Elijah didn't really know if God would raise the widow's boy from the dead. He prayed like He would! Elijah didn't really know if God would bring the rain. He prayed it would happen. I Kings 18:43 "Look toward the sea." And ask again and again and again and again and again and again and again. How quickly I give up on the first try. There's something very dear to God's Heart that I've asked for and it's premature and I must wait.
I Kings 18:21 --- Elijah says to all the people: "Come near. How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him..." And if He is not your God, then go after the idols that bring you pleasure---and name them what they truly are, idols. Do we name our sin? Are we honest with ourselves what is going on? Call it what it is. Saul looked at the magician and called him "an enemy of righteousness, full of deceit and villainy."
My ears really perk up when someone says---Anybody have a word of encouragement. Here it is from the mouth of Paul: Acts 18:22 --- ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Wait, this is the man who committed adultery, murder. You know, the one whose children didn't honor him, turned out bad. Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. That's unbelievable encouragement. David repented and those dreadful sins he committed were no match for the Grace of God. There is hope for all of our sin. God chose His Very Own Son to come from David and Bathsheba. A very forgiving God! And this is really encouraging. It's not about our performance but all about our repentance.
It is a sweet word of encouragement to see who God uses in mighty ways--not for man's glory, but to His great purpose. God's Grace trumps David's sin.
ReplyDeleteHope for our sin in forgiveness and furthermore, justified. Heard a sermon yesterday that said, "Forgiveness says, "Go and sin no more." Justification says, "Come and dine at my table." I am humbled in shake your head gratitude for this big beautiful God Whom we serve.
I have been going back and forth between a decision that needs to be made. Both are right. I had some anxiety about the decision. Today's reading, (I love how the Lord works) asked, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions?" (I Kings 18:21) So I chose and the burden that has been lifted! The one I made will be better in the long run, maybe/maybe not right away, but I could be wrong as God loves to delight His people. I trust in Him!
ReplyDeleteMay God surprise you Nise' with His Power.
ReplyDeleteThank you Annette and Nise' for doing this with me. I just cannot wait every day to come here and see what you have said. It's just life to me. Thank you thank you thank you. Especially today.
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