trust

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI Week 3

Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI Week 3

Rebecca Adams

July 8, 2023

Faith,Identity,Old Testament,Prophecy,Protection,Sketched

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

This Week's Journeys

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

Isaiah 45:4-6

“I call you by your name, for the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen one. I give a name to you, though you do not know me.

5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, 6 so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Lord Jesus Christ, what sweetness is experienced and known by learning Your name, by dwelling on your truth, by discovering who You truly are as You faithfully walk beside me. You didn’t choose Elijah because he maintained perfect faith, he clearly didn’t.

You didn’t choose him as Your mouthpiece because of his courage, which he lacked at certain points. Stunningly, You chose Elijah because You wanted him to know You, and You desired to be known through him to both Jew and Gentile. I’m so emboldened and comforted to sit with this reality, Abba.

Like Elijah, like the nation of Israel, I don’t follow You perfectly. I show lack-luster courage and faith that looks a lot more like doubt than trust, still You have placed Your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5), You continue drawing me close to You, strengthening me and making Yourself known to me and through me. Lord, may it ever be so! Such sweetness to know You more and more until Eternity begins and the knowing continues forever!

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Sometimes, well, often, our expectations do us an incredibly big disservice. Whether it’s a marriage, a friendship, or work, when expectations aren’t met, something happens inside. We can lose trust in someone, we feel varying levels of disappointment, we grieve for loss, or we can become angry and take out our frustration on others.

Sometimes expectations are benign and morally neutral. Usually, they sneak in without us even being aware they are powerfully stirring in us. Sometimes, however, when we courageously hold expectations up to the light of Scripture, we realize they are sinful.

We expect God to have worked in a certain way or time because we deserved it or we believe our understanding of what is good is superior to the Lord’s. Nearly always, expectations are fertile ground for nourishing idolatry in our hearts. If we love our expectation more than we love the truths of Scripture and the God who wrote them, we will fall prey, not only to disappointment, but to sin.

Elijah expected his life to be better, to not be on the run to stay alive, and to have more supporting prophets who worshipped God. When his expectations weren’t met, his faith corroded and desperation ruled.

What expectations do you need to re-examine in the Light of Christ? Are you willing to open your hand and remove the idol-power they hold?

JOURNAL TWO

Elijah and Elisha waited for God’s justice. They saw the horrible leadership of Israel’s King Ahab and they compassionately saw the people who were being led astray by Ahab’s evil. Where can you relate with similar scenarios?

Watching wickedness prosper is painful. Perhaps you’ve witnessed a loved one make continuous foolish choices, or you’ve watched a nation erode over time, or perhaps a beloved pastor fell into sin and loved it instead of turning from it.

The psalmist and king, David, cried out regarding the Lord’s waiting justice, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1) David brought the pains of injustice to the Lord with an attitude of worshipful surrender, which increased His trust. He confidently knew the Lord’s faithful love could be trusted to do what was right, in the right time, even if he couldn’t see it yet. (Psalm 13:5-6)

The Lord brought justice to Ahab, and it was gruesome because of his active sinful rebellion. The Lord will bring His justice, we can be sure of that. If we desire His mercy, we must surrender in waiting trust for the Lord to move.

In what area of justice do you need to unclench your hands in surrender to the Lord?

JOURNAL THREE

Becoming narrow focused and putting on blinders is so easy! Zooming out for a broad picture view requires consistent practice and prayerful pleas for help to adjust our perspective.

When challenges arise, learning to consider others’ feelings or experiences of the same event stretches us. Remembering that the Lord is sovereign and rules over all of time and space is absolutely essential to properly re-aligning our viewpoint on our triumph or pain, but holding onto this vantage point is slippery!

Where can you recognize in recent days that you’ve had a difficult time remembering the Lord is the Ruler and Author and He can be trusted?

The full weight of trusting God’s goodness and Love and Perfect Justice provides the benefit of peace that surpasses all understanding as we rest in knowing His character and His ability to bring good from all things for His glory.

Getting to this place of trust takes practice. It requires moment-by-moment surrender and a determined heart that says, “I will keep on following the Lord’s ways by trusting Him instead of me.”

How would you like to remind yourself to keep on following and trusting Jesus this week? Maybe it’s a sticky note on your mirror, or alarms set on your phone throughout the day with the simple message “trust” or “follow”. Or maybe you’ll scroll one of those words on your forearm with a marker to remind you to remain determined in trusting Christ alone! Share what you’re choosing for a reminder in the comments!
Tags :
disciple,faith,future,hope,teach,trust,Truth
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Join Us On The Journey!

Want encouragement
on the daily?
Registration gives you free, every day access to encouragement, weekly worship prompts, and daily Bible study that applies to real life.
Journey On!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 13 Unpopular Justice

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 13 Unpopular Justice

Rebecca Adams

July 5, 2023

Encourage,gentle,Impatient,Preparing,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 21
Philippians 3:18-21
Deuteronomy 32:1-9
Romans 2:1-16

The fire blazed in the hearth as I sat with my brother, Elisha, whom the Lord had given me. He would take my place when my ministry to Israel ended. His friendship encouraged my heart as if the Lord Himself was walking beside me.

Following my runaway cave experience when I was nearly consumed by the black waves of depression, the Lord gave me the gift I didn’t know I needed, a brother in partnership for this ministry, Elisha.

We had just finished our evening meal together, swapping stories of the afternoon, laughing, and prodding for the other’s thoughts around Ahab’s latest ridiculous antics. Reflective quiet engulfed us for a few moments before Elisha broke, “It’s so frustrating!”. His comment was laced with disgust as he gripped his mug of water.

“Ahab saw the Lord’s fire on Carmel. He saw the Lord send rain. His own chariot wheels got stuck in the mud the Lord made!”, Elisha’s voice emboldened emphatically with each point. Elisha paused, and his burdened eyes wandered to the window, watching the movement of fellow Israelites preparing for evening.
I waited. I knew there was more he wanted to say.

“They are the ones who pay the heaviest price for Ahab’s rebellion”, he voice was thick with emotion as he jutted his head in the direction of our people outside our walls.

The truth of his words settled around us both.
True, God had proven Himself as
Sovereign,
Enough,
Omnipotent,
Truthful, and
Jealous.
He had Revealed Himself to mere humanity and proven He would Sustain those who trusted Him.
But where was Yahweh’s justice?

The question eked into the corners of my heart despite my best attempts to thwart it. Inside, my flourishing faith fought against my doubt-soaked question that begged an answer.
My faith fought back my doubts with truths I had come to know.
“No, the Lord is good.
The Lord is faithful.
The Lord sees all.
The Lord knows all.
The Lord sees Ahab.
He will bring justice.
We just need to wait.”
 
“How long will we wait, Elijah?”, the question jolted me.
It was as if my brother had been made privy to the wrestling of my heart.
I caught his gaze, knowing the Lord desired truth in the inmost places (Psalm 51:6),
“I don’t know, Brother. But I know He’s worth waiting for.”

A child’s cries and mother’s call carried through the window, seeming to draw out our hearts even more with the ache for justice. Will the Lord hear their cries for mercy? Will the Lord save them from plunging headlong into greater rebellion as Ahab recklessly led them astray again and again?

In a moment, time seemed to freeze and my heart soared with the joy of intimacy and the trembled in awe as again I heard the voice of the Lord penetrate me through to my bones and marrow, “Get up and go to meet King Ahab of Israel, who is in Samaria. He’s in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you murdered and also taken possession?’ Then tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, the dogs will also lick up your blood!’” (1 Kings 21:18-19)

Just as quickly as it came, the Voice left. I looked up to see Elisha’s eyes locked intently on mine, “What has Yahweh said, Elijah?”, he queried.

“We are to go to Ahab. He will be in Naboth’s vineyard. He has murdered Naboth and stolen his vineyard.” I stood quickly, but the younger man was already ahead of me grabbing our water skins, packs, and walking sticks.

“What else, brother? Something else is inside you from the Lord, isn’t it?”. I was taken aback by Elisha’s sensitive awareness of the moving of the Lord. It was a good reminder to me of the Lord’s wise choice in providing Elisha as my successor. He would do well in listening and obeying the voice of the Lord. (1 Kings 19:19-21)

I gripped my staff more tightly and thrust myself through the door’s opening. It was no small matter to speak of the justice of Yahweh, especially regarding the death of the Lord’s appointed ruler.

“Ahab’s death is near”, I finally managed to speak after several minutes of heavy, silent walking.

Elisha’s arm stopped my forward momentum as he turned hard eyes on me,
“It will be dishonorable, won’t it?”.

I closed my eyes against the scene the Lord had given me of dog’s licking up Ahab’s blood. (1 Kings 21:19) He was intended to be Israel’s king, leading us to worship Yahweh, but instead his death would be a mockery just as his life had been.

The righteous justice of the Holy One of Israel was about to be carried out not only to Ahab, but also to his Queen Jezebel who had incited him to wholly devote himself to vile wickedness.
(1 Kings 21:23-25)

Our casual conversation over bread and meat earlier came rushing back with immediacy.
We both longed for justice.
But did we really understand that the Lord’s justice meant
recognizing we were all sinners? (Romans 3:23)
Every heart rebelled, including mine and Elisha’s.

No, not all of us murdered and thieved and led an entire nation astray as the royal couple had, but Elisha and I both knew our hearts were still tempted away from trusting the Lord. We still grew impetuous and angry, impatient for the Lord to carry out justice.

Warmth of understanding swept over me and I could not stop the tears racing down my cheeks,
“It is the kindness of the Lord to delay His justice, Elisha.
But the time for Ahab’s repentance is about to expire.”
The king lived as an enemy to Yahweh and his just punishment was nearly here.

The fact that the Lord’s Justice was coming, stirred up urgency in me to plead with all of Israel to turn back to the Lord while there was still time to repent. (Philippians 3:18-19, Romans 2:4)

I stepped forward with renewed urgency to follow the Lord’s word exactly as He had spoken it,
“Come, Elisha, let’s worship the Lord together
by obeying His commands
while it’s still called today.”
(Hebrews 3:15)

Tags :
hope,Journey,justice,relationship,reliance,trust
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI, Day 14
Digging Deeper

The Son was struck not by the rod of Moses, but by the Father’s rod of wrath concerning sin. It is our unchanging Rock who perfectly completed the work of redemption and satisfied the justice of God. (Romans 9:30-33 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Sweet Sister, as a result of this, we have been given, not the promised land of Israel but a promised life with God! God's love lasts forever!!
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 10 Fist Sized Faith: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 10 Fist Sized Faith: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

June 30, 2023

Adoration,Faith,Power,Praise,Prayer,Security

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Fist Sized Faith"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 18:20-45

20 So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and gathered the prophets at Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.

22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The God who answers with fire, he is God.” All the people answered, “That’s fine.”

25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god but don’t light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull that he gave them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound; no one answered. Then they danced around the altar they had made.

27 At noon Elijah mocked them. He said, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away; or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” 28 They shouted loudly, and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until blood gushed over them. 29 All afternoon they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound; no one answered, no one paid attention.

30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near me.” So all the people approached him. Then he repaired the Lord’s altar that had been torn down: 31 Elijah took twelve stones—according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel will be your name”— 32 and he built an altar with the stones in the name of the Lord. Then he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold about four gallons. 33 Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. He said, “Fill four water pots with water and pour it on the offering to be burned and on the wood.” 34 Then he said, “A second time!” and they did it a second time. And then he said, “A third time!” and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran all around the altar; he even filled the trench with water.

36 At the time for offering the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah approached the altar and said, “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that at your word I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that you, the Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the Lord’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, “The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!”

40 Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let even one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Wadi Kishon and slaughtered them there. 41 Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a rainstorm.”

42 So Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went up to the summit of Carmel. He bent down on the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 Then he said to his servant, “Go up and look toward the sea.” So he went up, looked, and said, “There’s nothing.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” 44 On the seventh time, he reported, “There’s a cloud as small as a man’s hand coming up from the sea.”

Then Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Get your chariot ready and go down so the rain doesn’t stop you.’”

45 In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour. So Ahab got in his chariot and went to Jezreel.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Elijah mock Baal’s prophets? (verse 27)

The prophet Elijah wanted God’s people to know it was time to make a choice between the God of Israel and the false god, Baal, who, according to author Bethany Verrett, was “a universal fertility god and a storm god associated with bringing rain and dew in the Canaan area.” Frustrated by the way God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6) allowed Baal worship in their households, Elijah wanted to emphasize how powerless Baal was in a showdown between Baal and Jehovah.

When the false prophets could not implore Baal to produce fire, Elijah mocked them, taunting them, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away; or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” (1 Kings 18:27)

It seems Elijah enjoyed teasing his enemies, pointing out how useless the false prophets’ efforts were in getting the (non-existent) attention of their inferior deity. Albert Barnes notes, “The object of Elijah’s irony was two-fold; to stimulate the priests to greater exertions, and so to make their failure more complete, and to suggest to the people that such failure would prove absolutely that Baal was no “god”.”

Elijah wanted to convince the impressionable Israelites how absurd and pointless it was to follow impotent gods and ignore the Almighty One True God (Revelation 1:8) while actively disobeying their covenant with Him (Deuteronomy 28).

Elijah mocked the false prophets in an effort to demonstrate just how ridiculous it was to rely on imaginary gods when the One True God (Jeremiah 10:10) wanted to honor His covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9) with them.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Elijah mock Baal’s prophets? (verse 27)

If you’re on social media you’ve probably seen a video by TikTok sensation Khabi Lame, famous for mocking unnecessarily complicated “life hack” videos in which he wordlessly demonstrates a simpler method for the same task. His videos end with a sarcastic, “this- is- how-it’s-done” hand gesture, head-shake and eye roll at the ridiculous, convoluted process that was on display.

The prophet Elijah could have done something similar on Mount Carmel in his face-off with the prophets of Baal. Both sides had the same task: entreat your deity to ignite the sacrifice on your altar. When the false prophets tried and failed to produce a response from Baal, Elijah mocked their fake god, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away; or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” (1 Kings 18:27)

Elijah wanted to prove that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:6) was the only God worth serving. He wanted them to see that reliance on a powerless god was futile. It is a message that still serves us well today. Worshiping any other god besides the Holy One (Isaiah 12:6) unnecessarily complicates our lives and leaves us empty-handed (Psalm 97:7).

Ann Voskamp suggests, “It’s our wavering between the gods of things and the God of everything – that’s what has us flailing and drowning soundless in it all. […] Every moment you live, you live bowed to something. And if you don’t choose God, you’ll bow down before something else – some banal Baal.”

Lord, help us recognize any idols we have set up in our hearts for the ridiculous shams they are and turn with our whole hearts to the Only God. (Jude 25)

The Original Intent

2) Why did Elijah make a point of making the sacrifice difficult to ignite? (verses 33-35)

Once the prophets of Baal proved their god was useless to ignite their sacrifice, Elijah went to great lengths to prove his God was more than able to answer his pleas to consume the offering. In 1 Kings 18:33-35, he commanded 12 pots of water to be poured over the wood and the bull on the altar, which also filled the trench surrounding the altar with water.

One reason he did this may have been because there was precedent for false prophets to set fires “from hollow spaces concealed beneath the altars, in order to make the credulous people believe that the sacrifice had been miraculously set on fire by the deity.” (Keil & Delitzsch)

Elijah’s elaborate water-logging of his altar area and sacrifice made it clear he was not faking a fire. Elijah wanted there to be no doubt it was God Almighty who answered his prayer. Not only was Elijah asking God to do the miraculous, but he was making it impossible to do under normal circumstances to prove that it was God and not Elijah bringing the fire.

David Guzik notes, “In wanting to make a deep impression upon the people, Elijah required more of Yahweh than he did of Baal.” Elijah had no doubt that God would come through (Psalm 36:5), so making it harder to accomplish by human standards would make it that much more impactful to the people.

Elijah wanted this dramatic presentation to ensure that his ambivalent people would no longer vacillate between serving unworthy gods and serving the One Worthy of all praise. (Revelation 4:11)

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Elijah make a point of making the sacrifice difficult to ignite? (verses 33-35)

What is more unlikely than a team from tropical Jamaica entering the bobsled race in the 1988 Winter Olympics? This surprising occurrence captivated the world and made the team an instantly beloved underdog, winning hearts if not medals in that first race that inspired a 1993 movie, Cool Runnings, and eventual Jamaican victories in the winter sport.

Everyone loves stories about a come-from-behind win or an against-all-odds tale of victory. I suspect the prophet Elijah knew this about human nature when he made a drastic point of increasing the difficulty for God to burn his sacrifice (1 Kings 18:33-35) by drenching the whole thing in water many times over. He knew God would win this competition between Him and Baal handily, but he wanted to make it memorable and undeniable that the Lord of Lords was above all gods. (Psalm 95:3) It was equivalent to him saying, “My Awesome God can beat your pathetic god blindfolded with one hand tied behind His back!”

He was both magnifying God’s greatness and emphasizing Baal’s weakness at the same time. Elijah wanted his people to have this big, come-from-behind win because they had long been trying to serve God and Baal; Elijah wanted them to come down decidedly on the side of God.

John Piper notes that even though the odds are 450:1, “God loves to be at a disadvantage just before He wins.” Elijah wanted God’s decisive victory to remind his people of just how strong and mighty is the God they serve, and how deserving He is of their worship and allegiance. (Psalm 96:4)

The Original Intent

3) Why did Elijah order the prophets of Baal to be seized when they attempted to escape? (verse 40)

Once Baal’s prophets had been defeated, they tried to retreat and evade capture, hoping to avoid punishment. When Elijah saw this, he ordered, “Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let even one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Wadi Kishon and slaughtered them there.” (1 Kings 18:40)

David Guzik suggests, “Now that the fraud of Baal was exposed, his prophets had to answer for it and were dealt with according to the Law of Moses.” (Deuteronomy 13:5, Deuteronomy 13:13-18, Deuteronomy 17:2-5, and Deuteronomy 18:9-22)

Elijah simply demanded the prophets of Baal receive the treatment they promoted for the prophets of Yahweh.” Elijah wanted the evil-doers to be punished, and he wanted those with bad influence over the people to be permanently removed. The sins and degradations of Baal worshippers were many, including ritual prostitution, according to author John Ritenbaugh, and they wreaked havoc on the children of God.

Elijah knew the Law of Moses laid out specific penalties for the sins committed, and he believed that carrying them out would promote justice and end the influence of this evil over his people. Adam Clarke writes, “They had committed the highest crime against the state and the people by introducing idolatry, and bringing down God’s judgments upon the land; therefore their lives were forfeited to that law which had ordered every idolater to be slain.”

Because God’s law required death for those who promoted idolatry, Elijah wanted to capture every false prophet and obey the will of God.

The Everyday Application

3) Why did Elijah order the prophets of Baal to be seized when they attempted to escape? (verse 40)

While leaving church one Sunday, my young son kicked rocks down the sidewalk. He was having fun when suddenly his rock took a crazy bounce right into a car’s windshield. My son froze in horror for a few moments until the event registered in his brain, and then he bolted towards the safety of his grandmother’s nearby car.

Before I could determine whose car was damaged or call him back to face the music, grandma’s getaway car shot out of the parking lot, whisking the accidental vandal to safety. While he eventually had to open his piggy bank to pay for his negligence, I had to sheepishly locate the owner and offer apologies.

I imagine the prophets of Baal were trying to hightail it off of Mt. Carmel in much the same way as my son, and with good reason. Elijah wanted to do to them what they had threatened to do to him. Elijah was on a mission of justice as a deputy of the Lord God, who had just decisively won an impossible battle.

When Elijah saw them running away, he demanded, “…Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let even one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Wadi Kishon and slaughtered them there.” (1 Kings 18:40) Elijah enacted the punishment of death demanded by the law of Moses for idolaters. (Exodus 22:20)

They were already experiencing severe drought because of the idol worship in their land. (1 Kings 17:1) With the defeat of the false prophets would come the end of the drought. (1 Kings 18:45) Elijah wanted to break the power of idolatry and refocus his people on the power of their God.

Today we can also refocus by turning away from anything that tries to supplant God in our hearts and minds and by purposing intently to love and serve Him alone. (1 Corinthians 10:14)

Tags :
hope,power,reliance,trust,worship
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Resting Day 10 Journey Study

I look up to see a fiery ball hurling down from the sky, crashing into the altar. Screams of terror fill the air as the force of the blast sends us flying backwards. I have never felt such intense heat and power in my life.

As we struggle to our feet, the acrid smell of fire rides the hot wind. The altar has been consumed; there is nothing left, even the very rocks have disintegrated into dust! (Hebrews 12:29)

Yahweh has made Himself known.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 8 Making A Mockery

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 8 Making A Mockery

Sara Cissell

June 28, 2023

Desperate,Enemies,Faith,Fear,Fervent,Uncategorized

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 18:1-19
Deuteronomy 4:23-27
Exodus 34:11-17
Psalm 78:58-60; 79:5-8

“How long is this drought going to last, Lord?” I look up and ponder the morning sky. “How long will You remain patient with Ahab?” 

Years ago, the Lord sent me to tell Ahab no rain or dew would fall until I give the command. (1 Kings 17:1) Dust is our constant companion, and Israel’s wicked king Ahab increasingly mocks Yahweh, our unchangingly jealous God, with all of his idols and other gods. (Exodus 34:14)

“Ahab has not budged in his behavior. How long will the wait be?”, I continue my pleading questions to the Lord. “You have proven Your strength with not a drop of moisture touching this land for over three years. Nonetheless, You have kept our oil and flour jars filled.”

I see the widow with whom I had been living look at me from the window. I smile her way, and she returns it with a warm one of her own. At first, I imagine she found my conversations with the Lord rather odd. I talk to Him as though He were sitting in the courtyard with me: out loud, with expression, and with pauses to listen for His response. 

I think back to when I first arrived at her house and can barely contain a snort. Pretty sure my very presence has been stretching her from the beginning, when I arrived on the very day she was preparing a final meal for her starving son and herself before death overtook them.     

Her emotions had spun like the ever-present dust devils on the day I arrived, and again when her son died and the Lord resurrected him. Her faith has grown significantly during the years I’ve been here. 

Mine has, too. I think both of us expected the flour and oil to run out during the first few weeks of my stay. As the weeks turned to years, my trust in the Lord strengthened in ways I did not realize I needed. Each day, He has proven His faithfulness and His presence through my daily bread. 

Through these long years of drought and famine, 
Yahweh has shown me
He is sovereign,
He is enough,
He is omnipotent, 
and He is truth.

In fact, He has grown my faith so much I did not hesitate to ask Him to resurrect the widow’s son when he fell ill and died. 

I look at the ground, kick the dust with my sandal, and chuckle. I am still a bit dumbfounded that her son is alive. I prayed, and the Lord, who loves the boy with surpassing depth and jealousy, did the miraculous. 

Truthfully, being here with the widow has helped me as I wait for the Lord to direct my next steps. My confidence in the Lord answering my prayers has grown; leaning on Yahweh’s faithful provision with another believer, especially one who isn’t even Jewish, has been strengthening as well. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and the shared experiences of this season have spurred us both to trust the Lord increasingly. 

“Go and present yourself to Ahab. I will send rain on the surface of the land.”
(1 Kings 18:1)

My head snapped up at the Lord’s command. It was time. After years of asking, the Lord had directed me again. Within the hour, my sandals were covered with dust as I journeyed towards Ahab. 

I prayed as I traveled, asking the Lord to direct my steps and prepare me for all I would encounter. 

The first person I met actually happened to be Obadiah, who himself was on a mission for Ahab. I told him to return to Ahab and announce I was coming. At first, Obadiah hesitated, knowing Ahab would kill him if I did not come as promised. However, he trusted the Lord was directing me and set out to tell Ahab the news. (1 Kings 18:7-16)

My voice turned aloud again, “Thank You, Lord, for reminding me that I am not alone on this path of obedience. Obadiah believes in You too, and he has had to live in the presence of all Ahab has been doing. Thank You for giving us both the strength to walk the paths You have prepared for us. Thank you for reminding us we are not alone.” 

In the distance, I saw Ahab coming my way. “Here we go, Lord,” I mumbled.

When Ahab was within shouting distance, he called, “Is that you, the one ruining Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17) He laughed and arrogantly smiled at his entourage. 

His manipulative response, classic Ahab, stirred a righteous anger within me and a confidence that could have only come from the Lord. Israel was the Lord’s and He would fight for her. 

I commanded Ahab to gather all of Israel and prophets of Baal and Asherah. The Lord is a jealous God. If the lack of rain was not enough for Ahab to change his ways, my God would demonstrate His power another way. No other god could stand before Him. The lack of rain had not caught Israel’s attention. Perhaps a consuming fire would. 

 

Tags :
enough,jealous,power,sovereign,trust
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI, Day 9
Digging Deeper

God revealed His character in a clear demonstration of certain aspects of His character.

He is a consuming fire, and as Merriam Webster defines jealous: intolerant of unfaithfulness. He alone deserves all glory, praise, and loyalty; He rightly and righteously expects it. He is also the embodiment of love and is full of mercy and grace.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

June 27, 2023

Believe,Community,Enough,Faith,Restored,Truth,Yahweh

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "What Do You Have Against Me?"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:17-24

17 After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness got worse until he stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death?” 19 But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, brought him up to the upstairs room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow I am staying with by killing her son?”

21 Then he stretched himself out over the boy three times.ad He cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, please let this boy’s life come into him again!” 22 So the Lord listened to Elijah, and the boy’s life came into him again, and he lived.

23 Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Elijah had lived in the widow’s home for a period of time (1 Kings 17:8-16) and she had experienced the miraculous power of God sustain her and her son in a devastating drought; by this, the widow knew God was with Elijah.

When her son fell ill, she likely expected God to again display His miraculous power. Instead, her son died. Maybe Elijah’s God was not the giver of life after all. In her grief, she began the age-old game of blaming. (Genesis 3:11-13) First, she blamed Elijah, then she blamed her own, unspecified sin for her son’s death. According to David Guzik, “Whatever her sin was, the guilty memory of it was always close to her.” (Enduring Word)

Now that the one closest to her was gone, all she could see was her sin and her grief. Self-loathing and Shame are horrible places to dwell, but this is exactly where this grief-ridden mama found herself. 

Another likely reason for her self-shaming guilt was her cultural and spiritual background. Baal worshipers were taught that their sins would be met with anger and fury from Baal. (Cornerstone Church Kingston) Since this was what she believed of Baal, seeing her son die in the presence of the “Man of God”, caused her to naturally assume Elijah’s God operated the same as Baal.

Again, the question of, “Is it true that Elijah’s God is the giver of life” is up for debate in her heart and mind; she chooses her answer based on her spiritual background and not on her most recent experience with God. 

The Everyday Application

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Many years ago, my husband and I went through a rough patch. He was in a car accident and had some minor injuries and resulting back pain. A week later, I had a car accident and had to be transported to the ER for observation. A couple weeks later, he started having trouble at his job, and on and on it went for a time. We had some professing Christians say to our faces that we needed to get rid of our sin so God would start blessing us and quit punishing us.

This is wrong theology! John 16:33 says, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” This world is a hard place and trouble will come. We cannot avoid it, but we have no fear because God is with us and will help us through it all. (John 14:18-21) God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on both the evil and the good. (Matthew 5:45)

Haven’t we all witnessed someone enjoying what looks like a blessing, but turns out to be an ill-gotten gain? Can hard things be the result of sin? Yes. Are we the ones who can absolutely determine that every time? No.

If we think something might be the result of a specific sin, we can ask the Lord to reveal it to us and convict us by His Spirit, allowing us to confess and repent. If He does not show us anything, then we can know this is most likely a growth opportunity as it was for the widow.

I like how Sermon Notebook phrases it, “God’s method for growing us isn’t always pleasant, nor is it fun. However, it is essential that we pass through the growing process so that we can be better used of the Lord. As God takes us through the battles, and we see Him win them all by His power, we are enabled, by faith, to trust Him for even greater victories.”

The Original Intent

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

Elijah, and indirectly, God, had been blamed for the death of the widow’s son. Rain had not fallen, therefore, according to God’s promise in 1 Kings 17:13-14, flour and oil should still be plentiful, allowing everyone in the home to still be living.

That would be true, if flour and oil, if bread alone, were the Source of life. But Scripture teaches differently. (Colossians 1:17) In fact, Christ taught differently by saying, “Man should not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Perhaps the Lord took the boy’s life, proving His authority over life and death, that the woman’s heart might learn to lean on Truth instead of her own understanding.

Elijah could not make sense of this turn of events. Surely, it was very discouraging after all the life-giving things he had seen God do in his own life and the widow’s. So, he took his crisis of faith to the True Source, Yahweh. This is very reminiscent of King Hezekiah who took his concerns about his enemies’ death threats and even his failing health to the Lord, expecting God to handle it, regardless of Hezekiah’s personal confidence level. (Got Questions)

This was Elijah’s way of drawing near to God at a time when his faith was rattled, yet believing God could do the impossible, just like we see so many times on the Psalms. Elijah had learned a lesson the widow had not yet owned for herself, within God’s sustenance, Truth lived, regardless of circumstance, and He was worthy of Elijah’s worship. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

It’s so easy to have faith when things are going well. So easy to not doubt. But when things get really tough, does our faith flourish or does it wither? Elijah prayed such an honest prayer, bringing his confusion and doubt to the Lord, but then he immediately demonstrated his faith in God’s character.

If you read through even just a few psalms, you’ll see this rhythm played out over and over in the raw honesty of the psalmists. Another great example of a “Why God?! But I trust You, God” prayer is found in Daniel. Jami helps us understand these depths well in her Journey Study, “Why God?”. She beautifully offers us this encouragement, “God doesn’t require us to have all of the answers, and we can rest knowing we don’t need them. He simply welcomes us, right now, as we are, to trust Him for the Journey.”

Rest in the knowledge that if He did not chastise Moses (Exodus 33:12-26), or the man whose son was demon-possessed (Mark 9:23-24), or even doubting Thomas, His own disciple (John 20:25-29), He will not chastise us for our moments of doubt, unbelief or lack of faith either. 

The Original Intent

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

The widow had decided God was not trustworthy. Meanwhile, Elijah was depending on God to be truthful and faithful to His character, which was why he was confident in asking God to resurrect the widow’s son. Elijah knew that nothing he specifically did would bring the boy back, But God…with God, nothing was impossible! (Luke 1:37)

The Sermon Notebook says, “God honored the faith of the prophet and raised the child to life again. Why? Because Elijah trusted God by faith!” If by faith we believe, God is ABLE to do the impossible, we have laid the necessary groundwork for coming before the Father who is “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) The widow, seeing her son brought back to life, realized that everything Elijah had ever spoken about his God was true. God was indeed both giver and sustainer of life.

“Elijah’s miraculous, never-ending oil jar hints at such life-giving power, but it is the widow’s witnessing of her child’s renewed life that convinces her.” (Working Preacher) She realizes that Yahweh is NOT like Baal. It is true that He is compassionate and does not cause harm just for harm’s sake. Everything He does is intentionally for good. (Genesis 50:20) And the truth is, it took suffering to get her to this place of firm belief. I believe in the end, that was okay with her. 

The Everyday Application

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

There are so many promises in the Bible, but one that is commonly quoted and is among my favorites is Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or abandon you”, which was first given in Deuteronomy 31:6.

God never changes, His character is always the same, and His promises never fail. Just read through Hebrews 11, listing out all the heroes of the faith. They all trusted God, but not all saw His final promise. What made them heroes in spite of this? They trusted that God’s Word was Truth.

We don’t even need to wing it, stretching beyond all reason that what God says is trustworthy, for He has provided His Word, His testimony in His people, and His Spirit to teach us all truth. In John 17:17, Jesus asks God the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” 

Every good thing that happens. Every hardship we endure. Every stronghold that is broken. Every wound that is bound and healed. Everything comes back to the character of God.

Can we trust Him? Resoundingly, Yes!

“God is not a man, that He might lie, or a son of man, that He might change His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

Our God is Truth so we can always trust that no matter how the landscape of our lives appears, He is in control and He will keep His promises. 

Tags :
comfort,doubt,faith,rest,trust,Truth
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI, Day 6
Journey Study

My son lives! Elijah has done this!

No; my heart pulls back at those words. It is his God, his Yahweh.

Recognition and realization of truth washes over me as my heart and voice affirm what my eyes have seen, “Now I know you are a man of God and the LORD’s word from your mouth is true.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 5 Faith Forward

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 5 Faith Forward

Meribeth Schierbeek

June 23, 2023

Amazed,Glory,Handiwork,Help,Trust,Waiting,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:8-16
Hebrews 11
Psalm 73

Just as the Lord foretold, savage drought was upon the land, a result of Israel’s abandonment of the LORD their God.
Yahweh revealed Himself as sovereign.

Just as the Lord foretold, He cared and provided for me, Elijah, near the brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.  
Yahweh revealed Himself as enough.

As the wadi dried up, the Lord continued to guide me…a widow will feed me on my next leg of the journey. 

Today I am moving, at the Lord’s command, to Zarephath: 
“Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” (1 Kings 17:9)

As I hear these words from my God, I’m reminded of the weight of my calling as a prophet. Following Yahweh rarely means staying in one place, which often feels wearing. Still, I am reminded of the truth. I dwell with the Lord, the God of Israel, MY God; my home and my comfort are in Him. He will be enough. My rest comes from knowing He sees; He knows and He alone is ALL things wherever I dwell…I am with Him as I walk.

I begin my travels wondering about this widow, her name…her story… 
The Lord knows it but I do not…I trust she, too, will follow the Lord’s command.  

As I walk toward Zarephath, I see vile wickedness all around. These are sacred, and sometimes scary, times. I have seen the Lord prove Himself faithful time and time again, and yet my humanness perceives the brokenness around me and wrestles with faith.  

In these moments, I recall the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I’ve heard of their lives from the Torah, our holy Scripture; while each man was undeniably caught in sinful humanity, Yahweh drew them again and again to faith in Him. (Hebrews 11:6-22) Bolstered by remembering God’s empowering work in their lives, I ask Yahweh for the gift of faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As I come to the gates of Zarephath, I lay eyes on a woman in widow’s clothing, gathering sticks. My thirst is unbearable, and I immediately ask for water. She turns to bring it willingly and I add a request for bread. 

Her first words landed on my ears sweetly. “As the LORD your God lives [. . .]” (1 Kings 17:12a) She, a foreigner, knows my God! 

Then, I hear her heart cry as she continues, “I don’t have anything baked–only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.” (1 Kings 17:12b)

I am struggling. 

Struggling with loneliness as I bear the crushing burden of survival for myself and my sweet boy. 

Struggling with a society that leaves us scraps at the best of times, dust and searing hunger and the looming specter of death during this time of drought and famine.

Struggling with fear, which snarls in my ear and prods me to clench tight the handful of grain I have left. Who does this stranger think he is? What does he imagine I, who have nothing, can give him?

And struggling with the gentle nudge I feel in my spirit, like the first rivulets of rain slipping along the cracked earth of my soul. Trust Me, I seem to hear. I have not abandoned you. I have sent My prophet to you. Heed his request, for I can bring bounty from nothing. 

I watch the battle between faith and fear play across the widow’s countenance.

I encourage her in her obedience, trusting the Lord alone to be sufficient: 
“Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the surface of the land.’” (1 Kings 17:13-14)

As long as I live, I’ll always remember the day my mother returned from gathering wood for what we thought would be our final meal. Hearing her enter our home, I barely had the strength to lift my head from the place I layed curled in a ball, quaking with hunger and fatigue, my mouth too dry to ask what she was doing. Consciousness slipped away.

I awoke to the smell of baking bread as my mother pressed a cup of water to my bleeding lips. As I swallowed and sputtered, unaccustomed to such bounty, I caught a glimpse of a stranger seated nearby. He ate a small loaf of bread as he watched me, kindness in his weary gaze.

That day and beyond, the widow chose to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), as she shared her flour and oil. The Lord, in His great power, kept her supplies full. She fed her household and me, knowing Yahweh was sovereign, enough, and in control of her life, in His way and His time. 

A Note About Sketched

In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally.

We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.

Perhaps we will find parts of our story reflected in theirs!

Tags :
death,heart,hope,life,relationship,trust
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI Day 5
Digging Deeper

If the widow’s pantry had been full, all Elijah would have gotten was a meal. Instead he reaffirmed he could hear God and trust what He said.

Elijah also became the means of blessing a faithful servant of the Lord who would have starved to death had he not come.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI, Day 3 Feast In The Famine

7 Comments

Sketched XI, Day 3 Feast In The Famine

Lesley Crawford

June 21, 2023

Faithfulness,Follow,Persevere,Praise,Promises,Prophecy,Provider

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:1-7
James 5:16-18
Exodus 16:11-18
John 6:32-35

As I stood before King Ahab, proclaiming there would be no rain in the land for the next few years, I may have appeared bold, but inwardly I was trembling. Following Yahweh and seeking to obey Him are not for the faint-hearted. Yet, while I dreaded the king’s response to my message, I knew I must remain faithful.

My name says it all: Elijah, which means “Yahweh is my God.” This was my conviction, and it was how I attempted to live, but, as I said, it was far from easy.

I knew the history of my people, the Israelites. I had heard how Yahweh had led them out of slavery in Egypt to bring them here, to the Promised Land. I can only imagine my ancestors’ hope and optimism as they set foot in this land for the first time, anticipating a bright new start. I wonder what they would think if they could see my people now.

It had certainly not been the hoped-for happy ending. From the very start, my ancestors had struggled to obey Yahweh and there had been ongoing issues with the other tribes in the land. Eventually, the Israelites had demanded a human king, rejecting Yahweh as their Sovereign. It was only their 3rd king, when Israel had split in two. Surely, this was not what Yahweh had intended when He led His people to the land.

A culture of rebellion against Yahweh was all I had ever known, growing up in Tishbe in the northern kingdom of Israel, and yet I had come to believe that Yahweh is God and that, despite the seeming chaos all around, Yahweh is Sovereign. Ahab was the worst in a series of wicked kings, leading the people in worship to Baal, but I knew Yahweh was the true King.

Maybe that was why I had prayed so earnestly for rain to cease in the land. (James 5:17) I truly desired for people to see Yahweh’s power. The few of His followers who remained were fearful and hiding. To most people in the land, it seemed Yahweh was dead, but I knew He was very much alive, and His power was far greater than that of Baal.

Baal was believed to be the sky god who controlled the weather. My pronouncement to Ahab that the rain would stop was really a declaration of Yahweh’s far-greater power. I longed for the king, and all my people, to understand who was really God.

Following my encounter with King Ahab, I have to say I was relieved when Yahweh instructed me to go to the Cherith Ravine to hide. I wanted to get as far from Ahab as possible. Yahweh told me I would drink from the brook and the ravens would feed me. This confused me at first, because I know ravens are unclean animals (Leviticus 11:13-15), but I also know Yahweh’s ways are not always ours, and I knew I had to obey.

As He promised, the ravens have fed me – bread and meat twice a day – and this has continued for many months now. I don’t know how long I will be here, or what will happen next, but I do know Yahweh supplies my needs every day. Even in widespread drought and famine, there has not been a single day when I’ve gone hungry or thirsty.

It has led me to know Yahweh in a deeper way, revealing His personal care for me. I am humbled to think Yahweh, the Almighty God, has sent ravens twice a day to provide just for me. It reminds me of the stories of my ancestors being supplied with manna and quail in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:11-18) I am reassured Yahweh is still the same, and, despite my worries about Ahab and my apprehension about what may lie ahead, it encourages me that Yahweh is enough.

I can truly declare, “Yahweh is MY God!” 

Even as I watch the brook begin to dry up before me, and I sense it may soon be time to move on, I can put my hope in Yahweh. Although the future is uncertain, I trust He is enough, and He will continue to provide for all my needs.

I’m holding onto hope for my people. I know Yahweh will be faithful, one day the Promised One will come, and He will supply everything necessary to meet our needs for all eternity.

Tags :
enough,faithful,follow,good,Obedient,provider,trust
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI, Day 4
Digging Deeper

As we lean into the Word of God and lean onto Jesus, we find He is indeed bread for our soul. He is the nourishment we require to survive.

As we take Him in, we hunger less and less for the things of this world and the more our appetite increases to enjoy the feast of the Bread of Life.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Sketched XI Day 1 One Light?

Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 1 One Light?

Bri Bailey

June 19, 2023

Courage,Desperate,Faith,Help,Hope,Journey,Strength,Struggle

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 16
Deuteronomy 18:9-18
Psalm 16
Romans 1:20-25, 28-32

Despair settled over me like a too-heavy yoke. 

I’d secured my sandals, slung a pack of provisions over one shoulder, and caught up my walking staff. Then, with hand on door, I froze, unable to push through the dread into the sunlight outside. 

I can’t do this, my mind protested. 
I’m only one man. 

Go, the small voice whispered. 

Groaning, I straightened my shoulders and set out to Samaria.

As dusk approached, I set up camp, then slumped dejectedly before a small fire. 

“Am I crazy?” I muttered aloud.

I must have imagined the small voice, I decided. In the morning, I’d return to Gilead. The evil in Israel was too great, and one man was too small to save a nation.

Bolstering my growing resolution, I remembered the Asherah poles atop the hills I passed. I’d kept my head down, trying to avoid the attention of prostitutes practicing sexual rituals to entice the goddess of fertility to bless the land.

I certainly couldn’t stop them, I reassured myself. I can’t uproot generations of wickedness.

Israel’s unfaithfulness to God began nearly as soon as their dusty feet touched Canaan. Raised in a community founded by Israel’s early judges, I’d grown up on tales of Israel’s infidelity. 

I could hear grandmother’s voice recounting Israel’s story. Our history was a tapestry laced with tragedy and faithfulness, she explained.

Miraculously rescued from slavery in Egypt, Israel cowered from entering the land God promised them. Consequently, they wandered the wilderness as an entire generation passed away. Yet God faithfully protected and provided for His children, leading them again to Canaan. 

Accustomed to the desert, we’d entered Canaan’s lushness agog, my grandmother recounted. Baal and Asherah worship, the god and goddess of fertility to whom Canaanites attributed their agricultural prosperity, assaulted Israel on all sides. 

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt [. . .] Do not have other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:1-3)

“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire[.] Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the LORD [. . .] You must be blameless before the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-13)

My grandmother’s voice always grew deep with mourning when recounting God’s words. He forewarned us to protect us, she murmured. God is sovereign; He knew evil and suffering would come with worshiping other gods. 

Yet the siren call of other gods was strong, and Israel’s devotion for Yahweh wavered.

Briefly, Israel was led by David, a king whose sinful humanity was undeniable, but who remained a man after God’s own heart, worshiping God alone. 

Successive kings once again married pursuit of other gods with Yahweh’s worship. (1 Kings 11:33)

Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians.
Chemosh, the god of Moab.
Miclom, the god of Ammon.
Golden calves, unsanctioned temples, and an illegitimate priesthood. (1 Kings 12:25-33)

David did what was right in God’s sight, following God with all his heart. (1 Kings 14:7-11)
Consecutive kings each did evil greater than their predecessors, thrusting God behind their backs. (1 Kings 15:1-3, 25-26, 34)

And the people moved again into syncretism. God, Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Armies, was fine for assuring victory in war, the people reasoned.

But for daily provision? For ensuring consistent rain cycles? For flourishing in stone-built houses, rather than wilderness tents?

Perhaps Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides, wasn’t quite up to the task, the people reasoned.

Better include Baal,
also known as lord of the earth.
Lord of rain and dew.
Rider of the clouds. 

I broke from my reverie, memories of my grandmother slipping away into the blackness edging the fire. Fire . . . and Baal.

Baal was reintroduced to Israel through the marriage of our current king, Ahab, to Jezebel, a Sidonian. Baal was worshiped with massive fires laid at the base of monstrous effigies. In times of plenty, livestock were sacrificed.

But in times of drought or famine, people believed Baal could only be aroused to send rain by the sacrifice of first-born children. Young children were thrown into the outstretched, superheated arms of the flaming idol, as priests created a cacophony of sound to drown out the horrific death-screams. Nearby, worshipers engaged in ritual sex, hoping to stimulate the gods to their own acts of fertility, bringing the rain.

Israel had known God, His eternal power and divine nature, as Creator of the world; yet they exchanged His truth for a lie, worshiping and serving creations instead of the Creator. (Romans 1:20-25) The evil into which Ahab led Israel and the rushing flood of suffering in its wake were nearly incomprehensible.

The people overflowed with unrighteousness, greed, and wickedness.
They breathed envy, murder, and malice.
They reveled in gossip, slander, and God-hating pride.
They abandoned trust, love, and mercy. 
(Romans 1:28-32)

Israel, it seemed, had done their very best to obliterate any trace of the One in whose image they were created. (Genesis 1:26-27)

“So why are you sending ME?!” I flung my vehement question toward the star-pocked heavens. “I am no one from nowhere, nearly the last of Your followers. You want ME to convict Ahab?! To convince him to repent? By foretelling famine and drought?? Do You understand, this will only drive him further into the fiery arms of Baal? I can’t compete with those priests! I can’t persuade the people! I can’t do it!”

My throat raw, my chest heaving, I turned away to the shadows.
“I’m not even sure You’re really there,” I whispered.

As I gazed into the darkness, a flicker of light appeared, diminutive as the flame of a single candle. 

Elijah, the small voice gently replied.

I am Yahweh, I AM WHO I AM.
I am the Sovereign One;
I alone possess the power and responsibility to convict, convince, or persuade. 
I am the Sovereign One;
no evil is so profound I cannot overcome it, no one is so lost I cannot rescue him, no darkness is so complete I cannot light it.
I am God With You, now and always;
I will go with you wherever I send you, for I hold your days in My hands.

Now, go.

A Note About Sketched

In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally.

We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.

Perhaps we will find parts of our story reflected in theirs!

Tags :
courage,faith,present,question,trust,Wandering
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Sketched XI, Day 2
Digging Deeper

It doesn’t appear David was looking to God for protection from anyone or anything particular.

He was requesting God Himself to be near – a reflection of his own desire to abide (dwell) in God’s presence.

Just as Moses desired. Just as Elijah desired.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

Dr. Leslie Umstattd

May 23, 2023

Dwell,Spirit,Trust,Truth,Wisdom

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Purposeful Pace"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proversb 4:20-27

20 My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

When we read Proverbs, it’s important to note this book is categorized as “wisdom literature” by biblical scholars. It is grouped with the other “wisdom literature” books of the Old Testament, Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. This is not a book of promised outcomes, rather it’s an instructional book on living according to God’s wise ways and His Word.

Proverbs reflects God’s perfectly good character and should be read as a guide to knowing Him and practically applying His wisdom to our everyday lives. In Proverbs 1:2-6, the author, King Solomon, informs us that the book’s purpose is for gaining wisdom and practical instruction for prudent behavior. The king’s book provides guidelines for living in righteousness, justice, and integrity as these reflect God’s heart. (Proverbs 1:3)

Unlike biblical books like Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, Mark and several others, Proverbs is not written in narrative form but in a poetic format. The first nine chapters of Proverbs are written in discourse form where a father is talking to his son as he instructs his son in wisdom. (Carpenter Commentary)

This is important for us as readers because as we work through Proverbs, we need to understand God is providing us with guidelines that increase our “fear of the Lord” which leads to greater knowledge and discipline according to His will. (Proverbs 1:7)

The Everyday Application

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

Proverbs offers us encouragement and focus amidst life’s regular, everyday moments of distraction. Regular, consistent intake of Proverbs reminds us that God’s wisdom brings clarity and singular focus on Him, allowing the clouds of distraction to fade away.

“We can’t completely control what thoughts come into our mind. But we do have a choice of what we dwell on.” (The Bible Says) Proverbs is an excellent choice for “dwelling” upon the character of the Lord and allowing His Spirit to guide us in His ways every day.

Within the safety of God’s wisdom we find opportunity for growth, spiritual challenge, increasing depth of character, and a desire to keep seeking the things that set our minds on Him rather than the distractions of this world. (Colossians 3:1-4)

The Original Intent

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)

Imagine a father speaking to his son out of love and a desire to see his son follow a straight path that is under God’s authority. This is the manner in which the writer of Proverbs penned this book under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we can study this passage and see a biblical standard from which to live our life.

King Solomon instructs his son to pay attention to my words and listen closely (verse 20), don’t lose sight and keep them in your heart (verse 21), guard your heart above all else (verse 23), don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly (verse 24), fix your gaze and look forward (verse 25), carefully consider the path for your feet (verse 26), and keep your feet away from evil (verse 27).

These directives build the foundation of practical “how-to” instructions for wise living under God’s authority

The Everyday Application

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)      

As we think through practical ways we can maintain our focus on Christ, this passage gives clarity to how we accomplish this in real life. In an age of relativism and entertainment, God’s word must be stored in our hearts and regularly placed at the forefront of our minds. Our gaze must be on the fixed point of Christ, the perfecter and pioneer of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2) 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 tells us God’s word should be stored in our hearts and talked about with our families. This active engaging dialogue is not just a Sunday morning mission to keep God’s word close, rather it’s an everyday moment-by-moment call to action. In Deuteronomy 6:7-9, the author described a daily encounter and connection with God’s Word in the course of our normal walking, talking, sitting, and lying down.

The daily circumstances of life can distract us from the things God desires for us. When we intentionally and carefully consider where we are spending time and where we are establishing ourselves, what do we see? God’s wisdom described in Proverbs shows us that true life is found in Him, therefore, we should place our focus on Him. (Proverbs 4:23)

The Original Intent

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

In verse 22, King Solomon describes that following these commands will give “health to the whole body”. In the words of David Guzik, “God’s word – communicated through the words and sayings of this father to his children – brings life and health. The pursuit of wisdom is rewarded.” (Enduring Word)

In verse 26, Solomon says all our ways will be established when we follow the commands given in this passage. Although these are not guaranteed “if-then” statements, the general principle the wise king described is that when we follow the wisdom of God’s way and His path, there will be a delighted experience of well-being for heart, mind, and soul. 

The Everyday Application

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

Proverbs 3:1-12, in a similar vein to this passage, provides direction and wisdom for how to follow God and the resulting rewards of living according to His wisdom. Keeping His commands brings a “full life” and “well-being” (Proverbs 3:2) as well as “a straight path to follow” (Proverbs 3:6).

Following God does not mean you will have a perfect life without issue or struggle, but when we intentionally choose to follow His ways, we actively trust and rely on His wisdom instead of our own.

God’s wisdom is a solid foundation that stands when all else around us crumbles. (Matthew 7:24-27) In our weariness and distraction, the Lord offers hope and focus to carry out His mission. (Isaiah 40:28) 

Tags :
Proverbs,trust,wisdom,wise
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Resting Day 10 Journey Study

Idolatry is a heart issue rooted in pride and begetting self-centeredness, greed, and a love of possession. Left unchecked, idolatry quickly distances us from God, but when we turn to Him in repentance we find in God’s gracious embrace, “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more[.]” (Romans 5:20)

In His forgiveness and through the work of His Spirit within us, we are freed from idolatry.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
May 8 - May 26, 2023 - Journey Theme #118

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!