Word for the day "Reminder, you are human"
I Kings 19:4-10 (KJV) “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors. I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Be reminded today, no matter how great your relationship is with the Lord, you are human.
Did you know the prophet Elijah is one of the great men of the Bible? If any man had reason to feel above his humanity, it was him.His prayers brought a lengthy drought upon Israel-and then brought fire down from heaven-which humiliated Queen Jezebel and her priests who worshiped Baal.But even Elijah could have a bad day. In today’s reading, we see his reaction after Queen Jezebel threatened him?After the great victory over the false prophets, rain once again fell on the land (I Kings 18:41-46).However, despite the victory, Elijah entered a period of wavering faith and depression (I King 19:1-18).Ahab had told his wife, Jezebel, of God's display of power. Rather than turn to God, Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah.Hearing of this, Elijah fled to the wilderness, where he prayed for God to take his life. But God refreshed Elijah with food, drink, and sleep instead.
The Lord will always send us what we need to be revived, don’t miss it.
Then Elijah took a forty-day journey to Mount Horeb. There Elijah hid in a cave, still feeling sorry for himself and even confessing his belief that he alone was left of the prophets of God.It is then that the Lord instructed Elijah to stand on the mountain as the Lord passed by. There was a great wind, an earthquake, and then fire, but God was not in any of those.Then came a still, small voice in which Elijah heard God and understood Him.God gave Elijah instructions for what to do next, including anointing Elisha to take his place as a prophet and assuring Elijah that there were still 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal.
The Lord always has a plan of succession for His work, don’t miss it.
Elijah obeyed God's commands. Elisha became Elijah's assistant for some time, and the two continued to deal with Ahab and Jezebel, as well as Ahab's son and successor, Ahaziah.Rather than die a natural death, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (II Kings 2:1-11). As was true for Elijah, when we focus on the tumult of life in this world, we can get our eyes off the Lord and become discouraged.God does display Himself in mighty works of power and judgment such as wind, fire, and earthquakes.But He also relates with us intimately and personally, such as in the quiet whisper.God meets our physical needs, encourages us to examine our own thoughts and behaviors, instructs us in how to proceed, and assures us that we are not alone.When we are attentive to God's voice and walking in obedience to His Word, we can find encouragement, victory, and reward.Elijah struggled with typical human frailties, yet he was used mightily of God.
Point to ponder
Even those who are used powerfully by God must always realize they are only human.If you fail to see the truth that you’re only human, you’re at great risk during the times when life reminds you of that fact.
Special thanks!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of August 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mrs. Angela Harrison and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker Jr.