1 Kings 17:14

"For thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel,
The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall
the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord
sendeth rain upon the earth."

This weeks devotional, really should be a commentary on the whole story of Elijah's encounter with the widow woman and her son. To keep it short this is one of the verses that jumped out at me. Basically, this is the promise from God because of the widows obedience to the command. If you go back to verse 12 though, her attitude was bleak at best. Isn't that just like us? When things get tough or tight, we just go to pieces. I am guilty of that at times. More importantly, when she was obedient, God still blessed her. God does not give us just one chance and that's it. If He did, this would have been all over long ago. He pursues us with His love. He wants to bless us. We are His children. What parent doesn't want good things for their kids? When Elijah spoke and said make me a cake first, she had a choice. Either tell him to go pound sand, or obey him because he was a prophet from God delivering a message. Her choice turned out to be the correct one. Miraculously her flour and oil never ran out. It was there every day waiting for her. Why? Simple obedience. Later on down the line she wavered a bit when her son died. Once again, just like us. We get so used to having God's blessings, that when a trial comes our way we panic and freak out. It's almost as if we loose the reverence and awe for who He is. We are always focused on what He has done instead. Don't get me wrong. They both have their place, but until we are just thankful for who He is, we will never truly appreciate His blessings on our lives. Or more importantly, the trials that we face so that our faith will be stretched and we will grow spiritually. Not too much else to say about this except that, God is our provider. He is our sustainer. If right now you are tired from trying, trying, trying to always make things happen, so that you are ahead. Stop. It wears on the soul and puts on unneeded miles. Just see Him for who He is and trust Him. Easier said then done. It's a conscience decision daily, to let go and allow Him to do the work. Once your there, keep doing it. It's truly the only way to live. Be blessed this week and know He loves you.

Bob

John 6:68

"Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord,
to whom shall we go?Thou hast the words
of eternal life."

I posted on this verse back in March, but for some reason it is on my mind and heart again. Hopefully with some fresh insight. I am sure you have heard someone at some point say, "The only sure thing is death and taxes." You know I have to partially agree with that statement. To date the current death rate is one per person, guaranteed. As for taxes? Up, up and away! The part I don't agree with is, "the only sure thing." Peter here is responding to Jesus when He asks them, are you going to leave me too? See the march post for a little background on what Jesus had just taught on. Basically He just finished saying, He is the only way to Heaven. To be honest, i have tried many things in this life. Most, if not all of them are a let down in some way. Your probably saying right now, wow Bob, what a downer. Not really. It all makes perfect sense. You see, God set this whole thing up so that nothing would satisfy like His love and a personal relationship with Him. Remember, this is the fallen world. At creation, the garden was perfect with no let downs. God walked with Adam in the garden in the cool of the day and all was right. What happened? Sin entered the world through one man's choice. The rest, as they say, is history. Truly though, Knowing God is the only real deal in life. Yes we have responsibilities and things we like doing etc. I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the deepest part of your existence being satisfied completely. Once you come to realize that Jesus death on the cross was the ultimate act of love for you and I, it all makes perfect sense. The other things just don't mean as much anymore. They don't touch you at the core. Peter knew from the short time he had spent with Jesus, that something was different about Him. Something was special. Though Peter would later on deny Him three times, Christ still came to Him and reassured him of His love for Him. That's what I call a sure thing. Yes there have been times in this life I have blamed God, directed God, cursed the day, you name it. Thankfully though, His grace and mercy came beside me and allowed those nail pierced hands to rest on my shoulder and reassure me, just who He is. Also to wrap those loving arms around me to give me rest. That's the only sure thing. You might say Jesus works for you, Bob, but me, I don't need anyone or anything. That is fine too. In the end there can only be one truth, and we will all find out on that day when we stand before Him. Man I hope that day is soon. So be encouraged this weekend and really think about it. What is the only sure thing?
Bob