used to build a fire to roast the meat. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate.
• Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

Elijah did not allow any earthly affection, such as parents, to detain him from obedience. Elisha recognized his call, and wished to make that call known to his family an friends by a farewell feast. Then he assumed his new role as a prophet-in-training.

What sacrifices are we willing to make that Jesus may require in order to follow Him? Do we put stipulations on our obedience? Only if it doesn't hurt, require my moving away, if it is something I enjoy doing, nor isn't humiliating? I ask myself those questions in  my spiritual assessment.

Deny yourself, Linda, by taking up your cross, and following Me wherever and through whatever. There it is: So I have to go back and walk through those valleys of pain in order to get healed; to die to my hurts and jealous and pride and desires and take up those  which Jesus has for me as He throws the mantle across my shoulders.
What about you, dear one? Are you willing to join us as we go back so we can go forward? Brokenness become healed.

LET IT GO

Go back...
Deny...
Take up....
Follow Jesus...

A New Perspective Seven Thousand Times Better

O. T. #803 "A New Perspective Seven Thousand Times Better"
August 1, 2016
1 Kings 19-Part 5
Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed to Baal or kissed him!
1 Kings 19:18

LET IT GLOW

When I look at my situation from my perspective and not God's perspective, the view gets out of whack, out of focus, and I don't see through eyes of faith. I don't see what really is true, what it can become, nor reality. I have been in the cave of discouragement far too long with Elijah. It is time to get up. Time for us to go stand on the mountain of the Lord where we can see through the eyes of hope, and get a new perspective that is 7,000 times better than mine is.

Elijah had to get out of his cave of discouragement and stand on the mountain before he experienced Gods three phenomenal acts using nature-windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Then God spoke using a soft, whispering voice. He asked Elijah what he was doing there in a cave, twice even. Now it seems to me, if He has to ask twice what a person is doing "there," then perhaps they are in the wrong place, not where God wants them to be.
Is God asking us what we are doing in our cave?

 What were the instructions that Elijah received from God?

• Go back the same way he came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus.
• Anoint Hazael king of Aram, Syria, who was Israel's enemy on her northern border.
• Anoint Jehu, a captain in Ahab's army, as king of Israel.
• Anoint Elisha to replace him as the  prophet of God.
• Anyone who escapes Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will killed by Elisha.
• God tells Elijah that He preserved 7,000 others in Israel who never bowed down to Baal or kissed him (showed loyalty)!

God was still controlling the events. The spiritual situation in Israel was 7,000 times better than Elijah had thought. Elijah received hope. He would see his situation from God's perspective.


LET IT GROW

Those three were commissioned to destroy Baal worshipers-Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha were used to complete what Elijah had begun. Success was coming.

By the time the last of these men died (2 Kings 13:24), Baalism would be officially barred from Israel. (MacArthur)

We are all in the kingdom work together, so there should not be jealousy. Elijah had more work to do before he was through.
When we have wondered off the right path, hide in a cave or sit under our juniper tree, so to speak, we need to listen for God's still small voice reassuring us that we are not alone, and giving us His next assignment. Then get up and go, obeying. After all, there are at least 7,000 faithful followers of Jesus out there looking for us!


LET IT GO

Let God heal my wounds.

Leave fear, discouragement, and loneliness behind.

Focus on God, not the seemingly failures. Be an overcomer.

Walk faithfully on the path He has prepared for His purposes.

A Still, Small Voice

O. T. #802  "A Still, Small Voice"
July 29, 2016
1 Kings 19-Part 4
And after the earthquake,  fire, but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.  1 Kings 19:12

LET IT GLOW

Experience as a teacher of children has taught me that they listen more attentively to not a loud or yelling voice, but to a gentle, calm voice. To which did Elijah responded?

Elijah went 200 miles to the mountains, walking 40 days and 40 nights. He spent one night in a cave. However, the Lord asked Elijah, "What are you doing here?" He proceeded to answer that he had zealously served God, but Israel had broken their covenant (to worship only God and obey His commands) and tore down His altars. And he was the only one faithful follower left.
Then God told Elijah to go out and stand before Him on the mountain, and he obeyed.

What did Elijah experience there?

• The LORD passes by,
• and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.
• It was  so strong that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind.
• After the wind was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
• After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
• After the fire, there was a gentle whisper, a still small voice.
• When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
• Again, God asked Elijah what he was doing there. Elijah gave the same answer.

What are I doing here, in a cave of I-could-not-care-less? Why do I feel alone in being a faithful servant of the Lord? I know that is not the truth.
 What are you doing there, friend, in your cave, whatever kind it is? Have we hidden in a cave, running away from our troubles, from those who challenge our faith in Jesus, from fear, licking our wounds?
We should no longer be a slave to fear, for we are children of Almighty God, as the song says. Lay it down, the fear in me. Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.


LET IT GROW

The three phenomena, wind, earthquake, and fire, announced the imminent arrival of the Lord (Ex.19; Ps. 18; Hab.3). The Lord's self-revelation to Elijah came in a faint, whispering voice. The lesson for Elijah was that Almighty God was quietly, sometimes imperceptibly doing HIs work in Israel. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

In Experiencing God Day-By-Day, a devotional book by Henry and Richard Blackaby they explain this passage:

God came not in fire or in a loud, spectacular way, but in a still small voice. Elijah had allowed his circumstances to overwhelm him, leaving him disoriented to God and feeing alone. So God encouraged him. If you are overwhelmed by kingdom work so that your focus is no longer on God but on all that there is to do, let Him comfort you. Listen to His gentle voice. He will encourage you and provide exactly what you need to prepare you for what comes next. If you need removed from your work for a time, He will. He may place a friend or co-laborer beside you to help carry the load. God knows exactly how to encourage you. Let Him do so.

Here is some advice found in Life Application Study Bible:

Elijah realized that God doesn't reveal Himself only in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big (rallies, churches, conferences, highly visible leaders) may be to miss Him because He is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humbled heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance. It may come when you least expect it.

Today, we are staying with Elijah on the mountain, coming out of the cave of hiding, then listening to the Lord God. Maybe you need to do the same this weekend. I know that I certainly do. He never leaves us nor forsakes us, dear ones. If we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him.
God is faithful, gracious, promise-keeper, rescuer...whatever we need, He is ready to provide.
Have a great weekend.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  Psalm 46:10

LET IT GO

Spend time with God, listening for His still small voice.

Open my heart to God for His working in me.

Trust and obey God.

Rise Above My Pity Tree

O. T. #801  "Rise Above My Pity Tree"
July 28, 2016
1Kings 19-Part 3
So he got up...  1 Kings 19:8

LET IT GLOW

"Get up and eat!" an angel touched Elijah and told him a second time while he was sleeping under the tree, his pitiful pity tree. "Eat some more or the journey ahead will be too much for you," was the angel's instruction. So Elijah did. Now the thing is, this food and drink gave him was enough to strength him to travel 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Sinai which about a 200 mile treck.

Jesus and I had a talk under my pity tree-mostly I listened. He clarified the issues that put me there, putting them in perspective. My instructions were to continue on, get up and eat from His banqueting table the food for my soul which He had prepared for me-His Word. His hand was held out to me. I took it and rose from my sitting in self pity under my juniper tree.

The preacher made the message clear and I had to choose. Well, I didn't want to be poor, blind, and naked spiritually like the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3. It was time to get real, a self-assessment. Certainly, I did not wish to be a lukewarm Christian, going through the motions. My desire was for Christ to live in me, to live the extraordinary life with Him.

Once again the most difficult challenge was issued to me one more time- in Matthew 16:24 Jesus said, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Can I be honest here? It has been the hardest thing for me to do in my lifetime, over and over to apply. There it was, I could quit all my ways of serving Jesus, give up all my responsibilities, and become a lukewarm pitiful pew warmer or rise up above the pain, disappointments, and struggles, forgive and be filled with the joy of Jesus.

Obviously, I am slowly rising up. It's a slow process for me-forgive this one, forgive that one, treat them as if the thing never happened-love them through Jesus. Folks, that was/is a giant glass of tea! That meant I had to deny my right to be hurt, upset, even angry at them, stop resenting them hurting me, die on that cross of self pity, give it to Jesus, and follow Him. After all, He did so for me. It was a higher calling, to rise above those issues.

So every time I see those people who hurt me, I have to make a conscious choice-forgive or not forgive, love or not love, treat them like Jesus does or not. Surely I will get passed this and it will become easier. Yep, experience has taught me that it will as time passes. I am an overcomer, as the song says. Don't quit! Don't give in! Be an overcomer!

LET IT GROW

The journey must have been difficult for Elijah, but I wonder if he was  walking and talking with Jesus as he went.

Verse 9a says he came to a cave, where he spent the night. The Lord asked Elijah what he was doing there.
Elijah stated his case in verse 10: I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.

(Wait a minute, Elijah, you were told a hundred had been hid in  caves.)
Well, who hasn't felt all alone in serving? I am doing this and no one else cares if it gets done or not. No one else will help me. Forget it, I'll just quit, too.
They were trying to kill Elijah? As I recall, Jezebel was the one who issued the death threat. Did Elijah think her 400 prophets that were left were pursuing him? Or was it an excuse?

The Lord told Elijah to go out and stand before Him on the mountain. He did. Next time we will discuss what happened.


LET IT GO

                              ...and let God handle those people.
                              ...and deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus.
                              ...and be an overcomer.

Elijah and Me Under the Pity Tree

O. T. #800  "Elijah and Me Under the Pity Tree"
July 27, 2016
1 Kings 19-Part 2
He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. verse 4

LET IT GLOW

Move over, Elijah. I need to sit with you under your juniper tree. My battle has been going on for 5 weeks now and I am growing weary and beat up. Want to join us? I've had enough, too.

God's victory proved He is all-powerful and Baal is not. Israel killed the 450 prophets of Baal, the false god of Queen Jezebel. She sends a life threat to Elijah, he gets scared and runs to the wilderness.

How many times have I wanted to run away, leave it all for someone else to handle? When people's hateful words have cut me into pieces, I sit bleeding. When lack of commitment leaves me stressed, searching for replacements, I want to scream. When they turn away, leaving me, my hands are empty and my heart is throbbing from the pain. My strength is drained.
Elijah said his bedtime prayer, telling God he had had enough, and asked God to take his life, let him die, then fell asleep. Looks like I am in good company.
Say, did I see Job, Moses, Jonah keeping Elijah company when I walked up to join this pity party? Some party-the host is sleeping. Misery loves company, so let me die with you, Elijah. Life is too much for me to handle all these issues. Let's go on to heaven and have a great time. I give up. Let someone else take over in my place; I've had it; it's over. I fell asleep too, sitting under Elijah's tree, which only lasts a few hours because of the stress pressing on me.

Anyone been there?


LET IT GROW

What happened next?

• An angel visited and touched Elijah, waking him up with a message.
• The angel told him to get up and eat. So Elijah ate the bread and drank the water provided, then laying down again.
• A second time the angle told Elijah to eat and drink some more, or the journey would be too much for him.
• He did such, and the food gave Elijah enough strength to travel 40 days and nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. This was about 200 miles that he walked.
• There he came to a cave and spent the night. Tradition says that this cave was the cleft of the rock where God allowed Moses to see His back side, when HIs glory passed by (Ex. 33:32).

Awake our soul, Lord Jesus. Feed my soul with Your Words of encouragement. come Holy Spirit and fill my thirsty soul.

It is encouraging to know that even when the child of God is backslidden, and discouraged, God cares for him in grace. (Wiersbe)

Centuries later, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus would meet together on a mountaintop (Luke 9:28-36).

Breathe, God is here, and you are loved. I just heard it on the radio. We are never too far gone, friend, that God's hand can't reach down and nourish us spiritually, heal our cuts by changing them into scars for Jesus.  Hold on just a little bit longer-He knows this will make us stronger.We must let the light of Jesus come into our dark world and bring new hope and fresh joy.

LET IT GO

Forgive.

Let God have the past and look to Him for my future.

Let God make me stronger through this storm.

He came and rescued me today. Took me by the hand and lifted me up from under my pity tree and out of my pity party.

Death Threat and Desertion

O. T. #799  "Death Threat and Desertion"
July 26, 2016
1 Kings 19


LET IT GLOW

God revealed Himself to be Supreme God Almighty as He devoured with fire Elijah's sacrifice, wooden altar, and water surrounding it in a trench. Then Elijah killed the 450 prophets of Baal, the false god and idol which Israel had previously worshiped. He prayed and God sent rain after 3 1/2 years.
When King Ahab reached home, what was the first thing he did but tell his wife, Jezebel, everything that Elijah had done, including killing the prophets of Baal.
How did Jezebel react? She sent a death threat to Elijah, saying, May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow if I have not killed you just as you killed them. (verse 2)

Jezebel's rejection of God's signs and the determined, defiant way in which she later face death (2 Kings 9:330-31) demonstrate her character as a person who did what she wanted, no matter the consequences. Sin breeds this self-destructive heedlessness. (Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary)

Did she not listen to what Elijah's God had done? Did she not realize that that same God who sent fire and rain could also take her life in order to protect His prophet? Was she challenging God? Why didn't she stop to think that the One who gave her life could also take her life?
Obviously, she did not know God since she was a foreigner who lived among the idol worshipers.


LET IT GROW

What does Elijah do after receiving Jezebel's death threat?

• Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. (verse 3)
• His focus was on the woman and not God's Word; he listened to threats instead of God's promises.
• Some describe him as being exhausted physically and emotionally, fatigued and discouraged, despondent and in need of rest, weary and drained, a man of like passions as us and subject to like trials and failures as we  believers.
• He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, about a day and a half away.
• Elijah left his servant in Beersheba and he went alone into the wilderness, traveling all day.
• He sat under a juniper (broom) tree, which was a desert shrub that could reach the height of 12 feet. 
• Elijah had abandoned a nation in need of spiritual leadership and requested that he might die.

Why does he not pray to God before running away? We know his prayers got answered. For a moment, Elijah acted in fear rather than faith. He didn't run to God, but ran away. The queen had threatened to kill him, but God was not going to let that happen. Elijah had more to do in kingdom work.
However, we are going to leave Elijah sitting under his pitiful tree having a pity-party, with only one present.

LET IT GO

Run to God instead of running away.

Pray...

The Outcome at Mt. Carmel

O. T. #798  "The Outcome at Mt. Carmel"
July 25, 2016
1 Kings 18-Part 5
A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm...  1 Kings 18:45b NLT

LET IT GLOW

God had shown His supremacy to Elijah by providing an unending supply of food for the prophet and widow. Then again to him and all the people of Israel, the 450 prophets of Baal, and the king when He consumed Elijah's sacrificial bull, the wood upon which it was offered, and the 12 barrels of water in the trench surrounding it, with fire at Mt. Carmel.  God flashed fire from heaven for His servant Elijah. The false god Baal could neither send fire nor rain for his followers. Two more times on that day, God would demonstrate his deity and unlimited power. Let's check them out.

After Elijah killed the 450 prophets of Baal, he told Ahab to get something to eat and drink, for Elijah heard a mighty rainstorm coming. Would Ahab do so in celebration of the ending drought that was coming according to Elijah?

Meantime, Elijah climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel again.
What happened next?

• Elijah bowed low to the ground, with his head between his knees and prayed to his God.    (verse 42) We see this humble submission of Elijah as he prayed for rain.
• Elijah sent his servant to go watch the horizon toward the Mediterranean Sea, but returned with a negative result. Seven times Elijah gave his servant the same instructions with the same result-no clouds, 6 times. What would you do?
• However, on the seventh return from looking toward the sea for a raincloud, the servant reported having seen a little cloud in the distance the size of a man's hand.
• Elijah sent his servant to King Ahab and tell him to return home before the heavy rains bogged down his chariots.
• but Ahab did not leave toward Jezreel , his winter capital, some 15-25 miles away, until the sky was black with clouds and a heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm.

 Sounds like Ahab didn't have much faith in what Elijah said nor in God's rain ability. Do we have to see it to believe it instead of having faith in God's Word?

Elijah prayed seven times for rain to fall on Carmel. Sometimes peace comes instantly; other times it comes slowly as a person lingers before God's throne. Elijah is an example of how the fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18).   (David Jeremiah)


LET IT GROW

The second miraculous event on that day was seen when God supernaturally empowered Elijah with strength to run after Ahab's chariot and pass it, running the 15-25 miles as a foot runner.

Amid a torrential rain the vindicated prophet humbled himself to be Ahab's forerunner. (Falwell)


A different look at this strength is found in Life Application Study Bible:

Elijah ran six miles back to the city in order to give Ahab a last chance to turn from his sin before joining Jezebel in Jezereel. His run also ensured that the correct story of what happened reached Jezereel. God will help us accomplish what He commands us to do. The proof may not be as dramatic in our lives as in Elijah's, but God will make resources available to us in creative ways to accomplish His purposes. He will give us the wisdom to raise a family, the courage to take a stand for truth, or the means to provide what we need to carry it through.

Can anyone use some of God's supernatural strength to carry those heavy burdens, to keep on running the race of faith, to stay in the fight for His purposes, endure the fire? Do our prayers change things?

Do it again, Jesus, just one more time, or maybe two more times, as was Elijah's case.
Elijah experienced God working in his life through prayer. Do we pray 7 times for kingdom work?


LET IT GO

Keep praying.

Look for God's resources to provide for His purposes to be accomplished.

Ask for wisdom, courage, and the means to do His will in my life.

Expect some fire with the refreshing rain in my life.

The Showdown is Over

O. T. #797  "The Showdown is Over"
July 22, 2016
1 Kings 18-Part 4
verse??

LET IT GLOW

The challenge is on. All day the prophets of Baal prayed, cried, and shouted to their unalive and unreal god, Baal, with no sound, no reply, no response. God was about to make a spectacular and convincing display of His power to everyone present.

What did God's Prophet Elijah do?

• He called the people to gather around.
• Then he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down.
• Elijah took 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, to rebuild the altar in the Lord's name.
• He dug a trench around the altar, which was large enough to hold3 gallons of water.
• Next, he piled the wood on the altar and cut up the bull into pieces, laying it on the wood.
• The prophet instructed that 4 large jars of water be poured over the offering and the wood 3 times. It ran over the altar and filled the trench.

Elijah had made it impossible for man to cause a fire to consume the offering. Only God could do it with all that water around it, plus wet wood.
When things are impossible, are we trusting the God of possibilities?

LET IT GROW

Elijah prayed:

• proclaiming God as the God of Israel,
• asked God to prove Himself as the God of Israel,
• asking God to prove that he was God's servant,
• for God to prove that Elijah did all that at God's command,
• for God to answer his prayer s the people would know He was God and He brought them back to Himself.

How did God answer Elijah's prayer?
Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water trench! (verse 38 NLT)

When all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The LORD-He is God! Yes, the LORD is God!

Then Elijah commanded the prophets of Baal be seized, not even one allowed to escape. Elijah too the 450 prophets of Baal down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.

Whew! The showdown was over and God was victorious. God showed Himself to be God. He had established His reputation for responding by fire. (Gen. 19:24; Lev. 10:2; 2 Chron. 7:1)

God had told Israel in Deuteronomy 13 to kill false prophets. God was about to make one more display of His deity. We will discuss it next time.

LET IT GO

Watch God work around me.

Let the Showdown Begin

O. T. #796  "Let the Showdown Begin"
July 21, 2016
1 Kings 18-Part 3
The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!  1 Kings 18:24

LET IT GLOW

Elijah's primary assignment was to announce when a drought would begin and end (1 Kings 17:1). god had told him  to proclaim to king Ahab that the drought was an act of judgment upon a people who worshiped idols rather than God. (Blackaby)

All of Israel was present; the 450 prophets of Baal was present; King Ahab was present, as well as Prophet Elijah. It was time to let the showdown begin. (However, Jezebel and her 400 prophets of Asherah were not present.)

• Elijah challenged Israel to stop hopping back and forth between two opinions; if the LORD is God, then worship Him, or if Baal is god, then worship him. In other words, stop hopping from one branch to another like a bird without deciding where to sit. Make a decision today.
• How long would Israel wait? How many more sermons to hear while they keep rejecting God? How many more wasted Sundays worshiping both deities? How many more warnings, graves, years of drought before they turned to God in repentance? What about us?
• How did the people respond? They were completely silent.
• Elijah requested two bulls for the sacrifices; he even let the prophets of Baal choose which one they would use as a sacrifice, cutting it into pieces and laying it on the wood of their altar of Baal worship, without setting it on fire.
• Elijah did the same, preparing a wooden altar on which to sacrifice the bull to his God, El Shaddiah, without setting it on fire.
• Boththe prophets of Baal and Elijah were to call upon the name of their god.

What was the challenge? The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God! Notice that all the people agreed to this challenge in verse 24.

Are you hopping around, Sunday to Sunday, without direction for your life? May I suggest the solution? Bow down and submit to the One True God at His altar of sacrifice.

LET IT GROW

So, the altars and sacrifices were ready without fire. Whichever god lit he fire proved himself to be the most powerful-Jehovah or Baal. Perhaps you have read or heard this story many times and know the outcome. Yet, there may be some of you who do not know what happens. Either way, please stay with me.

What occurs this day?

• Elijah lets Baal's prophets go first. They prepared the bull and placed it upon their altar.
• Then they called upon the name of Baal, from morning to noon, praying and shouting.
• There was no answer, so they danced and hobbled around the altar they had made.

How did Elijah react? Liberty Bible Commentary gives us insight.
At noon, Elijah began mocking the Baal prophets:

• Cry aloud; speak up so he can hear you, for you say he is a god.
• Perhaps he is talking, musing, thinking the matter over. 
• Or he is pursuing or gone aside, a euphemism for reliving himself.
• Or he is on a journey, contrasting or God whose presence we cannot escape. (P. 39:7-10)
• Or he sleepeth, yet the God that kept Israel neither slumbered nor slept. (Ps. 121:3-4)

Hoping to arouse Baal's attention, the prophets submitted themselves to self-torture by slashing themselves with knives and lances. They worked themselves into a frenzy, didn't they? Such a barbarious religion. Through it all, in spite of all its prophets had done, Baal still did not respond by evening. Of course not, for he was only a non-living idol made of stone and man's hands.

God makes a spectacular entrance on the scene, but we will discuss it tomorrow.

Power, status, appearance, or material possessions can become our gods if we devote our lives to them. but when we reach times of crisis and desperately call out to these gods, there will only be silence.  The can offer no true answers, no guidance, and no wisdom.  (Life Application Study Bible)

To what extremes do people go to serve their gods? To get answers?
Some are willing to die or kill others for their false god.

LET IT GO

Turn from any idols in my life in repentance.

Cling to the One and Only True God.

Showdown at Mt. Carmel

O. T #795  "Showdown at Mt. Camel"
July 20, 2016
1 Kings 18-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

I still like watching westerns on tv, as I did when I was a kid. Many a time there was a showdown, or a shoot out, in the middle of the streets of town, to prove which man was the best. Seems like we have one here today in our study, although it is not with guns.

Elijah sent King Ahab's servant, Obadiah, to meet with him and settle this. Three and one half years of drought and famine in Israel was blamed on Elijah, according to Ahab. (Evil kings hated God's prophets because they spoke against sin and idolatry and undermined their control over the people. Elijah wasn't going to stand for that and told the truth-Ahab and his family had disobeyed God's commands and worshiped the images of Baal instead. (That was the reason for the drought, it was God's judgment on Israel.)

Elijah told Ahab to summon all Israel to join him at Mt. Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, were supported by Jezebel.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary explains:

Mt. Carmel was on the Carmel range of mountains, rising to 1,800 at its highest point, extends about 30 miles to the southeast from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea into the south of the Jezreel Valley. A series of rounded peaks and valleys, it became a symbol of beauty and fruitfulness because of its lush tree cover (Song 7:5; Is. 35:2). It is not known at exactly what point along this ridge the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place. The queen cared for 850 false prophets who were associated with her.

What do we do when the challenging of our faith is issued? Do we surrender all to God or try to work it out self?

Mt. Carmel was of significance to both worshipers of Yahweh and Baal.
"What better place to decide who is God, what prophets tell the truth, and which leaders benefit or harm the people," Paul House observed.

By the way, the 400 prophets of Asherah did not show up at the showdown.

LET IT GROW

When they met, Elijah issued the challenge:

How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (verse 21)

Halting between two opinions literally means along on or between two twigs. Israel had not totally rejected the Lord, but was seeking to combine worship of Him with Baal. The issue posed by Elijah was that Israel had to choose who was God, the Lord or Baal, and then serve God wholeheartedly. Rather than decide by his message, Elijah sought a visible sign from heaven. (MacArthur)

This is reminiscent of Joshua's challenge to Israel, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (Joshua 24:15) Baalism would accommodate other gods, but Jehovah demanded total and uncompromising loyalty and worship. For all practical purposes, Elijah stood alone as God's spokesman because the hundred prophets hidden away by Obadiah were inactive.(Falwell)

Why did so many people waver between the two choices? Maybe hey enjoyed the sinful pleasures, or the benefits of following the king into idolatry.
It is important to take a stand for the Lord, if we just drift along with whatever is pleasant and easy, we will someday discover that we have been worshiping a false god-ourselves. (Life Application Study Bible)


LET IT GO

Let god be God and follow Him.

Serve God wholeheartedly.

Get Ready For a Showdown

O. T. #794  "Get Ready for a Showdown"
July 19, 2016
1 Kings 18
Now go and tell... 1 Kings 18:8

LET IT GLOW

We have read of the miracles which God performed in and through His prophet Elijah during the three year drought in Israel-food by ravens for Elijah, an unending supply of  flour and oil for a widow, and the resuscitation of the dead son of that widow.

Elijah was blamed for he drought and famine in Israel by King Ahab, calling him troubler of Israel. the irony is that Ahab was actually the cause of Israel's trouble due to his idolatry. So far, the pagan god of Baal, who was the storm god believed to be the provider of rain, was not doing his job, nor had the ability. Also, Baal did not bring the boy back to life either, as the Canaanite myths claimed.

The time had come for the showdown between God and evil, between the two deities worshiped in Israel-Jehovah and Baal.

Who is this Obadiah that comes on the scene?

• He was a secret servant of the Lord.
• He is also serving in the court of King Ahab. This is not the same Obadiah who wrote the small Old Testament book after that same name. Apparently  Obadiah was a common name, used to refer to 11 different men other than the minor prophet who lived during the time of the Edomites attack on Jerusalem mentioned in 2 Kings 8.  
• He was a compromising believer, serving King Ahab and the LORD.
• He did not know what was going on nor the showdown that was about to take place.
• He was out looking for grass for the king's horses and mules to eat when Obadiah encountered Elijah.
• He was a frightened servant who did not trust Elijah.
• Obadiah bragged about his secret service to impress Elijah with his devotion. (verse 13)
• When Queen Jezebel sought to kill all of the Lord's prophets, Obadiah hid 100 of the in two caves. (She worshiped the pagan god Baal.)

Are we secret Christians? Or do we let others know it is the LORD God Almighty that we serve?
Are we compromisers, serving the world and the Lord?


LET IT GROW

King Ahab had sent Obadiah into the land to look for grass that his horses and mules could eat during this 3 year drought. When Obadiah was out walking, he saw Elijah coming toward him. Obadiah bowed low to the ground asking, Is it really you, my lord Elijah?

What happened next?

• Elijah answered yes, it was him.
• Elijah told Obadiah to go tell his master that Elijah was here.
• Afraid for his life, Obadiah questioned why the prophet was sending him to his death at the hands of Ahab.
• Ahab had searched every nation and kingdom looking or Elijah.
• Obadiah was afraid that the Holy Spirit would move Elijah on before Ahab could get there.
• Elijah swore that he would present himself to Ahab that day and he kept his word.

What are we afraid of, to encounter, to wait for?

LET IT GO

Follow, move, go, when Jesus says to do so.

Stay, remain, wait, when Jesus says to do so.

Listen and obey.

Go and tell others about Jesus the One and Only Savior.