The Passing of the Mantle

I Kings 19:19-21; 3 Kingdoms 19:19-21 On our previous visit with Elijah, we found him at Mt. Horeb (Sinai) in a rather dismal state. But God worked with him and convinced him that he still had work to do. It would be another long and difficult journey to the...

“What in the World is Going On?” (part 3)

Psalm 2: 7-12 As we noted, in closing Part 2, God was certainly not pleased with the leadership, conduct nor attitude of the rulers in the Middle East in King David’s time. However, reflecting on the psalm as a whole, the Lord’s concern with national leaders was not limited...

“What in the World is Going On?” (part 2)

This probably should have been included within Part 1, but better late than never I suppose. We noted there that the Lord attributed a large portion of the world’s troubles to ungodly, unruly, and arrogant rulers. We have also seen, in the ministry of Elijah, the suffering of the...

“What in the World is Going On?” (part 1)

Psalm 2: 1-6 Some years ago, we heard the story of a preacher and his wife driving through the mountains of western North Carolina. As they stopped for a break in front of an old country store, the wife noticed the still figure of a man sitting in a...

Has Elijah Given Up?

I Kings 19: 1-18 Following the clear demonstration of God’s power in the rain of fire at Mt. Carmel, one would assume that all would now be well in Israel. Furthermore, we might think of reading that Elijah was lauded as their hero – parades, a day in his...

Retribution, Rain, Retreat (Decision Day Postscript)

I Kings 18: 40-45 The aftermath to the victory at Mt. Carmel is, in part, difficult to accept. However, we would be remiss if we just ignored. So, let’s take a look. When the matter was clearly settled, Elijah turned immediately and called the people to seize the prophets...

Decision Day at Mt. Carmel: Part 2

I Kings 18: 20-40; 3 Kingdoms 18: 20-40 As we closed Part 1, the people of Israel were making their way to the crest of Mt. Carmel. They were about to witness a confrontation – both terrestrial and celestial – between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal....

Decision Day at Mt. Carmel: Part 1

I Kings 18: 20-40; 3 Kingdoms 18: 20-40 From the time Elijah first appeared before King Ahab boldly proclaiming God’s judgment upon Israel, on through his experiences at Cherith and Zarephath, one is gripped with the sense that the great prophet was being prepared and led to some gigantic,...

Mother’s Day – I Remember Mama

From Kh. Dannie Dear Sisters, Happy Mother’s Day! Whether a mother, by giving physical birth, by having adopted children, by being a godparent, by teaching children, by caring for those in situations who needed a mother’s love, we have all touched a child’s life. Mother’s Day blessings to all...

Cave of Adullam – a special place

I Samuel 22: 1,2; I Kingdoms 22:1,2 There are times in our lives – when adversaries rise against us or daunting challenges lay ahead of us – that may strike us with fear or delude us with doubt or cloud us with confusion. Such times call for an extra...