What doest thou here?

photo: http://www.tonycooke.org

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.  And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? (1Kings 19:11-13 KJV)

Introduction

The question the Lord put to Elijah speaks to me. Elijah had, in the previous couple of weeks leading up to this moment, been used of God to defeat over 400 prophets of Baal but now had fled to Mt. Horeb in fear due to the threats of the wicked queen Jezebel. James said that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are. Too many times we let the devil and this world get us cornered in a cave.  It is so easy to get in the cave and the roaring wind, shaking of the earth, and fires in our lives seem to drown out all else.

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The Book of James – Perfection James 2:10-13

Introduction

Our next set of verses would seem at first to depart from what we talked about last time, treating everyone the same.  However, as we will find, James is actually continuing the same thought found in the first 9 verses.

This is going to sound fragmented as we go along.  Please allow me time to examine each part and then we will assemble them.

 

The Book of James – Godly State of Mind James 1:9-11

Introduction

So far James has told us that there will be times of testing.  This is when God allows the road ahead to be challenging so we will trust in Him and grow stronger.  We have also seen where God is just waiting for us to ask for wisdom so that we can conduct ourselves in a manner pleasing to Him.  Now James, as he continues to talk about patience, is going to cover our state of mind.

 

The Book of James – Pursuit of Wisdom James 1:5-8

Introduction

Who can resist an invitation to gain wisdom?  Not just any wisdom, we are talking about wisdom from on high.  The words of James, if we heed them, will change our life.  Before we begin let me remind you, God always keeps His promises.