Visualize

Looking at magazines give me a case of "the wants."

 I look at food magazines and I either desire to eat or I want to think the I am the next Rachael Ray. (We have the same initials.)

If I look at home and garden magazines, I want to remodel, tear up, then fix up.

If I'm looking at fashion magazines I wish to be thin and tall, and my clothes look shabby and outdated.

When we look at things it is easy to want them and visualize ourselves having them. I guess that's why magazines are a multi-billion dollar industry. I used to subscribe to several, saving each issue to look at again and again.

Visualization is a good tool to helping us get to where we want to be. Scripture tells us, Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) people need a vision, a goal, the sight of the finish line. We need to "see" what it is that we hope for.

What is in front of you today? What is it that drives you? What are you looking at and hoping for?

I HAVE SET THE LORD BEFORE ME; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 ESV)

Turn Your eyes upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

O’er us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

By Name

I met a woman the other day for the first time. She was lovely and we spoke for about 10 minutes. 

In that time I learned that she was a widow with two grown children. I know her children's names and that one of them is just getting home from a fishing trip in Florida and the other is about to go on a trip. 

I found out that she did not learn to drive a car until the age of 78. I know what kind of car she drives and which kind that she would prefer.

I know what neighborhood in which she lives and the style of her house. 

I also know what her husband had done to make a living. That is why they moved to this location and I know from where they moved.

I learned so much about this sweet lady during our chat. She is the kind that makes you feel special and part of the crowd. But one thing that I did not learn, her name. I would have asked her had I the chance but I never did.

That makes me sad because like I said, she was lovely and I like her. But how can I ever inquire about her to see how she is doing if I don't know her name?

Knowing someone's name is important. I like to know people's names. And I like when they know mine.

Remember when the teacher called your name?

Remember when your mother called you by your full name?

Remember when your daddy gave you a little nickname?

Remember when the bully called you a bad name?

How does it feel when the boss calls your name?

Does your spouse have a special name for you?

Do your kids know you by name or by Mom?

Names are very important and they say a lot about us.

Take the time to listen and learn people's names, like the store cashier or your waitress. Call them by name and watch how it improves the interaction.

How many of Gods names do you know? There are many names for him in the Bible? By which name do you know Him?

He also knows you and He knows you by name.

Twinkle, Twinkle

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

     How I wonder what you are.

     Up above the world so high,

     Like a diamond in the sky.

     When the blazing sun is gone,

     When He nothing shines upon,

     Then you show your little light,

     Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

     Then the traveller in the dark,

     Thanks you for your tiny spark,

     He could not see which way to go,

     If you did not twinkle so.

     In the dark blue sky you keep,

     And often through my curtains peep,

     For you never shut your eye,

     'Till the sun is in the sky.

     As your bright and tiny spark,

     Lights the traveller in the dark.

     Though I know not what you are,

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     How I wonder what you are.

     Up above the world so high,

     Like a diamond in the sky.

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     How I wonder what you are.

     How I wonder what you are.

How many of you know more than the one little verse? I never even realized that there were other verses. It is a wonderful tribute that someone long ago pondered upon and then wrote the words.

      

Did you know that you can buy a star and give it a name? And you can do it all for as little as $14.95.

But you can't really own a star. They belong to The Lord. He created them, he counts them and HE gives names to them all.

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. (Psalms 147:4 NASB)

They really are wondrous little things. There is nothing more amazing than a wide open, clear sky full of tiny twinkling lights. It is easy to see why so many of us can be fascinated by them. But they are not ours to own or to name. God has done that already. But I think He enjoys when we take joy in them.

God gave the stars to light the night. Each little light makes a difference in the darkness. Some stars point the way. 

No, you can't own a star, but you can shine like one.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, (Philippians 2:14, 15 GNB)

Photo by Rhonda Ryan

On a Pedestal

There is nothing funny about the cartoon that I have put on today. 

Are the people around you feeling loved and happy to be with you? Or are they anxious to get out of your shadow and away from your condescending attitude?

How will we ever win souls when we start out by making them feel less than what they are, beloved souls for which Christ died?

I know an evangelist that each and every time I listen to him speak I come away feeling like he is superior and arrogant. I am never encouraged by him. If anything, within the first few minutes I raise a guard and get defensive and then a rebellious spirit takes hold inside of me,. And all of that is pure sin. 

I cannot blame my sin on him, it is me. And what he is saying is true and accurate. It is just his tone, and delivery that makes it tough to swallow. 

2 Timothy 2:24-26 - In meekness correct those who oppose themselves so they can recover themselves from the snare of the Devil. People are simply mistaken if they think a meek person will never tell others they are wrong. Meeknessleads us to tell others they are wrong - the same verses that say to be meek, also command us to correct others!

I don't want to be on a pedestal. I am not any better than anyone else. I am only a forgiven sinner. 

Friends

I am so excited today that I about can't stand it. I get to see people today, people I love. 

I have been so lonely, so hungry for friendship. And what makes this visit today even better is, these are my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so excited.

C.S. Lewis says, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

I believe those words are so true. Friends are like the jelly on the toast. They bring a sweetness to your life.

I have been really feeling lonely lately. I see and have contact with people everyday, but not friends. I miss my friendships. Friends are so good for us.

For example,

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times,   

Those (friends) who are good are the ones who seek to please God. . (Proverbs 4:14)

1John 4:7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Please value and cherish your friendships. Don't let them wither. Your friends need you as much as you need them. Have a friend, be a friend.

Psalm 119:63

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.

Holier than thou

Holier than thou.

It is said that in the church 10% of the people do 90% of the work. And I believe there may be some truth to that statement. Some folks really seem to catch fire and want to serve in every capacity. But where does that leave everyone else?

Others are not self-starters and need encouraged. Some may not have had much acceptance in their lives before Christ, so they are reluctant to join in now. Then there are still others that are afraid that they won't do it right.

There is nothing worse than trying to work alongside someone in the church and then being criticized.

Service, as a church member is a necessary thing. When we become a Christian it then becomes our purpose to build up the Kingdom. We are to be doing something. Romans chapter 3 explains to us that as new creations, we are not to be like the world anymore. We will be changed and our thoughts and behaviors will be transformed. But just because of that we are not to think that we are better than someone else.

The verses then go on to explain how each of us as members need to work efficiently together, with each of us having a specific purpose and order.

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3 NASB)

How well do you work with others? Are you a criticizer or an encourager?

I Can't Do it Anymore.

"I just don't know how I'm going to do this." Words that are usually uttered by someone who is overwhelmed with a problem or problems that seem way too big or too much at once. Have you ever felt that way? I have. 

Sometimes it does seem that EVERYTHING is being stacked upon you. One by one you might be able to handle these things but all at once, Wow! You feel that you are going to break under the weight.

When I begin to feel this way, I have to sit myself down and get myself together. First, I ask God to calm me and slow me down enough to THINK about what needs done. Second, I get a pen and paper and write down each issue separately. Third, draw a line through any problems that aren't real, the ones that are, what-ifs. (Don't borrow trouble.) Fourth, choose the problems that are beyond your control, the ones that worry you, but that you have no control over. Put them into their own section. Now you are left with the ones that you can tackle.

Stop again. You should now have 3 groups.

The What-ifs:

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB) the word of God tells us to destroy What-ifs and take them captive. These speculations have a bondage over your mind if you do not destroy them and capture them. Worry is NOT TRUSTING GOD! Period.

Beyond Control Problems:

Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NASB) share these problems with a trusted friend. Share your worries and fears with them and then ask them to pray with you. It will ease your mind and lighten your load knowing that someone else cares too. Pray the prayer that will never fail you, "God, Your will be done in this matter."

Now you are left with the issues that you can try to solve:

Again, stop and pray and ask God to give you wisdom, guidance and strength. Next, prioritize this list in order of which troubles you the least to what troubles you the most. 

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB) you know that God can and will give you strength to battle problems. He gives this strength in a way that you not be expecting. In quietness and trust is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15 NASB) yes, that's right, your strength comes from quietness and trust. In other words, God says, let me handle this. 

Obediently allow Him to lead you to solutions. Use the guidance and wisdom that He offers you. By believing and trusting that God will guide you, you can have peace in your heart and mind that you need not be overwhelmed.

Knowing this will not only give you peace but will bring you joy.   Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)

I am praying for you. 

Bury the Hatchet

When I was a kid we had an old neighbor that heated his small home with a pot bellied stove. Do you remember those?

Out back of his house he had a woodpile and that is where he split wood. When he was finished with his hatchet, he would stick it into a nearby tree.

As the man aged and his health deteriorated someone got him a different kind of heat and the hatchet was not used.

When the man died, his family came to clean out his house and prepared to sell it. Someone tried to pull the hatchet from the tree, but over the years the tree had grown and healed around it making it impossible to pull out.

The Iroquois Indians are noted for the term, "bury the hatchet." They convinced the Five Nations (the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca) to stop fighting amongst themselves and form a confederacy. To seal this agreement they buried their weapons.

This was to signify that there was now peace and there would be no more fighting.

I often hear the phrase bury the hatchet. It is often used today when two people or parties stop fighting. But I don't think the significance is the same. 

I sometimes wonder if anyone really understands forgiveness. 

People may stop quarreling, may stop talking, may even make an effort to get along, but if any little thing comes between them, then it is right back to square one. They again pick up the old junk and everything escalates.

Maybe we should learn a lesson about burying the hatchet, whether it's in a tree or underground. Let's get rid of it so that we can never pick it up again.

What if God did not forgive forever? But don't worry He does. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:12 NASB)

Think of those with which you squabble, think of those that hurt you again and again, bury the hatchet. Get rid of it once and for all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18 NASB)

Lord's Army

I ran this lesson about a month ago and I think I need to re run it. You see ever since the popular vampire/ werewolf movies have come out, people are choosing sides, Team Edward or Team Jacob. 

You pick your allegiance.

I sometimes feel like people try to get me involved with their earthly conflicts and want me to jump onto their "team."

I may listen to your hearts, I may offer words of comfort or advice or I may choose to not get involved. If I choose to not get involved, please respect that. 

I'm in the Lord's Army.

Bill and I made a pickup today at a Military base. We really enjoy this type of load. 

At first, we were a little intimidated when we would go there because it is "The Military." But we have learned that for the most part, these people are just regular people. They are just like everyone else. The joke and pick on each other and tease each other about sports teams. They talk about their families. And they treat us with respect too. 

However, because it is military, there are stricter rules and policies regarding these loads and no one jokes around about that. It is taken very seriously. We must be serious and obedient when carrying loads for the government.

Likewise, we, that are part of The Lord's Army must take the charge with serious obedience. Below is a short list of rules for those who are in this army.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. 

God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:4, 23-26 ESV)

I may never march in the Infantry,

Ride in the Cavalry,

Shoot the Artillery.

I may never Fly O'er the enemy.

But I'm in the Lord's Army.

Narrow path

In my job as a truck driver I would much rather take the big interstate roads than the smaller two lane highways. It makes my job easier when the roads are wider and straighter.

But when it comes to our spiritual lives, the narrow way is the way we are told to go. 

We are not to go with the flow and glide down the Broadways.

Our way will be treacherous. It will not always be smooth. Sometimes we may have to suck it in and squeeze through. 

Along the way, many will give up and turn back to the interstate. The Bible tells us that FEW will make it the whole way along the narrow path. But the end and what waits will be so worth it. 

Let's help keep each other on course.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NASB)

The Rock

Sometimes life really is a matter of perspective. Sometimes our busyness or the sameness of everyday life begins to feel like it is weighing down on us. 

Although I don't believe that you can run away from problems, I do think that we need sometimes to step out of our troubles and gain a new perspective. 

This is why going for a walk or a drive, or holding a baby, or playing with puppies, shopping or visiting a nursing home, or.......well you get the picture.

Just a simple change of routine can make a difference.

And not only that, some alone time to speak to God is always good. 

Do not confuse this with solitude. There is a difference between alone and lonely. You can be lonely in a crowd, and alone doesn't mean lonely. It means by yourself, with yourself yet with God.

Jesus went alone to the garden to pray.

If you are weighted down today by a problem or worry, do something different. Shake up your routine. And use some of the time to be alone with God. Tell Him your worries. He is A Rock. He is bigger than your problems. Seek Him.

Married Couples

This Valentine’s Day remember that a night of romance and fun is a surefire way to keep the flames of marriage burning brightly.

Married couples who schedule weekly dates keep their love and passion alive and also dating can recalibrate a husband and wife’s relationship around love and laughter. Dating was fun before you got married and dating can even be more fun after you are married.

A date should be free from distractions (no electronics) and mental clutter. So put work and children and problems on pause or hold during this time of intimacy, 
No one can give you more meaningful approval than your spouse who should also be your best friend. If he or she seeks approval from someone else, you are in danger of emotional estrangement. Dating gives you an excuse to pursue your precious marriage partner with romantic anticipation. You clean up and dress up just for them. Perhaps you take turns planning the date experience, so it stays fresh and exciting. Or just surprise him or her.
Date night does not have to require a huge financial commitment, but budget accordingly. There is a cost, but you can’t afford not to invest in your most important relationship. It’s less expensive than a counselor or divorce. Be creative: a coffee shop, bookstore, walk in the park or park the car and quietly watch a sunset. Use date night as an excuse to buy new shoes or get a haircut. Do something special just for your special person. Conversation and connection can lead to physical intimacy—which is of course my favorite part.
Plan to date weekly.
Your weekly date night can be a remedy for getting stuck in the crazy cycle of no conversation and growing apart. Focused time with your sweetheart honors them and honors the Lord.

<°)))><

 Pat Pennington

San Antonio, Texas

Day of Love

For God loved the world so much that He GAVE His only Son, so that anyone that believes in (follows and obeys), shouldn't die eternally but live forever with Him.

God loves you. He wants us to live forever with Him in Heaven. But because of sin it would be impossible if He hadn't given His Son to die in our place.

He GAVE what was precious to Him because of His love for us.

Love is giving. Love is sacrificing. Love is all about the other person or people. Yes, love is giving of yourself for another. Love is for giving.

Love is forgiving.

Give for love.

In the cave part 3

Part 3

Twice God asks Elijah, what are you doing HERE? Both times Elijah answers, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 

He is saying, "I am frustrated, I am working so hard for the salvation of the people and they don't care and now I am afraid that my life will be taken and I don't want that to happen."

That is a strong paraphrase. But I believe that is the essence of it. 

Elijah ran away out of fear. But God is helping him to use the time in the cave. He is being strengthened both physically, emotionally and spiritually.

So He (God) said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. (1 Kings 19:11, 12 NASB)

Many people think that this demonstration is to tell us humans that God is mighty and big, but it is the still, small voice that we need to hear. But actually re read the scripture. God was not in the wind, God was not in the earthquake, and God was not in the fire, but neither does it say that He was in the gentle blowing. 

This biblical example  is not so much about how God speaks to us, as it is about why God DID NOT speak to Elijah, and what he told him to DO instead.

It is, a call to simply go back to work, doing what God has called us to do, relying on his promises; trusting that the work is His and not ours to define and achieve.

I believe that in His silence God was telling Elijah, "Get  yourself out of the way. Life goes on, big things and small things will happen. I want you to be a part of those things but you need to get yourself together. You have been refreshed and ministered to but now it is your attitude that is in the way. Put that aside and let's get busy."

Being in the cave is our choice. It is down time. It is a chance to grow. It is a place to reflect on being grateful for the opportunity to be used by God for His purpose. 

Use the time to be strengthened, renewed and refreshed and then get out of the cave.

After the wind, after the earthquake, after the fire, and after the gentle blowing; The Lord said to him, "Go,"

And Elijah went.

Sometimes it is in the cave where God will find us and rebuild us.

In the cave, part 2

Part 2

God sent angels to minister to Elijah. 

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, "Arise, eat." Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you." Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." (1 Kings 19:4-7, 9, 10 NASB)

It is frustrating to be about the Lord's business and feel like it is in vain; to feel like everything you are doing and saying to represent God is being ignored by stiff necked, defiant people. 

I am sure that Noah felt that way, and the Moses and the prophets and yes, even Jesus. And in this world I see so many good, God loving, God serving men and women feel defeated in the same way. 

People would rather be dazzled and enthralled  by falsehoods and mockery. Oh, yeah, it looks real and sounds real, but remember even Satan used scripture when trying to tempt Jesus.

So I understand Elijah. I feel his discouragement, I feel his fear. He was hated, despised and hunted for his work for God. Could you endure any of it? So he ran. He hid, in a cave. He felt alone and frightened and wanted to die. 

I have been in that cave. It is dark, it is lonely. It is cold. 

But God can find you anywhere. And I like this verse from Psalm 139:12 that is talking about God and praising Him and it says, "Even the darkness is not dark to You."

Yes, that's right, God will find you in the dark and it won't be dark for He is light.

He will bring you out and send ministers to you, people who can comfort, hold you, encourage, strengthen you and build you back up. I have them God sent them to me. It might have been you. And maybe at one time I ministered to you. We are all ministers.

Notice above in the scripture, Elijah got up and was nourished, but then he lay down again. There is a huge lesson here, don't miss it.

 A. Elijah, although strengthened was not yet ready.  

 B. The angel(up lifter, encourager, one who brings strength) did not give up on Elijah after one visit. 

Are you Elijah today? Or are you the angel? What will you do? How will you respond?

Meditate on this today. I have more, I will post in the following days. Just know this. Sometimes it is in the cave where God will find us and rebuild us.

In the cave

In the book of 1 Kings we read the account of the Prophet Obadiah sending another prophet, Elijah to an encounter with the the King. The kings name was Ahab and his wife's name was Jezebel. They were very wicked and did not fear God.

Elijah challenged Ahab to a test on Mt. Carmel: Ahab's gods against the One, True, and Only God. Do you know the story? 

Anyway, let's just say, God and Elijah won the challenge big time. 

Here is the accounting.

Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, "I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." And all the people said, " That is a good idea." So Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one ox for yourselves and prepare it first for you are many, and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it. " Then they took the ox which was given them and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, "O Baal, answer us." But there was no voice and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar which they made. It came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, "Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened." So they cried with a loud voice and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them. When midday was past, they raved until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name." So with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he made a trench around the altar, large enough to hold two measures of seed. Then he arranged the wood and cut the ox in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four pitchers with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood." And he said, "Do it a second time," and they did it a second time. And he said, "Do it a third time," and they did it a third time. The water flowed around the altar and he also filled the trench with water. At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again." Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God." Then Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape." So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. (1 Kings 18:21-40 NASB)

Wow, not a small defeat!

Immediately after this Elijah fled to the mountains.

 Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life. (1 Kings 19:1-3 NASB)

He was afraid for his life. He was just part of a mighty act of God, yet he lacked the faith of knowing that God would take care of him. 

What do you think about that?

You know scripture tells us that "faith cometh by hearing." We all believe that. But so does fear and doubt. They come by hearing. 

Elijah heard and believed. He believed that Jezebel really would kill him.

So he hid, in a cave.

Meditate on this today. I have more, I will post in the following days. Just know this. Sometimes it is in the cave where God will find us and rebuild us.