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January 29, 2013

ANGEL Secret Service 007

Angels are God’s servants, engaged in special service.

Father God utilizes angels as His supernatural servants within human history. We do not have to be anxious about their angelic jobs and responsibilities because they are under our Father’s orders. Evangelist Billy Graham encapsulates their ambition, “They [angels] are motivated by an inexhaustible love for God and are jealous to see that the will of God in Jesus Christ is fulfilled in us.” (1975, p. 88-89.) Graham appropriately titled his book– Angels: God’s Secret Agents.

Secret agents? I like that imagery. Throughout my life, I have been fascinated by spy stories and clandestine operations. When I sleep, I often dream of being a spy. Actually, the only dreams I ever seem to remember are “spiritual” dreams in which God is trying to speak to me and spy dreams. Perhaps that explains why I enjoyed working as undercover security for a department store before I joined the staff of Valley Fellowship. Maybe it also sheds light on why I value pictures of my daughter as a superhero.

Hebrews 1:14 NIV rhetorically solicits, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” The writer assumes readers will answer: “Yes”!

The word “ministering” is the English translation of the Greek word leitourgikos which carries the idea of being “engaged in special service.” (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, p. 591) The Greek word is more closely akin to worship or cultic service, actions of a “liturgy”. Even our English word “liturgy” finds its roots in the Greek roots of this word. Hebrews 9:21 and 10:11 apply a form of this word to the ministry of OT priests. Hebrews 8:2, 6 relates it to Christ’s priesthood. Hebrews 12:22 mentions myriads of angels in festive gathering. I realize the responsibility of angelic worship is important, but the first chapter of Hebrews highlights:

the role of angels in ministering to Jesus Christ (1:7) AND
the ministering spirits’ role specifically for believers (1:14).

Heavenly angels are tasked by our Heaven Father to be “engaged in special service.” I still find myself fixating on that thought – “special service”. When I finish posting, I’m going to youtube Johnny River’s 1966 hit “Secret Agent Man”. Okay, now my mind is flooded with spy movie scenes from 007 flicks, Bourne series, Mission Impossible, Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, Cars 2, and more!

Angels surround us in a generally unseen spiritual realm; that’s cloak-and-dagger stuff. Undercover activity by humans isn’t always good. Thugs covertly employed liars to accuse full-of-God’s-grace-and-power Stephen in Acts chapter 6. Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament says the verb “secretly induced” (Acts 6:11 NASB) includes the idea “to employ a secret agent in one’s place.” While fallen angels, demons, also may secretly plot like Stephen’s opponents, Heavenly angels are under our Heavenly Father’s orders to work for God’s interests, our best interests! We should not be fearful; God’s secret service is on assignment for Him.

The mention of personal angelic assistance by the writer of Hebrews (1:14) must have brought encouragement and comfort to those early believers who were facing severe persecution. Doesn’t the thought of an angelic secret service encourage you?

January 28, 2013

3 Keys to Overcome Adversity

Jerry Dean, one of the many Valley Fellowship avid golfers, shared with me some of the history of the golf ball. Early golf balls had smooth covers, but golfers quickly realized that once a ball was roughed up a little, the ball could travel for a longer distance. Manufacturers experimented and soon turned out dimpled balls. I remember Jerry adding a thought something like: “You know, that is just like life. Rough spots in your life can make you go the farthest.” Yesterday, I asked Jerry about that conversation from so many years ago, and he sent me an email with more information:

Golf balls fly farther with dimples or when scuffed up. Originally, golf balls were smooth; but golfers noticed that older balls that were beat up with nicks, bumps and slices in the cover seemed to fly farther. Golfers, being golfers, naturally gravitate toward anything that gives them an advantage on the golf course, so old, beat-up balls became standard issue. The nicks and cuts act as “turbulators” – inducing turbulence in the layer of air next to the ball, often reducing drag. So I guess you could say if we would take our scuffed and battered lives and give it all to God, He would help us all go farther. God makes life much better.

We all need to remember that adversity isn’t meant to stop us. With God’s empowerment, we will fly farther. “In Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 AMP) Consider these keys to overcome adversity.

#1 Remember, adversity in life is meant to make us, not break us.

How strong is your faith? Adversity forces us to honestly gauge just how much we really trust God’s promises. I am still pondering Numbers chapter 13. Ten spies let their fear of struggle, stress, and challenge stop them from appropriating God’s promise. Two – Joshua and Caleb – spied the same territory but trusted God’s promise. Heavenly Father wanted His people to rely upon Him, face adversity, and enjoy what lied ahead. C.H. Spurgeon counseled, “Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity.” (Farm Sermons, p.57)

The grapes of God’s goodness (God’s Promise and the blessings of the Promised Land) are always greater than the giants of adversity. God allows adversity to rub off our rough edges, polish us, strengthen us, and mold us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

#2 Don’t dodge adversity – meet it and beat it.

What is the greatest difficulty facing you right now? Uncertain economy? Unemployment? Broken relationship? Rejection? No adversity is too great for The Lord. God’s power is available even for biggest problem. “Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:10 CEV) Your faith and obedience releases the power of His presence and unlocks His promises.

#3 Let adversity stimulate you!

Adversity is the soil from which victory is grown.“My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy.” (James 1:2 CEB) Every struggle we face offers a distinctive opportunity to mature – to rely upon God’s grace and to overcome adversity.

“Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.” Luke 16:8-9 MSG

Live out what my mom laid out on Sunday morning:

DEVOTION (Philippians 3:11),
DIRECTION (Philippians 3:12-13),
DETERMINATION (Philippians 3:14).

In 1974, the blue station wagon that shuttled our family to hundreds of speaking engagements had an eight-track tape player. For thousands of those miles, we worshiped with the songs of Andraé Crouch. I still remember those melodies and the lyrics. “Through It All” seems like a fitting end for today’s thought.

I’ve had many tears and sorrows; I’ve had questions for tomorrow
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come To only make me strong

I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through
For if I’d never had a problem
I wouldn’t know that He could solve them
I’d never know what faith in God could do

Through it all through it all
Oh, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God
Through it all through it all
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word. (Andraé Crouch © 1971 Manna Music, Inc.)

January 27, 2013

3 Points to Expand Your Perspective

Perspective too often is limited by our personal experience.

In 2011, I traveled with a Valley Fellowship mission team to the Amazon. We connected with George and Idelma Gonzales and the Amazon Expeditions crew for a variety of ministry in Columbia, Peru, and Brazil.

I enjoyed teaching the God’ Word in three languages at Escuela Biblica, Umarirazu, Brazil. In one of the sessions, I shared of the Battle of the Longest Day (Joshua 10). I am still laughing about how long it took to translate “hailstones” to people who have never experienced frozen precipitation of any kind! Unbelief was ALL over their faces until I made the statement, “It was a miracle from God!” Immediately their expressions changed as if they were thinking, “Oh, okay, it was miracle.” The students at the Bible School didn’t have first-hand knowledge of hail, but apparently they did have first-hand experience with God’s power.

A group stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon and paused. An artist thought – “What a beautiful scene to paint!” A prayer warrior meditated – “What a wonderful example of God’s creative handiwork!” A rancher mused – “What an awful place to lose a cow!” What is your Grand Canyon perspective?

The Message paraphrase of Romans 12:3 has advice for all of us: “The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us.” I am pondering my own perspective today as I meditate Numbers chapter 13. Three things ringing in spirit are:

#1 Nothing is too difficult for Almighty God.

Sovereign Lord, you made the earth and the sky by your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for you. Jeremiah 32:17 GNT

#2 He’s the boss; I’m His servant.

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NIV

#3 I am not a grasshopper; God empowers me to do His will so I can do what He tells me to do.

To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them. Numbers 13:33 HCSB

January 26, 2013

UP Prayer

Are you ready for the King of Glory to enter in? I am expecting God’s move in 2013! I can hardly wait for Sunday worship. See you at the Valley Fellowship sanctuary.

Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:8-10 NLT

King of Glory, I lift up my eyes to You. I lift up holy hands in hands in prayer knowing You are up to something marvelously magnificent at Valley Fellowship.

I look up to you, strong and mighty God for help. Like a servant alert to a master’s commands, like a maiden attending her lady, I’m watching and waiting, holding my breath, awaiting the entrance of Your grace.

I open up the door for Your entrance. King of Glory, enter in!

I won’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of me. I will not be distressed looking within, not distracted looking around, not dismayed looking ahead, but I look up to You right now. I pursue the things You desire. I look up alertly to what You are doing, aspiring to see things from Your perspective.

Strong God, I pray our kids would grow up to know you intimately. Hook up parents with wisdom from Your Word. Cascade abundant mercy to back up parents, students, teachers, and staff to bear up to the rigors of the academic year. Build up young adults to walk heads up, faces lit up with the light of Your presence. Partner up single individuals with righteous friends who fire up their faith. Power up spiritual leaders who reflect Your glory.

Lord of Heaven’s Armies, invincible in battle, I pray You bind up the enemy, cross up his plans, mess up his schemes, shut up his accusations, but Lord shake up Madison county with Your splendor. I welcome Your majesty into the Tennessee Valley and beyond.

Show up, O Mighty God, clear up confusion, cheer up mourning, break up doubts, and shore up any deficiencies, and open up the windows of heaven!

Father in Heaven, I buckle up in expectancy, knowing that You have Valley Fellowship set up for jubilant triumph – better than we could ever think up, work up, cook up, crank up, or dream up.

King of Glory, do what You want!

I pray in the mighty, wonder Name of Jesus Christ, amen!

January 25, 2013

Water Leak Anointing

We had a minor flood in our offices Thursday night. I appreciate Will and John and Corey and Patti and Mom who came and stayed late as we tried to limit the damage. My office is a mess right now. No, this is not how my office usually looks. Okay, maybe my desktop isn’t that far from normal, but my office feels messy to me!

As I was moving files, boxes, and books, I came across on old folder I haven’t opened in more than 20 years. Inside were several papers I wrote as an undergraduate student at Oral Roberts University. Back in the 1980s, we were still using typewriters. How did I ever manage to get those papers typed?

One of the papers I typed as a freshman on February 8, 1985. I think I actually typed this paper while sitting in the 12th floor stairwell because my roommate (Tony Smith – where are you now?) had uncharacteristically gone to bed early. I don’t remember for what class this was an assignment, but whoever graded must have liked it. I was encouraged as I read it and share it today hoping it encourages you. The one-page double-spaced paper was based on Jesus public reading of Isaiah 61:1-2, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me…” (Luke 4:18a NIV84).

Isaiah is quoted more than once by Jesus, probably because Isaiah’s central theme is salvation. Isaiah showed God as the Savior of His people, who delivered them out of Egypt, who will deliver them from their coming captivity, and who will send His Son to deliver all captives. Isaiah 61:1&2 gives a full account of what Christ came into the world to do. When Jesus read these verses, He was in Nazareth, His hometown. Jesus had gone to the synagogue, “as His custom was. (Lk. 4:16)” In the Jewish synagogues seven people read every sabbath, the first a priest, the second a Levite, and the other five were Israelites of the synagogue. On this Sabbath, Jesus was one of the five. After concluding the reading, Jesus says, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Lk. 4:21)” Jesus truly did fulfill prophecy.

The word “anointed” is essential in these verses. In the Greek, the word aleipho is a term used for almost any kind of anointing. However, in these verses aleipho is not used. The word chrio is used. Chrio is used for more specific anointings, especially anointings with sacred or symbolic meaning. The use of this gives Jesus something special, the anointing of God. Therefore, Jesus is Christ or “The Anointed One.”

The idea that Jesus was anointed during this time in His life, has great impact on my life. The first thirteen verses of Luke 4 tell of Jesus’ temptation by Satan. After Jesus’ statements in the synagogue, the people were about to kill Him. If Jesus was anointed, then He was anointed during these trying times. If I can realize that I am anointed with God’s Holy Spirit in every situation that I face, I will succeed.

January 25, 2013

“THE CLAW!” I Have Been Chosen

“I have been chosen!” The three-eyed green aliens in Toy Story wanted so badly to be chosen. If you saw Toy Story, you certainly remember The Claw! Our family enjoyed all of the Toy Story franchise. We laughed and cheered the dramatic rescue by The Claw and the aliens in Toy Story 3.

“To be chosen” is a great feeling. Do you remember how you felt as an elementary student when you were picked as teams were divided? Do you recall the sensation of knowing someone liked you as a teenager? How about the excitement of being picked for that first real job? All of those events evaporate in the significance of being chosen by God.

We have been chosen – chosen to be adopted by God, chosen to be co-laborers with God, chosen to be blessed by God, chosen to declare His praise and give Him glory.

God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. (Colossians 3:12a CEV)
But you are a chosen people. (1 Peter 2:9a NIV)
We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. (1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT)
God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory. (Ephesians 1:11-12 GWT)

A scene near the end of the original Toy Story shows crestfallen Buzz Lightyear pessimistically confessing, “I’m just a toy. A stupid little insignificant toy.”

Woody earnestly disagrees, “Whoa, hey, wait a minute. Being a toy is a lot better than being a Space Ranger.” Buzz sardonically challenges him, but Woody continues, “No, it is. Look, over in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it’s not because you’re a Space Ranger, pal, it’s because you’re a toy! You are his toy.”

We have been chosen! Not by fat or by chance or by The Claw, but we were chosen by God. We are much more than just a toy to our Heavenly Father. We enjoyed the full benefits of adoption into heaven’s family. That makes us special. We are His!

January 24, 2013

My Name is “Fool” (Luke 12:16-21)

Prosperity is either a mirror in which we see ourselves or a window through which we see God. Consider how God has blessed your life and then ask yourself, “Do I see God or myself?” Many want Jesus to solve their problem but not to change their heart. Interrupted by a brother with an inheritance dispute (Luke 12:13), Jesus sidestepped the request and told a story illustrating a healthy perspective toward prosperity.

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest” Luke 12:16 NIV

In agribusiness circles, this man would be envied for his abundant harvest and might even be regarded as expressly blessed by God. The crop was exceptional, leaving him with more than enough. The farmers I knew when I was in high school would have described the situation as, “He had a good year!” Fertile fields produced a bumper crop; additional wealth fell into his lap; he had more than enough. Jesus does not condemn his success. Apparently, he came by his fortune honestly but such prosperity presented a problem.

“He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’” Luke 12:17 NIV

The man was faced with a completely natural dilemma, a storage problem. A fruitful harvest left him with an overflow. What do I do with the extra income? The man’s quandary is founded upon too much prosperity, too much wealth, too much harvest. Some of you are probably wishing, “Give me that problem!” The man wanted his wealth to last, but where to keep it?

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.” Luke 12:18 NIV

Surplus grain equates to extra income. He doesn’t want to waste this new found surplus. Pragmatically, he decides to enlarge his storage capacity. Bigger buildings are needed for the extra harvest. Jesus isn’t making an indictment against wealth, but this man talked of his own personal potential – he would demolish old barns, he would build the barns, he would store the grain.

“And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” Luke 12:19 NIV

The man possessed much wealth, but he also possessed:

a false sense of success (I regulate the seasons and cause fertile soil!),
a false sense of security (I’ve got plenty of years!), and
a false sense of satisfaction (I’ll enjoy an epicurean easy-road!).

Self-absorbed, he repeatedly speaks of what “I” will do, “my” crops, “my” barns, “my” surplus, and “myself”. Sensual self-indulgence was his hedonistic retirement goal. He selfishly wanted to enjoy his riches without thought for others’ needs or concern about God. His mistake was in how he viewed his prosperity.

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Luke 12:20 NIV

The rich man of the story is representative of any person who misplaces the priority of prosperity. The man did not use his wealth wisely and God Himself called him “fool”. The Old Testament regularly uses the word “fool” for one who rejects God’s wisdom as the basis for life, but I think verse twenty is the only time in the Bible where God directly calls a person “fool”.

“Fool” underscored the man’s faulty logic and far-too-short-sided planning. The man stupidly assumed the future was in his control. The man was focused on temporal without dealing with eternity. He failed to recognize the temporary nature of prosperity. He would leave his riches behind. The crux of the parable was not prosperity, but the attitude toward prosperity.

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 NIV

To be rich toward God, we must contribute to God’s Kingdom. As we tithe into a local congregation and invest in the lives of his people, our heavenly bank account grows. As we sacrificially sponsor (beyond just the tithe) Great Commission mission on the earth, the spiritual balance swells. With gifts to the poor, orphans, and widows, the interest increases.

We can enjoy and employ prosperity if we remember God’s purpose – He wants to bless us and He wants His Kingdom expanded. We are the Father’s children and He cares for us very much! Paul proclaims, “My God will meet all your needs!” (Philippians 4:19 NIV) God wants to prosper His kids, but He doesn’t want material possessions to distract us.

Warnings of Perils:

“The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Mattthew13:22b NIV
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Too many folks make a living instead of making a life. Are you rich toward God? How are handling the prosperity God has given? Where are your investments? What is your heavenly portfolio? Where is your treasure? Is your prosperity a mirror in which you see yourself or a window through which you see God?

January 23, 2013

5 Reasons God Wants Us To Be Generous

I love my church family! I am so proud to be associated with Valley Fellowship! Valley’s expression of love isn’t just in words, but in actions! I am always so impressed by the generous response of our congregation as we partner in ministry to the world. The Valley Fellowship family really loves God and really loves people.

One practical way we demonstrate love is our connection with the awesome kids at the Casa Angelina Orphanage in Teluche, Guatemala. We are so thankful to work with Ivan Tait (http://www.whatmattersmm.org/), the Tait family, and the team on the ground in Guatemala. Every time I look at the picture below (from one of our visits to Casa Angelina), I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. “ (Matthew 10:42 NIV84)

There is joy in giving and Jesus promises a sure reward. Commenting on 2 Corinthians 9, The Bible Knowledge Commentary points out “Christians are rewarded in three ways for their generosity:

the givers are enriched (vv. 6-10);
the receivers’ needs are met (vv. 11-12); and
God, the Source of all blessing, is praised (vv. 13-15).”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV

Prosperity is an instrument to be used, not an idol to be worshiped. The financial blessings God bestows have a kingdom purpose. We imitate the generous heart of God when we give. Why does God want us to be generous? Here are five big reasons God wants us to be generous:

#1 God wants to show us His love. (Matthew 7:11; Luke 15:17-31)

#2 God wants to bless us. (James 1:17; Proverbs 22:9)

#3 God wants us free from worry. (Luke 12:22-31)

#4 God wants to prosper us. (Proverbs 11:24-25; 3 John 2)

#5 God wants the Gospel preached and His Kingdom advanced. (Matthew 24:14)

January 23, 2013

What My Mother Taught Me

My mom celebrated her 70th birthday at the end of last year. I am so honored to have been her son and for Patti and me to have been able to work alongside of her for so many years.

Someone emailed me “What My Mother Taught Me”in early 2000. I don’t know who originally wrote it, but I find myself laughing at it.

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside – I just finished cleaning!”

My mother taught me INTERCESSION: “You better pray that this stain comes out of the carpet.”

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL: “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”

My mother taught me LOGIC: “Because I said so, that’s why.”

My mother taught me FORESIGHT: “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

My mother taught me IRONY: “Keep laughing and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

My mother taught me about GOODWILL: “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who wish they have what you do!”
My mother taught me about OSMOSIS: “Shut your mouth and eat your supper!”

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM: “Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck?!?”

My mother taught me about STAMINA: “You’ll sit there until all those peas are finished.”

My mother taught me about WEATHER: “It looks as if a tornado swept through your room.”

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS: “If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you; would you listen then?”

My mother taught me about EXAGGERATION: “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times!”

My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting like Jerry!” (my dad)

January 22, 2013

Discouragement Is Toxic

Discouragement is a possibility for us all! Some people think they have to face discouragement alone or without help or aren’t sure where to go for help – like the comedian who quipped, “Lotta self-help tapes out there. Got one called ‘How to Handle Disappointment’. I got home and the box was empty.” (Encyclopedia of Humor, p.342) You may or may not find help from a self-help book, but I promise you can find wise advice from God’s Word. The lives and feelings of Godly folks recounted in Scripture can help us.

The Bible never whitewashes the missteps of the men and woman God employs. Emotions are part of our human makeup, and we really shouldn’t be surprised that emotions sometimes get the best of even saints of God. Elijah was a man of great prayer and great faith but within 24 hours of his most famous victory (fire on top of Mt. Carmel) the threats of a single lady sent him spiraling into toxic discouragement.We would be wise to watch out for dangerous emotions immediately following a triumph in our own lives.

The New Testament (James 5:16-18) highlights Elijah as an example of effective prayer, but Elijah wasn’t perfect. The 19th chapter of 1 Kings details Elijah’s discouraged flight into the desert wilderness. From Elijah’s depressed viewpoint, the surrounding barren wasteland becomes a crushing symbol of a wasted life. However, Elijah’s journey and ultimate encounter with God’s still small voice provides insight into how to overcome discouragement and live in emotional freedom. I encourage you to read 1 Kings 19 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2019&version=NLT).

For many years, I taught a 7th and 8th grade Bible class on the Kings of Israel (a subject I really enjoy!). The following thoughts are drawn from the textbook I used – Israel’s Divided Kingdom (A Beka Book Publications, 1985, p.18-19). We don’t have to face discouragement alone.

When we get discouraged:

We think the wrong thoughts. Elijah thought that Jezebel had the power to take his life; he forgot that God could control Jezebel and that he, Elijah, was safe in the will of God.
We do the wrong things. Acting in fear and not in faith, Elijah ran from Jezebel when he should have stayed and ministered to the new believers in Israel.
We pray the wrong prayer. Elijah prayed, “let me die.”
We say the wrong thing. Elijah’s response to God’s question showed a heart of self-pity rather than confidence in God.
We see the wrong things. Elijah saw only his own exhaustion and despair rather than the opportunities that lay before him.
We get in the wrong place. Elijah was out of the will of God when he ran to Beersheba, and on to Horeb.
We have the wrong spirit. Elijah’s discouragement turned into self-pity and a defeated spirit.

When we get discouraged, we need to:

Get alone with God. Pray and ask Him what He is teaching you.
Remember that God has not changed. He is still all-powerful and is in control of all your circumstances; reckon on His unfailing presence.
Fulfill responsibility. Realize we still have a responsibility and stick with it whether we feel like it or not.
Rely heavily on the promises of God and His Word.
Recount His past blessings.
Never assess a difficulty in the light of your own resources.