WHEN MY MOTHER AND FATHER FORSAKE ME, THEN THE LORD WILL TAKE ME UP--PS.27:10
THIS WEBSITE IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF, AND FOR THE GLORY OF, GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
YOU ARE ENTERING THE SANCTUARY OF GOD'S MEETING HOUSE. WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL REACH OUT TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND INVITE HIM INTO YOUR HEART.
PASTOR HOWARD HAS BEEN A CREDENTIALLED MINISTER WITH THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FOR OVER 25 YRS.
SEVERAL YEARS AGO WE WERE HONORED TO RECEIVE A POEM WRITTEN BY A FRIEND IN NEW YORK. IT IS SO APROPO WE ARE PUBLISHING IT AGAIN. THIS DEAR SAINT, EVA MAY YOUNG HAS HAD TO HAVE A LEG REMOVED AND IS NOW IN A NURSING HOME. SHE NO LONGER HAS AN INTERNET CONNECTION, BUT IF YOU WANT TO WRITE TO HER, I'M SURE SHE WOULD APPRECIATE IT. WE HAVE HER ADDRESS.
Every Sunday morning, I meet with God at his church, I turn on my trusted email, and don't have far to search. There it is, God's Meeting House with it's sermons and its prayers, Reverend Harold and Flora are always waiting for us there. And when we've finished singing, there comes a sermon from the heart. And as I read through each line, My worries and fears depart. There is always a warm message, a message that speaks of God's peace. And a heartfelt knowing when we believe it will always increase. I thank you, Lord in heaven for this awesome internet, That is used to spread the Gospel in a message we can't forget. Your Sunday morning meeting brings a thankful sigh. Someday we'll have a grand reunion in God's Meeting House on high. LET'S PRAISE THE LORD WITH OUR SINGING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE THAT BRINGS JOY TO OUR HEARTS. BY SINGING WE CAN EXPRESS OUR PRAISE TO GOD. LET'S GET INTO THE SERVICE WITH SOME MUSIC TO BRIGHTEN THE SOUL. NOW LET US LIFT OUR VOICES IN SONG AS WE SING AN OLD FAVORITE:CLICK THE BOX TO START THE MUSIC. AND NOW, PLEASE SING WITH US AND LET YOUR VOICES RING WITH THAT OLD TIME FAVORITE OF EVERYONE:
And when we've finished singing, there comes a sermon from the heart. And as I read through each line, My worries and fears depart. There is always a warm message, a message that speaks of God's peace. And a heartfelt knowing when we believe it will always increase.
I thank you, Lord in heaven for this awesome internet, That is used to spread the Gospel in a message we can't forget. Your Sunday morning meeting brings a thankful sigh. Someday we'll have a grand reunion in God's Meeting House on high.
LET'S PRAISE THE LORD WITH OUR SINGING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE THAT BRINGS JOY TO OUR HEARTS. BY SINGING WE CAN EXPRESS OUR PRAISE TO GOD. LET'S GET INTO THE SERVICE WITH SOME MUSIC TO BRIGHTEN THE SOUL.
NOW LET US LIFT OUR VOICES IN SONG AS WE SING AN OLD FAVORITE:CLICK THE BOX TO START THE MUSIC.
AND NOW, PLEASE SING WITH US AND LET YOUR VOICES RING WITH THAT OLD TIME FAVORITE OF EVERYONE:
How sweet and happy seem, those days of which I dream When memory recalls them now and then And with what rapture sweet, my weary heart would beat If I could hear my mother pray again
chorus If I could only hear my mother pray again If I could hear her, tender voice as then How happy I would be, t'would mean so much to me If I could hear my mother pray again
Within the old home place, her patient smiling face Was always spreading comfort, hope and cheer And when she used to sing to her eternal king It was the songs the angels loved to hear
She used to pray that I, on Jesus would rely And always walked the shining gospel way So trusting in His love I seek that home above. Where I shall meet my mother some glad day.
NOW, LET'S SING "LET'S JUST PRAISE THE LORD" Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our voice to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our voice to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! THE SERMON TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY REV. HAROLD HOWARD. SO JUST RELAX AND ALLOW YOUR SOUL TO BE FILLED AS YOU CONCENTRATE ON GOD. BE ATTENTIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HE LEADS YOU.LET'S PRAY GOD'S BLESSING ON THE MESSAGE. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER: WE COME HERE TODAY TO WORSHIP YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD, DEAR LORD TO YOUR CONTINUED BLESSINGS. WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD BLESS THIS MESSAGE TO OUR HEARTS AND HELP US TO GET CLOSER TO YOU, FOR YOUR GLORY. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN. OVERWHELMIMG ODDS OUR SCRIPURE TEXT WILL BE I Kings 17:7-24 We are living in days when being a mother is not as honored as it once was. Today if you are a mom it is thought odd if you stay home to be one full time. In 1995 31% of all births in the United States were to unwed mothers, so the idea of being a mother in a home with a father has been altered by our society also. Many moms today turn their kids over to others to keep all day long while they continue in their careers it is a day of great challenges for motherhood! Sometimes the odds seem overwhelming for being a good mother! Our kids have access to things that teach them values we don't hold, it is nearly impossible to keep influences away from children today that pull them in ways the world would have them travel in. What's a mother to do? The truth is that many a successful man has had a godly mother to point to in his life, so often men who knew God had mothers who knew God! The Apostle Paul could point out a young man named Timothy that could attest to his faith from the example of his Mother and Grandmother. There are clues in God's Word for successfully navigating the challenges of motherhood and there is a way to beat the overwhelming odds mothers face in this demanding world! The Bible teaches us that a faith and confidence in God is a mother's best tool in dealing with the overwhelming demands of a sinful society, godly moms get God's attention and help! THERE WILL BE Conflicts & Suffering! Let's go to our text and read in our Bibles from 1 Kings 17:7-12. I am resding from the NIV--"Sometime later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the Word of the Lord came to him: 'Go at once to Zarephath and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.' So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me please, a piece of bread.' "As surely as the Lord, your God lives,' she replied, 'I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--" and die.' Elijah was in trouble he had prophesied no rain for the next few years, and indeed this had happened. Though God had miraculously fed Elijah by ravens and put him by a brook the brook dried up due to the lack of rain! Though God provides a miracle and supernaturally feeds Elijah he is not exempt from other normal affects of nature such as the drought. God tells him to go to Zarephath, a widow will be used to meet his needs! This was extraordinary! First - Zarephath was in Sidon which is where Jezebel's father ruled as king (see I Kings 16:31) - in other words, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE ENEMY! King Ahab of Israel had married Jezebel - a clear violation of God's Word, and she imported the Baal worship from Sidon to Israel. Ironically, Baal was the storm god - of rain and lightening - yet Elijah had prophesied no rain for 3 years as proof that the God of Israel was the only God and that Baal was powerless and nothing. Now God wants Elijah in the heart of the enemy's land, and it will be here that God will provide a mom to take care of him! When God wanted to get something done He often looked for the right mom! This mom was a widow with one child and as a single mom in that day and society she was in deep poverty! There is something about her however that is different from Jezebel who also came from this part of the world, this widow was a selfless, loving, and committed mother. Jezebel was so different, she demanded everything to be her way, but this widow did whatever she could for others, especially her son. Why would God ask a woman of hardly any means, a woman who herself was suffering to take care of Elijah? -- Because God knows the heart of a mother that she will give even when there is nothing left to give! God never looks for who has the most money to do His work, He looks for who is most willing to be used by Him! Moms by nature are giving nurturers, Elijah would be in good hands with this poor widow! Our society and our kids don't need rich moms, they need moms who demonstrate the qualities of giving, caring, etc. This widow faced more conflicts and suffering than the average woman of her day, yet she is chosen by God to meet the needs of God's servant. Ahaz would never have thought of Eljiah being in Jezebel's home territory, much less being provided for by a poor widow mom it was the perfect hiding place for Elijah! So many times in the Bible God used moms to do the extraordinary things like Moses' mom Jochebed, she defeated Egypt long before Moses did! (She taught Moses all during his childhood and it paid off later!) THERE WAS A Challenge & Supply. Let's read vv 13-14--"Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said, but first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says; 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord bgives rain on the land.'" It almost seems cruel for Elijah to ask this poor mom to bring him cold water (which was in short supply thanks to Elijah!) and the last piece of bread she had! How could Elijah make such a request when she clearly tells him that she was gathering just a few last sticks to cook her last bread for herself and her son? (note: Bread making in those days involved using charcoal - hence the sticks) Though she was expecting this to be her son's last meal she was busy being a mom to the very end. Elijah is NOT being selfish, he knows that if she is willing to obey God's Word the covenant blessings Israel had lost through disobedience would come to this poor obedient woman. The reason Israel was experiencing drought and no food was because they had rejected God and was disobedient to His Word. The Old Covenant had clearly stated that if they obeyed, God would open the windows of heaven for the early and latter rains and their crops would be abundant - but failure to obey would mean he would shut the windows of heaven and cause their crops to fail. (see Lev. 26:3-4, 15-16) Rather than be selfish, Elijah was testing this mom to see if she would trust God and thus enter into God's covenant blessings which would mean great supply for her and her son. To obey seemed illogical from a worldly point of view, it just didn't make sense by any standard in this world in fact, Elijah would have been scoffed as a selfish religious leader taking advantage of a poor widow if this had happened today! But God's economy works different, the simple obedience of this poor mom could change her life for the better, obedience to God's Word always does! She could not image what God had in store for her simple obedience to give her last piece of bread to God's prophet. God does great things with great faith and little amounts of earthly supplies! Years ago a Sunday school in Philadelphia was overcrowded, much like some of our children's departments today. A little girl was turned away. She began, that day, to save her pennies to help the Sunday school have more room. Two years later, she died. They found a pocketbook by her bed with 57 pennies and a little scrap of paper with a note saying to help the church build a bigger Sunday school. The pastor of that church, Dr. Russell Conwell, used that note to make a dramatic appeal to his congregation. People's hearts were touched. One realtor gave the church a piece of land. He said he just wanted a down payment of 57 pennies. The local newspaper picked up the story, and it was carried across the country. The pennies grew, and the results can be seen in Philadelphia today. I've never been to that spot, but I'd like to go see that church. It seats 3,300 people with a large Sunday school department. I'd like to visit Temple University and Good Samaritan Hospital that came about as a result of that initial effort. I'd like to visit the room at Temple University where that little girl's picture is on the wall with the reminder that she gave 57 cents with an amazing result. -- Bob Russell, "Take the Risk," Preaching Today, Tape No. 143. Never underestimate God's work mom, even when you seem to have so little to contribute! Elijah tells her to "not be afraid" . "For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.'" Elijah clearly is telling her that her obedience will bring the covenant blessings of God's provisions for her so his asking her for her last bread was not an act of selfishness but a challenge for her to experience God's best by faith! He clearly tells her what will happen if she obeys. SHE WAS BEATING THE ODDS! Now let's go to 1 Kings 15-24 and read--"She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour vwas not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. Some time later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, 'What do you have against me, Man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son? ' 'Give me your son,' Elijah replied. He took him from her arms and carried him to an upper room where he was staying and laid him on his bed. Then he cried out to the Lord, 'O Lord my God. Have you brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?' Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the Lord, 'O Lord, my God, let this boys life return to him!' The Lord heard Elijah's cry and the boy's life was returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, 'Look, your son is alive!' Then the woman said to Elijah, 'Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.'" She goes away and does EXACTLY as God's word through Elijah had asked of her. This is faith at work! She had no frame of reference to believe that her last flour would supernaturally replace itself, and her oil would not run out this was completely blind trust in God's Word! Not only was her life on the line by this act of faith but so was her son's! No child will suffer from the likes of a godly parent! This young boy was fortunate to have a mother who was not afraid to believe! This mother was modeling faith to her son! And sure enough what God said through Elijah was true, as she made more and more bread the flour never ceased nor did the oil! Notice that it says in verse 15 that there was food for Elijah, the woman, and HER family. This would seem to indicate more than just her son, it may also indicate that she was giving to her extended family members during this drought since she had an unending supply! She was not content to satisfy her own needs, she gave to others out of her abundance just as she had been willing to give when she had no abundance! Givers are not created when people finally get enough to give, they are usually givers long before they have enough to give! This son of hers was a lucky little boy to have a godly mother teach him lessons of faith often moms are the best examples of what God is like to their children! She learned that when she kept God's Word, God's blessings followed! This was the lesson Israel was suppose to have learned, but they rejected it! There was Confidence & Salvation. Succeeding in one test however does not mean that there won't be other tests to follow! Though God continued the miracle of the flour and oil he didn't exempt this mom from other challenges of faith and indeed her biggest challenge showed up! Her son suddenly becomes ill and dies, even Elijah seems confused by all this after all, wasn't God still miraculously providing the flour and oil, how could this happen? For a moment she becomes distraught enough to begin to look for past sin in her life that might explain this sudden catastrophe. While the first challenge of the bread seemed more a test for the woman, this incident seems a test for both the mom and Elijah! The text indicates that Elijah is just as confused by this turn of events as is the widow. Elijah takes the lifeless body of the boy and pleads for God to show kindness to this widow he doesn't start digging to find out what sin she might have been speaking about! He cries out to God, a cold body may have been thought beyond hope so he stretches out on the boy to keep his body warm in hopes God will yet rescue him. This is the first recorded raising of the dead in the Bible, so there were no precedents to go by. This mother had no where else to go except to God and His prophet, her confidence and hope was completely in God! The same faith that gave life to them when they were starving to death would give life to her son in this situation also. God heard Elijah's prayer and answered by raising the boy to life again. Elijah brings the living boy back to his mother, and she understands the power of God and His Word both she and this boy came to know the power of God's saving grace! It is important to note that this was not the end of challenges, after 3½ years the drought ended and the flour and oil no longer ran supernaturally, so they had to return to normal ways of providing again but they would never be the same now that God had touched their lives. How about you mom? Has God touched your life? Have you shown your family the faith in a living God that can make all the difference? If a single poor mom could overcome overwhelming odds through faith in God, so can you mom today! (and this is true for dads, kids, and everyone!) AND IN CONCLUSION: A mom from Zarephath discovered what many moms know -- it is hard work being a good mom in a culture that frowned on her position. This mom had little power to help herself or her family, but with faith in God she beat all the odds and was favored by the Lord even though she was not Jewish by birth! Moms, it is possible to overcome the odds and see God's work in your life and your children, trust in God! Now Let's sing "MORE ABOUT JESUS". More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. More about Jesus on his throne Riches in glory all his own More of his kingdom's sure increase More of his coming, Prince of Peace. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. I never like to close a service without knowing that everyone has had a chance to accept Jesus into their heart and become a Christian. If you are one of those today, don't go away without finding the greatest joy in the world. It doesn't matter what your age is (I was 50 yrs old when I found Jesus). He is reaching out to you. Try reaching out to him and your life will be changed dramatically. All it takes is a little prayer from the heart, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and asking Him to come into your heart and become Lord of your life. If you do, let us know and we can rejoice with you and help you all we can. Our email address is on our prayer page. WE HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAD A GOOD SERVICE TODAY, AND THAT YOU LEAVE THE SERVICE WITH YOUR HEARTS LIFTED AND WITH PRAISE IN YOUR HEARTS TO A GREAT GOD. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK NEXT WEEK. Now Let's sing "BLESSED ASSURANCE." Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Let's sing a closing song and leave with joy in our hearts because of Jesus. We'll sing "MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU". May the good Lord bless and keep you, Whether near or far away. May you find that long awaited, golden day today May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again. May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows, Never mind what might have been. May the good Lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see WE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO BETTER THIS SITE AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD CARE TO SEND US SO THAT WE CAN BRING A SERVICE THAT WILL BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WE CAN BRING. IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SING, SEND US AN EMAIL REQUESTING IT AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE IT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS,. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU ALL. OUR READERS MIGHT LIKE TO TRY THIS YAHOO GROUP. IF YOU DO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. A FRIEND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO LIST OUR PAST SERVICES IN CASE YOU MISSED ONE. THE URL-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gods_Meeting_House Visits made to our website this week--187 OUR PRAYER CENTER IS OPEN AND WE PRAY DAILY FOR EVERY PRAYER THAT COMES IN. JUST SEND YOUR REQUEST BY EMAIL. GO TO
Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord!
Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our voice to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our voice to heaven and praise the Lord!
Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord! Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands to heaven and praise the Lord!
THE SERMON TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY REV. HAROLD HOWARD. SO JUST RELAX AND ALLOW YOUR SOUL TO BE FILLED AS YOU CONCENTRATE ON GOD. BE ATTENTIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HE LEADS YOU.
LET'S PRAY GOD'S BLESSING ON THE MESSAGE. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER: WE COME HERE TODAY TO WORSHIP YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD, DEAR LORD TO YOUR CONTINUED BLESSINGS. WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD BLESS THIS MESSAGE TO OUR HEARTS AND HELP US TO GET CLOSER TO YOU, FOR YOUR GLORY. IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
OUR SCRIPURE TEXT WILL BE I Kings 17:7-24 We are living in days when being a mother is not as honored as it once was. Today if you are a mom it is thought odd if you stay home to be one full time. In 1995 31% of all births in the United States were to unwed mothers, so the idea of being a mother in a home with a father has been altered by our society also. Many moms today turn their kids over to others to keep all day long while they continue in their careers it is a day of great challenges for motherhood!
Sometimes the odds seem overwhelming for being a good mother! Our kids have access to things that teach them values we don't hold, it is nearly impossible to keep influences away from children today that pull them in ways the world would have them travel in. What's a mother to do? The truth is that many a successful man has had a godly mother to point to in his life, so often men who knew God had mothers who knew God! The Apostle Paul could point out a young man named Timothy that could attest to his faith from the example of his Mother and Grandmother. There are clues in God's Word for successfully navigating the challenges of motherhood and there is a way to beat the overwhelming odds mothers face in this demanding world! The Bible teaches us that a faith and confidence in God is a mother's best tool in dealing with the overwhelming demands of a sinful society, godly moms get God's attention and help!
THERE WILL BE Conflicts & Suffering! Let's go to our text and read in our Bibles from 1 Kings 17:7-12. I am resding from the NIV--"Sometime later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the Word of the Lord came to him: 'Go at once to Zarephath and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.' So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me please, a piece of bread.'
"As surely as the Lord, your God lives,' she replied, 'I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--" and die.'
Elijah was in trouble he had prophesied no rain for the next few years, and indeed this had happened. Though God had miraculously fed Elijah by ravens and put him by a brook the brook dried up due to the lack of rain! Though God provides a miracle and supernaturally feeds Elijah he is not exempt from other normal affects of nature such as the drought. God tells him to go to Zarephath, a widow will be used to meet his needs! This was extraordinary! First - Zarephath was in Sidon which is where Jezebel's father ruled as king (see I Kings 16:31) - in other words, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE ENEMY!
King Ahab of Israel had married Jezebel - a clear violation of God's Word, and she imported the Baal worship from Sidon to Israel. Ironically, Baal was the storm god - of rain and lightening - yet Elijah had prophesied no rain for 3 years as proof that the God of Israel was the only God and that Baal was powerless and nothing. Now God wants Elijah in the heart of the enemy's land, and it will be here that God will provide a mom to take care of him! When God wanted to get something done He often looked for the right mom! This mom was a widow with one child and as a single mom in that day and society she was in deep poverty! There is something about her however that is different from Jezebel who also came from this part of the world, this widow was a selfless, loving, and committed mother. Jezebel was so different, she demanded everything to be her way, but this widow did whatever she could for others, especially her son. Why would God ask a woman of hardly any means, a woman who herself was suffering to take care of Elijah? -- Because God knows the heart of a mother that she will give even when there is nothing left to give!
God never looks for who has the most money to do His work, He looks for who is most willing to be used by Him! Moms by nature are giving nurturers, Elijah would be in good hands with this poor widow! Our society and our kids don't need rich moms, they need moms who demonstrate the qualities of giving, caring, etc. This widow faced more conflicts and suffering than the average woman of her day, yet she is chosen by God to meet the needs of God's servant. Ahaz would never have thought of Eljiah being in Jezebel's home territory, much less being provided for by a poor widow mom it was the perfect hiding place for Elijah! So many times in the Bible God used moms to do the extraordinary things like Moses' mom Jochebed, she defeated Egypt long before Moses did! (She taught Moses all during his childhood and it paid off later!)
THERE WAS A Challenge & Supply. Let's read vv 13-14--"Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said, but first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says; 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord bgives rain on the land.'"
It almost seems cruel for Elijah to ask this poor mom to bring him cold water (which was in short supply thanks to Elijah!) and the last piece of bread she had! How could Elijah make such a request when she clearly tells him that she was gathering just a few last sticks to cook her last bread for herself and her son? (note: Bread making in those days involved using charcoal - hence the sticks) Though she was expecting this to be her son's last meal she was busy being a mom to the very end.
Elijah is NOT being selfish, he knows that if she is willing to obey God's Word the covenant blessings Israel had lost through disobedience would come to this poor obedient woman. The reason Israel was experiencing drought and no food was because they had rejected God and was disobedient to His Word. The Old Covenant had clearly stated that if they obeyed, God would open the windows of heaven for the early and latter rains and their crops would be abundant - but failure to obey would mean he would shut the windows of heaven and cause their crops to fail. (see Lev. 26:3-4, 15-16)
Rather than be selfish, Elijah was testing this mom to see if she would trust God and thus enter into God's covenant blessings which would mean great supply for her and her son. To obey seemed illogical from a worldly point of view, it just didn't make sense by any standard in this world in fact, Elijah would have been scoffed as a selfish religious leader taking advantage of a poor widow if this had happened today! But God's economy works different, the simple obedience of this poor mom could change her life for the better, obedience to God's Word always does! She could not image what God had in store for her simple obedience to give her last piece of bread to God's prophet. God does great things with great faith and little amounts of earthly supplies!
Years ago a Sunday school in Philadelphia was overcrowded, much like some of our children's departments today. A little girl was turned away. She began, that day, to save her pennies to help the Sunday school have more room. Two years later, she died. They found a pocketbook by her bed with 57 pennies and a little scrap of paper with a note saying to help the church build a bigger Sunday school. The pastor of that church, Dr. Russell Conwell, used that note to make a dramatic appeal to his congregation. People's hearts were touched. One realtor gave the church a piece of land. He said he just wanted a down payment of 57 pennies. The local newspaper picked up the story, and it was carried across the country. The pennies grew, and the results can be seen in Philadelphia today. I've never been to that spot, but I'd like to go see that church. It seats 3,300 people with a large Sunday school department. I'd like to visit Temple University and Good Samaritan Hospital that came about as a result of that initial effort. I'd like to visit the room at Temple University where that little girl's picture is on the wall with the reminder that she gave 57 cents with an amazing result. -- Bob Russell, "Take the Risk," Preaching Today, Tape No. 143.
Never underestimate God's work mom, even when you seem to have so little to contribute! Elijah tells her to "not be afraid" . "For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.'" Elijah clearly is telling her that her obedience will bring the covenant blessings of God's provisions for her so his asking her for her last bread was not an act of selfishness but a challenge for her to experience God's best by faith! He clearly tells her what will happen if she obeys.
SHE WAS BEATING THE ODDS! Now let's go to 1 Kings 15-24 and read--"She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour vwas not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. Some time later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, 'What do you have against me, Man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son? ' 'Give me your son,' Elijah replied. He took him from her arms and carried him to an upper room where he was staying and laid him on his bed. Then he cried out to the Lord, 'O Lord my God. Have you brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?' Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the Lord, 'O Lord, my God, let this boys life return to him!'
The Lord heard Elijah's cry and the boy's life was returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, 'Look, your son is alive!' Then the woman said to Elijah, 'Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.'"
She goes away and does EXACTLY as God's word through Elijah had asked of her. This is faith at work! She had no frame of reference to believe that her last flour would supernaturally replace itself, and her oil would not run out this was completely blind trust in God's Word! Not only was her life on the line by this act of faith but so was her son's! No child will suffer from the likes of a godly parent! This young boy was fortunate to have a mother who was not afraid to believe! This mother was modeling faith to her son!
And sure enough what God said through Elijah was true, as she made more and more bread the flour never ceased nor did the oil! Notice that it says in verse 15 that there was food for Elijah, the woman, and HER family. This would seem to indicate more than just her son, it may also indicate that she was giving to her extended family members during this drought since she had an unending supply! She was not content to satisfy her own needs, she gave to others out of her abundance just as she had been willing to give when she had no abundance! Givers are not created when people finally get enough to give, they are usually givers long before they have enough to give! This son of hers was a lucky little boy to have a godly mother teach him lessons of faith often moms are the best examples of what God is like to their children! She learned that when she kept God's Word, God's blessings followed! This was the lesson Israel was suppose to have learned, but they rejected it!
There was Confidence & Salvation. Succeeding in one test however does not mean that there won't be other tests to follow! Though God continued the miracle of the flour and oil he didn't exempt this mom from other challenges of faith and indeed her biggest challenge showed up! Her son suddenly becomes ill and dies, even Elijah seems confused by all this after all, wasn't God still miraculously providing the flour and oil, how could this happen? For a moment she becomes distraught enough to begin to look for past sin in her life that might explain this sudden catastrophe.
While the first challenge of the bread seemed more a test for the woman, this incident seems a test for both the mom and Elijah! The text indicates that Elijah is just as confused by this turn of events as is the widow. Elijah takes the lifeless body of the boy and pleads for God to show kindness to this widow he doesn't start digging to find out what sin she might have been speaking about! He cries out to God, a cold body may have been thought beyond hope so he stretches out on the boy to keep his body warm in hopes God will yet rescue him. This is the first recorded raising of the dead in the Bible, so there were no precedents to go by. This mother had no where else to go except to God and His prophet, her confidence and hope was completely in God! The same faith that gave life to them when they were starving to death would give life to her son in this situation also. God heard Elijah's prayer and answered by raising the boy to life again.
Elijah brings the living boy back to his mother, and she understands the power of God and His Word both she and this boy came to know the power of God's saving grace! It is important to note that this was not the end of challenges, after 3½ years the drought ended and the flour and oil no longer ran supernaturally, so they had to return to normal ways of providing again but they would never be the same now that God had touched their lives. How about you mom? Has God touched your life? Have you shown your family the faith in a living God that can make all the difference? If a single poor mom could overcome overwhelming odds through faith in God, so can you mom today! (and this is true for dads, kids, and everyone!)
AND IN CONCLUSION: A mom from Zarephath discovered what many moms know -- it is hard work being a good mom in a culture that frowned on her position. This mom had little power to help herself or her family, but with faith in God she beat all the odds and was favored by the Lord even though she was not Jewish by birth! Moms, it is possible to overcome the odds and see God's work in your life and your children, trust in God!
Now Let's sing "MORE ABOUT JESUS".
More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. More about Jesus on his throne Riches in glory all his own More of his kingdom's sure increase More of his coming, Prince of Peace. Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me. I never like to close a service without knowing that everyone has had a chance to accept Jesus into their heart and become a Christian. If you are one of those today, don't go away without finding the greatest joy in the world. It doesn't matter what your age is (I was 50 yrs old when I found Jesus). He is reaching out to you. Try reaching out to him and your life will be changed dramatically. All it takes is a little prayer from the heart, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and asking Him to come into your heart and become Lord of your life. If you do, let us know and we can rejoice with you and help you all we can. Our email address is on our prayer page. WE HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAD A GOOD SERVICE TODAY, AND THAT YOU LEAVE THE SERVICE WITH YOUR HEARTS LIFTED AND WITH PRAISE IN YOUR HEARTS TO A GREAT GOD. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK NEXT WEEK. Now Let's sing "BLESSED ASSURANCE." Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Let's sing a closing song and leave with joy in our hearts because of Jesus. We'll sing "MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU". May the good Lord bless and keep you, Whether near or far away. May you find that long awaited, golden day today May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again. May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows, Never mind what might have been. May the good Lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see WE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO BETTER THIS SITE AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD CARE TO SEND US SO THAT WE CAN BRING A SERVICE THAT WILL BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WE CAN BRING. IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SING, SEND US AN EMAIL REQUESTING IT AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE IT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS,. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU ALL. OUR READERS MIGHT LIKE TO TRY THIS YAHOO GROUP. IF YOU DO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. A FRIEND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO LIST OUR PAST SERVICES IN CASE YOU MISSED ONE. THE URL-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gods_Meeting_House Visits made to our website this week--187 OUR PRAYER CENTER IS OPEN AND WE PRAY DAILY FOR EVERY PRAYER THAT COMES IN. JUST SEND YOUR REQUEST BY EMAIL. GO TO
More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me.
Refrain More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me.
More about Jesus on his throne Riches in glory all his own More of his kingdom's sure increase More of his coming, Prince of Peace.
I never like to close a service without knowing that everyone has had a chance to accept Jesus into their heart and become a Christian. If you are one of those today, don't go away without finding the greatest joy in the world. It doesn't matter what your age is (I was 50 yrs old when I found Jesus). He is reaching out to you. Try reaching out to him and your life will be changed dramatically. All it takes is a little prayer from the heart, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and asking Him to come into your heart and become Lord of your life. If you do, let us know and we can rejoice with you and help you all we can. Our email address is on our prayer page.
WE HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAD A GOOD SERVICE TODAY, AND THAT YOU LEAVE THE SERVICE WITH YOUR HEARTS LIFTED AND WITH PRAISE IN YOUR HEARTS TO A GREAT GOD. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK NEXT WEEK.
Now Let's sing "BLESSED ASSURANCE."
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. (Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Let's sing a closing song and leave with joy in our hearts because of Jesus. We'll sing "MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU". May the good Lord bless and keep you, Whether near or far away. May you find that long awaited, golden day today May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again. May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows, Never mind what might have been. May the good Lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see WE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO BETTER THIS SITE AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD CARE TO SEND US SO THAT WE CAN BRING A SERVICE THAT WILL BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WE CAN BRING. IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SING, SEND US AN EMAIL REQUESTING IT AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE IT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS,. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU ALL. OUR READERS MIGHT LIKE TO TRY THIS YAHOO GROUP. IF YOU DO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. A FRIEND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO LIST OUR PAST SERVICES IN CASE YOU MISSED ONE. THE URL-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gods_Meeting_House Visits made to our website this week--187 OUR PRAYER CENTER IS OPEN AND WE PRAY DAILY FOR EVERY PRAYER THAT COMES IN. JUST SEND YOUR REQUEST BY EMAIL. GO TO
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Let's sing a closing song and leave with joy in our hearts because of Jesus. We'll sing "MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU".
May the good Lord bless and keep you, Whether near or far away. May you find that long awaited, golden day today May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again. May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows, Never mind what might have been. May the good Lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see WE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO BETTER THIS SITE AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD CARE TO SEND US SO THAT WE CAN BRING A SERVICE THAT WILL BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WE CAN BRING. IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SING, SEND US AN EMAIL REQUESTING IT AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE IT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS,. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU ALL. OUR READERS MIGHT LIKE TO TRY THIS YAHOO GROUP. IF YOU DO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. A FRIEND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO LIST OUR PAST SERVICES IN CASE YOU MISSED ONE. THE URL-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gods_Meeting_House Visits made to our website this week--187 OUR PRAYER CENTER IS OPEN AND WE PRAY DAILY FOR EVERY PRAYER THAT COMES IN. JUST SEND YOUR REQUEST BY EMAIL. GO TO
May the good Lord bless and keep you, Whether near or far away. May you find that long awaited, golden day today May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again.
May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows, Never mind what might have been. May the good Lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again
May your troubles all be small ones, And your fortune ten times ten, May the good lord bless and keep you, 'til we meet again May you walk with the sunlight shining, And a blue bird in every tree. May there be silver lining, back of every cloud you see
WE WILL CONTINUALLY TRY TO BETTER THIS SITE AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD CARE TO SEND US SO THAT WE CAN BRING A SERVICE THAT WILL BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WE CAN BRING. IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SING, SEND US AN EMAIL REQUESTING IT AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE IT. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS,. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. WE LOVE YOU ALL.
OUR READERS MIGHT LIKE TO TRY THIS YAHOO GROUP. IF YOU DO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. A FRIEND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO LIST OUR PAST SERVICES IN CASE YOU MISSED ONE. THE URL-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gods_Meeting_House
Visits made to our website this week--187
OUR PRAYER CENTER IS OPEN AND WE PRAY DAILY FOR EVERY PRAYER THAT COMES IN. JUST SEND YOUR REQUEST BY EMAIL. GO TO
