One of the most unusual characters in the Bible was the preacher in the desert with animal skin clothes and a diet of bugs and honey. Did people flock to him because he was unusual, or because of his message? He called people to turn to God, then explained what this would look like – share your clothes and food with him who has none, be honest in your business dealings, and don’t abuse your authority over others.
It is said that the purpose of John’s message was to help prepare a pathway for God. People of God have a message to share, but work has to be done in order to help others be prepared to hear that message. People have rough places in their life, be it material circumstances or emotional barriers or even medical conditions that are so overwhelming that spiritual messages cannot break through. But can we really say that the message itself is different from the process of making the rough ways smooth?
Let’s pray that our ministry takes us into the desert, and once there, God can help us learn how to make a path.
Matthew 3, Luke 3
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Breakfast Club Devotion: Elijah's Depression
We are getting into a groove with our Breakfast Club ministry to the homeless on Saturday morning. Thanks to Pam, Angie, Lee, Rodney and Janet for serving and loving those who came last week. The relationship component is coming together. The ministry team gathers at 7:00, Breakfast at 7:30, Bible Study at 8:15, ministry time continues after that.
Breakfast Club Devotion #2
Did you know the prophet Elijah dealt with depression? Having just gone through a dramatic spiritual experience confronting the false prophets of Baal, Elijah came under a threat from the Queen and feared for his life. His fear and flight took him into the desert, and he prayed that he might die. Later he went without food and hid in a cave and expressed the thought that he was the only one zealous for God.
Feelings of extreme discouragement may seem unreasonable, but when someone is under a cloud it is very real. Did this happen to Elijah at other times? Perhaps, and we know that many other biblical characters went through times of great difficulty – it is a part of life. It is important for us be aware of the reality of depression and to reach out to others in love and not trivialize their feelings or offer simplistic spiritual answers.
In the cave Elijah encountered God in a still small voice. Eventually he was able to regain his strength and resume his ministry. Let’s pray that God can use us to be a still small voice to the hurting.
1 Kings 19
Breakfast Club Devotion #2
Did you know the prophet Elijah dealt with depression? Having just gone through a dramatic spiritual experience confronting the false prophets of Baal, Elijah came under a threat from the Queen and feared for his life. His fear and flight took him into the desert, and he prayed that he might die. Later he went without food and hid in a cave and expressed the thought that he was the only one zealous for God.
Feelings of extreme discouragement may seem unreasonable, but when someone is under a cloud it is very real. Did this happen to Elijah at other times? Perhaps, and we know that many other biblical characters went through times of great difficulty – it is a part of life. It is important for us be aware of the reality of depression and to reach out to others in love and not trivialize their feelings or offer simplistic spiritual answers.
In the cave Elijah encountered God in a still small voice. Eventually he was able to regain his strength and resume his ministry. Let’s pray that God can use us to be a still small voice to the hurting.
1 Kings 19
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