POPULARITY
Categories
Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel - LK 4:16-30 - Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had grown up, and went according to His custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at Him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His Mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the Son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,' and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'” And He said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove Him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl Him down headlong. But He passed through the midst of them and went away. Bishop Sheen quote of the day Father Charles Murr discuss Saint Pope Pius X and his fight against modernism in the Church
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Matthew 19:16-22 Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. Reflection What we see revealed here is something very common. How does something so extraordinary as God's Spirit works through ordinary human beings? I know Jesus wasn't an ordinary human being, but certainly those who grew up with him saw him as that. Maybe they had some resentment against him for whatever reason, but the thought that someone ordinary could have this kind of wisdom and this kind of understanding, just blew away their basic understanding of the way the world works. And it's interesting that their reaction was not disbelief, but anger. And they wanted to destroy him as if to say, God can't work in ordinary people. Closing Prayer Father, your grace and our humanity are made for one another. We should expect, and we should long for those moments when we can feel you moving through us. Help us to be aware of this gift. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,and went according to his custominto the synagogue on the sabbath day.He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.Rolling up the scroll,he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them,"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb,'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native placethe things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"And he said,"Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.Indeed, I tell you,there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijahwhen the sky was closed for three and a half yearsand a severe famine spread over the entire land.It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.Again, there were many lepers in Israelduring the time of Elisha the prophet;yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
+ A Reading from the Gospel according to Saint Luke 4: 16 – 30 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. The Gospel of the Lord
Psalm 24:1 NIV 1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.Psalm 50:10NIV 10 For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.More than 2,000 passages in Scripture that reference wealth and possessions. Almost half of Jesus' parables ¼ of all of his teachings dealt with moneyMore in the NT about money than the mention of heaven and hell combined.5 times more verses on money than even on prayer.1. Our Giving Reveals Our Heart.Matthew 6:19-24 NIV19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.Matthew 6:21 NIV21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.1 Samuel 16:7b NIV The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”Mark 12:30 NIVLove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'1. Our Giving Reveals Our Heart.2. Our Giving Reveals What We Already Have.1 Kings 17:8-9 NIV 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”1 Kings 17:10-12 NIV10 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?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “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 olive oil in a jug.1. Our Giving Reveals Our Heart.2. Our Giving Reveals What We Already Have.3. Our Giving Reveals What We're Holding Tightest.1 Kings 17:12-14 NIV12 “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 olive 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.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 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 sends rain on the land.'”Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.1 Kings 17:15-16 NIV15 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. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.1 Kings 17:17-19;21-22 NIV17 Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18 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?” 19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 21 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!” 22 The Lord heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived.1. Our Giving Reveals Our Heart.2. Our Giving Reveals What We Already Have.3. Our Giving Reveals What We're Holding Tightest.4. Our Giving Reveals God's Heart to Others.1 John 3:17-18 NIV17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.1. Our Giving Reveals Our Heart.2. Our Giving Reveals What We Already Have.3. Our Giving Reveals What We're Holding Tightest.4. Our Giving Reveals God's Heart to Others.
In this message from The Life of Elijah, Pastor Grant takes us to 1 Kings 17 to teach on faith for the impossible, showing how God calls us to trust Him when life doesn't make sense. We see Elijah's journey from the brook to Zarephath and learn what it means to have faith to go, faith to stay, faith to give, and faith to live.Through ravens that brought bread and meat, a widow with only a handful of flour and oil, and even the raising of her son, God revealed that He alone is our true source and sustainer.This message is a powerful reminder that the same God who provided for Elijah in impossible circumstances is the God who provides for us today. When we put Him first and trust His Word, we find that He is faithful in every situation.If you're ready to take the next step in your faith or want to learn more about Liberty, please visit libertylive.church/connect.
I Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”Before God can do something big THROUGH YOU, he often times needs to work ON YOU.God will often humble you PRIVATELY before using you PUBLICLY.Usually this happens during a painful season of WAITING.I Kings 17:2-3 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.”KERITH: Hebrew—“Cut off” or “Cut down”“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”—A.W. TozerDuring your WAITING, God wants to develop your DEPENDENCE on Him.I Kings 17:4-6 “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.If DEPENDENCE is the goal, WEAKNESS is an advantage. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he (GOD) said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Finally, God will call you to radical OBEDIENCE.I Kings 17:7-9 Some time 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 in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:10 So he went to Zarephath.What has God been preparing you for that you need to STAND UP, MOVE and be RADICALLY OBEDIENT to?Successful people do CONSISTENTLY what average people do OCCASIONALLY.
Lk 4:16-30Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,and went according to his custominto the synagogue on the sabbath day.He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.Rolling up the scroll,he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them,"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb,'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native placethe things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"And he said,"Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.Indeed, I tell you,there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijahwhen the sky was closed for three and a half yearsand a severe famine spread over the entire land.It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.Again, there were many lepers in Israelduring the time of Elisha the prophet;yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
Crystal Rivers | Open Book | Aug 26, 2025 You are living in what many consider a season of unique spiritual opportunity for financial breakthrough and provision. This perspective draws from biblical accounts where God provided supernaturally during economic hardship - like the widow of Zarephath whose small amounts of flour and oil never ran dry during a severe famine, or the widow whose debts were paid through miraculous multiplication of oil. The central principle is that God has given believers "power to get wealth" to establish His covenant purposes. However, this requires careful spiritual discernment and cannot be approached through conventional worldly methods. Your relationship with divine provision operates differently than secular wealth-building strategies. Here's what you need to understand: **Seek Specific Divine Direction** Rather than following generic formulas, invest significant time in prayer and fasting to receive personalized guidance. What works for others may not be your path. God's provision often comes through unexpected channels that require spiritual sensitivity to recognize and follow. **Distinguish Between Opportunities and Traps** Not every financial opportunity comes from God. Some are designed to drain your resources. Develop discernment to recognize the difference between divine doors and deceptive traps that promise quick returns but lead to loss. **Embrace Your Portion** Not everyone will become wealthy in this season. Some will receive supernatural business ideas or generational wealth, while others will have their basic needs met through different means. Contentment with your allocated portion prevents dangerous covetousness while remaining open to increase. **Practice Wise Stewardship** Any resources that come through divine channels require careful management. Avoid waste, seek guidance before major investments, and resist pressure to give beyond what you're specifically directed to give. **Understand the Process** True divine provision often involves preparation, patience, and gradual development rather than instant transformation. Be prepared for a journey that develops character alongside financial increase. The underlying belief is that your Heavenly Father knows your needs and has made provision, but accessing this requires spiritual maturity, consistent seeking, and careful obedience to specific guidance rather than presumptuous action. Zoom every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom
It's easy to get discouraged when we're praying for a family member or a loved one and we just don't see God answering our prayers. In those times, we might tend to tell God how and when He should answer the prayer instead of having faith that His answer to our prayers might be in a way or at a time that is different than we imagine—but better!In this message, Jill gives us the example of Elijah and the widow and her son at Zarephath. Sharing her own personal stories, Jill encourages us to keep praying for our loved ones in any circumstances. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29
It's easy to get discouraged when we're praying for a family member or a loved one and we just don't see God answering our prayers. In those times, we might tend to tell God how and when He should answer the prayer instead of having faith that His answer to our prayers might be in a way or at a time that is different than we imagine—but better!In this message, Jill gives us the example of Elijah and the widow and her son at Zarephath. Sharing her own personal stories, Jill encourages us to keep praying for our loved ones in any circumstances. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29
Pastor Daniel examines how God's fire protects, purifies, and transforms—illustrated through Abraham's covenant, Israel's pillar, Daniel's friends, Elijah at Zarephath, and the Emmaus disciples—refining hearts from stone to flesh and engraving His law within us.
What do you do when you're stuck between God's promise and His provision?From Elijah at the brook to the widow at Zarephath, Scripture shows us that God's provision often comes through His direction. The question is — will we trust, listen, and follow even when the brook runs dry?
Check out our: Instagram | Facebook | Website
1 Kings 17 introduces Elijah the prophet during King Ahab's evil reign: Elijah's Drought Prophecy: Elijah declares to Ahab that there will be no rain or dew in Israel except at Elijah's word—God's judgment for the people's idolatry. God Provides for Elijah: God tells Elijah to hide by the Kerith Brook, where ravens bring him bread and meat morning and evening, and he drinks from the brook. When the brook dries up, God sends him to Zarephath in Sidon. The Widow's Miracle: Elijah meets a widow gathering sticks. She has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, enough for one last meal before she and her son starve. Elijah asks her to make him bread first, promising that her flour and oil will not run out until the drought ends. She obeys, and the miracle happens—her supplies never run out. The Son's Revival: Later, the widow's son becomes gravely ill and dies. Elijah prays and stretches himself over the boy three times, asking God to bring him back to life. God answers, and the boy revives. The widow then believes Elijah is truly a man of God. Your words were found and I ate them
1 Kings 17 introduces Elijah the prophet during King Ahab's evil reign:Elijah's Drought Prophecy: Elijah declares to Ahab that there will be no rain or dew in Israel except at Elijah's word—God's judgment for the people's idolatry.God Provides for Elijah: God tells Elijah to hide by the Kerith Brook, where ravens bring him bread and meat morning and evening, and he drinks from the brook. When the brook dries up, God sends him to Zarephath in Sidon.The Widow's Miracle: Elijah meets a widow gathering sticks. She has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, enough for one last meal before she and her son starve. Elijah asks her to make him bread first, promising that her flour and oil will not run out until the drought ends. She obeys, and the miracle happens—her supplies never run out.The Son's Revival: Later, the widow's son becomes gravely ill and dies. Elijah prays and stretches himself over the boy three times, asking God to bring him back to life. God answers, and the boy revives. The widow then believes Elijah is truly a man of God.Your words were found and I ate them
The Widow of Zarephath by Hope Church Luton
What do you do when the brook dries up and the next step doesn't make sense? Pastor James Wilson unpacks the power of faith and obedience through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17. From being fed by ravens at the brook Cherith to depending on a widow in Zarephath, Elijah's journey shows us how trusting God in uncertain moments opens the door to supernatural provision. Even when resources seem to run out, God's word never fails. One powerful takeaway: obedience positions you for provision, even in the most unlikely places. Sermon Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:1-16 We stream live every Sunday at 11 am and every Wednesday at 8 pm. Visit our website: https://perfectingfaithchurch.com Connect with us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerfectingFaithChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectingfaithchurch/ X: https://x.com/PFCNY Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfectingfaithchurch
Episode 254 - Campfire Stories - Just Enough - Elijah and the Window ast Zarephath by Elk River Lutheran Church - Powered by Love
THE SHORT BOOK of Obadiah prophesied judgment on the nation of Edom for its role in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC. However, Obadiah also prophesied a future reversal of fortunes, when, on the Day of Yahweh, the people of Israel would possess the lands of their tormentors—which includes Philistia (the Gaza Strip) and Zarephath (southern Lebanon, recently occupied by the IDF as a buffer zone against Hezbollah). Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us!• X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.
THE SHORT BOOK of Obadiah prophesied judgment on the nation of Edom for its role in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC. However, Obadiah also prophesied a future reversal of fortunes, when, on the Day of Yahweh, the people of Israel would possess the lands of their tormentors—which includes Philistia (the Gaza Strip) and Zarephath (southern Lebanon, recently occupied by the IDF as a buffer zone against Hezbollah).
Pastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates #KCMITV
Your Daily Prayer
In this Bible Story, A great drought fills the land of Israel, yet God continues to meet Elijah's needs. The drought is a symbol of Israel's spiritual state as they have strayed away from the Lord and worshiped other gods. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 17. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 17:7 from the King James Version.Episode 122: As a drought was entering the land, Elijah looked around with sorrow. He received a word from God that this would be a lasting famine and was sent to King Ahab to share the message with him. After this Elijah followed God to a brook where he was miraculously provided for until the brook dried up. But God would not abandon His servant Elijah and He sent him to Zarephath to be provided for by a widow. Little did this widow know that she herself would experience God's miraculous provision in her obedience with what little she had.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday, 17 June 2025 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. Matthew 10:41 “The ‘receiving a prophet' in a prophet's name, a prophet's reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous' in a righteous' name, a righteous' reward he will receive” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus said, “The ‘receiving you,' Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,' he receives the ‘having sent Me.'” In a similar manner, He now steps down the level of reception, saying, “The ‘receiving a prophet' in a prophet's name, a prophet's reward he will receive.” This is obviously referring to a true prophet of the Lord. Although the reciprocal could still hold true. Someone receiving a false prophet, if taken in and accepting of his message, will eventually receive the false prophet's same fate. But that is not the intent here. Of the prophet, in the Old Testament, he was the highest form of believer in God, having a word issued from God through Him. Although not necessarily an ambassador, he is one who speaks the word of the Lord. In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is specifically said to be a prophet of God. Moses notes he is a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:18. In receiving such a person, there is an acknowledgment that what the prophet receives, the person will also receive. Although Jesus is probably referring to the reception of rewards in the next life, it is a truth that accompanied some in their earthly lives. In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath received Elijah. In turn, she received a supply of food during the drought that consumed the land. In Jeremiah 39, Ebed-Melech tended to Jeremiah the prophet, and the Lord promised to deliver him during the terrible siege upon the city. Likewise, in Jeremiah 45, Baruch the scribe was given words of assurance from the Lord for his faithfulness to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. As for a later prophet's reward, meaning at the resurrection, one is recorded in Daniel 12 – “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13 Based on Jesus' words, it can be assumed that those who are saved and raised at the resurrection, and who received Daniel, would receive a similar inheritance. Next, Jesus says, “And the ‘receiving a righteous' in a righteous' name, a righteous' reward he will receive.” This is another step down the ladder, going from the prophet to the righteous. The categories are set, just as they are in the list given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This demonstrates the wisdom of God in apportioning out His gifts and His grace in various ways. As for the righteous, the Bible, even during the times of the law, identifies them as those who are of faith. This is made explicit in Hebrews 11, where those of faith are spoken of as righteous. Rahab the harlot received the spies and received her reward because of that. As in the prophet, it can be assumed that this truth goes beyond this life, though. Those who receive the righteous, holding to their standard themselves, will receive the resurrection of the righteous and what it entails. Jesus is making a point about rewards. This thought will continue in the next verse. Life application: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says – “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” One reason for Jesus' word is certainly that a person who has entered the kingdom of heaven, meaning that which is promised through the Messiah, has received all of what has been spoken of since the beginning, as outlined in the received word. In receiving the word that speaks of God's plan, we have received the prophet through whom that word came. In receiving the words of the writings of the gospels, we have received those who authored those books. And in receiving the words of the apostles as written in the epistles, we have received those apostles who penned them. But people receive the words at various levels of faith. There are those who say they believe Paul was an apostle, but they don't accept everything he says. For example, they may attend a church with a female pastor, something Paul's writings forbid. This will not affect their salvation (assuming they are truly saved), but it will affect their rewards. They have not truly received Paul in the fullest sense. The judgment seat of Christ is something that lies ahead for all believers. Our eternal rewards and losses will be based on our faith and our deeds done in faith. This must be inclusive of how we receive and apply the word of God to our lives. What level of understanding are you willing to attain concerning God's word? The church you select, the Bible studies you attend, the manner in which you accept the doctrines contained within the word, etc., are certainly all a part of how God is evaluating you. Many in the world have never had a copy of the Bible. They lived by faith but without a fuller understanding of the word. Many today hunger for a copy of the word in their own language, waiting years to receive a translation to hold and cherish. In Western countries, we have innumerable translations available at our fingertips. And yet, who among those who believe has read even a single translation from beginning to end? The more you are willing to receive, the greater will be the return on your investment of time, doctrine, and closer fellowship. Be sure to make the word an integral and intimate part of your life. Heavenly Father, help us to think clearly about how we tend to Your word. It is our connection to understanding You and what You have done in the stream of human existence, culminating in the coming of Christ Jesus. How can we ignore such a gift? May it not be so in our lives. Amen.
*Some* Bible-based points on the importance of investing in our future, along with supporting scriptures and biblical examples:1. *Planning Ahead is Wise* - *Proverbs 13:16* – “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn't, and even brags about it.” - *Luke 14:28-30* – Jesus teaches about counting the cost before building, emphasizing the importance of planning. *Example:* Joseph in Egypt (*Genesis 41:47-49*) stored grain during seven years of abundance, ensuring survival during the famine.2. *Saving and Investing Lead to Stability* - *Proverbs 21:20* – “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” - *Ecclesiastes 11:2* – “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” *Example:* The Parable of the Talents (*Matthew 25:14-30*) shows how investing wisely leads to growth and reward.3. *Diligence and Hard Work Bring Prosperity* - *Proverbs 6:6-8* – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” - *Proverbs 10:4* – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” *Example:* Ruth (*Ruth 2:2-3*) worked diligently in the fields, leading to provision and blessings.4. *Leaving an Inheritance is a Blessing* - *Proverbs 13:22* – “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” - *Psalm 78:6* – “That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children.” *Example:* Abraham (*Genesis 25:5*) left an inheritance for Isaac, ensuring his future prosperity.5. *Diversification is Key to Security* - *Ecclesiastes 11:2* – “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” - *Matthew 25:27* – Jesus speaks of investing wisely, saying, “Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.” *Example:* Solomon (*1 Kings 10:22*) had a diversified economy, trading in gold, silver, ivory, and spices.6. *Trusting God While Being Responsible* - *1 Timothy 6:17* – “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.” - *Proverbs 3:5-6* – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” *Example:* The Widow of Zarephath (*1 Kings 17:8-16*) trusted God and invested her last meal in Elijah, leading to miraculous provision.These scriptures and examples highlight the importance of *wisely investing in our future*, whether financially, spiritually, or in relationships. *Pst Leke Toba*
Cloud of Witnesses Drew Zuehlke Hope Community Church - Columbia Heights For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.
In this exploration of prayer, we delve into the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal from 1 Kings. This narrative isn't just about a contest between gods; it's a profound reminder of who our God truly is. We're challenged to consider: do we really understand the nature of the God we're praying to? The account reveals a God who transcends boundaries, overcomes obstacles, and consistently provides for His people. From ravens bringing food to a widow's endless supply of flour, we see a God who defies limitations. This God even conquers death itself, foreshadowing Christ's resurrection. The central message? Our God hears every prayer, anytime, anywhere. Unlike Baal, who might be sleeping or distracted, our God is always attentive. This realization should transform how we approach prayer, encouraging us to bring all our concerns - big or small - to a God who is always listening and capable of overcoming any barrier. How does the story of Elijah challenge our understanding of God's power and ability to overcome obstacles? In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to break through barriers? What does the contrast between Baal and the God of Israel reveal about the nature of true divinity? How might this impact the way we approach prayer and worship? How does Elijah's mockery of the prophets of Baal highlight the limitations of false gods? In what ways might we unknowingly put our trust in modern-day 'false gods'? What can we learn from Elijah's boldness in challenging the prophets of Baal? How might God be calling us to stand firm in our faith in challenging circumstances? How does the story of the widow in Zarephath demonstrate God's provision and care for the marginalized? In what ways can we extend God's love to those on the fringes of society? What does Elijah's prayer reveal about his relationship with God and his understanding of God's character? How can we cultivate a similar confidence in our prayer life? How does the dramatic display of God's power on Mount Carmel speak to the importance of public demonstrations of faith? In what ways might God be calling us to publicly affirm our faith today? What does the people's response of 'The Lord is God' suggest about the impact of witnessing God's power firsthand? How have you experienced God's power in your own life, and how has it affected your faith? How does the story challenge our tendency to 'hobble between two opinions' in our spiritual lives? In what areas of your life might you be wavering between following God fully and holding onto other influences? What does this passage teach us about the nature of prayer and God's attentiveness to our petitions? How might this understanding transform our approach to prayer in both mundane and extraordinary circumstances?
Luke Looks Back Chapter 5 Study 5 - Luke 4:14-30 The Announcement of the Messiah We start off this study with a question. Question 1: Where was your hometown? What was, or is, memorable about it? Read Luke:4:14 to 23. Nazareth was the hometown of Jesus, where he grew up. It was a small village in the middle of the province of Galilee, mainly of Galileans but including some Jews from the far away province of Judea. The people of Galilee were often of mixed ancestry so there is likely to have been considerable antagonism between them and the purer blooded Judean Jews who regarded themselves as the only proper Jews. As a result Judean Jews of Nazareth, as the family of Jesus were, were most probably foreigners in their own community. The two slightly different peoples were probably not friendly to each other. That, not the best of places, was where Jesus spent most of his childhood days! Luke uses the story of what happened when Jesus read from the OT book of Isaiah in the synagogue there, to start explaining how we are to understand the ministry of Jesus. Jesus had to deal with a strong expectation among ordinary people that the Messiah would behave in certain ways. He had a major job to change that expectation. Jesus read just one and a half verses from Isaiah 6. We will read more verses to get the context of what he read. We may assume his listeners knew the passage well so that hearing the verses he read they would immediately remember the following verses. Listen carefully to the picture these verses give. Isaiah 61: 1 - 7. Question 2: What would those verses have made them think Jesus was going to do if he really was the Messiah? What would they have been expecting him to call on them to do? Like many of the other passages in the Old Testament that talk about the Messiah these verses would have made them expect leadership in a successful military campaign against the Romans. Brothers, called the Maccabees, had led Israel against the Syrians 200 years earlier with great success. If he succeeded the men would expect to have to join his army. Of course, we know that such a venture would have been hopeless. The Roman armies were exceedingly difficult to beat. Only the most warlike of peoples in other parts of the Empire had any success against them, and then not for very long. Question 3: The next half verse in Isaiah to the one Jesus read says 'and the day of vengeance of our God'. He stopped without reading that out. What would that have suggested to the people who listened to him? I think they would have found it a great puzzle, which is why they listened to what he said next so carefully. He seemed to be promising that he would be a mighty spiritual leader but not a war leader. They would have thought of 'the day of vengeance' as the day when their God would bring the world they knew to an end with the defeat of the hated Romans. Read Luke 4:24 - 30 Question 4: Jesus went on to remind them of the stories of the widow of Zarephath and Elijah (1 Kings 17: 2 - 10a the brook Kerith was east of Jericho, Zarephath was the other side of Israel near Sidon, a Phoenician city)) and of Naaman and Elisha (2 Kings 5: 1, Aram was another name for Syria ). Why did Jesus do that? What point was he making, apart from the obvious one of 'not in my hometown'? All these places were outside Israel. He was saying that as they rejected him he was going to go to other people outside Israel. They did not like that idea at all. Quite why he did that is a bit of a mystery. Question 5: If a politician, wanting to influence people and starting off an election campaign was nearly lynched - murdered by a mob - as Jesus was he would not be likely to get on very well. The story does not give a good impression of Jesus. Why does Luke tell us about this episode when he could so easily not have done so? What is it about the ministry of Jesus that Luke wants us to think about? Luke is expecting what he writes to be read mainly by Gentiles - Romans. He has emphasised that the 2 great prophets Elijah and Elisha helped Gentiles. Christian faith is for all peoples, not any special nation or people group. Probably the fact that Jesus was rejected by the Jews like this made him sound better to a Roman, like Theophilus! But, above and beyond that, Luke will have chosen this episode because it gives such a clear picture of what Jesus was going to do in his ministry. Question 6: It says, "Jesus walked right through the crowd and went on his way". What does that suggest? It tells us that Jesus had an unusual air of authority about him. Perhaps too, that angels protected him. Question 7: Looking now at the whole story - what 2 things is Jesus emphasising by what he says and does that are of fundamental importance in our understanding of God and of faith? He has appealed to the Scriptures of the Old Testament to establish who he is. And the Scripture he read emphasised the work of the Spirit both for preaching and healing. These are the 2 fundamental sources for our understanding too - the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit - though we have, of course, the tremendous advantage of having the writings of the New Testament as well as those of the Old. Click here to download as an audio mp3
Obadiah 1:1-21 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. 5 If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night— how you have been destroyed!— would they not steal only enough for themselves? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? 6 How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out! 7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you— you have no understanding. 8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? 9 And your mighty men shall be dis-mayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. 10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. 12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. 13 Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. 14 Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress. 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. 17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. 18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble; they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken. 19 Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb. 21 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's.
The Story of The Widow of Zarephath | Series: Life Lessons from the Least Likely | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 6-01-25 10:45am Tag: Old Testament Characters, Widow, Summer, Pain, Cardinal, Bird, Raven, Provide, Weakness, Hope, Fear, Food, Dependence, Advantage
The Story of The Widow of Zarephath | Series: Life Lessons from the Least Likely | Sam Holm, Lead Pastor | Preached 6-01-25 10:45am Tag: Old Testament Characters, Widow, Summer, Pain, Cardinal, Bird, Raven, Provide, Weakness, Hope, Fear, Food, Dependence, Advantage
On this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart walk through the miraculous account of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath. As famine ravages the land, God orchestrates a divine meeting between His prophet and a Gentile widow on the brink of death. Elijah's audacious command to "bring me the bread that's in your hand" reveals a powerful faith principle: the miracle is already in your possession—it just requires obedience.Through detailed teaching, Rick and Doc emphasize the necessity of recognizing what God has already placed in your hand, trusting Him with what little you have, and stepping into supernatural provision. The episode challenges viewers to respond in faith, even when resources seem depleted, and highlights God's ability to sustain His people through unexpected sources.Rick Wiles, Doc Burkhart. Airdate 5/30/25Join the leading community for Conservative Christians! https://www.FaithandValues.comIf you're a Faith & Values member, watch today's show with other members here:https://members.faithandvalues.com/posts/morning-manna-may-29-2025-proverbs-126-33-wisdom-laughs-at-the-fools-calamity-85267007You can partner with us by visiting https://www.FaithandValues.com/donate, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!https://www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!https://www.amazon.com/Final-Day-Characteristics-Second-Coming/dp/0578260816/Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/final-day-10-characteristics-of-the-second-coming/id1687129858Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. https://www.sacrificingliberty.com/watchThe Fauci Elf is a hilarious gift guaranteed to make your friends laugh! Order yours today! https://tru.news/faucielf
Send us a textAuthor, speaker and podcaster Laura Smith is back on the podcast--one of my favorite people and a wonderful writer of GREAT books! She joins us for a compelling conversation about her fourteenth book, "Brave Woman, Mighty God," which explores the stories of 30 women in the Bible and the courage they displayed in both extraordinary and everyday situations.Laura is giving our listeners a FREE chapter of her book to preview. Here's the link to the chapter:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1frn0C6IIlTIw3hhVIPEa5kS04ivNobL0ZNXy1bFUKIU/editAbout Laura and our conversation:• She is the author of 14 books including "Holy Care for the Whole Self," and "How Sweet the Sound"• Committed to helping people understand how deeply they are loved by God• Shares her journey from childhood trauma to discovering her worth in Christ• Explains how the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers today• Discusses how small acts of bravery can have profound impacts• Tells the story of Huldah, an obscure biblical woman who was known for her faith during a time of widespread idol worship• Explores how we can "exude the love of Christ" so others know they can come to us• Shares the story of Zarephath's Widow and the lesson of God's abundant provision• Reveals how writing books deepens her own faith as God teaches her through the process• Discusses her podcast "Brave Woman, Mighty God" and available resourcesFind Laura at https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/ or @laurasmithauthor on Instagram, where you can access free chapters of her books and other helpful resources. Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential Learn more at StephanieNelson.comFollow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cmFollow us on Facebook at CouponMom
What if your greatest obstacle is actually the gateway to God's greatest provision? In this final message in our Daughters of Wisdom message series, we explore the story of the widow at Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8–16. Facing a drought, a dwindling supply of food, and the fear of death, this unnamed woman is asked to take a step of faith—feeding the prophet Elijah with her last bit of flour and oil.Her obedience in the face of desperation reveals a deep truth: God meets us in our lack and provides when we trust Him with what little we have.Join us as we unpack how faith, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, opens the door to God's miraculous provision and purpose.Listen in and ask yourself: What if the obstacle in front of you is the place where God wants to show up the most?
Sunday, May 11, 2025 Holland Gospel Chapel Holland, MI
Obadiah 10-21 (NASB) 10 "Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, And you will be cut off forever.11 "On the day that you stood aloof, On the day that strangers carried off his wealth, And foreigners entered his gate And cast lots for Jerusalem - You too were as one of them.12 "Do not gloat over your brother's day, The day of his misfortune. And do not rejoice over the sons of Judah In the day of their destruction; Yes, do not boast In the day of their distress.13 "Do not enter the gate of My people In the day of their disaster. Yes, you, do not gloat over their calamity In the day of their disaster. And do not loot their wealth In the day of their disaster.14 "Do not stand at the fork of the road To cut down their fugitives; And do not imprison their survivors In the day of their distress.The Day of the LORD and the Future15 "For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.16 "Because just as you drank on My holy mountain, All the nations will drink continually. They will drink and swallow And become as if they had never existed.17 "But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, And it will be holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions.18 "Then the house of Jacob will be a fire And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau will be as stubble. And they will set them on fire and consume them, So that there will be no survivor of the house of Esau," For the LORD has spoken.19 Then those of the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau, And those of the Shephelah the Philistine plain; Also, possess the territory of Ephraim and the territory of Samaria, And Benjamin will possess Gilead.20 And the exiles of this host of the sons of Israel, Who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, And the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Will possess the cities of the Negev.21 The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion To judge the mountain of Esau, And the kingdom will be the LORD'S. Outline of Part 1 (2 weeks ago):- Intro/background: A long family feud- God's assessment of Edom (Pride comes before a fall) (vv. 1:1‑9)This week's outline:- Gods indictment of Edom (You are your brothers keeper) (vv. 1:10‑14)- God's judgment on all haters (Those who curse Israel will be cursed) (vv. 1:15‑21
THE SHOWDOWN on Mount Carmel is even more spectacular than we've been taught. The story is sensational on its surface: The prophet Elijah, one of the few prophets of God still active in the northern kingdom of Israel, tells King Ahab to his face that there will be no rain until Elijah says so. Then he flees from the king and hides out for three years. During that time, the prophet was fed by ravens at the brook Cherith somewhere east of the Jordan until the drought caused the stream to dry up. Then Elijah traveled to Phoenicia and lodged with a widow of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. Because of the famine, she was prepared to make one last meal and then starve to death with her son (or children, according to the Septuagint). Miraculously, the woman did not run out of flour or oil during the entire time Elijah stayed with her. The account of the miracle of Elijah bringing the widow's son back from the dead has a deeper meaning when you understand a little of the religion of the Phoenicians (who were Canaanites, which in turn is just a geographic designation for the Amorites in Canaan). The patron deity of Sidon was Eshmun, the Phoenician name for the Greek demigod Asclepius. The Greeks believed Asclepius was the half-divine son of Apollo, a healer of such skill that he was able to cure death. (This led Hades to complain to Zeus that Asclepius was disrupting the natural order of things, so Zeus killed Asclepius.) The point is this: God, through Elijah, demonstrated that He, Yahweh, was the one God who truly has power over life and death. Likewise, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal has a deeper meaning. This was a literal battle between Yahweh and the Baal worshipped by Jezebel and her pagan father, Ethbaal, king of Tyre. Ethbaal was a priest of Astarte, the Canaanite version of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of sex and war (which explains a lot about Jezebel). The kicker is that the Baal of Tyre was probably Melqart, which was the Phoenician name for Herakles—better known to us as Hercules. This explains some of Elijah's taunts while Jezebel's prophets danced, shouted, and cut themselves to summon their small-G god. It also helps us understand why Elijah had twelve vessels of water poured over the sacrifice and the wood on the altar. It didn't just represent the twelve tribes of Israel and make the sacrifice more difficult to burn, it mocked a libation (drink offering) ritual called yarid that is documented in Jewish and Roman texts and inscriptions as late as the 3rd century AD, when Emperor Diocletian performed the yarid at Tyre for Hercules! This also connects to Mount Hermon, where scholars Edward Lipiński and Charles Clermont-Ganneau noted, based on the site drawing by Sir Charles Warren in 1869 (when he discovered the Watcher Stone in a temple near the peak of the mountain), that the summit of Hermon is scooped out like a giant bowl—probably to receive these offerings. Lipiński wrote that this means the Watchers, led by Shemihazah, did not descend in the days of Jared, but in the days when the yarid was performed on the mountain. So, Elijah's actions on Mount Carmel were directed not just at Baal or Melqart/Hercules, but at the “sons of God” who long ago tried to take dominion of Earth away from the children of Adam and Eve. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon) Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.
THE SHOWDOWN on Mount Carmel is even more spectacular than we've been taught. The story is sensational on its surface: The prophet Elijah, one of the few prophets of God still active in the northern kingdom of Israel, tells King Ahab to his face that there will be no rain until Elijah says so. Then he flees from the king and hides out for three years. During that time, the prophet was fed by ravens at the brook Cherith somewhere east of the Jordan until the drought caused the stream to dry up. Then Elijah traveled to Phoenicia and lodged with a widow of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. Because of the famine, she was prepared to make one last meal and then starve to death with her son (or children, according to the Septuagint). Miraculously, the woman did not run out of flour or oil during the entire time Elijah stayed with her. The account of the miracle of Elijah bringing the widow's son back from the dead has a deeper meaning when you understand a little of the religion of the Phoenicians (who were Canaanites, which in turn is just a geographic designation for the Amorites in Canaan). The patron deity of Sidon was Eshmun, the Phoenician name for the Greek demigod Asclepius. The Greeks believed Asclepius was the half-divine son of Apollo, a healer of such skill that he was able to cure death. (This led Hades to complain to Zeus that Asclepius was disrupting the natural order of things, so Zeus killed Asclepius.) The point is this: God, through Elijah, demonstrated that He, Yahweh, was the one God who truly has power over life and death. Likewise, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal has a deeper meaning. This was a literal battle between Yahweh and the Baal worshipped by Jezebel and her pagan father, Ethbaal, king of Tyre. Ethbaal was a priest of Astarte, the Canaanite version of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of sex and war (which explains a lot about Jezebel). The kicker is that the Baal of Tyre was probably Melqart, which was the Phoenician name for Herakles—better known to us as Hercules. This explains some of Elijah's taunts while Jezebel's prophets danced, shouted, and cut themselves to summon their small-G god. It also helps us understand why Elijah had twelve vessels of water poured over the sacrifice and the wood on the altar. It didn't just represent the twelve tribes of Israel and make the sacrifice more difficult to burn, it mocked a libation (drink offering) ritual called yarid that is documented in Jewish and Roman texts and inscriptions as late as the 3rd century AD, when Emperor Diocletian performed the yarid at Tyre for Hercules! This also connects to Mount Hermon, where scholars Edward Lipiński and Charles Clermont-Ganneau noted, based on the site drawing by Sir Charles Warren in 1869 (when he discovered the Watcher Stone in a temple near the peak of the mountain), that the summit of Hermon is scooped out like a giant bowl—probably to receive these offerings. Lipiński wrote that this means the Watchers, led by Shemihazah, did not descend in the days of Jared, but in the days when the yarid was performed on the mountain. So, Elijah's actions on Mount Carmel were directed not just at Baal or Melqart/Hercules, but at the “sons of God” who long ago tried to take dominion of Earth away from the children of Adam and Eve.
Scripture References: John 4, 8; Mark 1, 5; Luke 8, 10, 13; Matt 26, 28; John 20; Esther 4:16; Ruth 1:16-17; 1 Kings 17:8-16; 1 Sam 1:27-28; John 11:28-35; Judges 4:14, Judges 5; Prov 31.Sermon: Honoring Mothers & Godly WomenIntro: Happy Mother's Day! We celebrate moms and spiritual mothers, acknowledging the joy and the aches holidays can bring (loss, struggle, longing). Jesus meets each of you in your unique story. He knows what you need. Jesus deeply loved His own mother and all women, treating them with radical dignity, respect, and compassion—truly countercultural for His time.Key Points:Jesus' Radical View of Women:Spoke respectfully to them (Samaritan woman, John 4; woman caught in adultery, John 8).Healed them publicly (Peter's mother-in-law, Mark 1; woman with issue of blood, Mark 5; bent-over woman, Luke 13).Affirmed their faith & worth. Many women followed & financially supported His ministry (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna - Luke 8). Mary of Bethany learned at His feet (Luke 10).Entrusted women as first witnesses of His resurrection (Matt 28, John 20).These women, freed from shame, became deeply devoted, bold partners in His mission.Celebrating Women in Our Church Family – Echoes of Biblical Strength:Mary of Bethany (Matt 26): Extravagant worshippers, pouring out your most valuable for Jesus. Like her, Radiant women, you've done beautiful things for Him.Miriam (Exodus 15): Leading in worship, singing songs of deliverance, reminding us God brings us to dry land.Esther (Esther 4:16): Courageous, sticking your necks out for others' freedom and safety, saying "If I perish, I perish."Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17): Faithful, loyal, obedient, choosing right relationship over comfort, loving for the long haul: "Where you go, I will go."Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17): Hospitality in scarcity, giving generously from little, trusting God's miraculous provision.Lydia (Acts 16): Businesswomen and those with abundance, leveraging success and resources for God's Kingdom.Hannah (1 Sam 1:27-28): Prayer warriors, contending earnestly, prevailing on God, and lending your answered prayers back to Him.Mary at Lazarus' Tomb (John 11:28-35): Raw faith in grief, falling at Jesus' feet, finding Him as the God who weeps with us & brings comfort.Deborah (Judges 4-5): Strong leaders with prophetic wisdom, inspiring victory ("Up! For this is the day..."), and partnering beautifully, calling men and women higher in God.Conclusion: Radiant women, for 20 years (and all women of faith), you've chosen the better thing. You've poured out love in extravagant worship, not counting the cost. You've taken courageous steps, chosen faithfulness, given generously, contended in prayer, wept honest tears at Jesus' feet while believing Him even in the dark, and led with wisdom. Because of this, we've seen Him. Thank you for being lovers of God and spiritual mothers. Proverbs 31: not competition, but a celebration of a woman's lifelong fruit. God counts & celebrates all you do.Call to Action: Let's continue this journey of faith: loving God and living for Him. Men, actively honor and celebrate the women in your lives. Women, keep arising, using your God-given gifts to call us higher. Let's embrace the future, partnering for the Gospel. God is worthy of it all! Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Speaker: Damian Thompson, Online & Outreach Pastor Pastor Damian reflects on the imperfect yet heartfelt ways we celebrate Mother's Day, honoring not just moms but all women who nurture others, often without recognition. He highlights two biblical women—the widow of Zarephath and the Canaanite woman—who showed unmatched obedience and faith in times of deep struggle. Through their stories, he reminds us that true mothering is defined by sacrifice, perseverance, and trust in God. #UnmatchedFaith #MotheringMatters #BiblicalWomen #FaithInAction #ThankYouMoms
Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Dana McNeely is a first time guest on the show, and we're so pleased to have her join us to talk about her book, Mantle. We chat about her road to publication—a super interesting story—how it felt to final in the Christy and Carol awards, and the pitfalls of writing about real biblical characters. Patrons hear about one of her big writerly fiascos.Mantle by Dana McNeelyIn the aftermath of Elijah's fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha's shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family's murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God's will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?Get your copy of Mantle by Dana McNeely.Dana McNeely dreamed of living in a world teeming with adventure, danger, and romance, but she had a problem—she also needed a lot of peace and quiet. She learned to visit that dream world by stepping into a book. Better yet, hundreds of books. Soon, she began writing her own stories, fact and fiction.Inspired by the Bible stories of Elijah, Dana wondered why the prophet came to stay with the widow of Zarephath and her son. Who were they? What was their life, before? How did the boy change after he died, saw the other world—and came back?Those questions led to Dana writing RAIN, in which she built her dream world of adventure, danger, and romance. Peace and quiet, however, have remained elusive. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. Her debut novel RAIN spins the tale of a mysterious prophet, a desperate youth, and a relentless queen. In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king's downfall and a love that transcends war.Visit Dana McNeely's website.The Cross pt. 2Welcome to Ask Me Anything, the podcast where we give you biblical answers to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
The second message in the series "The Life of Elijah" with a Bible reference of 1 Kings 17:7-24We hope you were blessed by this message! Visit our website for more information about Grove City Vineyard.
Elijah’s story reminds us that God’s provision often shows up in the most unexpected places—and through the most unlikely people. Whether it’s ravens delivering meals or a desperate widow offering her last meal, the message is the same: God is faithful, even when the method doesn’t make sense. ✨ Key Takeaways
Things went from bad to worse for the widow of Zarephath. She had gone almost two years with little oil and flour. But that poverty was nothing compared to the tragedy that took place. Her son died. She turned against Elijah. How should we respond in times of need? How should we respond in times of provocation? What should we do in times of crisis? What should we do in times of suffering? Join us for this fascinating biographical study.
Our lives are not filled with random occurrences unfolding by chance. Holy Spirit is actively guiding our paths and intertwining our lives together. Just as the prophet Elijah was sent to provide sustenance for the widow in Zarephath, Holy Spirit orchestrates similar "Elijah" moments in our own lives, either by sending others as provision for us or by empowering us to become an "Elijah" for someone else. As we attune our hearts to Holy Spirit's guidance, we will recognize that these encounters are by His design. He is weaving all things together for us in amazing ways, ultimately to bring the glory of the Kingdom of heaven to this earth.
Luke 6:31 NIV Do to others as you would have them do to you.Proverbs 11:24 - 25 NIV One person gives freely, yet gains even more; anotherwithholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoeverrefreshes others will be refreshed.Turn your Need into Seed.1 Kings 17:7-16 Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then GODspoke to him: “Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I've instructeda woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you.” 10-11 So he got up and went toZarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow,gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in ajug? I need a drink.” As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you're at it,would you bring me something to eat?” 12 She said, “I swear, as surely as yourGOD lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and alittle oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood tomake a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die.” 13-14 Elijah saidto her, “Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But firstmake a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make ameal from what's left for you and your son. This is the word of the GOD of Israel:‘The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty beforeGOD sends rain on the land and ends this drought.'” 15-16 And she went right offand did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for herand her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't becomeempty: GOD's promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it!God asks for what you are holding, not what you are missing.Your need is not just something to survive, it's something to sow.Proverbs 18: 20-21 NIV From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled;with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of lifeand death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.If You want to change the satisfaction of your life, change the declaration ofyour lips.Luke 6:45b NIV For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.Trust God's timing - Don't give up!Galatians 6:9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time wewill reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel - Luke 4:24-30 - Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl Him down headlong. But He passed through the midst of them and went away. Bishop Sheen quote of the day