Wednesday Bible Study

of everlasting, DEAR FATHER, FROM of everlasting, DEAR FATHER, FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION, dear God, and GENERATION TO GENERATION, dear God, and GENERATION TO GENERATION, dear God, and we talked ABOUT OUR CHILDREN. SO GOD, we talked ABOUT OUR CHILDREN. SO GOD, we talked ABOUT OUR CHILDREN. SO GOD, RIGHT NOW, IN the name of Jesus, I'M RIGHT NOW, IN the name of Jesus, I'M RIGHT NOW, IN the name of Jesus, I'M ASKING THAT YOU SEAL A A HEDGE of ASKING THAT YOU SEAL A A HEDGE of ASKING THAT YOU SEAL A A HEDGE of protection all around them. God, we all protection all around them. God, we all protection all around them. God, we all have a little heaviness on us TODAY have a little heaviness on us TODAY have a little heaviness on us TODAY BECAUSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR BECAUSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR BECAUSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY, but oh God, I know who gets the COUNTRY, but oh God, I know who gets the COUNTRY, but oh God, I know who gets the final [music] say. final [music] say. final [music] say. Oh God, I know that you GET THE FINAL Oh God, I know that you GET THE FINAL Oh God, I know that you GET THE FINAL SAY. GOD, WE'RE not looking AT THE TV SAY. GOD, WE'RE not looking AT THE TV SAY. GOD, WE'RE not looking AT THE TV WITH OUR natural eyes. Oh God, we see WITH OUR natural eyes. Oh God, we see WITH OUR natural eyes. Oh God, we see something else spiritual. And so we something else spiritual. And so we something else spiritual. And so we thank you, dear God, that you are thank you, dear God, that you are thank you, dear God, that you are working all things TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD working all things TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD working all things TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU AND ARE CALLED OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU AND ARE CALLED OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO YOUR PURPOSE. [music] ACCORDING TO YOUR PURPOSE. [music] ACCORDING TO YOUR PURPOSE. [music] WE STAND ON YOUR promise that you have WE STAND ON YOUR promise that you have WE STAND ON YOUR promise that you have already prepared a place [music] already prepared a place [music] already prepared a place [music] that where you are someday that where you are someday that where you are someday we will [music] we will [music] we will [music] be with you. And so God, we thank you be with you. And so God, we thank you be with you. And so God, we thank you now for new hope. [music] We thank you now for new hope. [music] We thank you now for new hope. [music] We thank you now, God, for fresh anointing. And we now, God, for fresh anointing. And we now, God, for fresh anointing. And we give you all the glory that you are so give you all the glory that you are so give you all the glory that you are so rightly do. For it is in the powerful, rightly do. For it is in the powerful, rightly do. For it is in the powerful, matchless name [music] of Jesus Christ matchless name [music] of Jesus Christ matchless name [music] of Jesus Christ that we pray. And all of God's people that we pray. And all of God's people that we pray. And all of God's people [music] said, >> "Praise the Lord." We turn it over to >> "Praise the Lord." We turn it over to our music ministry. [music]

Good evening [music] people of God. Good evening [music] people of God. Come on, let's worship together tonight. Come on, let's worship together tonight. Come on, let's worship together tonight. [music] There [singing] are miracles, There [singing] are miracles, signs, and wonders in the signs, and wonders in the signs, and wonders in the [music and singing] atmosphere. [music and singing] atmosphere. [music and singing] atmosphere. God is moving in [music] this place. God is moving in [music] this place. God is moving in [music] this place. Moving [singing] in this place. There Moving [singing] in this place. There Moving [singing] in this place. There are miracles, [music] signs, and wonders are miracles, [music] signs, and wonders are miracles, [music] signs, and wonders in [singing] the atmosphere. in [singing] the atmosphere. in [singing] the atmosphere. God is moving [music] in this place. >> [music] >> [music] >> There are miracles, [singing] >> There are miracles, [singing] >> There are miracles, [singing] signs and wonders in the atmosphere. signs and wonders in the atmosphere. signs and wonders in the atmosphere. [music] [music] [music] God [singing] is moving in this place. God [singing] is moving in this place. God [singing] is moving in this place. moving [music] moving [music] moving [music] in this place. There are miracles, in this place. There are miracles, in this place. There are miracles, [music and singing] signs and wonders in [music and singing] signs and wonders in [music and singing] signs and wonders in the atmosphere. the atmosphere. the atmosphere. God is [music] moving in this place.

God is [music] moving in this place. God is [music] moving in this place. Moving [singing] in this place. There Moving [singing] in this place. There Moving [singing] in this place. There are miracles, [music] are miracles, [music] are miracles, [music] signs [singing] and wonders. God is [music and singing] moving in God is [music and singing] moving in this place. this place. this place. Moving in this place. There are Moving in this place. There are Moving in this place. There are [music and singing] miracles signs [music and singing] miracles signs [music and singing] miracles signs in the atmosphere. [music] in the atmosphere. [music] in the atmosphere. [music] God is moving [singing] in this place. God is moving [singing] in this place. God is moving [singing] in this place. Moving in this [music] place. He's Moving in this [music] place. He's Moving in this [music] place. He's healing. [singing] ad and mening ad and mening every [music] broken every [music] broken every [music] broken heart heart heart delivering [music] delivering [music] delivering [music] breaking chains that held us [music] breaking chains that held us [music] breaking chains that held us [music] bound. He's here bound. He's here bound. He's here and he's moving [singing] in this place.

and he's moving [singing] in this place. and he's moving [singing] in this place. Oh, he's healing Oh, he's healing Oh, he's healing every [music] sinness every [music] every [music] broken [singing] heart, broken [singing] heart, broken [singing] heart, delivering, breaking [music] breaking [music] chains [singing] that held us bound. chains [singing] that held us bound. chains [singing] that held us bound. He's here [music] and he's moving in He's here [music] and he's moving in He's here [music] and he's moving in this place. You got it. And come on, this place. You got it. And come on, this place. You got it. And come on, sing it. There are miracles, sing it. There are miracles, sing it. There are miracles, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] signs signs signs in the atmosphere. [music] in the atmosphere. [music] in the atmosphere. [music] God is [singing] moving in this place. God is [singing] moving in this place. God is [singing] moving in this place. Moving [music and singing] in this Moving [music and singing] in this Moving [music and singing] in this place. There are miracles, place. There are miracles, place. There are miracles, signs, and [music] wonders in the signs, and [music] wonders in the signs, and [music] wonders in the [singing] atmosphere. [singing] atmosphere. [singing] atmosphere. God is [music] moving in this place. God is [music] moving in this place. God is [music] moving in this place. born again. born again. born again. There are [singing] miracles. There are There are [singing] miracles. There are There are [singing] miracles. There are miracles, miracles, miracles, signs [music] signs [music] signs [music] and wonders in [singing] the atmosphere.

and wonders in [singing] the atmosphere. and wonders in [singing] the atmosphere. Oh, God is moving in this place. Oh, God is moving in this place. Oh, God is moving in this place. He's moving [music and singing] in this He's moving [music and singing] in this He's moving [music and singing] in this place. There are miracles, place. There are miracles, place. There are miracles, signs, and wonders in signs, and wonders in signs, and wonders in [music and singing] the atmosphere. [music and singing] the atmosphere. [music and singing] the atmosphere. God is moving in this place. Oh, moving God is moving in this place. Oh, moving God is moving in this place. Oh, moving [music and singing] in this place. He's [music and singing] in this place. He's [music and singing] in this place. He's healing healing healing every sickness. every sickness. every sickness. Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Oh, yes. for ading [music and singing] every broken [singing] every broken [singing] heart, [music] delivering, breaking chains [music] breaking chains [music] that brother's bound. He's here that brother's bound. He's here that brother's bound. He's here [singing] [singing] [singing] and he's moving [music] in this place. and he's moving [music] in this place. and he's moving [music] in this place. He's healing every sickness [music] every sickness [music] [singing] I bring. [singing] I bring. [singing] I bring. Oh. Oh. And Oh. Oh. And Oh. Oh. And [music] every broken heart.

Delivering, delivering, Delivering, delivering, [music and singing] breaking chains that help us [music] breaking chains that help us [music] bound. He's here and he's and he's bound. He's here and he's and he's bound. He's here and he's and he's moving in [singing] this. Come on, one moving in [singing] this. Come on, one moving in [singing] this. Come on, one more. He's healing. He's healing [music] more. He's healing. He's healing [music] more. He's healing. He's healing [music] every sickness. Oh, [singing and music] Oh, [singing and music] and and and every broken heart [music] every broken heart [music] every broken heart [music] delivery. [singing] Yes. God breaking chains that help us Yes. God breaking chains that help us bound. [music] bound. [music] bound. [music] He's here and he's moving and [singing] He's here and he's moving and [singing] He's here and he's moving and [singing] he's moving in. he's moving in. he's moving in. Oh, he's here. [music and singing] He's Oh, he's here. [music and singing] He's Oh, he's here. [music and singing] He's here and he's coming in. here and he's coming in. here and he's coming in. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You can get what you [singing] need >> You can get what you [singing] need >> You can get what you [singing] need tonight. He's here and he's moving. tonight. He's here and he's moving. tonight. He's here and he's moving. Oh, he's here. [singing and music] Oh, he's here. [singing and music] Oh, he's here. [singing and music] He's here.

He's here. He's here. And he's moving [music] in this place. [music] Aren't you glad about that [music] Aren't you glad about that tonight? Hallelujah. tonight? Hallelujah. tonight? Hallelujah. Glory to [music] God. Glory to [music] God. Glory to [music] God. Yes. [music] [music] We bless your holy name. Thank you for your presence, Thank you for your presence, [music] Thank you for your manifested [music] Thank you for your manifested [music] miracles now. Lord, now. Lord, [music] take me out of self.

Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Speak Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Speak [music] to me and through me. [music] to me and through me. [music] to me and through me. Use me in your service. [music] Let the words of my mouth, Let the words of my mouth, the [music] meditations of my heart be the [music] meditations of my heart be the [music] meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. Lord, you're [music] our strength and Lord, you're [music] our strength and Lord, you're [music] our strength and our redeemer. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of God [music] we pray. God [music] we pray. God [music] we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Thank you Lord. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> All praises be to God. He's worthy to be >> All praises be to God. He's worthy to be >> All praises be to God. He's worthy to be praised.

In case you didn't know it, In case you didn't know it, this is the year of manifested miracles this is the year of manifested miracles this is the year of manifested miracles here at our church and we're back to studying manifested and we're back to studying manifested miracles. I want you to turn your attention if you I want you to turn your attention if you will to will to will to First Kings chapter 17. Want to focus our attention to begin Want to focus our attention to begin with on the very last verse with on the very last verse with on the very last verse in chapter 17 in chapter 17 in chapter 17 verse 24. We'll be talking about the entirety of We'll be talking about the entirety of the chapter, but we want to focus right now on verse but we want to focus right now on verse 24. It says, "Then the woman said to 24. It says, "Then the woman said to 24. It says, "Then the woman said to Elijah, Elijah, Elijah, now I know now I know now I know that you are a man of God, that you are a man of God, that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord from your and that the word of the Lord from your and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.

mouth is the truth. mouth is the truth. Hallelujah. >> Want to talk about God, the source and >> Want to talk about God, the source and sustainer of life. sustainer of life. sustainer of life. He is the manifesttor He is the manifesttor He is the manifesttor of miracles. of miracles. of miracles. God, the source and sustainer of life is God, the source and sustainer of life is God, the source and sustainer of life is the manifesttor the manifesttor the manifesttor of miracles. [snorts] In other words, if you want to know In other words, if you want to know where miracles come from, where miracles come from, where miracles come from, >> they come from God. >> One of the greatest truths revealed >> One of the greatest truths revealed throughout scripture is that God is the throughout scripture is that God is the throughout scripture is that God is the giver, giver, giver, sustainer, sustainer, sustainer, and restorer of life. Every breath we take Every breath we take comes from God. >> Every breath we breathe >> Every breath we breathe comes from him. And it has done so ever comes from him. And it has done so ever comes from him. And it has done so ever since the beginning of time.

In Genesis 2:7 In Genesis 2:7 says, "Then the Lord God formed a man says, "Then the Lord God formed a man says, "Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed from the dust of the ground and breathed from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life into his nostrils the breath of life into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being." and man became a living being." and man became a living being." King James says, "A living soul." in Acts chapter 17 verses 24 and 25 in Acts chapter 17 verses 24 and 25 where we find Paul in Athens at the Arab at the Arab [clears throat] excuse me at the [clears throat] excuse me at the [clears throat] excuse me at the Aropagus. He's talking about the altar of the He's talking about the altar of the unknown god unknown god unknown god there in Athens. They have set up or had there in Athens. They have set up or had there in Athens. They have set up or had set up many philosophers and they had set up many philosophers and they had set up many philosophers and they had bunch of different idols set up. And just so they didn't miss somebody, And just so they didn't miss somebody, they had an altar to the unknown God.

they had an altar to the unknown God. they had an altar to the unknown God. The Apostle Paul takes that opportunity And he starts to explain to them who And he starts to explain to them who this unknown God really is. He says, "The God who made the world and He says, "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven everything in it is the Lord of heaven everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and earth and earth and does not live in temples built by and does not live in temples built by and does not live in temples built by human hands. human hands. human hands. And he is not served by human hands And he is not served by human hands And he is not served by human hands as if he needed anything. as if he needed anything. as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself Rather, he himself Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and gives everyone life and breath and gives everyone life and breath and everything else. He is He is the one and only true living God.

As a matter of fact, in Psalm 115:es As a matter of fact, in Psalm 115:es 4-7, it affirms the uselessness it affirms the uselessness of these idol gods. Reading from the New International Reading from the New International Version, it says, "But their idols are Version, it says, "But their idols are Version, it says, "But their idols are silver and gold silver and gold silver and gold made by human hands. made by human hands. made by human hands. They have mouths They have mouths They have mouths but cannot speak, but cannot speak, but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see. They have ears but eyes but cannot see. They have ears but eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, noses but cannot smell. cannot hear, noses but cannot smell. cannot hear, noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, feet They have hands but cannot feel, feet They have hands but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk, but cannot walk, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their nor can they utter a sound with their nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Here in First Kings chapter 17, the Here in First Kings chapter 17, the prophet Elijah appears suddenly.

He appears suddenly on the scene and He appears suddenly on the scene and during one of Israel's darkest spiritual during one of Israel's darkest spiritual during one of Israel's darkest spiritual periods. They're under the rule of King Ahab They're under the rule of King Ahab and his wife, King, Queen Jezebel. and his wife, King, Queen Jezebel. and his wife, King, Queen Jezebel. The nation had largely abandoned God The nation had largely abandoned God The nation had largely abandoned God and had embraced and had embraced and had embraced the idol God of Baal the idol God of Baal the idol God of Baal and they worshiped him. and they worshiped him. and they worshiped him. In First Kings chapter 16, if you back In First Kings chapter 16, if you back In First Kings chapter 16, if you back up just a little bit, those final up just a little bit, those final up just a little bit, those final verses, verses 29-33, verses, verses 29-33, verses, verses 29-33, shows how dark, dismal, and deadly the shows how dark, dismal, and deadly the shows how dark, dismal, and deadly the time really was. it reads, "In the 38th year of King of it reads, "In the 38th year of King of Asa, king of Judah, Ahab, son of Omra, Asa, king of Judah, Ahab, son of Omra, Asa, king of Judah, Ahab, son of Omra, became king of Israel.

became king of Israel. became king of Israel. And he reigned in Samaria over Israel 22 And he reigned in Samaria over Israel 22 And he reigned in Samaria over Israel 22 years." years." years." Listen, verse 30 tells us that Ahab, son Listen, verse 30 tells us that Ahab, son Listen, verse 30 tells us that Ahab, son of Omi, did more evil in the eyes of the of Omi, did more evil in the eyes of the of Omi, did more evil in the eyes of the Lord, Lord, Lord, than any of those before him. than any of those before him. than any of those before him. He not only considered it trivial to He not only considered it trivial to He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam, son of commit the sins of Jeroboam, son of commit the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebach. And if you remember, Jeroboam is the one And if you remember, Jeroboam is the one who introduced who introduced who introduced golden calves as idol gods to worship. golden calves as idol gods to worship. golden calves as idol gods to worship. But he also married Jezebel, daughter of But he also married Jezebel, daughter of But he also married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbel, Ethbel, Ethbel, king of the Cyian Sedonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. and began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal in the He set up an altar for Baal in the He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria.

temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. Ahab Ahab Ahab had made an assuropole, had made an assuropole, had made an assuropole, another of another of another of the Phoenician gods, the Phoenician gods, the Phoenician gods, and did more to arouse the anger of the and did more to arouse the anger of the and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, Lord, Lord, the God of Israel, than all the kings of the God of Israel, than all the kings of the God of Israel, than all the kings of Israel before him. As I stated earlier, As I stated earlier, Elisha the Tishbite Elisha the Tishbite Elisha the Tishbite abruptly appears on the scene abruptly appears on the scene abruptly appears on the scene and then he leaves as quickly as he can and then he leaves as quickly as he can and then he leaves as quickly as he can only to reappear three years later to only to reappear three years later to only to reappear three years later to challenge the priest of Baal. Elijah's name Elijah's name means means means the Lord or Jehovah is my God.

That's a good name and an apt name for a That's a good name and an apt name for a man who would call his people back to man who would call his people back to man who would call his people back to the worship of Jehovah as God. Wicked King Ahab had permitted his wife Wicked King Ahab had permitted his wife Jezebel to bring the worship of Baal Jezebel to bring the worship of Baal Jezebel to bring the worship of Baal into Israel. into Israel. into Israel. And she was determined And she was determined And she was determined to wipe out the worship of Jehovah. Baal was the Phoenician god who was Baal was the Phoenician god who was known to send rain and bountiful crops. Baal was considered by the Phoenicians Baal was considered by the Phoenicians to not only be the god of grain and to not only be the god of grain and to not only be the god of grain and crops, crops, crops, but of fertility and life. but of fertility and life. but of fertility and life. And the rights connected to his worship And the rights connected to his worship And the rights connected to his worship were unspeakably were unspeakably were unspeakably immoral.

like Solomon like Solomon who catered to the idolatrous practices who catered to the idolatrous practices who catered to the idolatrous practices of his heathen wives of his heathen wives of his heathen wives found in first Kings 11:es 1-8. found in first Kings 11:es 1-8. found in first Kings 11:es 1-8. Ahab was even worse. He yielded to all of Jezebel's desires He yielded to all of Jezebel's desires and even built her a private temple, if and even built her a private temple, if and even built her a private temple, if you will, where she and her other you will, where she and her other you will, where she and her other followers of Baal could worship this followers of Baal could worship this followers of Baal could worship this idol god. idol god. idol god. Like I said, Like I said, Like I said, her plan her plan her plan was to exterminate the worship and even was to exterminate the worship and even was to exterminate the worship and even the worshippers the worshippers the worshippers of Jehovah of Jehovah of Jehovah and all the people of Israel were to and all the people of Israel were to and all the people of Israel were to worship Baal and Baal alone.

Elisha was both prophet and priest. Elisha was both prophet and priest. He was God's representative He was God's representative He was God's representative and God had sent him to Ahab and God had sent him to Ahab and God had sent him to Ahab to announce a coming drought. First Kings First Kings chapter 17 verse one reads, "Now Elijah chapter 17 verse one reads, "Now Elijah chapter 17 verse one reads, "Now Elijah the Tishbite from Tishba in Gilead the Tishbite from Tishba in Gilead the Tishbite from Tishba in Gilead said to Ahab, said to Ahab, said to Ahab, as the Lord, the God of Israel lives, as the Lord, the God of Israel lives, as the Lord, the God of Israel lives, whom I serve, whom I serve, whom I serve, there will neither be due nor rain there will neither be due nor rain there will neither be due nor rain in the next few years except kept at my in the next few years except kept at my in the next few years except kept at my word. On whose authority On whose authority did Elijah say such a thing to Ahab? Well, I believe it was on the authority Well, I believe it was on the authority of the God of Israel, of the God of Israel, of the God of Israel, the God that Elijah served.

Not only will there be no rain, Not only will there be no rain, there won't even be due >> And it will last >> And it will last until I say otherwise. until I say otherwise. until I say otherwise. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> God had held back the rain because of >> God had held back the rain because of >> God had held back the rain because of the fervent prayers of Elijah. >> Turn with me to James chapter 5 or turn >> Turn with me to James chapter 5 or turn in your app to James chapter 5 vers 17 in your app to James chapter 5 vers 17 in your app to James chapter 5 vers 17 and 18. Reading from the New International Reading from the New International Version. Elijah was a human being Version. Elijah was a human being Version. Elijah was a human being even as we are.

even as we are. even as we are. King James says Elijah was a man just King James says Elijah was a man just King James says Elijah was a man just like us. like us. like us. >> Hallelujah. >> He prayed earnestly >> He prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not that it would not rain and it did not that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half rain on the land for three and a half rain on the land for three and a half years. years. years. Verse 18. Again he prayed and the Verse 18. Again he prayed and the Verse 18. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced heavens gave rain and the earth produced heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops. The three and a half years of drought The three and a half years of drought would prepare the people for what would would prepare the people for what would would prepare the people for what would happen in chapter 18, which was a happen in chapter 18, which was a happen in chapter 18, which was a dramatic contest on Mount Carmel dramatic contest on Mount Carmel dramatic contest on Mount Carmel between the priest of Baal and Elijah, between the priest of Baal and Elijah, between the priest of Baal and Elijah, the prophet of God.

Like a faithful servant, Like a faithful servant, attentive to his master's commands, attentive to his master's commands, attentive to his master's commands, Elisha stood before the Lord, and he Elisha stood before the Lord, and he Elisha stood before the Lord, and he served him well. The drought The drought was a divine punishment given to Ahab was a divine punishment given to Ahab was a divine punishment given to Ahab and the Israelites and the Israelites and the Israelites simply because they had broken simply because they had broken simply because they had broken the covenant of God in Leviticus in Leviticus chapter 26 verses 18- God tells them what will happen if they God tells them what will happen if they don't obey him and listen to his don't obey him and listen to his don't obey him and listen to his commands. If they break his covenant, If they break his covenant, these are the things that will happen. these are the things that will happen. these are the things that will happen. If after all this you will not listen to If after all this you will not listen to If after all this you will not listen to me, me, me, I will punish you for your sins seven I will punish you for your sins seven I will punish you for your sins seven times over.

times over. times over. I will break down your stubborn pride I will break down your stubborn pride I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and make the sky above you like iron and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. and the ground beneath you like bronze. and the ground beneath you like bronze. That's a drought. That's a drought. That's a drought. Your strength will be spent in vain Your strength will be spent in vain Your strength will be spent in vain because your soil will not yield its because your soil will not yield its because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of your land crops, nor will the trees of your land crops, nor will the trees of your land yield their fruit. yield their fruit. yield their fruit. God had raised up Elijah to oppose Baal God had raised up Elijah to oppose Baal God had raised up Elijah to oppose Baal worship worship worship and all those who engaged in it. Ahab Ahab might have been convinced by Jezebel and might have been convinced by Jezebel and might have been convinced by Jezebel and others that Baal, the Lord of the others that Baal, the Lord of the others that Baal, the Lord of the rainclouds, rainclouds, rainclouds, was the God of Israel, the new God of was the God of Israel, the new God of was the God of Israel, the new God of Israel. Israel. Israel. But he would soon find out But he would soon find out But he would soon find out who really controlled the rain and the who really controlled the rain and the who really controlled the rain and the crops.

Thus, the drought was not only a divine Thus, the drought was not only a divine punishment, punishment, punishment, but it was also a sign of God's power but it was also a sign of God's power but it was also a sign of God's power over every false god over every false god over every false god and their false prophets. Let's take a look Let's take a look at the three miracles God manifested in at the three miracles God manifested in at the three miracles God manifested in first Kings chapter 17. First is the miracle of provision First is the miracle of provision from unlikely sources. from unlikely sources. from unlikely sources. The miracle of provision from unlikely The miracle of provision from unlikely The miracle of provision from unlikely sources. sources. sources. First Kings chapter 17 verses 2-6. Then the word of the Lord came to Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah.

Elijah. Elijah. Leave here. Leave here. Leave here. Turn eastward and hide at Kareth ravine, Turn eastward and hide at Kareth ravine, Turn eastward and hide at Kareth ravine, east of the Jordan. east of the Jordan. east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I You will drink from the brook, and I You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you have directed the ravens to supply you have directed the ravens to supply you with food there. with food there. with food there. So he did what the Lord had told him. So he did what the Lord had told him. So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kth ravine east of the He went to the Kth ravine east of the He went to the Kth ravine east of the Jordan and stayed there. The ravens Jordan and stayed there. The ravens Jordan and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the brought him bread and meat in the brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and he drank from the brook. There apparently were only a few true There apparently were only a few true prophets left in Israel when Elijah prophets left in Israel when Elijah prophets left in Israel when Elijah appeared on the scene. appeared on the scene. appeared on the scene. Indeed, after delivering his message to Indeed, after delivering his message to Indeed, after delivering his message to Ahab, Ahab, Ahab, Elijah was in great danger.

Elijah was in great danger. Elijah was in great danger. Ahab's wife Jezebel Ahab's wife Jezebel Ahab's wife Jezebel would soon begin actively killing would soon begin actively killing would soon begin actively killing the Lord's prophets And surely And surely Elisha was at the top of the most wanted Elisha was at the top of the most wanted Elisha was at the top of the most wanted list. As the drought continued and famine hit As the drought continued and famine hit the land, Ahab began to search for the land, Ahab began to search for the land, Ahab began to search for Elijah, the man that he thought caused Elijah, the man that he thought caused Elijah, the man that he thought caused all the trouble. Now, in one sense, Elijah did call for Now, in one sense, Elijah did call for the drought, the drought, the drought, but he didn't cause the drought. but he didn't cause the drought. but he didn't cause the drought. What caused the drought was the sins of What caused the drought was the sins of What caused the drought was the sins of the people of God, the sins of Ahab and the people of God, the sins of Ahab and the people of God, the sins of Ahab and Jezebel that led the nation into Jezebel that led the nation into Jezebel that led the nation into disobeying God's covenant.

God didn't give Elisha a three-year plan God didn't give Elisha a three-year plan or schedule to follow. or schedule to follow. or schedule to follow. Instead, Instead, Instead, he directed him step by step he directed him step by step he directed him step by step at each critical juncture of his at each critical juncture of his at each critical juncture of his journey. journey. journey. And Elijah obeyed And Elijah obeyed And Elijah obeyed by faith. by faith. by faith. The Lord had a special hiding place for The Lord had a special hiding place for The Lord had a special hiding place for his servant at a brook east of the his servant at a brook east of the his servant at a brook east of the Jordan called Carth. Jordan called Carth. Jordan called Carth. And he also had some unlikely and And he also had some unlikely and And he also had some unlikely and unusual unusual unusual servants prepared to serve him breakfast servants prepared to serve him breakfast servants prepared to serve him breakfast and dinner and dinner and dinner at the brook. Kareth at the brook. Kareth at the brook. Kareth Kareth ravine as it says in the NIV. Kareth ravine as it says in the NIV. Kareth ravine as it says in the NIV. Elijah Elijah Elijah had safety and he had sustenance had safety and he had sustenance had safety and he had sustenance till the brook dried up. The brook till the brook dried up. The brook till the brook dried up. The brook provided water provided water provided water and each morning and each morning and each morning ravens Yeah, that's what I said. Ravens ravens Yeah, that's what I said. Ravens ravens Yeah, that's what I said. Ravens brought him bread and meat.

brought him bread and meat. brought him bread and meat. Now, if you know anything about ravens, Now, if you know anything about ravens, Now, if you know anything about ravens, they're scavengers. They prey on dead carcasses. They prey on dead carcasses. That's their meal. That's their meal. That's their meal. Rottening meat. That's what they eat. That's what they eat. Yet every morning Yet every morning Yet every morning and every evening, and every evening, and every evening, these birds that were considered unclean these birds that were considered unclean these birds that were considered unclean and detestable by the Mosaic law and detestable by the Mosaic law and detestable by the Mosaic law and listed as their forbidden foods. and listed as their forbidden foods. and listed as their forbidden foods. These ravens These ravens These ravens brought Elijah brought Elijah brought Elijah breakfast breakfast breakfast and dinner. The ravens didn't bring the rottening The ravens didn't bring the rottening meat that they ate. meat that they ate. meat that they ate. They brought bread They brought bread They brought bread and meat.

and meat. and meat. Fresh bread Fresh bread Fresh bread and fresh meat every morning, every morning, every evening. every evening. every evening. fresh bread and fresh meat. Now, I don't know about you, Now, I don't know about you, but that's a miracle to me that ravens scavengers that ravens scavengers >> would bring fresh bread >> would bring fresh bread >> would bring fresh bread and fresh meat twice a day. Well, Well, they didn't provide the food. The Lord they didn't provide the food. The Lord they didn't provide the food. The Lord provided the food. provided the food. provided the food. >> The birds provided the transportation. >> The birds provided the transportation. >> The birds provided the transportation. >> They were your ancient day Uber Eats >> Just as God dropped the mana into the >> Just as God dropped the mana into the camp of Israel during the wilderness camp of Israel during the wilderness camp of Israel during the wilderness journey.

journey. journey. So he sent the necessary food to Elisha So he sent the necessary food to Elisha So he sent the necessary food to Elisha as he waited for a signal to relocate. God can use ravens, God can use ravens, >> scavengers >> scavengers >> scavengers to carry food to his servant. to carry food to his servant. to carry food to his servant. And God can and will And God can and will And God can and will still use unexpected sources to sustain still use unexpected sources to sustain still use unexpected sources to sustain his people. And my God And my God will supply all your needs will supply all your needs will supply all your needs >> according to his riches in glory that >> according to his riches in glory that >> according to his riches in glory that are in Christ Jesus. are in Christ Jesus. are in Christ Jesus. >> Philippians 4:19. I hear David saying in Psalm 37 I hear David saying in Psalm 37 verse 25, "I've never verse 25, "I've never verse 25, "I've never >> seen the righteous forsaken, >> seen the righteous forsaken, >> seen the righteous forsaken, >> nor is seed begging bread."

>> nor is seed begging bread." >> nor is seed begging bread." God uses unusual sources God uses unusual sources God uses unusual sources >> to sustain his people. George Mueller, George Mueller, the great Christian orphanage director, is said to often have no food in the is said to often have no food in the cupboards cupboards cupboards to feed the children at his orphanage. He didn't campaign for people to give He didn't campaign for people to give him money. him money. him money. He just prayed. He just prayed. He just prayed. It said that one morning for breakfast It said that one morning for breakfast It said that one morning for breakfast there was no food in the cupboard. there was no food in the cupboard. there was no food in the cupboard. >> George Mueller gathered all of the >> George Mueller gathered all of the >> George Mueller gathered all of the children of the orphanage into one children of the orphanage into one children of the orphanage into one place. place. place. Sat him down at the breakfast table. Sat him down at the breakfast table. Sat him down at the breakfast table. And then he prayed.

And then he prayed. And then he prayed. He told the Lord, "Thank you for the He told the Lord, "Thank you for the He told the Lord, "Thank you for the food that was not yet there." food that was not yet there." food that was not yet there." About that time, the story goes that About that time, the story goes that About that time, the story goes that there was a knock on the door. there was a knock on the door. there was a knock on the door. It was the baker from town and the baker It was the baker from town and the baker It was the baker from town and the baker said that God had put it on his heart to said that God had put it on his heart to said that God had put it on his heart to bring fresh bread to the orphanage. bring fresh bread to the orphanage. bring fresh bread to the orphanage. Without word from George Mueller Without word from George Mueller Without word from George Mueller to the baker, the baker heard from God to the baker, the baker heard from God to the baker, the baker heard from God and brought fresh bread. and brought fresh bread. and brought fresh bread. About that same time, About that same time, About that same time, a milk truck broke down a milk truck broke down a milk truck broke down in front of the orphanage and so that in front of the orphanage and so that in front of the orphanage and so that for breakfast they had fresh bread and for breakfast they had fresh bread and for breakfast they had fresh bread and milk. milk. milk. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I stopped by to tell you the same God I stopped by to tell you the same God I stopped by to tell you the same God that delivered them breakfast, that delivered them breakfast, that delivered them breakfast, that same God that delivered that same God that delivered that same God that delivered them them them bread and milk bread and milk bread and milk is the same God who will deliver for is the same God who will deliver for is the same God who will deliver for you.

Secondly, Secondly, there's the miracle of sustenance The miracle of sustenance with limited The miracle of sustenance with limited resources. resources. resources. First Kings chapter 17 verse 7- 16. Do First Kings chapter 17 verse 7- 16. Do First Kings chapter 17 verse 7- 16. Do we have anybody who wants to read that we have anybody who wants to read that we have anybody who wants to read that for us? Verse 7. Sometime later, the brook dried Verse 7. Sometime later, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the up because there had been no rain in the up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to land. Then the word of the Lord came to land. Then the word of the Lord came to him. Go at once to Zephrite in the him. Go at once to Zephrite in the him. Go at once to Zephrite in the region of Zenon and set and stay there. region of Zenon and set and stay there. region of Zenon and set and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply I have directed a widow there to supply I have directed a widow there to supply you with food. you with food. you with food. >> So he went to Sephrite. When he came to >> So he went to Sephrite. When he came to >> So he went to Sephrite. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there the town gate, a widow was there the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and gathering sticks. He called to her and gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little asked, "Would you bring me a little asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may drink?" As she water in a jar so I may drink?" As she water in a jar so I may drink?" As she was going to get it, he called, "And was going to get it, he called, "And was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread." As bring me, please, a piece of bread." As bring me, please, a piece of bread." As surely as the Lord our God lives, she surely as the Lord our God lives, she surely as the Lord our God lives, she replied, "I don't have any bread, only a replied, "I don't have any bread, only a replied, "I don't have any bread, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little handful of flour in a jar and a little handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for sticks to take home and make a meal for sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son that we may eat it and myself and my son that we may eat it and myself and my son that we may eat it and die.

die. die. >> Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go >> Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go >> Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said, but first home and do as you have said, but first home and do as you have said, but first make a small loaf of bread for me from make a small loaf of bread for me from make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and what you have and bring it to me, and what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and then make something for yourself and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the your son. For this is what the Lord, the your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "The jar of flour God of Israel, says, "The jar of flour God of Israel, says, "The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord will not run dry until the day the Lord will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land." sends rain on the land." sends rain on the land." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> She went away and did as Elijah had told >> She went away and did as Elijah had told >> She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for her. So there was food every day for her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the women woman in her Elijah and for the women woman in her Elijah and for the women woman in her family. For the jar of flour was not family. For the jar of flour was not family. For the jar of flour was not used up, and the jug of oil did not run used up, and the jug of oil did not run used up, and the jug of oil did not run dry in keeping with the word of the Lord dry in keeping with the word of the Lord dry in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. spoken by Elijah. spoken by Elijah. >> Hallelujah. One commentator comments One commentator comments that Elijah probably lived that Elijah probably lived that Elijah probably lived by the brook Carth for about a year, by the brook Carth for about a year, by the brook Carth for about a year, giving us a timeline. giving us a timeline. giving us a timeline. Eventually Elijah's brook dried up Eventually Elijah's brook dried up Eventually Elijah's brook dried up because of the drought. And then God because of the drought. And then God because of the drought. And then God told him to leave.

told him to leave. told him to leave. God's instructions God's instructions God's instructions may have shocked the prophet may have shocked the prophet may have shocked the prophet for the Lord commanded him to travel for the Lord commanded him to travel for the Lord commanded him to travel norththeast norththeast norththeast about a 100 miles about a 100 miles about a 100 miles to the Phoenician city of Zerapath. God was sending Elijah God was sending Elijah into Gentile territory, into Gentile territory, into Gentile territory, further away from Israel. further away from Israel. further away from Israel. And not only was he sending him into And not only was he sending him into And not only was he sending him into gentile territory, gentile territory, gentile territory, Zerapath Zerapath Zerapath was not too far from Jezebel's hometown was not too far from Jezebel's hometown was not too far from Jezebel's hometown of Sidum. He'd be living in enemy territory He'd be living in enemy territory surrounded by the worshippers of Baal surrounded by the worshippers of Baal surrounded by the worshippers of Baal and other idol gods.

and other idol gods. and other idol gods. >> Now come on, Lord. I know you trying to hide me out, I know you trying to hide me out, but Zarapath. But Elijah doesn't argue. But Elijah doesn't argue. No discussion. No discussion. No discussion. He just obeyed God. Yeah. He just obeyed God. Yeah. He just obeyed God. Yeah. >> And in obeying God, Even more, Even more, he was instructed to go live with a he was instructed to go live with a he was instructed to go live with a widow. Now, I don't know about you, but if it Now, I don't know about you, but if it were me, if I were God, were me, if I were God, were me, if I were God, I'd send him to a rich woman >> so he'd be well taken care of.

>> so he'd be well taken care of. >> Come on. Good thing is Good thing is I'm not God. God sent him to a widow who God sent him to a widow who was considered to be among the neediest was considered to be among the neediest was considered to be among the neediest of people in the land. of people in the land. of people in the land. >> Phoenicia depended on Israel for its food supply depended on Israel for its food supply according to first kings 5:9. and food in the first place wouldn't and food in the first place wouldn't even be plentiful there. to the Phoenician town of Zerapath to the Phoenician town of Zerapath where food is not plentiful where food is not plentiful where food is not plentiful to a poor widow woman and he's says he's commanded her and he's says he's commanded her to take care of him.

to take care of him. to take care of him. My goodness. Because watch my knee said this. Because watch my knee said this. Because of our proness to look at the Because of our proness to look at the Because of our proness to look at the bucket bucket bucket and forget the fountain, and forget the fountain, and forget the fountain, God has frequently to change his means God has frequently to change his means God has frequently to change his means of supply of supply of supply to keep our eyes fixed on the source. In other words, God changes the place of In other words, God changes the place of supply supply supply often so he can fix our eyes not on the often so he can fix our eyes not on the often so he can fix our eyes not on the supplier but on the source. supplier but on the source. supplier but on the source. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. After the nation of Israel entered the After the nation of Israel entered the After the nation of Israel entered the promised land, the mana ceased to fall promised land, the mana ceased to fall promised land, the mana ceased to fall into the camp.

into the camp. into the camp. God changed his way of feeding the God changed his way of feeding the God changed his way of feeding the people. people. people. Joshua 5 10 through 12. Joshua 5 10 through 12. Joshua 5 10 through 12. In the early days of the church, we In the early days of the church, we In the early days of the church, we talked about this the last couple of talked about this the last couple of talked about this the last couple of weeks weeks weeks where everybody had everything in where everybody had everything in where everybody had everything in common. common. common. People would even sell property People would even sell property People would even sell property just so everybody would have something just so everybody would have something just so everybody would have something to eat and a roof over their heads. to eat and a roof over their heads. to eat and a roof over their heads. Everybody had everything they needed. Everybody had everything they needed. Everybody had everything they needed. Yet Yet Yet a few years later, the saints in a few years later, the saints in a few years later, the saints in Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem had to receive help from the gentile had to receive help from the gentile had to receive help from the gentile church in Antioch. church in Antioch. church in Antioch. According to Acts 11 27-30, According to Acts 11 27-30, According to Acts 11 27-30, Elisha was about to learn that God could Elisha was about to learn that God could Elisha was about to learn that God could do anything but fail.

do anything but fail. do anything but fail. He was about to learn that God could He was about to learn that God could He was about to learn that God could even use even use even use almost empty vessels. >> Now, the fact that this woman was >> Now, the fact that this woman was instructed by God to take care of Elijah instructed by God to take care of Elijah instructed by God to take care of Elijah didn't mean that she was a believer in didn't mean that she was a believer in didn't mean that she was a believer in God. Listen to what she says when she says Listen to what she says when she says something to Elijah. something to Elijah. something to Elijah. She says, "The Lord your God, She says, "The Lord your God, She says, "The Lord your God, >> not our God, not my God, your God." Now, check out this conversation. He Now, check out this conversation. He gets there and he identifies her because gets there and he identifies her because gets there and he identifies her because she's at the gate gathering sticks. He asked her He asked her in the middle of a drought in the middle of a drought in the middle of a drought >> for some water >> for some water >> for some water >> and immediately without argument or >> and immediately without argument or >> and immediately without argument or discussion or debate, discussion or debate, discussion or debate, she goes turns to go and get him water.

Elijah says, Elijah says, "Oh yeah, while you going, I only have a little bit of flour in a I only have a little bit of flour in a jar and a little oil in a vessel. and a little oil in a vessel. I'm going to make a cake out of that. My son and I going to eat it and die. My son and I going to eat it and die. Yeah, >> Elijah >> Elijah has the audacity has the audacity has the audacity to ask this woman, "Make me a cake to ask this woman, "Make me a cake to ask this woman, "Make me a cake first."

All I had was a little oil and a little All I had was a little oil and a little flour. I was going to make a cake. We flour. I was going to make a cake. We flour. I was going to make a cake. We going to eat it and die. What part of going to eat it and die. What part of going to eat it and die. What part of that? Don't you understand? >> But she DIDN'T DO THAT. >> But she DIDN'T DO THAT. THE BIBLE says she simply obeyed THE BIBLE says she simply obeyed THE BIBLE says she simply obeyed the prophet the prophet the prophet >> cuz he said >> cuz he said >> cuz he said God says if you make me a cake first God says if you make me a cake first God says if you make me a cake first >> THE OIL AND THE flour won't run out >> THE OIL AND THE flour won't run out >> THE OIL AND THE flour won't run out until rain comes in the land. We've got convenient online shopping.

We've got convenient online shopping. You can get your groceries delivered to You can get your groceries delivered to You can get your groceries delivered to your house now. You don't even have to your house now. You don't even have to your house now. You don't even have to leave home. convenient online shopping leave home. convenient online shopping leave home. convenient online shopping and we not even going to talk about and we not even going to talk about and we not even going to talk about Amazon. Amazon. Amazon. Lord Jesus, but I stop by to tell you but I stop by to tell you every meal we eat Every bite we take Every bite we take is a miracle from the hand of God. whoever the supplier is, whoever the supplier is, the source is God.

We may live far from the farmers that We may live far from the farmers that grow our food, grow our food, grow our food, but we can't live without them. but we can't live without them. but we can't live without them. Give us this day our daily bread Give us this day our daily bread Give us this day our daily bread is more than a line in a prayer that we is more than a line in a prayer that we is more than a line in a prayer that we casually recite. casually recite. casually recite. It's the expression of a great truth and It's the expression of a great truth and It's the expression of a great truth and that is that everything that we have that is that everything that we have that is that everything that we have comes from God. Last but not least is the miracle of Last but not least is the miracle of resurrection resurrection resurrection of the widow's son after experiencing after experiencing divine provision for around two years. They eat and eat for around two years. They eat and eat well and then tragedy strikes.

and then tragedy strikes. The widow's son becomes sick The widow's son becomes sick The widow's son becomes sick and he dies. and he dies. and he dies. Now, I don't know about for you, but for Now, I don't know about for you, but for Now, I don't know about for you, but for me, that seems a little contradictory. me, that seems a little contradictory. me, that seems a little contradictory. Come on, God. You going to take care of Come on, God. You going to take care of Come on, God. You going to take care of him for two long years, then you going him for two long years, then you going him for two long years, then you going to let this boy die? to let this boy die? to let this boy die? What's going on You lose people in your life and you You lose people in your life and you want to know from God why. want to know from God why. want to know from God why. Hello. that Elijah's presence in her house that Elijah's presence in her house had drawn the attention of God to some had drawn the attention of God to some had drawn the attention of God to some sin she had committed and that God was sin she had committed and that God was sin she had committed and that God was punishing her by taking her She wasn't the only one upset.

She wasn't the only one upset. Elisha was upset. Elisha was upset. Elisha was upset. And the reason I know Elijah was upset And the reason I know Elijah was upset And the reason I know Elijah was upset is verse 20. is verse 20. is verse 20. The Bible says, "Then he cried out to The Bible says, "Then he cried out to The Bible says, "Then he cried out to the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, Lord, my God, Lord, my God, Lord, my God, have you brought tragedy even on this have you brought tragedy even on this have you brought tragedy even on this widow I'm staying with by causing her widow I'm staying with by causing her widow I'm staying with by causing her son to die?" Elisha was questioning God. Elisha was questioning God. I stopped by and I need to put a pen I stopped by and I need to put a pen I stopped by and I need to put a pen right there for just a second to let you right there for just a second to let you right there for just a second to let you know your questions are all right with know your questions are all right with know your questions are all right with God. >> You go to your friends, you ask them. >> You go to your friends, you ask them. You go to your preacher, your pastor, You go to your preacher, your pastor, You go to your preacher, your pastor, some minister, some other Christian, you some minister, some other Christian, you some minister, some other Christian, you want to ask them. and we none of us have want to ask them. and we none of us have want to ask them. and we none of us have any answers. Who else can you go to but any answers. Who else can you go to but any answers. Who else can you go to but God?

God? God? In the restaurant, if the waitress or In the restaurant, if the waitress or In the restaurant, if the waitress or the waiter can't the server can't answer the waiter can't the server can't answer the waiter can't the server can't answer your question, you ask for a manager. your question, you ask for a manager. your question, you ask for a manager. You go to the store, you ask for a You go to the store, you ask for a You go to the store, you ask for a supervisor. If you get somebody other than AI on the If you get somebody other than AI on the phone, >> hello. >> hello. >> You want to talk to somebody who got >> You want to talk to somebody who got >> You want to talk to somebody who got some answers. Well, I got to hurry. Well, I got to hurry. Elijah takes the boy up to his room, Elijah takes the boy up to his room, Elijah takes the boy up to his room, lays him out on the bed, and Elijah stretches himself out over and Elijah stretches himself out over the boy.

And he doesn't do so in hopes that he And he doesn't do so in hopes that he could transfer his life into the boy could transfer his life into the boy could transfer his life into the boy because he knew that the only somebody because he knew that the only somebody because he knew that the only somebody who could give life who could give life who could give life >> was God. I argue that certainly his posture I argue that certainly his posture indicated his total identification with indicated his total identification with indicated his total identification with the boy and his need. the boy and his need. the boy and his need. And that's an important factor. If you And that's an important factor. If you And that's an important factor. If you and I are going to intercede and I are going to intercede and I are going to intercede and help other folk, and help other folk, and help other folk, >> we need to learn >> we need to learn >> we need to learn how how how to identify with the folk we're trying to identify with the folk we're trying to identify with the folk we're trying to bless to bless to bless >> and help. >> and help. >> and help. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We need to ask God to give me a sense of >> We need to ask God to give me a sense of >> We need to ask God to give me a sense of what they're going through. what they're going through. what they're going through. >> Yeah. What does it feel like to have a What does it feel like to have a difficult diagnosis?

Lord, help me identify with them so that Lord, help me identify with them so that I can minister effectively to their need I can minister effectively to their need I can minister effectively to their need or intercede properly on their behalf. >> The Bible says that he stretched out on >> The Bible says that he stretched out on the boy three times. the boy three times. the boy three times. I don't know what Elisha called himself I don't know what Elisha called himself I don't know what Elisha called himself trying to accomplish. That's not clear. trying to accomplish. That's not clear. trying to accomplish. That's not clear. All I know is he did it and God brought All I know is he did it and God brought All I know is he did it and God brought the boy back to life. the boy back to life. the boy back to life. [applause] >> This is the first recorded resurrection >> This is the first recorded resurrection in the Bible. in the Bible. in the Bible. So what is its significance? I'm glad So what is its significance? I'm glad So what is its significance? I'm glad you asked. you asked. you asked. God demonstrates here and throughout God demonstrates here and throughout God demonstrates here and throughout scripture scripture scripture that he gives life.

that he gives life. that he gives life. >> He sustains life and he restores >> He sustains life and he restores >> He sustains life and he restores life. >> Death doesn't have final authority. >> Death doesn't have final authority. >> God does. >> God does. >> God does. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. When the woman saw her son was alive, When the woman saw her son was alive, When the woman saw her son was alive, her faith was strengthened. her faith was strengthened. her faith was strengthened. She now fully comprehended that Elisha had been sent by the one that Elisha had been sent by the one true God, true God, true God, the God of Israel. This had tested her faith. This had tested her faith. and matured her faith. and matured her faith. and matured her faith. >> This non-Israelite widow >> This non-Israelite widow >> This non-Israelite widow was now experiencing was now experiencing was now experiencing the covenant blessings of God.

the covenant blessings of God. the covenant blessings of God. While the Israelites were experiencing While the Israelites were experiencing While the Israelites were experiencing the wrath of God, the punishment of God the wrath of God, the punishment of God the wrath of God, the punishment of God through a famine. Well, it's 7:59, Well, it's 7:59, but I do have a story. For those of you, it's your first time. For those of you, it's your first time. I try to end with a story. A severe drought once struck a small A severe drought once struck a small farming community. farming community. farming community. For months, there was no rain. For months, there was no rain. For months, there was no rain. Their crops were withering, Their crops were withering, Their crops were withering, livestock was weakened, livestock was weakened, livestock was weakened, and many families wondered how in the and many families wondered how in the and many families wondered how in the world they were going to survive. world they were going to survive. world they were going to survive. In the center of the town In the center of the town In the center of the town was an old well that supplied water for was an old well that supplied water for was an old well that supplied water for the town's people.

the town's people. the town's people. As the drought continued, the water As the drought continued, the water As the drought continued, the water level in the well dropped lower and level in the well dropped lower and level in the well dropped lower and lower until one day the well was dry. the well appeared empty, the well appeared empty, but there was an old farmer in town. but there was an old farmer in town. but there was an old farmer in town. And every morning And every morning And every morning he'd get up he'd get up he'd get up early in the morning, early in the morning, early in the morning, go to town, go to town, go to town, bucket in hand, bucket in hand, bucket in hand, and drop his bucket down in the well. and drop his bucket down in the well. and drop his bucket down in the well. He lower his bucket down in the well day He lower his bucket down in the well day He lower his bucket down in the well day after day, and the people laughed at after day, and the people laughed at after day, and the people laughed at him. But he'd always come up with a little But he'd always come up with a little water.

Why do you keep coming? Why can't you Why do you keep coming? Why can't you see that this well is dry? The farmer see that this well is dry? The farmer see that this well is dry? The farmer smiled and he replied, "The well may be smiled and he replied, "The well may be smiled and he replied, "The well may be dry, but the spring beneath it is not." See, there was rain See, there was rain falling over distant mountains falling over distant mountains falling over distant mountains and the fresh water was flowing and the fresh water was flowing and the fresh water was flowing underground underground underground to the spring. to the spring. to the spring. And one morning, eventually the well And one morning, eventually the well And one morning, eventually the well began to fill back up. began to fill back up. began to fill back up. But they didn't get excited until they But they didn't get excited until they But they didn't get excited until they saw the well full again. saw the well full again. saw the well full again. He got excited every day cuz he knew He got excited every day cuz he knew He got excited every day cuz he knew that he wasn't trusting in the well. that he wasn't trusting in the well. that he wasn't trusting in the well. He was trusting in the source under the He was trusting in the source under the He was trusting in the source under the whale.

>> I stopped by to tell you, you don't put >> I stopped by to tell you, you don't put too much trust in the supply. too much trust in the supply. too much trust in the supply. >> Put your trust in the source. >> Put your trust in the source. >> Put your trust in the source. Don't put so much trust on your Don't put so much trust on your Don't put so much trust on your paycheck. paycheck. paycheck. >> It could stop at any time. >> It could stop at any time. >> It could stop at any time. >> Don't put so much trust in your bank >> Don't put so much trust in your bank >> Don't put so much trust in your bank account. It could get emptied at any account. It could get emptied at any account. It could get emptied at any time. Don't put so much trust on your time. Don't put so much trust on your time. Don't put so much trust on your job. They could give you a pink slip at job. They could give you a pink slip at job. They could give you a pink slip at any time. any time. any time. But put your trust in the source of your But put your trust in the source of your But put your trust in the source of your check, the source of your bank account, check, the source of your bank account, check, the source of your bank account, the source of your job, the source of the source of your job, the source of the source of your job, the source of your livelihood and your life. And that your livelihood and your life. And that your livelihood and your life. And that source is God Almighty. source is God Almighty. source is God Almighty. Put your trust in God. Don't trust in Put your trust in God. Don't trust in Put your trust in God. Don't trust in the world. Trust in the source. the world. Trust in the source. the world. Trust in the source. >> [applause] >> Father, we thank you >> Father, we thank you >> that you are our source.

>> that you are our source. >> that you are our source. >> We trust in you. >> We trust in you. >> We trust in you. >> Our hope is in you. >> Our hope is in you. >> Our hope is in you. >> Now, Lord, we pray that if there's >> Now, Lord, we pray that if there's >> Now, Lord, we pray that if there's anybody here tonight who has not anybody here tonight who has not anybody here tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of their life, that you'd move on them of their life, that you'd move on them of their life, that you'd move on them by your Holy Spirit. even now by your Holy Spirit. even now by your Holy Spirit. even now to make their way down the aisle. to make their way down the aisle. to make their way down the aisle. If there's somebody here If there's somebody here If there's somebody here who's looking for a church home, who's looking for a church home, who's looking for a church home, move on them even now such that they move on them even now such that they move on them even now such that they will know that here is a church where will know that here is a church where will know that here is a church where they can grow in the wisdom and they can grow in the wisdom and they can grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. And then Lord, we ask And then Lord, we ask And then Lord, we ask that if there's somebody here who is that if there's somebody here who is that if there's somebody here who is here on temporary assignment here on temporary assignment here on temporary assignment for school or for job or for health for school or for job or for health for school or for job or for health concerns and they need a place to watch concerns and they need a place to watch concerns and they need a place to watch over their souls while they're here.

over their souls while they're here. over their souls while they're here. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. We thank you We thank you We thank you >> in advance for whatever you're going to >> in advance for whatever you're going to >> in advance for whatever you're going to do. do. do. >> We believe in you. >> We believe in you. >> We believe in you. >> We trust in you. Our hope is in you >> We trust in you. Our hope is in you >> We trust in you. Our hope is in you >> for you truly are our source. >> for you truly are our source. >> for you truly are our source. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. Amen. God, we pray. Amen. God, we pray. Amen. Thank you, Lord. The invitation is Thank you, Lord. The invitation is Thank you, Lord. The invitation is extended. extended. extended. >> [music] >> I trust [singing] in God, >> I trust [singing] in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will [singing] never who will [singing] never who will [singing] never fail. >> I trust in God. I [music] trust in God.

>> I trust in God. I [music] trust in God. >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> My savior. [singing] >> My savior. [singing] >> My savior. [singing] The one [music] The one [music] The one [music] who will never who will never who will never fail. fail. fail. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] He will never fail. I [music] trust in I [music] trust in my savior. [singing] my savior. [singing] my savior. [singing] [music] The one [music] The one [music] The one who will never who will never who will never fail. [singing] I [music] trust [singing] in God. I [music] trust [singing] in God. Hallelujah. It's ours to extend, yours Hallelujah. It's ours to extend, yours Hallelujah. It's ours to extend, yours to accept or reject. [music] Give the to accept or reject. [music] Give the to accept or reject. [music] Give the Lord a hand of praise tonight. Lord a hand of praise tonight. Lord a hand of praise tonight. He is worthy to be praised. [music] We have no funeral services scheduled We have no funeral services scheduled for this week, [music] for this week, [music] for this week, [music] [applause] but we do have plenty of bereaved but we do have plenty of bereaved families families families and we have plenty of members with and we have plenty of members with and we have plenty of members with health concerns.

health concerns. health concerns. We want to remember them and intercede We want to remember them and intercede We want to remember them and intercede for them in prayer. Amen. for them in prayer. Amen. for them in prayer. Amen. >> Amen. Let's stand. Father, we thank you Father, we thank you for all your blessings, your benefits, for all your blessings, your benefits, for all your blessings, your benefits, your bounty, and your benevolence. your bounty, and your benevolence. your bounty, and your benevolence. Thank you Thank you Thank you for all that you do for us. for all that you do for us. for all that you do for us. You are our source. Now Lord, Now Lord, we pray we pray we pray that you will bless the bereaveved that you will bless the bereaveved that you will bless the bereaveved families among us. families among us. families among us. Give them what they need. Lord, comfort Give them what they need. Lord, comfort Give them what they need. Lord, comfort them where they need comfort. Give them where they need comfort. Give them where they need comfort. Give [music] them your peace. Give them your [music] them your peace. Give them your [music] them your peace. Give them your strength.

strength. strength. Go with them every step of the way. Go with them every step of the way. Go with them every step of the way. And then God, for those with health And then God, for those with health And then God, for those with health concerns, Lord, we've seen you do it before. Lord, we've seen you do it before. You've worked miracle after miracle You've worked miracle after miracle You've worked miracle after miracle after miracle [music] after miracle [music] after miracle [music] after miracle. You've done it before. after miracle. You've done it before. after miracle. You've done it before. Now do it again. Now do it again. Now do it again. Heal in the name of [music] Jesus. Now Father, as we go down from this Now Father, as we go down from this place, let us never leave your presence. place, let us never leave your presence. place, let us never leave your presence. Go with us. Go with us. Go with us. Go before us. Go behind us. Take care of Go before us. Go behind us. Take care of Go before us. Go behind us. Take care of us. Now it's unto you Now it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us from falling cuz you're able to keep us from falling cuz you're able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before your and present us faultless before your and present us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. To you be power and only wise God. To you be power and only wise God. To you be power and majesty, glory and dominion majesty, glory and dominion majesty, glory and dominion now, henceforth and forever more.

now, henceforth and forever more. now, henceforth and forever more. [music] [music] [music] It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of God we pray. Amen. God we pray. Amen. God we pray. Amen. And thank God. God bless you [music] and And thank God. God bless you [music] and And thank God. God bless you [music] and keep you as our prayer. Ready?

Ready? I'm supposed to talk to Pastor I'm supposed to talk to Pastor I'm supposed to talk to Pastor So >> while I talk to >> while I talk to You got