Showers of Blessings

What a tremendous week we have had with the rain that has quenched the parched earth. Some areas received more than others; but nevertheless, we are thankful for every drop of rain we received. While I was sitting in my office this week I thought about the drought that God brought to Israel in I Kings 17. To help you to recall the story, Elijah, very publicly and under the direction of God said, "As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word." And for the next three years it did not rain. Crops would die on the vine and the livestock were dropping in the fields, all because of no rain. We can relate to this because of the agricultural industry in Oconee but what we have a hard time relating to is the reason behind this drought. If you read through chapter 17 and 18 you will find that these people have fallen far from God (the Israelities are worshiping other gods). Elijah tells them that they need to either follow the gods of this world or they need to follow God, the creator and sustainer of the entire world (18:21). These people suffered because they had chosen to follow their own gods and not the Lord God.
If you would take a moment to look at America you would see how relevant this passage of scripture is to us today. We too have chosen to follow the gods of this world; MONEY, GREED, PRIDE, SELFISHNESS, ALCOHOL, SEX, and the list goes on and on. And because of this, like the Israelites, we have began to suffer. Until we, the people, turn our hearts back to God we are going to continue to suffer and experience a drought. The drought that we are experiencing today is only a portion of the true spiritual drought that American's have been experiencing for many, many years.
Rain can come and we can see the lakes and streams filled to their capacity, vegetation thriving and flurishing, and states getting along, not fighting and fussing over water issues. But before we see this blessing from God we must turn out hearts back to God and MUST REPENT!!! Ask God today what it is that you personally can do to help bring back the rain.

Bible Gateway

Bible Gateway is a great online resource. At www.biblegateway.com, you can look up specific scriptures, search for scriptures, and view passages in up to 50 different versions/translations.