Jesus raises the widow’s son

Luke 7:11-17

One thing society lacks today that continues to sow discord among individuals is, the lack of compassion. The Bible prophesied, “that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection…” Without natural affection can be translated to, lack of compassion. Love moves the believer to become sensitive to the needs of others. Jesus even taught that we are to first love God, then love our neighbors as we love ourselves, but for years men have been desensitized and brainwashed by what’s portrayed on TV and movie screens that have changed the way they are to naturally care for others.

The average TV show or movie supports individualism, over the concept of collectivism. God made billions of people, not to inhabit the earth living in a box, or shell, but to work together as a community, in order to accomplish those things He desires of them. Unfortunately, the minds of men have been changed from showing natural affection to one another, to avoiding each other. How often do you pull over to help someone stranded on the side of the road (I’m aware, these days you have to be mindful of that, because of the changing times)? Even if you are unable to assist someone, does your heart feel for them, when you see they’re in need?

God made us just as He is, capable of feeling for others, but the devil works diligently to change that natural affection by causing men to think more about themselves, rather than the needs of those less fortunate. Jesus, the Son of the living God, and Savior of the whole world, had every opportunity to be selfish, and ignore the fact that many needed His power, but His heart was pure, and He found pleasure in meeting the needs of others, knowing they could do nothing to return the favor.

An example of Jesus’ compassion took place in our lesson, where He saw a dead man being carried out of the city to be buried, then He changed the entire scene. Picture this (if you’re a woman): You marry the man of your dreams, live a happy life, bear a beautiful son, husband supports you and the family with no issues, husband dies, son grows up as your only means of support and protection, son dies, and is being carried away to the graveyard, as you walk slowly behind in agony and tears. That must have been a hard path to walk, but the widow woman was left to bear the struggles of life alone. Fortunately, for her, Jesus was nearing the gate of the city, then noticed the crowd of people following closely behind the men who were carrying the dead body, and the weeping mother as well. “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” In the next verse, Jesus touched the bier, or frame of the bed resembling a coffin, then said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” The man sat up, begin to speak, then was delivered to his mother. That was love in full force! There are some people who can only off words of comfort, but Jesus offered words, along with action.

Oh, how I love Jesus, because He loves us without condition, and wants the best for everyone! What I find confusing is, those who claim to be Christians, hardly ever show acts of compassion. Too often are they consumed with making their own lives better, while neglecting to help their struggling brothers and sisters they see on a daily basis. Our love is not measured on how often we say it, but how often we show it. Let love lead you to care for others, as you would care for yourself.

Walk in love,

Ell

Faith is expressed through actions

Luke 6:46-49

Just as a fish would eventually die in the absence of water, faith without works is dead. Faith is believing in something, even before it manifests. As believers, we hope for things God promised to bless us with in our lifetime, and our faith is proven through our works. Throughout the Scriptures, God promised to sustain His people, strengthen them when they are weak, renew their strength, give them an expected end, be with them through all trials and struggles, give them everlasting life, and be patient, faithful, and compassionate with them.

Before receiving from God, we must first believe that He is able to do those things which He promised. After believing, the next step of faith is performing works that validate your belief. Farmers don’t plant seeds, then expect them to sprout on their own strength. Instead, they nurture the seeds, giving them fertilizer and water, while keeping them exposed to sufficient sunlight. They have faith that the seed will grow, but they also do the works that make growth possible. In the same sense, believers have faith that God will do what He promised, but their works should prove that faith, until the promise is manifested. For example, God promised that if we ask, seek, and knock then we’ll receive, find, and have doors opened to us. All of the prerequisites for receiving require work. If you prayed to God for a better job, but refuse to search for it, your supposed prayer of faith is immediately nullified. The body of Christ is required to work their faith, proving that they truly believe in the power of God to provide for them, as well as revealing their commitment to His Word.

Our lesson text gives a perfect example of faith in action. Those who obey the Word of God are compared to a man who built a house upon a solid foundation. This house was so firmly established, until even floods, and streams of water couldn’t shake it. When we believe God for a thing, then couple that belief with consistent works, there’s nothing anyone can do to hinder you from receiving your blessings from God. On the contrary, when we say we believe God from our “soup coolers”, but no works are attached, this is compared to one who built his house upon the earth, with no foundation. I’m sure you can picture in your mind what that would look like, and the likelihood of that house withstanding any type of severe weather. Jesus said, when streams of water beat on this house, it fell immediately, and had great ruin.

When a man sincerely trusts in the Lord with all his heart, he’ll never lean to his own understanding, because he’ll make sure to live every day in expectation of the things God promised to give him. When we pray to God, then plan things just in case God doesn’t come through, this proves that our trust isn’t totally in Him. While I’m not against planning, nor preparing just in case, I’m only reaffirming that if God promised to do something for you, and you take efforts to plan until your promise comes, then it’ll fit snug and perfect in your life when He delivers it.

Waiting to receive from God won’t always be easy, but the reward will far outweigh the wait. In those moments when you feel like giving up, or that God may have forgotten about you, consider all the people around the world who have greater struggles than yourself, yet trust God regardless. God never forgets us, but monitors how we respond during our tests of faith. God wants us to be strong and very courageous during our struggles, Just as Jesus was when He hung from the Cross. Our situations may look bad for a season, but after our suffering, there will be unspeakable joy in our hearts, peace in our minds, and strength like we’ve never experienced.

1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

James 1:12 – Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Walk in love,

Ell

Bartimaeus healed by faith

Mark 10:46-52

If Jesus was here today, walking, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the goodness of God, how would this new generation receive Him? I strongly believe Christ would be rejected the same today, if not worse, than He was during the days of old. Technology has caused men to become lazy, and distracted from staying focused on the things of God, and people have turned away from following after righteousness, to clinging more to things of the world.

Jesus was all God, wrapped in human flesh, so everything He did was only to draw men unto Himself, in hopes of changing their hearts. Some followed and believed the message of Christ, others were healed by His power, while a large number opposed His message, because of selfish and wicked reasons. Despite being rejected by some, even those from His hometown, Jesus had no issue tending to the needs of those who came to Him, but He had moments where His attention was directed solely on certain individuals who exhibited unprecedented faith. For example, the woman who had a blood issue for twelve years, pressed her way through pain, shame, embarrassment, and crowds of people, just to touch the clothes Jesus wore, because her faith led her to believe, the healing power of Jesus could flow even through His garments. The centurion had enough faith to believe that Jesus could pray from a distance, and his servant would be healed. These are just a few examples of Bible characters who had enough faith to make Jesus marvel.

Our text introduces blind Bartimaeus, who heard Jesus was passing by, as he sat on the side of the road begging. It’s not hard to imagine how those who are destitute, and left to suffer, dream of miracles night and day, because most people pass by them often, seeing them holding “help me” signs, and asking for spare change. I often wish I could simply touch each one of them, and rid them of their sickness, disease, and poverty, but I do what I can to help some of them get through the day. Jesus heard the blind man cry loud to Him, then wondered who it was. After being shushed by those in the crowd (I HATE being shushed; I’m a grown man), Bartimaeus cried even louder lol. I love that guy. Never allow anyone to keep you from getting to Jesus, even of it annoys them. Trying to keep the man quiet while he reached out for a blessing proved that the people didn’t mind him being left in his condition. Once Jesus connects with your faith, there’s nothing anyone can do to sever that connection. Jesus called for the blind man, asked for his request, granted that request, then acknowledged that his faith was responsible for his healing.

I often express that faith is what moves God to act on our behalf, so it’s important to grasp this concept, and implement it in our daily lives, so that we can begin to enjoy the full benefits of being a child of the God of all creation.

Walk in love,

Ell

Believers are blessed

Galatians 3:6-9

Belief in God, and the words written in Scripture, allows for one to be justified, so long as that belief is coupled with faith, and good works. Belief in God alone doesn’t bring justification, because even devils believe there is one God, and even tremble at the fact, yet they lack the faith necessary to be counted as righteous unto God. God knows the hearts of men, and whether or not they’ll allow what they believe to push them to go after righteousness.

Abraham believed God, and his belief was accounted to, or equivalent to righteousness. Not only did Abraham believe in God, but his obedience to God’s words validated his confession. Nothing has changed from the days of Abraham, until now, in reference to faith, belief, and justification, so all who believe in the God of Abraham, and have faith in His Word, are also justified, and counted as righteous. We are living in a time where those who are the righteousness of God, fail to see their true value, because of the many distractions in this life, but believers are indeed blessed, despite what circumstances they experience. Unfortunately, many focus more on man’s opinion of who they are, rather than God’s. Although ungodly men can, at times, do good things, they’ll eventually care more for themselves in the end.

God made everyone special, but those who dedicate their lives to Him, will experience life in ways they could never imagine! Throughout Scripture, you’ll discover countless men and women who’s lives were lived to the fullest, simply by staying true to God. A few include Abraham, Esther, Job, king David, the twelve disciples, and many others. Look at your life for a moment, and consider how blessed you really are, since giving your heart to God. You may not be rich, or famous, but in the eyes of God you are wonderful!

Walk in love,

Ell

Your faith has made you well

Mark 5:25-34

During His brief ministry on the earth, Jesus had built quite a reputation for Himself, while healing, delivering, and changing the hearts of many who were determined to be in His presence. Despite how much Jesus shunned the spotlight, His miraculous acts brought unprecedented attention to Himself, that was unavoidable.

Not too long after casting an evil spirit out of a man who dwelt in the graveyard, in the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus and His disciples journeyed back to Capernaum, where he was immediately met by a mob of skeptical people, one of which approached the Son of God with a very interesting request. One of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, came to Jesus and fell at His feet. His daughter was at the point of death, and the man wanted Jesus to lay His hands on her, so she could be healed and live. It’s obvious the power Jesus spoke of from His Father was real, because many witnessed the evidence of manifestation for themselves, but personal faith in that power was still a prerequisite to receive blessings of such magnitude from God. Jesus agreed to pray for the girl, then followed Jairus to where she was. On the way to His destination, the crowd of people continued to follow Jesus, but in the midst of them pressing upon Him on all sides, Jesus asked a question, “Who touched my clothes?” Carnal-minded thinking led the disciples to conclude Jesus wasn’t making sense, as there were many who touched Him, but Jesus was speaking from a spiritual perspective, as He literally felt virtue leave His body. While ignoring the hopeless, yet privileged disciples, Jesus looked around to see who’s faith was responsible for pulling virtue from Him. There are so many points I want to expound upon from this verse, but I’ll keep it short, for the sake of the blog post. Jesus was God in the flesh, and operated in the same power as His Father in Heaven. He was also capable of doing exceeding, abundantly, above all we could ask or think. From then, to now, being able to receive a miracle was only made possible by first having a condition, being fed up with that condition, trying and seeing that man can do nothing, except what God allows, then striving to reach God, but through unyielding faith.

There was a woman who had suffered twelve years with a blood condition. She spent all her money, seeking help from physicians, but to no avail. This is similar to many today, who go all out looking for answers from man, when God’s been there the whole time, waiting to bless us. The woman pressed her way through the crowd, only to touch the clothes of Jesus, because she had faith enough to believe that if the man was as anointed as she had heard, then touching His clothes would be enough to bring about her healing. To her, and Jesus’ surprise, she was right! After revealing her story, and intentions to Jesus, He responded, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Being all man (and all God), I can imagine that every time Jesus healed someone, He felt joy on the inside that caused goosebumps to form all over His body. His love is pure, and has compassion on everyone, including those who plotted to murder Him.

From this lesson’s text, it’s clear that we must have faith in God, in order to be a candidate for a miracle. Some struggle from minor things in life, while others suffer extreme conditions. What may seem shallow to some people, may actually be severe for others. Whatever your need is, whether great or small, God is not limited in His power, and can deliver us from anything. Pray the prayer of faith, believing that God can back up every Word spoken in Scripture, then live your days in expectation of your miracle manifestation.

Walk in love,

Ell

The prayer of faith is powerful

James 5:13-18

There are many labels being used today by which individuals are identified with godliness, including Christian, Believer, Saint, Disciple, Child of God, and others. Despite what name you claim, the evidence of a godly life is revealed in how one lives on a consistent basis. Following after Christ is the only way anyone will be granted access into God’s eternal kingdom, but walking in His footsteps will also present us with challenging situations, that will require the right antidote to overcome. All who claim to be born-again, through Christ Jesus, are still susceptible to sin, sickness, disease, sorrow, and many things associated with this fallen world, but there is a way for the children of God to combat what the enemy uses, to try and hinder their physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Prayer, by far, is the most powerful way to turn around the negative circumstances caused by satan, and make them positive. When we pray, in faith, we are in essence acknowledging that we believe in the power of God to heal, deliver, and set us free from anything that comes against us. Unfortunately, there are many who allow their situations and circumstances to overshadow what God can do for them. While it’s true, sickness, debt, and other things can affect us to the point our emotions become unstable, God remains the same. His love never ends, power never runs out, mercy is everlasting, and truth endures through all generations!

The devil knows full well how powerful, and compassionate God is, and he tries endlessly to change the believer’s perception of those truths, but through intense and passionate prayer, the fiery darts of the enemy will miss their target every time. Pray always, and trust God to answer, according to His timing.

Walk in love,

Ell

Widow’s faithfulness rewarded

1 Kings 17:8-16

At the end of a race, or athletic event, those who finish first, or outlast their opponent, are usually granted a reward. In any organized competition, individuals who are fearful, usually get exposed by those who are confident, and victory seldom comes to those who lack the boldness necessary to compete. For this reason, it’s essential for all who seek to obtain a reward, to be fearless, and confident in their chances to achieve success. Even during moments when a person falls behind in a race, if they keep their eyes fixed on the prize, they will be able to overcome all obstacles that hinder their success.

This same example can be applied to a child of God’s obedience, or lack thereof. When we trust God throughout a process, and are faithful to His commands, He will always reward us for our faithfulness. On the contrary, when we allow fear to keep us from obeying God, we set ourselves up to either delay what God has for us, or lose some things altogether.

The Bible is full of examples of men who either allowed fear to cause them to miss a blessing from God, or faith that granted them opportunities to be showered with the goodness of God’s grace, mercy, and favor. As we close this week’s lesson with final thoughts on the widow woman, and her faithfulness in keeping God’s Word, I want to reiterate a few points I mentioned in lessons prior to this one. First off, we learned how God moves based on our faith and action, not fear. The Bible teaches that perfect love cast out fear, because fear has torment. Many will sit idle and refuse to move at the words of God, when fear controls their mind. The widow woman could have missed out on a great blessing, had she allowed the fear of eating her last meal, then dying, keep her from obeying what God commanded her to do.

In the same way an athlete has faith, and confidence in their ability to accomplish their goals, believers should have faith in God, and confidence in His ability to do exceeding, abundantly, and above all we can ask or think. But, this is made possible, according to the power that works in us. God has proven Himself to all of us, simply by sustaining us this long, and keeping us in good health. It’s the duty of the children of God to love Him, and keep His commandments, so as you continue on your path of righteousness, keep your eyes fixed on God, and strengthen your faith through every experience you encounter in this life.

Walk in love,

Ell

Elijah restores life to a widow’s son

1 Kings 17:17-24

During our seasons of testing and suffering, God will always sustain His people, as long as they remain committed to His agenda. As the inhabitants of Israel continued to suffer from famine, God continued to provide for His prophet, Elijah. When the first place God sent Elijah to rest had ceased from providing water, God prepared the heart of a widow to receive the prophet, and care for his needs for a season. God has a very unique way of bringing people together, in order to fulfill His will. Elijah had no idea the woman wasn’t in a good position to provide for anyone, but God knew that she needed divine intervention, and Elijah was capable of interceding, to bring that to pass. God places people in our lives for seasons, so that they can help take us to the next level, because there will be times when we won’t be capable of getting there on our own.

While the widow woman was gathering sticks one day to prepare the last meal for herself and her son, Elijah approached her, then asked for water to drink. As she left to get water, Elijah also asked if she could bring him something to eat as well. Take a brief moment, and put yourself in the shoes of the woman. God had already told you He was sending a man who needed your help, and in turn, you’d be blessed beyond measure (I’m uncertain how God relayed that message to the woman, but she got it somehow). Would you follow through with the man’s requests, without hesitation, or would your faith waver at the thought of not having enough supplies to care for you and your son? Faith tests aren’t always easy, but the benefits of following through are usually amazing!

Knowing what God had commanded her to do, the woman still felt the need to inform the prophet of her lack of resources. Elijah’s faith in God’s power of provision had already grown stronger after his experience at the brook of Cherith, so he knew that if the woman took care of his need, God would definitely take care of hers. So, the woman did as she was commanded, and was blessed with more than she could ever imagine. Ironically, this miracle wasn’t enough to fully convince the woman that Elijah was a true man of God, and that his words were complete truth. That’s odd, because she had seen the plan of God play out accordingly, but still held doubts. Many of us today are the same way, because God can do something super duper amazing for us, but when something more challenging comes along, we cringe in fear.

Following many days of miraculous increase, the woman’s son got sick, and died. Rather than approach the man of God in humility, and request his assistance for intercession, the woman question whether or not Elijah came to kill her son. Oh how frail we humans become, when times of blessing become moments of sorrow. Elijah took the boy, laid him on his bed, cried to God and asked the same question the widow woman posed to him. Interesting. Elijah stretched himself over the child three times, then asked God to bring life back into the boy. God granted his request. This miracle was more than enough to convince the woman that God lived through Elijah.

Are you fully persuaded in the power of God to take care of you, or do you live in fear that someday you’ll be left broke and destitute. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s grace and mercy on those who are committed to Him, and obey His simple commands. Trust God wholeheartedly, and never doubt that He is able to sustain you, no matter what condition you find yourself in.

Walk in love,

Ell

God-sent ravens to feed Elijah

1 Kings 17:1-7

Have I mentioned lately, how much God hates evil, and despises sin? If not, then here goes…God hates evil, and despises sin! Acts of sin defy God’s expected acts of obedience to His Word. When we willingly sin, we are choosing to side with baal, or satanism. No matter how pretty the picture is painted, sin is always wrong, and consistent acts lead to rebellion against God. God created man to bless him, and make him to prosper in all things, but when a man sins, inevitable consequences will always meet him on his path.

There was a man named Ahab, who assumed the throne to rule over Israel, during the time when king Asa ruled Judah. It’s been written, king Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord, than all who ruled before him. That’s intense! What could this man have possibly done, that excelled above those before him? For one thing, his biggest mistake was first, marrying one of the most wicked, and sinister women in Scripture (Jezebel), coupled with serving baal, building an altar for the pagan god, and worshipping him religiously. Verse 33 of chapter 16 reads, “and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him”. After reading that verse, you could safely assume, God would respond in a powerful, yet unusual way (to get the kings attention, expose his evil, and hope to convince him to change his evil heart). God loves everyone, but He has no tolerance for sin, and will give you a chance to repent, but that window could close before you know it.

During the evil reign of king Ahab, God raised up a prophet to stand against the king, and reveal His power to the nation. Elijah, meaning God is Jehovah, was one of the returning exiles mentioned in the book of Ezra. God sent Elijah to confront the king, then announce that there would be no dew, or rain until he says so. That was an interesting statement on many levels. First, the king probably wondered how a mere mortal could control the elements, after getting over the fact that this man came in his presence to check him. Knowing that the king’s heart was pure evil, God then ordered His prophet to run to a place where he would be provided food and water for a season. Telling a king there would be no way for the fields of crops to be watered no doubt angered him, because food is an essential, and he, along with the people could suffer greatly. The more evil and pride a man holds in his heart, the more God will do to prove to him, he’s nothing without the Lord.

While the king suffered for a season, God cared for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him bread and flesh every morning and evening, while he drank fresh water from a brook. God always provides for those who are obedient to what He commands them to do, and brings judgment on those who willingly rebel. Even today, there are many who are similar to, if not worse than the wicked king Ahab, who suffer greatly for their continued disobedience. But those who are just as bold and faithful as the prophet Elijah, are on schedule to receive God’s best!

Walk in love,

Ell

Paul in faithfulness restores life

Acts 20:7-12

Growing up in the church, as a child, the worst part of service (in my humble, childish opinion) was, sitting through those looooooong, dry sermons. Attention span, as measured by sustained attention, varies with age. Older children are capable of longer periods of attention than younger children, and it’s obvious the attention span of a child is only a few minutes, so after the music and singing was done, it was my time to fall asleep, because I knew the sermon would probably do it anyway (don’t judge me; I was only a kid). Whether miracles were taking place, or people were being delivered, I didn’t find out until after service, when I heard about it from others.

If you think me sleeping through sermons was bad, you’ll be shocked to know that worse happened to a man in the Bible…well, kinda. The most prominent Bible author was the apostle Paul. He was responsible for writing 13 epistles (14, if you include Hebrews), and took advantage of every opportunity to spread the Gospel message. He was intelligent, well-educated, and full of the Spirit of God, so when he spoke, his words were never taken lightly. One particular Sunday, as the disciples gathered together to worship, and partake of the Lord’s supper, Paul delivered a profound, yet elongated expression of God’s Word. In the midst of a well-lit room, the apostle Paul preached to his audience for nearly eight hours! Eight hours?!!! Zzzzzz…..zzzzzz….. sorry, I dozed off at the thought of sitting through that sermon lol. On a serious note, I’m certain Paul expounded on some informative, and necessary points, but there was a certain man who decided that naptime was still on his schedule. This certain man sat near a window, and fell into a deep sleep, as the length of Paul’s message was apparently too long for him to pay attention to. While snoozing through the sermon, the man fell from the third loft, or story, then was pronounced dead. Talk about a powerful message; it was so profound, until it literally killed a man.

Imagine that happening today, where a preacher preached so long, someone fell asleep in the balcony, then fell over onto the first floor, and died. This unfortunate occurrence forced Paul to stop preaching, as he rushed to attend to the dead man. It was obvious to the crowd that the man was indeed dead, but Paul embraced him, then encouraged the onlookers to worry not, because a miracle was about to take place. In some miraculous form or fashion, the man who was pronounced dead, had been resurrected, according to the faith in the apostle Paul who believed in the power of the resurrection (Christ). After the man had been brought back to life, the apostle Paul went back up to continue preaching (LOL, seriously! God bless his soul, and those who were in attendance). The people who had witnessed this great event, were left amazed, as was I, after reading this passage of Scripture again.

I’ll conclude this lesson by doing a brief comparison between the apostle Paul, and the modern-day apostle, or preacher. In the midst of his preaching, Paul stopped to perform a miracle, then went back to finish his assignment. This was a classic case of true humility. Men today need to first be motivated by the cords of the organ, before they’ll even begin to “preach”, let alone pray for someone. All attention from the pulpit should be directed to God, and not to self, because it’s our faith that moves God to act, and not our selfish performances.

Walk in love,

Ell