Blogger's Note: On Wednesdays for the foreseeable future, I will be copying and pasting on this blog notes I take in my phone from sermons at the church I attend. My goal is to share both current week sermons (which will be posted on a different day of the week) as well as catch up on the backlog of notes. I want to also clarify that these are not my sermons, but rather the bullet point notes I put together. I enjoy our pastor's messages very much, and more importantly he preaches the Word of God as-is, which means the Spirit of God is imparting wisdom and knowledge through him. To God alone be the glory.
God is working. Good things are coming up.
Faith comes by hearing. Romans 10:17
Bible as history book, science book, poetry book, spiritual advice, practical advice.
Elijah
Ahab; Jezebel ; worshipping other gods; slaughtered prophets of God
After Elijah did miracles that brought Israel back to the God of Abraham , Isaac and Jacob, he became very depressed, despondent, discouraged, overwhelmed
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:1-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Kings%2019:1-9&version=NIV
Disappointment. He was disappointed that things didn't happen like he thought--like Ahab and Jezebel repenting, that Israel would repent and overthrow Ahab as king.
Fear. He was in fear. Fear is a bad counselor. 1 kings 19:3. Faith in the other hand helps
Isolation. Elijah isolated. Verses 3-4. Elijah left his servant and went into the wilderness. Loneliness and depression are Siamese twins. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
Fatigue. When Elijah ran 19 or 20 miles, he outran a horse and a chariot. He was fatigued afterward. A tired believer is a vulnerable believer.
Self-pity. Elijah complained that no one in Israel appreciated him after doing all those miracles. 1 kings 19:4. Most common cause of depression is self-pity. 1 kings 19:9-10. God is still trying to minister to Elijah even though he is hiding in a cave.
There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 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.”
1 Kings 19:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Kings%2019:9-10&version=NIV
Last point of Elijah and what happened to him: disappointed with God. Elijah expected God to work a certain way and got upset with Him when He didn't work the way he expected. Elijah expected to be dealt with like God dealt with Moses. But Elijah isn't Moses. God made him differently.
Say this: "God, do it how you want. I'm just happy you're in my life."
What can we do?
Get rest. Sabbath. Shabbat. Or your breath will be taken.
Develop relationships. Plural.
Remember God has a purpose in your life. It's just beginning, it's not over. John 10:10.
Renew yourself by being in God's presence. Read scripture. Pray. Worship. Psalms. Psalm 23:1-3
Overcoming being overwhelmed.
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