More practical thoughts on Elijah

The “Elijah complex” can rob you of power and joy, so beware! Elijah went from victory to defeat because he started walking by sight and not by faith (19:3). He believed the queen’s words but not God’s word, and he forgot how God had cared for him for three and a half years. Fear replaced faith, and he ran for his life.
He became concerned about saving himself rather than giving himself (Mark 8:34–38; John 12:23–28). Note the sequence (chp. 19): “thy life” (v. 2), “his life” (v. 3), “my life” (v. 4). If he had said, “Take my life,” as an act of surrender to God, the Lord would have worked mightily; but his “Take my life” was a confession of pride and defeat. Beware when you think you are the only faithful one left!
God taught Elijah that He does not always work in the dramatic big events, like the contest on Mount Carmel, but that He works by means of a “still small voice,” ministries that are neither big nor loud. Elijah was not forsaken, for God was with him. He was not alone. Seven thousand people had not bowed to Baal. His work would go on. You see, God had a young man ready to take his place.
We need to obey these words: “Be not afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36).

PBI From the Prophets - Elijah (Part 1)

Practical lessons from the prophet Elijah:

1. All life is surrounded by spiritual forces.

2. Prevailing prayer settles issues.

3. National righteousness is more important than national power.

4. No man who stands for right stands alone.

5. God does not discard us when we run away but He finds a way to revitalize and use us.

6. Sufficient physical rest and nourishment are required if we are to know, understand, and do God's will.

7. One Spirit-filled man can make a difference in a nation.

8. "Vales of trouble are separated from mountains of triumph by a few moments of prayer."

9. One is fitted for his life work by seasons of quiet meditation and waiting on God.

PBI From the Prophets - Samuel

Practical lessons of pertinent value from the prophet Samuel:

1. What a work one man can do when God controls and directs him!

2. Personal piety can never be a substitute for parental discipline (Eli).

3. It is good to listen for the voice of God (1 Sam 3) - God's Word.

4. It is just as essential to answer when He calls.

5. Obedience is better than sacrifice - but don't forget to sacrifice.

6. The value of early godly training in a godly home.

7. The happy state of the man who has lived a life above reproach.

8. God is never satisfied with partial obedience.

9. A true servant of God may be called upon to train a younger man who will overshadow him in the estimation of people.

10. It is not necessary for one to withdraw from political life in order to exert spiritual leadership.

11. Compromise with evil is expensive and deadly.

12. God can only use men who are willing to be used and only so far as they will let Him use them.

13. A child has no trouble learning the voice of God when he has been conceived in prayer and reared in the house of God.

PBI From the Prophets - Moses (cont.)

Insights from Moses continued:

10. Confidence and power come through experience and victory.

11. We are hardened for hardships by hard work.

12. The value of patience and perseverance.

13. Unbelief in God's appointed leader brings reproach on God.

14. We see ourselves as God sees us only after time spent alone with Him.

15. When God commands us to go forward He will lead the way.

16. Unselfishness is one of the chief marks of a great man (Deut. 9:18-20, 25-29).

17. A successful leader must love his people so much that he is willing to die for them.

18. God may take many years to prepare His chosen leader for a great task.

19. The importance of keeping alive the hope that "the bush will burn" for us. A great experience may be only a short way ahead.

PBI From the Prophets - Intro & Moses

It has been a while since I've posted on the PBI blog. However, a study of some of the Old Testament prophets has yielded some practical insights that I would like to begin sharing.
In order to fully grasp some of these insights, it would be helpful to overview the books which pertain to the prophets under consideration. Warren Weirsbe's concise commentaries would be an excellent source to gain this overview. Of course, your King James Bible would be the best source of information. I hope these insights will be as much of a blessing to you as they have been to me.

Moses:

1. The value of early religious training in the home (Ex. 2:7-10; Deut. 6:6-9; Ecc. 12:1).

2. Necessary qualifications for leadership.

3. The futility of trying to run ahead of God (Ex. 2:11-15).

4. The extraordinary power of intercessory prayer (Ex. 32:9-14, 31, 32; 34:9; Num. 11:2; 12:13; 14:11-24; Deut. 9:12-20, 25-30).

5. Excuses anger God (Ex. 4:13, 14).

6. Men whom God places in positions of authority are held to a strict account.

7. A heavenly light shines through the face of one who has been alone with God.

8. The penalty for disobedience and loss of temper is severe (Num. 20:12; 27:14).

9. When God calls a man He proceeds to qualify him.

(to be continued)