Saturday, June 20, 2009

Daily Devotion

June 20


1 Kings 17:14-15 (NIV)14For 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.'"15She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.


Once the Kerith Ravine dried up, the Lord sent Elijah to the home of a Gentile woman. If you thought ravens were stingy, try humans. But a few verses earlier the LORD said He had commanded her to feed Elijah. Elijah gave her a real faith test by asking her to feed him first and then cook their meal from the little left in her jar. If the LORD had not commanded her to do this, I doubt she would have even considered it. Even though there was a promise that a miracle would happen, consider that this woman is not Jewish. The prophet before her had been camping out in a ravine for months. Who is going to give their last meal to him instead of feeding their own child? But just as the LORD commanded the ravens, so He commanded her.

When she obeyed, she found the promise was true. One pastor tells of the surprise she must have experienced each time she reached in to scrape the bottom of the jars. Just enough for another meal, again, and again, and again!

We have the same experience when we abide in Christ. We think we have scraped the bottom of the mercy and grace jar with a certain brother. We reach into the life of Christ within us and, low and behold, there is just enough for the present situation. Then another situation comes along. The last time, we know we scraped the bottom and had just barely enough. Here this brother is offending us again. How can we possibly find the mercy to forgive him? But we reach into the earthen vessel that holds the treasure and what do you know! It is just enough to meet the present circumstance.


Consider: If you will give love and mercy and grace to those around you first, there will always be enough for you when you have a need. Even when you think you have run out, reach down in there again, and you will find it in Christ, the One who lives within you.

13 comments:

Bogie said...

I like your post Denise. Thanks for inspiring :)

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Well written Denise, well written. Great reminder. Blessings and love to you.

Gretchen said...

Thank you for this devotional, dear one. xxxooo

LauraLee Shaw said...

Phenomenal devotion, Denise, and oh so true. If only I will remember to depend on this promise BEFORE I stress. Love you, sister.

Beth in NC said...

Great reminder Denise. Amen!

Rebecca said...

I read your post re. the weight challenges...I think the only challenge or "bandwagon" to get onto is the one Jesus is driving! He has brought you this far and you KNOW that He will take you to the next level. Continue to hear His voice and follow--come or go, stay or rest, stop or hurry. Goodness and mercy WILL follow you all of your days.

Always a Southern Girl said...

Denise, Thanks so much for such a wonderful devotion.

RCUBEs said...

A miracle from a simple act of faith! And every miracle, big or small, starts with an act of obedience. Great post sister Denise! God bless.

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

I LOVE THIS! Just when you think you can not give more . . . the Lord provides. Thank you my sister in Christ for your lovely reminder.
LOVE U,
Bren

Debra Kaye said...

What a true statement, my sister...I have been surprised myself sometimes when I have reached into the grace and mercy jar and found it is just enough for what I need! Praise the Lord!

Love you!

Talk..to..Grams said...

Great devotional Denise! love Grams

GranthamLynn said...

Yes that was well written and lovely reminder. I had not thought of it that way. But you are right. I needed to be reminded that I need to ask Jesus for his strength to give grace and mercy when I feel like it isn't hudeserved when we are hurt by someone or something.
Thanks for this precious reminder.
Have a Blessed Sunday I know you are looking forward to worship my sister.
Hugs,
Sherry

Billy Coffey said...

Beautiful, Denise. This post inspired me today!