From Faith To Fear

1 Kings 19

The great and honorable prophet Elijah had proven to be a reliable and effective conduit, by which God could work His glory and power through. Confronting a king of any stature, is never a wise action to take, but God was with Elijah, more notably when he opposed the king’s wicked beliefs, and obeyed as God commanded.

While doing the works of the Lord are indeed righteous, not everyone will hold your actions in a positive light. After hearing how Elijah had slain 450 prophets of Baal (who were in full support of the king and queen’s unrighteous rule), the cruel and brutal Jezebel sent a messenger to God’s prophet, warning him of his certain death. After performing many great wonders in the name of the Lord, one would assume that Elijah would simply laugh at the threat of a deceived and unrighteous woman, but the great and mighty prophet of the most high God, ran for his life! I have full understanding that a threat on your life should never be taken lightly (especially these days), but Elijah was not too far removed from making it rain, and slaying 450 men, by himself! What was it about Jezebel, that caused the once bold prophet to cower in fear? While king Ahab was known to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, Jezebel was responsible for spearheading many of those situations. She promoted and funded Baal worship, eliminated many of God’s representatives in Israel, then set her mind to rid the world of the prophet Elijah.

While it’s true, the mind and body require rest and nourishment, especially after a great spiritual experience, I’m certain God would have protected Elijah, had he stood his ground against the evil queen, but due to his overwhelming fear of Jezebel, the prophet Elijah ran from Jezreel, and eventually settled at Mount Horeb. While there, he talked with God…

Make It Rain

1 Kings 18

Many days had passed from the time God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the evil king Ahab, until He was ready to reveal His omnipotence to the nation that had turned against Him. During these times, a severe famine overtook Samaria, but the king and those he ruled were still unconvinced of the sovereignty of the true and living God. After an eventful three years of miraculous signs and provision, God spoke to the prophet Elijah, and instructed him to return to the king with another important message. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” Could you imagine not having rain for three years? Without rainfall on the earth, there would be catastrophic damage all over the world. But, God allows things to happen so others can witness for themselves, all power belongs to Him, and He alone is deserving of worship, honor, and glory. Unfortunately, men are too consumed in their own beliefs, that they totally disregard the obvious workings of the living God, in favor of their futile idolatry.

As you read further into chapter 18, you’ll discover the very unique and elaborate plan God commanded Elijah to follow, which revealed the falsehoods and foolishness of Baal worship, and brought to light the mighty power of the God of Heaven and earth. 450 prophets who worshiped Baal were left without an answer from their “god of rain and plenty”, yet they witnessed the power of the true God with their own eyes.

Nothing compares to the power of the almighty God. Men and women are drawn away daily into deception, and allow falsehoods to overtake their sensibility, but every idol worshipped by men, has no power to do anything, except distract them from the truth. Have you pledged your allegiance to serve weak and powerless idols, or are you aligned with the God who created all things?

Powerless Groves

1 Kings 16:29-18:4

For 22 years, Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel. Many kings had ruled God’s chosen people before this time; some feared God, but many did not. Of all those who reigned over Israel up to this point, none provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger more than king Ahab. Ahab did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who sat on the throne before him. This is really saying something, because the wicked kings who came before Ahab were known for committing corruptible and heinous acts in the sight of the Lord. How would you feel knowing someone who was deemed by the Bible, the most wicked king ever? Not only was Ahab building a reputation for harboring pure evil, but he joined himself to the most wicked woman of his time as well. Jezebel came from the city of Tyre, and was known to be a committed worshiper of Baal also. From their union, came forth only evil and wickedness. To make matters worse, king Ahab thought it necessary to build an altar for Baal, in the house already established for Baal worship. While God allowed the evil king to sit on the throne, He was preparing a man to bring Ahab’s darkness to light. According to His perfect timing, God sent the prophet Elijah to warn king Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” (17:1b). Telling the king there would be no rain or dew until he says so, was like a literal slap in the face of their god. Baal worshippers believed he was the god of rain and harvest, so when the prophet Elijah graced the king’s presence with such a warning, this no doubt brought shock and worry to the heart of the evil man. Elijah was brave in confronting the king, and delivering the message of the Lord, but this was only the beginning of the story…

Spring Cleaning!

2 Kings 22:14-23:30

Throughout the year, many who own homes or rent apartments, usually accumulate excessive amounts of clothing, tools and equipment, and most notably, dirt and grime. For this reason, “Spring Cleaning” was coined to represent a time when conducting a thorough cleaning of the home, or place of living should, take place. Usually, moms take charge of going through every area of the home, in an effort to get rid of things that have little to no value, then go to work on those areas until they are clean enough to her liking. Children are usually involved in this process, but not to the same extent as mothers.

Keeping things stored that add no value to your living situation, only take up space for things that actually can add value. In most cases of spring cleaning, junk is thrown out, and messy places are renewed to reveal their intended freshness. While living the Christian life, it’s easy to get attached to things that aren’t healthy for our souls, if we aren’t careful. For instance, if you check the hearts of the average believer, I’m almost certain you’ll find one or two items in their “inner man”, that are unhealthy for their spiritual development. Just as mom’s designate times to thoroughly clean their homes, the children of God should do the same to keep their hearts and minds clean, and unspotted from the world. It’s important to take moments during the day to examine whether the things in your life are adding to your growth in godliness, or if they represent something contrary to holy living.

Our text gives a great example of how the process of purifying our souls should be conducted. In the previous lesson, king Josiah heard the word of God for the first time, then was immediately convicted, and sought to make things right. This young man not only intended to turn the hearts of the people toward righteous living, but he literally cleaned out EVERYTHING that brought dishonor to the name of the Lord. Below is a brief list of some of the things Josiah was provoked to put into action:

-burned all vessels that were made for baal
-put down the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to baal, the sun, and to the moon, planets, and hosts of heaven
-burned all the wooden images in the house of the Lord, until they were like powder
-broke down the houses of the sodomites near the house of the Lord, where women wove decorations for the graven images
-defiled all high places where the priests burned incense
-removed horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, then burned the chariots of the sun with fire
-beat down and brake all altars made by the evil kings of Judah
-defiled all the abominations built by king Solomon -broke in pieces all the graven images, and filled their places with the bones of men

To what extent do you go, to keep your heart clean before the Lord?

Book Of The Law

2 Kings 22:8-13

As I near the 40 year mark of life on this earth, I can honestly say, I’ve invested hundreds of thousands of hours of reading and meditation in the holy Word of God. Mind you, I don’t say that with any ounce of arrogance, but humility. As a child raised in a Christian home, reading and studying the Bible was an everyday thing for the members of my household, and learning the importance of holiness and how to apply it was instilled in my siblings and I since I can remember. Although I’ve been privileged to grow up the way I did, I was in no way a stranger to mistakes, failures, and faults. But, by the grace of God, I’ve been blessed with time and opportunity to mature and grow continually in godliness.

While it’s important to teach children the ins and outs of life, it’s crucial that they learn about godliness as early as possible. Our text mentions a child of the lineage of king David, who would begin to reign over the people of Judah at the age of eight years old. From reading the text, it’s obvious young Josiah had godly parents, based on verse two which reads, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” This is very encouraging to know, because there were no known scripture text available at this time, because the long line of evil kings probably did away with anything considered holy, but it’s revealed later, the high priest found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. The book was immediately brought and read to the king. After hearing the words according to the law, the now 26 year old king tore off his clothes, then called certain men together to inquire of the Lord concerning the words he had just heard. Based on the law, king Josiah concluded, their fathers had not hearkened to the words of the law, and the wrath of God would be kindled against he and his people. I can’t say of a certainty, that I’ve ever met anyone who read the Bible for the first time, then sought immediate reform, but Josiah was fully convinced that their nation needed to change.

Millions of people today own Bibles, but very few allow its words to penetrate beyond their pride, ignorance, and arrogance. The young and wise king realized how corrupt the nation had become, and made it priority to set things in order. It matters not how young or old a person is, God’s Word can reach you wherever you are. Josiah wasn’t blessed to have the Word of God in his home growing up as I did, yet he lived according to holy and godly standards without wavering. Take advantage of the privilege of reading God’s Word, and allow it to help you grow, so that your purpose for living won’t be in vain.

Forget-Me-Not

Deuteronomy 29:1-6

After experiencing the many wonderful blessings of the Lord in our lives, how do we so easily fall back into sin and the errors of our past? With each trial and struggle the Father brings us through, our faith should be strengthened, and trust in God’s sovereignty amplified to greater levels, but how do we give in to temptation, after witnessing miracles, healings, and wonders in our very own lives? If you took a brief moment to think of all the things God has provided for you, or kept you from, you’d go from counting on your fingers and toes, to writing them down on paper.

Contrary to how the world portrays God to be, He is indeed in favor of righteous indignation, but desires to bless those who willfully obey His commandments. Unfortunately, humans have a tendency to enjoy blessings for a moment, then revert back to their former way of thinking. This harmful cycle of living was prevalent amongst the children of Israel in Scripture. During times of good and plenty, they somehow allowed themselves to get caught up in idol worship and riotous living. The Israelites were reminded of the time when God delivered them from Pharoah’s oppression in Egypt, in addition to how for 40 years, their clothes and shoes never wore out, nor did they have to work for food. God took care of His chosen people, yet they still found time to murmur and complain. How much was enough? I mean, how much did God have to do, to keep their attention on serving Him?

The people of ancient times may not have had the technology or distractions we have today, but it’s evident their eras were littered with ungodly things to block them from serving God. But, despite the inevitable traps and snares set before them, God provided ways for His people to prosper, and do well in the earth. As in the past, God daily loads the people of today with benefits, the likes of which cannot be replicated by human strength or intellect. Who in the earth has ever created anything God didn’t bring into existence? God gives us the breath of life, and a sound mind to fulfill our daily duties. While we may not all become rich, wealthy, and famous, God gives every man what he needs to fulfill their assignment in the earth.

Appreciate the blessings of God, whether you consider them great or small, and don’t allow yourself to easily forget how wonderful He is to you every day. Keep your heart, mind, and eyes fixed on the Lord, so that when temptation comes to pull you away, you’ll keep a firm stance on holy and righteous living.

Believe ‘Til The End

Hebrews 4:1-11

No matter how hard life gets for you, don’t give up. Despite daily trials, tribulations, and seemingly unending struggles, strive to endure until the end. This advice goes out to all who are fighting the “good fight of faith”, and continue to boldly represent holiness, in an ever-changing world.

Throughout history, there were many who started out following after righteousness, but grew weary in doing well. While some had ample opportunity to consider the inward struggle between good and evil in their hearts (like Judas Iscariot), and allow their faith in God to supercede the latter, their supposed hope in the Lord was exposed as being fraudulent. Others who followed after Jesus, allowed the negative influence of family or peers to steer them away from doing what’s right, in place of fulfilling carnal desires. How often are you invited by someone close to you, to participate in events or activities that do very little to promote healthy spirituality? Oftentimes, we are tempted to do things that only satisfy our flesh, and does nothing to build or edify our soul. Gone are the days when believers looked forward to prayer and Bible study meetings, where God could be exalted, and hearts could be encouraged. Nowadays, church folk gravitate more toward what the world promotes on social media or television.

The church looks identical to the world in the way they dress, speak, and think. This is very unfortunate, as many who blend in with the world usually get pulled away from their first love (God), and cling to the fads and trends of carnality. The world is indeed a sphere of continual wickedness, masked with the guise of perpetual happiness, but underneath the semblance of peace and hope, is the true evil intent of the adversary of the believer.

Trust God until the end, and don’t let anything or anyone cause you to fall, or turn away from your faith in the Father. The enemy is coming at the church with full force, but the power of God resides in all His children, through His Spirit, and has equipped them to stand against all the wiles of satan. Don’t give up, don’t give in, because you have the victory over wickedness and sin.

Save Somebody

Psalm 25:1-10

Witnessing this present world continue its steady decline in its morality and sense of humanity, should provoke those who love God to consider their ways, and shift their focus on what’s really important. Time is passing by quickly, as prophetic events continue to manifest, so it’s imperative that the children of God make it their business to do those things that are pleasing to the Father, and not get caught up in carnal living.

Christians must first be sure that their own souls are right with God, and be diligent in obeying His Word. Although the world is full of distractions, which easily pull men’s attention from God, believers must strive to hold up a holy standard, in the midst of a fallen world. Salvation through the Son is free, and all who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be saved. But, being saved from sin is only the beginning of a new life in Christ. Maintaining a healthy balance of godly living is essential in the development of a man or woman’s spirituality.

Many say they are saved, yet their living aligns more with the world, rather than holiness. For this reason, it’s important for the church to be a light in this dark world, to show those who are lost, salvation is real, and the benefits of living for God far outweigh the temporary rewards this dying world offers.

I admonish all who claim to be sons and daughters of God, to continue in prayer, study and meditate on the Word, and keep your hearts with all diligence. There’s not much time left on the earth, despite how social media and other sources paint the world to be. Judgment is soon coming to the earth, and all who refuse to accept salvation will be lost forever.

After you’ve saved yourself (by accepting Jesus into your heart), go out and save as many more as you can, because he who wins souls is wise in God’s eyes.

In Awe Of You

Joshua 5

In the beginning, God created everything; from massive lands and trees, to animals and great seas!  God the Father was, and is deserving of the praise and respect of all men, whether they are  submitted to His authority, or not. In times passed, men and women would instantly become frightened at the appearing of a messenger of the Lord. This was in part due to natural human reaction, coupled with reverence and awe of the presence of the Lord.

When the Lord appeared to Abraham in the book of Genesis, chapter 18, he begged for Him not to leave, rather to stay, so that he could wash His feet, provide food and water, then set He and His company in a proper place to rest. This was indeed a great sign of honor and humility. God sent messengers to visit many others in scripture, including shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and others, all of whom became submitted to the heavenly messengers who graced their presence.

Men of the past showed great respect for God, and they were rewarded for their humility, but the same can hardly be said in the 21st century. Some people today say they’ve had encounters with heavenly beings, and I’m not one to judge, but God has revealed Himself to mankind today, through His Word, and the same respect we would give to a heavenly being who appeared to us, we ought to render the same in the presence of His holy Scripture, or even through prayer. Bible prophecy predicted long ago, men would lose their love and reverence for godliness in the last days, and this truth is undeniably evident. Some read God’s Word out of habit, or a forced feeling, and others come to God in prayer with selfish petitions and vain requests.

Many have lost their awe and fear of God, and tend to show more respect to worldly leaders and celebrities. Men and women literally cry tears for famous artists and musicians who perform ungodly shows, and could care less about the souls of their fanatics. God is responsible for giving life to all who walk the earth, and He alone deserves to be reverenced, feared, and respected. Without God, there would be no salvation. Without God, there would be no remission of sin. Without God, life would be eternal misery for all mankind. Without God, our goals, dreams, and passions would be impossible to attain.

Turn your attention away from men who are popular to the world, yet have no relevance in the kingdom of God, and rededicate your confession of submission to the Creator of the world. Honor God when you kneel to pray, make His name glorious when you praise, and reverence the power and authority of His name when you witness to others.

Show Me The Money!

Joshua 6

The oldest form of commerce throughout history is, the bartering system. In the past, men would exchange goods and services amongst each other, based on the equivalent value of such goods and service. For example, if a man was in need of 15 potatoes, he could exchange them with someone with goods of equal value. Exchanging an elephant for his potatoes would not be a fair exchange, but bartering 15 apples would suffice.

Over time, the bartering system was done away with, when money was introduced. With the state at which the world is in today, I believe it would have been better off maintaining the system of bartering. Money is good for many reasons, but men have adapted to loving it, thus changing the world forever. Money isn’t inherently evil, as it serves many purposes, including building upon kingdom business.

Because of the sin of Adam, man was cursed to work, but honest work deserves honest pay. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in some instances. The Bible warns against loving money, or gaining it the wrong way, because doing so can cause all manner of evil to interfere with your daily living. King Solomon wrote, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase” (Prov 13:11).

Money is simply a tool to be used to maintain a balanced lifestyle in the earth, but the love of it has brought never-ending chaos to people all over the globe. While the Bible teaches that we should not love money, we should embrace the good that can be done with it. Do you desire money in order to fulfill selfish desires, or are your motivations set on doing good for others with the increase God pours into your life?