September 30-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:13, When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah is on Mt. Sinai, where Moses had his encounter with God. There seem to be special places where God has a tendency to show up more often than others. Asbury University has had several spontaneous spiritual awakenings in its history where students and faculty powerfully encountered the presence of Jesus. I pray that our churches would become known for the same. In this encounter, Elijah just heard the gentle whisper of God and covered his face for he knew that he couldn’t look on the holiness of God and live to tell about it. God asked him the same question he had earlier, “What are you doing here?” Elijah wasn’t supposed to be in this location, nor did he need to be spiritually depressed. God may be asking us the same question. Are we where we’re supposed to be geographically or spiritually? Are we willing to dive deep to discover what’s driving our inner world, that maybe, we’re living in fear rather than trusting God to lead us through the challenging circumstances that we’re facing today?
Relate it to your life.
God knows where we’re struggling spiritually and refuses to leave us there.
Do something.
“Father, please keep prodding and pushing me to go deeper and put all my trust in You. Amen.”
October 1-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:14, He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah’s story hasn’t changed. Earlier God had asked him the same question of what he was doing there, and Elijah gave the exact same answer in both places. He’s consistent in his message. Even with God passing by with an earthquake, wind, fire, and then a gentle whisper, he still feels the same. Depression doesn’t disappear easily even in the presence of God. Elijah knew the highs of victory in God’s service and also knew the lows that come from fear. Even though he had clearly heard the whisper of God speak, the voice that was still driving him was one of fear. Our emotional and spiritual condition will not change until we start paying attention to the Voice that speaks life, hope, and peace.
Relate it to your life.
I get to choose which of the many voices vying for my attention I will listen to.
Do something.
“Father, help me hear and heed Your life-giving word among so many messages that are harmful to the health of my soul. Amen.”
October 2-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:15-17, The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.
Observe what it is saying.
God told Elijah to go back the way he came. It was a long arduous journey. It would take him back through enemy territory, to face the threats of Queen Jezebel. God was asking Elijah to face his fear, to deal with his fear, to work through his fear. However, he didn’t have to do so alone. He was commanded to go. Whenever we obey God’s commands, we can be assured that we, also, walk in God’s presence, peace, and power. Elijah was given a new mission to anoint two kings, including one over a neighboring country, and to anoint a successor prophet for him. Elijah still had a purpose in God’s plans. Though he fell into the throes of fear and depression, God wasn’t finished with him. God isn’t finished with you either. Regardless, of how you are feeling or what you are facing, God wants to work HIs plan in your life.
Relate it to your life.
I can be confident in my future when I obediently walk in the way of God’s commands.
Do something.
“Father, give me such faith to trust and obey Your clear direction in all things and at all times Amen.”
October 3-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:18, Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah’s consistent complaint to God was he was the only righteous prophet or person left in Israel. God corrected him by letting him know there were 7,000 like him. In our increasing secular and pagan world, we may be feeling more and more like Elijah. Is there anyone else who holds to Christ as the way of salvation? Barna research says, “While fewer Americans are going to church today, most U.S. adults (72%) say they’re open and curious about spirituality—and even maintain a positive view of Jesus.” I, also, read recently that Contemporary Christian music is the fastest growing genre of music in the US. God promises to preserve a remnant of faithful believers. Though for the most part, cultural Christianity has died, we can rest assured there are millions of believers who are faithful followers of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I must find a tribe of true believers who grow strong together as faithful disciple-makers of Jesus Christ.
Do something.
“Father, keep my mind stayed on you, my heart in love with you, and my will obedient to You. Amen.”
October 4-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:19-20, So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah obeyed his new mission and found Elisha. He threw his cloak around him symbolizing the transfer of his prophetic authority and power. After doing so, Elijah appeared to continue on without a word being said. When Elisha realized what had just happened and what it meant, he ran after Elijah asking that for time to tell his family goodbye. Elijah's reply indicated that he had not called Elisha; it was God's call so whether Elisha would follow was his decision to make. This scene reminds us of Jesus’ calling additional disciples who made excuses, one of which asked to first say goodbye to his family. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Jesus refused his request because his mission was more urgent than Elijah’s. If we don’t decide to follow today, we may endlessly put it off. Scripture declares, “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)
Relate it to your life.
A call to follow God’s word and work should not cause any delay but to do so today.
Do something.
“Father, forgive me when I have procrastinated in following after You and obeying Your word. Amen.”
October 5-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:21, So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
Observe what it is saying.
If there was any doubt from yesterday’s episode about Elisha’s obedience to follow Elijah, this Scripture takes it away. He was all in. He sacrificed his means of employment and in an act of generosity, he not only gave it up, he generously gave it away so that others could enjoy a bountiful meal. After saying goodbye and leaving his means of support behind, he followed Elijah and became his servant. This reminds us of when the fishing partners were called to follow Jesus, and they left their nets, boats, and family behind to go after Jesus. They were all in. There’s no middle ground in being a Jesus follower.
Relate it to your life.
I need to survey my life to determine if I am still holding on to anything that prevents me from going all in.
Do something.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; See if there is any offensive way in me. Amen.”
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:13, When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah is on Mt. Sinai, where Moses had his encounter with God. There seem to be special places where God has a tendency to show up more often than others. Asbury University has had several spontaneous spiritual awakenings in its history where students and faculty powerfully encountered the presence of Jesus. I pray that our churches would become known for the same. In this encounter, Elijah just heard the gentle whisper of God and covered his face for he knew that he couldn’t look on the holiness of God and live to tell about it. God asked him the same question he had earlier, “What are you doing here?” Elijah wasn’t supposed to be in this location, nor did he need to be spiritually depressed. God may be asking us the same question. Are we where we’re supposed to be geographically or spiritually? Are we willing to dive deep to discover what’s driving our inner world, that maybe, we’re living in fear rather than trusting God to lead us through the challenging circumstances that we’re facing today?
Relate it to your life.
God knows where we’re struggling spiritually and refuses to leave us there.
Do something.
“Father, please keep prodding and pushing me to go deeper and put all my trust in You. Amen.”
October 1-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:14, He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah’s story hasn’t changed. Earlier God had asked him the same question of what he was doing there, and Elijah gave the exact same answer in both places. He’s consistent in his message. Even with God passing by with an earthquake, wind, fire, and then a gentle whisper, he still feels the same. Depression doesn’t disappear easily even in the presence of God. Elijah knew the highs of victory in God’s service and also knew the lows that come from fear. Even though he had clearly heard the whisper of God speak, the voice that was still driving him was one of fear. Our emotional and spiritual condition will not change until we start paying attention to the Voice that speaks life, hope, and peace.
Relate it to your life.
I get to choose which of the many voices vying for my attention I will listen to.
Do something.
“Father, help me hear and heed Your life-giving word among so many messages that are harmful to the health of my soul. Amen.”
October 2-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:15-17, The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.
Observe what it is saying.
God told Elijah to go back the way he came. It was a long arduous journey. It would take him back through enemy territory, to face the threats of Queen Jezebel. God was asking Elijah to face his fear, to deal with his fear, to work through his fear. However, he didn’t have to do so alone. He was commanded to go. Whenever we obey God’s commands, we can be assured that we, also, walk in God’s presence, peace, and power. Elijah was given a new mission to anoint two kings, including one over a neighboring country, and to anoint a successor prophet for him. Elijah still had a purpose in God’s plans. Though he fell into the throes of fear and depression, God wasn’t finished with him. God isn’t finished with you either. Regardless, of how you are feeling or what you are facing, God wants to work HIs plan in your life.
Relate it to your life.
I can be confident in my future when I obediently walk in the way of God’s commands.
Do something.
“Father, give me such faith to trust and obey Your clear direction in all things and at all times Amen.”
October 3-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:18, Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah’s consistent complaint to God was he was the only righteous prophet or person left in Israel. God corrected him by letting him know there were 7,000 like him. In our increasing secular and pagan world, we may be feeling more and more like Elijah. Is there anyone else who holds to Christ as the way of salvation? Barna research says, “While fewer Americans are going to church today, most U.S. adults (72%) say they’re open and curious about spirituality—and even maintain a positive view of Jesus.” I, also, read recently that Contemporary Christian music is the fastest growing genre of music in the US. God promises to preserve a remnant of faithful believers. Though for the most part, cultural Christianity has died, we can rest assured there are millions of believers who are faithful followers of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I must find a tribe of true believers who grow strong together as faithful disciple-makers of Jesus Christ.
Do something.
“Father, keep my mind stayed on you, my heart in love with you, and my will obedient to You. Amen.”
October 4-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:19-20, So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
Observe what it is saying.
Elijah obeyed his new mission and found Elisha. He threw his cloak around him symbolizing the transfer of his prophetic authority and power. After doing so, Elijah appeared to continue on without a word being said. When Elisha realized what had just happened and what it meant, he ran after Elijah asking that for time to tell his family goodbye. Elijah's reply indicated that he had not called Elisha; it was God's call so whether Elisha would follow was his decision to make. This scene reminds us of Jesus’ calling additional disciples who made excuses, one of which asked to first say goodbye to his family. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Jesus refused his request because his mission was more urgent than Elijah’s. If we don’t decide to follow today, we may endlessly put it off. Scripture declares, “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)
Relate it to your life.
A call to follow God’s word and work should not cause any delay but to do so today.
Do something.
“Father, forgive me when I have procrastinated in following after You and obeying Your word. Amen.”
October 5-Great Chapters of the Bible
Write out the Scripture.
1 Kings 19:21, So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
Observe what it is saying.
If there was any doubt from yesterday’s episode about Elisha’s obedience to follow Elijah, this Scripture takes it away. He was all in. He sacrificed his means of employment and in an act of generosity, he not only gave it up, he generously gave it away so that others could enjoy a bountiful meal. After saying goodbye and leaving his means of support behind, he followed Elijah and became his servant. This reminds us of when the fishing partners were called to follow Jesus, and they left their nets, boats, and family behind to go after Jesus. They were all in. There’s no middle ground in being a Jesus follower.
Relate it to your life.
I need to survey my life to determine if I am still holding on to anything that prevents me from going all in.
Do something.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; See if there is any offensive way in me. Amen.”
Posted in Daily Devotionals