After spiritual revival and cleansing, the rain will come.

Kings chapter 18 is the well know story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. There has been 3 years of no rain. Elijah meets with Ahab and asks for a showdown between God of Israel, and tells Ahab to call 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. In short, each side built an alter and asks their God to send fire down to burn up the sacrifice. The false prophets called on their gods all day without any fire coming down. Then at the end of the day, Elijah with a simple prayer asked God of Israel to show his power, and fire fell from the sky and burnt up Elijah's sacrifice. He told the people to then seize the prophets of Baal and kill all of them. After this, Elijah calls on the Lord to send rain.

The story ends in verse 45-46, " Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."

It is important to see here that the rains were not able to be released until there was a spiritual cleansing of the land and the people called on the Lord and put their faith in Him.

Let us stand up for God and righteousness today. Let us send out a call of repentance, and take our stand against false prophets and teachers. Let us take every thought or imagination that is exalted against Christ, and make it captive unto Him.

Then even as Elijah, We can pray and look for the rain from heaven. The reign of Christ will come. We must put our running gear on, and throw off what ever may hinder us from running. Then run ahead of the rain, and proclaim His coming reign.

Various Laws from Leviticus chapter 19

1. Respect mother and father.
2. No idol worship.
3. Make a proper sacrifice.
4. Care for the poor.
5. Do not steal, lie or decieve.
6. Do not mistreat you laborers.
7. Do not mistreat the handicapped.
8. Do not pervert justice.
9. Do not slander.
10. Don't do anything that would endanger another person life.
11. Do not hate or take revenge.
12. Do not practice divination or sorcery.
13. Do not cut your bodies for the dead.
14. Do not put tattoo marks on your body in worship of other gods.

The presence of the Lord.

Exodus 33:14-16 - "Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Do you desire the intimate and personal presence of the Lord in your life. It does not happen automatically or naturally. The first step is asking God for it. The second is developing it. The third step is remaining in it.

The result, it will distinguish us from other people.

Iron sharpens Iron

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

As a believer in Christ, we are not able to grow, shut up in a room, praying and reading our Bible all day. We need friction, trials and the correction of others to mature.

Often, we look for people who are like minded. People who always agree with us and never challenge us. It is in our nature to seek the path of least resistance. These things are not necessarily bad, but often weakens us. Some of the strongest people are those who have gone through the toughest times, and came out victorious on the other side.

Many a believer in Christ do not attend church because there are certain things they do not want to hear. They do not want to be challenged in their faith or to grow. Also, many leave the church because someone in the church is rubbing them the wrong way, challenging their ideas and theology, or God forbid, don't agree with them.

On the flip side of the coin, their are those believers in Christ who insulate themselves from the non-believer or worldly person. They only mingle with the believer in Christ. (I Corinthians 5:9) We do need to be on our guard from worldliness and temptations. the Bible does tell us to watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41) The Bible teaches us that we are in this world, but not of this world. Those who isolate themselves from non-believers will weaken themselves as well, because there will be no friction in their life or be challenged in their faith. Yes, there must be balance and precautions taken to guard ourselves from sin.

The underlying idea here is that friction is not necessarily a bad thing at times. While constant friction is a bad thing. Even as iron sharpens iron, if you sharpen a knife all day, you will destroy it.

I rasied you up for a time such as this.

I like the following passage - Exodus 9:16 - "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Here, God is speaking to Pharaoh and his rebellion. He is saying that I raised you up to this mighty position and hardened your heart, that my mighty power may displayed in all the earth. Egypt was one of the super powers of the day. Therefore, God was going to humble Egypt and deliver His people through His mighty power. All the other nations would see it and hear about it, and be in awe of the God of Israel.

Here, God was using a wicked man and a bad situation to show His glory. Often when hard and difficult times come or times where there seems to be no hope. It is in these very situations that God chooses to display His power.

Also, God may be raising you up for a specific purpose that he may show His power, even as He raised up Joseph to save His people and later Moses to deliver them.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1) I Kings 13:8-26 -
    We must fully obey God's Word, and not allow others deceive us with so called words of the Lord.
2) I Kings 17:1-5 & 19:1-5
    There is a time to hide, flee, protect yourself when you have received a Word from the Lord, but
    it is not good when it is a result of doubt and fear.
3) Mark 6:45-52
    There are storms in life, but God sees you in the storm, and He will come to you in the storm,
    most often in the last hour.
4) Proverbs 3:1-12 - The keys to success, healing and fulfillment.
    1. Heed wisdom, Godly teaching, and live by them.
    2. Let love and faithfulness never leave you.
    3.Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways  
    submit to him.
    4. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
    5. Honor the Lord with your wealth.
    6. Do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke.
5)  II Kings 18:4 -
     The people worship the object of their deliverance, instead of the deliverer. Sometimes God's
     methods of working becoma a stumbling block, because our focus is on the method, and in the end
     becomes an idol.
6) II Kings 3:11-12 -
    Servant hood before service (ministry), and before promotion. 
7) 2 Kings 5:11 - God does not always work as we expect as with Naaman being healed by dipping in the Jordan river.
8) 2 Kings 22:11 - Does the Word of God impact us as it did king Josiah who tore his clothes and repented.
9) I Chronicles 4:9-10 - Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. 
10) I Chronicles 15:1-3 - "David learned his lesson. There is an order to worshiping God. Good intentions is not enough. v.13
11) I Chronicles 17:16 - "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?"
12) II Chronicles 25:6 - I imagine that there was worship in the temple all the time. 
13) I Chronicles 29:1-9 - David led by example in his giving, and brought attention to his generosity to motivate others.
14)  2 Chronicle 15, we see Azariah calls on the people of Israel to seek the Lord. As result the people of Judah repents and king Asa brings in a great spiritual awakening and 15 years of peace. God tells them to be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward.
15) 2 Chronciles 16:1-9 - We are to depend on God and no other. God shows himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. 
16) 2 Chronicles 16:12 - In times of illness, we are to seek the Lord's healing before the physician.
17) 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - God establishes those who walk in His way. 
18) 2 Cronicles 17:9 - Jehoshaphat sent teachers throughout Judah, instructing them in them in the Law of God.
19) 2 Chronicles 20:37 - We are not to form alliances with unbelievers. (see also 19:1-3) 
20) 2 Chroniucles 26:5 - Uzziah was successful during the time he sought God. God made him very powerful, and prospered the nation. (vs.8)
21) 2 Chronicles 26:16 - When Uzziah became strong, he grew arrogant and it led to his own destruction.
22) 2 Chronicles 26:17 - We must stand against sin, and speak against the unholy actions of others.
23) 2 Chronicles 26:19 -  God will protect His servants, and His holy name.
24) Ezra chapter 6 - God even uses the unsaved to bless His people.
25)  Nehemiah chapter 4 - Keys to success in the midst of opposition.
       1) Call out to God.  v.4,9
       2) A willingness to keep working. v.6
       3) Encourage the people. v.14
       4) Always be on guard against attacks or things that might derail you. v.13,16-18,23
       5) Unity and mutual support.
26. Nehemiah chapter 5 - Sometimes we must stand up boldly against injustices and demand change.
27. Nehemiah 8:9-12 - How do we react to God's Word. It should move us to mourning. praise & worship.
28. Job 1:12 - The only authority Satan has over us is what God allows or when we give Satan a foothold in our lives. (Ephesians 4:27)
29. Job 1:16,19 - Satan has power over nature to use it for his purpose.
30. Job 2:3 - Job remained faithful to God when all was going wrong.
31. Job 2:10 - We are to accept whatever God allows without being bitter or resentful.
32. Job 2:13 - Sometimes the bast thing we can do for those who are suffering is just quietly be there for them.
33. Job 5:17 - Do not reject the discipline of the almighty.
34. Job 8:21 - Our pain and suffering will not last forever, God will deliver you in the end.
35. Job 9:3, 4 - God is more powerful and wise than we could ever be.
36. Job 11:7 - We can't fathom the depths of God.
37. Job 12:10 - The life of all things are in God's hands.
38. Job 13:15 - We are to never lose hope.
39. Job 16:4 - We are to put ourselves in others shoes and not be quick to judge.
40. Ps. 5:3 - When we pray, we are to expectantly wait for the answer. 
41. Ps. 16:11; 17:15 -  There is no greater pleasure and satisfaction than being in the presence of God.
42. Proverbs chapter 2 - Wisdom, knowledge and satisfaction all come from God.
      - They will guard you from:
         evil and perverse things.
         the crooked and devious.
         a forbidden woman or a woman who is immoral.
43. God created the universe so that He could lavish His love on something.
44. Satan wants us to question God's judgement and goodness. Genesis 3:1-6
45. Eve had pure motive and desire, but obtained it in the wrong way through disobedience to God and in her own wisdom and strength. Genesis 3:5-6
46. Sinners like others to accompany them in their sin. Genesis 3:6
47. When we sin, do not hide from God or suppress your guilt, but come to Him and repent.
48. Genesis 4:3-4 - Not all offerings are acceptable. 
49. In Genesis chapter 4 we have only heard about 4 people. How was Cain worried about others killing him? Also, where did he get his wife?
50. Exodus 20:20 - The fear of the Lord keeps you from sinning, but is easily lost or forgotten.
51. Exodus 21:14-17 - The penalty of death for the following things - murder, attacks parents, kidnapping, and cursing parents.
52. Exodus 22:2 - Killing someone who breaks into your house after dark is not sin.
53. Exodus 22:16 - God commanded us to marry any virgin we seduce who is not already pledged to be married to someone else, and pay the bride price.
54. Exodus 23:5 - Help those who hate you.
55. Exodus 23:12 - Every seventh day, all are to rest.
56. Exodus 23:19 - Give God your best.
57. Exodus 31:14-15 - Observe the Sabbath, it is a sign, a day of rest, and holy to the Lord. You must not work avery seventh day without exceptions. (Ex. 34:21)
58. Exodus 32:9-12 - A true leader intercedes before God on behalf of his people.
59. Exodus 34:6 - The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
60. Exodus 34:20 - No one is to go to the house of the Lord empty handed. 
61. Exodus 36:7 - The people were restrained from giving more because they had given so much.
62. Exodus 6:1-5 - The Bible teaches making restitution for stolen, damaged, or lost things
63. Leviticus 7:22-27 - Eating blood and fat were prohibited.
64. Leviticus 18:25 - Our sins can bring judgement on the land. 
65. Leviticus 18 - Various Laws
      1. Respect Father and mother.
      2. No idol worship.
      3. Make a proper sacrifice.
      4. Care for the poor.
      5. Do not steal lie or decieve.
      6. Do not mistreat your laborers.
      7. Do not mistreat the handicapped.
      8. Do not pervert justice.
      9. Do not spread slander.
      10. Do not do anything that might endanger another persons life.
      11. Do not hate or take revenge.
      12. Do not practice divintation or sorcery.
      13. Do not cut our bodies or tattoo them for the dead.
      14. Ministers are not to marry ex-prostitutes or those divorced, but virgins.
      15. Every seventh year is to be a Sabbath to the Lord.
      16. Every fifth year is 50th year is a year of Jubilee - a sabbath for the land and returning of  
       property.
66. Leviticus 25:44 - God did not condemn slavery, but stipulated whom might be slaves.
67. Leviticus chapter 26 - Blessings for those who obey God, and cursed are those who do not obey God.
68. Leviticus 27:30 - A tithe of everything belongs to the Lord.
69. Numbers 5:5-10 - When a person has wronged another in any way, he must confess his sin and make full restitution.
70. Numbers 11:17,25 We are to choose leaders under God's direction, and He will give them authority and power to lead.
71. Numbers 11:23 - The Lord's arm is not to short. 
72. Numbers 11:27 - We msut not be jealous of God's work & use of other leaders. 
73. Numbers 12:7 - Moses was faithful and had a special relationship with God.
74. Numbers 14:5-9 - Doubts bring disobedience and even rebellion.
75. Numbers 14:11 - How quickly we forget God's mighty works.
76. Numbers 14:13-19 - A true leader intercedes for those who follow them, and seek God's glory above all.
77. Numbers 14:24 - Do we have a different spirit than the world, and follow God with all our heart?
78. Numbers 14 - Truth can't be solely measured by the majority. It often stand opposed to the majority.
79. Numbers 14 - Caleb was not so much a man of great faith, as a man of faith in a great God.  
80. Numbers 15:30-31 - There is unintentional sin an intentional sin. God judges intentional sin more harshly.
81.   Numbers 16:47-48 - When God sent judgement on the people, Aaron made atonement for them and stood between the living and the dead.
82. Numbers 17:7 - Our calling is a gift from God, not merited.
83. Numbers 22:18 - We are to do exactly as the Lord commands
84. Numbers 22:38 - We are only to speak what God tells us to speak.
85. God does not lie or change is mind. Numbers 23:18, I Sam. 15:29, Mal. 3:6, James 1:17
86. Numbers 25:12 - Phineas was zealous for the honor of God.
87. Deuteronomy 1:32-33 -  The Lord carries us and guides us in the way we should go.
88. Deuteronomy 2:7 - Although God judged or disciplined the people of Israel, He never abandoned them. They were still His people. In the midst of their trial, God was with them and they lacked nothing those 40 years in the desert.
89. Deuteronomy 4:12 - Condition for obtaining the promises of God is obedience.
90. Deuteronomy 4:6 - There is wisdom in obeying God's commands, and others will see this.
91. Matthew 5:17-20 - To presume to make changes in God's la is to assume a position of authority over God.
92. Deuteronomy 5:9-10; Exodus 34:6-7 -  God punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the 4th generation, but shows love to a thousand generations os those who love Him.
93. Deuteronomy 5:29 - When we obey God's commands, it will go well with us and our children forever.
94. Deuteronomy 6:6 - God's commands are to be on our hearts, and we are to impress them on our children's hearts. They are to be in our conversations and daily life.
95. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God has chosen us as His treasured possession, and delivered us from being enslaved to Satan, but not becasue of who we are.
96. Deuteronomy 8:16 - Do not let pity get in the way of what God has asked you to do.



 

Faith walked out in obedience upon the mountain of the Lord.

In Geneses chapter 22 we see the story of Abraham, where he willingly puts his son on the alter as a sacrifice unto God. Abraham's faith and obedience is being tested by God and he passes with an A +.

There are two questions we need to ask ourselves.

1) Have you heard from the Lord?

2) Have you stepped out in faith and obeyed the Lord, even if it may cost you greatly?

There are several lessons that can be drawn from this story.

1) We must hear from the Lord.

2) We must put God first above family, and everything else. We must be willing to lay down our dreams and hopes, if asked to by God.

3) We must obey the Lord, and it may require great sacrifice. Obedience is always the result of faith. Faith without action is not faith at all. Also, faith is always based or rooted in the Word of the Lord.

4) Abraham believed (hoped) God was going to provide the lamb, but willing to slay his son, even if God did not come through for him.

5) When God provided a lamb for the sacrifice, minutes before he was going to kill his only son, the promised son, Abraham declared, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided".

6) When God asks us to do something, He always makes provision. We find this provision as we are on the mountain of the Lord, in His presence.

Finally, it is not about the sacrifice. It is about faith walked out in obedience. Do not boast in your great sacrifice, nor put your self down because your sacrifice pales next to the other persons. All God looks at is your faith and obedience to His Holy Spirit and His Word. God rejoices over every step of faith, great or small. He rewards those who live this way.