Paige opens her series on Elijah and Elisha by telling how many felt overwhelmed by this topic. (She made me smile when she quoted one, “I can’t even find the books of Elijah and Elisha!”) But she promised to make it as simple as stirring batter.
I don’t know about that, but I will tell you her teaching is the best I’ve ever heard. But it is a lot. This first session is 75 minutes and she promises to be shorter next week. (We will see!) But soooo good. You don’t need to read more from me, you just need to listen carefully and take notes. I’ll throw out questions, but skip any you don’t understand. What matters is you listen and share as you can.
I will divide her lecture into 5 segments. You can do one daily (and take a God Hunt break on Sunday) or do several at a time. The first two days are a lot, and then it gets lighter. She explains she is doing two lectures at once. Here is the You-Tube link. She doesn’t actually begin the lecture until almost minute 9.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPhDqXvSR44&t=4332s
Day 1: Thursday: Overview – Part A.
Paige spends two days on a vital overview of how to read Scripture. She says some people say, “I don’t know where you get all this — because I read my Bible and I don’t see it.” It’s like the two on the road to Emmaus. They didn’t get it until Jesus gave them the context. Paige explains the context for seeing the Old Testament.
Watch from Minute 9 to Minute 24 and journal on your own
- What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
- Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
- There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
- What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
- What else stood out to you and why?
Day 2: Friday: Overview – Part B.
Watch from Minute 24 to Minute 47 and journal on your own.
All these historical displays show us what God is like.
6. What are some examples of miniature judgments in Genesis that point to final judgment?
7. She divided history into Abraham, David, and then Elisha and Elijah. What did they have in common?
8. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.)
9. She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why?
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33)
11. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for?
12. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.)
13. Other comments or observations?
She ends this section with someone who said they were going out West to find themselves. She hoped they took a Bible.
Day 3: Saturday: The God Who Pursues in Justice (Elijah Introduced)
Watch from Minute 47 to Hour 1 and Minute 1.
13. Read 1 Kings 17:1-16 and summarize in a few sentences.
14. Why is this simple introduction of Elijah (verse 1) surprising?
15. What does this introduction tell you about where Elijah stands?
16. Paige said that sin is always its own judgment. If you spend all your time on what your body and house looks like, how will you pay for that? Can you think of another example?
17. We belong to a God who pursues us even when we are deep in sin — God has sent a prophet. How has He pursued you in your times of backing away from Him?
18. What else stands out to you from this section?
Day 4: God Hunt Sunday
19. How have you experienced the risenness of Christ this week?
Day 5: Monday: The God Who Provides for Elijah
Listen from 1 Hour 1 Minute to 1 Hour 12 Minutes
20. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24 and summarize what happens.
21. What does the widow believe is the reason for her son’s death? Why does it seem so strange that God does this?
22. What does Elijah do — and why is this amazing?
23. What else stands out to you?
Day 6: Tuesday: The God Who Stretches Out for Us
24. Listen to the last few minutes and share whatever stands out to you and why.
84 comments
Dee….all I can say is thank you for encouraging us to dig deeper. Although I am scared (!), I do love Paige and I do love you too! I will try my best to not be overwhelmed and to complete all I can. I really DO want to succeed here. I wish I lived in Tennessee (?) so I could see her in person. Of course, I am still hoping I can come to see you at some point too (Wisconsin is one of 7 states I have yet to visit)! Onward to minutes 1-9….
You can do it. The first two days are the hardest! Would love to have you come to a retreat in Wisconsin! Doing Washington Island in a week! 🙂
Laura–your excitement and faithfulness always encourages me!
♥️
Thursday
1. What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
The purpose is for God to reveal Himself to us, what He is like, what He has done etc.
The purpose is not to figure things out or discover anything…it’s not a book about me!
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
There are different ways people approach the Bible. A reference book, Chicken for the Soul, finding a verse etc. instead of going to the Bible to find Him. The Bible is not about what we should do for God or what we can get Him to do for us…it’s about what He has done in order to get us!
There are many different reasons why I approach Scripture. To get the chapters read that are on my schedule so I can put a check by them. To gain more knowledge, memorize it, and as a reference book.
3. There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
Exodus, major milestone in redemptive history.
Ministry of Elijah and Elisha, when the people of God are being the most sorely tested.
Life and ministry of the Lord Jesus.
The birth of the early church in Acts.
The purpose is great transition, great milestones in redemptive history or times of great crises when people’s relationship with the Lord is being severely tested. These are never ends in themselves, they are always sign posts to God, to His power, to His purposes so that we might fully put our faith in Him,
4. What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
In the study of her friends home was a huge picture, poster size, of Tiger Woods on the 16th hole at the 2oo5 Master’s doing his fist pump, wearing his Sunday red shirt. Not thinking her friends were big fans of Tiger Woods she asked the wife to tell her about the picture of Woods in the study and her response was, “isn’t that a great picture of Doug?” She showed her where Doug was standing in the corner of the picture with his hands raised up.
The point is this is not how we should study the Bible, for example saying, “isn’t Elijah awesome or isn’t Elisha brave?” They’re just little guys standing in the corner of the picture pointing us to the Lord. All of scripture is to reveal God…it’s all about Him, He’s the big picture and we can’t lose sight of that.
5. What else stood out to you and why?
A. If we approach the Bible as “me” centered instead of “God” centered it’s not that we’ll miss anything but we’ll miss the whole thing!
B. The name of the study is not Standing Alone as a statement but rather Standing Alone as a question and the answer is NO, NEVER! One man with God is always in the majority!
Wow — you encourage me with your A+ answers!
Sharon, thank you for spurring us on with your notes! I really had to pray while listening to Paige. My fingers weren’t fast enough to take down notes. I will have to listen again.
Thank you for the great notes, Sharon!
1. What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
The OT histories is always to tell the story of God. It is not about us. It is God revealing Himself to us. It is a book about Him.
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
We go to the book as a resource instead of going there to find Him and giving ourselves to Him.
I probably go to scripture to find answers to questions I have about my life.
3. There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
Exodus, Testing of Gods people (Elijah and Elisha), Jesus, and the book of Acts.
They are powerful demonstrations of His power and glory, pointers of the truth, surety and authenticity of Him. They showed his redemption, restoration, and our anticipatory of his salvation. They are little whispers of what it will be like when God comes.
What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
We miss the forest through the trees.
What else stood out to you and why?
Paige!!! Yes! She is good.
You are on a roll, Laura!
😊
Dee, thank you so much for introducing us to Paige. I was so taken by her “short” intro. Lol
A group of my women friends and I are going to be doing this video series as well. We will be a week later than this blog and am so thankful for your guidance as well as the upcoming comments from dear sisters in Christ.
I have started my new part time teaching job as well so I need prayers to persevere through the study. Please pray for the women too as a majority of them are very busy on their own. Paige will be a challenge to some but I know God’s Word does not return void. Praying for these women to really know they are not standing alone!
Lord, please be with Bing in her new teaching job, and help and the women joining to persevere in this study. Thank You for the way you have gifted Paige. I also pray for my in person group that they would not be daunted but persevere. In Jesus Name I pray!
Dee, thanks so much for your prayers. We are also having some challenges with childcare for the younger moms. All of our nursery workers are in school during our meeting time.
Bing, praying that God will meet that need and in your job. 😊❤️
Thanks, Sharon, for your prayers as well.
Praying for you, Bing, as you start your new teaching job. You have so much on your plate.
What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
It is about God revealing Himself to us, who He is, what is He like, what He has done and what He is doing. It is about finding God and giving ourselves to Him because of what we find out about Him. It is about what He has done to get us and to find what our lives should be once we belong to Him. It is about God and not about you or me.
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
We use the Bible as a reference book or the Chicken Soup for the soul kind of thing. We look to it as a way for God to give us what we want. I look to the Bible as a guide for life and it is but I often have missed reading it as a personal love letter from God, revealing Himself and His purposes in my life.
There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
Exodus, Elijah/Elisha, the life of Jesus, and the early church. Miracles are a purposeful display of God’s power and glory as He executes judgment and brings salvation; they are pointers to the surety of His promises and the truth of His word. They are little whispers of what it is like when god makes all things new.
What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
That we often miss the big picture (God) because we focus on the Elijahs/Elishas of our times. Like the story about Doug and Tiger Woods.
What else stood out to you and why?
John Knox quote: One man with God is always in the majority.
Standing alone is not a statement but a question. And the answer is “No, we do not stand alone.”
Friday
6. What are some examples of miniature judgments in Genesis that point to final judgment?
The flood and Tower of Babel.
7. She divided history into Abraham, David, and then Elisha and Elijah. What did they have in common?
They are all part of God’s redemptive story, part of a nation that God blessed and wanted to be in relationship with.
8. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.)
‘We can’t know anything if we don’t know the the context. Her brother had history all running together, “all about bombing” because he didn’t know the context.
9. She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why?
The prophets become more important because they are the way that we hear the will of the Lord.
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33)
He is the worst king in Biblical history.
11. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for?
The true King!
12. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.)
It’s our history too and His word shows us just how important we are to Him. The whole world can think we’re a cast away but we are the Lord’s treasure and that is all that matters or we can be the worlds treasure and know nothing of the Lord and be a cast away.
13. Other comments or observations?
A. I love how she describes bringing the Israelites out of slavery, carries them through the Red Sea and brings them to Himself under the leadership of Moses and formalizes a covenant with them. He will be their God, bless them and use them to be a blessing and their part in that is, they will love Him and be loyal to Him…have no other gods. It’s not a call to perfection but a call to loyalty and relationship to to undivided devotion to God.
B. The history that is recorded must be vitally important to the Bible’s purpose. The purpose is that God is the living God, He has revealed Himself through time, space and history and it’s not just one perspective of many, it’s the only one!
C. Scripture tells us it was not written to inform us, not so that we know new things. It’s written to teach us, so we will be different (Romans 15:1; 1 Corinthians 10:11)
D. It doesn’t matter how we think our life is going, it matters how He thinks our life is going. Only His evaluation and estimation ultimately matter.
E. We are called to Scripture not just to apply it but to recently and redefine our lives but what is truth.
The intro really opened my eyes to so many wonderful truths. Jim and I are reading through the Bible and in our reading today I asked God to open my eyes to see Him, who He is, what He is like and what He has done. We’re in the book of Ezekiel so this was very helpful.
Wonderful, Sharon. Ezekiel is hard but fascinating. All that lying on his right side and his left side. Oh my.
Oh yes Dee, it is very fascinating and quite interesting.
Hmmm…Sharon. About Ezekiel. I would love to do an in-depth study of Ezekiel one of these days.
Watch from Minute 24 to Minute 47 and journal on your own.
All these historical displays show us what God is like.
6. What are some examples of miniature judgments in Genesis that point to final judgment?
Adam and Eve eating the apple.
The snake being stomped.
All the stories of primeval violence until the flood.
Tower of Babel and that judgement,
7. She divided history into Abraham, David, and then Elisha and Elijah. What did they have in common?
They each represented God. They were selected by God.
8. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.)
We see these as just the same. We need to understand some context prior to studying the Word. Her brother knew history but not in the order it actually occurred.
9. She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why?
God is pursuing His people. He will not give up or go away. His call will be known. The prophets are megaphones for Him.
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33)
He was the meanest king of all. Very successful politically but not spiritually. 22 year reign with 6 chapters in the Bible. His part of history is important to the history of God’s people.
11. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for?
The best king! The longing for a true king; hope for a better life.
12. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.)
The power of marriage is that the whole world can think you are a terrible person, ugly, whatever, but if your spouse thinks you are wonderful, then you also think that.
The hobo, named Ulysses, sees himself in a different perspective because a little boy points out that he has the same name as the Greek god Ulysses (the little boy loves mythology). The hobo breaks down in tears.
We are God’s dear children. We matter to Him.
13. Other comments or observations?
Reading the scripture in modern day applies to us just as it applied to the people then. It is telling us who God is.
She ends this section with someone who said they were going out West to find themselves. She hoped they took a Bible.
Yesterday I only had time to listen to the introduction part of Paige’s teaching. I didn’t even try to do the start and stop of taking notes. I want very much to do that but my week has been very full in particular with traveling to see my mother and help with her needs. Today she is being moved from the hospital to a care home in a community closer to both my sister and I. She has remained stable but recovery is not possible with her 98 year old body as she suffered significant damage from her heart attack. She will be on hospice care now. God has been very good to us in all of this. Mom remains a sweet spirit and nurses love her. Her care has been excellent and kind. I will enter into this study as much as possible because I agree that Paige Brown is as good as Bible teacher as I have ever heard. Thanks Dee for the email prompting everyone to at least listen to the intro part. It is so very good.
Bev, thinking of you these days. Praying for a peaceful, sweet homegoing for your Mom.
Oh Bev, may the Lord take your sweet mother peacefully into His loving arms.
Bev, Praying for you, as you spend these very precious days with your mom. Praying that her homecoming continues to be sweet and gentle. God is so good.
Bev, your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying for you, Bev, and for your mom.
Thank you Dee. This adds do much more to the study by helping us process and apply her messages.
Thank you, Nunny!
All these historical displays show us what God is like.
1. What are some examples of miniature judgments in Genesis that point to final judgment?
The Flood and Noah, the Tower of Babel
2. She divided history into Abraham, David, and then Elisha and Elijah. What did they have in common?
They point to the same storyline (God pursuing His people) but just with different stages and different characters.
3. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.)
We cannot know anything if we do not know the context.
4. She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why?
The prophets are the ways we hear the will of the Lord. God gets louder and louder and He uses the prophets to be megaphones of covenant reminders.
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33)
He was the worst and most evil king in the history of Israel.
5. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for?
It makes us long for the true King.
6. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.)
Because God’s promises and purposes then in history mean the same thing for us as well. And if we don’t listen to God, we are also going to receive His judgments. God’s assessment of our lives is the only one that matters.
Her example in marriage from the Kellers: It does not matter if the world considers you ugly if your spouse thinks you are beautiful, you are. The world may think of you as a castaway, but God does not. You are His treasure! The Ulysses story was heartwarming. Although Ulysses was mythology-based, our value is not based on myth but on the truth of God’s word.
13. Other comments or observations?
She ends this section with someone who said they were going out West to find themselves. She hoped they took a Bible.
Oh, my! I have heard that before and it sounded cute and funny then but now, “ going out in order to find myself” sounds dangerous.
What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose? The purpose is to reveal Who God is. It is not about me or you.
Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? She means, what do you see in the Bible, is it a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” lesson, a history of long ago civilization, a reference book? How do you approach it, honestly? I am ashamed to say, I avoided studying the Old Testament most of my life because I didn’t think it was meaningful to me as a modern day Believer. I thought it was a violent, cruel allegory of people that were ultimately evil and unworthy. Maybe 15 years ago I began studying Kaye Arthurs Precepts Bible Studies at my Aunt’s church…my eyes were opened! The OT explained so much about the NT that was missing in my experience.
There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. In times of testing; Exodus, the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, the life of Jesus and The Acts of the Apostles. What is their purpose? Their purpose is to build Faith in God and what He is doing in and through our lives.
What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story? I think she was pointing out our focus, what we see when we look at the picture. She saw Tiger Woods, her friend saw her husband Doug, in the background, waving.
What else stood out to you and why? “What God has done in order to get us for His own.” Just the amazing details God has gone to, in order to have a relationship with us, is overwhelming. There is so much to absorb in this lesson, Paige really is an amazing teacher! I don’t feel like I am an equally amazing student…more like a “slow learner”. I will have to pray and listen carefully to glean the nuggets that the Lord has for me in this study of Elijah and Elisha.
Lydia — I think your feeling about the Old Testament is echoed by so many. So sad. There are even “New Testament” churches that ignore the Old. What a difference it makes to understand it is all one story!
Amen! Studying the Old Testament is getting to know God and how much He loves us and the extent to which He planned to rescue us! I was missing out on so much. I am grateful for God’s entire Word.
Friday
Elijah tells Ahab, the king that there will be a drought for the next 3 years. Elijah then goes to Kerith Brook to hide and is fed by the ravens and drinks from the brook. God then tells Elijah to go to Zarephath, near the city of Sidon and a he asks a widow who is gathering wood to bring him bread and water. She only has a handful of flour and a little oil and was preparing to cook the last meal and then her son and her would die. Elijah tells her not to be afraid, go ahead with what she planned but bring him bread first. She did as he said and they continued to eat for many days.
14. Why is this simple introduction of Elijah (verse 1) surprising?
He just appears on the scene with no introduction, no idea of who he is or where he came from.
15. What does this introduction tell you about where Elijah stands?
He stands with God and serves Him. He doesn’t stand alone! Paige said, “His primary faithfulness was to be a mouthpiece for God’s word.”
16. Paige said that sin is always its own judgment. If you spend all your time on what your body and house looks like, how will you pay for that? Can you think of another example?
That will be what my life is all about.
When I let my idol of approval take over then that will be my most important pursuit, not God…it takes His place.
17. We belong to a God who pursues us even when we are deep in sin — God has sent a prophet. How has He pursued you in your times of backing away from Him?
He has pursued me by allowing a crisis to take place…losing my son to SIDS drew me back into His arms!
18. What else stands out to you from this section?
God is not withdrawing or abandoning them, He is withholding from them that which they rejected…Himself.
Thank you so much for this study, Dee! I am listening to Paige and I love the comments from all of you. I will be a late start this week, as my granddaughter, Hannah is here. We are very close and I love spending these precious days with her.
dear Patti–SO happy to hear you have your granddaughter with you! Praying for that sweet time, oh how blessed she is!
😊❤️
What a treasure Patti!
Patti, enjoy your time with Hannah! Praying it will be as special as as like any past together times you have had with her.
6. What are some examples of miniature judgments in Genesis that point to final judgment? Adam and Eve’s exile from Eden, The flood, the Tower of Babel, the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah…
7. She divided history into Abraham, David, and then Elisha and Elijah. What did they have in common? They were all chosen by God to do His work.
8. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.). We may know some detail of history, but it will only make sense if we place these details in the correct order.
9.She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why? The prophets are the voice of God and they bring hope, as well as warning.
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33) King Ahab was the most wicked of Israel’s Kings.
11. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for? The one True King!
12. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.) All of this Biblical history helps us to see who God is, how He sees us and how much He loves each one if us.
13. Other comments or observations? What “Prophet” is God sending to deliver me from the “evil kings” in my heart? I am not even aware of the sins I commit most of the time…until I look back and see their destruction. I justify my negative attitudes and judgemental spirit all of the time. Miss High and Mighty! Lord Jesus forgive me and place a guard on my heart and mind.
She ends this section with someone who said they were going out West to find themselves. She hoped they took a Bible.
1. What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
To reveal God and His power, His glory, His judgment that brings salvation
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
We are self-centered, looking to see what God can do for us. I often still have a tendency to try to look up a verse to fit my need or situation, but much less than I used to because I know I need ALL of God’s Word and He uses all of it to refine and grow me, and the central starting point is NOT me or even my growth, it is to know God. The chief end of man is to glorify God, enjoy Him, know Him. It’s all about Him, not me, thankfully!
3. There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
Times of great transition; milestones in the history of redemption; major crisis; the exodus; the lives of Elijah and Elisha, the life and ministry of Jesus, the early church in Acts. The purpose of these is to be a signpost to God and His power so that we might more fully put our faith in Him.
4. What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
We focus on the wrong part of the story. We try to make Elijah, Elisha (or Jonah..) the hero but they are really the little hands in the corner pointing to the Lord, the true Focus/Hero.
5. What else stood out to you and why?
We are never standing alone, even when we think we are. God’s promise to Abraham, to us.
So glad to see you, Lizzy. I thought you articulated the point of the Tiger Woods story so well.
What beautiful and concise answers to all these questions, Lizzy!! Love this: The chief end of man is to glorify God, enjoy Him, know Him. It’s all about Him, not me, thankfully!
and this! We focus on the wrong part of the story. We try to make Elijah, Elisha (or Jonah..) the hero but they are really the little hands in the corner pointing to the Lord, the true Focus/Hero.
Day 3: Saturday: The God Who Pursues in Justice (Elijah Introduced)
Watch from Minute 47 to Hour 1 and Minute 1.
13. Read 1 Kings 17:1-16 and summarize in a few sentences.
14. Why is this simple introduction of Elijah (verse 1) surprising?
Elijah was supposed to be a very important prophet and there was no mention of his ancestry nor anything on his resume’ except my answer to #15. There should have been an illustrious introduction. Coram Deo-I stand before the presence of God.
15. What does this introduction tell you about where Elijah stands?
All Elijah said was his name (The Lord is Yahweh, my God before whom I stand)
16. Paige said that sin is always its own judgment. If you spend all your time on what your body and house looks like, how will you pay for that? Can you think of another example?
You can spend the rest of your life on what your body and house look like and it would destroy your life.
17. We belong to a God who pursues us even when we are deep in sin — God has sent a prophet. How has He pursued you in your times of backing away from Him?
He has used the Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin and other people to remind me of His truth.
18. What else stands out to you from this section?
The message is always more important than the messenger. The sender is more important than the one who was sent.
This has really helped me be at peace with whatever ministry I do with others. If I proclaim God’s truth, that is all that matters. I am learning what John the Baptist said, He must increase, I must decrease. I am very grateful that He has chosen me where I am today.
God Hunt Sunday:
Sensed God’s presence strongly in the retreat for prison volunteers in Nebraska. What a wonderful ministry — so many ex-offenders ministering. One woman, a victim of sex trafficking , is now rescuing girls in that horrible trap. I now have time with each Anne and Beth before I go back home Monday. Thankful for this.
So glad to hear this, Dee. Praying for you as you minister to these women and many others
Amen! Beauty for ashes, indeed! What a blessing to see the Lord work through these Sisters in Christ. So happy you also get time with your daughters…God is so good!
What a wonderful way to sense His presence and a joy to have ex-offenders ministering.
So glad you had time with Anne and Beth too…God is good.
What a wonderful retreat, Dee. So thankful that you felt the strong presence of the Lord. The volunteers must be very special women. Thank you for all you have done in the prison ministries~ what a difference it has made in so many lives. May God bless each of these volunteers as they continue to touch the lives of these precious women. Sweet times with Anne and Beth.
13. Read 1 Kings 17:1-16 and summarize in a few sentences.
Elijah told King Ahab that there was going to be a drought. God tells Elijah to go to a brook near the Jordan River and hide (?). He says the ravens would feed him and he could drink the water. The water dried up after awhile. After that, God tells him to go near Sidon and a widow would feed him. She was gathering sticks for her and her sons last meal before their death. Elijah asks her for a drink and some bread. She tells him it’s all she has. He says that if she gives him water and food, God will provide more. She does, and God provided for them “…for many days.”
14. Why is this simple introduction of Elijah (verse 1) surprising?
This is his first appearance in scripture. There is no background; it is abrupt. His name is all we get. Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” He is a prophet who is giving the king the prophetic projection from God. God is pursuing His people even though they have totally rejected Him. God is reintroducing Himself to His people.
15. What does this introduction tell you about where Elijah stands?
Elijah believes in the Lord Almighty, for sure! He is a mouthpiece for the Lord.
16. Paige said that sin is always its own judgment. If you spend all your time on what your body and house looks like, how will you pay for that? Can you think of another example?
Serve self and you will have a life of serving yourself. If you only care about what your body and house look like, when you have a life that is nothing about those things, what is life? Money is another example. If you want a life about money then that’s all you will get. You will miss out on true living. You will miss out on relationships.
17. We belong to a God who pursues us even when we are deep in sin — God has sent a prophet. How has He pursued you in your times of backing away from Him?
He sends reminders through my conscience. He helps me remember Him.
18. What else stands out to you from this section?
God gave them the things they wanted. They wanted the things of Baal and God didn’t deny them. They are left with the silence. He is giving them a taste of His justice.
19. How have you experienced the risenness of Christ this week?
We had Mike Weaver from the band “Big Daddy Weave” play at our church last night, and what a fantastic evening! I love his smile and sense of humor. He is a kind, gentle, giant. We had a connection to both growing up in northern Florida. Since it was a small venue we were able to talk to him for a few minutes and take a picture. It was through his stories and music that I was blessed. I love, love, love his new duet with Katy Nicole. Thank You Lord!
https://youtu.be/ryD3D9X2myk
Laura, I listened to the song. Loved it-been a fan of Big Daddy Weave but this was great with Katy Nichole!
Amen! What a beautiful song! Thank-you for sharing this Laura!
Day 4: God Hunt Sunday
19. How have you experienced the risenness of Christ this week?
Just reflecting on the phrase, “Coram Deo” that Paige used and that I have read in an article by R.C. Sproul: “Coram Deo . . . before the face of God. That’s the big idea. Next to this idea our other goals and ambitions become mere trifles…To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.”
Wow-no other words.
Beautiful reflection “Coram Deo”! Wow is right!
My God hunt this week has been time with our dear granddaughter, Hannah. She has always had a heart for God. We are very close and we spend hours talking about life choices, trusting our Heavenly Father, praying for and choosing the right mate for life. Hannah has a wonderful Christian boyfriend. He truly puts God first in all things in his life. They have deep discussion about their beliefs. Thanking the Lord for this wonderful time with Hannah.
Patti–thanking Him for giving you this treasure of Hannah and her heart for Jesus, and the time He gave you to share. I know you treasured each moment, what a blessing and reminder of His faithfulness.
Thanks for sharing, Patti! It is wonderful to hear of godly relationships among families.
Praise God for your precious time with your Granddaughter! They grow up so fast! You have to hold onto those moments.
Patti — so thankful for this wonderful answer to prayer for Hannah and for all of you!
Day 4: God Hunt Sunday
19. How have you experienced the risenness of Christ this week? I am already behind on this study and was feeling guilty about it. “Never Alone” has been running through my thoughts and prayers…I have experienced such an aloneness as a widow. But God… this morning we began a study in Sunday School “You are Never Alone”! Hmmm, maybe God’s trying to tell me something?
I am really enjoying listening over and over to Paige’s lesson and finding nuggets!
20. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24 and summarize what happens.
The woman’s son becomes sick and dies. She is beside herself and asks why Elijah has “…come to point out her sins and kill my son.” Elijah takes the boy upstairs and prays to God. He begs Him to save the boy. He lays on the body 3 times. God brings the boy to life. The woman believes Elijah comes from God.
21. What does the widow believe is the reason for her son’s death? Why does it seem so strange that God does this?
She thinks she is being punished for her sins. She doesn’t question though. She accepts and begs for mercy. It’s weird that God chose her instead of an Israelite widow (there were plenty). God wants everyone to know that they too can be saved. The weak, the shameful, the poor…they know they don’t deserve mercy.
22. What does Elijah do — and why is this amazing?
He stretches himself over the boys body. He offers himself for the boy. But that is the job of Jesus; it reminds us of Jesus. God listens to him; he is the prophet though….it’s opposite here. This is the first of the miracles.
23. What else stands out to you?
“You give me everything you have and I will give you everything you need.”
The story of Paige’s friend who died in her twenties. Her father stretched himself over her body and said goodbye. He was passing her to Jesus.
That was such a moving story!
Great answers Laura!
Monday
20. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24 and summarize what happens.
The widow’s son dies, Elijah stretches himself over him 3 times and prays to God, God hears his prayer and returned the life back to the child and the widow then knows Elijah is a man of God and the Lord speaks truth through him.
21. What does the widow believe is the reason for her son’s death? Her sins. Why does it seem so strange that God does this? He has been providing for them so they could stay alive.
22. What does Elijah do — and why is this amazing?
He stretches himself over the body of the boy 3 times, asking God to return the child’s life to him. Elijah hasn’t seen the Lord bring someone back from the dead, but this demonstrates his faith in God as he knows nothing is impossible with God. He is stretching himself over the boy as if to ask God to take him.
23. What else stands out to you?
The miracle is that the Lord listened to Elijah, a reversed role for a prophet. And it wasn’t because of any deed that Elijah did but rather because of Jesus stretching out on the cross, the sacrifice of His Son. Only a God of truth and justice at the same time can be a God of mercy because He is a God of sacrifice.
Sharon, you are really gifted with spiritual and scriptural insight! Thank-you for your perfect answers, I wish I had read them before I answered todays questions.
Thank you Lydia but I can’t take credit for these answers…Paige is the one that is so gifted and I’m learning so much from her!
1. What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose? God revealing Himself to us. Not a book about us.
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? Are we looking at it for what we get from it such as a good feeling, a reference, being able to log in that we read our bible today. How do you approach it, honestly? I read it and even what I read that day seems obscure and hard to understand how it applies to my daily life, I figure I’m feeding the spirit even if I don’t “get” anything from it. Lately I have been looking to see what it is saying about God and how it is pointing to Christ.
3. There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose? Great transitions, great milestones in the history of redemption, in times of great crisis, or times of testing
4. What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story? That Tiger Woods was the focus of the poster even though her friend saw her husband in the back. The bible is about God and all of the “heroes” are just little people in the background pointing toward his attributes.
5. What else stood out to you and why? It is not, What we can do to get God to do for us? It is what He has done in order to get us.
So good:
It is not, What we can do to get God to do for us? It is what He has done in order to get us.
20. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24 and summarize what happens. The son of the widow dies and she accuses Elijah of reminding her of her sin and killing her son. Then Elijah pleads with God for the boys life and stretched himself over the dead boy 3 times. His life is restored and the widow acknowledges that Elijah is a man of God and he speaks God’s truth.
21. What does the widow believe is the reason for her son’s death? She believes her son’s death is God’s punishment for her sins. Why does it seem so strange that God does this? The widow already has such a limited existence, why would a merciful God take her only son?
22. What does Elijah do — and why is this amazing? Elijah pleads for the life of the boy and stretches his own body over the dead boy 3 times, in a symbolic self sacrificing gesture.
23. What else stands out to you? God knows exactly what it takes to turn our hearts to Him, the widow needed a severe lesson.
8. What point did she make when people say all these kings and prophets just run together — they are all alike. (She gave an illustration of her brother taking a history exam.) That it doesn’t really matter, that they all just run together. The truth is we can’t know anything if we don’t know the context.
9. She said when you have the worst kings, the prophets become more important. Why? Because they are the way to get close to the will of the Lord.
10. What do you learn about King Ahab, the king during Elijah’s time? (1 Kings 16:29-33) That he is the worst king in biblical history.
11. What are these terrible kings intended to make your heart long for? The true king.
12. Why does all this history matter to us? (She gave an illustration from Keller’s marriage book and also a story from The Lincoln Highway about a hobo named Ulysses.) It shows us that the whole world can think that you are a castaway, but God thinks that you are a treasure and that is all that matters.
13. Other comments or observations? The more that the people turn away or stray from God, the louder He comes in to get them back. The prophets are megaphones of covenant reminders.
20. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24 and summarize what happens.
Elijah was sent by God to the widow n Zarephath which was part of Sidon, the birthplace of Queen Jezebel. Elijah asked her for water and a drink while she was picking up sticks to use to make a meal for herself and her son. This widow did this even though her flour and oil were about to run out. The flour or oil did not run out and fed the widow and her son and Elijah. Sometime later, her son grew ill and then died.
21. What does the widow believe is the reason for her son’s death? Why does it seem so strange that God does this?
The widow believed that her son died because of her sins. God spoke to the widow in her direst need and after she acknowledged her sins, God did a miracle by healing her son. The awareness that God pursues us even in the midst of our sinfulness because He loves us and is no respecter of person, race, or background. He wants us to see Him in our hard circumstances.
22. What does Elijah do — and why is this amazing?
He stretched himself out on the boy three times and prayed to God to bring the boy to life. God answered his prayer and the boy lived. It is as if Elijah is saying “take me instead” but let the boy live?
23. What else stands out to you?
The widow acknowledged that Elijah was a man of God and that his word is truth.
The message is more important than the messenger. Every circumstance in our lives is a personal connection to point us to God and His faithfulness to His Word.
It looks like we may have a small group of active participants, though we have several hundred following — but remaining quiet. Paige began two years ago with 2,000 listening. Now she has 16.000. And I love seeing the men in the audience.
Me, too, Dee. I love seeing the men come! And what a jump from 2,000 to 16, 000! I plan to refer my small group today to your blog!
1. What is the purpose of Old Testament histories — and what is not the purpose?
Revealing God to us. To tell us who He is, what he has done, what he is doing, how he relates to us, etc. What He has done in order to get us. It’s not about about me, or what we should do for God, or get God to do for us.
2. Paige said the way we approach Scripture reveals much about ourselves. What did she mean? How do you approach it, honestly?
If we don’t read it in historical context and in knowing who is being spoken to and why and just pick a verse out and apply it, you aren’t applying the real meaning. I can easily memorize a verse without knowing the history, who it’s for, etc. and then not really have His word truly hidden in my heart. Verse memory isn’t about just memorizing God’s words, but it’s about memorizing knowing what it means.
3. There are big clusters of miracles in four main places in biblical history — catch where they are. What is their purpose?
The exodus, the lives of Elijah and Elisha, the life and ministry of Jesus, the early church in Acts. They are a colorful part of the whole entire canvas of redemption.
4. What was her point with the Tiger Woods Poster story?
That the important part of scripture aren’t the characters. They are the little guys pointing us to God.
5. What else stood out to you and why?
God worked through an idol loving person, Abraham so we could see what it’s like to be with Him. The whole story is of God’s passionate pursuit and redemption of man. When the kings fell, God sent the prophets and he gets louder and louder because he’s determined to rescue his people. I love His passion for us!!
Love this from Rebecca!
Rebecca, so true And good about memorizing scripture. My Dad would volunteer to listen to kids recite memory verses for Awana and would then ask them, what is the meaning? Many times the response would be, I’m just supposed to recite the verse! I will say much of memorizing verses as a child was done without understanding but as an adult God brought them back to mind with understanding 😊
Day 6: Tuesday: The God Who Stretches Out for Us
24. Listen to the last few minutes and share whatever stands out to you and why. There is so much content here, but what really stands out to me is “What do you have that will go with you to the grave?” I have Jesus, who stretched out his body on a Cross to pay for my sins, so that I can be welcomed into Heaven for all eternity. God only saves through the sacrifice of His Son. God’s face was turned away from Him while He stretched out His whole being for me and because of this, God’s Face can turn toward me. Jesus paid it ALL! Hallelujah!
Amen!
Tuesday
24. Listen to the last few minutes and share whatever stands out to you and why.
This whole lesson was so informative but very encouraging! One statement Paige made that really stuck with me is, “a relationship with Christ is life.” In the morning when I rise give me Jesus. You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.
Such a good song to be stuck in your head!
Day 6: Tuesday: The God Who Stretches Out for Us
24. Listen to the last few minutes and share whatever stands out to you and why.
Elijah prayed and God answered. When Jesus was on the cross, He also prayed. But God, the Father did not respond. Jesus had to hear/bear the silence of His Father and be stretched out for us so that we might be given life.
The widow’s son was brought to life, but he died a natural death later.
When Jesus stretched out for us, though we may die an earthly death, we will be brought to life eternal through Him.
When I try to watch the video YouTube says it’s private.