1 Kings

The Power Found in a Whisper {1 Kings 19}

12:00 PM

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 

 Have you ever gone from the greatest "mountain top" experience to the deepest valley over night? It seems like that is exactly what happens at times; one moment you're rejoicing and in absolute awe and the next day it as though you've had the carpet pulled out from under you! 

Elijah knows all about that! We find Elijah coming from being part of the most amazing displays of God power in 1 Kings 18, to running from the Jezebel's threats and wanting to die! Can you imagine? Have you ever felt like Elijah? Have you ever wondered why?
It’s clear from Elijah's conversation with God that he thinks God has abandoned him in spite of his efforts for carrying out God’s plans and all the miracles he has performed through God's power.
Have you ever worked so hard, and still not seen the results you expected to see? Ever felt like giving up and in? "No one care, no one is interested...why bother?"
I think Elijah’s response to God’s question, “What are you doing here?” indicates his disappointment that all his efforts on Mt. Carmel didn’t produce the results he thought would come about. Elijah had hoped that revival would break out among the Israelites; that they would repent and turn back to God.
BUT nothing changed among the Israelites despite all God had done through Elijah!

 God then gives some amazing demonstrations of His power over nature: a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Wind, fire, and earthquakes were all recognized as signs of divine revelation, so it makes sense that God chose to reveal Himself in connection with those things. 

But God shows here that he is not in the wind, or the fire, or the earthquake itself. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper.  And Elijah covers his face, knowing he is in the presence of Almighty God.

What was God's message to Elijah through this powerful demonstration? 

It honestly didn't take me very long to figure it out, for I've experienced those same disappointments at times. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not in the same league as Elijah, but I think all of us who serve God hope that our efforts will produce certain results and when those results don't happen...

It seems that God wanted to teach Elijah, and all of us who serve, pray, and minister in God’s name an important lesson.  Sometimes God Whispers…

In this tender way God demonstrated that He reigns! The God who speaks gently with a whisper is the same God who can tear mountains apart and break down evil. So when He asks Elijah again, “What are you doing here?” He is conveying His plans to continue to bring His kingdom into this world, and use Elijah and others to do it! 

Our God reigns over the wind, fire, earthquakes and in the gentle whispers! His plans will prevail, and yes, He calls us to work with Him. His desire is for us to be willing, surrendered and ready to leave the results to Him. 

Blessings,

sue







1 Kings

Looking For Good Advice {2 Chronicles 10:1-13:22}

12:00 AM

As a child to my joy, one Christmas I received the all telling magic 8 ball I so desperately wanted. They were the latest rage so of course I just had to have one! I remember my brothers and I spending the rest of the day asking it every question under the sun. And when we didn’t like the answer, we shook the ball again until it told us what we wanted to hear. When I look back now it seems pretty silly to trust a plastic ball, but even as adults how often do we look for advice in all the wrong places instead of going to the One who has the answers?

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam traveled to Shechem to meet with Israel and be recognized as king. There the people, through their appointed spokesman Jeroboam, asked for easier treatment then they had received under Solomon. In return, they promised their loyalty and servitude. Rehoboam sent the people away for three days while he pondered his answer. He consulted the elders who had guided his father, and they in turn recommended kindness. Not content with the answer they gave, he inquired of the young men he had grown up with. Rehoboam’s friends gave him an answer that tickled his ears. An answer not of mercy but one filled with threats. “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” (vs. 10:14) The result? The kingdom of Israel was split in two and Rehoboam fled for his life.

Had Rehoboam first turned to God for advice instead of shaking the magic 8 ball until he heard the answer he wanted, he could have saved himself from making some pretty bad mistakes. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “It usually happens that when men will not ask counsel of God, if they go to other sources for guidance, they generally accept the very worst form of advice.” God always wants us to come to Him first and foremost with every situation and with every question. Why? Because He is the very source of wisdom. For as Isaiah 28:29 tells us, He is the “Lord of hosts Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great.”

Have you ever said to yourself, “If only I had..?” or, “I wish I didn’t...!” The Bible is filled with story after story of those who made both wise and unwise decisions, and the consequences of their choices. It also teaches us a very important Biblical principle, we reap what we sow. (Gal. 6:7) When first we seek counsel from the Lord, we save ourselves from reaping a life filled with regret. So how do we receive God’s advice and know His will? By applying these practical principles; surrendering our will to His, meditating on His Word, spending time in prayer, having patience in waiting to hear from Him, and trusting completely in the answer He gives.

Each day we find ourselves facing decisions to be made, both big and small. And with each one God eagerly awaits us to come to Him. He is concerned about every aspect of our lives big and small. And James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Our Father knows us better than we know ourselves and only wants the absolute best for us. We can trust Him to lead us in the right direction and He always blesses our obedience. So whose advice do you seek? Instead of rolling the dice, do yourself a favor and, “inquire first for the word of the Lord”. (1 Kings 22:5)



1 Kings

Soul Searching Sunday ~ Our Security

12:00 AM

Sunday, March 25, 2018



Week Twelve

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 2 Samuel 20 - 1 Kings 22.

 1. What degree of control over your life do you need to have to feel secure? What parts of your life (for example, your house, job, family) do you desperately guard so that no one can take them away? Find your security in your "shield" and "high tower."

 "He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold, my high tower, my savior, the one who saves me from violence." (2 Samuel 22:3)

 2. How is your conduct influenced by the company you keep? Do you act one way around believers but become a different  person around those who are not? Write a letter to God asking Him to make you a model of Godly living.

 "Although the pagan shrines were not completely removed, Asa remained faithful to the LORD throughout his life. He brought into the Temple of the LORD the silver and gold and the utensils that he and his father had dedicated." (1Kings 15:14-15)

 3. How do you receive the warnings in the Bible against sin? Or are you comfortable with the way things are, confident that everything will work out in the end? Don't wait for a grave report - urgently seek after God. When He speaks, listen!

 "When Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in sackcloth, and fasted. He even slept in sackcloth and went about in deep mourning." (1 Kings 21:27)

1 Kings

Keeping the Faith {1 Kings 12-16}

10:00 PM





Today I will focus on the reign of King Asa of Judah (1 Kings 15:9-24). In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa became king over Judah. He was the great-grandson of Solomon. He took the throne after his father's brief reign and he reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem. His grandmother's name was Maachah the granddaughter of Abishalom. He removed that which was evil from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

“11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father (forefather) David. “
But there was something he did not do:  “14 But the high places [of idol worship] were not removed. Nevertheless, Asa’s heart was entirely devoted to the Lord all his days. 15 He brought the things which his father had dedicated and the things which he had dedicated into the house of the Lord—silver, gold, and utensils and accessories.”

I mean, why not vanish once and for all these high places?  I like what the iWorship Bible mentions regarding this: “… that given the backdrop of a fallen world, you can’t expect perfection. You have to give in to what you don’t’ fully endorse in order to hold on to what really matters.”  “King Asa understood that. “  “All the same,  he wasn’t successful in getting rid of all the garbage that had accumulated in the Temple. Certain pagan practices and shrines remained in spite of his influence!”
That is also true in our lives, isn’t it? We are still a work in process!  We are not alone as we continue in our walk through this fallen world (Matt 28:20, 1 Sam 12:22)! But we must not give in or compromise!  How do we react under pressure? Is our conduct influenced by the company we keep?
As we continue reading we find that king Asa, made a poor decision as he felt threatened by Baasha the king of Israel: Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the treasuries of the king's house, and used this treasure to buy the favor of Ben-Hadad of Syria, so that he would withdraw support from Israel.




“Asa was cordially devoted to the service of God, his sins not arising from presumption. But his league with Benhadad arose from unbelief. Even true believers find it hard, in times of urgent danger, to trust in the Lord with all their heart. Unbelief makes way for carnal policy, and thus for one sin after another. Unbelief has often led Christians to call in the help of the Lord’s enemies in their contests with their brethren; and some who once shone brightly, have thus been covered with a dark cloud towards the end of their days.” (M.Henry)

Jesus tells us that we will have troubles in this world, but in order to resist we must stand firm on our faith! He has promised that we have victory through our faith because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!
Paul understood this and so he wrote: “18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, so that [inspired and aided] by them you may fight the good fight [in contending with false teachers], 19 keeping your faith [leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance] and having a good conscience; for some [people] have rejected [their moral compass] and have made a shipwreck of their faith.” (1 Tim. 1:19)

Peter also encourages us: “7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].” (1 Peter 5:7-10)

Remember we are a work in process and when you are facing hard and uncertain times, we can be encouraged to press on knowing that you are an overcomer!

Blessings,
Mari

1 Kings

Solomon’s Wisdom and Folly (1 Kings 9-11)

2:27 AM




How rich was King Solomon in today’s standards?  Very!  I found him listed as number 1 for top 10 richest people in history.  His estimated net worth, not including tributary pay from the kings of Arabia or from business and trade was over 2 Trillion dollars.  Every year he received 25 tons of gold.  The Bible tells us he had 1400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen. He had a fleet of ships that brought exotic goods. His throne was ivory overlaid with gold and all of his drinking vessels were gold. 

Solomon was also famous and sought after for his wisdom. The Bible tells us about the Queen of Sheba who traveled undoubtedly a very long journey to personally meet with Solomon and ask him tough questions.  She was impressed with his wise and insightful answers but she was also very impressed with Solomon’s reverent acknowledgement of God. She told Solomon “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.””(10:9)

God certainly bestowed great favor upon Solomon.  God made this promise to him: “And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel (9:4-5). Many would say Solomon had it made.  As long as he honored God as first in his life, he continued to have God’s help and God’s favor.  

Sadly, however, Solomon did not heed the rest of God’s conditions. “But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples.” 1 Kings (9:6-7)

Even though Solomon had such an abundance of fame and fortune, he still had a restless heart.  His weakness was in seeking after women , particularly women who did not share his faith in God. “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.” (11:4) 

As we look at the life of perhaps the wisest and richest man in the world we can certainly learn from his wisdom and his folly.  As long as Solomon put God first, his endeavors prospered and God honored his promises to him. Solomon’s conduct and devotion also proved a testimony to others.  When Solomon stopped putting God first, he suffered the consequences.  We too must reap what we sew.  Our hearts must remain aware of the source of any wisdom or blessing we enjoy. 

Hebrews 11:6 
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

1 Kings

Two Pillars of Prayer {1 Kings 5-8}

8:00 PM




Today’s chapters read like a construction progress report. Not too exciting at first glance, especially since the author seems to be writing to those who would know much of the significance to all he’s added here, but once you do just a bit of investigative work things begin to pop and the excitement begins to build!

One aspect found in chapter six and seven tells us that this is more than just a building project. It’s actually the beginning of a whole new era in Israel’s history. Israel had spent 430 years in Egyptian bondage (before God redeemed them), and since, Israel has spent 480 years of wandering (so to speak) before God gives them the gift of rest. For some reason God has decided Israel’s wandering days are over, and allows Solomon to build Him a Temple. It’s as if God would not rest until He had given His people rest. Pretty cool, huh? But there’s one more thing I discovered in chapter 7 that may just fire up your prayer life,

“He (Solomon) set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: He set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. The tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. Then the work of the pillars was completed.” 1 Kings 7:21–22

It’s important to note that these two pillars are not described as supporting any structure or roof. They were a free-standing testimony to all who entered the Temple, and Solomon actually gave each pillar a name. Did that peek your interest while reading? It did mine! Why would Solomon erect two pillars that serve no purpose in supporting the structure and name them?

It’s also important to note that the portico was the entrance of the Temple, therefore the men of Israel would pass by these pillars as they entered the Temple, but the true significance is found in the names Solomon gave them and not so much in their placement.

One, Solomon named Jachin which means, “He will establish.” It may also be construed as a prayer, “May He establish.”. The second was, Boaz which means “In Him is strength” or “By the Lord, the King is mighty.”

Here we have “He will establish” and “In Him is strength” serving as majestic (standing some 35 feet in the air) statements in front of the Temple for all to see while passing by..
·         The first highlights the promise of the Lord, the second the power of the Lord.
·         The first recalls what the Lord said; the second reminds us that He is able to do all He has said.
·         Jachin stood to point to the original anchor of God’s Word; Boaz stood to point to His ongoing power to bring His Word to pass.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have these two reminders before us always as we meet with God each day? I was reminded of what Paul had said about Abraham in Romans 4:20-21, “He (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise, but was strengthened in His faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what he promised He was also able to perform.” (emphasis mine)


In essence, you could say, Jachin highlight’s God’s grace, while Boaz points to our responsibility highlighted in Psalm 105:4, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.”
 
If you approached God always between these two pillars of thought, how much more powerful would your prayers be?