It is not wrong for you to depend on your “Elijah” for as long as God gives him to you. But remember that the time will come when he must leave and will no longer be your guide and your leader, because God does not intend for him to stay. Even the thought of that causes you to say, “I cannot continue without my ‘Elijah.’ ” Yet God says you must continue.Alone at Your “Jordan” (2 Kings 2:14). The Jordan River represents the type of separation where you have no fellowship with anyone else, and where no one else can take your responsibility from you. You now have to put to the test what you learned when you were with your “Elijah.” You have been to the Jordan over and over again with Elijah, but now you are facing it alone. There is no use in saying that you cannot go— the experience is here, and you must go. If you truly want to know whether or not God is the God your faith believes Him to be, then go through your “Jordan” alone.Alone at Your “Jericho” (2 Kings 2:15). Jericho represents the place where you have seen your “Elijah” do great things. Yet when you come alone to your “Jericho,” you have a strong reluctance to take the initiative and trust in God, wanting, instead, for someone else to take it for you. But if you remain true to what you learned while with your “Elijah,” you will receive a sign, as Elisha did, that God is with you.

Alone at Your “Bethel” (2 Kings 2:23). At your “Bethel” you will find yourself at your wits’ end but at the beginning of God’s wisdom. When you come to your wits’ end and feel inclined to panic— don’t! Stand true to God and He will bring out His truth in a way that will make your life an expression of worship. Put into practice what you learned while with your “Elijah”— use his mantle and pray (see 2 Kings 2:13-14). Make a determination to trust in God, and do not even look for Elijah anymore.

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August 11 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. This devotional made me think about the role models I have had over the years and how at first, they seemed 20 feet tall and impervious to fear and failure; and then their humanity made them seem not so tall and impervious. I can recall putting pastors, teachers and Christian brothers and sisters on Christian pedestals…until they fell off. Is this a lesson about an amazing prophet and his accomplishments or is it a lesson about his fear and failures? This seems to be a lesson about finding Christian mentors and letting them go.

And Gods says…”The Bible and history are full of stories about the failures of strong believers, teachers and prophets. Just when you thought a disciple or prophet was worth following, he  or she finds their Jezebel or Bathsheba and/or denies Christ before the rooster comes fully awake in the morning. And when you turn your eyes inward you recall your own Jezebel, Bathsheba, and accompanying fears and misdeeds. This is a lesson of reminder that when you put your eyes on men, ultimately you will always be disappointed. And even if you are not disappointed, they will provide no real transformation. When you hold up a pastor, teacher or political party or candidate as a solution, you will always be disappointed. And when someone holds you up as a great example you too will fail and falter. But take heart, this then becomes the time and place for My great grace.”

“Let go of your human pillars of “truth and strength” including your own righteousness, and remember to acknowledge Me in all your ways and let Me make your paths straight. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will provide everything you else you require for your life, including the strength for taking the right paths and the grace for the times you and your mentors will not. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding or worthiness, or that of others and I will make your paths straight.”