ELIJAH
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17-18
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Ruins of ancient Samaria-Sebaste, capital of King Ahab and the northern 10 tribes of Israel. The prophets of Baal, Jezebel’s religion, dominated here when Elijah showed up. The ruins populate the hillside and comprise remains from six successive cultures dating back thousands of years: Canaanite, Israelite, Hellenistic, Herodian, Roman and Byzantine. This photo was taken in the modern Palestinian authority territory.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Kings 18:22
Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are 450 men.”
Who would have guessed that the odds favoured the one against so many formidable opponents? Yet that is precisely what happened. This dramatic confrontation has frequently drawn the comment, “One person with God is always a majority.” However, as Elijah learned, there were actually 100 other prophets of the Lord hiding (in 2 caves of 50 each), waiting for the day when they could boldly take a public stand once again. We should never give in to a “poor me pity party.” God ensures that we are never alone.
The Apostle Paul, in words to Timothy, felt very alone (Read 2 Timothy 4:9-16). But then he rallied and declared, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen”!!! Take time to worship God along with our prayers! He promised never to leave us alone. He’s over us, under us, around us and in us. Rejoice!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, Your eternal Word, which will never pass away, declares, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4b). Please grant me a constant awareness of Your presence. May I be as Paul urged me, “Be filled with Your Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). In the Name of the One who was filled at all times with the fullness of God, my Friend who sticks closer than a brother, the Lord Jesus. AMEN!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m very aware that there are more ungodly leaders featured here in Kings than godly ones. Therefore, I’m taking comfort in the fact that, while there are bad leaders in our world today, there are also some good ones. Over the last two days I’ve mentioned President Reagan of the USA and Canada’s second leader, Prime Minister MacKenzie. I’ve also mentioned a very godly leader of Great Britain, Prime Minister Gladstone, who sponsored missions all over the U.K. where people were led to Christ. He was the one who negotiated with our Canadian leaders for separation without violence. The 13 British colonies to the south fought a bloody war for separation. It would seem that in the case of the United States, while there were some godly leaders on the American side, they did not have godly people to deal with in England. The colonies to the north waited about 90 years, but Canada was born without bloodshed. One of the people on the Canadian side was a man whom God used by the name of Sir John A. MacDonald, our first Prime Minister. I sat for at least an hour beside his grave in Kingston, Ontario, meditating on all I had read about him over the years. Yes, he had an alcohol problem. Yes, he was a flawed human being like all of us, but he dreamed big dreams. I sat in his seat in the Presbyterian Church he attended in Kingston. I was the guest of the minister, Rev. Max Putnam, who was serving as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. I had studied history but learned for the first time from Max that John A. MacDonald had undergone an experience of genuine conversion to Christ, and for the last years of his life he shunned alcohol. Sometime later, in Grimsby, Ontario, I was shown a poster advertising a Methodist camp meeting at which our first Prime Minister was guest preacher. Finally, the press got it right in an article in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper headlined, “THE DAY SIR JOHN A. MET JESUS!” I’ll try to attach the article within the next couple of days, if I can locate it.
Yours to help encourage people in whom we can believe to run for leadership positions in all areas of human concern,
David
Sir John A. MacDonald, 1815-1891, first Prime Minister of Canada, 1867-1873. He served a second term as PM from 1878-1891.
Lord God, please bless and keep all Your children in Your special care today. Help us love You and others in all we do and say. For Your glory. In Jesus’s name, amen
Amen Rob!
Amen
Amen Rob!!
So true dear David Mainse; We are never alone.
“Because Jesus is risen, you are never alone (Matthew 28:20). You have all of God there is.” Dr. Jim Denison
Praying we will all enjoy the presence of our Lord and Saviour in our lives daily.
Amen Lynda!
It’s very encouraging to know thought in yesterday’s and today’s reading readings that we have Godly leaders in Parliament and in the political system and it’s also nice to know that there are some Christians in Ottowa I don’t know who they are but I know we have some so praise the Lord for our to Christian past prime ministers and thank you David for today’s word and bless all of my fellow bloggers today amen
Wonderful read in Bible and blogs today. God bless you Rob, Lynda D. and Marilyn. Yes there are Christians in Ottawa parliament and I have one on my fb who has done a great job for many years. Am blessed again by the account of Elijah today and apparently he was strong and sturdy proven by the fact that he outran King Ahab and his chariot to Jezreel as well as travelling the miles he did to Beersheba to hid from Jezebel. Just saw that the Duchess of Sussex had her baby boy. Pray God’s blessings on this child as what a world he will face. Sunny day in the Maritimes. God bless all.
Glad to hear about the new royal baby, Ger. God’s blessings on you in the east coast, today.
Dear Fellow Saints
I am in the midst of moving and downsizing–so much to do, so little time to do it. Your prayers for the peace of our Lord to come upon me and everything goes smoothly and safely would be appreciated.
This old gal cannot keep up with the big house anymore- but been here over 30 years- not just leaving the house, but the city I was born and raised in– to move closer to family– feeling overwhelmed on so many levels– thank you all so much for your prayer support at this transition time of my life. I know the Lord will work through all of you to shower me with peace in order to get me through the next couple of weeks. Amen
In our prayers, Donna. God’s blessings on you and your new journey. Very happy to hear this news from you.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Dear Father God, please bless Donna with peace and the strength to make this transition in her life. May you place kind and willing helpers in her path to help her along with her move. When she gets settled may you give her much favour adjusting to her new home. In Jesus’s precious name we pray, amen.
Happy Birthday Sah, I also wish that the year ahead of you will see the Lord answering all yours needs, accordingl to His Glory in Christ Jesus. ????Eleanor M.
Also agreeing in prayer for you Donna. ????
May the Peace of God that passes understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus! “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trust in Thee” Isaiah 26:3
Proverb 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths”
These are the words the Lord says to you Donna.
An d I pray Lord that you be with Donna at this difficult time as she leaves that which has been her life journey and home; I pray that You Lord go before her and prepare the way, that the home you are taking her to will welcome her with open arms of love! in Jesus Mighty Name I pray, Amen! that the transition will be seamless!
What a blessing it is to know that the Lord is God and is with us always guiding us on our road of life; that He n ever leaves us or forsakes us.
Thank you for this daily post where we can join together in that assurance. Thank you Mainse family!
What a Great Nation we have; thank you David for reminding us of that; and to continue to pray for godly leaders ; that this nation will be an nation under God!!
Amen to all the above comments!
Wishing SAH a very happy Birthday today!
May God bless you and meet all your needs in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Amen, be blessed on this day, your Birthday!
Donna, God will be with you every step of the way. How wonderful to know this. Even as you move away from your roots, He is there.
I’m also praying for you, Donna. Agreeing with the above prayers for peace, strength and favour. May this new home bring you much joy and may you be a witness for Christ where He is planting you, at this present phase of your life. May you look back one day and see how this move is indeed for the best.
God bless you!
Also wishing you Sah, a very happy and blessed birthday ????
May the year ahead bring about the turn-around that you’ve been asking the Lord for. Be blessed, my dear!
Joining all in prayer for you Donna that the Lord will give you strength and peace in this time of transition. Also a belated birthday greeting to you Sah.