When the Unexpected happens part 4a
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4 mistakes that lead to negativity…
4 mistakes that lead to negativity…
Mistake #1
Mistake #1
I. We focus on our feelings rather than the facts (1st Kings 19:3,4)
I. We focus on our feelings rather than the facts (1st Kings 19:3,4)
1 Kings 19:3 (KJV 1900)
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
1 Kings 19:4 (KJV 1900)
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
Did you see what happened to Elijah?
Did you see what happened to Elijah?
The King’s wife, Jezebel, didn’t like what Elijah just did so she sends a messenger with a threat that she will kill Elijah!
The King’s wife, Jezebel, didn’t like what Elijah just did so she sends a messenger with a threat that she will kill Elijah!
And verse 3 says:
And verse 3 says:
“3 Elijah was afraid [a] and ran for his life.”
“3 Elijah was afraid [a] and ran for his life.”
Because Elijah was FEELING scared, he ran away to a place he FELT safe.
Because Elijah was FEELING scared, he ran away to a place he FELT safe.
But what were the facts?
But what were the facts?
A. The FACTS:
A. The FACTS:
FACT #1 - Jezebel wasn’t going to kill Elijah
FACT #1 - Jezebel wasn’t going to kill Elijah
Jezebel wasn’t going to kill Elijah - She wasn’t.
Jezebel wasn’t going to kill Elijah - She wasn’t.
It was an empty threat.
It was an empty threat.
If you were going to kill someone, would you send a messenger to tell them?
If you were going to kill someone, would you send a messenger to tell them?
No, you would send an assassin.
No, you would send an assassin.
Furthermore, the last thing that she would want is to make Elijah a martyr.
Furthermore, the last thing that she would want is to make Elijah a martyr.
And remember, she was fully aware of what Elijah’s God did on Mt. Carmel, do you think she would want to mess with Elijah’s God and make Him angry??
And remember, she was fully aware of what Elijah’s God did on Mt. Carmel, do you think she would want to mess with Elijah’s God and make Him angry??
That leads me to fact #2
That leads me to fact #2
FACT #2 - God is powerful!
FACT #2 - God is powerful!
God is powerful! Did Elijah so quickly forget the power God displayed on an altar?
God is powerful! Did Elijah so quickly forget the power God displayed on an altar?
Could not God protect Elijah from an empty threat given by the hand of a puny queen?
Could not God protect Elijah from an empty threat given by the hand of a puny queen?
But instead of focusing on the facts, Elijah let his FEELINGS get the best of him. And negativity set in.
But instead of focusing on the facts, Elijah let his FEELINGS get the best of him. And negativity set in.
How frequently do you let your feelings cloud what to be true???
How frequently do you let your feelings cloud what to be true???
ILLUSTRATION:
ILLUSTRATION:
I have seen Dave Ramsey explain it this way: He will ask everyone to stand up close their eyes, and have them point North.
I have seen Dave Ramsey explain it this way: He will ask everyone to stand up close their eyes, and have them point North.
What ends up happening is that everyone chooses a different way - a way that seems right to them.
What ends up happening is that everyone chooses a different way - a way that seems right to them.
They ‘feel’ as though the direction they are pointing is north. But what they ’feel’ and what is true are two different things completely!
They ‘feel’ as though the direction they are pointing is north. But what they ’feel’ and what is true are two different things completely!
And so I hear people say things like, “God can’t possibly love me.” or “I don’t feel close to God”
And so I hear people say things like, “God can’t possibly love me.” or “I don’t feel close to God”
But here’s what you must remember…you must remember the
But here’s what you must remember…you must remember the
B. THE PURPOSE OF EMOTIONS
B. THE PURPOSE OF EMOTIONS
You see, emotions are not a bad thing.
You see, emotions are not a bad thing.
They were given to us by God!
They were given to us by God!
But we have to remember WHY God gave us emotions.
But we have to remember WHY God gave us emotions.
Emotions were not meant to guide your thinking; but to express what you‘re thinking!
Emotions were not meant to guide your thinking; but to express what you‘re thinking!
And for those who are letting the emotions dictate what they think, it’s a classic case of the tail wagging the dog (show picture)!
And for those who are letting the emotions dictate what they think, it’s a classic case of the tail wagging the dog (show picture)!
You’re letting something be in control that was never meant to be in control. And so if you feeling negative or depressed or know someone who is…remember -
You’re letting something be in control that was never meant to be in control. And so if you feeling negative or depressed or know someone who is…remember -
FOCUS ON THE FACTS…NOT YOUR FEELINGS!
FOCUS ON THE FACTS…NOT YOUR FEELINGS!
Second thing we tend to do to spur on negativity:
Second thing we tend to do to spur on negativity:
Mistake #2
Mistake #2
II. We compare ourselves with others (1st Kings 19:4)
II. We compare ourselves with others (1st Kings 19:4)
1 Kings 19:4 (KJV 1900)
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
Nothing will sour your attitude more quickly than comparing yourself with someone else!
Nothing will sour your attitude more quickly than comparing yourself with someone else!
Elijah makes his complaint to God: (verse 4) “…I have had enough Lord,’ he said, ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Elijah makes his complaint to God: (verse 4) “…I have had enough Lord,’ he said, ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Elijah was undoubtedly mad at himself for running.
Elijah was undoubtedly mad at himself for running.
And so now he began to compare his actions with the actions of other prophets of the past who were brave!
And so now he began to compare his actions with the actions of other prophets of the past who were brave!
Let me ask you a question -
Let me ask you a question -
A. Why we compare:
A. Why we compare:
Because we are unhappy or dis-satisfied with something about ourselves or our life.
Because we are unhappy or dis-satisfied with something about ourselves or our life.
Whether it’s the way we look - “I wish I looked like THAT!”…Our job - “I wish I had HIS job and HIS salary”…Our talents - “If only I had knew how to do that!”
Whether it’s the way we look - “I wish I looked like THAT!”…Our job - “I wish I had HIS job and HIS salary”…Our talents - “If only I had knew how to do that!”
Until you are content with the person God made you to be and with the blessings God has given you personally in life, you will always be comparing yourself to others.
Until you are content with the person God made you to be and with the blessings God has given you personally in life, you will always be comparing yourself to others.
(So how do I learn to be content with the blessings I’ve been given?)
(So how do I learn to be content with the blessings I’ve been given?)
Take time to write down your blessings.
Take time to write down your blessings.
The things God has given you.
The things God has given you.
Physically make a list and keep that list with you!
Physically make a list and keep that list with you!
Each time you catch yourself being unhappy with your life - refer to the list of things God has given you!
Each time you catch yourself being unhappy with your life - refer to the list of things God has given you!
You will soon learn that there’s a problem when we compare ourselves to others…
You will soon learn that there’s a problem when we compare ourselves to others…
B. the problem of comparison
B. the problem of comparison
We usually compare our weaknesses to their strengths!
We usually compare our weaknesses to their strengths!
We forget that we have strengths and that they have weaknesses.
We forget that we have strengths and that they have weaknesses.
You are a special masterpiece designed by God…a God who never ever makes mistakes.
You are a special masterpiece designed by God…a God who never ever makes mistakes.
You are PERFECT just the way you are!
You are PERFECT just the way you are!
So stop comparing yourself to others! Nothing good will come from that!
So stop comparing yourself to others! Nothing good will come from that!
Mistake #3 Third thing we do that increases our negativity is…
Mistake #3 Third thing we do that increases our negativity is…
III. We falsely blame ourselves (1st Kings 19:10)
III. We falsely blame ourselves (1st Kings 19:10)
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Listen to Elijah hammer himself in verse 10:
Listen to Elijah hammer himself in verse 10:
“Elijah replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.
“Elijah replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.
The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword.”
The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword.”
Elijah was blaming himself for failing to change the nation and he took it quite personally.
Elijah was blaming himself for failing to change the nation and he took it quite personally.
What he needed to remember was that he cannot make the choices for his people.
What he needed to remember was that he cannot make the choices for his people.
God has given everyone the opportunity to choose for themselves.
God has given everyone the opportunity to choose for themselves.
And Elijah’s people had chosen…be as it was a poor choice…it was still their choice!
And Elijah’s people had chosen…be as it was a poor choice…it was still their choice!
A. Elijah did what was asked of him.
A. Elijah did what was asked of him.
And at the end of the day, that’s all you and I can do - Do what God asks of you.
And at the end of the day, that’s all you and I can do - Do what God asks of you.
And if you’ve done that - then sleep well.
And if you’ve done that - then sleep well.
B. You can’t control people - I know a LOT of heartbroken parents who have kids who are grown and are not living the way they would like for their kids to live - they are falsely blaming themselves!
B. You can’t control people - I know a LOT of heartbroken parents who have kids who are grown and are not living the way they would like for their kids to live - they are falsely blaming themselves!
They are adults making their own choices in life.
They are adults making their own choices in life.
Mistake #4
Mistake #4
IV. We exaggerate the negative (1st Kings 19:10)
IV. We exaggerate the negative (1st Kings 19:10)
1 Kings 19:10 (KJV 1900)
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Elijah did this.
Elijah did this.
He turned a mole hill…into a mountain.
He turned a mole hill…into a mountain.
Made a mountain out of a mole hill.
Made a mountain out of a mole hill.
Elijah in his complaints to God, grossly exaggerated the negative in verse 10 -
Elijah in his complaints to God, grossly exaggerated the negative in verse 10 -
“I am the only one left and they are trying to kill me too!”
“I am the only one left and they are trying to kill me too!”
But we know this was an exaggeration.
But we know this was an exaggeration.
Jump down to verse 1 Kings 19: 18.
Jump down to verse 1 Kings 19: 18.
1 Kings 19:18 (KJV 1900)
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Vs. 18 - “Yet I reserve 7,000 in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
Vs. 18 - “Yet I reserve 7,000 in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
There is a big difference between 1 and 7000. 6,999 to be exact.
There is a big difference between 1 and 7000. 6,999 to be exact.
Usually, things aren’t as bad as what we make them out to be!
Usually, things aren’t as bad as what we make them out to be!
We tend to over exaggerate the bad things in life - ESPECIALLY WHEN WE’RE TIRED!
We tend to over exaggerate the bad things in life - ESPECIALLY WHEN WE’RE TIRED!
So that is what we tend to do…these are the mistakes that we make that lead us to have a negative attitude.
So that is what we tend to do…these are the mistakes that we make that lead us to have a negative attitude.
1. We focus on our feelings instead of the facts
1. We focus on our feelings instead of the facts
2. We compare ourselves with others
2. We compare ourselves with others
3. We falsely blame ourselves
3. We falsely blame ourselves
4. We exaggerate the negative
4. We exaggerate the negative
But I want to quickly go over God’s remedy for a negative attitude also contained within the story of Elijah.
But I want to quickly go over God’s remedy for a negative attitude also contained within the story of Elijah.
GOD’S REMEDY FOR NEGATIVITY:
GOD’S REMEDY FOR NEGATIVITY:
1. Take care of your physical needs - 1st Kings 19:5-7
1. Take care of your physical needs - 1st Kings 19:5-7
1 Kings 19:5–7 (KJV 1900)
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
Did you notice?
Did you notice?
First Elijah sleeps.
First Elijah sleeps.
Then Elijah gets up and eats and drinks.
Then Elijah gets up and eats and drinks.
Then Elijah sleeps.
Then Elijah sleeps.
And then Elijah gets up and eats some more.
And then Elijah gets up and eats some more.
Negativity comes about if you are tired and depleted!
Negativity comes about if you are tired and depleted!
Having a good attitude isn’t impossible if you aren’t healthy or well rested, but it becomes more difficult!
Having a good attitude isn’t impossible if you aren’t healthy or well rested, but it becomes more difficult!
In order to put Elijah back on track in having a good attitude, God took care of Elijah’s physical well being first and foremost.
In order to put Elijah back on track in having a good attitude, God took care of Elijah’s physical well being first and foremost.
Maybe that’s what you need! Rest and relaxation to get your attitude back to good!
Maybe that’s what you need! Rest and relaxation to get your attitude back to good!
God’s 2nd remedy for negativity:
God’s 2nd remedy for negativity:
2. Give your frustrations to God - 1 Kings 19:10
2. Give your frustrations to God - 1 Kings 19:10
1 Kings 19:10 (KJV 1900)
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
God allows Elijah to tell Him his frustrations.
God allows Elijah to tell Him his frustrations.
And guess what?
And guess what?
God allows us to tell Him our frustrations as well!
God allows us to tell Him our frustrations as well!
I don’t think the problem for most of us is telling God our problems…the problem we have is LEAVING our problems with God!
I don’t think the problem for most of us is telling God our problems…the problem we have is LEAVING our problems with God!
But that’s what we are to do…Leave your problems and frustrations and hurts at the feet of Jesus.
But that’s what we are to do…Leave your problems and frustrations and hurts at the feet of Jesus.
Do not pick them up again. GIVE THEM TO GOD…LEAVE THEM WITH GOD!
Do not pick them up again. GIVE THEM TO GOD…LEAVE THEM WITH GOD!
And finally, God’s 3rd remedy for negativity:
And finally, God’s 3rd remedy for negativity:
3. Get a renewed, right perspective of God 1st Kings 19:11, 12 -
3. Get a renewed, right perspective of God 1st Kings 19:11, 12 -
1 Kings 19:11 (KJV 1900)
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
1 Kings 19:12 (KJV 1900)
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
I love these two verses recorded in Elijah’s story.
I love these two verses recorded in Elijah’s story.
What Elijah needed was a fresh awareness of God!
What Elijah needed was a fresh awareness of God!
And God showed up in a big way!
And God showed up in a big way!
I have no doubt that Elijah viewed God differently from that day on!
I have no doubt that Elijah viewed God differently from that day on!
I have no doubt that many of us need a renewed, right perspective of God!
I have no doubt that many of us need a renewed, right perspective of God!
Our wonder and awe of God is a little dingy, dull and forgotten.
Our wonder and awe of God is a little dingy, dull and forgotten.
It needs to be awaken and revitalized!
It needs to be awaken and revitalized!
What I find interesting in Elijah’s case is that God showed up not in the wind, or the earthquake or the fire…but in the gentle whisper.
What I find interesting in Elijah’s case is that God showed up not in the wind, or the earthquake or the fire…but in the gentle whisper.
To look for God only in something big (rallies, revivals, conferences, high profile preachers) may be to miss him because he is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humbled heart.
To look for God only in something big (rallies, revivals, conferences, high profile preachers) may be to miss him because he is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humbled heart.
Are you listening for God?
Are you listening for God?
Take a step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for his guidance.
Take a step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for his guidance.
It may come when you least expect it!
It may come when you least expect it!
WELL IT’S TIME TO WRAP THIS Part of the message UP.
WELL IT’S TIME TO WRAP THIS Part of the message UP.
And I want to end this by asking you two questions:
And I want to end this by asking you two questions:
APPLICATION:
APPLICATION:
1. Which one of Elijah’s mistakes is most likely to cause negativity in your life?
1. Which one of Elijah’s mistakes is most likely to cause negativity in your life?
2. Which one of God’s remedies do you need most in your life?
2. Which one of God’s remedies do you need most in your life?
We come now to our time of decision.
We come now to our time of decision.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ or made him the joy of your life, won’t you consider doing that today? NOW
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ or made him the joy of your life, won’t you consider doing that today? NOW
WHAT DOEST THOU HERE?
WHAT DOEST THOU HERE?
1 Kings 19:1-18
1 Kings 19:1-18
1 Kings 19:1–18 (KJV 1900)
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
· Elijah was a mighty man of God who was used by the Lord in a wonderful way during his life time.
· Elijah was a mighty man of God who was used by the Lord in a wonderful way during his life time.
Elijah steps onto the stage of history, from out of nowhere, with a bold pronouncement for King Ahab.
Elijah steps onto the stage of history, from out of nowhere, with a bold pronouncement for King Ahab.
After that moment, we are allowed to watch as God took this unknown prophet and formed him into the man of God.
After that moment, we are allowed to watch as God took this unknown prophet and formed him into the man of God.
· Ill. Humility, 17; Heroism, 18; and Humanity, 19.
· Ill. Humility, 17; Heroism, 18; and Humanity, 19.
Ill. James 5:17
Ill. James 5:17
James 5:17 (KJV 1900)
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
· Ill. In a place he probably never thought he would be.
· Ill. In a place he probably never thought he would be.
· God came to him with a message of hope and encouragement.
· God came to him with a message of hope and encouragement.
But, God also came with a message of confrontation.
But, God also came with a message of confrontation.
In verse 9, the Lord asked Elijah, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”
In verse 9, the Lord asked Elijah, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”
Elijah was in a place that he should not have been and God intended to bring him back.
Elijah was in a place that he should not have been and God intended to bring him back.
· There are times when we all find ourselves in a place like Elijah.
· There are times when we all find ourselves in a place like Elijah.
We get discouraged; we get defeated and we get down and out.
We get discouraged; we get defeated and we get down and out.
Have you ever been there?
Have you ever been there?
Sure you have!
Sure you have!
We all have.
We all have.
In fact, some are there right now, aren’t you?
In fact, some are there right now, aren’t you?
· This passage has something to say to us during those times of life.
· This passage has something to say to us during those times of life.
When you find yourself in a place like Elijah, you can rest assured that God will come by and ask you the same thing he asked Elijah, “What doest thou here?”
When you find yourself in a place like Elijah, you can rest assured that God will come by and ask you the same thing he asked Elijah, “What doest thou here?”
· Let’s find out why Elijah wound up where he did and how the Lord brought him back.
· Let’s find out why Elijah wound up where he did and how the Lord brought him back.
Let us look for a few minutes on the subject: What Doest Thou Here?
Let us look for a few minutes on the subject: What Doest Thou Here?
I. v. 1 Kings 19: 1-4 THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CRIPPLED HIM
I. v. 1 Kings 19: 1-4 THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CRIPPLED HIM
1 Kings 19:1–4 (KJV 1900)
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
A. v.1 Kings 19:3 the forst part of Verse 3 He Saw The Wrong Things –
A. v.1 Kings 19:3 the forst part of Verse 3 He Saw The Wrong Things –
1 Kings 19:3 (KJV 1900)
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
Ill. the wording of verse 3, “when he saw that.”
Ill. the wording of verse 3, “when he saw that.”
(Ill. It is always dangerous when you start looking at things instead of the Lord.
(Ill. It is always dangerous when you start looking at things instead of the Lord.
Ill. Israel – Exodus 14: Some saw only the facts, Ex. 14:10-12; Moses was able to see the truth, Ex. 14:13.
Ill. Israel – Exodus 14: Some saw only the facts, Ex. 14:10-12; Moses was able to see the truth, Ex. 14:13.
Exodus 14 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Ill. Israel - Num 13-14: Some saw only the facts, Num. 13:33; others were able to see the truth, Ex 14:5-9.
Ill. Israel - Num 13-14: Some saw only the facts, Num. 13:33; others were able to see the truth, Ex 14:5-9.
Numbers 13–14 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.
And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph.
Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu.
Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi.
Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi.
Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli.
Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.
And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:
And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;
And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.
The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.
And Moses said unto the Lord, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;)
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou Lord art among this people, that thou Lord art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.
Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,
The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word:
But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.
Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:
Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.
And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the Lord hath promised: for we have sinned.
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the Lord? but it shall not prosper.
Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.
For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the Lord, therefore the Lord will not be with you.
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.
Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
Numbers 13:33 (KJV 1900)
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Exodus 14:5–9 (KJV 1900)
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
Ill. Israel – 1 Sam. 17: Some could only see the facts, 1 Sam. 17:24-25; David could see the truth, 1 Sam. 17:36.
Ill. Israel – 1 Sam. 17: Some could only see the facts, 1 Sam. 17:24-25; David could see the truth, 1 Sam. 17:36.
1 Samuel 17 (KJV 1900)
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.
And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Beth-lehem.
And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.
1 Samuel 17:24–25 (KJV 1900)
And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.
1 Samuel 17:36 (KJV 1900)
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
Ill. Jesus – He was able to see both the facts and the truth – John 1:42. What are you seeing today? Heb. 12:2.)
Ill. Jesus – He was able to see both the facts and the truth – John 1:42. What are you seeing today? Heb. 12:2.)
John 1:42 (KJV 1900)
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
B. v. 1 Kings 19:3-4 He Sought The Wrong Things – Elijah “went for his life,” yet he “requested for himself that he might die.”
B. v. 1 Kings 19:3-4 He Sought The Wrong Things – Elijah “went for his life,” yet he “requested for himself that he might die.”
1 Kings 19:3–4 (KJV 1900)
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
What is happening here is two-fold.
What is happening here is two-fold.
First, Elijah was concerned about his own safety.
First, Elijah was concerned about his own safety.
Second, he was concerned with getting his own way.
Second, he was concerned with getting his own way.
His primary concern was his own will and his own way!
His primary concern was his own will and his own way!
(Ill. We allow the problems of life to dominate our lives.
(Ill. We allow the problems of life to dominate our lives.
Our problem is that we often put self in front of God’s will for our lives.
Our problem is that we often put self in front of God’s will for our lives.
God’s desire is that we place Him first, Mark 8:36-37; Matt. 16:24.)
God’s desire is that we place Him first, Mark 8:36-37; Matt. 16:24.)
Mark 8:36–37 (KJV 1900)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:24 (KJV 1900)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
C. v.1 Kings 19: 4b He Said The Wrong Things – Elijah said, “I am not better than my fathers.”
C. v.1 Kings 19: 4b He Said The Wrong Things – Elijah said, “I am not better than my fathers.”
1 Kings 19:4b (KJV 1900)
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
Well, who told him that he was anyway?
Well, who told him that he was anyway?
Ill. Troubles will come!
Ill. Troubles will come!
II. v.1 Kings 19: 5-8 THE COMPASSION THAT CALMED HIM
II. v.1 Kings 19: 5-8 THE COMPASSION THAT CALMED HIM
1 Kings 19:5–8 (KJV 1900)
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
A. v.1 Kings 19:5 Notice God’s Gentleness – No rebuke, just a tender touch.
A. v.1 Kings 19:5 Notice God’s Gentleness – No rebuke, just a tender touch.
1 Kings 19:5 (KJV 1900)
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
(Ill. Psa. 103:14)
(Ill. Psa. 103:14)
Psalm 103:14 (KJV 1900)
For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.
(Ill. Heb. 4:15)
(Ill. Heb. 4:15)
Hebrews 4:15 (KJV 1900)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
B. v. 5-8 Notice God’s Grace – Instead of judgment, the Lord gave him grace.
B. v. 5-8 Notice God’s Grace – Instead of judgment, the Lord gave him grace.
1. v. 1 Kings 19:5 The Grace Of God’s Presence –
1. v. 1 Kings 19:5 The Grace Of God’s Presence –
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
Ill. Never alone! Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20
Ill. Never alone! Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20
Hebrews 13:5 (KJV 1900)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 28:20 (KJV 1900)
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2. v.1 Kings 19: 6-7 The Grace Of God’s Provisions – God met his needs, even when Elijah was going his own way, Rom. 2:4.
2. v.1 Kings 19: 6-7 The Grace Of God’s Provisions – God met his needs, even when Elijah was going his own way, Rom. 2:4.
1 Kings 19:6–7 (KJV 1900)
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
Romans 2:4 (KJV 1900)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
3. v. 1 Kings 19:5-8 The Grace Of God’s Patience – God did not write him off because God still had a plan – Jer. 29:11. (Thank God for grace!)
3. v. 1 Kings 19:5-8 The Grace Of God’s Patience – God did not write him off because God still had a plan – Jer. 29:11. (Thank God for grace!)
1 Kings 19:5–8 (KJV 1900)
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV 1900)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
III. v.1 Kings 19: 9-18 THE CONFRONTATION THAT CURED HIM
III. v.1 Kings 19: 9-18 THE CONFRONTATION THAT CURED HIM
1 Kings 19:9–18 (KJV 1900)
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
A. v. 1 Kings 19:9 God Confronted His Actions – God did not call Elijah to live in a cave, but to stand up for the Lord.
A. v. 1 Kings 19:9 God Confronted His Actions – God did not call Elijah to live in a cave, but to stand up for the Lord.
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
By the way, God did not save you for you to be discouraged and defeated.
By the way, God did not save you for you to be discouraged and defeated.
He saved you to experience His peace and His joy, Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 1:8.
He saved you to experience His peace and His joy, Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 1:8.
Philippians 4:6 (KJV 1900)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 Peter 1:8 (KJV 1900)
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
B. v. 1 Kings 18:11-13 God Confronted His Attitude – Elijah wanted to see the spectacular and the majestic.
B. v. 1 Kings 18:11-13 God Confronted His Attitude – Elijah wanted to see the spectacular and the majestic.
1 Kings 18:11–13 (KJV 1900)
And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth.
Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord’s prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?
God had to teach him to look at the little things.
God had to teach him to look at the little things.
(Ill. Too often, we get defeated when God does not do the big things in our lives.
(Ill. Too often, we get defeated when God does not do the big things in our lives.
If we would learn to praise Him for the little things, we would have plenty to praise Him for!
If we would learn to praise Him for the little things, we would have plenty to praise Him for!
We need to remember that God’s greatest work is the work that moves the heart!)
We need to remember that God’s greatest work is the work that moves the heart!)
C. v. 1 Kings 19:14-18 God Confronted His Assumptions – Elijah made two foolish assumptions and became defeated as a result.
C. v. 1 Kings 19:14-18 God Confronted His Assumptions – Elijah made two foolish assumptions and became defeated as a result.
1 Kings 19:14–18 (KJV 1900)
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
1. v. 1 Kings 19:14, 18 Elijah Assumed That He Was Forsaken – God reminded him that he still had 7,000 pure hearts in Israel.
1. v. 1 Kings 19:14, 18 Elijah Assumed That He Was Forsaken – God reminded him that he still had 7,000 pure hearts in Israel.
1 Kings 19:14 (KJV 1900)
And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Kings 19:18 (KJV 1900)
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
2. v.1 Kings 19: 15-17 Elijah Assumed That He Was Finished – Elijah thought his life and ministry were over, and he was ready to die.
2. v.1 Kings 19: 15-17 Elijah Assumed That He Was Finished – Elijah thought his life and ministry were over, and he was ready to die.
1 Kings 19:15–17 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
God reminded him that he still had big plans for Elijah’s tomorrow.
God reminded him that he still had big plans for Elijah’s tomorrow.
(Ill. We need to be very careful when we start to live on assumptions.
(Ill. We need to be very careful when we start to live on assumptions.
Too often, our assumptions fail to take into account the sovereignty of God.
Too often, our assumptions fail to take into account the sovereignty of God.
Elijah thought that because he was finished, God must be too.
Elijah thought that because he was finished, God must be too.
He was dead wrong!
He was dead wrong!
Never count God out!)
Never count God out!)
Conc: Are you in a place you don’t like today?
Conc: Are you in a place you don’t like today?
If so, let me encourage you to heed the voice of the Lord.
If so, let me encourage you to heed the voice of the Lord.
He wants to lead you out of that place into a place of blessing, glory and power.
He wants to lead you out of that place into a place of blessing, glory and power.
If He is speaking to you, now it the time to listen to Him!
If He is speaking to you, now it the time to listen to Him!
Introduction to Lord, Change My Attitude Before It’s Too Late {a
Introduction to Lord, Change My Attitude Before It’s Too Late {a
Philippians 3:15
Philippians 3:15
Philippians 3:15 (KJV 1900)
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Philippians 2:14 ;It’s no different today God hasn’t changed what He does about murmuring – He judges it.
Philippians 2:14 ;It’s no different today God hasn’t changed what He does about murmuring – He judges it.
Philippians 2:14 (KJV 1900)
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Those who choose murmuring as their lifestyle will spend their lifetimes in the proverbial spiritual wilderness!
Those who choose murmuring as their lifestyle will spend their lifetimes in the proverbial spiritual wilderness!
Now to the Message proper that we have laid the Foundation for this part of the
Now to the Message proper that we have laid the Foundation for this part of the
Message series WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
Message series WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
Introduction:
Introduction:
In our Point 4 part of this series
In our Point 4 part of this series
I) TO CATCH YOUR ATTENTION
I) TO CATCH YOUR ATTENTION
ii) TO CENTER YOUR AFFECTIONS
ii) TO CENTER YOUR AFFECTIONS
We have come to the point why God allows the unexpected to happen is
We have come to the point why God allows the unexpected to happen is
III ]TO CORRECT YOUR ATTITUDE
III ]TO CORRECT YOUR ATTITUDE
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
What does “for as he thinks within himself” mean?
What does “for as he thinks within himself” mean?
We choose the story we believe.
We choose the story we believe.
Two people who have experienced nearly identical circumstances can come to very different self-identities.
Two people who have experienced nearly identical circumstances can come to very different self-identities.
For instance, if they’ve been through a lot, the story one might tell herself is, I’m a victim.
For instance, if they’ve been through a lot, the story one might tell herself is, I’m a victim.
Bad things always happen to me.
Bad things always happen to me.
The other might live with a different identity: I’m an overcomer.
The other might live with a different identity: I’m an overcomer.
No matter what life throws at me, I kick it in the tail and keep moving forward.
No matter what life throws at me, I kick it in the tail and keep moving forward.
Allow us to give 4 principles we gathered from Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Allow us to give 4 principles we gathered from Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Principle 1
Principle 1
To experience change that lasts, focus on who, not do.
To experience change that lasts, focus on who, not do.
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV 1900)
Behold, I will do a new thing; Now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 6). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 6). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Who we are—
Who we are—
our character—
our character—
shapes our thoughts
shapes our thoughts
about ourselves and others.
about ourselves and others.
What we think
What we think
is a reflection of who we are.
is a reflection of who we are.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
What does “so he is” mean? Who we are—our character—shapes our thoughts about ourselves and others.
What does “so he is” mean? Who we are—our character—shapes our thoughts about ourselves and others.
What we think is a reflection of who we are.
What we think is a reflection of who we are.
That then shapes our lives.
That then shapes our lives.
We have no choice but to live out who we think we are.
We have no choice but to live out who we think we are.
What we think within ourselves, we are.
What we think within ourselves, we are.
We make decisions based on our self-identification.
We make decisions based on our self-identification.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 11). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Principle 2
Principle 2
You do what you do because of what you think of you.
You do what you do because of what you think of you.
Mark 10:27 (KJV 1900)
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Principle 3
Principle 3
If you try to change your behavior without changing your identity, you’re pulling up a weed without getting to the root.
If you try to change your behavior without changing your identity, you’re pulling up a weed without getting to the root.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 16). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 16). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 14). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 14). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Motivation and willpower are both limited resources that you will deplete quickly.
Motivation and willpower are both limited resources that you will deplete quickly.
Behavior modification does not equip you with the power to change.
Behavior modification does not equip you with the power to change.
Are you beginning to see it now?
Are you beginning to see it now?
The reason you haven’t experienced lasting change is
The reason you haven’t experienced lasting change is
because you’ve tried to alter what you do and haven’t changed what you think of you.
because you’ve tried to alter what you do and haven’t changed what you think of you.
Principle 4
Principle 4
You are who God says you are.
You are who God says you are.
1 John 3:1 (KJV 1900)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 25). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 25). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 16). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Groeschel, Craig. The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most (p. 16). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
1. There is a book written by James MacDonald entitled: Lord, Change My Attitude Before It’s Too Late
- but let me tell you right up front –
1. There is a book written by James MacDonald entitled: Lord, Change My Attitude Before It’s Too Late
- but let me tell you right up front –
this book will ‘smack’ you! (challenge you to change!)
this book will ‘smack’ you! (challenge you to change!)
2. When we talk about ‘attitude’
2. When we talk about ‘attitude’
– what are talking about?
– what are talking about?
How would you define ‘attitude’?
How would you define ‘attitude’?
- Webster defines the word ‘attitude’ in a number of ways (context we’re referring to):
- Webster defines the word ‘attitude’ in a number of ways (context we’re referring to):
1 : the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture
1 : the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture
2 a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state
2 a : a mental position with regard to a fact or state
b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
3 a : a negative or hostile state of mind
3 a : a negative or hostile state of mind
b : a cocky or arrogant manner[1]
b : a cocky or arrogant manner[1]
3. Now, let’s think about a couple of more questions:
3. Now, let’s think about a couple of more questions:
Input:
Input:
How important is our attitude in life?
How important is our attitude in life?
What impact does our attitude have on the rest of the way we live our lives?
What impact does our attitude have on the rest of the way we live our lives?
[various answers]
[various answers]
Input:
Input:
What biblical passages would address this subject of attitude or thinking?
What biblical passages would address this subject of attitude or thinking?
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV 1900)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
Jeremiah 12:3
Jeremiah 12:3
Jeremiah 12:3 (KJV 1900)
But thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
But You know me, O LORD; You see me; And You examine my heart's attitude toward You.
But You know me, O LORD; You see me; And You examine my heart's attitude toward You.
Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter And set them apart for a day of carnage!
Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter And set them apart for a day of carnage!
Philippians 2:5
Philippians 2:5
Philippians 2:5 (KJV 1900)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (attitude of a servant – not thinking of self, but of others!)
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (attitude of a servant – not thinking of self, but of others!)
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;
Philippians 3:15 (KJV 1900)
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Colossians 4:2
Colossians 4:2
Colossians 4:2 (KJV 1900)
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
Point: Your attitude – your mentality toward a given subject or issue – is very important and has a significant impact (i.e. a direct control) over the way you act/respond!
Point: Your attitude – your mentality toward a given subject or issue – is very important and has a significant impact (i.e. a direct control) over the way you act/respond!