No Weapon…

1 Samuel 18:12-18

When God is with you, expect the world to hate you. Harboring hate is such a miserable way to live, especially when that hate is aimed toward those doing the Lord’s business. Jesus was sure to remind us, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you”, so think it not strange, when those who aren’t engrafted into the body of Christ, tend to treat you unfairly.

God knows that His people are prime targets for the enemy to attack, because they are fulfilling something he can never attain. Satan’s pride and arrogance caused him to lose all heavenly privileges, and he now roams the earth, seeking whom he can influence with his wicked devices. Unfortunately, men give in quite easily to satan’s schemes, especially when they aren’t rooted in the Word of God. The prideful and arrogant traits of satan are passed on to those who entertain his evil ways, and such persons become willful puppets, who act according to the plan of the enemy. One man, who’s ungodly attitude and behavior caused the Lord to literally leave him was, king Saul. Saul was once revered by Israel, but when David came on the scene (and defeated Goliath), the people began to gravitate more towards the giant slayer. Like most men in power, Saul became very jealous of the glory and praise David was receiving from the people, and his once subtle appreciation of David, quickly turned into hatred in mere moments.

The instant we allow jealousy and hatred toward another to invade our hearts, we literally give satan permission to do as he wills with our lives. Hatred, jealousy, envy, strife, and other types of emotions as these, are extremely dangerous, because once they are set in motion, they can quickly become uncontrollable.

Guard your heart at all times against harboring hate toward anyone. As a believer, it’s your duty to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). David could have easily taken the life of king Saul, for trying to take his own life 21 times, but his love for God kept him humble, and on the righteous path, despite the plan of the enemy set against him.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Godly Connections

1 Samuel 18:1-5

Throughout your onward Christian journey, be very careful who you allow in your life, after God either uses you in a great way, or bestows bountiful blessing upon your life. When the days of your life are calm and steady, not many will seek to join themselves to you, especially if you’re considered lame or boring, but the moment God allows you to be used to serve a great purpose, you’ll quickly become surrounded by those who may want to connect to you, but for all the wrong reasons.

Our previous lesson touched a little on the story of David and Goliath, and how God worked mightily through the humble, young David, and brought victory to Israel. While David played his part in standing for righteousness, and confronting one who deliberately blasphemed the God of Israel, the omnipotent power of the almighty, all-powerful, and all-knowing Creator was what caused David’s bold and brave actions to overcome the great opposition against Israel.

After prevailing over such a feared foe, David’s act caught the attention of king Saul, who inquired deeply concerning who David’s father was. I’m uncertain whether or not king Saul’s initial motivations toward David were pure, but as you read further along in this story, you’ll discover how the reverence he once had for David, would change in an instant.

Fortunately, king Saul’s selfish and unpleasant personality didn’t pass on to his son, because after hearing David’s words to his father, “the soul of Jonathan was knit with David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (vs. 1b). I’d like to take a moment and insert a brief excerpt concerning the relationship between Jonathan and David, written by Finis Jennings Dake that reads, “The love of Jonathan and David was like that of Father and son (as it was noted, Jonathan was probably 40 years old when he met young David), and as true brothers in the same nation – not the low, depraved, unnatural homosexual and demonized love which some have sought to attach to this story. There was a genuine affection which was pure and normal, as it should be with all men”.

Bless God daily, for all the people in your life, who are true to the Word, sincere in their friendship with you, and seek only to promote kingdom business, above all else. Saul connected to David to fulfill his selfish ambitions, but Jonathan saw the spirit of God in the young man, that caused him to willingly offer all the support he would need, so that he could do his best for God. How many friends do you have, who work hard to make you look God in the eyes of God?

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

No Contest

1 Samuel 17:41-51

Throughout the Bible, there are instances when God would use divine intervention, to reveal Himself to the world. The purpose of the Lord doing this was to convince men that His power was indeed real, and false idol worship was senseless, useless, and extremely dangerous. When Israel failed to convince heathen nations of the power the true and living God holds, God would oftentimes manifest His amazing power and glory in ways that could never be imitated.

Our text mentions the fight between David and Goliath. Ironically, this fight was over, before it had even begun. The men of Israel’s army were afraid of the towering 13 ft beast of a man who opposed them, breathing threatening and blasphemous words toward their God. Goliath assumed the God of Israel was weak and frail, probably like the ones he and his men served, but David’s God was well-equipped to work through the young, faithful lad, and bring him the victory.

Although David had impressive combat experience, killing a bear and lion, while protecting his father’s flock, this fight with the “giant” required a different set of weapons… spiritual ones. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The arrogant and haughty Goliath, thought too highly of himself, not just because he was physically great in stature, but because he lacked the common knowledge of the God who backed the children of Israel. Had the giant known who David’s God really was, he probably would have kept his head attached to his neck. This is a prime example of how arrogance and pride can literally cause you to lose your head.

I doubt we will have a David experience in our lives, because there aren’t 13 foot giants walking around threatening the children of God, but there are evil spirits that existed even during the days of king David, that lurk in our time, seeking whom they can influence to do their bidding. For every obstacle that comes to threaten your love for God, slay them with God’s Word. It matters not who, or what comes against us, we have the same power that worked through David, also working in us, through the Spirit of God, who enables us to overcome all evil. The enemy stands no chance against the children of God, because the battle isn’t ours, it’s the Lord’s.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Vain Labor

1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

Hard labor was one of the direct punishments rendered to man, after falling to sin, in the Garden of Eden. It’s because of Adam, all men must work to earn a living, and maintain a balanced supply of necessary resources for themselves, and their family for survival. Working isn’t inherently evil, but things were a lot easier before sin interrupted the flow of things in the earth.

Today, men and women work tirelessly, to earn a steady income, so they their lifestyles can be maintained. While some work hard, and use their earnings to take care of necessities, there are those who invest countless hours of labor, only to spoil their goods on frivolous things. If all the money that was wasted on drugs, alcohol, strip clubs, and all other ungodly things was redistributed to help those in need, this world would be in much better shape than it is today.

Those who appreciate the time and effort they invest in working, tend to have a great appreciation for their wages, so that only what’s necessary, is what they perfer to spend their money on. It’s a very bad feeling to know that the money you worked so hard to gain, was wasted on things that have no value or relevance. The apostle Paul shared similar sentiments, when he showed great concern for the Thessalonian church. While visiting them on one of his journeys, he informed the church of his inevitable suffering and persecution. While they may have heard Paul’s words, they were probably uncertain of how those things would actually manifest. In any case, Paul’s prophetic words were manifested indeed, so much until he was unable to return to the church at Thessalonica, to check whether or not “the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain” (vs. 5b).

Paul wanted to be assured that the people he had ministered to were still strong in their faith, even during his absence. This is also similar to a parent, who invests years of hard labor, raising and caring for their children. They expect for their children to be obedient, and abide by the words they teach, but that’s not always the case. Thankfully, Paul received word from Timothy, the Thessalonian church was indeed standing strong in godliness. Also, their faith and love for God was still held in high regard, and they had “good remembrance” of the men of God always. Paul’s heart was pleased to know that his labor in preaching the Gospel was not in vain.

In our lives today, we may not see the fruit of our labor instantly, but with prayer, fasting, and patience, many of those whom we introduced the message of the Gospel to, will flourish, and begin to have an impact in the kingdom of God soon enough.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Tears Of Reconciliation

Genesis 45:1-15

“Hurt people, hurt people, but healed people, help people” – Ell. When a brother or sister sins against us, it’ll leave inevitable hurt in our hearts, that if not dealt with in a timely manner, could cause more damage in the long run. While it’s rare that a fellow member of the body of Christ would intentionally seek to harm another, there are occasions when some will entertain the spirit of jealousy, that could eventually influence them to make unwise choices. In times when we are treated unjustly by our brother or sister, the Bible teaches, “if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal 6:1 KJV). Rather than hold a grudge, or harbor ill feelings toward someone who allows the enemy to deceive them, we who have fully submitted ourselves to God, should seek only to bring them back into right standing with the Father. This was exactly how Joseph handled the situation between himself, and his brothers. He could have easily turned his hurt into anger, which would have no doubt morphed into intense rage, but Joseph trusted God, even in his hurt, and allowed love to lead and guide all his actions. Joseph’s loud weeping was proof that he had already forgiven his brothers, even before they had visited him. What a guy! Do you hold grudges and ill feelings toward those who may have caused you intense grief, or have you allowed the love of God to penetrate deep into your heart, to reveal to you a more deeper understanding of your process?

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Serve And Protect

Genesis 44:27-34

One of the believer’s duties in service to God is, to protect those who also stand in agreement with their faith confession. The Bible teaches in the book of Romans, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me” (Romans 15:1-3).

Some who follow after righteousness diligently, will at times, become weak in spirit, and will be unable to bear their burdens alone. It’s during these moments when the power of prayer and intercession become of great importance to those who are weak, and those who can help bear the burdens of others. A sure way to identify a real child of God, from those who only use God’s name for selfish purposes is, to monitor how far they go, to ensure that others are properly cared for. There are many who claim the name of Christ, and appear to perform good deeds, but their actions are only done to promote themselves, and gain relevance in the spotlight. True Christians do their alms in secret, intercede in their prayer closets, and desire only to help those in need, without seeking glory for themselves.

After you pledged your allegiance in service to God, and to protect His people, did you do so with the intentions of making your name great, or did you purposely intend to fulfill the Words Jesus spoke when He commanded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”? (Matt. 22:37-40)

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Defending Your Life

Genesis 44:18-26

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). During these perilous end times, the Saints of God are to maintain themselves differently from the world. All who proclaim to be followers of Christ Jesus, are to remain unspotted from the things that do not pertain to holiness. This includes, but is not limited to, behaving themselves appropriately in all situations, keeping their tongues from speaking evil, and their lips from uttering words of deceit, showing love to all men, including their enemies, giving to those in need, refraining from sexual immorality, seeking peace with all men, and obeying the “Golden Rule”. True followers of God are not easily beguiled by satan, nor his wicked forces, but they stand against all evil, while exemplifying the character of Jesus through their daily living.

The church ought not direct their focus on defending their faith through words alone, but the world should see an obvious difference between themselves, and those who claim the name of Christ. Defend your faith with the Word of God. Prove your allegiance to Christ through the way you live. Honor, reverence, and serve the almighty God with gladness, and don’t be ashamed if the world considers you odd or strange. When you make a conscious and definite decision to defend God’s Word, He will in turn, defend you, and when God is for you, no one has a chance to bring you down.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Hard Work Pays Off

Genesis 44:14-17

The average person who works to maintain a steady income, seeks to fulfill all their assigned duties, so that there will be no problems or issues when pay day comes. Many of us dress ourselves in such a fashion, that we exemplify what our position represents. We arrive to work clean, well kempt, and giving off sweet smelling fragrances. Most people care about how they look at work, and also how they perform. They take pride in the work they do, and seek to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. When problems arise, we work diligently to correct all issues that may have gone wrong, and our end goal is to prove to our superiors, that we are well able to perform all duties assigned to us, as well as show them that our hard work deserves just recompense.

Imagine for a moment, if we took the same approach as we do working for worldly men, and applied the same work ethics to living for God. Do you monitor how you dress yourself on a daily basis (as being a representation of holiness)? Do you love God and keep His commandments diligently, and wholeheartedly? How do you expect God to reward you on judgment day, based on the fruit you produced during your lifetime? Reconsider all the effort you put forth to please men, and redirect some of that time and effort into fulfilling God’s will for your life. While it’s commanded in Scripture for man to work, it’s also commanded that we bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Strive to maintain a healthy balance of physical and spiritual labor, knowing that in the end, God will reward us not for clocking in and out at work, but for what we accomplish for His kingdom.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Sticky Situation

Genesis 43:1-15

In most churches around the world, children are taught very early, the importance of Ephesians 6:1-3 which reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” The average Christian parent willingly seeks to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, so that as they mature, they’ll gradually develop in knowledge, understanding, and reverence of who He really is. Parents want the best for their children, and desire to steer them in the right direction, so they hold a firm stance toward obedience. But, is it ever ok for a child to disobey their parent’s command?

That question may have tickled a few ears, but should children really do everything their parents tell them to, even if it could cause potential harm to them? Our text gives a great example of this precise situation. After seeing their little brother for the first time in years, and assuming he was probably long dead, Joseph’s brothers were met with a rude awakening, when Joseph thought it wise to teach them a lesson for the past error of their ways. There’s no doubt Joseph was elated to see his brethren (it’s apparent he didn’t hold a grudge, nor develop hate toward them), but he desired more so to see his father and younger brother, Benjamin with his own eyes.

After being sent back to their land, and given instructions to return with Benjamin, Joseph’s brothers told their Father Jacob, all that Joseph had told them. After hearing that “the man” commanded them to bring young Benjamin back to him, Jacob was literally heartbroken. He couldn’t afford to lose another son, especially from the wife he had worked over 14 years to marry.

As time passed, and food begin to become scarce, due to the famine, Jacob told his boys to return to Egypt, to buy more food. Judah spoke out and said (in Ell’s translation), “Dad, we already told you, that dude back in Egypt, warned us not to return without Benjamin. I know you love him as you did Joseph, but I’m gonna have to disobey you on this one pops.” Obviously, this didn’t sit well with Jacob, but he was eventually convinced to comply.

Were Judah and his brothers wrong for agreeing to disobey their father, because it could have potentially cost them their lives, or should they have gone against the words of the ruler of Egypt, and returned without Benjamin? Things that make you go, hmm.

There’s a valuable lesson in this story, that all could benefit from. When it comes to obeying God, while possibly upsetting your parents or others, choose God. Never allow anyone, including those you look up to most, to take precedence over the Word of God, because at the end of the day, only what God says really matters anyway. Also, be mindful not to be disrespectful to those in authority, but be certain when following another man’s orders, it doesn’t contradict how God commanded you to live.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell