What Only God Can Do

What Only God Can Do
LYSA TERKEURST

“Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.” 1 Kings 18:29 (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself in a place of utter desperation? A season of life where you don’t understand why God won’t please just rain down some form of relief?

This is where we find God’s people in 1 Kings 18 — a passage of Scripture I’d love to look at together today. It opens with the Israelites longing for rain in the midst of a long season of drought.

That word “drought” stirs up such vivid images. Sun-scorched land that’s dry as dust. Fields once lush and green left brown, brittle and barren. Parched lips cracked and thirsting desperately for even the tiniest drop of relief.

And while we may not all be able to identify with a drought, most of us can probably testify to going through an incredibly dry season within. A drought of the soul.

It’s in those drought seasons when we can be tempted to turn to anyone or anything to satisfy the ravenous thirst of our aching soul. We want something or someone to bring us relief. To fill us up and make us feel whole. It’s as if we walk around carrying a little heart-shaped cup that we extend to whomever or whatever we perceive might fill it — friends, family, material possessions, achievements, goals.

But anything we turn to instead of God to satisfy us or to save us is an idol. It’s a false god.

Which brings us back to 1 Kings 18. This passage depicts a showdown of epic proportions between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal — the false god they’d been worshipping instead of the one true God.

Elijah challenges the people of Israel to choose whom they will serve — God or Baal. In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah tells the people they couldn’t keep wavering between two different opinions. The Hebrew word for “opinions” is se‘ip·pîm and can literally be translated as a “crutch, which is used to support a weak leg.” The idea here is that the Israelites found themselves limping between Baal and Yahweh. The only stability they would find was the solid foundation of God. The word in Psalm 119:113 translated as “double-minded” comes from the same root word as se‘ip·pîm: “I hate the double-minded, but I love your law” (ESV). Elijah was clearly letting the people know that the time of living on the fence was over. They had to determine whom they would worship.

When they say nothing in response, Elijah throws down the gauntlet to King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Each side will build an altar, sacrifice a bull and call on their deity to rain down fire and consume the sacrifice. The deity who responds with fire is the one the people will accept as God.

The prophets of Baal go first. They prepare their altar. They shout. They dance. They even slash themselves until their blood flows. “But,” Scripture tells us, “there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention” (1 Kings 18:29b).

Reread that last sentence again.

There was no response. No one answered. No one even paid attention.

What’s so ironic is that Baal was known as “the god of the storm.” Yet … they heard no thunderous noise when they called on him. No booming response. Not even one drop of rain to ease the land or one spark of flame to ignite their offering. Instead, there was only silence.

Elijah then ups the stakes by having the altar of the Lord doused repeatedly in water in order to magnify the grandeur and supremacy of the God of Israel. Baal’s silence and inactivity sets the stage for the splendor of God.

Then God does what only He can do. He sends a consuming bolt of fire and dramatically devours the altar Elijah had prepared. The people of Israel repent, and the prophets of Baal are slaughtered. All because the one true God — our God — made Himself known that day.

Oh, friends. This passage holds such a strong warning for us. Especially when we find ourselves in a drought season, longing for relief — the reminder that no other god will do.

No person, possession, profession or pain-relieving substance will ever fill the cup of a wounded, empty heart — not my heart, not your heart. It's an emptiness only God can fill.

Our God who responds. Our God who answers. Our God who always pays attention.

Father God, forgive me for the times I’ve turned to anyone or anything other than You for soul satisfaction. You and You alone are worthy of my worship and my praise. And so, I fix my eyes on You. Confessing I want You to be the One who reigns in my life. Asking You to rain down fresh hope on my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Jeremiah 29:12, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (NIV)

Avoiding Compromise

Avoiding Compromise

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Proverbs 2

 

Although the temptation to compromise threatens every believer, we don't have to give in. If we're aware of the danger and understand the downward progression and ultimate consequences, we can determine to be vigilant in obedience to the Lord.

 

The first step in learning how to avoid compromise is understanding why it is so tempting. When others pressure us to take part in in what we know God has forbidden, it's easy to give in because we don't want to feel rejected. But anyone who's committed to living a godly life must be willing to stand alone and face ridicule or even persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). At other times, we consent to activities that violate our conscience just to avoid conflict, but peace at any price means we have to sacrifice obedience to God.

 

However, the temptation to compromise doesn't always originate with others. In fact, James 1:14 says we are tempted when we're carried away by our own lusts. How many Christians have fallen into sexual immorality or pornography by desiring a second look? Greed is another motivation that drives us to compromise. If you fudge on your income tax or take a few things home from the office, you've stepped over the line of obedience to God. Our choices should be based on scriptural truth, not on our feelings and desires.

 

In order to stand firm against compromise, we must make God's Word the standard for our conduct. If you begin each day with the Lord in His Word, He will guide your way. Then when the Spirit gives a warning, obey immediately, because giving consideration to the temptation opens a door for Satan.

3 Consequences of Rejecting God’s Authority

3 Consequences of Rejecting God’s Authority
by Jennifer Waddle

If you’ve ever been on a road trip with a toddler, you’ve probably experienced the struggle of trying to keep them buckled in their carseat for hours on end.They don’t understand that the restraints are keeping them safe, and that ultimately, you love them and know what is best.

So it is with mankind and their Maker.

From the beginning of creation until now, people have tried to cast off every restraint placed on them by the loving hand of God. Not willing to yield to the perfect will of the Father, nations have rejected God’s authority again and again.

Though the Lord remains faithful, He also maintains justice, and there are consequences to rejecting His authority. Here are 3 of them listed in the Bible:

1. They get what they ask for.

They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. Psalm 106:13-15 NKJV

Nations that disregard God’s counsel in favor of their own lusts eventually get what they ask for. Sadly, though their flesh is satisfied, their soul is parched like a dry and thirsty land with no water.

Let us come to the Fountain of Living Water—to the well that never runs dry—and drink to the full of God’s goodness and mercy! (John 4:10)

2. They suffer unnecessarily.

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom will ascend like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:24

The horrendous aftermath of a wildfire may be an accurate word picture of the consequences that a nation without God will suffer. Consumed by their own falsehoods, those who reject the Word of the Lord will suffer unnecessarily.

However! The Lord is faithful and just to forgive. (1 John 1:9) He longs for us to return to Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He longs to cover us with His mighty hand and be our Protector.

Let us repent and humble our hearts before Him that He might come and heal our land!
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

3. They are left to their own devices.

Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten the God who fathered you.
And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters. And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith. Deuteronomy 32:18-20 NKJV

Rejection of the Lord’s sovereignty and provision only leads to a desolate ending. Without faith in the One who made us, we are empty, lacking, and ultimately left to our own devices.

Let us turn back to our Rock and remember our Maker. Just like the father, who was waiting at the window for the return of his prodigal son, so the Lord is waiting for us to return to Him!

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

Give No Quarter

Give No Quarter
by Ryan Duncan

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” – Ephesians 6:10-1

To God, Sin is a cancerous tumor that must be cut out of your lives completely. Maybe you’re a guy who’s fallen into the grip of pornography, or a girl who can’t stop putting others down through gossip.

We tell ourselves these things are just human weakness and they don’t mean anything, but God will never approve of our “guilty pleasures”. Christ’s grace has given us a way to battle Sin, and in this unseen war the winner takes all. So, if you’re ready to fight, remember to put on the Armor of God, and give the Devil no quarter.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Are you allowing yourself to compromise with sin? Consider how this is affecting your relationship with Christ.

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed
By Jennifer Rothschild

“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.” Psalm 61:2 (NLT)

Sometimes we can’t change all the stuff in our lives that feels bigger than we can handle. But, whatever feels bigger than you is still puny compared to the Rock that is higher than you!

When I feel flat-out overwhelmed and under-qualified and out-of-sorts, I’m learning not to run away from my stress. I am also learning not to run to a bag of chocolate!

Instead, I’m learning to run to God — to His Word — in the overwhelming middle of my stress!

When I run to God’s Word, even just one verse, I find that God is my “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in of trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). When I run to Him, I find that my refuge isn’t an escape from my stress. God is my refuge. I’m reminded once again that my strength doesn’t come from me and my stamina or drive. My strength comes from the Lord.

He is the rock that is higher than I am. When I run to His Word, I discover that His law is “my delight” and it protects me and keeps me from totally freaking out or giving up or falling apart. (Psalm 119:92) He really is the Rock that is stronger and higher than anything you and I face.

If you feel the need to run away, lace up your running shoes, and go for it! Run into the strong arms of Jesus. He is Your strength. He is your Rock. He is your refuge.

And, when you find yourself sheltered in the truth of His Word and in the sanctuary of His presence, all the stress that overwhelmed you and felt bigger than you suddenly shrinks down to the pebble size it really is!

God’s Word gives you the perspective you need. God’s presence gives you the peace you need, so run away … run to the Rock who’s waiting to shelter and settle you.

Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.