Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 6

There is a great danger of just pulling out a single verse and using it to make your point or to express a conviction. What can happen is that you end up making a truth the truth. Yesterday I used Philippians 2:13 as one of my favorite verses. Verse 13 is just that, 13th. What did verses one, two, three, four etc. have to say? And what about verse 14 and fifteen etc.?

Okay... so what does verse 14 say? Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],

I had to ask! Do all things! Some things would be easier and a few things would be more realistic of my life. If you would ask me, I'd tell you that I'm not a big grumbler, faultfinder or complainer but truth be told I do my fair share. Questioning, I do more than my fair share which you already know if you have read my blogs for any length of time. And doubting.......... can I say I'm cautious verses doubting?

Isn't grumbling, faultfinding and complaining all the same thing? It sure would sound better if I was guilty on one count verse three counts. I really do believe verse 13, that it is not in my own strength but that it is God who is all the while. But obviously believing is not enough. If it were then wouldn't my life be oozing with thanksgiving in all things. Again, this is one of my favorite verses. I speak it often. No, there is more than just believing words on a page even if they are the words of God written in the Bible.

Grumbling - an expression of discontent; complaint; unhappy; discontented mood

Faultfinding - tending to make moral judgments or judgments based on personal opinions;

Complaining - to express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.

Questioning - a subject or point open to controversy;

Doubting - lack of trust.

Well there you have it! Can I just make small comments about each of these? Of course I can it's my blog. It's my mind that does the grumbling. In my heart there is contentment most of the time. Faultfinding, well... I was going to say that they are not my personal opinions but the moral judgements of the word, but.... I won't say that. Complaining just comes easy. I am really easy going and my inner being is not much for complaining but my outer being too often indulges in it just for the sake of conversation. Sometimes it's just to play devils advocate. Bad! I know.

I said it was more than just believing right? Here are the practical applications. Each one is a different color so you can see what's required easily.

Romans 12:1-2 So here's what I want you to do, GOD HELPING YOU: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Clear and precise actions. and then.... "You'll be changed from the inside out. God brings the best OUT OF YOU!"

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 5

My outer collapses take place because my inner strength cannot sustain them.

Okay enough of the outer collapses part. It's time to look at the inner strength side. My inner strength is nothing. I am like Paul when it comes to inner strength. I do the things I don't want to do and don't do the things I do want to do. The only inner strength that I have is from the Father. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 2:13 Amp. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

While David would cry out things like, "My strength comes from you O God" He would also commit adultery and murder. And God was okay with it. He refers to David as a man after God's own heart. To me that speaks volumes about God. He is not looking at the outer collapses of David but at the inner strength of a man who in spite of the outer collapses always turned back to God. While we all know the outer collapses of David we know better the stories of his inner strengths. The lion, the bear, Goliath and so on.

In the western world we are so consumed with the outer. Even some churches require "the look" in order to be on staff or on the stage for a service. God apparently is looking beyond skin deep. On your own you can read all of I Corinthians 29:16-18 but I wanted to share one line from it. I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface—you want us, our true selves—and so I have given from the heart, honestly and happily.

Three more verses that reference God looking at the inner strength of a mans heart, intentions and attitudes.

Jeremiah 11:20 But, O LORD Almighty, you who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

It would appear that some of my outer collapse opportunities may come as test of my heart. As a thermometer or measuring stick of how much inner strength I really have and...... where does it come from. I can be a pretty self sufficient person. It's great to say Philippians 2:13 is a favorite verse but is that because it sounds good to my ears or is it because I believe it in my heart?

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

A little scary when you think about it. God being the He, will bring to light, not may bring to light, but will as sure as I will die some day, what is hidden in darkness, darkness inside me, and will expose the motives of my heart. My first thought is, will He do that in private or will it be public? Then I realize that it should not matter if "To Him I have committed my cause."

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The word of God, living and active inside of me. Not just some words on a piece of paper and certainly not some memorization exercise to give me more knowledge. Words of life, words that are active. Words that are effectually at work IN ME. Creating and energizing in me the power and desire! Both to will and work!

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 4

This weekend I saw the original commercial where the words "Instant Gratification" caught my attention. It was for a car. It went something like this. If you don't like your car - you can get another one. If you don't like you wife - you can get another one And so you get the idea that you should enjoy everything you have and if not change it out for another one. It's a disposable mentality. Use it and dispose of it.

I have owned many new cars in my life and I can tell you from experience that the newness, the joy, the satisfaction wears off quickly, along with the new car smell. There have been times when I wanted my new car smell to last longer, so I would go to a car wash that offered fresheners and I would always ask for the new car smell. I did that on the last car we bought and after it was done, man did I regret doing it as the smell was anything but new care. It was more like nursing home and I couldn't wait for it to be gone. The most gratification that I have ever gotten from a car was the day I paid cash for one or the day I paid one off. NO CAR PAYMENT brings true happiness. We didn't have one for 20 years and then being convinced that we deserved a new car because of what we told ourselves was previous sacrifice, I am now unhappy with the payment I am struggling to make. It is not, I repeat, it is not, that God is not providing all my needs or that I am not walking in faith or calling into being whatever. I simply had to have the new car and now even though circumstances and employment have changed for both Ann Marie and I, we must still make the payments. The borrower is truly servant to the lender.

This idea that if your not happy with what you have, then replace it is dangerous. It has in my opinion been some of the problems of the church. If you don't like what the pastor said or did, remove him. Or go somewhere else, after all there's a church on every corner. If where you're going doesn't keep up with the programs that you want for your kids go somewhere that does. No this or that, find it elsewhere. And really, if God doesn't met your needs when, where and how you think He should, simply find another god. Don't be shocked, it's been going on for years.

Parents chose many of the worlds things in exchange for God things. Sorry can't do a small group because Johnny's soccer games are that night. Can't go to the prayer meeting before service because Jane's dance class is at that time. When those kids grow up and soccer is long forgotten and dance is a distant memory there will be no reason to ask why they are not interested in God. The answer is simple... a different god was chosen. Some will think this is cruel, harsh, judgemental but I do not intend for it to be. I do intend it to be honest. Ann Marie and I had to make those choices with our children. We chose God and even though our son did not even start playing football until his junior year of high school he was a starter on his college team for all four years and made All American. Today he is a growing man of God and while football is still of interest it is not the ruling factor. So what did he miss out on as a child by not doing all the little leagues? Most kid's are never going to make a living by what they do in childhood sports or activities. They may just need some of that prayer time or family value teaching time that was left out to do the things of the world.

Instant Gratification. In an instant you receive what you want and in the next instant it is gone.

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 3

My OUTER collapses take place because my INNER strength cannot sustain them.

Build on the Rock

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

To get a simpler picture of this parable I am going to look at it in the Message Bible.

"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

I think that while the Message presents a clear picture it misinterprets a portion of what Jesus was saying. Quote "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life. homeowner improvements to your standard of living. Remember back a few days ago when I read the verse that said, "The church is not peripheral to the world"? Well that's what Jesus is saying so plainly here. He says, "Ed, what I have you doing is not just a homeowner improvement to yours or anybody else's standard of living." He goes on to say, "They are foundational words, words to build a life on." My mind immediately focused on the word foundation. In America foundations are made from concrete. So I went to the Internet and read much of what it said about concrete and how it's made. I began intermingling foundation, concrete and God into one illustration SO THAT I COULD UNDERSTAND IT BETTER. But I began to hear, "WRONG!" Wrong? Yes wrong! I recalled the first thing I read about concrete. "Too much water reduces concrete strength, while too little will make the concrete unworkable." If I was going to compare God to concrete I'd have to resolve this issue of to much water/God reduces the strength, while too little makes it/God unworkable. Okay, wrong. To say that God is concrete is limiting God. Concrete does not just hang out there suspended in air. It rests upon ground. And the ground rest upon gravity etc., etc.

Then Jesus says according to the Message, "If you work these words into your life." STOP! WRONG!! This is where I think the writer of the Message missed it. We are not to work the word into our life. That says to me home improvement. I've tried that for most of my life. I believe what Jesus was saying and still is today is that we are to work our lives into the word. "The world is peripheral to the church." Not, "the church is peripheral to the world."

Let me see if I can summarize this quickly. If I am to work the word into my life that means that my life is the constant and the word is variable. But if I work my life into the word, well... then the word is the constant and life is the variable. If life is the constant and I add a little word here and there when I feel like it, is it any wonder that I get a roller coaster ride. But... if the word is the constant the absolute then I am an heir to the word which includes my Father's love, and grace. Life can be more consistent because the word is consistent and the Father is consistent. I'm not presenting a perfect life. It's not without trials and tribulations. It's not without effort. But it is contsistant because of who He is. I always have access to His love and am always adorned with His grace.

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 2

INSTANT GRATIFICATION!!!

I am an American. I grew up on McDonalds and the fast food concept. Seven Eleven being open twenty for hours a day seven days a week just to meet my unexpected needs. And oh the frustration, when I would not find what I needed there. Instant everything. Today with divorce at an all time high we even have instant families. The church has done a great job promoting this concept as well. I have seen church signs promoting the 45 minute Sunday morning worship service. Sometimes we present the Gospel and salvation message as though there is nothing else. Salvation is a journey not a destination. INSTANT GRATIFICATION! It's the western worlds way! Everything about us goes through the grid of the western world. That brings to mind another scripture that I was led to while preparing another teaching last week. Wow...... last weeks prep was about far more than the teaching we did on Saturday. It is reaching far deeper and further into my life this week than last week. Did I miss it? Did I teach the wrong thing? No..... I don't believe so. While I'd like to say "I'm not the only one" who is into INSTANT GRATIFICATION, I sense that I am to stay focused on me.

INSTANT -
the point of time now present, succeeding without any interval of time; prompt; immediate:
pressing or urgent: occurring, done, or prepared with a minimal amount of time and effort; produced rapidly and with little preparation: instant answers; instant history.

GRATIFY -

to give pleasure to (a person or persons) by satisfying desires or inclinations or feelings: to satisfy; indulge

Well, that seems to be what I want. I don't say that proudly, only truthfully. And might I add, sooner than later would be better. But....... I must say that I don't think minimal amount of time is correct as I turn 56 next week. I have been at this a long time. I also must disagree that I am, or ever have looked for a minimal amount of effort to be put forth. We have given what we thought was our all. Pay or no pay made no difference. Hours required,... not even a thought. Out of pocket cost? Worth every penny. I don't want to give credit to a lie of the enemy when it's not due him. Maybe INSTANT is the wrong word. Perhaps REASONABLE would fit better.

REASONABLE -

not exceeding the limit prescribed by reason; not excessive: reasonable terms. moderate, capable of rational behavior

YES! That's much better. REASONABLE GRATIFICATION! Not exceeding the limit prescribed by reason.

Instant History..... Trails and tribulations come (It's scriptural) and are history in a time frame not exceeding the limit prescribed by reason.

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength Part 1

My OUTER collapses take place because my INNER strength cannot sustain them.

Outer collapses? I'm in pretty good shape compared to David. He had a few outer collapses yet it was said, by God that, "he was a man after God's own heart." Imagine a murder being a man after God's own heart." What part of adultery makes David a man after God's own heart? Certainly we don't have to dance naked in the streets to be a man after God's own heart? As I said, "I'm in pretty good shape compared to David." But as I've written before comparing myself to anyone else will only lead to incorrect conclusions.

This is all so God like. I was preparing another teaching last week and Galatians 5 was apart of it as a way to show the differences between the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit. In light of yesterdays definitions I think these things would be considered outer collapses. Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. Verse 26 - Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

Well..... I must admit that one or two of those ......................... okay several of those have shown up in my outer life. I recognize that every time they do, I have an enormous sense a loss. I have known that those moments were not coming from a strength but from weakness but what can I do. It is obvious to me that those moments are outer collapses. The sense of loss was due to the collapse of something that means a lot to me. I say a lot, yet.... not enough to hold on to it. The enemy would have me believe that my whole life is just one big outer collapse. It's his character and nature to lie and deceive.

I was recently asked why I did not have peace. This is why. My lack of peace is actually frustration. Not with God, not with circumstances but with myself. I shared yesterday how Paul expressed his frustration with himself and his outer collapses. He says on other occasions that he has not mastered this "inner strength" thing, but that he was pressing in toward the prize of the High calling of God.

As God continues to draw me in closer to Him, more must be removed. It's not that I don't want that. Oh my gosh...... I heard these words this past weekend in some commercial and it was like a bomb going off in my head. I had no idea why until now. INSTANT GRATIFICATION. INSTANT GRATIFICATION! Is that what I want. INSTANT GRATIFICATION! Am I wanting God to give me instant gratification?

Outer Collapse - Inner Strength - Intro

My OUTER COLLAPSES take place because...

my INNER STRENGTH cannot sustain them.

I don't need much thought to understand what outer collapses are. The widow was experiencing one. I would have thought that spending my days in a Prayer Center would have eliminated any "outer collapses." But.... obviously not, or why am I being brought back to those words now?

I did not just accept these words gracefully back then and I'm not going to do so now. After all, they were not then, and are not now, the most flattering words ever spoken to me. But as bold and blunt as they were and are, I again feel a sense of......... gentleness. My mind, will and emotions say "they are in your face again." My spirit says, "that they are words of life and not death, that they are prophetic. They are not a rebuke, to bring on guilt and condemnation, but a calling to a still deeper, more intimate, relationship with the Father.

Upon the arrival of these words the first time I made an adjustment here and a modification there, but never really dug deep to reveal what God was really saying. I thought they were pretty clear...... and that I understood them, that I got them. Since the words did not come with chapter and verse, this time I am going to search for one. If it was and is God speaking to me, it will be confirmed in His written word. Okay! Before I could close this out for the day I got my chapter and verse. It took all of oh....... about 1 minute and somewhat to my dismay. They say that misery loves good company. For me and I'd venture to say that Paul would agree, that is not the case.

Romans 7:18-20 (Amplified Bible)
For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].

And as always I must let Webster weigh in with definitions of the words outer collapse.

Outer - situated on or toward the outside; external; exterior: situated farther out or farther from the center.

Collapse - to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly: to break down; come to nothing; fail: to fall unconscious or as if unconscious or physically depleted, as from a stroke, heart attack, disease, or exhaustion. to sink into extreme weakness. To break down suddenly in strength or health and thereby cease to function.

Paul defines collapse as sin. Webster defines collapse as caving in, sinking into extreme weakness, ceasing to function. That stirs up some thoughts. Oh, and add to that the words of ownership. My outer collapses. My sin! My cravings! My sinking into extreme weakness! My ceasing to function! I'm sure glad the Holy Spirit told me this was a calling to, rather than a recalling of!

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 12

I Kings17:19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed.

Can you imagine someone giving their child to the man that they thought killed their son? The widow appears to be where I find myself many times. The battlefield if the mind. She is commanded by God so she believes. She gives water and what she thinks will be the last of her flour and oil. She sees it multiplied and eats from the abundance of the word Elijah spoke. Her son dies and she doubts the man of God? Yet.... yet she hands her dead sons body over to him. Is he a man of God or not? Did he come to take her son or not? Did God take her sons life or not? WIDOW...... ED WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

This weekend I was reminded that it was two years ago when I felt God speak to me with absolute clarity about where I was at in the relationship between Him and myself. It's quite the story how He spoke but really unimportant when compared to what He spoke so I'll spare you the story of how and just tell you what. The words still speak with a sharp edge on them. They still are cutting. Oh, this may be what Ann MArie calls a bunny trail and it may lead us away from Elijah?

What I thought I first heard God say was "My outer collapse takes place because my inner strength cannot sustain it." Then I heard it again and it became personal. "Ed your outer collapse takes place because your inner strength cannot sustain it."

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 11

I Kings 17:17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him.

OOPS? Just one verse prior said that the widow, her son and Elijah ate for many days? Things change quickly. One thing for sure is that God is unpredictable. He was then and still is now. Why send Elijah with a word, from the Lord, to the widow, to care for him first and then they the widow and her son, would be taken care of, all to have her son die after a few good meals?

I can so relate to what must have been going through the widows mind.

18 So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?”

OOPS! Just one verse prior and the very same widow is doing exactly as the same man of God asked. People change quickly. One thing for sure is that people are unpredictable. They were then and still are now. "What have I to do with you, O man of God?" After giving him water and baking him a cake, all by faith remember, because she only had enough for her and her son and then they were going to die, she asks, "what have I to do with you?" The flour has not been used up and the oil has not run dry and, "what have I to do with you?" Did she think that happened on her account? It appears to be a case of "what have you done for me lately."

The widow recognizes Elijah as a man of God but where has her faith gone? However many days earlier this widow and her son were preparing to die. Was it the unexpectedness of her sons death? Had hope been restored through the never ending flour and oil and now she feels like it has been taken away? I recognize the widows feelings. She then asks, "have you come to me bring my sin to remembrance?" It's like me asking what have I done wrong, what am I not doing, did I miss God? And the death of her son is my seemingly unanswered prayer or unmet expectations. What's changed? The flour and oil are still flowing. Elijah is still there and he's still the man of God?

When God commanded the widow even before Elijah had arrived He knew of her sin. When God made the four and oil to last long enough to feed them all for many days, He knew of her sin. The widow knew of her sin all this time as well. What was she thinking? God commands her, Elijah shows up and speaks to her, she responds in faith, there is plenty of flour and oil, the widow and her son do not die. And yet she asks Elijah, if he has killed her son because of her sin. Why would he feed them and then kill one of them? That seems to be a fair question......... doesn't it? I think my question, would not be of Elijah but of God. God what are you thinking, what are you doing? I'd be asking God why save us only to take my son after a few meals? I thought you sent the four and oil that we might live. Why give me hope only to take my son. Why didn't you just let us die when we had already prepared to? CIRCUMSTANCES sure do bounce us around. I tend to find great security in them. If there is food today then there will always be food. If Ann Marie is with me today then she will be with me tomorrow. Truth be told...... There is no security in what God is doing....... only in who He is! That seems to be the widows problem. She found some security in the flour and oil and not in who He is?

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 10

I Kings 17:15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

Not only did her household eat but they did not die. I am wondering what will come of the widow and her son when the rain does come? She may still end up eating one day and dying but she and her son will have lived as the word says "many" more days than she would have if this whole experience had not happened. Also Elijah was provided for, for the "Many" more days. He had a place to stay, food and drink.

The "many" days is undefined here. The total time between Elijah speaking that there would be no rain and when he allows it to rain is somewhere between three and for years. Most say that it was probably closer to four that three. How much of that was spent at the brook and how much with the widow is not revealed but is really unimportant. My mind wanders and would like to know what the widow was thinking. Was she surprised? Was she indifferent realizing that one day the rain would come and the barrel and jar would dry up and that ultimately she may end up in the same place? Or was she grateful for every extended day that she had with her son?

I am reminded today that words are important! They have life and death in them. If the widow had not been placed into this situation with Elijah she would have eaten her meal with her son and died just as she spoke. Elijah spoke life to her and she ate and lived many more days. A verse that Ann Marie and I have used for over twenty five years comes out of Revelations. They overcame by the blood of the lamb and the WORD of their testimony. Elijah spoke the testimony of what God spoke to him and look what came about.

SO..... did God send Elijah for the widow and her son or did God send the widow and her son for Elijah? There is much more to read about Elijah but very little about the widow and her son. What was it that God wanted for the widow and her son that required Him to extend what she thought was the end of their lives? She already believed in God. Perhaps this is another Job incident? Job 41:“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 8

Let's due just a little review.

God tells Elijah, "I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food."

Elijah goes to Zarephath as instructed.

When Elijah comes to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks.

Elijah called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."

I had to think on this next portion for a few moments. God said, I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food." She says, "As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don't have any bread." Seems to be a little misunderstanding between what God commanded her and what she thinks she has and is able to do? It appears that her circumstances were so consuming that she may not have even heard God's command?

"As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die."

The widow sounds like she is beyond desperate? "I have just enough for myself and my son to eat and die." At least they will not die hungry.

Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Interesting? I am not picking up on the widow being afraid.

Elijah says, "Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son."

Make you a small cake of bread first? The widow had to be thinking, if only for a moment, what part of, "I have just enough for myself and my son" didn't you understand? This may be where fear enters in. That if she makes Elijah a small cake first there will not be enough for her and her son. Okay this is where faith is required on the widows part and fear is the opposite of faith so this may be why Elijah says, "don't be afraid." What he is really saying is, trust what God has already commanded you. Have faith in what God has commanded you and what I have confirmed for you.

But immediately Elijah tells her why she is to do as he has said. "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' "

Now there is a king waiting for it to rain and a widow hoping it won't rain. When king Ahab gets what he wants the widow apparently loses what she wants.

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

And again I say, "of course she went and did as Elijah told her." God had already commanded her, Elijah gave her a "thus saith the Lord" and then he told her why she needed to do it. God did his part. Elijah did his part. The widow did her part. Oh........ it seems as though God's decision to send a poor needy prophet, with only a word from the Lord was enough for the widow.

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 7

I Kings 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath.

Of course he did! And without a single peep. Again Elijah is going to do his part with full confidence that God will do His part. My study Bible says, "this was a dramatic test of faith for Elijah." While it is true that where he was going was just seven miles away from the stronghold of Baal worship it appears that it is of little concern for him. And yes it's true that widows of that day were usually very poor. So the fact that God said a widow would provide, may have caused Elijah to wonder, but............... he was hearing the words of the Lord and thus far those words were very accurate in coming about.

And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks.

Look at this! Elijah gets to the gate of the city. AT THE GATE! This is not a picture of the God that we so often say is last minute. The following words in this verse lead me to believe that Elijah is not in despair as he asks for a little water. At the gate! After his journey he could have been starving and desperate for a drink of water. That would be how it seems to be so often with God for many. Let me get more specific and say for me. At the last stroke of the clock God shows up. And how many times I have perceived that the last stroke came and went and no God? But not so with Elijah. I am having difficulty seeing the test of faith for Elijah here.

And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”

Nothing like inviting yourself to dinner. Is Elijah so consumed by the accuracy of the word of the Lord that he doesn't even ask the widow her name? Or...... is he intent on seeing if the word of the Lord will come about just as the last word did? Or....... is he on a mission from God and knows more than he's letting on here? Before she can even finish that first request Elijah calls her and asks, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." Was Elijah not up on the times? Did he not know that widows were poor? Or...... was he testing her? Or....... just acting on the word of the Lord he had received?

So we have Elijah and King Ahab. And we have Elijah and a widow. Is this story about a king and a widow or about Elijah?

12 So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

There you have it! This is not only a poor widow but a mother and she has resolved herself to to the fact that she and her son are going to die. We know what Elijah has that King Ahab needs and wants, RAIN. Ahab needs Elijah to release rain on the land. But what can Elijah give to a widow and her son who are destined to die? Elijah..... a prophet not a man of wealth or means. Elijah came from a brook that gave him water and ravens that brought him bread and meat. Prophet's bring words. This widow seems to need more than a word. Remember back when I said that God seemingly shows up at the last minute? Well it appears to be that the widow and her son need God to show up in their final minutes. Yet who shows up but Elijah.... a prophet. This widow needs provisions and she needs them now! At this point it may have been better for the widow to have some sort of encounter with King Ahab so that she may have received favor with him or something. Maybe a job? But no..... God apparently sends a poor needy prophet named Elijah.

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 6

Since Friday's blog I have spoken to several others who are desiring to hear the same voice with the same clarity as I. We talk about Elijah and all come to the conclusion that we want the word of the Lord to come just like it did for Elijah. Audible, precise and often. Notice I did not say easy. I'm okay with hard so long as it meets the first three............ desires?

I Kings 17:7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.

8 Then the word of the LORD came to him:

Elijah did his part, God did His part and then comes to Elijah with another word. Again there is absolute clarity! Specific directions with no wiggle room.

Go - that means Elijah is to leave the place where he is at. The brook is dried up so GO.

at once - Not tomorrow or next week, not even later today, but AT ONCE! NOW!

to - Zarephath of Sidon. That's a specific place. TO here and nowhere else.

and stay - When you get there stay put. Don't go anywhere else stay!

there - Where? There in Zarephath of Sidon!

9 "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there.

I am unable to find any indication as to how long Elijah was at the brook before receiving his next word but it had to be a lengthy time as it was based on no rain causing the brook to dry up. And I admit or should I say, recognize that the word of the Lord was silent during that time. On a day to day basis Elijah was left to himself. He was doing what God told him to do, "stay until" and God was doing what He said He would do, "provide". The WORD of the Lord continues to speak! I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food."

Maybe this is where the saying, "the way to a mans heart is through his stomach" comes from?It seems that the the Lord is concerned with providing food for Elijah. First the ravens bring him bread and meat twice a day and now a widow to provide Elijah with food. Anyway, once again Elijah is given clear direction and told how he will be provided for. Verse 10 says, "So he went to Zarephath." And I say, how hard could it have been with all that specific information. Where are you going? Zarephath! When will you go? At once! What will be provided? Food! Who will provide? A widow! The only unanswered questions seem to be why and for how long. But really.......... who cares if you're in the right place at the right time with all your needs being met because you heard the word of the Lord that clear.

And now Elijah has a track record with God. Elijah went to the King, went to the brook and stayed. The ravens came and sure enough the brook dried. Everything the word of the Lord said has taken place just as it was spoken and so the second word of the Lord becomes easier to follow...........right?

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 5

I Kings 17:5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

So he went and did. Did what? According to the word of the Lord. That's what hearing clear and precise words from the Lord will allow you to do. You can go and do. But what do you do in what appears to be the absence of a word from the Lord? Am I to do nothing? Or..... am I free to do what I will? Does God have clear precise instruction for every day, every hour of my life?

I have used the example of a mother offering her child some cookies from a plate of them. Some are oatmeal raisin, some are chocolate chip and some are peanut butter. She says, You may have two." It is then the child's choice to have any two that they select. If the child were to say, "no, I want a cupcake" the mother would not be happy and would probably say no. The mother has given the parameters for the child to act within. What the child chooses is up to their liking. The mother does not offer the child the cookies all the while thinking, "you better chose the oatmeal raisin or your going to get it." No if the mother wanted the child to eat oatmeal raisin she would only offer oatmeal raisin. So with this logic if the Lord has something more specific for me won't he make that obvious? And meanwhile so long as I stay within the parameters of the word I heard a year ago am I not free to do as I desire? OR.... does every step I'm to take require a new word from the Lord or an additional word from Him? I guess that's what I've been expecting. Maybe I just need to pick chocolate chip since that's my favorite!

The Lord delivered on everything that He said. The raven s did bring the bread and meat in the morning and the evening, and Elijah drank from the brook. Then sure enough the brook dried up. Elijah knew that would happen. So did he sit there each day watching and checking the water flow and level to see when he might move on? Again no record. I can only imagine that if Elijah was going to deliver the word of the Lord to King Ahab, then he believed it would come to pass. I doubt that Elijah looked up each day and wondered if it would rain that day. I doubt that he ended each day by saying something like, "Well the Lord came through today and didn't let it rain." Everything I can read or sense within me says that the Elijah heard the word of the Lord and then did what it said. And everything he did between those words from the Lord was open to him so long as he did not do something contrary to those words. So long as Elijah stayed by the brook, that was all that mattered. If he played games or read or prayed or sang or whatever it mattered not so long as it took place by the brook.

I am seeing something here. I want the Lord to give me a fresh word more often than what He did for Elijah. I need confirmation or affirmation. A year ago I believed that I heard a word and Ann Marie heard that word as well so we acted on that word. It's now been a year and I want a word to confirm the word that I thought I heard. Why do I need a confirmation? How about just because? How about because I do? How about because it's been hard? Perhaps because I've become distracted! Distracted by the very word that we received or by the circumstances that have come about by acting on that word.

Elijah had his own distractions to deal with. Living out in the open beside a brook was not the easiest of tasks. I have camped out before. It's work. The ground for a bed. A rock for a pillow. Bread and meat, bread and meat, water to drink, water to drink. Day after day with no one to talk to. Will someone find me? Sounds like a very simple life. It also sounds like a pretty boring life. All these things could have distracted Elijah to the point where he packed up and moved on to more comfortable settings. Elijah refused to let hard yet simple boring life remove him from what the word of the Lord told him to do. Elijah stuck to what the Lord had told him, and stayed all the way until the brook dried up. And guess what happened next?

Verse 8 - "Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 4

Detailed instructions, absolute steps to take! And on top of that Elijah is told what to expect. There is no unknown except, how long will he be at the Brook. Elijah is there to hide and God says, everything you need will come, this is how it will come and this is when it will come. That's all I'm seeking!

And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.

God.... I'm not feeling that sure at this moment. You are providing but I wouldn't say confidently that it is all I need. We are willing to leave everything to follow the passion that has pierced our hearts. Sell the house, sell the possessions, sell it all is our position. Yet nothing! And if my eyes are blind then open them. I do not mean to be ungrateful for all that You are doing. But.... the bills we do owe remain 60 to 90 days behind and our word means nothing to those creditors.

Yes, for the past year I have eaten, had shelter and clothes. But the gift that you gave me in Ann Marie needs dental work and some medical attention that won't be covered by insurance. GOD... she is wearing someone else's contact lenses! I laugh every time I put on my scratched and broken glasses. I am frustrated with myself and my inability to not want more than what You are providing. I keep looking at these men of God. If You are no respecter of persons then why can't I get clear, detailed instruction and information like Elijah? Not the riches or the things, just the information! Just one absolute word that we are in the right place. That we didn't go north when you said south. Anything that is clear and precise about keeping on. I don't know if Elijah ever questioned you or the word that took him to the Brook. I have no idea what he thought or did all day long for three years of hiding. But I guess if it was important it would have been written in your word. So I am left today with the memory of my own words from sharing a couple weeks ago. When you don't know... you must cling to what you do know. I know that you are God and I am not. I know that it's not about me and it's not about now. But it sure feels like it is.

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 3

“Get away from here and turn eastward, and "HIDE" by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan."

Get away from here, turn eastward and HIDE! I told you that death was a possibility. There could also be other reasons for Elijah to hide. This drought thing was obviously going to require some period of time to be proven out. Three years as it turned out. Once the drought began to become real Elijah's life could be in jeopardy, but... maybe it was because Elijah was just a man. Could money, position or some persuasion have tempted Elijah? Could it be that there would be many distractions to Elijah hearing the voice of God clearly for the next part of this story? HIDE! One minute your a fearless prophet of God challenging King Ahab and the next your told to hide.

hide:
1. to conceal from sight; prevent from being seen or discovered: to conceal oneself.

Three years in hiding. There is a danger in trying to make these stories fit my circumstances. There is no written record of what Elijah did for the three years. What was he thinking on the next to last day of the three years, not knowing that the end of hiding was that close. I only get pieces of the story and so I try to fill in the blanks to make sense of it all. There are large gaps in the stories of the men of God. I realize also that not everyone who lived in those days was an Elijah or a David, or a Moses or a Noah. Thousands lived everyday lives that were never written about, yet none the less significant. Why am I not content in being one of those unwritten about (yet significant)lives? Am I like so many that want the things of God without the sacrifice? NO! That's not what I want. I do want the clarity, the obvious voice and plan of God for my EVERYDAY life. I want get away, turn eastward and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. I do not want to do my thing in what seems to be the absence of the God thing. I want it as clear and obvious for me as it was for Elijah! Even if just for a season.

I know my name is not Elijah and Elijah's journey is not my journey. Whether Elijah had questions or not is not important. The result was that Elijah did as God directed. Day by day and step by step. For some reason it seemed to me that Elijah had it made. Truth be told Elijah walked out his life with God on a need to know basis. Those few moments between his challenge to Ahab and when God told him to get away were probably as difficult for him as they are for me. That three years at the Brook probably seemed like a life time just as my situation today does to me. Being what I think is a big picture person is really small when compared to God's big picture. I will spend eternity with Elijah, David, Moses, Noah and all those who have gone before. That's a big picture, not one day of challenging a king or hiding in a cave. Maybe three years hiding will help me learn this?

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 2

Was it really possible that Elijah went before King Ahab, made his proclamation and had no thought as to what would come next? I suppose it is presumptuous of me to think that Elijah did anything but that. I would love to pick the brain of Elijah. What was he thinking? Elijah seems fearless in the face of possible death. Understand that I am placing the possibility of death out there. Scripture does not say that he faced that possibility. I am adding two plus two to get four. Ahab worships the god Baal who rules over dew and rain. Elijah says your wrong Ahab! It is the Lord my God who not only rules over dew and rain but everything in existence. Ahab is a king and they tend to get a little perturbed when challenged so I introduce the possibility of Elijah being put to death.

"As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years, except at my word." I guess there would be some pause for the king in killing Elijah. "Except by my word." If by some chance there is any validity to this mans words and we kill him..... well that could be a serious problem.

But God steps in and really makes it a non issue. In verse two the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Get away from here and turn eastward and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. "And the word of the Lord came to him." There are no details of anything else being spoken by Elijah or Ahab so we must accept that the word of the Lord came swiftly. I'd really love to know how the word of the Lord came to Elijah. No such chance from what we read. So Elijah hears from God to go to the king and challenge him with contrary words to the kings beliefs. Elijah then hears God tell him to get away from here, and to turn eastward. Elijah is getting very specific instructions. Isn't that what all Christians want, and are seeking? It's what I want and what I think I have been seeking. For me it sometimes feels like I here God say something as clear as get away from here and that's it. Elijah gets details. Turn eastward! It removes any question or wondering. Don't go north. Don't go south. Don't go west. Go EASTWARD! Clear and precise. And the details keep coming.

I know there is no record of any surprise by the Lords words to Elijah, but I can't help but wonder if this is what Elijah expected. For Elijah it does not appear to matter. Maybe if I had specifics from God like Elijah did many things wouldn't matter to me either. The specifics don't end there. Get away, turn eastward and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. I guess eastward was to vague so God details what eastward looks like. By the Brook Cherith. Maybe Elijah was unfamiliar with the land? Maybe he was bad with directions? I don't know what but God is giving him specifics like I crave. The Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. Was there more than one Brook Cherith? Not that I can find anywhere. Yet the word of the Lord is that specific. If Elijah ends up in the wrong place you'd have to question his mental status. It is my opinion that if God would give me details like this I would be exactly where he wants me to be also. Oh ya..... what about that word hide?

The Elijah Proclamation! - Part 1

Through-out my life I have been compared to various men of God in the Bible by others. Then at various times in life I would search the men of God to see who I might compare to at that time of my life. I can't tell you why I have this idea that things would be easier or that I would understand better if a biblical man of God experienced what I am thinking is the same as where I am. Over the years I have put myself in the company of David, Job, Noah, and oh yes Jonah. That list is not all inclusive. I think one reason I like to associate with these men of God is because of the outcome of their circumstances. God did not fail one of them. They all came out on top. So by association I kinda get a sense that God will not fail me and I will come out on top. I'm fully aware that it's a false sense, but can't a man have a little dilusion now and then?

My latest attempt to compare myself to a man of God has been Elijah. Perhaps that was brought on by my son announcing that there new baby will be a boy and his name will be Elijah. The day after that I was going to a verse in the Word and opened up to just anywhere to begin my search and it was Malachi 4:5-6 "Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers." Of course I called my son and gave him the verse as though OUR Elijah is in some way connected to those words.

Well for whatever reason I have been drawn to the story of Elijah once again in my life. Whether it's a God thing or just comfort for me as I relate to this man of God, I can't tell you. But does it really matter? Not to me at this time.

Elijah "The Lord is my God!" That's what his name means. There had been no prophet since Moses like Elijah. Elijah would speak for God fearlessly. He spoke outrageously against Baal. The people of the region believed that Baal was god so GOD sent Elijah to show them differently. You have to understand that Baal was considered the god over the dew and the rain. So when Elijah boldly proclaims, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except by my word." it's an in your face challenge to King Ahab and to the peoples belief in their god Baal. Ahab was a firm believer and follower of Baal. I look at Elijah and wonder if I could have done what he did. He gave no explanation as to why, but was one really needed? Would Ahab understand from Elijah's brief words that God was calling him into account?

If I were Elijah I would have thought that I was going to be well taken care of. The King and the people would be wanting to be on my good side especially as the water began to get scarce. Now that thought would come after I got past the thought that they may just think I'm crazy and kill me on the spot. If Elijah is anything like me, and I'm not presuming that he was, then what came next was a complete surprise. I sure could use a little insight as to how Elijah knew so adamantly that challenging king Ahab so bluntly was what he was to do. I guess if you're not that adamant or confident you better not attempt such a task.

Not A Word!

It's been two hours and silence seems to be the mode today. This week has been somewhat of a challenge and for what reason, I do not know. I spent much of the time in Proverbs looking and waiting for some clear word for myself. What I got was nothing specific. Everything I read I could apply and make it something but something is not what I was hoping for. Oh well the day is not over. I'll just keep listening and being still AND KNOW that He is God!

I'm not alone in this as one of the pastors just came in and said that the first part of this week was a funk for him and he also didn't know why. I have no idea why I share that like it makes everything all better. It didn't, it doesn't and it won't.

Take the few extra minutes you are gaining form this being so short and think of something fun!

How Much Is Enough?

How much is enough? How much is to much? When does something become obsessive? When does someone become a radical?

And if I ask those questions, don't I need something to measure against. Let me start off simple. When I drive how fast is fast enough. If I use people or other drivers as my measuring stick here's what I get. Fast enough is the speed limit. Fast enough is getting somewhere on time. Fast enough is not holding up traffic. Fast enough is keeping up with traffic. Fast enough is......?

Let's try another one. How much money is enough? Enough to pay all my bills? Enough to have a chunk in the bank? Enough to give as I find needs? Enough to be comfortable? Enough money is.....?

Okay one more. How much faith is enough? I've been told that enough faith is believing it from the moment you pray it until it comes to pass. So if it doesn't come to pass did I not have enough faith. The word talks about the faith of a mustard seed but also refers to others that had great faith. Is there a measurement that I can see between a mustard seed of faith and great faith?

My real question is how much of God is enough? One answer seems to be that you can never get or have enough of God. I see countless numbers who seem to answer that by filling their lives and schedules with ministry. Wives are left behind to raise up children who are orphaned by men who say they are called by God to ministry. We talk about the world and how many children are born into single parent homes and the effect that it has and is having on our world today. But what about the men and women of God who abandon spouses and children for ministry. Isn't a single parent the same regardless of the reason for it? The divorce rate among Christians and non-Christians is the same?

On the flip side there are some people who seem to want just enough of God to secure a place in heaven. They spend all their time doing things other than ministry. They boat, fish, play soccer, football, basketball, or become professional spectators of those things and many more. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard some say that they would help in the prayer center but their kids have this sport or the other. There are others that say they would serve but there is not one night open this month because it's been crazy with a new job or a busy time on their job, etc. etc..

So.... do I have enough? I know I don't have it all! I know there's a lot more! But do I have enough?

A Mixed Bag!

A young boy was misbehaving and the mother sent him to his room for what today is called a time out. After a while the boy come out to his mom and says that he has prayed about it and would like to come out of his room. The proud mom says to the boy "God will help you be a good boy and do the right thing." The boy quickly replies, "I didn't pray and ask God to help me be good. I prayed and asked God to help you not be so stressed out with me."

It just so happened that as I was driving this morning and listening to the radio they were discussing one of my pet peeves. They were talking about the football games this weekend and how there are Christians on both teams and fans supporting both teams and how they all were praying for their team. But one team lost and one set of fans ended up disappointed. The Christians on the losing team can certainly make a case to God regarding the loss. Losing does not get you the highest pay. Losing puts jobs at risk and bonus payouts don't happen. Losing means some fans won't return and that reduces revenues for paying players etc., etc,. etc..

So who does God answer or better yet did God answer in favor of the one team over the other? Would the win have gone to the heads of the other team if they had won? Will the winning team give more than the other team would have given. Did one team pray harder or get up earlier and pray longer? You would be surprised at some of these types of prayers I have heard. Here's just one. A husband and wife get a divorce. Both profess to be Christians. The husband goes and marries another woman who also professes to be a christian. The first wife still continues to pray for their marriage to be restored all the while the new wife is praying for a successful marriage. Does anyone else see a dilemma?

The radio announcer had an answer that surprised me. He said, "to pray for your team is selfish." That's what I have always felt. Why not pray for health and safety for all the players? Why not pray for God to somehow be glorified through one of the believers on either team? I think that James would be considered a little over the top in the church today. As for me I think he should be the norm. Our lives are filled with competition. It is everywhere and in everything. The church also is permeated with competition. Personally I have been purposefully working on being less competitive. Before you read James words let me just say that while I have highlighted one line, I am in no way implying that just that line is important. I am not removing it from the context and the full meaning the entire chapter or book of James. As always this blog is just for consideration. Take it or leave it!

James 4:1 WHAT LEADS to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members? 2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. [I John 3:15.] 3 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.

Untitled!

No sooner did I hit the post button and I entered into a discussion with a nameless person regarding their need to ask God if He would want them to cover a session in the Prayer Room. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? And thus no blog on Friday. I could not trust my thoughts and it would have been more venting that is allowed. The person made a commitment about 6 weeks ago and did great! Then their pastor told them that they had to attend something at the church instead of the Prayer Center and that was it. They tried changing their time slot, but that didn't work and so now it's back to God to see if it's His will for them to cover a prayer session.

I don't get it! Does God change His mind that quick? I know that things of God are for seasons but 6 weeks?

I think I had better call it a day. I am obviously still sensitive regarding this matter and could very easily open mouth and insert foot. I don't need to do that and nobody else needs to hear it. I'll get with God and pray about coming back tomorrow with a right attitude.