THE WRONG PATH
Suggested Reading: 2 Kings 9
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Southeast of Haifa lies Mount Carmel. As you stand on its peak, below you can see the fertile plains of the Jezreel Valley which, during the course of 7,000 years, has seen countless battles. The Book of Revelation identifies this spot as the place where the final battle of Armageddon will be fought. It was on Mount Carmel that Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 9:6
Then he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel…'”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, thank You for setting such an example for me. You demonstrated that as a human being, not using Your divine nature to help Yourself, I too can “do the things that please Him.” I ask that I will be given daily grace to remain always faithful to You. Because of Your indwelling presence, I live with confidence in Your keeping power. May the smile of Your approval be upon me. In Your Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
From my earliest memories hearing or reading the children’s Bible stories, I saw Jehu as a hero. Those stories would gloss over the worst parts. Jehu driving his chariot “furiously” was an exciting mental picture for me. I could imagine myself driving a chariot like that. Then there was the death of Jezebel and the dogs attacking the remains of this exceedingly wicked woman. I may have been older when I remember thinking that this was justice because of her crimes against humanity. Around this time I also remember seeing the body of the Italian dictator, Mussolini, near the close of World War II, hanging from a balcony in a central city square. It was justice, people said. I understood from Scripture that all of us “reap what we have sown.” A New Testament reading I’ve just looked up is Galatians 6:7-10. Those verses speak to me of reaping good things also. This “good” reaping will continue into eternity in Heaven as I stand at the judgement seat of Christ, where believers are judged according to their works and eternal rewards are given or withheld (see 2 Corinthians 5:6-10).
Yours for laying up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21),
David
The statue of Elijah at the Carmelite Monastery on Mount Carmel reflects the Lord's victory over the prophets of Baal. Shortly afterward, fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the altar, and even the water.
That is indeed the wonderful thing about this life! God doesn’t force his hand and demand that we do this or that, rather he has given us the freedom to choose. This may be somewhat of a simplistic statement but to a large extent, life is what we make of it; whether we decide to use it exclusively for our own earthly gain or to invest in God’s eternal Kingdom, that’s for each and every one of us to decide. The principle of sowing and reaping holds true for everyone.
Mt 6:19-21: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So in love with you, Jesus! Our hearts are so with you!
It’s a miracle that no matter how many times we may fail in life, You are always there with the same unconditional love for us to return to. You embrace us with Your loving grace; allow us to grow stronger in Your mercy; and by receiving and living in your Word, our faith is bonded forever.
Wishing all saints a beautiful day!
thank you for your words this morning. i have been a follower of your blog from the beginning and i continue to grow and enjoy reading the word. also love the comments by fellow bloggers. Blessings to all and prayers to you pastor david.
How true where our treasure is tere our heart is also , may i always be near
my Savior so I willnot wander, but run to my Savior Blessing to you all….R…
Amen!!! Amen!!! & Amen!!!!
Nancy
Good Morning, everyone thank you for your comments and the scriptures references, they are strong reminder about where our focus needs to be and on Whom. I read a great quote in my devotions last night and thought I would share it as it really spoke to me. The task of any witness for Christ is not to bring people to Christ but to bring Christ to people, tell them about Him,and then to leave it in the hands of the Holy Spirit to bring them to Christ. May everyone have a blessed day!!!
Thank you once again David for guiding us through the scriptures.
Lately as I feel myself wandering from the path I sing the chorus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will go strangely dim
In the Light of HIS GLORY and Grace.
Thanks fellow bloggers for your comments. Blesings on this beautiful day.
Dear David and precious fellow bloggers
When I see all the needs of so many all over the world I am left in deep sorrow and then I am so grateful that I can turn to the one and only who can fill that pain and show me what to do . Thank you Jesus for showing us in every scripture that only through obedience and abandonning of oneself letting the Holy spirit to direct our every step .
Have a blessed day.