The Miracles of the Lord through Elijah

Elijah was a Prophet on earth, he lived in the area of Jordan an "inhabitant of Gilead" he performed many miracles during his time on earth, here are a few examples. 

• 1 Kings 17:1- No rain or dew in Gilead for a few years 
• 1 Kings 17:2-6- Ravens fed Elijah bread and meat
• 1 Kings 17:8-16- A woman took Elijah in that was very poor, because she served Elijah over her and her son, her flour and oil that were nearly out lasted the whole time it never rained.
• 1 Kings 17:17-22- Elijah raised the women's son from the dead. This was the same women that fed him 
• 1 Kings 18:31-38- Elijah built an altar out of stone and wood then drenched it with water and God consumed it with fire. 
• 1 Kings 18: 41-45 Elijah and Ahab were able to get out of the land safely before it started to rain
• 1 Kings 21: 17-19; 22: 34-38. The King of Israel had killed someone to gain possession of land. Elijah  prophesied that the king would die on the same land, later this prophecy came true. 
• 2 Kings 1:9-14. The guards were sent out to find God, Elijah consumed 2 groups of 50 soldiers to stop them  from leaving the land. The third group of 50 sent he spared because they recognized that God was already in the land. 

Miracles can be both a blessing and a curse. It depends what side of the fence you are on. If you are cheering for God then the miracles will be in your favor, like the women that fed Elijah her last bit of food, she had food the whole time it never rained. For those that weren't doing what's right they were cursed with no water for a year. I have found it's a good thing to choose God's side. When Elijah's time on earth was over it says "there appeared a chariot of fire,...and Elijah went up in a whirlwind into heaven" he was translated. 2 Kings 2:11-12

Solomon's Succeeding to the Throne

I recently read and studied this section of the scriptures and loved it! I did not know Solomon made a mad rush to be crowned King. It is amazing the things you learn when you study the scriptures. Here is a quick overview of what I learned. Feel free to comment and help further my knowledge.

Bible Dictionary quick version of who these people are:

Adonijah- fourth son of David, usurps the kingdom, pardoned, afterwards slain
Abithar- Priest, Takes part in Adonijah’s rebellion, is thrust out from the priesthood.
David- King, Righteous man that disobeyed then repented.
Nathan the Prophet- Son of David and Bathsheba, helps anoint Solomon King
Solomon- Son of David and Bathsheba, crowned on the rebellion of Adonijah
Joab- David’s nephew, captain of David’s army, liked Adonijah, was put to death by Solomon
Zadok- Priest, Remained faithful to David during the rebellion, helped anoint Solomon king.

Quick Story How Solomon became King

Adonijah was in line to receive the throne after David died. David was getting old, Adonijah thought it was a good idea to start presenting himself as king. He arranged a royal procession, and a royal feast all without his father King David knowing. However David had told Bath-sheba Solomon would be king.

Nathan the Prophet tells Bath-sheba what Adonijah is doing, Bath-sheba then goes into tell David that Adonijah is preparing to take over the throne. David is upset and says that Solomon is to be king. Nathan comes in and confirms what Adonijah is doing. Adonijah has also gained support from some of David’s own people, Joab captain of David’s army, Abiathar the High Priest.
David tells Solomon he is to be king and right away sends Solomon on his (David’s) horse to Gihon to be anointed by Zadok the priest and Nathan the Prophet and was anointed king over Adonijah.

1 King’s 2:1-4

David is on his deathbed his charge to Solomon is to be strong, and to prove himself a man. To always obey God, keep His commandments and to grow his own testimony. If they are following what God says his people won’t fail.

Man of God

My definition of a man of God is someone who puts others before him that is faithful, valiant, keeps the commandments of God, seeks good in all things, loves the gospel. He is “steadfast and immovable” he stands up for what he knows is right, he has physical courage to defend his people at all costs to keep his values alive. His heart is humbled and full of gratitude knowing he as a man isn’t strong enough on his own without God’s help. A man of God is a well rounded man, he loves to learn, he is understanding, labors diligently, unselfish, kills only to protect his people. Someone people can trust and look to for guidance and know he will not run away in the face of trials. A man that God can trust to do His work on earth. The world needs more of these in the chaos that we live in. Is it you? Stand up and take the challenge.

Additional reading insights:

Holy Bible 1 King's chapter 1-2 http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/1-kgs/1?lang=eng

Bible Dictionary http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd?lang=eng

(1-2) 1 Kings 1. How Could Adonijah and Solomon Both Have Claim to the Throne of Israel? http://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-1?lang=eng