BIG LEAGUES
Read 1 Kings 18:41--46
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. (James 5:16b--18)
We read about Elijah and we say, "Wow, he's in the big leagues. He's a spiritual giant. I'm a pygmy in comparison to him. He's in another world entirely." Not true. Look again.
James doesn't say, "Elijah was a mighty prophet of God." He doesn't say, "Elijah was a powerful worker of miracles." He doesn't say, "Elijah was a model no man can match."
James says, "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours."
That means he was flesh and blood, muscle and bone. As we're about to see, he got really discouraged, and he had some huge disappointments. He had faults and failures and doubts. He was just a man, with a nature like yours and mine. He may have been a man of heroism and humility, but let's not forget his humanity. Elijah was our kind of man!
So, what kind of man was Elijah?
Well, he wasn't afraid to square off with the king of the land or take on the prophets of Baal. The guy had guts, no question. But he wasn't too powerful to pray or too confident to wait or too sophisticated to see rain in the tiny cloud or too proud to pull up his robe and run like a spotted ape down the mountain in the rain and mud, like the roadrunner, thinking, "C'mon, Ahab . . . catch me if you can!"
No wonder Elijah is the kind of man we admire. Isn't it exciting to know we serve the same God he served? Isn't it thrilling to think we can trust the same God he trusted?
And what kind of God is that? He's the God who makes promises and keeps them.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hymns - The Way We'd Sing Them If We Were Honest
I Surrender, Some
There Shall Be Sprinkles of Blessings
Fill My Spoon, Lord
Oh, How I Like Jesus
He's Quite a Bit to Me
I Love to Talk About Telling the Story
Take My Life and Let Me Be
It Is My Secret What God Can Do
There Is Scattered Cloudiness in My Soul Today
Just As I Pretend to Be
When the Saints Go Sneaking In
Sit Up, Sit Up for Jesus
A Comfy Mattress Is Our God
Self-Esteem to the World, the Lord Is Come
Oh, For a Couple of Tongues to Sing
Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound
Go Tell It on the Speed Bump
Lord, Keep Us Loosely Connected to Your Word
My Hope is Built on Nothing Much
O, God, Our Enabler in Ages Past
I Lay My Inappropriate Behavior on Jesus
Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
All Hail the Influence of Jesus' Name!
When Peace, Like a Trickle
I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
We Give Thee but Still Think We Own
My Faith Looks Around for Thee
Joyful, Joyful We Think Thee Pretty Good
Blessed Hunch
Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somewhere Near Me
Blest Be the Tie that Doesn't Cramp My Style
There Shall Be Sprinkles of Blessings
Fill My Spoon, Lord
Oh, How I Like Jesus
He's Quite a Bit to Me
I Love to Talk About Telling the Story
Take My Life and Let Me Be
It Is My Secret What God Can Do
There Is Scattered Cloudiness in My Soul Today
Just As I Pretend to Be
When the Saints Go Sneaking In
Sit Up, Sit Up for Jesus
A Comfy Mattress Is Our God
Self-Esteem to the World, the Lord Is Come
Oh, For a Couple of Tongues to Sing
Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound
Go Tell It on the Speed Bump
Lord, Keep Us Loosely Connected to Your Word
My Hope is Built on Nothing Much
O, God, Our Enabler in Ages Past
I Lay My Inappropriate Behavior on Jesus
Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
All Hail the Influence of Jesus' Name!
When Peace, Like a Trickle
I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
We Give Thee but Still Think We Own
My Faith Looks Around for Thee
Joyful, Joyful We Think Thee Pretty Good
Blessed Hunch
Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somewhere Near Me
Blest Be the Tie that Doesn't Cramp My Style
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
This Tiny Cross of Pain
This Tiny Cross of Pain
Though prayers for healing
seemed in vain ,
God helped me learn
to live with pain ;
To use the very
thing I dread
For closer walk
with Him instead ;
And how to lend
a listening ear
To those who hurt\
and shed a tear
of symapathy,
or press their hand –
worth more because
I understand .
Dear God ,if that’s
the only way
You’d have me serve
from day to day ,
please use this
tiny cross of pain
for others
and for Heavens’s gain !
Jan Bagwell
Jan Bagwell 5/10/92
Though prayers for healing
seemed in vain ,
God helped me learn
to live with pain ;
To use the very
thing I dread
For closer walk
with Him instead ;
And how to lend
a listening ear
To those who hurt\
and shed a tear
of symapathy,
or press their hand –
worth more because
I understand .
Dear God ,if that’s
the only way
You’d have me serve
from day to day ,
please use this
tiny cross of pain
for others
and for Heavens’s gain !
Jan Bagwell
Jan Bagwell 5/10/92
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Today Thoughts
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thoughts for Today
Is someone you care about suffering from a life-controlling problem?a dependence or compulsive behavior or addiction? It might be an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, gambling, compulsive spending, pornography, overworking or one of many other things that can take hold of a person's life. Your loved one's problem is most likely affecting your life as well.
Rather than focusing on the person with the problem, let's talk about you as a concerned person. You might be finding that every day is a struggle with sensitive and emotional issues. It is important for you to know that you are not alone.
Consider this…
The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles. This kind of comfort combines relief and consolation. God is a Comforter, standing at your side, ready to minister to your needs.
How can you receive this comfort? Talk to God. Tell him that you trust him and want to do things his way. Sometimes he will comfort you through other people. Sometimes he will comfort you through his words in the Bible. Other times he'll simply fill you with peace in the midst of turmoil.
Remember, God loves you. He cares. He understands. And he is able to comfort you, no matter what the circumstances.
Prayer
Lord, the struggle gets to be too much. I can't do it alone. Help me to remember that I don't have to. Help me remember that you are with me, offering me your love, your strength and your comfort. In Jesus' name …
Thoughts for Today
Is someone you care about suffering from a life-controlling problem?a dependence or compulsive behavior or addiction? It might be an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, gambling, compulsive spending, pornography, overworking or one of many other things that can take hold of a person's life. Your loved one's problem is most likely affecting your life as well.
Rather than focusing on the person with the problem, let's talk about you as a concerned person. You might be finding that every day is a struggle with sensitive and emotional issues. It is important for you to know that you are not alone.
Consider this…
The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles. This kind of comfort combines relief and consolation. God is a Comforter, standing at your side, ready to minister to your needs.
How can you receive this comfort? Talk to God. Tell him that you trust him and want to do things his way. Sometimes he will comfort you through other people. Sometimes he will comfort you through his words in the Bible. Other times he'll simply fill you with peace in the midst of turmoil.
Remember, God loves you. He cares. He understands. And he is able to comfort you, no matter what the circumstances.
Prayer
Lord, the struggle gets to be too much. I can't do it alone. Help me to remember that I don't have to. Help me remember that you are with me, offering me your love, your strength and your comfort. In Jesus' name …
Today Thoughts
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thoughts for Today
Is someone you care about suffering from a life-controlling problem?a dependence or compulsive behavior or addiction? It might be an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, gambling, compulsive spending, pornography, overworking or one of many other things that can take hold of a person's life. Your loved one's problem is most likely affecting your life as well.
Rather than focusing on the person with the problem, let's talk about you as a concerned person. You might be finding that every day is a struggle with sensitive and emotional issues. It is important for you to know that you are not alone.
Consider this…
The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles. This kind of comfort combines relief and consolation. God is a Comforter, standing at your side, ready to minister to your needs.
How can you receive this comfort? Talk to God. Tell him that you trust him and want to do things his way. Sometimes he will comfort you through other people. Sometimes he will comfort you through his words in the Bible. Other times he'll simply fill you with peace in the midst of turmoil.
Remember, God loves you. He cares. He understands. And he is able to comfort you, no matter what the circumstances.
Prayer
Lord, the struggle gets to be too much. I can't do it alone. Help me to remember that I don't have to. Help me remember that you are with me, offering me your love, your strength and your comfort. In Jesus' name …
Thoughts for Today
Is someone you care about suffering from a life-controlling problem?a dependence or compulsive behavior or addiction? It might be an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, gambling, compulsive spending, pornography, overworking or one of many other things that can take hold of a person's life. Your loved one's problem is most likely affecting your life as well.
Rather than focusing on the person with the problem, let's talk about you as a concerned person. You might be finding that every day is a struggle with sensitive and emotional issues. It is important for you to know that you are not alone.
Consider this…
The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles. This kind of comfort combines relief and consolation. God is a Comforter, standing at your side, ready to minister to your needs.
How can you receive this comfort? Talk to God. Tell him that you trust him and want to do things his way. Sometimes he will comfort you through other people. Sometimes he will comfort you through his words in the Bible. Other times he'll simply fill you with peace in the midst of turmoil.
Remember, God loves you. He cares. He understands. And he is able to comfort you, no matter what the circumstances.
Prayer
Lord, the struggle gets to be too much. I can't do it alone. Help me to remember that I don't have to. Help me remember that you are with me, offering me your love, your strength and your comfort. In Jesus' name …
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Still Small Voice
The Still Small Voice
In this devotional, we have looked at principles on how we should respond when our life is in crisis. The last principle is found in 1 Kings 19:11-12,
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
If your life is in crisis today, you need to remind yourself how God leads. Do not look for it in outward, powerful manifestations?the strong wind, an earthquake, or fire.
Rather, listen for that “still small voice.”
That is how Jesus speaks to us today. Read carefully the words of John 16:13,
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
God has given you and me His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. And, friend, when God leads you, it is going to be through the still small whisper of the Spirit in your heart.
Yet many people want more than that. Some people think, “I’m in a desperate situation. I need something more!” You and I need nothing more, because through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have God on the inside.
So if God is going to guide you, He is going to do it from within…through that still small voice.
In this devotional, we have looked at principles on how we should respond when our life is in crisis. The last principle is found in 1 Kings 19:11-12,
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
If your life is in crisis today, you need to remind yourself how God leads. Do not look for it in outward, powerful manifestations?the strong wind, an earthquake, or fire.
Rather, listen for that “still small voice.”
That is how Jesus speaks to us today. Read carefully the words of John 16:13,
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
God has given you and me His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. And, friend, when God leads you, it is going to be through the still small whisper of the Spirit in your heart.
Yet many people want more than that. Some people think, “I’m in a desperate situation. I need something more!” You and I need nothing more, because through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have God on the inside.
So if God is going to guide you, He is going to do it from within…through that still small voice.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
DIVIDED ALLEGIANCE
Read 1 Kings 18:16-21
Divided allegiance is as wrong as open idolatry. "How long will you hesitate between two opinions?" Elijah asks the people of Israel. The easiest thing to do when you are outnumbered or overwhelmed is to remain in that mediocre state of noncommitment. That was where the people of Israel lived, but Elijah never went there. He told them, "You cannot continue in this period of divided allegiance any longer."
The strongest words that were given to the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, were given to the church at Laodicea. And the reason is clear: They were uncommitted. They existed in neutrality. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth" (Rev. 3:15--16).
Get off the fence of indecision, Elijah told the people of Israel. Either you are for God or against Him.
Perhaps you have known God for many years but have never truly been committed to Him. Now is the time to change that. Stop hiding your love for and commitment to Christ. Let the word out! Tactfully yet fearlessly speak devotedly of your faith. Start now. There are so many strategic ways God can use you in your business, your profession, your school, your neighborhood. You don't agree with the ungodly cultural drift that's happening around you? Say so! You sense an erosion of spirituality at your church, and you're serving in a leadership capacity? Address it! Neutrality in the hour of decision is a curse that invariably leads to tragic consequences.
Our most effective tool is the prayer of faith. When it came down to the wire, when Baal had failed and God was about to do His work, the one instrument that Elijah employed was prayer.
Divided allegiance is as wrong as open idolatry. "How long will you hesitate between two opinions?" Elijah asks the people of Israel. The easiest thing to do when you are outnumbered or overwhelmed is to remain in that mediocre state of noncommitment. That was where the people of Israel lived, but Elijah never went there. He told them, "You cannot continue in this period of divided allegiance any longer."
The strongest words that were given to the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, were given to the church at Laodicea. And the reason is clear: They were uncommitted. They existed in neutrality. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth" (Rev. 3:15--16).
Get off the fence of indecision, Elijah told the people of Israel. Either you are for God or against Him.
Perhaps you have known God for many years but have never truly been committed to Him. Now is the time to change that. Stop hiding your love for and commitment to Christ. Let the word out! Tactfully yet fearlessly speak devotedly of your faith. Start now. There are so many strategic ways God can use you in your business, your profession, your school, your neighborhood. You don't agree with the ungodly cultural drift that's happening around you? Say so! You sense an erosion of spirituality at your church, and you're serving in a leadership capacity? Address it! Neutrality in the hour of decision is a curse that invariably leads to tragic consequences.
Our most effective tool is the prayer of faith. When it came down to the wire, when Baal had failed and God was about to do His work, the one instrument that Elijah employed was prayer.
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