Mount Carmel

Our first stop on Day 3 was Mt. Carmel -- also called "The Place of Fire" -- site of that great battle between God's prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. The entire account is found in 1 Kings 18 and is action packed.

Elijah issued a challenge to the prophets of Baal to see whose God would light the sacrifice -- Baal (who is really no god at all) -- or the God of Israel, the One True God of the Universe!

Of course Baal could not light the sacrifice prepared by his prophets, because he is a man-made god with no real power.

However, Elijah prayed that God would light the sacrifice he had prepared, ". . . so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." God answered in such a dramatic fashion that there was no doubt He is God!

Lon Solomon challenged us to examine our own motives when we pray.

• Is my main concern that my life be easier?
  
• Or is my main motive to bring glory to God?

I wish I could say my motives were always pure. Many times I pray for good things, but with selfish motives. I want my life to be peaceful and my relationships secure.

However, what if I prayed like Elijah? What if the cry of MY heart was ". . . so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Would I see fire from heaven or feel the earth shake? God is still able.

Lord, search my heart and purify my motives. Make the desires of my heart in tune with Yours.