STANDING STRONG IN A SHAKEN WORLD: WAVES

Today is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. It is a somber realization that such a small committed group could cause such devastation, destruction, and death. Most of us remember the horror of that day. Yet, it was also a day that we saw the best that humanity and America had to offer; people helping each other from the burning towers; passengers on an airline refusing to let the terrorists win and sacrificing themselves in the process; first responders offering their last full measure of devotion on the altar to serve and protect. It was an unparalleled day of heroes and sacrifice!  Our sermon series is inspired by the best of this day, Standing Strong in a Shaken World. We may not believe we have the strength or ability, but with God’s help we can do amazing things.  In our first sermon, Waves, we turn to 1 Kings 19:1-10 and one of greatest prophets in scriptures, Elijah.  In chapter 18 he has turned the nation back to following God, through a miraculous event, but when Jezebel threatens him, he runs for his life!  What happens when he runs gives us wisdom and spiritual help as we encounter the waves of uncertainty and fear!  It is our prayer that you will find the power of God lifting you as you read 1 King 19:1-10: Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”