LESSONS FROM ELIJAH

Life Lessons are often learned in the struggles. People can see Christ in our up and down lives. Such was the truth for the times of Elijah.

His  name alone means, “My God is Yahweh.” He challenged Israel against worshipping false gods. "The Lord alone is God." 

Elijah was not perfect. Even after a great miracle on Mount Carmel, he became fearful and discouraged. Think human nature. 

A man just like us. 

Our lives should be congruent with the truth of God's word. 

Morals seen in Elijah's own life by those he served, taught obedience even in the hard times, to practice truth with courage, in the midst of fear and overwhelming circumstances. 

Trust God's provision and pray with persistence.

Not perfect but faithful.

 

..Elijah prayed, “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.”  

(1 Kings 18:21, 36-37)

In life, with all it's struggles, our actions should be in agreement/harmony with the entirety of Scripture.

Think congruity!

BUILDING HOPE!

🎶"My HOPE is built......

on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness! 

"In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

He is my hope and stay." (Edward Mote)🎶

...... and stand on Christ the Solid Rock.🎶

A positive earworm to begin the week!

SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS!

How does one serve the LORD with gladness?

This morning hubby and I listened to Cole Huffman's Gospel church July 5, 2026 podcast which espoused the value of serving the LORD......from Psalm 100. Just click to listen. You will be glad you did!

A few of my many notes....

• Gladness---a watch word for serving the LORD.
• Gratitude leads to gladness.  
• Serving the LORD aligns with His will and purpose.
• Thanksgiving and praise are a dynamic duo.
• Thankfulness is a Password to God's WiFi.
• Singing puts one into deeper joy.
• Happiness (a positive, but variable, on-slaught of emotions) comes and goes but joy remains. 
• For the LORD is good. (v.5) with an enduring love and faithfulness to all generations.

Join me today in making a joyful noise unto the LORD.

PHILIPPIANS' FODDER!

How I love to "feed" on God's word!

Especially in the 13 Pauline epistles in the New Testament.

Four of my favorites are the mnemonic General Electric Power Company which have been my way to keep those books straight in my mind. Thanks to a bible Study teacher's suggestion years ago.

If anyone remembers her name, I would appreciate the reminder.

Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians.

Today hubby and I start a new book, Considering Sparrows,* by Kevin Burrell, a PCA pastor (Presbyterian Church of America) in Charlotte, NC. It's a book which blends creation's beauty with Scripture's depth from the book of Philippians. The subtitle of the book clarifies it well.

What Birds Teach Us About Who We Are, Where We're Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus.

Hubby, being an avid bird watcher, will keep me grounded as I'm one who would prefer flying away. (Psalm 55:8)

*A 2026 summer book study at First Evan, in Memphis, to be led by Anne B. and Mary E.. 

THE LORD IS____________

The LORD is _______________________________________.

____________________________________

____________________________________

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Fill in the blanks of all the LORD is to you after reading and meditating on these verses.*

The LORD is my strength and my song; (Psalm 118:14)

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; (Psalm 16:5)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; (Psalm 28:7)

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, (Psalm 145:18)

Take those descriptors to heart as a part of your Monday musings. 

Later come up with you own "The LORD is" verses that speak to you and share with me or someone else.

MORNING MUSINGS!

Beginning the week with BIG truth in few words!

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE GOOD OF OTHERS

ABIDE IN JESUS.

BE CHANGED BY JESUS.

EMBODY THE WAYS OF JESUS.

ENOUGH SAID!

MINDSET MATTERS!!

Does one's mindset matter?

Be present where you are----not worrying about achieving the next thing on your to-do check list. Such things are fleeting! Transitory.  Unsatisfying. Meaningless.

Hebel (הֶבֶל) is a Hebrew word used 38x in Ecclesiastes translated as vanity, ie. "chasing after the wind" in life. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Think striving after a vapor or mist. 

Live in the pleasant tense.

A wise man (Solomon) asks God for wisdom. (1 Kings 3:12)

Mindset does matter. 

Set your minds on things that are eternal!

BE STILL UNTIL YOUR EYES ARE OPENED!

Across the sanctuary screen, words of scripture and song lyrics are written for all to view. Recently these letters were shown......

.....clearly showing a list of letters. Any wordsmith would immediately decipher, based on what his life at the moment brought to mind. What's the first thing you see? 

My pondering---saw the untruth written first.  

If only spaces between the letters were added, those spaces could reinforce albeit, a misconception of words. Pastor Hawes did just that.

The true lesson here is remembering God's truth. GOD IS NO WHERE, even with spaces added, is untrue. God not being seen doesn't mean he is No Where.He is seen in the lives of believers. He is vivid through them. But God...... allows spaces in one's own life to see God.

He allowed Jesus to be seen even when Jesus wasn't visible On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus went with two disciples, who did not"see" Him until He took the bread, blessed and broke it...."and their eyes were opened,"......Jesus had been with them but until His actions opened their eyes, both were unaware. 

Appropriately the service closed with all singing Hymn 502.* From their hearts, "Open My Eyes that I May See" came out loud and clear as we opened our mouths, ears, and our hearts! (Refrain)

We all knew..............

When circumstances have us seeing God as absent, space with Him (in time alone) needs to be added. Spacing is key in our time with the Triune God. 

Seeking Him, He can open our eyes, so with Him we can "live and move and have our being"....(Acts 17:28a)

*

GOD'S GLORY!

The glory of our God is our good......

especially  when together with family both earthly and spiritually! 

Monday prayers begin each week with my "M" family and friends.

For God's glory and their good!

Whatever we do, apart or together, may we do all to the glory of God! 

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

BE STILL.....

How does one come to "know" the LORD? 

To truly know the Lord.....not just know about Him?

Seek Him we often say! Others say steer clear of chaos.

Yet, even in outward chaos one can find inward calm if he/she is seeking the LORD in stillness of heart.

Be Still and Know......How else does one truly come to know the LORD⁉️

PLAN G!

What is PLAN G? 

THE answer---according to MUFHH marginalia....

PLAN G = GOD'S PLAN WITH GOD'S GUIDANCE!

I'm going with God's Plan G today!* 

Won't you join me!?

*Tomorrow 2/17/2026, "my" Plan G is Hubby's reverse shoulder replacement surgery and all prayers are appreciated for God's glory and Hubby's good throughout the lengthy process for recovery!

WEARY ONE!

Running, as seen below is no longer in my vocab. Those days are long gone. 

Sometimes even walking, without my cane, can become falling.

Reading Isaiah 40:31 was making me feel "less than" and weary.

They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.     

But God, has shown me there are ways to "run" other than physically. I can go to my prayer chair for others. I can "run on" with encouraging words in a text, an email or a card. Hopefully acts of kindness or a relatable blog entry can make others soar as an eagle.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26, ESV)

Thanks be to God who allows me to "run" alongside Him even as I sit in my prayer chair.

WISDOM PSALMS!

Psalms of Wisdom or Wisdom Psalms---during my season of medical maladies, this book of the Bible is where I have camped out! The rockier the path of "life" became, the more I turned to wisdom found there! The perfect law of the LORD refreshes the soul and makes wise the simple. 

(Psalm 19:7, DAL, PPP)

Psalmists often looked to God for insight.(Psalms 1,73, 91,119) 

For me, Psalm 1, 3, 16, 25, 27, 34, 37, 90 & 121, are at the top of my "wisdom" list as I have reflected on God's word. 

Think..... Considered. Focused. Meditated. 

Psalms Personally Paraphrased. (PPP)

• Blessed...delight in the law of the Lord & meditate day and night. (1)
• You Lord are my shield, glory & lifter of my head. (3)
• You make known to me the path of life. (16)
• I lift my soul to God in whom I trust (25) I take refuge in you, for I wait for you.(25)
• Be strong, let heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (27)
• His praise will continue from my mouth (Psalm 34) Blessed take refuge in Him. (34)
• Delight yourself in the LORD, (37) Commit your way to the LORD;trust in Him and He will act. (37) Be still before the LORD ...wait patiently for Him. (37)
• Teach us to number our days to get a heart of wisdom (90)
• My help comes from the LORD who is my keeper.(121)

True wisdom is followed by alignment with one's actions based on truths found on each path/circumstance with Him, rocky or not. 

A path of life walked in humility. AMEN!

GOD ORCHESTRATED PATHS CROSSING!

Have you ever met someone from Texas on your first week in a new state? (North Carolina) A new state for her as well! 

We sat right beside each other at the driver's license place making the long wait an adventure!

The next day, we ran into each other again at the Courthouse picking up our new tags. She unknowingly picked up the last "In God We Trust Plate." A choice that showed me our hearts were in the same place! 

One day Mr.Mike seated for a yummy lunch at Everett Street Diner---just the two of us-- not sure where our hubbies were. We both took home our left-overs--again, girl after my own heart! 

She visited our home for a "Molly" event. Larry and I visited her home overlooking Fontana Lake--blog readers have seen beautiful pictures she shared from there!

My first medical malady hit. Visitors were not to be part of my recovery!

She started praying and kept praying when more and more doctor appointments and hospital visits in far away places, became somewhat routine. She kept praying and texting----keeping up, even when I could not.

Recently, a "new to me", autographed devotional book, GOOD MORNING, God!, arrived; the author, Ginger Hurta, is a friend of hers! Daily entries "seem spot on."

Entering Thanksgiving week, today's entry certainly hit the spot for me!

Glory in His holy name, 

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

(1 Chronicles 16:10)

Grateful for the Lord orchestrating our paths to cross! May we both continue to have hearts that rejoice in the Lord for His glory & the good of our friendship! Cathy G. and me!!

PITHY PONDERINGS!

How doe one survive the storms of life?

(Tim Keller faith in Christ reminder to "rest in Him."

Hope in the One whose name is majestic in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1, 9)

He is "our" God.

In short, to survive the storms of life, stay in the boat with Him!

BLESSINGS OF WISDOM!

GOD'S WISDOM is a big blessing in one's life!!

Fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom. (Psalm 111:10)

WISDOM GIVES-----

EYES to see!

EARS to hear!!

HEART to respond!!!

The call of wisdom to the way of wisdom.........has one "walking in the way of insight," (Proverbs 9:6) with God's blessing of discernment!

May I pass on the way of wisdom to others, especially my grandchildren!!!!!!!!!

MESSY MONDAY!

LIFE IS MESSY!

Especially on Mondays. For Sundays to be serene, I must be still, quit striving and let go of emails and texts. Then when I awaken to a new day, portals need to be finished for tomorow's doc appointment, text and emails answered but my internet* is missing & that's messy!

Think, non-existent atop this mountain ridge. 

Unraveling comes to mind.

Before I had a complete "come apart",  I needed to have a cuppa sani-TEA and get back into the Psalms. All that's necessary is a Bible. 

Grateful I found notes I had taken yesterday---from Psalms 104 (BC FUMC) and Psalm 1 (FEC Memphis) 

Praises for reminders ---Reading aloud Psalm 104 3x and noting words/verses that "jumped off page" and into my heart! 

MEDITATION kept jumping!

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord.(Psalm 104:34)

Psalm 1 notes---Blessed (intensely happy and "gets it right"-- Pace)

is the man (a regular person, not  a king or scholar or man of note)

embracing these negatives of actions....

walks not in counsel of wicked...

stands not in the way of sinners....

sits not in the seat of scoffers ie scorners.... 

Yet, the positive stood out to me. 

but he delights in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

Think exercising your mind to dwell on a passage. Think deeply. Ponder. 

Meditation turned my "Messy Monday" into Meditation Monday."

*Internet back @ 1:03 pm EST

MOVE FORWARD FEARS!

Move forward in faith----not fear!

Medical fears! How can that be when I belong to the Great Physician?!

The fears I feel, in response to the growing impact of amyloids, stroke, and heart issues are not from Him!

2 Timothy 1:7  reminds me, He does not give the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Not sure how much soundness is left in my mind......but God, is the One whom I trust even in the midst of these fluctuating medical issues, a "mess" of emotions, a "kaleidoscope of feelings." AKA fear.

Lord, this week I seek to exercise, sound mind----self- control, good & sound judgment, and wise discretion, no matter how I define it. Self-preservation needs to take a back seat to Your glory. I need to move forward in faith.

May I learn to handle my pain/fears with hope because I trust in you.

PLS--PLEASE & THANK YOU----for the power, love and self-discipline you have given me for this season.

MONDAY MUSINGS!

As I prepare for today's trip to new cardiologist, I need to cultivate new "heart habits"..........more spiritual than physical. Gratitude for a spouse who has become my "uber" to numerous medical centers in far away places. Acceptance of no longer driving.  

A heart habit of praise and worship! Lead me Lord in this new season of heartache......pain, fear and disappointments.

May I lean into the Most High and abide in His shadow.(Psalm 91:1) 

Help me, Almighty God, to abound in this new season regardless of the circumstances! 

A new year to abide and abound!

SAVIOR = REDEMPTION

REDEEMER.....every Jesus follower has the One who is true!

How do we know? The Bible tells us so!

Redemption is an act of being saved from sin, error or evil. Similar to regaining possession of.....like clearing a debt. In biblical terms it involves deliverance from bondage based on payment of price by a redeemer.

For believers Jesus has redeemed us from alienation from God through the  death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:7)

REJOICE-----

        REDEEMED ONES!