......What Are You Doing Here? . . . . . In 1 Kings 19:1-18 we find Elijah in a bad place mentally and spiritually after his confrontation with Jezebel. He is discouraged, paralyzed by fear, isolated, and feels like a victim. His life was full of drama. To help him get out of that mood, an angel of the Lord gave him food and drink then sent him to Mt. Horeb (about 40 days away). That's how God got Elijah's attention. Have you ever felt that way? Try seeing things from God's perspective. He will speak to you in "a still small voice" that reminds you it is all a part of His plan. God will get you to a better place with His presence and His purpose for you.

.......1 Kings 19:1-5......When Life Throws a Curveball......

In our study of the prophet Elijah, we find that he was like us in his humility, heroism, and humanity. Depression affected him like it sometimes affects us. As a result, he runs away, gives up his fight for God, and is ready to die. This happens to many people at times. We cut off from others, feel sorry for ourselves, and give up hope. Then, in verse 5, God sends an angel to encourage him and let him know that He will not forsake Elijah. Cling to your faith when those times come and trust that God won't forsake you either.

.....Elijah, Ahab, and Obadiah......Continuing our study of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-40, we find the question, "Who is God? The TRUE God?" They would learn that Baal was NOT a true god. When Elijah issued a challenge to the followers of Baal to prove their god they tried several times, but came up empty. When Elijah asked the Lord God to show they His power, He did and they were amazed. Quickly they turned from the false Baal to the God of Abraham. Do you falter between God and your desires? False gods will abandon you because they aren't real. It can be lonely sometimes. But, God is serious about sin. Keep on praying even when God has already answered your prayers. There are always others who are in need of prayers and you can help provide.

2 Timothy 1:5

........This verse, written by Paul to Timothy, is about the importance of mothers and grandmothers. Paul understands the role that they play in the faith development of every child. Sincere Christ-followers stand out. They focus on family first and teach their children about God's word and pass on to them the ministry of serving. Although it can be a challenge, mothers and grandmothers pass on the values of salt and light. Remember, the values we leave to our children are more important than the valuables we leave. Happy Mother's Day!

What to Do When the Bottom Drops Out.....1 Kings 17:17-24

.........For about three years God provided Elijah, the woman, and her son with food and drink when there was no rain. Then her son became deathly ill and she blamed it on her previous sins. Elijah prayed over the boy to be revived and God answered his prayers. Crisis averted. But, don't we all experience a crisis sometimes? It can happen quickly. Mountains and valleys are inevitable and we do not always understand what God is doing and why. Don't let emotion rule the day, don't attack others, just be there for them. Be consistent and specific with your prayers. God does answer prayers!

1 Kings 17:8-16 - From the Wilderness to the Widow

........In earlier verses, we learned that Elijah was a man who followed God's instructions. This was during a time when there was no rain so there was little food or water. God sent him to another city to seek a widowed Gentile woman who was down to her last meal and preparing to die along with her son. When she did as Elijah told her, the three of them were able to eat and drink abundantly for the duration of the famine. How is it that God always knows what we need? When we follow His plan, He provides. When God commanded Elijah to go "THERE" he did so. Trust God. He knows where we should be and what we need and He always keeps His promises.

1 Kings 17:1-7 "

From the Palace to the Wilderness"

........Continuing our study of Elijah, we learn in First Kings Chapter 17 Verses 1-7 about being "THERE". Elijah was a just like us. He knew that God is alive, that we are God's representatives, and we believe in God's power and word. But, do we believe God's Word? Do we seek God's kingdom first? (see Matthew 6:33) Elijah waited for God's word alone in an isolated place beside a brook called Cherith as he hid from Ahab and Jezebel. God told him to get "THERE" and stay "THERE" until He told Elijah to move. As he was "THERE" he was to shut out the world so he could here God. That is great advice for us today. God is alive. We are linked to God in our private life. A Christian life is not without challenges. But, we need to do like Elijah and take time to shut out the noises of our world and listen for God to speak to us. Our "THERE" is rarely permanent, but by listening to God, we can know what to do next. Take time to listen to God while you are "THERE".

First Kings 13 - Introduction to the Life Of Elijah

........In the Old Testament, we see that the people of God were historically seeking a king. Elijah was a prophet for King Ahab at a time when the king's wife, Jezebel, convinced the king to worship Baal, a Canaanite god . They were often persuaded to worship various gods by different kings. Elijah reminds them that the God of Israel was always their only God and that He was in charge. How does this relate to us? God looks for special people in difficult times. We are living in dark times and are cursed with sin. It is time to turn back to the God of Israel. As Christ followers, we can be advocates for returning to God's fold and trusting in why He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as our redeemer when we fall away.

In James 5:13-15 and 16-20 he tells us about the need for prayer. If you are Suffering, pray; Joyful, sing; Sick, ask the church to help through prayers. God will hear your prayers of faith. Confess your faults to one another and pray for each other. Walk in righteousness. Jesus will help you. Keep praying effectively, fervently, and persistently. Be a prayer warrior.

James 4:13-5:6

.........God is sovereign and we are not. He rules and is in charge. God has a plan. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. Life is short and eternity is long. Be sure the ladders we are climbing and the portfolio we are building will get us to our desired destination. What adjustments do you need to make?