Tag: #weatherinthebible

Mild Moses Takes the Lead! – Lessons Learned from the Wandering Israelites

Reading how God uses weather to serve purposes for the greater good is fascinating. Today, we will look at the Israelites wandering in the desert.

A Pillar of Cloud.

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

Exodus 13:21

God’s Navigational System.

After the 10 plagues in Egypt, the Israelites began their 40-year trek in the wilderness. At first, they were afraid. They didn’t know where to go. They cried out to God. God sent a cloud by day and fire by night to lead them. Of course, they thought it would take less than forty years. They probably thought it would take only a few months. Can you imagine traveling as a “people” with thousands of mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers?

The Building of a Leader.

At first, Moses did not think he was capable of leading anyone. He told God that he was slow in speech and tongue. (Exodus 4:10) God wanted to use Moses because of Moses’ humility and willingness to follow God’s direction. God rarely uses the eloquent, strong person to accomplish his mission. He chooses the most unlikely people who turn around and become strong, vibrant leaders.

A Resilient People.

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Moses spent years honing his leadership skills in managing this great exodus. He learned patience, delegation, and conflict management. His vision and direction created a resilient people. After Moses passed away, God called Joshua to bring the Israelites to Caanan.

Lessons Learned

#1. Strength Comes from Unity and Community.
#2. Wisdom and Inspiration can be found in Family Connections.
#3. Obstacles Prepare Us for Our Life Journey.

Together is Better

In a world where we may feel alone, we can find others who identify with us and can help us overcome challenges. We can achieve goals by leaning on each other for encouragement and support. Can you think of a time when you were discouraged and wanted to quit, yet a friend or loved one encouraged you to continue? What was the outcome?

Gene Pool

Do you have a hankering for salt air? Or you like the cold when it nips your nose. The geographical location of your family of origin might shed some light on some of these quirky feelings you have had all your life.

Family stories provide us with a rich history of what our ancestor’s life journeys may have been like. These stories teach us values. And values can be strengthened by a greater sense of identity and connection to your heritage. Were your family members born during a time of conflict? A time of peace? Did they travel to another place? Was there a failed business? A successful business? Did any of your family members possess a specific talent or skill?

Twists and Turns.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Many of which require hard work. Completing a high school education, college degree, or a trade certification. Or saving for a down payment on a home. What lessons can we learn from the path that leads to our “promised land?”

Maybe the next time you think something is taking “forever” – think again! Let us remember the story of Moses and the wandering Israelites. How steadfast a people continue to flourish despite all odds.

Track down your family tree.

Explore birthplaces.

Be thankful for family.

Take a Deep Breath.

Let’s breathe in wisdom and inspiration and exhale disbelief and pride.

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Faith and Fortitude – Lessons Learned from the Story of the Showdown Between Baal and God.

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Wood. Stones.

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. …Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

1 Kings 18:21, 36-38

We continue our series of different types of atmospheric conditions used in The Bible. Today’s story focuses on fire which can be influenced by weather elements like wind, temperature, and humidity. In this story, drought, or the absence of rain plays a key role.

Elijah versus Baal.

Elijah was a prophet in ancient Israel during the reign of King Ahab. Baal was a false god to whom the Israelites were worshipping. In this biblical account, God used drought and fire to punish the idolatrous Israelites to prove supremacy over Baal.

Let The Contest Begin!

Elijah, a devout follower of God, foretold a severe drought due to their idolatry. During the drought, God commanded Elijah to demonstrate His supremacy over Baal by challenging the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. Both groups built altars and placed sacrifices upon them. Despite the prophets of Baal calling upon their god to send fire, nothing happened. 

In contrast, when Elijah prayed to God, fire descended from heaven and consumed his offering, showcasing God’s power and reinforcing His position as the one true God.

Lessons Learned

#1. Unshakable Faith Leads to Mighty Acts
#2. Listen to What Your Gut Says
#3. There is Power in Prayer

Unwavering Faith.

There is no doubt about it. Elijah had unwavering faith that God would win the battle with Baal. Faith gives us the courage to face life’s daily challenges. Believing that God will guide me through life brings me comfort. How about you?

Courage.

Elijah’s bravery in standing alone against the crowd is inspiring. Going against popular opinions is typically dicey, for sure. Yet maybe it is time we stop going with the flow and stand up to what truly inspires us – like doing good in the world. 

Persistent Prayer.

In this story, Elijah’s persistence in prayer highlights the importance of staying connected with God through prayer. God wants to commune with us through daily prayer. Do you?

Perfect Timing

Reflecting on the story, God’s plan unfolds in His perfect timing. Learning to be patient is hard work. God does answer prayer by saying yes, no, or wait. Even if God’s timing differs from ours, it’s vital to trust God. His divine plan will be more than whatever you could imagine.

Take a deep breath.

Let’s breathe in the power of prayer and exhale impatience.

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Fish Guts? No Thanks! – Lessons Learned from the Story of Jonah

Great Wind. Violent Storm.

Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

Jonah 1:4,5

Returning to the series on weather in the bible, we come to the Story of Jonah. In this Old Testament book, God uses a storm to convince Jonah to stop running away from what he needed to do.

Wicked Nineveh.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves too much. In this story, God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh. Nineveh was a wicked town. Jonah didn’t think he was up to the task, so he jumped onto a ship traveling in the opposite direction. He thought he could outrun and outsmart God.

Threat. Confession.

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Then there was this storm that came out of the blue. It was so severe it threatened the safety of the ships’ crew, and they drew lots to see who was responsible. It pointed to Jonah, who was then forced to confess his disobedience to God.

3 Days & 3 Nights

A great fish, perhaps a whale, swallowed Jonah after the crew threw him overboard into the violent sea. Jonah had plenty of time to think about God while he was in the belly of the fish. Three days and three nights. Jonah finally prayed to God, and the fish spit him out.

Lessons Learned

#1. The Importance of Second Chances.
#2. Sometimes, We Need to Run Away in Order to See Things Differently
#3. You Can’t Outsmart God.

The story of Jonah teaches us some important lessons about obedience, forgiveness, and second chances. It reminds us that it’s essential to listen to God and do what He asks of us, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. It also shows us that God is merciful and forgiving, always ready to give us another chance when we mess up. And finally, it reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed from the right path, it’s never too late to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.

The next we hear God’s calling, and we don’t want to do what’s right, remember the Story of Jonah.

Follow God’s instructions even if we think we are not up to the task.
Be patient and compassionate as God was with Jonah.
Trust God to guide us back to where we need to be.

These lessons encourage us to reflect on our lives and consider our relationship with God.

Are you good?

Take a deep breath in. Exhale slowly.

Let’s inhale willingness to follow God and exhale our selfishness.

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I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet – Lessons Learned from The Story of Deborah

Earth Shook. Heavens Poured.

When you, Lord, went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the Lord, the One of Sinai, before the Lord, the God of Israel.

Judges 5:4-5

Deborah, a prophetess, and a judge led Israel to victory over their enemies. She lived in a time when Israel felt oppressed by the Canaanites, who had 900 iron chariots and a cruel king named Jabin. The Israelites cried out to the Lord for help, and he answered them through Deborah.

10,000 Men.

Deborah summoned Barak, a military leader, and told him to gather 10,000 men from two tribes of Israel. Then, instructed them to go to Mount Tabor. There, the Lord would deliver Jabin’s army into their hands. Barak agreed, but only on one condition: Deborah had to go with him. Deborah accepted but warned him that the honor of defeating Jabin’s general, Sisera, would go to a woman.

Milk. Tent Peg.

The Lord panicked Sisera and his chariots, and they fled before Barak’s army. Sisera abandoned his chariot and ran on foot to the tent of Jael, a woman who was friendly with Jabin. Jael welcomed him into her tent, gave him milk, and covered him with a blanket. Sisera, exhausted from the heat and the fight, fell asleep. Then Jael took a tent peg and a hammer and drove the peg through his temple, killing him.

Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled: a woman had killed Sisera. Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to the Lord for giving them victory over their enemies. The land had peace for 40 years.

Lessons Learned

As the Dog Days of Summer officially end, let us learn lessons from Deborah’s story and how it applies to our lives.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Action.
#2. Be the First to Do Something Different.
[But, please don’t drive a peg through someone’s head.]
#3. Practice Teamwork.

Female. Leader. Brave.

Deborah was a fearless leader, the only female judge in Israel. She proved that God could use anyone to carry out a mission. Her keen business skills demanded her to act collaboratively. Jael, a Kenite woman, and Barak, a military leader, have different skill sets. Deborah acted swiftly. She took the initiative. Fear did not stop her.

The next time we hear about an earthquake, remember the Story of Deborah.

Be faithful.
Trust in God.
Praise God for Blessings.

Take a Deep Breath.

Let’s breathe in strategy and action and exhale fear and delay.

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