Tag Archives: god baal

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – One True God

ppt_seal01

Idol worship. The followers of the pagan god Baal had become so numerous in Israel that God sent the prophet Elijah to confront King Ahab and 450 of his priests. On top of Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the priests to a contest. Sacrifices were often offered in ancient days to gain the favor of a god. So Elijah proposed that whatever god (or God) ignited and burned the sacrifice would prove to be the true deity who was worthy of the people’s allegiance.

Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.

I Kings 18:37

Elijah prayed to the Lord with courage and faith for a supernatural sign so people would know that “you, O Lord, are God.” The Lord then revealed Himself as authentic and supreme by sending fire from Heaven and miraculously burning the sacrifice.

When you pray, God may choose to answer in a remarkable way or in a soft whisper. Yet always know that He loves you and longs to reveal more of Himself to you each day. Pray also that America’s leaders will turn away from modern-day idols and instead seek the One True God in their personal and public decisions.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 66:1-8

Our Daily Bread — The Winding Road

Our Daily Bread

Psalm 121

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. —Psalm 121:3

In his book A Sweet and Bitter Providence, John Piper offers these thoughts about God’s providence and guidance: “Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. . . . God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

The Jews journeying to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Deut. 16:16) had the assurance of knowing that the Lord was plotting their course and managing the winding and troubled roads for them. They expressed this assurance in Psalm 121, a pilgrim song. The question, “From whence comes my help?” did not express doubt but affirmation in the Lord who rules supreme (vv.1-2). Unlike a guard who sometimes slumbered, or the god Baal who needed to be rustled out of his stupor (1 Kings 18:27), the Lord was fully alert and secured the journey of His people with providential care (vv.3-4). The Lord, who rescued Israel, would continue to help, preserve, and walk with His people.

Life is a winding road with unknown perils and troubles, but we can be certain of God’s providence, security, and care. —Marvin Williams

Dear Lord, sometimes life seems to be full of

perilous and winding roads. Thank You for giving

us the assurance that You have our course plotted

and are watching over our every step.

Troubles are unknown; God’s providence is certain.

Bible in a year: Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15