Go Up!

In the realm where impossibilities reign,

Where troubles persist and hardships maintain,

There lies a power, pure and serene,

A force unseen, yet in heart it's keen.

The power of prayer, so profound and deep,

Can stir the heavens from their sleep.

It brings about change, in situations dire,

Lights the way, sets the world on fire.

In God's promises, we anchor our trust,

Even when life seems unjust.

His word stands firm, His love endures,

In every trial, His promise assures.

Persistence in prayer, a lesson we learn,

To keep the faith, for His promise we yearn.

Though answers may tarry, they will come in time,

In His perfect rhythm, in His sublime rhyme.

We may not fathom His divine timing,

Yet in every sunset, in every morning,

We see His handiwork, His artistry unfold,

In every tale of time, His story is told.

With God, indeed, all things are possible,

His love is vast, His grace is unstoppable.

In obedience, we walk this journey long,

In His presence, we find where we belong.

 

REFLECTION:

“Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain” (1 Kings 18:41).

The power of prayer can bring about change, even in seemingly impossible situations. We should have faith in God’s promises, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Persistence in prayer is a lesson for us to continue in prayer until we see God’s promises fulfilled. 

God’s perfect timing. We may not understand His timing, but we can trust that He knows best. With God, all things are possible. Obedience is important in our walk with God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging the power of prayer. We believe that it can bring about change, even in seemingly impossible situations. Help us to always turn to You in prayer, trusting in Your power and Your love.

Lord, we choose to have faith in Your promises, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Help us to hold onto Your word, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill what You have promised.

Teach us the value of persistence in prayer. May we continue to pray until we see Your promises fulfilled. Give us the patience to wait upon You and the perseverance to keep praying.

We acknowledge Your perfect timing, Lord. We may not always understand it, but we trust that You know best. Help us to trust in Your timing and to rest in Your sovereignty.

We believe that with You, all things are possible. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to trust in Your limitless power.

Finally, Lord, we understand that obedience is important in our walk with You. Help us to obey Your commands and to live in a way that pleases You.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Stories of the Prophets

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

1 Kings 18:1-46

First Reading | 1 Kings 18:41-46

41 Elijah then said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees. 43 “Climb up and look out to sea,” he directed his servant, who went up and looked, but reported, “There is nothing.” Seven times he said, “Go look again!” 44 And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.’” 45 In a trice, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel. 46 But the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel. 

Background:

1 Kings 18:41-46 is a significant passage in the Bible that showcases the power of prayer and faith. This passage occurs after a monumental showdown between God’s prophet, Elijah, and the prophets of Baal.

In this passage, Elijah tells King Ahab to eat and drink as he hears the sound of a heavy rain. Despite the land being in drought for three and a half years, Elijah, through his powerful prayer, prophesies the end of the drought. He sends his servant seven times to look towards the sea, and on the seventh time, the servant reports seeing a small cloud rising. This small cloud is a sign of the coming rain.

Elijah then tells Ahab to hitch up his chariot and go down before the rain stops him. As predicted, the sky grows black with clouds, the wind rises, and a heavy rain starts falling. Ahab rides off to Jezreel, and the power of the Lord comes upon Elijah, enabling him to outrun Ahab’s chariot all the way to Jezreel.

This passage highlights Elijah’s powerful prayer life. His prayers brought about a drought, fire from heaven, a resurrection, and finally, rain. These events demonstrate the effectiveness of righteous prayer and the true power of God. It’s a pivotal event in Israel’s spiritual history, showcasing divine intervention and the power of faith.

Learning Lessons:

1 Kings 18:41-46 offers several important spiritual lessons:

Power of Prayer: Elijah’s prayer brings about a miraculous rain after a long drought. This teaches us about the power of prayer and how it can bring about change, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Faith in God’s Promises: Despite the clear sky, Elijah had faith in God’s promise of rain. This shows us the importance of having faith in God’s promises, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.

Persistence in Prayer: Elijah sends his servant seven times to look for a sign of rain. This persistence in prayer is a lesson for us to continue in prayer until we see God’s promises fulfilled.

God’s Timing: The rain did not come immediately after Elijah’s prayer, but only after seven times. This teaches us about God’s perfect timing. We may not understand His timing, but we can trust that He knows best.

God’s Supernatural Power: The power of the Lord comes upon Elijah, enabling him to outrun Ahab’s chariot. This demonstrates God’s supernatural power and reminds us that with God, all things are possible.

Obedience to God: Elijah was obedient to God’s instructions, which led to the miracle of rain. This underscores the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

These lessons remind us of the power of prayer, the importance of faith and persistence, the reality of God’s timing, and the necessity of obedience. They encourage us to trust in God’s promises and His supernatural power in our lives.

Come Rain or Shine

God will sustain us, come rain or shine,

In our relationship with the divine.

What matters most, in this grand submission,

Is a heart filled with humble contrition.

In the realm where divine eyes fall,

Justice awaits the wicked, one and all.

Evil lurks, of this we're aware,

Yet by it, we must not ensnare.

Strive we must, to be the light,

In the world's ever looming night.

Problems surround, they're part and parcel,

Yet from them, we mustn't always travel.

Face them we should, with courage so bold,

With faith in God, our hand He'll hold.

Through trials and tribulations, come what may,

Our burdens on Him, we can lay.

Reflection:

 “I would wait for him who saves me from the violent storm and the tempest.” (Psalm 55:8)

God sees all and will bring the wicked to justice. We should be aware of the evil in the world, but not to be overcome by it. Instead, we should strive to be lights in the darkness. It’s natural to want to escape from our problems, but we can’t always run away from them. Instead, we should face them with courage and faith in God. No matter what we’re going through, we can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us. What is important is humility and submission in our relationship with God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You see all, nothing escapes Your divine gaze. We pray for justice, for the wicked to face their days. Help us be aware of the evil that lurks, but let us not be overcome, strengthen our works. Guide us to be lights in the enveloping dark, to shine Your love, to leave a mark. It's natural to want to escape our strife, but remind us, we can't always run from life.

Give us courage, give us faith, to face our fears, to confront our problems, to wipe our tears. No matter the storm, no matter the fuss, we cast our burdens on You, for You will sustain us. In our relationship with You, let humility be our guide, submission to Your will, with no pride. For what matters most in this divine relation, is a humble heart, and complete submission.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of  Psalms 42-72

A LAMENT OVER BETRAYAL

Psalm 55:1-24

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23

R: Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. 

7 And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest. 8 Far away I would flee; I would lodge in the wilderness.” (R) 9 “I would wait for him who saves me from the violent storm and the tempest.” 10 Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels. (R) In the city I see violence and strife; 11 day and night they prowl about upon its walls. (R) 23 Cast your care upon the Lord, and he will support you; never will he permit the just man to be disturbed. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 55 is traditionally believed to have been written by David during a time of great distress, possibly during a rebellion or power struggle against him. A key figure in this struggle was a trusted associate who betrayed David. Some commentators suggest that this could be referring to Absalom’s rebellion and Ahithophel’s treachery, although this is not definitively confirmed.

The specific verses you mentioned (Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23) express David’s deep anguish and his longing for escape from his troubles. Here’s a brief overview:

Psalm 55:7-8: David expresses a desire to escape his troubles, wishing he had wings like a dove to fly away and find rest. He imagines wandering far off and remaining in the wilderness, away from the turmoil.

Psalm 55:9-10: David prays for God to confound his enemies and observes the violence and strife in the city. He notes that day and night, wickedness and trouble are rampant within the city.

Psalm 55:10-11: This is a continuation of the previous verses, further describing the wickedness and deceit that do not depart from the city streets.

Psalm 55:23: In this verse, David expresses his trust in God, urging others to cast their burdens on the Lord, who will sustain them. He declares that God will bring down the wicked into the pit of destruction.

In summary, these verses from Psalm 55 reflect David’s deep distress, his longing for escape, his observations of the wickedness around him, and his ultimate trust in God’s justice.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23 provides several valuable lessons for believers:

Desire for Escape: In verses 7-8, David expresses a desire to escape his troubles. This teaches us that it’s natural to want to escape from our problems, but it also reminds us that we can’t always run away from them. Instead, we should face them with courage and faith in God.

Observation of Wickedness: In verses 9-10 and 10-11, David observes the wickedness in the city. This teaches us to be aware of the evil in the world, but not to be overcome by it. Instead, we should strive to be lights in the darkness.

Trust in God: In verse 23, David expresses his trust in God. This is a powerful lesson for all believers. No matter what we’re going through, we can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us.

God’s Justice: Also in verse 23, David speaks of God’s justice. This reminds us that God sees all and will bring the wicked to justice. This can give us comfort when we see injustice in the world.

Humility and Submission: Throughout the passage, David models humility and submission to God. Even in his distress, he turns to God for help. This teaches us the importance of humility and submission in our relationship with God.

In summary, Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10, 10-11, 23 teaches us about the desire for escape, the observation of wickedness, trust in God, God’s justice, and the importance of humility and submission. These lessons can guide us in our walk with God. (Copilot)

Water of Life

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 

Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, 

streams of living water will flow from within him."

John. 7:37-38

The Angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the facade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side. (Ezekiel 47:1-2)

This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes every living creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. (Ezekiel 47:8-9)

"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. 

Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water 

welling up to eternal life."

John. 4:14

"And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12)

FREE GIFT

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life" (Rev. 21:6).

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Is. 55:1). Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life (Rev. 22:17).

THIRST FOR GOD

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Mt. 5:6).

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God.

A thirst is my soul for God, 

the living God. 

When shall I go and behold the face of God? (Psalm 42:2-3)






I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land (Ps. 143:6). As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God (Ps. 42:1). In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II : The Book of Signs

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER

John 7:3739

The New Law

THE WONDERFUL STREAM

Ezekiel 47:1-12

II : The Book of Signs

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

John 4:4-42

VI : The New Creation

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

Revelation 21:1-8

VII : Epilogue

THE NEW JERUSALEM

Revelation 22:6-21

II : Expiation of Sin, Spiritual Liberation of Israel

AN INVITATION TO GRACE

Revelation 55:1-13

II : The Proclamation of the Kingdom

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - BEATITUDES

Matthew 5:1-12

Second Book

LONGING FOR GOD'S PRESENCE IN THE TEMPLE

Psalm 42-1-12

Fifth Book

A PRAYER IN DISTRESS

Psalm 143:1-12

Published: 
May 08, 2017, 7:53 AM

November 19, 2012 6:28AM

July 6, 2011

WATER OF AFFLICTION

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. - Isaiah 30:19-20

ABUNDANCE OF RAIN

He will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. - Isaiah 30:23

A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; Your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy. -- Psalm 68:10-11



Pericope:

FUTURE ALLIANCE WITH EGYPT - Isaiah 30:1-22
THE EXODUS AND CONQUEST, PLEDGE OF FUTURE HELP - Psalm 68:1-36

Published:

May 19, 2015, 9:37AM

SHOWERS OF BLESSING

Shower of Blessings
by: Bayless Conley

In Ezekiel 34:26, God is speaking, and He says,

“I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

In this passage, God is certainly speaking of natural rain when He talks about the showers He will send.  Those are rains He promised to Israel which would water the land and cause it to increase and be fruitful and bring an abundant harvest. 

But, more than that, when God says there will be showers of blessing, He is talking about bringing blessings into the lives of His people.  The rain is symbolic of more than just the rain that falls to the earth.  It symbolizes the good things that God wants to bring into the lives of those who serve Him.

God wants to bring showers of blessings into your life.  Not just a blessing or two, but showers of blessings.  An abundance of blessings.

You may feel like you are in a season of drought rather than experiencing showers of blessings.  So over the next few devotionals, I will help you understand:

• The three ways God brings blessing into the lives of people
• The things that can cause a spiritual drought
• How you can break such a drought in your life

For today, what I want you to begin to see is God’s desire to rain blessings into your life.  If you are feeling a spiritual drought, I pray God will use the coming devotionals to help you break that drought, and experience the refreshing rains of His blessing.

RAIN BRINGS BLESSING

The Blessing of God's Spiritual Influence
 By: Bayless Conley

In the beginning of Isaiah 55, God invites His people to come to Him and fellowship with Him.  In verses 3 and 6 God says,

"Incline your ear, and come to Me.  Hear, and your soul shall live….  Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

In verses 10-11, we are told what happens to those who respond to this invitation, to God’s call to come and seek Him and listen to Him,

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

In the same way rain brings blessing when it waters the earth (causing it to bring a bountiful harvest and fruitfulness into the lives of the people), so God’s spiritual influence brings refreshment and fruitfulness to our lives.

What is God’s spiritual influence?  It is the impact of His Word and His Spirit upon the hearts of His children.

When you come to God, when you respond to His call to seek Him and incline your ear, He will speak to you.  And the effect His Word has when He speaks it into your life, into your heart, is the same effect that rain has on the earth.

His Word, as it penetrates your heart, will bring refreshment, enlightenment, and ultimately, fruitfulness.  It will bring revival into your heart causing spiritual growth and progress.