Christian Foundations
DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE
June 13
1 Kings 17
After Elijah prophesies drought, the Lord hides him and later uses him to heal a child.
INSIGHT
Drought is a devastating natural disaster, and when it comes to the children of Israel, it does not come by accident. It is always divine judgment. From the beginning of his reign, Ahab, who is king when Elijah begins his ministry, violates the Lord's name. He encourages idolatry and the worship of Baal, a pagan god. He "did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Elijah's name means "Jehovah is my strength," and the Lord sets about to prove the significance of Elijah's name as He brings judgment on Israel and destroys the worshipers of Baal.
PRAYER
The Lord longs to bless us. Offer Him your praise for His goodness and mercy:
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations,
"The Lord reigns." . . .
Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. . .
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting! (1 Chronicles 16:30-31, 34, 36).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- The renewing of your mind
-- The needs of your extended family
-- Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103:21-22).
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