Tag Archives: Rest is OK

A Price Never Too High??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

06 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Ears that hear not, Elijah, Elijah's Run, Encouragement, No Price Too High???, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Service, Serving God or Using God?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Price Never Too High???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah;

and he girded up his loins,

and ran before Ahab

to the entrance of Jezreel.”  I Kings 18:46

My close friends know I am not prone to be an athletic person and while I do try to walk every day, I have never been prone to run, jump, or do great feats of athletic prowess, and I often tell people I don’t even run to the mailbox on a good day! And that is about my limit; Elijah isn’t noted for his speed, but he is remembered for his commitment to God, and after the encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he literally outruns King Ahab to the city.  Yet the challenge came close on the heels of the victory over the enemies of God; how often we fail to understand the nature of the spiritual warfare that comes with victory –especially great victories!  Satan doesn’t take spiritual success of God’s servants “lying down” (for he would rather “lie up” in defiance of truth and those who love the truth—See John 8:44!).  We must press on dear ones—press on (See Philippians 3:13-15!)

Many people struggle with Elijah’s response, but I find great comfort in this episode in Elijah’s life and God’s response to it.  We don’t have to always be the bold, confident flag waver; sometimes we find ourselves being the one running the “other” way!  Let’s see what God does in, for and to Elijah.  Often God’s ways just amaze me and bring me to rejoice that He loves us and doesn’t condemn our humanity—after all, HE created us humans, as humans, but He won’t leave us in the wallows of defeat for Jesus has won the victory—and in HIM we always have victory, even taking a nap!!!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done,

and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

So let the gods do to me,

and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die;

and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree,

behold,

then an angel touched him, and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD

came again the second time, and touched him,

and said, Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.”  I Kings 19:1-8

God knows our journey, even those where we know we have been faithful to do God’s will, and the enemy comes with a vengeance, and we are overcome with weariness!  It’s OK!  Rest, it’s alright to sleep when you need it!  It’s more than alright to be human—we are human!  God knew what Elijah needed, and He even sent the angel to meet his need, not once but twice!  God gave him the food that he needed, some good rest, and then the message to travel on, and he went for forty days and nights in that strength.  God may not call us to go forty days (I do good to go one day at a time), but whatever the call is He will supply our need of sleep, food, fellowship and relationships that make our way more doable!  But the story doesn’t stop there, and what God did for Elijah He will do for us, maybe not in fire and storms, but He will always lead us to that “still small voice” to guide us, and for us who belong to Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to direct our every step when we will be stop—look—listen for His voice and promptings.  If you’ve never heard that voice you may want to check and see what you think saved you.

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there;

and, behold,

the word of the LORD came to him,

and he said unto him,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said,

I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:                       for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,                thrown down thine altars,                                                                     and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.

And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it,

that he wrapped his face in his mantle,

and went out,

and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

14 And he said, I have been very jealous

for the LORD God of hosts:

because the children of Israel

have forsaken thy covenant,

thrown down thine altars,

and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 And the LORD said unto him,

Go,

return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:

and when thou comest,

anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi

shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel:

and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah

shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.”  I Kings 19:9-16

God has a plan, a man (or woman or child) and total provision, direction and success!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in!  Don’t think you are alone—the only one—remember that God even told Elijah who would be his successor!  Someone is learning from you—be that rested, satisfied and obedient servant—in the victories and in those “the devil-is-chasing-me times”.  He is a defected foe.  Remember, we win!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

 May we take Peter’s words as our marching orders!!!  Please, please, don’t let the “father of lies” discourage you!  Resist him and remember, he is a defeated foe—a toothless lion—a loud noise-maker–yet We Win in Jesus!!!  Jesus arose!!!  He’s coming soon!!!  Press on with, for and in Jesus’ resurrection power my friends, Jesus never fails!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Resting IN HIM Is A Must!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #790

22 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Remember, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Safe Place

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #790   Resting IN HIM Is A Must!!!

 

I hope this finds you enjoying spring; here in Oklahoma it’s been a revolving-door spring, with 90’s one day and 60’s the next, but I’m so glad to see green grass, daffodils, and looking forward to the Iris to bloom.  The beauty of God’s creation is such a blessing to me, and I pray that it is to you.  I am sitting here watching my hummingbird feeder (I finally have one little bird coming), and even had a visitor to my seed feeder, which pleased me greatly.  I miss the cardinals but, in our apartment, we are too far from the trees to see many of them.  I say all this to remind us that we can take comfort and joy in all of God’s creation, and it can be balm to our soul.

“For the hurt of the daughter of my people

am I hurt;

I am black;

astonishment hath taken hold on me.

22 Is there no balm in Gilead;

is there no physician there?

why then is not the health of the daughter

of my people

recovered?”  Jeremiah 8:21-22

Jeremiah grieved for the spiritual condition of his people, and I feel much the same way, yet Jeremiah asked the question, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?”; for he knew that Gilead (a region in Israel known for its healing balm) had a balm for physical healing, yet his people were still in need of spiritual healing, yet had no desire for it!  How like our culture today, yet are we hurting for the condition of our world?  Are we throwing up our hands in frustration, or praying for our country?  How do we do that?  We can take a lesson from Daniel (and while we won’t look at all of chapter 9 here, I encourage you to spend some time in this portion of Daniel), and humbly identify with the sin and desperate spiritual condition of our nation’s people, seeking God’s face for mercy and help!  Notice that Daniel was in God’s Word and what he saw brought the need of prayer to his heart and mind!  What are we reading?  Watching?  Jesus, please help us to remember to “rest” in YOU, not the world, feasting on YOUR Word, and learning to not only rest in YOU, but to also walk and work in the power of YOUR precious Holy Spirit!

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood

by books the number of the years,

whereof the word of the LORD

came to Jeremiah the prophet,

that he would accomplish seventy years

in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3 And I set my face

unto the Lord God,

to seek by prayer and supplications,

with fasting,

and sackcloth,

and ashes:

4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God,

and made my confession, and said,

O Lord, the great and dreadful God,

keeping the covenant and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them

that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

 even by departing from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people of the land.

7 O Lord,

righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us

confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries whither

thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth

confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned

against thee.

9 To the Lord our God

belong mercies

and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed

the voice of the LORD our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.”   Daniel 9:2-10

What does this have to do with rest?  Good question.  As we think about the life of Daniel, we find that scripture has nothing negative to say about this faithful man of God; this man who was a teenage captive of the Babylonians when they conquered Jerusalem, yet he had made up his mind to be faithful before his GOD regardless of his circumstances, and we can have that same confidence when we learn to rest in God in total obedience with a commitment to faithfulness before HIM (Dan. 1:8).  Notice that Daniel never says “they did….”, but we; even though he was personally innocent before God (see chapter 6:22), yet he identified with his people’s sin.  Oh, to be found faithful before God, even when that means I must learn to “rest” in HIM, not depend upon ‘self’ as I identify with other’s failures! Ouch!

The Psalmist says it better than I can:

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires

of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth

in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

And just some food for thought about “rest”—it can also include: rely upon God, run to God and not the world, relax in God’s total sovereign control, and rehearse continually what I know to be the true, reliable and proven character of my God by staying in HIS WORD!  Fret not—but rest IN HIM!

“Study

to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman

 that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

 the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

And just an observation: if we are called to “rightly” divide God’s Word, it can also be “wrongly” divided; and if we haven’t “rightly divided” for ourselves we will be subject to believing the “wrongly divided” opinions of the world!

Amen and Amen!!!

Godliness Will Be Opposed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #730

20 Thursday May 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Conviction, Courage, Fear, Fight or Faith?, God Knows, Godliness will be opposed, He IS Alive!, Help Thou My Unbelief, Holy Living, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I Will Never Leave You, IN Jesus!, Opposition

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #730 Godliness Will Be Opposed???

 

Elijah was one of the most powerful and amazing prophets of God, yet we find that even in great victory there is opposition– to God’s people and God’s ways; so, we shouldn’t be alarmed or discouraged when we face opposition for speaking God’s truth or doing God’s will in our lives and ministries.  Yet God knows our hearts and even Elijah was plagued by discouragement (what some call depression) and ran from the death-threats of Jezebel.  What kind of Jezebel are you facing today?  A spiritual one?  A physical or health-scare one?  A Jezebel of grief or sorrow?  Or one of fear over financial issues, the future, or family issues?  God was still God when Elijah encountered the abominable evil of Ahab and Jezebel—and my friends, God is still God in the midst of your greatest fears, uncertainties, and confusion of how to deal with your weariness and burdens over the things surrounding you!

“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice,

that Elijah the prophet came near, and said,

LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel,

let it be known this day

that thou art God in Israel,

and that I am thy servant,

 and that I have done all these things

at thy word.

37 Hear me, O LORD,

hear me,

that this people may know

that thou art the LORD God,

 and that thou hast turned their

heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell,

and consumed the burnt sacrifice,

and the wood, and the stones,

and the dust,

and licked up the water

that was in the trench.

 39 And when all the people saw it,

they fell on their faces:

and they said,

The LORD, he is the God;

the LORD, he is the God.”  1 Kings 18:36-39.

(Take some time and read chapters 18 & 19 for even more insight into Elijah and his God!)

Here we have a mighty man of God in what many consider to be his greatest victory over the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.  God proved Himself mighty to save and bring the people to proclaim their allegiance to God (though it often proved to be a short-lived devotion) and much like people today, words come easy, but faithfulness comes with much drudgery and, as Oswald Chambers calls it, the mundane.  It’s why I believe that Paul gave us great advice for such situations—advice that I often have to remind myself of by quoting these verses to myself; for I need reminding as much as the Galatian and the Thessalonian believers did.

“And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”           Galatians 6:9-10

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”                             2 Thessalonians 3:13

Don’t stop serving God, even when you need to take a rest—even Jesus called His disciples to come aside and rest (See Mark 6:31)!  And just FYI, I haven’t written since last week for that very reason, we took some time away to rest and recoup from a very trying season of our lives.  I hope you know that I pray for you, that God will use my words always to glorify HIMSELF and be an encouraging word to you!  If I can depend upon HIM for what HE has called me to be and do—SO. CAN. YOU!  But back to Elijah—great victory is no assurance of ease!  Quite the contrary, when we find great victory in Jesus, there is usually a trial lurking just around the corner, but when we are informed (by God’s Word) and prepared (by The Holy Spirit), we learn to rely upon God’s faithful provision; especially in the midst of trail, or when we need rest from the weariness of our body and soul.  God knows, God cares, and GOD will always provide, when I’m ready to be still and listen and obey!  Elijah faced just such a trial!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

 So let the gods do to me, and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there…

…But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die; and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

 5 And as he lay and slept

under a juniper tree,

behold, then an angel touched him,

and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

 7 And the angel of the LORD came again

the second time,

and touched him, and said,

Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

 8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

And as we go on, we find that Elijah learned that God doesn’t always speak in the “loud” miracles, but quietly.  I want you to also note that God didn’t reprimand Elijah for being weary, instead GOD provided sleep, his meat and drink for a long journey ahead—my friend, know that GOD knows where you are and HE will supply, if you will but hear and heed HIS voice.  God took Elijah to a special place for a special word of encouragement!  How about you?

“And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount

before the LORD.

And, behold,

the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind

rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks

before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.”  1 Kings 19:11-12

That still small voice that is ever present with me/you in good days and in difficult ones (for all my days are blessed, even the ‘so-called’ bad days!) is a constant strength, and life-giving hope to press on with my LORD!  The Psalmist also knew this voice, and that sometimes we just need to (as we used to teach the schoolchildren) “stop”, “look”, and “listen”!

“Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:10-11

MY God is faithful to the load—the task—the trial—the fear—the difficulties of life that are unspeakable to others—HE IS MY GOD!  How about you?  Have you found HIM faithful?  Have you learned to trust HIM with your burden?  I’m learning every day that HE is ever faithful, not just when I am weary, but especially when I am weary, tired, sorrowful, or just overloaded in my own mind!  How about you?  Will you learn to lean on HIM?

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

 acknowledge him,

and he shall direct

thy paths.

 7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

And a couple of encouraging words to close this post for today—and I must tell you, this is not the article I sat down to write, but I believe it is the article God desired from me.  I pray that it will be used by HIM to help YOU today!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

 and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity have dominion

 over me.”  Psalm 119:133

Amen and Amen!