August 21, 2018
No one is immune to burnout. It sometimes comes on the heels of our greatest achievements. Case in point is the legendary prophet, Elijah. After a great victory, a threat was made on his life, and this mighty prophet spiraled downward into depression.
"he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, 'It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19.3-4)
A picture of this dark chapter in Elijah's life emerges. He was afraid, alone, despondent, tired, hungry, and thirsty (verses 3-8). Physically weakness factored in to emotional and spiritual weakness.
It may be some consolation to us to know that even the mightiest people of God suffer discouragement and depression. It is also hopeful and helpful to know that God provides ways to meet these difficult needs: rest, food and drink, companionship, and renewed purpose. Carefully study 1 Kings 19 and discover God's renewing work in Elijah's life.
There are inevitable dark chapters in each of our lives. Whether we are aware of it or not, these are times when God sustains us even as He did Elijah. As we also learn from Elijah, we come out of these seasons of life stronger and better.
Regardless of your current season of life, may 1 Kings 19 be a source of rich encouragement to you.SteveMy other blogs
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August 15, 2018
Last words are usually significant words. Presidents, kings, corporate leaders, and people of influence reflect back on their years of service and work and summarize what they consider to be most important for future generations.
King David was unquestionably an important and influential ruler and man of God. These are his last written words (see Psalm 72.20):
"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 72.18-19)
This man after God's own heart knew the richness of God's blessings and favor. This One alone works great and mighty things. Yahweh singularly was and is worthy of the highest acclaim and praise. Nothing could be better than that the entire earth would reflect His matchless glory.
When David's life was nearly done, that which was foremost was His Creator Father. And that's a legacy life lesson we do will to learn. A time will come when life itself will no longer satisfy, but if we have walked intimately with our Father and Creator, our joy, hope, and very life will be Him, and not ourselves. That thought and truth is worthy of a double Amen! (verse 19).
If we would learn a lesson from King David, it would be that we don't have to wait until the end of our days to know that Yahweh is our all in all. I pray that we each are wholeheartedly acknowledging that today, regardless of our age.SteveMy other blogs
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August 14, 2018
It may sound cliche' but it is absolutely true: little in the hands of the LORD is plenty. A case in point is the story of a widow and her son, down to their last meal amidst a severe drought and famine (1 Kings 17). Elijah the prophet requests a piece of bread (verse 11), and hears this account of desperation: "As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die." (verse 12).
This response is met with a seemingly outrageous challenge: "Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.'" (verses 13-14)
That which is done in faith never lacks God's supply. I've noted in life that some of the wealthiest people I've known also happen to be some of the most generous people I've known. Coincidence? "he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9.6)
From the perspective of one who by nature is prone to sow sparingly, I'm learning the lesson that what we keep and preserve is never enough, but what we sow unselfishly in faith abounds.
May we be those who sow generously of our time, abilities, and resources for the cause of the King and the kingdom.SteveMy other blogs
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August 7, 2018
It is all well worth it. Sometimes we're discouraged and question it, but this verse is an important encouragement:
But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." (2 Chronicles 15.7)
These words, originally addressed to a newly-appointed king, are timeless reminders to us. Be strong. Find strength in the LORD. "He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power." (Isaiah 40.29)
Do not lose courage. It's a frightening and evil world we live in. "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5.8) But, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (! John 4.4)
There is a reward for your work. The hope of resurrection and immortality far outweighs any adversity we face in this age. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Claim His promises of strength, courage, and reward. There are blessings in faithful living and service.SteveMy other blogs
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August 1, 2018
If asked to give one reason as to why you love the LORD your God, what would it be? Perhaps this would be your answer:
"I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116.1-2)
It is a privilege to be heard. How often have you found yourself in conversation with someone only to realize they weren't really listening to you? How amazing it is to know that the God of the universe, busier than anyone, gives you His full attention! He carefully notes what you say and ask. You literally "have His ear." Little wonder the Psalmist would declare: "Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." Why not continually call upon the most important One in all the universe?
If only I could be as attentive to my God as He is to me. A variety of trivial thoughts flood my mind when I seek to come before Him in prayer. Wanting nothing more than quiet stillness to hear His thoughts and voice, I instead find myself often listening to the noise of my cluttered mind. Truly prayer is a spiritual battle. Regardless, the Psalmist's words stir my heart to resolve to frequently converse and commune with My Father who hears. It is the most productive of all time spent.SteveMy other blogs
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