God Has Not Left You, He is Only Hiding. — Graham Cooke – http://wp.me/p2b2uk-1EF
If we only understood…
Relationship
Is the Bible true? theunfetteredpreacher
It grieves my spirit, to hear Christians, people, I know, that love the Lord, say: “I don’t believe that…”
When they should be asking: What does the Bible say?”
Too often, our Belief System, even our Church Doctrines, have nothing to do with Biblical teachings.
Someone, older and wiser, told us A,B & C is truth and that’s the way it will always be.
When Sadly,… if a,b & c, are in the Word, they would probably be an incidental point, yet we treat them as ultimate truth
It is truly a sad day, when we are sure we have the corner on Biblical Truth.
When a Biblical Teaching, a Bible Truth, is rejected because we were never taught that.
When we pray: “If it be Your will Oh Lord.”
What of His will do we not know and understand?
Are we praying for lost souls? The Lord would have all men come to the truth of Salvation.
Are we praying for healing? The Lord healed all that were afflicted.
Are we praying for financial assistence? My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
If our prayer is about avoiding the consequences of our actions. Good luck with that, we reap what we sow.
I cringe when I hear, If he’s not healed here on earth, he will be healed in heaven. Where do you find that in the Word?
There are many more: Cleanliness is next to Godliness. …. The rich will never enter heaven. … Money is the root of all evil.
Not everyone needs the Gifts of the Spirit. … If He wanted me to speak in tongues, He would have given me that Gift. … Tongues just bring confusion. …
Saints, we need to take off our Denominational glasses, look at the Word anew. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to the truth.
We are not a Powerful, Living, example of Gods love and grace, a mighty, growing Church.
We would rather deny Biblical truth, than accept the possibility, there is more then what we currently know and believe.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”
2 Peter 3:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.”
John 14:11-13
King James Version (KJV)
“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.“
The Word is clear:
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
King James Version (KJV)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
We must believe and walk in the Spirit. To be in that place of truth and power.
Lord, help us please.
Sins – Error in the Church
I found this on Facebook. .. from My Blogs
Error In The Church – All Sins Are Equal
JULY 5, 2016 / LEAVE A COMMENT / EDIT
There are many errors floating around today amongst Christians and in churches. One of the most common is the one I will dismantle today, that being that all sins are equal.
I first heard of this doctrine some years ago when I was doing some ministry in Nashville, and it was always quoted in support of homosexuals and lesbians. In fact, the GLBGT, people quickly embraced this doctrine, supported it, and propagated it.
This biblical error goes something like this:
“No sin is worse than any other sin. Sodomy is not any more egregious than overeating, smoking, flying off the handle in anger, being rude, or being an adulterer or fornicator. Therefore sodomy, if it is a sin at all, is not any worse than a Christian pigging out at a buffet.”
Sounds nice doesn’t it? If I were a homosexual or lesbian, transvestite, pedophile, etc., I would embrace this line of thinking too. It would certainly lessen my guilt and sense of shame. I can go around with my head held high, believing that what I’m doing is no worse than being in a bad mood and snapping at someone with a sharp word.
Even preachers, whole churches, and denominations have embraced this delusion.
Here is why it is NOT true.
First let me lay out the premise. Some sins are worse than others. All sin is not equal. All sin is bad; but not all sins are equal.
Matthew 5:19 (KJV)
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is speaking here and He talks about the LEAST commandments. Least means of lessor importance. And, if there are commandments that are least, then there are commandments that are greater.
This alone should end the argument that all sins are equal!
Secondly, I believe that the, “all sins are equal,” error came from a misreading of
James 2:10 (KJV)
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
This Scripture does NOT say that all sin is equal. It says that all sin is a breaking of the law, and that the breaking of the law means that all people need a Savior.
Thirdly, look at the Ten Commandments. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. God Himself put these commandments in a definite order, from one to ten. Why did He put, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” ahead of “You shall not desire your neighbors house?” Because while all are sin; and doing any of these things breaks the law; having gods and idols is more serious to Him than you wanting your neighbor’s car.
Fourthly, Jesus taught that there are varying degrees of damnation, based on what one has done.
Mark 12:40 (KJV)
40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
If there is greater damnation, there is lessor damnation. But based on what? The following verses tell us.
Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Degrees of damnation are based on one’s works or deeds.
What about homosexuality?
Romans 1:24-28 (AMP)
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin],
25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it).
26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another—men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution.
28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome…
Homosexuality can be a sign that God has given a person up; that He has given them over and abandoned them to degrading passions. Their consciences are seared. This is not said about most other sins.
Does God love homosexuals? Absolutely! But love is not approval, for homosexuals, or for the rest of us.
Repent and believe the gospel! Repent means to have a change of mind and heart. It is a change in opinion and viewpoint. It leads to changed behavior.
We can and must love gays but we cannot stand in solidarity with them. We must not hate. (Truth is love) We must not be violent. We must not be rude or disrespectful. But we cannot approve.
The secret things: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
This scripture keeps coming to mind, it tickles me, the way our Lord works.
Deuteronomy: 29. 29.
“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
~“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:”
What secret things?
How old is our earth and the universe?
Why did God made Global warming and Ice Ages?
Why Transfiguration, Sanctification, Justification, Mercy and Grace? Sheep and goats???
The Rapture: Is it the church or the wicked who are removed?
When is the end of the world?
Not all things are secret, the Lord has revealed many things, such as:
Why were we created?
Why give us Free Will?
~”those things which are revealed”
Revelation 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
We are created and given free will, for His pleasure. His desire is to see us prosper in faith and everyday life.
Think of the pleasure we receive when we witness our childrens success, or smiles of joy.
How much more pleasure does the Lord receive when we do well and walk with Him, when we find joy in Him.
Daniel 2
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:”
“He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”
“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
“I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee:”
He tells us, if we ask, we will receive, if we seek we will find, knock and the door will be opened.
Do we ask for and seek wisdom? No we ask for things. Do we ask for and seek His anointing?
Do we ask and seek the secret things, the things He desires of us?
What does the Lord desire of thee?
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?“
I often wonder, what is with the ?… ???
He just told us all the rituals and sacrifices do not meet His standard. I beleive it is there to make us question what we really need do.
➤ Do justly.. Be fair, discerning, wise
➤ Love mercy.. Forgive, let it go, don’t hold on to the hurts, arrows and lies thrown at you
➤ Walk humbly with God.. learn to take His yoke, walk with Him, obeying His voice, doing His will, for His glory.
Matthew 13; Jesus said:
“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
We need to learn to walk with Him, trust Him, rely on Him. Let the Holy Spirit reveal His will and way for our life.
“those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Are we doing His will? Lord, help us to obediently walk with You. Amen
Pastor, where are you leading? theunfetteredpreacher
There are so many Churches, so many Pastors, so many frustrations.
Pastors who love the Lord, who desire to make Disciples of Christ. Unfortunately, their Church isn’t growing. Frustration… after Frustration.
There could be several reasons.
- You have reached the number of people you can Disciple. Are you having success? Is your flock doing the work?
- Are you teaching the full council of God? Probably not. Prosperity, poverty, tithing, giving, Gifts of the Spirit, healing, Old Testament, New Tesrament, Sin, Sanctification, justification.
It is almost impossible for one man to teach the full council. We all know what we know, teach what we know, believe the parts of the Word, we believe.
Some teach humility, poverty, justification. Others teach prosperity, tithing, giving, Sanctification.
Some teach about the Spiritual, others focus on the Natural.
These are all valid Biblical truths. How can that be, you would have to be double minded…. NOT SO.
We must realize, there is a time in our lives for all these things. Do not get stuck in any one, they are all in His Word, there to guide us to truth.
We must ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct. Allow others to teach the parts we don’t understand. Check it against the Word.
If you think it is wrong, but it is in the Word, it is YOU, WHO IS IN ERROR.
Deuteronomy 29:29
King James Version (KJV)
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
If it is in the Word, it is profitable for us. If we don’t understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to show you. DO NOT JUST REJECT IT OUT OF HAND. IT IS FOR ALL OF US.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
We must take off Doctrinal glasses, read the Word, accept the Truth of the Word, over the Doctrine of our Denominations.
Let the Word and the Holy Spirit, lead us to all truth. Open our eyes and hearts, to receive the life, truth and power of Your Word, Oh Lord. Amen
The soul of the people was much discouraged : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
Numbers 21:4-5
“And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses,
Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”
I will speak the truth:
“I am much discouraged because of the way.”
I am not speaking against God, but I do wonder why He has brought me to this place to die?
There is no life, no praise, the bread I am fed has no power to transform, to cause growth.
There is no one who understands or cares to seek Your face, to realize change.
There are moments, fleeting, elusive, just fragments, pieces, a glimpse of victory.
Followed closely by defeat.
The war is in the heavenlies, the battle is in my mind. I should overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.
I’m do not… “The Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.”
Help me, Lord, to overcome: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” I need you now, today…. Amen
Elisha, a man of God 1: theunfetteredpreacher.com
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; and smote the waters, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
Elisha, because he saw Elijah taken to heaven by a whirlwind, received a double portion of Elijahs annointing.
His first act and words: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
A miracle, the waters parting, Elisha smote the waters, they parted, he passed over and a ministry is born.
How is this possible? Where did he find this boldness? First, “give me a double
portion.” (How Rude, Taste Less, Unseemly).
Then “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
Bold, strong, expectant, full of faith and power. Why? He didn’t learn this in seminary.
He had been with a “man of God.” A man who called down fire… A man who raised the dead… A man who was fed by ravens and then a little oil and meal, for three plus years.
Personal experience, he didn’t just watch Elijah, he learned how to pray, how to hear and understand the Lords, Words of Wisdom and Knowledge, he knew the Lord.
He knew the Lords will and ways, he walked with Him, he was His voice and strong right arm, here on earth, at that time.
Elisha, like Elijah was just a man. Just like you or me. If we would push in to that Holy place at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him.
We will become, vessels fit for His use. Lord, please draw us close. Amen
Jesus went: theunfetteredpreacher
The lesson we refuse to learn from Jesus…
“Jesus went“… Yes, He went to the Synagogues, and to cities and towns. He taught, He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, He healed all and every manner of sickness and disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23, 9:35)
“Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)
Jesus did not just do things on the Sabbath, He was out among the needy and lost daily…
On the Sabbath, He dealt with believers.
Both groups, received compassion, both groups were healed, comforted, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” (Matthew 14:25) Even walking on water…. to reach the needy.
Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
“Jesus went”
“He was anointed by God”
“He went about doing good”
“He healed all the oppressed of the devil”
“God was with Him”
We expect people to come to our Church on Sunday to hear the Good News.
It is true that multitudes followed Jesus, wherever He went.
WHY? He healed all who were sick or had a disease.
All we seem to have to share with folks are words. NO POWER, NO HEALING, NO PEACE OR JOY.
It is no wonder our Churches are dying, attendance is down, interest is non-existent.
We need to be become the righteous of God in Christ Jesus. How? We are half way there when we believe for Salvation.
We need to up the ante, Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Abraham already believed in the Lord, he had Sacrificed, Worshiped the Lord for 24 years.
What counted for righteousness was his belief that he would have a natural son, beyond his years. (The impossible)
The Lord, Jesus, gave us the Holy Spirit, who gave the Church, (that’s you and I), the Gifts of the Spirit. (Signs, Wonders, Miracles)
It is sad that even the Spirit filled Churches, do not teach, promote or exercise the Gifts.
WHY? To see and work in the Spirit, we must dig into the Spirit, spend time in fasting and prayer, learn to walk in obedience to the Lord.
Deny ourselves… Rely totaly on Him… Rest in Him…
Sorry, we want folks to come to us, when we have nothing to offer…. Not going to happen.
We need to practice the presence of God. It is His Power, His Grace, His Love people seek.
We must learn how to allow Him to work. Learn how to get out of His way. To allow His Power and Love to shine through us to those in need. Amen
The Great Holy Spirit Robbery: theunfetteredpreacher
Why are there so many small Churches? Maybe we have not grasped and accepted the whole council of the Lord.
Matthew 25:1-13
The wise and foolish virgins:
I’ve heard the teachings, that it was a great honor to be in this group, waiting perhaps for days, until the bridegroom appeared.
How the wise had brought enough oil to wait Him out, but the foolish ran out and Had to go and find oil, thereby missing the bridegrooms coming.
Then, when they were finally ready, the bridegroom refused them entrace to the marriage supper.
We are warned to watch, for we know not when the bridegroom will appear.
Matthew 25:14-30
The Talents: (Were the talents money or skills?)
Again the teachings, the Master leaves his servants, 5, 2, and 1 Talent according to their ability. He leaves, when he returns, he finds.
The one with 5, increased to ten, the one with 2 increased to four, both were told to enter into the joy of the Lord.
The one who had received one, buried it. The Master was not pleased… “You should have at least invested it, so I would gain the interest.”
“Take his Talent and give it to the man with ten. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
Cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there is weeping and nashing of teeth.
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats: (It’s not about live stock).
Quite simply have you done what the Lord comanded? Fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, met the needs of the needy?
Are you a sheep, have you accepted the Lords commands, have you done as He has expected?
Or are you a goat, butt, butt, butt….I don’t need that, Lord, do it my way.
If a goat, “these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
What is this chapter really about? Knowing and doing the will of God.
The oil for the lamps:
Is being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Talants:
Jesus, our Master left us the Holy Spirit and Power, The Holy Spirit gave us the Gifts of the Spirit, the tools for building His Kingdom.
We need to seek the best gift… the one needed right now, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, miracles, prayer….
Most Denominations have buried the gifts, not increased their use, have not built up the Church.
The Sheep and Goats:
The Sheep:
Those who have accepted the Gifts, grown in the Lord, have learned to increase the Church, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Goats:
Those who think they don’t need the Gifts. They do not realize, they had to ask for and accept Salvation.
They need to ask and accept the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues.
They must learn and accept the difference between our prayer language, (no interpretation needed), and public tongues, (interpretation, mandated).
With the proper use, there is no confusion, just a release of the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Growth, excitement, people are drawn to the love, grace, peace the healing, comfort the blessing of the presence of the Lord.
I love the folks and my Pastor in the UMC, I attend, but it is dying, the Pastor doesn’t believe he needs the Gifts.
He does not understand they are the tools for personal and corporate growth.
He has built a fence between him and the Power and Victory in Jesus. Lord, tear down this wall…
Lord, open their eyes, I beg You. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 14: theunfetteredpreacher
2 Kings: 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel.”
Elisha said unto him, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?”
Elisha answered: “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho.”
I find it interesting, that Elijah seems to be discouraging Elisha from coming with him. Elisha, apparently knew not to let go, and leave him.
Elisha answered: “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?”
Two different groups of prophets, with the Word of Knowledge, of Elijahs emanate departure.
Once again, he answered, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elijah said unto him, “Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan.”
Third times a charm… Elisha said, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
Moses: Exodus 14 and Joshua: in Joshua 3, walking across a body of water on dry ground… Apparently it wasn’t even muddy.
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.”
Elisha said, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”
That would be my desire also, I long to see and be apart of the Power of God. He asked for something only the Lord could give.
Elijah answered: “Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”
Here we have one more Word of Knowledge, a Gift of the Spirit, given to us on the Day we received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Why have so many Denominations buried these Gifts, they are the Talents Jesus left us to increase the Church.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Fire, the Lord once destoyed all flesh with water…. Fire, is the fate now.
Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.”
And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said,
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
That is my cry, everytime I pray for the sick and afflicted, the depressed, discouraged, the lost. That is my prayer today, right now….
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
Tales from my Father 4: theunfetteredpreacher
My Dad, all his working life, was at the Shop by 6am to do paper work. Home about 7:30 for breakfast.
Back to work by 8, lunch around noon, (a 20 minute nap), back to work after 45 minutes.
Home for supper at 6pm or later. Down stairs, printing press running by 7, up for tv by 10. Bed by 11.
His printing press: Originaly a foot powered press, (he added an electric moter), all type hand mounted, backwards. Very old school even then.
He printed mostly business cards, raffle tickets, some business stationary.
I think he enjoyed it because it was quiet, no customers around, just the work. He could not be still, when he read the paper, it was always funnies first.
He was a devoted Catholic, a professional swearer, arms of steal for such a small man.
He told me in his youth, he would have to pitch hay up to the hay loft.
He would put so much on the pitch fork that the handle would break, so he could take a brake, to replace it.
We laughed, but we were not a funny family, life was serious business. When I practiced music, Dad would ask me to play his favorite song.
“Far, far away”…. funny huh?
My brother took to the family business at a young age, rebuilding carburetors, by the age of 3.
Me from 12 to sixteen, I pumped gas, changed oil, fixed tires, did brake jobs…
That was the full extent of my car knowledge. At 16, I went to work in a wood shop, and never looked back.
I was loved, every year we went camping or to the Worlds Fair in NYC, 1964? Then to Expo in Canada… a few years later.
I was spoiled, wanted for nothing. I am sorry I couldn’t do the same for my daughter.
Elijah, a man of God 13: theunfetteredpreacher
King Ahab has died, his son takes the throne.
We know a few things as we start 2 Kings. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab is now King of Israel in the Capital Samaria.
He reigned for just two years, and walked in the way of both Ahab and Jezebel, which was the way of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin.
He provoked the Lord to anger, as his father had done, by serving and worshiping Baal.
2 Kings 1:
“Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.”
This first verse is interesting because the Moabites were of the lineage of Lot. At this point they are refusing to pay tribute to Ahaziah.
When the Hebrews were entering the promised land they were told to leave the Moabites alone.
They were to destroy all the tribes who were there except for Lot and Esaus descendants.
It was on a mountain in Moab that Moses saw the promised land. He was 120, his eyes had not dimmed nor his strangth failed.
He was buried on that mountain, no one knows where.
2 Kings 1:
At this point in our story, Ahaziah, aparently fell from a window, through some lattice work , and was grieviously injured.
In his sickness, he sent messengers to the temple of Baal, to find out if he would recover.
But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them,
“Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?”
We need to take a closer look at Elijah, he was an example to us, of how the Lord will use a willing vessel.
He was open to the Word of the Lord, like no other Bible character. He received and acted on Words of Knowledge, Words of Wisdom, Prophecy… ect.
With Abram, we find the Lord had said… The Lord spoke more than once to get Abram to listen and leave the land of UR.
Moses, needed a burning bush, to draw his arrention to the Lord. Elijah, when we first meet is delivering the Word of the Lord.
Then the Lord speaks, “You better go hide.”
Elijah continued: “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.”
Elijah then departed wnd left the messengers to go back and tell the King, the Word of the Lord.
Ahaziah, questioned them, they told the tale. He asked: “What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words?”
It is here we find the resemblance to John the Baptist. “He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins.”
Ahaziah, recognized him as Elijah the Tishbite, and sent a captain with his 50, to go and bring Elijah back. The captain found Elijah on the top of a hill, and spoke to him.
“Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.”
This sounds to me a reasonable request. Elijah answers: “If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty.”
Not surprisingly that is exactly what happened. Not just this one time, but twice.
The third captain did something different.
“The third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.”
And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, “Go down with him: be not afraid of him.” And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.
Elijah told the King: “Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.”
So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken.
Elijah, a man of God. Lord I pray, make me a man You can use. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 12: theunfetteredpreacher
1 Kings 22, is an interesting chapter, Elijah isn’t mentioned, but the Lord does things a little differently from what we might expext.
Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel. He walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord:
Judah and Israel are going to work to recover land lost to the Syrians. Now Jehosaphat, the King of Judah, was a good and Godly man, it is inexplicable that he joins forces with the wicked Ahab, the King of Israel.
Yet, here he is.
“And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.”
Ahab had about four hundred (false) prophets, who told them: “Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”
Jehoshaphat, found this a little odd and said:
“Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?”
Apparently, there was one, Ahab answered: “Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.”
Jehoshaphat, wanted to hear his word, so he was called. Meanwhile, some of the false prophets were acting out the great victory they foresaw.
Micaiah, was warned to speak good things like the false prophets. He replied: “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.”
This harkens back to the story of Balaam, in Numbers 22. Balek wanted Balaam to prophecy evil for Israel. Balaam said he could only speak the Word of the Lord.
We hear a donkey speak, in todays story we find something unusual once again.
Ahab asks him, shall we go? The answer surprises him.
Micaiah replied: “Go, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”
The same words as the false prophets…
Ahab knew something was wrong and said:
“How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord?”
Apparently, Ahab knew he was not doing what the Lord desired. He knew the Lords prophet shouldn’t agree with the others.
Then Micaiah, spoke again: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.”
Ahab said unto Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?”
The word of the Lord came to Micaiah once again: “Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him.
And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee.”
This story, here and in 2 Chronicles 18 is the only place a lying spirit is mentioned in the Bible
Saints, we know the Lord can make snakes and donkeys speak. Now we know He can use lying spirits, (notice, a small s), to accomplish His goals.
These are evil spirits, used by the Lord to do His bidding. The Lord uses the use-able.
If we aren’t allowing Him to use us, how and by whom are we being used? Are we a light shining in a dark world, or a black hole, sucking up the light.
A false prophet smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?”
Micaiah said, “Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.”
Ahab proclaimed: “Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.”
Bread and water of affliction: We only find this phrase in the story of Micaiah and one other place,
Isaiah 30:20-21
“And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
Even in the midst of the worst adversities, the Word of the Lord will be there to guide, direct and protect us.
Micaiah said, “If thou return at all in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. Hearken, O people, every one of you.”
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.
Ahab disguised himself while Jehoshaphat had on his royal robes. The Syrians were ordered to go after Ahab.
At first they targeted Jehoshaphat, realized their error and by chance hit Ahab. He bled out and died in his chariot.
And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.”
Micaiahs prophecy fulfilled, and then we find Elijahs prophecy fulfilled.
And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the Lord which he spake.
So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
We have seen men of God, Obediah, hid and fed 100 prophets of God, Micaiah, who brought the Lords truth once again to Ahab.
Then his word coming true, once again Elijah. All three were vessels used by the Lord to accomplish His purpose.
We need to be available also.
Lord, please open our hearts and minds to be ready to answer Your call. May we make a difference for Your Kingdom. Amen
The mercy of the Lord: theunfetteredpreacher.com
We have all heard the non-believers say:
“A loving God wouldn’t send me to hell, I am a good person, I do more good then evil.”
It is a shame that, this argument is so wrong. We cannot be good and God doesn’t send us to hell.
We condemn ourselves by our lack of belief.
We will all live eternally. Will it be an eternal life with the Lord or eternal seperation from all that is good?
Only by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus, do we find life.
Psalm: 103
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;”
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting: How does He show His mercy?
➤ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities?
➤ Who healeth all thy diseases?
➤ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction?
➤ Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies?
➤ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s?
➤ The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
➤ He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
➤ As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
➤ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
The Lord gives us every opportunity to recognize and accept Him as Lord and Savior.
The heavens proclaim His glory, the tides of the sea, remind us of His never ending love.
We only need to open our hearts and eyes, to allow the Lord entrance to our lives.
Then follow His simple instructions:
➤ Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
➤ Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
➤ Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.
The Lords mercy is everlasting, to us and our children and their children. Give your children a blessing, know, love and serve the Lord. The Lord promises His mercy:
“upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;”
Elijah, a man of God 5: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
As we continue with Elijahs story in1 Kings 18: we find:
O, BLA D, O, BLA DA, LIFE GOES ON,.. YA,… LA, LA, LA, LA, LIFE, GOES ON.
After three years of drought, food and water had become scarce, we find King Ahab and Obadiah, (the trusted head of his house), splitting up to search the land for water and grass to keep the live stock alive.
The Lord tells us twice, how Obadiah had defied his King and the wicked Queen Jezebel, by hiding and feeding, 100 prophets of God, to foil Jezebels plan to kill them.
The Lord is showing us a man, an ordinary man, with the gift of faith, a righteous man, who if caught would have faced death, yet did what he could, even if secretly, to serve God.
Meanwhile back at the widows home, the miracle of provision is ongoing. When Elijah receives more words of Knowledge and Wisdom.
“Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” “And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab.”
Another page turned, leave your place of provision, Go back and find the man who would have you dead, and speak truth to him once again.
Really Lord? Will you at least send an earth quake, or loud voice from heaven or are you going to leave me there alone once again.
We find: “Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab.”
The Lord just will not alow Elijah to get too comfortable. He doesn’t want us to get too comfortable either.
We must be willing to give up our comfortable circumstances and walk where the Lord directs, if we wish to be used for His glory.
When Obadiah meets Elijah on the road, he recognized him, and was afraid to tell Ahab that Elijah was there for two reasons.
First: Ahab had been searching for Elijah and made an oath to punish those who were hiding him.
Second: He was afraid God would translate Elijah away, and Ahab would blame him.
“And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.”
And Elijah said, “As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.”
This last verse tickles me, God told Elijah to go show himself to Ahab, but:
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
Ahab came to the man of God.
Elijah, a man just like you, used of God, because he knew Gods voice and acted apon it.
If we learn to hear, then obey the voice of The Holy Spirit. We may find ourselves used by God. Possibly in a way that saves lives.
Lord open the doors, help us to hear… teach us to walk with You. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 4: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
1 Kings 17: Now I Know!!!
As we once again join our prophet, he is still being fed by the gift of miracles and the widow.
(Are you tired of seeing gifts and word of? I keep repeating it because they are the Gifts of the Spirit, the Talents of Matthew 25, given to us to build His church.
Instead of striving to receive and learning to increase their use, most Denominations have buried them).
Unfortunately, like the manna of old, this never runnng out of oil and flour, it’s not so amazing anymore, this miracle, has become old hat, expected… Maybe it is just the way it is, is it really even a miracle?
Then the widows world gets turned upside down. The son whom she loves gets sick and dies.
She cries out: “What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?”
She believes this sickness is a punishment for past sins. It is not. It is for the glory of God.
Elijah answered: “Give me thy son.” He took the boy to his loft, laid him on his bed.
“O Lord my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?”
The man of God, had no fore knowledge of this sickness, he had no understanding of the Lords plan, but he had the Gift of Faith for the working of miracles.
So he stretched himself out three times apon the child, crying out: “O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again.”
The symbol of “3” times is important for this first person raised from the dead in the word.
A fortaste of the only begotten.
The Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the child revived, and awoke from the dead.
We underestimate the power of our words, the power of life and death are in the tongue.
We often speak death, to our finances, health, relationships, jobs… We must learn to speek truth and the truth of, Gods Word.
What does God desire for us?
We need to know the answer to that and speak it into existence. As the Lord spoke the world into existence.
Elijah brought the child to his mother and said: “See, thy son liveth.”
Her answer is classic: “Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.”
The miracles of provision had become commonplace, of no notice. “by this I know.”
Saints, that is one of my biggest failures, to realize the Lord has supplied my needs for the last 35 plus years.
He said He would, and He has. I heard it asked: “What would tomorrow be like, if we only had what we thanked God for today?”
No, like the Hebrews, we need more. It’s not enough our sandles aren’t worn-out, we have food and shelter. Our lusts and desires only bring leaness to our souls.
It is hard for us to acknowledge the everyday miracles we receive. We just accept them and never really seek the face of God, to walk in his power as Elijah did.
Elijah, like Abram, Moses, David and all the other Bible greats were just men and women such as we are.
No more or less. Why do they stand above the crowd?
They learned to live at the feet of Jesus, they knew and walked in the way of the Holy of Holies.
Even when they missed the mark, their hearts were turned toward God. How about you?
Lord, draw us close to You. Mold us into vessels you can use, to draw all men to You. Amen
What is my responsibility as “theunfetteredpreacher”? The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
The last few weeks I have gotten some wonderful feed back, about some of my blog posts.
My purpose and my prayer is that this blog brings people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
Being brought up Catholic, I had heard the Bible stories, believed Jesus died for me and yet never knew I could know Him.
After much prayer, that if He (God), was real I wanted to know a God of Power, not just of hot wind.
He brought me to Christian Retreat in Bradenton Fla.
They believed and taught me for 3 years, as I worked as a cook, to study the Word for myself, with out Denominational Glasses.
When I first left school, I thought you needed to believe like I do, or you were not a good Christian. Thank God, I grew out of that.
As I found truth in the word I had not been taught I was excited, it was new revelation to me. My eyes were opened, some others were not excited.
We find all sorts of Denominations that do not except the truth of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today.
Where in my understanding, Jesus told us to wait to receive, so we would be equiped for the ministry. This includes all the Gifts in 1 Cor. 12-14, Eph. and Romans.
So I find myself knowing, reading and learning from the KJ only people, Baptists, Catholics, Prosperity Preachers, even the UMC, where I play piano, lead praise (not so much now), and teach OT.
I feed on the truth… backed up by 2 or 3 scriptures, chuckle at some harmless bad Doctrine and throw out the dangerous Doctrine.
In my old age I have realized, if we agree we love and serve Jesus, the rest is the color in Gods garden. He made us all as we are, and loves us even if we are wrong, if our hearts are right.
I leave you with these three scriptures…
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Isaiah 57:15
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
If you meet the above criteria, you are my brother. It is your responsibility to study to shew yourself approved, rightly dividing the word of truth.
So don’t take my word, or another mans word, as the ultimate truth; KNOW FOR YOURSELF, WHAT TO BELIEVE BY THE STUDY OF THE WORD.
Lord, I pray I lead no one anywhere, except closer to You. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 3: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
We are looking at Elijah and the widow woman from 1 Kings 17. If you would like to see how he got here, otherwise briefly:
He was beside a brook, exactly where he was told to be by the Lord. Food provided by Ravens, and all the water he could drink.
Until, because of the drought, the brook dried up.
“And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there:”
The Prophet of God, he has the Gift of Faith, now receiving another Word of Knowledge and a Word of Wisdom.
“behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.”
Elijah was an Israelite, he knew the law and this was not right. He knew the Lords commands to care for widows and the fatherless.
Yet his instructions are clear, go, the widow will feed, clothe, give him a place to lay his head.
This colors the way he approached her. He didn’t request water, but asked for a little drink, he didn’t ask for a meal, but a morsel, (a small amont), of bread.
He met her where she was.
This is a lesson we all must learn. Not asking people for more than they have to give. This is true of offerings, physical assistence, prayers and especially Salvation.
A lot of folks might come to the Lord if, we weren’t trying to clean them up first. “Quit that lifestyle, then come and join us at church.”
Jesus met them where they were, opened their eyes to the possibilities of a better life, health, wealth, peace, joy.
It wasn’t till they asked questions, did he bring up their faults and offer forgiveness.
Asking for little the woman replied:
“As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”
Where she was:
She had no cake – just a handful of meal and a little oil.
She was gathering “2” sticks. (It must have been vary little supply, to be cooked with only 2 sticks).
That we might eat, all that we have, there was no hope, in her, for life, only to die.
She said this in an oath to Elijahs God, not her Canaanite God.
Yet, Elijah once again speaks a Word of Knowledge:
“Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.”
A test; feed me first.
We face this test daily, does God come first in our lives. Do we first obey Him, then attend to our desires? I would like to think I do, but in reality,… nope.
“For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.”
This another Word of Knowledge, the meal and oil will not run out. The Word of Wisdom, feed me first.
“And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.”
She went and did according to the Word of the Lord, through His Prophet.
The Lord watched over His Word.
We might see this Working of Miracles, God moving in our midst, if we would only learn to listen and obey.
Elijah, a man of God 2: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
As we take another look at Elijah, a quick reminder of what went before.
He appears out of nowhere, a nobody, an unknown who finds himself before the King of all the land. (An evil King at that)
He is a Prophet of the Lord, he has a Word of Knowledge from the Lord, and he has the Gift of Faith, from the Lord and boldly proclaims, to this evil King. (Ahab)
“As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”
Picture that, speaking to the King… There are no lightning bolts, earth quakes, darkness covering the earth, or even a loud voice from heaven.
Just your words… (no signs, wonders or miracles confirming your words).
Just the King, his mouth open in amazement, his body guards, frozen in place, not reacting to stop this nobody, who is suddenly here in front of the King , rebucking the King…
An angry King, with the power to have you arrested, imprisoned, beheaded.
Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Lord to show himself strong on your behalf?
The Lord didn’t think so, instead he told Elijah:
“Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith”
What? Go hide? I just, in Faith, spoke Your word, rebuked the most powerful man in my world, and all You do is tell me to GO HIDE?
Well not quite, the Lord also told him:
“And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.”
God is Awesome, able to meet our needs by using Ravens if He so chooses. Why do we get so excited when times get lean?
Where is our Faith?
Did the Lord not promise, He would never leave us or forsake us? Did you not read, My God shall supply all my needs? Or the Lord is my Sheperd, I shall not want?
As I write this, it is the first of the month, my mortgage is due along with all my other monthly obligations.
I’ve not the money to pay, or the work lined up to make The money I need to pay.
“And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.”
I’ve been here, where God sent me, doing Gods will, and now the brook has dried up.
What’s going on Lord, have I sinned?
What did I do, to be here, lacking, my basic needs?
You promised You would provide, what’s up?
Now, I know I am no Elijah, and it seems I am not a rain maker.
In my case, I believe I was sent to this little God loving and loved by God church, to lead them to more.
More Power, More Joy, More Jesus, More Life, More Peace, health, wisdom, grace….
They listen, nod their heads and say: “If God wanted us to have that, He would have given it to us.”
Never to realize, they had to ask for salvation, before receiving it. It is the same with the Gifts of the Spirit. We must ask, let God know He is our provider, let Him know we know His word and will. Seek the best Gift.
The best gift is the Gift needed now. ASK, SEEK, KNOCK…
Do not stop until you receive. An answer. Yes, No or latter.
In Elijahs case, God had more for him to do elsewhere.
“And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there:”
A new chapter is awaiting him as he obeys the voice of the Lord.
Do you feel like you are stuck, that there is little or no forward motion in your life? Have you ignored the voice of the Lord?
Maybe it is time to move on in His will, to a new chapter in your life.
Seek Him, prayerfully. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 1: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
I hesitate to write this post, but my Wednesday night Bible study has reached 1 Kings 17, this week, so it has been on my heart and mind.
I hesitate, because my friend Wally Fry, from Truth in Palmya, is already doing an excellent study on Elijah – How one man made a difference.
I have enjoyed reading his thoughts and teachings, and I urge you to check it out for yourselves.
So, I humbly submit my thoughts on this, my favorite Biblical figure.
1 Kings 17
King James Version (KJV)
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”
The first thing that tickles my fancy is, this man Elijah, comes out of nowhere, A nobody, we know nothing of his back story, yet here he is confronting the most powerful man in Israel, the King, Ahab.
In chapter 16 we read that: “Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.”
As it is today, it was a light thing, nothing to worry about, of no consequence, for people to worship and serve the false gods of money, status and power.
To ignore that which is right and true, for the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, to be preferred.
We may wonder how Elijah came to know the Lords will, how he found access to the king and maybe most of all, where the boldness to speak this word, came from.
Elijah, unlike Abram, in Genisis 12, who we find, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country,”
“The Lord had said,” This implies more than once, the Lord spoke, told Abram, His will, His directions, before Abram was obedient.
We see no recorded words of direction, to Elijah, he just appears on the scene, the faith and power of the Holy Spirit upon him to speak the Words of the Lord.
That is exactly what it was: A Word of Knowledge, by the Gift of a Prophet: “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” Powered by the Gift of Faith.
A lesson on the Gifts of the Spirit, the Talents left by the Master to His servents, those who are expected to increase the Talents, (the Gifts), until His return. wow…
That took Faith, a knowledge, a belief in the Lord, that is enviable. I believe it is the Faith, the Lord would have us all, attain.
I believe it is recorded, not to leave us in awe, but to show us, what is possible to them that believe.
We could walk in this place of power and obedience, fulfilling the will of God, but we don’t want it enough, to learn to sit at the Lords feet, to boldly enter in and reside in the Holy of Holies, under the shadow of the Almighty.
We gladly accept Salvation, forgiveness, justification. We are happy that simple belief will keep us blameless before the Lord, through the precious blood of Jesus.
Not because of anything we do, but because of what He did.
How many of us are diligent, persistent, faithful in the renewing of our minds, hiding His Words in our hearts, to become holy, knowing the good, aceptable and perfect will of the Lord, which is, our reasonable service.
The Faith of Elijah, the Power, the signs and wonders, why aren’t we seeing them today?
“Where is the God of Elijah, today?”
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”
Is that you? Is your heart perfect toward Him? Do you believe, would you dare to rebuke the King of His sin?
The measure of Faith you have received, needs to be built up, enlarged and released, for the glory of God.
According to your Faith, so be it.
Watch out though, after being obedient, Elijah heard: “Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide.”
Be ready to retreat, to hide, to be able to fight another day.
Obedience to the Lord, may not be a pleasent place, just the place of power and truth, the place I long to stand.
How about you?
theunfetteredpreacher 