Empty Pantry; Full Hearts

Restored & Renewed By Jeff Lyle Bible Text: Preached on: 1 Kings 17:8-16 Sun ay! "ay 1#! #$1%

Transforming Truth & Meadow Baptist 1&&6 'al(in )a(is 'ir*le La+ren*e(ille! ,- %$$&% Website: Online Sermons: +++.transf/rmingtrut0./rg +++.serm/nau i/.*/m12efflyle

1 Kings 17:8 spea3ing /f Eli2a0 it says! 450en t0e +/r /f t0e L/r *ame t/ 0im! arise g/ t/ 6arep0at0! +0i*0 7el/ngs t/ 6i /n an +ell t0ere. Be0/l 89(e */mman e a +i /+ t0ere t/ fee y/u. S/ Eli2a0 ar/se an +ent t/ 6arep0at0 an +0en 0e *ame t/ t0e gate /f t0e *ity! 7e0/l a +i /+ +as t0ere gat0ering sti*3s. -n 0e *alle t/ 0er an sai ! Bring me a little +ater in a (essel t0at 8 may rin3. -n as s0e +as g/ing t/ 7ring it! 0e *alle t/ 0er an sai ! Bring me a m/rsel /f 7rea in y/ur 0an . -n s0e sai ! -s t0e L/r y/ur ,/ t0at li(es! 8 0a(e n/t0ing 7a3e ! /nly a 0an ful /f fl/ur in a 2ar an a little /il! a little /il in a 2ug. -n n/+ 8 am gat0ering a */uple /f sti*3s t0at 8 may g/ in an prepare it f/r myself an f/r my s/n t0at +e may eat it an ie. Eli2a0 sai t/ 0er! )/ n/t fear.: La ies! 8 +ant y/u t/ say t0at +it0 y/ur past/r! 4)/ n/t fear.: J/in me again sisters! 4)/ n/t fear.: ;ne m/re time! ,/ 9s +/r t/ y/u! 4)/ n/t fear.: 4)/ n/t fear! g/ an / as y/u 0a(e sai 7ut first ma3e me a little *a3e /f it an 7ring it t/ me an after+ar s ma3e s/met0ing f/r y/urself an f/r y/ur s/n f/r t0us says t0e L/r ! t0e ,/ /f 8srael! t0e 2ar /f fl/ur s0all n/t 7e spent an t0e 2ug /f /il s0all n/t 7e empty until t0e ay t0at t0e L/r sen s rain up/n t0e eart0. -n s0e +ent an i as Eli2a0 sai an s0e an 0e an 0er 0/use0/l ate f/r many ays. 50e 2ar /f fl/ur +as n/t spent! neit0er i t0e 2ug /f /il 7e*/me empty a**/r ing t/ t0e +/r /f t0e L/r t0at 0e sp/3e 7y Eli2a0.: S/metimes +e (ie+ ,/ t0r/ug0 /ur *ir*umstan*es an 89(e ne(er 7een a 0appy '0ristian +0en 89(e /ne t0at unless! /f */urse! my *ir*umstan*es +ere 0appy. 8t9s a anger/us t0ing t/ put a lens! a filter in fr/nt /f y/ur fait0 an say! 4-s my life is! as my *ir*umstan*es are! s/ is my ,/ !: 7e*ause +0at +e / is +e ma3e ,/ */n iti/ne . His i entity! 0is nature! 0is pr/mises! 0is *0ara*ter! +e ma3e t0em */n iti/ne /r pre i*ate /n +0at +e see g/ing /n ar/un us. </u +/n9t +in t0at +ay. ,/ is n/t *0ange ! +e *0ange! /ur *ulture *0anges! t0e +/rl *0anges! relati/ns0ips *0ange! e(eryt0ing ar/un y/u is su72e*t t/ *0ange 7ut n/t ,/ . 50at is +0y s*ripture is */nstantly ra+ing /ur f/*us an /ur intenti/nality 7a*3 t/ 0im an 0is un+a(ering *0ara*ter! in 0is unaltera7le pr/mises. =e are */nstantly *0allenge ! are +e n/t> 5/ remain res/lute an fait0ful 7e*ause s/metimes /ur feelings rise up an t0ey 7etray an t0ey a**use us an t0ey say! 4</u9re a f//l f/r 7elie(ing in t0e g// ness an t0e

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stea fastness /f ,/ . 'an9t y/u see +0at9s g/ing /n ar/un y/u> -re y/u g/ing t/ are t0in3 t0at 0e9s g/ing t/ */me t0r/ug0>: =e9re afrai t/ 7elie(e 7e*ause +e9re afrai t/ really put it all /ut t0ere 2ust in *ase 0e /esn9t */me t0r/ug0. S/metimes +e refrain fr/m a fullness /f fait0 an t0eref/re /n9t e?perien*e a fullness /f li(ing. 50ere9s a +/man in t0is passage +0/! 7est as 8 *an tell! is n/t a 7elie(er. S0e9s a pagan! s0e9s at least a ,entile. 8t seems t0at s0e9s 0ear /f t0e ,/ /f Eli2a0! t0e ,/ a7/(e e(ery g/ 7ut s0e /esn9t seem t/ 3n/+ 0im. Her *ir*umstan*es */ul n/t 7e +/rse. S0e9s 7urie a 0us7an ! s0e9s raising a *0il ! s0e9s p//r. -s a matter /f fa*t! +e9re g/ing t/ fin /ut t0at s0e9s /+n t/ 0er last meal. @/t e(en t0e last ay! t0e last /ne-t0ir /f 0er last ay. 50is is t0e ele(ent0 0/ur +0ere ,/ *0//ses t/ */me in an say t0is! 48 are y/u t/ 7elie(e me. 8 are y/u t/ trust me. 8 am t0e ,/ /f Eli2a0.: =0at is s/ 7eautiful in t0is passage! 89m g/ing t/ get t/ it n/+! is t0at it remin s me an 0/pefully +ill remin y/u t0at y/u 0a(e ne(er! e(er rea anyt0ing in s*ripture t0at p/rtrays ,/ as +ringing 0is 0an s +/n ering +0at t/ /. He9s s/(ereign! 0e9s str/ng an 0e 3n/+s e?a*tly +0at 0e9s +/r3ing in y/u! ar/un y/u an f/r y/u. S/ 8 are y/u t/ 7elie(e 0im t/ ay. Let9s start +it0 an une?pe*te *0ange appearing /n 7e0alf /f t0is +/man. =e9re g/ing t/ see t0ings t0r/ug0 0er eyes t0is m/rning. -n une?pe*te *0ange appearing. Aerse 8 is s/met0ing t0at s0e i n9t see 7ut ,/ +as +/r3ing apart fr/m 0er. Eli2a0 0a 7een /+n 7y t0e 7r//3 '0erit0! it +as a famine in t0e lan ! a r/ug0t in t0e lan . 8t +as a time +0ere 8srael 0a +an ere far fr/m ,/ an 2u gment fr/m ,/ +as */ming up/n t0e lan 7y +ay /f ,/ rem/(ing t0e */n iti/nal 7lessing /f rain. F/r t0ree years it +as n/t g/ing t/ rain in t0at regi/n 7e*ause t0e *0il ren /f 8srael 0a re7elle against ,/ s/ ,/ 0a rie up e(eryt0ing. But ,/ +as rea y t/ 7egin t/ initiate t0e ne?t steps in a pr/*ess +0ere 0e +/ul relie(e 2u gment /n 8srael 7ut interestingly 7ef/re 0e +/r3e /n 7e0alf /f 0is */(enant pe/ple! 0e s/(ereignly *0/se an 0an -pi*3e a +/man in a ,entile regi/n t0at 0e 2ust e*i e 0e +as g/ing t/ 7less. 50at 0e e*i e 0e +as g/ing t/ 0elp. 8t is 0ig0ly li3ely t0at s0e +as n/t a parta3er /f t0e */(enant t0at ,/ 0a gi(en! s0e +as li3ely an infi el. S/ +e see t0at t0e +/r /f t0e L/r ! (erse 8! *ame t/ 0im! *ame t/ Eli2a0. ,/ initiate a */n(ersati/n! a series /f */mman s t/ Eli2a0 t0at! in part! 0a t0is +/man in min +0/ i n9t e(en 3n/+ ,/ . 50at ,/ +as +/r3ing ar/un 0er! apart fr/m 0er! 7ut 0e +/ul s//n ta3e t0at +/r3 t/ 0er. By t0e +ay! t0at9s +0at 0e /es anytime 0e +ants t/ s/(ereignly 7ring res*ue t/ any /f us. 8t is n/t t0at y/u /r 8 +/3e up /ne ay an +e sai ! 4=ell! in t0e name /f Jesus 89m g/ing t/ turn /(er a ne+ leaf. 89m g/ing t/ 7e a */mmitte '0ristian. 89m trie /f my sin! 89(e */me t/ t0is pla*e /n my /+n! 8 0a(e e*i e t0at it is time t/ f/ll/+ Jesus.: </u 3n/+ t0at great -rminian t0eme s/ng! 48 0a(e e*i e t/ f/ll/+ Jesus.: =ell! n/t apart fr/m t0e +/r3 /f gra*e y/u i n9t. ,/ +/r3s 0ere an 0e 7egins t/ stir up t0ings in t0e perip0ery t0at 0e9s g/ing t/ 7ring 0/me t/ t0is +/man. But listen! ,/ +as n/t /nly +/r3ing apart fr/m 0er! 0e +as 7ringing s/met0ing t/ 0er. L//3 at +0at 0e sai t/ Eli2a0! 4-rise! g/ t/ 6arep0at0 +0i*0 7el/ngs t/ 6i /n an +ell t0ere.: @/+ listen! real Bui*3 segue /n Eli2a09s 7e0alf. Eli2a0 is a fugiti(e! 0e 0a g/tten

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up in t0e fa*e /f King -0a7! 0e 0a pr/n/un*e 2u gment /n 8srael. He sai ! 4King -0a7 7e*ause y/u an 8srael 0a(e a7an /ne ,/ an 7/+e /+n t/ i /ls y/u +ill n/t see rain in t0is pla*e an it +ill n/t rain until 8 pray f/r it t/ rain again. 50an3 y/u! sir! 89m /ut /f 0ere.: -n 0e +al3e /ut /f t0e pala*e. 8mme iately t0ere +as a 7/unty pla*e /n 0im an ,/ sai ! 4,/ an 0i e y/urself /+n 7y t0e 7r//3 '0erit0! 89m g/ing t/ ta3e *are /f y/u.: Eli2a0 0a learne +0at it meant t/ g/ fr/m t0e sp/tlig0t t/ /7s*urity! fr/m t0e pala*e t/ t0e +il erness. He 0a 7een li(ing 7y t0is stream an 7eing fe 7y ra(ens at t0e pr/(isi/n /f ,/ . @/+ ,/ says! 4Eli2a0 8 +ant y/u t/ g/C: it +as a7/ut 1$$ miles fr/m +0ere 0e +as! 48 +ant y/u t/ g/ t/ 6arep0at0.: Eli2a0 0a t/ +al3 t0r/ug0! in t0e +i e /pen! a lan +0ere 0e 0a a 7/unty /n 0is 0ea . ,/ 3n/+s 0/+ t/ pr/te*t! ,/ 3n/+s 0/+ t/ *are! ,/ 3n/+s 0/+ t/ +at*0 /(er y/u e(en +0en y/u9re (ulnera7le an struggling! e(en +0en all /f 0ell is 7rea3ing l//se ar/un y/u /r */ming against y/u. ,/ 3n/+s 0/+ t/ superinten y/ur life e(en +0en 0e intr/ u*es m/re ris3. 50in3 a7/ut it! Eli2a0 +as safe /+n 7y t0e 7r//3 7ut n/+ ,/ says! 450e time /f 0i ing is /(er an 8 +ant y/u t/ g/.: By t0e +ay! 0e9s 0ea ing straig0t int/ t0e territ/ry t0at is g/(erne 7y JeDe7el9s fat0er. JeDe7el is t0e +i*3e ! 8 mean if 8 0a an 0/ur 89 prea*0 /n JeDe7el t0is m/rning 2ust t/ get it /ff my *0est! amen> s0e is t0e +i*3e +ife /f -0a7 an 0er )a y rules 6i /n +0ere ,/ sen s Eli2a0. =0y i ,/ / su*0 a t0ing> =ell! Eli2a09s fait0 nee e refining. 50at9s t0e name /f t0e *ity! 7y t0e +ay! 6arep0at0 t0at in i*ates t0at a smelting! a melting! a *ru*i7le. *ru*i7le is t0at pla*e +0ere t0e flame g/es up an t0e 0eat is turne /n an impurities are 7urne a+ay an ,/ +ante t/ / t0at f/r Eli2a09s 0eart an 0e +ante t/ / it f/r t0is +/man s/ 0e sai t/ Eli2a0! 4</u g/ t0ere an +ell t0ere.: 50at means! y/u 2ust g/. 4Eli2a0! 89m n/t g/ing t/ tell y/u +0at y/u9re g/ing t/ / t0ere! 7ut 8 am g/ing t/ tell y/u y/u9re g/ing t/ li(e t0ere.: Eli2a0 /7e iently i n9t as3 any Buesti/ns! i n9t as3 f/r an itinerary! 4,/ may 8 see a snea3 pee3 /f t0e sylla7us 7ef/re 8 agree t/ g/.: Eli2a0 re*ei(e t0e */mman an Eli2a0 +ent! t0at9s +0at +e *all fait0. Fait0 is n/t t0e gust! t0e feeling! t0e m/(ement. Hey! if t0at9s t0ere t0at9s great 7ut fait0 is ta3ing ,/ at 0is +/r an re(ealing t0at y/u trust 0im 7y /7eying. 50at9s +0at Eli2a0 i . Aerse E! l//3 at t0e la y! l//3 at t0is +i /+. =e pi*ture 0er as /l ! 8 /n9t 3n/+ t0at s0e +as /l ! s0e 0a a y/ung s/n +e / 3n/+ t0at! +e fin /ut in later *0apters 7ut ,/ +as laying s/met0ing up/n 0er. 50is is interesting 7e*ause t0is is */unterintuiti(e! t0is +/r3s against t0e +ay /ur fles0 assumes ,/ s0/ul +/r3. S0e9s a +i /+! s0e9s a single m/m! s0e9s 7r/3e! s0e9s p//r an ,/ is a7/ut t/ a s/met0ing t/ 0er life. He says in (erse E t/ Eli2a0! 48 0a(e */mman e a +i /+ t0ere t/ fee y/u.: "ay 7e g// ne+s f/r Eli2a0. 4,// ! it9s a7/ut time! 89m getting si*3 /f rin3ing as t0is 7r//3 an eating t0e f// t0at t0e 7ir s are 7ringing me. 8 *an9t +ait t/ get t/ 6arep0at0 an t0ere9s g/ing t/ 7e a *//3 t0ere.: L//3 at it fr/m t0e +/man9s 7e0alf. 50is +as an une?pe*te *0ange appearing in 0er life. 50is! in /ne sense /f t0e +/r ! t0is ne+ resp/nsi7ility. L//3 +0at ,/ sai ! 48 0a(e */mman e t0e +i /+ +/man t/ ta3e *are /f y/u.: 8n s/me +ay ,/ 0a /r aine

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an seemingly */mmuni*ate t/ t0is ,entile +i /+! 489m g/ing t/ 7e sen ing a man t/ y/u an y/u9re g/ing t/ 0a(e t0e resp/nsi7ility f/r ta3ing *are /f 0im.: S0e +asn9t in a p/siti/n t/ / t0at! *ir*umstantially. 8 +/ul suspe*t s0e pr/7a7ly +asn9t em/ti/nally tan3e up t/ 7e a ing s/me7/ y else t/ 0er list /f resp/nsi7ilities +0en 0er res/ur*es +ere alrea y at a 7are minimum. <et ,/ 0a sai ! 4He9s */ming an 8 +ant y/u t/ ta3e *are /f 0im.: H/+ many /f us are still l//3ing f/r t0e ,/ /f 0ea(en t/ +/r3 *0ange in /ur li(es> 'an 8 tell y/u a anger/us pla*e f/r y/u t/ get an f/r me t/ get fr/m time t/ time> 8t9s t0at pla*e 3n/+n as a rut. 8t9s su*0 a n/rmal +/r ! +e 0ear it an +e /n9t e(en t0in3 a7/ut it. Let me tell y/u +0at a rut is. S/me7/ y 0as */mi*ally sai t0at a rut is simply a */ffin +it0 7/t0 en s 3i*3e /ut. 89(e 0ear t0at 7ef/re. 8 +ant t/ tell y/u t0at a rut is (ery seri/us. 8t9s a pla*e +0ere y/u9re n/t supp/se t/ 7e 7ut y/u feel li3e y/u9re stu*3 an y/u see n/ +ay /ut. =0en +e get in a rut +e are *apa7le pe/ple s/ t0ere9s a p/int +0ere +e 0ate t0e rut! +e fig0t t0e rut! +e /n9t li3e t0e rut! +e pray f/r an e?it fr/m t0e rut 7ut +0en t0e rut el/ngates an n/t0ing *0anges! / y/u 3n/+ +0at +e /> =e get use t/ it. =e start efining /ur life 7y t0e rut +e9(e 7een in an +0at 0appens is life is n/+ i entifie as a rut 7ut +e /n9t */nsi er it a rut anym/re! +e */nsi er it t0e ne+ n/rmal an +e /n9t l//3 f/r ,/ t/ *0ange. 89ll 7e 7/l +it0 y/u t/ ay an say t0at s/me /f y/u 0a(e 7een in a rut l/nger t0an y/u s0/ul 0a(e 7een. Part /f t0e reas/n t0at y/u may still 7e t0ere is 7e*ause y/u are n/ l/nger e?pe*ting ,/ t/ +/r3 in +ays t/ get y/u /ut /f it. ;**asi/nally t0e L/r +ill! let it 7e unt/ y/u a**/r ing t/ y/ur fait0. </u9(e g/t fait0 t/ stay in t0e rut! +ell let it 7e a**/r ing unt/ y/ur fait0! 89ll let y/u stay in t0e rut. </u9(e g/t fait0 t/ 3eep *alling /ut t/ ,/ t0at t0ere may 7e an e?it fr/m t0at rut! t0ere may 7e a *0ange t0at9s */ming. =0et0er t0is +/man +as praying /r n/t! 8 /n9t 3n/+. 8 +/ul say li3ely n/t 7ut ,/ in gra*e an mer*y an */mpassi/n an l/(e sai ! 450is +/man 0as n/ 0/pe. S0e /esn9t 3n/+ me s/ 89m g/ing t/ 7ring 0/pe t/ 0er.: Let9s g/ furt0er! (erses 1$ an 11. La ies 7u*3le up! it gets a little +/rse 7ef/re it gets 7etter. <9all are 7ig girls. -my tells s/me frien s /f 0ers +0en t0ey9re in a +ea3 state! 4Put /n y/ur 7ig girl 7rit*0es t/ ay.: 8t 0elps t0em realiDe! +e *an9t al+ays 7rea3 /+n an *ry! s/metimes +e 0a(e t/ get st/ut0earte an t0is is an /pp/rtunity t/ learn fr/m t0is +/man9s e?ample. L//3 at 0er! first /f all ! 0er painful *ir*umstan*es! (ery Bui*3ly an (ery plainly. He! Eli2a0! ar/se! (erse 1$! an +ent t/ 6erap0at0 an +0en 0e *ame t/ t0e gate /f t0e *ity 7e0/l a +i /+ +as t0ere gat0ering sti*3s. Aery simple! 89(e alrea y allu e t/ it. Her life is *0ara*teriDe 7y l/ss. 50ere +ere n/ s/*ial pr/grams t/ ta3e *are /f +i /+s in t0at ay espe*ially in ,entile areas. 8f t0e family i n9t ta3e *are /f t0e +i /+s! t0en t0ey +/ul n/t 7e ta3en *are /f. "/st +/men i n/t +/r3! t0ey +ere e?tremely un er(alue if n/t e(alue e(en in t0e */mmunity /f t0e Je+is0 *ulture! t0ere +as n/t a great sense /f esteem pla*e /n 7eing a female. S/me /f t0e Fa77ini* +ritings an t0e tra iti/nal +ritings 7y +0at 8 +/ul */nsi er t/ 7e *0au(inisti* religi/usly misgui e lea ers +/ul say t0ings li3e t0is!

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4L/r ! 8 +/ul rat0er 7e a /g t0an 7e a +/man.: 50at9s literally in s/me /f t0e 0ist/ri* +ritings n/t 7y infi els 7ut 7y pe/ple +0/ presume t/ 3n/+ ,/ . </u *an see t0at in t0at *ulture an in t0at time +/men +ere n/t (alue as t0ey s0/ul 7e! as t0ey are (alue as */0eirs +it0 Jesus '0rist in /ur ay! t0at 3in /f /pp/rtunity +as n/t aff/r e t0em. S0e +as al/ne. -7s/lutely al/ne. S0e 0a 0er s/n +0i*0 pr/7a7ly 7r/ug0t s/me measure /f */mf/rt 7ut please realiDe s0e is +at*0ing 7/t0 0er an 0er s/n ie *ir*umstantially 7e*ause s0e9s p//r. S0e9s */mpletely /ut /f res/ur*es an t0eref/re *ir*umstantially /ut /f /pti/ns. S0e9s rea*0e t0e en /f 0er line. 50ere is pr/7a7ly n/t a +/man in t0is pla*e t0is m/rning t0at *an9t i entify +it0 0er at s/me p/int in y/ur life /n s/me le(el +it0 +0at s0e9s g/ing t0r/ug0. "ay7e y/u9(e al+ays 0a m/ney! praise ,/ if y/u 0a(e! use it +isely. "ay7e y/u9(e 7een /ut /f energy! strengt0! may7e y/ur 0ealt0 0as left y/u! may7e t0e 7r/3en 0eart t0at life ser(e up t/ y/u in a (ery iffi*ult seas/n 0as n/t 0eale li3e y/u t0/ug0t it +/ul . "ay7e y/u9(e 7een a7an /ne 7y t0at /ne t0at y/u ple ge y/ur life t/! may7e y/u +ere +/un e y/ung an ne(er 0a(e re*/(ere . 8 /n9t 3n/+! 8 /n9t nee t/ paint all /f t0e p/tential s*enari/s 7ut let me tell y/u! +e s0/ul n9t 0esitate t/ */nfess! 4<es! +e 3n/+ +0at it9s li3e t/ appr/a*0 r/*3 7/tt/m.: Let me tell y/u! s0e9s rig0t at it. Her painful *ir*umstan*es +ere t0en */mp/un e 7y un+el*/me pressures. =0at 0appene > Eli2a0 s0/+e up int/ t/+n. 50e +0/le s*ene is /ne /f a test /f fait0. Eli2a0 2ust tre33e 1$$ miles in t0e /pen +il erness! 0e9s t0irsty. 50ey i n9t 0a(e a Bt /n e(ery */rner! t0ere +eren9t any f/untain rin3s! n/ )asani +ater. 8t +asn9t li3e 0e +as g/ing t/ f/r a p/+er +al3. He9s running as a fugiti(e a*r/ss 7arren +il erness an t0ere9s a famine an t0ere9s a r/ug0t. S/ it9s s*/r*0ing 0/t an Eli2a0 */mes an 0e finally rea*0es t0e gate /f t0e *ity +0ere ,/ 0as sai ! 489(e g/t y/ur *are pr/(i e f/r! y/u get t/ 6arep0at0 y/u9re g/ing t/ 7e ta3en *are /f.: -n 0e gets t/ t0e gate /f t0e *ity an t0en t0r/ug0 s/me eliminate is*ernment 0e sees t0e +/man an +0at is s0e /ing> S0e is /+n*ast! s0e9s e2e*te ! s0e9s n/t peppy an e?pe*tant an +it0 a fruit 7as3et saying! 4;0! Eli2a09s 0ere! +e9(e 7een +aiting /n y/uG: @/t0ing li3e t0at. =0at is s0e /ing> S0e9s pi*3ing up sti*3s. S0e9s milling ar/un in t0e ust. 8t +as pr/7a7ly e(i ent t/ t0e pr/p0et 7y 0er 7/ y language an +0at +as g/ing /n! s/met0ing9s n/t rig0t. 4,/ ! y/u sent me 0ere 7e*ause s0e9s supp/se t/ ta3e *are /f me an 8 see t0is /l la y 7r/3en /+n! esp/n ent l//3ing! gat0ering sti*3s.: =el*/me t/ 6arep0at0! rig0t> Ha(e y/ur eyes e(er messe +it0 y/u> =0at y/u see 7e*/mes param/unt in y/ur (isi/n f/r life> E(eryt0ing y/u 0ear! e(eryt0ing y/u see! e(eryt0ing y/u sense assaulting y/ur fait0> </ur Bi7le says /ne t0ing 7ut e(eryt0ing else says an/t0er t0ing an 89m 2ust g/ing t/ */nfess t0is! may7e it9s ne(er 0appene t/ y/u! 8 0a(e felt m/*3e 7y my Bi7le 7ef/re. 8 0a(e felt s/ str/ngly pulle t/ n/t 7elie(e. @e(er in +0/ ,/ is 7ut in +0at ,/ mig0t / /n my 7e0alf t0at9s +0ere 8 struggle! t0at9s +0ere s/me /f y/u struggle. He gets t0ere an n/+ t/ 0er pressures. He says t/ t0is +/man! 4Bring me a little +ater in a (essel t0at 8 may rin3.: =ell! 0e9s tra(ele a*r/ss t0e esert an 0e9s t0irsty an may7e t0at9s n/t unreas/na7le alt0/ug0 t0ere +as a r/ug0t in t0e lan . 50is +/man 0a 7een */mman e t0at in s/me f/rm s0e +/ul 7e ta3ing *are /f a man +0/ *ame t/ t0e

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*ity s/ s0e g/es an s0e ma3es a 7rea3 t/ g/ t/ t0e +ell /r +0ere(er s0e9s g/t +ater. =at*0 t0is p/int! (erse 11! t0is is slig0tly! in my /pini/n! a little */mi*al! a little ir/ni*. -s s0e9s g/ing! (erse 11! 0ere9s 0er 7rea3ing p/int an as s0e +as g/ing t/ 7ring it! 0e *alle t/ 0er an sai ! 4Bring me a m/rsel /f 7rea in y/ur 0an .: La ies! t0at s/un s 2ust li3e a man /esn9t it> </u9re alrea y spent! y/u9re alrea y /ut /f /pti/ns y/u are really 7arely ma3ing it in t0at m/ment an s/me man! it s/un s li3e a prea*0er! 4Hey! *an y/u / s/met0ing f/r me>: He says! 4Bring me a little +ater.: -n s0e9s t0in3ing! 4=ell! alrig0t 89m g/ing t/ get 0im s/me +ater.: -n s0e ta3es t+/ steps in t0at ire*ti/n an 0e says! 4By t0e +ay! */me 7a*3 +it0 a 7is*uit t//.: La ies! 8 +ant t/ tell y/u s/met0ing n/t 7e*ause 89m super spiritual 7ut 89(e 7een ar/un +/men my +0/le life. 8 0a a "/m! 8 0a a Step-"/m! 8 0a(e t0ree sisters! 8 0a(e a +ife! 8 0a(e a aug0ter. -my9s family is 2ust 7lesse +it0 +/men! +/men /f ,/ in t0at family! great +/men t0at l/(e t0e L/r . 89m an /7ser(er! 8 +/r3 +it0 s/me ear la ies! s/me /f +0/m are in t0is r//m t/ ay. 8 +at*0 y/u! my sisters! 0ere s/ 89m n/t super spiritual 7ut 89m als/ n/t 7lin . Let me tell y/u! 8 see a l/t /f us men +e see +0at y/u / an +e / get it. =e 3n/+ t0at y/u9re a 0ar +/r3er! +e 3n/+ t0at y/u9re a ser(ant! +e 3n/+ t0at s/metimes y/ur r/le an y/ur family is n/t re*ipr/*ate +it0 appr/priate pr/p/rti/nal t0an3s. =e un erstan t0at t0e 48 l/(e y/us: are n/t al+ays 7alan*e /ut in pr/p/rti/n li3e t0ey s0/ul 7e. </u 0ear a l/t m/re /f 47ring me! gi(e me: t0an y/u /! 4t0an3 y/u: /r 40/+ may 8 ser(e y/u>: ,entlemen if y/u +ant y/ur +ife t/ g/ t/ 0ea(en 7ef/re y/u! 2ust start as3ing 0er regularly! 4H/+ may 8 ser(e y/u! 7a7y>: 7e*ause s0e9ll ie /f a 0eart atta*3. In+el*/me pressure. </u say! 4Jeff! y/u9re 2ust 3in /f stret*0ing t0is.: 8 really /n9t t0in3 8 am +0en y/u see 0er resp/nse in a minute. La ies! y/u9re n/t imagining t0e pressure! y/u9re n/t imaging t0e le(el /f sa*rifi*e t0at y/u9re *alle t/! y/u9re n/t imagining t0ese t0ings. 50is is real. 8t9s real t0at m/st /f t0e 0us7an s an t0e *0il ren /n9t Buite get it. 8t9s real. 8 /n9t +ant t/ ma3e a martyr /ut /f y/u! y/u s0/ul 7e /ing +0at e(er y/u / as un er t0e gl/ry /f t0e L/r an f/r t0e 7etterment /f /t0ers! 89m n/t trying t/ gi(e y/u permissi/n t/ +al3 ar/un m/pey an feeling li3e a (i*tim 7ut 8 am trying t/ */nne*t +it0 y/u f/r a m/ment an let y/u 3n/+ t0at it is true t0at +e usually! espe*ially t0e 0us7an s! t0e men! usually /n9t Buite un erstan t0e le(el t0at y/ur 0eart gi(es /ut in a iti/n t/ y/ur 0an s. Here s0e is +it0 (ery little! s0e9s trying t/ ta3e *are /f 0er an 0er s/n an s/me prea*0er +an ers int/ t/+n an says! 48 /n9t 0a(e any m/ney! 7ut 8 +ant t/ /r er! let me get t0e 7is*uit an let me get a ni*e *up /f */l +ater.: =at*0 +0at s0e /es! let9s get int/ (erse 1#. Here9s an un enia7le la*3 t0at is a7i ing +it0 t0is +/man. S0e is n/t imagining t0ings! t0at9s +0at 8 +ant y/u all t/ 0ear in part t0is m/rning. 50is is n/t s/me +/man +0/9s 2ust feeling s/rry f/r 0erself! s0e9s really in an a+ful sp/t. 8t9s a is*/uraging reality. L//3 at 0er resp/nse +0en 0e 7rings up! 4Bring me s/met0ing t/ eat.: S0e says! 4-s t0e L/r y/ur ,/ li(es!: t0at9s +0y 8 t0in3 s0e is n/t yet a 7elie(er. S0e 3n/+s +0/ Eli2a09s ,/ is! s0e9s pr/7a7ly 0a s/me */mmuni*ati/n! /ne si e ! fr/m ,/ spea3ing an saying! 489m sen ing a pr/p0et an y/u9ll ta3e *are /f 0im.: But s0e9s n/t a 7elie(er. S0e9s n/t yiel e ! s0e9s n/t surren ere ! s0e9s n/t sa(e if +e *an say it t0at +ay. S0e says! 4-s t0e L/r y/ur ,/

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li(es 8 ain9t g/t n/t0ing.: 50at9s a little Jeff/l/gy t0ere. 48 0a(e n/t0ing 7a3e .: <9all are g/nna 0a(e t/ gi(e me s/me san*tifie li7erty t0is m/rning! t0is is t0at narrati(e an s/ 89m g/ing t/ m/ erniDe it a little 7it. 50is is t0e +ay 8 rea it! y/u rea 0/+e(er y/u +ant t/ rea it! 89m n/t g/ing t/ 7e untrue t/ t0e te?t 7ut t0is is t0e t/ne 8 0ear. 8 see 0er! s0e9s g/t 0er t+/ sti*3s in 0er 0an ! s0e9s g/ing t/ get t0e +ater. He says! 4By t0e +ay! 7ring me a 7is*uit t//.: S0e t0r/+s 0er sti*3s /+n an says! 48 ain9t g/t n/ 7is*uit. 8 /n9t 0a(e anyt0ing f/r ya! "r. Prea*0erman. -s t0e L/r y/ur ,/ li(es +0/ sent y/u t/ me! 8 /n9t 0a(e +0at it ta3es t/ meet y/ur nee s!: t0at9s +0at 8 0ear. S0e i n9t say t0at 7ut man! +/ul n9t t0at 7e n/rmal> - l/t /f y/u +/men! y/u /n9t say t0at eit0er 7ut y/u t0in3 it. </u feel it. </u 3n/+ 0/+ +e 3n/+ 7e*ause y/u start *langing is0es ar/un in t0e sin3! slamming ra+ers. </u +al3 /ut /f t0e r//m an y/u put /ne /f t0/se smiles /n. 89m getting +0ere y/u li(e. 8 set up sur(eillan*e in y/ur 0/me! 8 3n/+ 0/+ it +/r3s amen> S0e9s struggling an s0e /esn9t 0a(e anyt0ing t/ gi(e t0is man! s0e really /esn9t. S0e9s n/t 7eing selfis0! s0e9s 7eing real. S0e9s n/t a7le t/ eny +0at9s la*3ing in 0er life. 8t9s a pitiful p/tential. L//3 again at (erse 1#! 48 /n9t 0a(e anyt0ing 7a3e ! /nly a 0an ful /f fl/ur an a little /il in t0e 2ug.: S0e says! 4Prea*0er! 8 */ul pr/7a7ly 7a3e s/me 7is*uits 7ut 89(e g/t /ne f/r me an /ne f/r my 7/y an t0at9s all t0at 89(e g/t.: L//3 at t0/se t+/ +/r s! 8 un erline t0em in my Bi7le! a 0an ful an a little. -n life is *ertainly li3e t0at s/metimes. =e li(e in a *ulture /f a7un an*e an t0ere9s a l/t /f pressure /n all /f us t/ eBuate life9s Buality +it0 t0e a7un an*e /f t0ings t0at +e p/ssess. E(en t0/ug0 t0e Bi7le e?pressly f/r7i s t0at. </u 3n/+ y/ur Bi7le tells y/u n/t t/ lay up treasures /+n 0ere. </ur Bi7le says Jesus '0rist sai t0at y/u *an9t li(e f/r ,/ if y/u li(e f/r treasure. Jesus sai t0at! 8 i n9t say t0at. He i n9t say y/u s0/ul n9t 0e sai y/u *an9t. =0at9s /pti/n t0ree! L/r ! is t0ere an /pti/n t0ree> 50e in i*ati/n is t0at m/st 0uman 0earts are eit0er li(ing f/r t0ings /r li(ing f/r t0e 3ing /m. </u9 0a(e t/ e(aluate +0ere y/u are /n t0at spe*trum regularly! n/t 2ust t/ ay 7ut regularly. =0at9s t0e tenure /f y/ur life> 50e Bi7le tells past/rs an 5im/t0y an 5itus t/ +arn t0/se t0at are ri*0 in eart0ly g// s t0at t0e reas/n +0y t0ey9(e 7een 7lesse in eart0ly g// s is t/ use it f/r t0e gl/ry /f ,/ ! t/ a (an*e 3ing /m purp/ses. 50at9s literally an in2un*ti/n up/n a Bi7le tea*0er! a past/r! an el er t0at +e are t/ remin t0/se +0/ are ri*0 in t0is +/rl t/ 7e ri*0 in g// +/r3s. ;f */urse! prea*0ers are unp/pular +0en t0ey / t0at 7e*ause +e9re presuma7ly me ling in pe/ple9s finan*es. @/! +e9re 2ust prea*0ing t0e s*ripture. 50is la y /esn9t seem t/ 0a(e an un+illingness! s0e 0as a literal la*3. S0e9s g/t an empty pantry. L//3 at 0er 0/peless /utl//3 7e*ause t0is 0as 7een g/ing /n a+0ile an in (erse 1#! t0is is all in /ne (erse! 0er un enia7le la*3! 48 0a(e n/t0ing 7a3e ! a 0an ful /f fl/ur in a 2ar an a little /il in a 2ug an n/+. Sir! if y/u 2ust gi(e me a m/ment an 89ll tell y/u +0at 89m /ing rig0t n/+ as y/u +al3e up t/ t0e gate +it0 y/ur s0/rt list /f eman s t0at 8 *an9t meet. 8 am gat0ering a */uple /f sti*3s an 89m g/ing t/ g/ in an prepare it!: an in essen*e s0e9s g/ing t/ use t0/se sti*3s as 3in ling t/ ma3e a fire. =0y> 4S/ 8 *a prepare t0e f// f/r myself an my s/n s/ t0at +e *an eat it. "y

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/7ligati/n is t/ my 7/y an me an sir! y/u9re left /ut in t0e rain. 8 0a(e n/t0ing f/r y/u.: 8t9s +/rse! l//3 at 0er /utl//3. 4=e9re g/ing t/ eat it an guess +0at! prea*0er> =e9re ea after t0at 7e*ause +e 0a(e n/t0ing left.: </u an 8 0a(e ne(er 7een at t0at p/int! it is 0ig0ly unli3ely t0at any pers/n 0as 7een 0ere literally un er t0e t0reat /f star(ing t/ eat0 unless y/u +ere raise in an/t0er part /f t0e +/rl t0at is 0ig0ly unli3ely! t0at y/u9(e al+ays 0a s/me meal a(aila7le s/me+0ere! s/me0/+. S0e i n9t. S0e 0a rea*0e t0at p/int +0ere s0e sai ! 450is is it.: @/ 0/pe! n/ future! n/ 7lesse f/re*ast. S0e +/3e up t0at m/rning! s0e 0a l//3e in t0e 2ar t0e nig0t 7ef/re! 7y t0e +ay! t0is +asn9t a surprise t/ 0er! s0e9 7een */unting f/r ays 0/+ many ays t0ey 0a left 7e*ause t0at9s +0at "/mmas /. "/mmas are al+ays l//3ing /ut f/r t0eir little *u77ies. S0e 3ne+! 4"an! +e9re getting /+n t/ t0e last ay! t0is is it.: 50is is +0en ,/ puts an/t0er resp/nsi7ility /n my list> =e assume t0at 7ur ens al+ays remain 7ur ens 7ut let me 2ust gi(e y/u t0is! +0at 7egan as a */nfusing 7ur en t/ 0er! ,/ +/ul +/r3 t/ 7e*/me a */ntinuing 7lessing f/r 0er. Her 7ur en! if s0e resp/n e in fait0! +/ul 7e*/me 0er 7lessing. 89m g/nna 7e 2ust 7/l en/ug0 t/ say y/u nee t/ */nsi er t0at! my frien . 50at t0e t0ing t0at is y/ur *urrent 7ur en if y/u 3eep trusting ,/ an /ing +0at 0e9s as3e y/u t/ / in spite /f +0at y/u see! y/ur *urrent */nfusing 7ur en *an /pen up an 7e*/me a */ntinual s/ur*e /f 7lessing. </u9ll ne(er 3n/+ if t0at9s g/ing t/ 0appen unless y/u 3eep pr/*essing! 3eep m/(ing! 3eep en uring! 3eep trusting. -gainst 0/pe! /n9t stagger at t0e pr/mises /f ,/ 7ut trust. S0e +/ul ! it9s t0e ele(ent0 0/ur f/r 0er an +e get /+n t/ t0e last f/ur (erses. L//3 at +0at ,/ /es. 50is is +0ere ,/ is 2ust au a*i/usly ,/ li3e. By t0e +ay! t0ere9s n/ i(isi/n 7et+een t0is ,/ in 1 Kings 17 an t0e ,/ /f t0e ay t0at +e9re sitting 0ere rig0t n/+. </u say! 4Jeff! t0at9s t0e ;l 5estament ,/ .: -re y/u 3i ing me! are t0ere t+/> Feally> =0/ taug0t y/u t0at 7a t0e/l/gy> @/7/ y tea*0es us t0at! +e 2ust li(e li3e t0at. 89ll get t/ t0e (erse in a minute 7ut 89m g/ing t/ prea*0 f/r a se*/n 0ere. =e 2ust li(e li3e t0e ,/ +0/ split t0e Fe Sea n/+ /esn9t e(en 3n/+ 0/+ t/ f/rmulate +ater! mu*0 less split it. =e li(e as if t0e ,/ +0/ raine /+n fire +0en 0e ga(e t0e la+ t/ "/ses is n/+ t0e Buiet in e*isi(e ,/ ! 3in /f s0ifting a+3+ar ly /n 0is t0r/ne in 0ea(en. Eli2a09s a7/ut t/ see ,/ in a *0apter /r s/ rain /+n fire fr/m 0ea(en an estr/y all t0e enemies an 0e9s g/ing t/ / it f/r 0is /+n gl/ry an f/r t0e g// /f 8srael! ri ing 8srael /f t0e *an*er /f i /latry. =e n/+ t0in3 t0at ,/ is t0is mealy milBuet/ast! 3in /f a /ting gran fat0er. 48 /n9t 3n/+! +e9ll / +0at y/u +ant t/ /! +0at / y/u +ant t/ /! 8 /n9t really 3n/+! 8 /n9t 0a(e a plan.: "y frien s! listen t0at is t0e +ay a l/t /f us are li(ing. 50at9s +0y +e st/p praying a7/ut /ur imp/ssi7le *ir*umstan*es. 50at9s +0y +e l//3 f/r natural means /f 0elp instea /f supernatural spiritual means /f 0elp. 50at9s +0y +e tal3 t/ ea*0 /t0er a7/ut /ur +/es 7ut ,/ rarely 0ears /ur (/i*e. 50at9s +0y a l/t /f t0e time /ur *0ur*0es are run 7y *l/*3s an pr/grams rat0er t0an patient penitent prayer t/ a ,/ +0/ m/(es +0en 0e +ants t/ m/(e. =0at +e / is +e ma3e t0e supernatural ,/ /f 0ea(en a natural i ea /n eart0. 50at9s +0y +e /n9t e?perien*e +0at s0e9s a7/ut t/ e?perien*e. S/metimes! 7y t0e +ay!

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y/ur */nfi en*e in ,/ is 7est e?presse ! it9s al+ays 7est e?presse in my /pini/n! in 2ust simple /7e ien*e. "att0e+ Henry! y/u9(e 0ear me Bu/te t0is 7ef/re! sai 0un re s /f years ag/! 4=0en y/u *ann/t / t0e g// t0at y/u +/ul ! / t0e g// t0at y/u *an.: 8n /t0er +/r s! +0en y/u *an9t / +0at y/u +ant t/ / it9s 7est if y/u / +0at y/u *an / an trust ,/ in t0e mi st /f y/u 7eing fait0ful t/ +0at y/u *an /. -n t0at9s +0at s0e +as g/ing t/ /. S0e9s 2ust sai ! 4"y prea*0er frien ! y/u ain9t getting n/ 7is*uit. 89m g/nna get a 7is*uit. 8t9ll 7e my last /ne! Eli2a0. -n my 7/y! 0e9s g/nna get a 7ig /ne 7e*ause it9s g/ing t/ 7e 0is last /ne. -n +e9re g/ing t/ eat t0at an t0en +e9re g/nna ie. S/ y/u may +ant t/ start s*/uting /ut s/me/ne else t/ ta3e *are /f y/u! prea*0er.: Inpre*e ente supply arri(ing! l//3 at Eli2a0! ,/ ma3e me li3e Eli2a0 0ere. '/mf/rt is /ffere an Eli2a0 sai t/ 0er! 4)/ n/t fear. )/n9t 7e afrai ! ma9am. "a9am! / n/t all/+ t0e fear t/ grip y/ur 0eart.: 8n a */nte?t li3e t0is let me tell y/u an t0e y/unger y/u are an t0e m/re type y/ur pers/nality is t0e m/re /f a 0ar time y/u9ll 0a(e n/t stum7ling in t0is +ay! Eli2a0 */ul 0a(e gi(en 0er a t0e/l/gi*al re7u3e. He */ul 9(e sai ! 4-re y/u /u7ting my ,/ > =0/ are y/u! 8 s0/ul 0a(e 3n/+n! y/u9re a pagan! y/u9re a ,entile. </u /n9t 3n/+ my ,/ . Let me! ma9am! 0a(e a seat! ma9am an let me tell y/u +0at 0e9s /ne in my life t0e last fe+ m/nt0s. 8 0a(en9t 0a anyt0ing. </u9(e 0a y/ur meal! y/u9(e 0a y/ur /il 7ut 89(e 7een /+n 7y t0e 7r//3!: an 0e */ul 9(e laun*0e int/ a iatri7e against 0er pr/(ing 0imself +ise! pr/(ing 0imself spiritual! pr/(ing 0imself m/re e?perien*e ! pr/(ing 0imself a m/re spiritual pers/n. He */ul 9(e re7u3e 0er 7ut instea 0e reassure 0er. "an! 89m g/ing t/ tell y/u s/met0ing! 8 +ant t0at in my life. He sai ! 4@/.: 50ere seems t/ 7e in an instant! an un erstan ing! an empat0y! a */mpassi/n. S0e9s n/t a*ting spiritually reas/na7ly. Jui*3 +/r t/ t0e men! an 8 /n9t +ant t0is t/ 7e funny! 8 +ant t0is t/ 7e 0elpful! 8 +ant t0is t/ 7e su7stantial. Br/t0er! please st/p trying t/ ma3e y/ur +ife an 1/r y/ur aug0ters int/ a mas*uline *reature. 50ey +ere ma e 7y ,/ ! 0ar +ire as a gen er typi*ally! t0is are typi*al! t/ feel! t/ pr/*ess em/ti/n! t/ */mmuni*ate! t/ use +/r s! l/ts /f t0em! amen> t/ use +/r s! t/ gi(e e?pressi/n t/ +0at is g/ing /n ar/un t0em an +it0in t0em. "en! let me tell y/u! if y/u9re n/t *areful y/u9ll / +0at Eli2a0 i n9t /. S0e9ll al+ays see y/u li3e t0is! 4,et t/ t0e p/int! get t/ t0e p/int! 7/tt/m line.: 89m prea*0ing t/ myself! 89m */nfessing as 8 prea*0. 50en +0en t0ey */me t/ t0e p/int! y/u9ll say! 4=ell! let me tell y/u +0at +as +r/ng +it0 y/ur */n*lusi/n.: La ies t0at +as a perfe*t time f/r y/u t/ amen an y/u misse it. Eli2a0 2ust l//3s at 0er an in an instant 0e seems t/ un erstan . Her life is 7/tt/ming /ut an s/ 0e spea3s! 89ll 2ust say it! ,/ seiDes 0is t/ngue an seiDes 0is 0eart an ,/ spea3s a message t/ 0er. =0at9s t0e message> </u /n9t nee t/ 7e afrai . 89m 7lesse t/ n/t 3n/+ +0at y/u9re g/ing t0r/ug0 t/ ay 7e*ause 8 /n9t +ant t/ aim t0is message at any7/ y 7ut 89m g/ing t/ tell y/u s/met0ing! if y/u9re +al3ing +it0 ,/ ! if y/u9re 3eeping a *lean re*/r +it0 ,/ ! s0/rt a**/unts +it0 ,/ ! n/ /ng/ing unrepentant sin in y/ur life. 8f y/u9re see3ing 0is 0/n/r an gl/ry an +anting t/ 3n/+ +0at 0e +ants an leaning 0ar up/n 0im! n/t in +/r /nly 7ut +it0 e(eryt0ing in y/u! if y/u are in a pla*e +0ere 0e9s 7an3rupte y/u in y/ur self-relian*e an y/u 0a(e n/ 0/pe 7ut 0im 8 +ant t/

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gi(e y/u a +/r fr/m ,/ ! y/u /n9t 0a(e anyt0ing t/ 7e afrai a7/ut. @/t0ing. =0y> Be*ause my frien ! my sister! ear +/man! y/u 0a(e ren/un*e y/ur /t0er trust. "ay7e 0e 0a t/ pry t0em /ut /f y/ur 0an ! may7e 0e 0a t/ +/r3 p/+erfully t/ 7ring y/u t/ t0is pla*e /f re u*ti/n in life 7ut y/u9re t0ere. -n y/u9re saying! 48 /n9t 0a(e any+0ere t/ turn.: 50at9s +0ere y/u9(e nee e t/ 7e f/r a +0ile an n/+ 8 *an tell y/u! /n9t y/u 7e afrai . Pri/rities f/r 0er +ere rearrange ! t0is is +0ere fait0 is teste p/+erfully 0ere an la ies t0is is t0e appli*ati/n! t0is is really +0at y/u nee t/ */nsi er t0at y/u nee t/ / t/ ay. Eli2a0 says! 4)/n9t fear! g/ an / as y/u9(e sai . ,/ a0ea an prepare t0e 7is*uit!: 8 3eep *alling it t0at! +0ate(er! *//3ie! 7is*uit! 7ig *at 0ea ! 7r/+n /n t0e t/p! 7uttery /n t0e insi e! y/u 3n/+ +0at 89m tal3ing a7/ut! 4g/ an / as y/u 0a(e sai ! 7ut first!: t0ere it g/es t0ere9s t0e pri/rities 7eing rearrange ! l//3 at +0at 0appens 0ere. E(eryt0ing +it0in 0er is +anting t/ preser(e self an 0er *0il an l//3 at +0at ,/ /es! 0e sen s t0e pr/p0et t/ spea3 an t/ test 0er fait0. He says! 4</u9re g/ing t/ 7e ta3en *are /f 7ut first 89m g/ing t/ rearrange y/ur pri/rities. "a3e me a little *a3e an 7ring it t/ me an after+ar ma3e s/met0ing f/r y/urself an y/ur s/n.: 50at s/un s a little presumptu/us /f a (isiting prea*0er */ming t/ 6arep0at0! 8 get t0at! 7ut get t0e 7ig */nte?t. 50is is ,/ +/r3ing t/ strengt0en 0er fait0 an Eli2a0 0as 0a 0is fait0 strengt0ene in a similar *ir*umstan*e at t0e 7r//3 '0erit0 s/ 0e is a7le t/ say! 4</u /n9t 0a(e t/ +/rry a7/ut it! 7ut ma9am t0is is +0at y/u nee t/ /. Fesist t0e temptati/n t/ pr/(i e f/r y/urself! y/u pr/(i e f/r /t0ers let ,/ pr/(i e f/r y/u.: 50at9s +0at a "/m /es. 50at9s +0at g/ ly +/men /. S/metimes +0en men +0/ s0/ul 7e g/ ly an +e /n9t n/ti*e 7ut ,/ ne(er misses it. </u9re gi(ing t/ t0e *0il ren! t0ey /n9t get it. 8 mean! t0ey9re little sa(ages until t0ey get re eeme ! t0ey9re 2ust m/re */nsumers. 50ey /n9t get it an t0ey get sa(e an e(en t0en t0ey9re sl/+ t/ get it 7e*ause t0ey9re use t/ y/u sa*rifi*ing an ser(ing an p/uring int/ t0em. By t0e +ay! t0is is "/t0er9s )ay 3i s! t0is is n/t =i(es )ay s/ it9s /n t0e 3i s t/ e?press gratitu e an appre*iati/n an l/(e t/ t0eir "/ms. )/n9t let y/ur )a /r y/ur "/m9s 0us7an / t0at /n y/ur 7e0alf! y/u / it! it9s "/t0er9s )ay. </u9re al+ays ta3ing *are /f s/me7/ y else if y/u9re ser(ing t0e L/r . </ur *all! "/m! is t/ put /t0ers first. 8t 2ust 0appens n/t t/ 2i(e +it0 +0at s/*iety tea*0es us 7ut it is ,/ 9s *alls /n y/ur life. 50e nature /f m/t0er0// f/r t0is +/man reBuire pri/ritiDing s/me7/ y else! e(en s/me7/ y /t0er t0an 0er s/n. ,/ +ill / t0at fr/m time t/ time! rig0t in t0e mi st +0ere y/u feel li3e y/u9(e g/t n/t0ing left t/ gi(e! ,/ says! 489m g/ing t/ as3 y/u t/ gi(e 2ust a little 7it m/re!: an /n t0e /t0er si e /f t0is sa*rifi*e t0ere is 0er 7rea3t0r/ug0 a+aiting. Pr/mises are gi(en. 50e *all t/ sa*rifi*e is al+ays en*apsulate in a pr/mise! t0us sayet0 t0e L/r ! (erse 1&! 450us says t0e L/r ,/ /f 8srael.: 8 mean t0is is 7ig. 450e 2ar /f fl/ur s0all n/t 7e spent an t0e 2ug /f /il s0all n/t 7e empty.: =rite in t0e margin /f y/ur Bi7le 4supernatural.: Supernatural. </u say! 4Jeff! 0/+ i t0at 0appen>: 8t9s easy t/ e?plain. ,/ . 4@/ Jeff! seri/usly! 0/+ i it 0appen> 4;0! /3! 8 see +0at y/u9re saying. ,/ .: ,/ is 0/+ it 0appene . ,/ is 0/+ t0e supernatural! t0e spiritual! t0e

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unpre i*ta7le! t0e unBuantifia7le! t0e imp/ssi7le ta3es pla*e. =e 2ust /n9t e?pe*t 0im t/ / t0at. 450e 2ar /f fl/ur +ill n/t 7e spent! t0e 2ug /f /il s0all n/t 7e empty until t0e ay t0at t0e L/r sen s rain up/n t0e eart0.: 8 +ill seiDe t0is. By t0e +ay! t0e restaurants are alrea y *r/+ e s/ st/p l//3ing at y/ur +at*0. Eli2a0 says! 450us says t0e L/r ,/ .: </u 3n/+ +0at 0e 2ust 0elpe 0er /> He 0elpe 0er t/ 0ear ,/ f/r 0erself. 89m g/ing t/ spea3 t/ my fell/+ 7r/t0ers! my fell/+ 0us7an s! it is in*um7ent up/n me t/ assist my +ife in 0a(ing /pp/rtunity t/ 0ear fr/m ,/ 0erself. 89m g/ing t/ gi(e y/u s/met0ing (ery pra*ti*al t0at! 8 feel t0is resp/nsi7ility an t0is esire f/r -my. S0e nee s al/ne time! s0e nee s time +0ere 0er resp/nsi7ilities are n/t up/n me! n/t up/n t0e 3i s an 8 3n/+ t0at m/st g/ ly +/men are t// sa*rifi*ial t/ eman t0at f/r t0emsel(es. Hus7an s t0at l/(e t0eir +i(es an *are a7/ut t0eir spiritual pr/gress an gr/+t0 +ill say! 48 +ill pr/(i e a time f/r 0er! 8 +ill 3eep t0e 3i s! 8 +ill manage t0e 0/use f/r t0irty minutes if t0at9s all 8 *an /! 8 +ill +el*/me 0er t/ ma3e a lun*0 ate +it0 a girlfrien ! 8 +ill pr/(i e an /pp/rtunity f/r 0er t/ get a+ay f/r a s0/rt am/unt /f time f/r prayer an re*reati/n an leisure. 8 +ill sen 0er t/ a */nferen*e. 8 +ill / +0at it ta3es t/ ensure t0at my +ife 0ears fr/m ,/ .: 8f y/u9re struggling +it0 t0at as a 7r/t0er! let me gi(e y/u 2ust a little selfis0 m/ti(ati/n! s0e9s a l/t 7etter +ife an +/man +0en s0e9s listening t/ ,/ t0an +0en s0e9s p/uring /ut an p/uring /ut an p/uring /ut an rarely 7eing a7le t/ 0ear ,/ f/r 0erself. Br/t0ers! let me 2ust say s/met0ing! e(en if s0e9s 0esitant /r resistant! sen 0er a+ay f/r a little time! gi(e 0er an 0/ur in t0e e(enings! t0ree times a +ee3 an y/u say! 4Jeff! +e9re 7usy.: =ell! y/u9re t// stin3ing 7usy if s0e /esn9t 0a(e time t/ pray. ,i(e 0er s/me time in t0e m/rning! tal3 +it0 ea*0 /t0er an fin /ut +0at /es s0e nee an ! my sisters! y/u *an 2ust 7lame it /n prea*0er Jeff. 4=ell! Jeff t/l me 8 0a t/ tell y/u! 0ere9s my list 0/ney.: Br/t0er! 8 3n/+ y/u l/(e 0er en/ug0 t/ / t0at. </u 2ust 0a(en9t t0/ug0t a7/ut it. 8 i n9t t0in3 a7/ut it until s/me7/ y taug0t me. 8t is n/ 2/y +0en my +ife 0ears fr/m an/t0er +/man! 4=ell! 8 /n9t 0a(e time t/ pray! 8 /n9t 0a(e time t/ stu y 7e*ause /f my resp/nsi7ilities in t0e 0/me.: 50at9s n/t 0er fault! it9s 0is fault. En/ug0 sai . Pr/mises are gi(en. 89m alm/st /ne. He says! 450e 2ar +ill n/t 7e spent! t0e 2ug +ill n/t 7e empty.: 50at9s +0ere 0er fait0 is teste 7e*ause s0e 2ust l//3e in t0e 2ar! s0e 2ust l//3e in t0e 2ug! s0e 3n/+s +0at9s in t0ere. -n 0e says! 450at9s n/t t0e +ay it9s g/ing t/ 7e.: 4@/! t0at9s t0e +ay it is! prea*0er.: 4@/! t0at9s n/t t0e +ay it9s g/ing t/ 7e 7e*ause ,/ sai s/.: @/+ s0e9s in t0e 7attle 7et+een +0at s0e sees! +0at s0e feels! +0at s0e t0in3s! +0at s0e *an a . Her p0ysi*al! natural is*ernment an n/+ s0e9s g/t t0ese spiritual t0ings */ming t/ 7are /n 0er e*isi/n ma3ing a7ility. S/ s0e9s literally g/t t/ *0//se in t0is m/ment! / 8 trust t0is ,/ t0at 89m n/t e(en sure 8 3n/+> L//3 in (erse 1H! fait0 is empl/ye ! it9s (ery simple. S0e +ent an i as Eli2a0 sai . 50at9s 7elief. </u *an +rite in y/ur Bi7le! fait0. Fait0 is n/t a feeling. </u *an 0a(e t0e feeling +it0/ut /7e ien*e an t0eref/re it9s n/t fait0. </u *an 0a(e t0e /7e ien*e +it0/ut t0e feeling an it is fait0.

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S0e /7eye an s/ t0en int/ (erse 1H an 16! ,/ 9s 0an is e?perien*e . S0e g/es an s0e 7rings Eli2a0 +ater an a 7is*uit an s0e an 0e an 0er 0/use0/l ate f/r many ays. =0y i y/u n/t say! 4-men>: =0y i y/u n/t say! 4,l/ry>: =0y i y/u 2ust say! 4<ea0! it9s rig0t t0ere in t0e Bi7le.: 8t +as rig0t t0ere in 0er life t0at ay. 50is is n/t a Bi7le st/ry! t0is is a H/ly ,0/st inspire an preser(e narrati(e a7/ut +0at ,/ i . S/ s0e an 0er 0/use0/l ate f/r many ays. Pi*ture t0is! Eli2a0 gets 0is 7is*uit! 89m g/ing t/ m/ erniDe it! */me /n get +it0 me. )/ 8 0a(e a *0air up 0ere> ;0 man! if 8 0a a *0air up 0ere it +/ul 7e really g// . Eli2a09s g/t 0is little paper plate an 0is la+n *0air! 7ig! t0ere 0e is! y/u9re fr/m t0e s/ut0 y/u 3n/+ +0at t0is is! 7ig *at 0ea 7is*uit. He9s g/t 0im a stein /f *rystalliDe +ater! 0e9s t0r/+ing it 7a*3! *rum7s all in 0is 7ear an /+n t0ere. He9s saying! 4Praise ,/ ! t0is is s/me g// 7is*uit.: -n t0en 0e says t/ 0er! 4'an 8 0a(e se*/n s>: S0e says! 489m s/rry! Eli2a0! +e 2ust /n9t 0a(e it.: Eli2a0 is 0/l ing t0e plate! 4'an 8 0a(e se*/n s>: S0e ta3es t0at plate an s0e says! 4Sure.: S0e +al3s 7a*3 after fee ing 0im! s0e9s g/t t0at plate! s0e g/es an pulls t0e t/p /ff t0at fl/ur 2ar! 4Hey! Ja*3! it9s full.: S0e pulls t0e t/p /ff t0e /il! it spills /(er /n t0e si e an s0e says! 4</u *an 0a(e se*/n s! y/u *an 0a(e t0ir s! y/u *an 0a(e fift0s. </u +ant s/me m/lasses /n t0at 7a 7/y. </u +ant s/me stra+7erry preser(e. </u +ant me t/ *0urn s/me 7utter 7e*ause +e9re g/ing t/ 0a(e 7rea3fast t0is m/rning.: Her s/n9s /(er t0ere! 4"/mma! gi(e me an/t0er /neG "/mma! gi(e me an/t0er /neG: He9s g/t stuff all /(er 0is fa*e! 0e9s 2ust re2/i*ing an says! 4=e9(e g/t s/me 7is*uitsG: Listen! 8 3n/+ 89m 3in /f ma3ing fun! 89m n/t trying t/ / anyt0ing else +it0 it /t0er t0an t/ intr/ u*e y/u int/ t0e m/ment 7e*ause 0er life *0ange . 8t9s a Bi7le st/ry t/ me an y/u. S0e g/t *ir*umstantially re eeme t0at ay. =0y> Be*ause ,/ t//3 n/t0ing an ma e a7un an*e. ,/ t//3 imp/ssi7ility an ma e reality. ,/ t//3 an empty 2ar an ma e it a full 2ar! t+/ /f t0em. ,/ is n/t anemi* t/ +0ere 0e *an9t / t0at in t0e mi st /f +0ate(er y/u9re fa*ing. S0e an 0er 0/use0/l ate f/r many ays! t0e 2ar +as n/t spent! t0e /il i n/t empty. =0y> 8t +as a**/r ing t/ t0e +/r /f t0e L/r t0at 0e sp/3e 7y Eli2a0. =e9re g/ing t/ 7e /ne. -s +e finis0 t0is m/rning! let me tell y/u t0is. La ies! 3eep gi(ing! 3eep ser(ing! 3eep en uring. 5al3 t/ ,/ all y/u +ant! tell 0im e(eryt0ing t0at9s messe up +r/ng! tell /n y/ur 0us7an s! tell /n y/ur 3i s. Spea3 all t0at9s +r/ng in y/ur life t/ ,/ 7ut +0en y/u spea3 t/ y/ur girlfrien s! tell t0em e(eryt0ing t0at9s rig0t a7/ut t0at man! e(eryt0ing t0at9s rig0t a7/ut t0/se *0il ren. </u tal3 t/ ,/ a7/ut +0at9s la*3ing 7e*ause ,/ *an / s/met0ing a7/ut it! y/ur girlfrien s *an9t / sBuat a7/ut +0at9s +r/ng +it0 t0at guy. But y/u tal3 t/ t0e L/r a7/ut +0at9s +r/ng +it0 0im an y/u tal3 t/ y/ur girlfrien s a7/ut +0at9s rig0t +it0 0im an t0em. </u let y/ur 0eart 7e seas/ne +it0 gra*e! let y/ur +/r s 7e an/inte +it0 0/pe an fait0 an spen less time 0/(ering /(er t0e empty 2ar an m/re time /n y/ur 3nees as3ing ,/ ! 4L/r 89m la*3ing in t0is. L/r t0is pla*e in me is empty. ,/ it9s getting my reser(es are tapping /ut. L/r 8 /n9t see +0ere it9s */ming fr/m! 8 /n9t 3n/+ 0/+ y/u9ll / it 7ut L/r /n Sun ay m/rning y/u remin e me t0at n/t /nly are y/u a7le! y/u are +illing an s/ 8 trust y/u.:

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Empty Pantry, Full Hearts

1 Kings 17:8-16 Preached Sunday AM 5/12/13 Meadow Baptist Church

1. An Unexpected Change Appearing (8-9)

a. God was working apart from her (8) - Then the word of the Lord came to him {Elijah}... b. God was bringing something to her (9a) - "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there... c. God was laying something upon her (9b) - Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.

2. An Unwelcome Demand Arising (10-11)

a. Her painful circumstances (10a) - So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks... b. Her unwelcome pressures (10b) - And he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. c. Her breaking point (11) - And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.

3. An Undeniable Lack Abiding (12)

a. A discouraging reality (12a) - And she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked... b. A pitiful potential (12b) - ...only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. c. A hopeless outlook (12c) - And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.
Transforming Truth 678.551.7333 | info@transformingtruth.org 1446 Calvin Davis Circle, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

4. An Unprecedented Supply Arriving (13-16)

a. Comfort is offered (13a) - And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; She might have expected a rebuke but found reassurance instead b. Priorities are rearranged (13b) - ...go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. c. Promises are given (14) - For thus says the Lord the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth. d. Faith is employed (15a) - And she went and did as Elijah said. e. Gods hand is experienced (15b-16) - And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. The full provision was preceded by an increased demand. She fought through the testing of her faith. She gave the last she had. She served others before herself. God honored her obedience and made fullness out of her emptiness.

Transforming Truth 678.551.7333 | info@transformingtruth.org 1446 Calvin Davis Circle, Lawrenceville, GA 30043