A Voice in the Wilderness

Among the mountains of Gilead, east of the Jordan, there dwelt in the days of Ahab a man of faith and prayer whose fearless ministry was destined to check the rapid spread of apostasy in Israel. Far removed from any city of renown, and occupying no high station in life, Elijah the Tishbite nevertheless entered upon his mission confident in God’s purpose to prepare the way before him and to give him abundant success. The word of faith and power was upon his lips, and his whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was the voice of one crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed….

To Elijah was entrusted the mission of delivering to Ahab Heaven’s message of judgment. He did not seek to be the Lord’s messenger; the word of the Lord came to him. And jealous for the honor of God’s cause, he did not hesitate to obey the divine summons, though to obey seemed to invite swift destruction at the hand of the wicked king….

It was only by the exercise of strong faith in the unfailing power of God’s word that Elijah delivered his message. Had he not possessed implicit confidence in the One whom he served, he would never have appeared before Ahab. On his way to Samaria, Elijah had passed by ever-flowing streams, hills covered with verdure, and stately forests that seemed beyond the reach of drought. Everything on which the eye rested was clothed with beauty. The prophet might have wondered how the streams that had never ceased their flow could become dry, or how those hills and valleys could be burned with drought. But he gave no place to unbelief. He fully believed that God would humble apostate Israel, and that through judgments they would be brought to repentance. The fiat of Heaven had gone forth; God’s word could not fail; and at the peril of his life Elijah fearlessly fulfilled his commission.
Conflict and Courage p. 205
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Prayer Requests
—–update—After the heart cath, the doctor scheduled John for a triple by-pass to be done tomorrow. Please pray that God will guide the doctor’s hands and that I will be able to get him to come to our CHEC Wellness meetings. Ron
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Dear Friends,

What a treasure God’s Word is! The sixty-six books that made up the Bible were written by “holy men of God [who] spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Peter 1:21 It is the one solid, unchanging, reliable source that we can hold onto in this ever-changing world. It tells us who we are and why we are here, and, more importantly, it’s pages are full of our dear Saviour. The Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Paul tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2Tim 3:15-17

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Ps 12:6,7 Our Great Creator watches over His word and preserves it, so that we may know that it has not been changed. God oversaw the copying of His Word by men who counted every letter, every word. If the count did not come out right, they started over again. What dedication and patience they had! “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 19:7-11

There is life-changing power in God’s Word. As we read it, the Holy Spirit moves upon our heart and by beholding we are changed into the very person the Great Author so greatly desires us to be. <2 Cor 3:18> The psalmist declares, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps 119:9-11

Let us determine to spend time each day studying God’s Holy Word. Let us hide it’s words in our heart, that we will not stray into sin. Let us find our dear Saviour through this great Message Book given to us by the All-Knowing, All-Seeing King of the Universe.

Rose