Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Peacemakers

James 3:13-18; 5:7-12

In the same way trees are known by their fruit, the character of men can be made known by the works they perform. According to Scripture, the church should only be known for producing righteous fruit, and such fruit is only made possible by the corresponding seed sown from their lives.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV). Many in the earth consider themselves to be wise, but their wisdom is based on corrupt seed. Our text teaches, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (vs. 16). That’s extremely profound, knowing that every evil work can be produced from sowing seeds of strife and envy. The preceding verse also mentions, harboring bitter envying and strife in the heart, causes one to lie against the truth. It’s impossible for a man to say he has committed himself to God, and His will, while holding evil and wicked motives in His heart. When a man is motivated by evil thoughts, his actions will mirror what’s hidden in his heart. Conversely, when a man’s heart is full of the love of God, he’ll sow seeds of peace, that will inevitably bring forth the fruit of righteousness.

In essence, the fruit of righteousness include all the works that represent holiness, by which God receives glory through them all. The world promotes all things contrary to godliness, including hate, envying, strife, confusion, and a host of other unholy behaviors, but when a man promotes peace, God will consider him wise, and fill him with heavenly wisdom, as he faithfully brings forth righteous fruit.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Show Me Something!

James 2:14-26

Whenever I hear someone brag or boast about their skills, abilities, or accomplishments, I tend to back away from those types of conversations, and eventually maintain my distance from those persons altogether. Men who puff themselves up, are usually consumed with pride, and have little to no desire to walk in humility. Then, there are those who are capable of making others feel beyond special with their honeyed words, but they fail to contribute what’s necessary to see that those persons truly attain their desires. My siblings and I were raised to let our works speak for us, rather than toot our horns loudly to impress others. Talking means very little, especially when works aren’t attached to them. This applies heavily in the Christian faith. The Bible teaches, faith without works is dead, and I highly doubt it could get any more plain than that.

God judges us not by faith alone, but by the works, or lack thereof, associated with what we profess. You can tell any person you love them, or that they’ll make it through their struggles, but the sign that you truly believe what you say, would be revealed in the actions you take to make those words manifest. The Bible also equates dead faith with the human body without the spirit: it’s lifeless, and incapable of producing anything.

A wise woman taught me, “Talk is cheap! Show me something!” Those words ring loudly everytime I hear someone give advice, or offer wise counsel. Nowadays, people care less about what you say, and more about what you do. So, make sure if you’re bold enough to say something, be ready to back it up with your works. If you told God you love Him, and He’s first in your life, then how you live from now on, should reflect those very words that left your lips.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

From Doubters To Believers

Mark 5:35-43

On your last visit to the doctor, we’re you nervous and afraid, that the acting physician would mishandle you, because of his or her lack of ability? The last time you took your vehicle to get serviced, did you question the mechanics, whether or not they knew how to inspect and service your vehicle? Did you laugh at the foreman of the construction crew, who handled the blueprints of a new apartment community, doubting that he knew what he was planning to do? When we see a man or woman, wearing a certain uniform that caters to a specific profession, we automatically believe they are capable of performing the duties associated with their titles. We don’t often doubt whether doctors, fireman, or even automobile mechanics are able to fulfill their assigned duties, or not. Instead, we have trust and belief that when we see a man or woman in uniform, they are well able to do what they are assigned to.

In our text, we find where Jesus was doing the works of His Father; more specifically, He was operating in divine healing, and working to rid many of sickness, demon possession, and even death. Jesus had built a reputation that preceded Himself, thus causing many to seek Him for healing and deliverance.

After casting a demon out of a man, and healing a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve long years, Jesus continued on His way to heal a man’s sick daughter. As Jesus and those who followed neared the house of the sick damsel, some came from the house and told the ruler of the synagogue, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (vs. 35b). Naturally, this is a common response from those who have no faith in the Man in uniform, but Jesus was no ordinary man, and the works that followed after Him, should have been enough proof for everyone to believe in His incredible power.

To make this story a bit more interesting, as Jesus entered the house, and noticed a great noise of weeping and wailing, He kindly told those gathered, “the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” (vs. 39b). The next verse reads, “And they laughed him to scorn.” This is very interesting for a few reasons, but more specifically makes me wonder, how can they turn from crying to laughing so suddenly. Well, during these times, weeping and wailing was more of a custom, and not real sorrow. So, it could quickly be turned to laughter in a moment. The people knew the young girl was dead, so their scornful laughter was more of unbelief, and mockery for Jesus’ confident statement. The nerve of some people, smh. Jesus wisely put everyone out of the room, except for those who refused to doubt His power and authority, then went to work.

The Bible never mentions the response of those who doubted Jesus after He brought the twelve year old girl back to life, but I’m certain from that day on, that laughing crew never doubted the power of Jesus ever again.

Sometimes in life, you’ll encounter people who will doubt that God can bring you out of situations that may seem dead. But, if you keep your faith in the power of God, and surround yourself with those who are positive and encouraging, God will come through for you, and turn your doubters into believers.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

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

Perfect God’s love among you

1 John 4:7-21

After reading and studying this lesson’s text, I feel led to simply write exactly what the Scripture says, because it’s already stated plainly, simply, and easy to understand. So, here goes…

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (means by which our sins were forgiven) for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also”. Need I say more?

Walk in love,

Ell

Noah to Abraham, faith in action

Hebrews 11:4-10

🎵🎶 Faith, faith, faith just a little more faith🎵🎶. That’s a song I learned growing up in church. As kids, my siblings and I would sing these types of songs well, not because we understood them, but because we memorized the words and tune. Nearing year 37 of my existence on this planet, I can now sing every word of that song, and know full well what they mean. I can even add a few verses of my own, with all the faith experiences I’ve had in my brief lifetime.

Faith is trusting what we can’t yet see, because of Who we believe in. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). He went on to teach that it’s impossible to even please God without faith. Knowing that there’s this “one” thing required that prompts God to immediate pleasure, you’d think that all believers would grasp this truth and run with it. Sadly, many who profess they love God are living faithless lives daily. It takes faith to move effectively in the will of God. Placing your trust in things other than God, creates room for doubt, worry, and disbelief to settle in your heart and mind.

Noah was a man of great faith. He trusted God to do things he’d never seen or heard of before. During Noah’s days, God set dew on the crops to provide water for their nourishment, but hearing that God would eventually send rain and cause the earth to flood must have put a big question mark over Noah’s head. Yet, Noah kept his faith in God, because he believed that God’s words were superior to anything that could come from any other source.

Abraham is considered by many as, the Father of Faith. He also trusted God, while believing without knowing all the juicy details of where God was leading him. The problem with many Christians is, they won’t move until they know everything God has planned. If God showed us all the details of our lives, then we’d easily lose faith in Him, because we’d have all the knowledge we needed. But we are to trust in the Lord with all our heart, never depending on our own understanding for guidance.

Abraham left nearly everything behind, except a few loved ones, as he embarked on a new journey with God at the helm. Some preachers and teachers use the term “blind faith” when referring to trusting God without knowing your destination. But this is what godly living is all about; total dependence on the leading of the Spirit. There’s no man, woman, or demon who knows and cares for you like our Heavenly Father does. So why trust in things that have little to no power at all?

The Word of God give us all the information we need to live a faithful life that pleases Him. Turn your eyes away from worldly distractions, and fix them on the unseen God. Some may ask, why do you believe in a God you can’t see? Here are a few scriptures that reveal how God is clearly seen:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun” (Psalm 19:1-4).

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:7-10).

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Seek peace,

Ell

Doing is more important than speaking

Matthew 23:5-12

What kind of world would this be, if everyone were just like you? Really meditate on that for a brief moment; like seriously think about it. In what ways can the person you are, or have become effect the entire world, if we were all the same as you? Would the world be full of love, joy, peace, happiness, and positive productivity? Or would the world be as it is today, if not worse, and full of hate, gossip, wars, lying, cheating, pride, arrogance, and manipulation?

As a seasoned believer, or babe in Christ, are you obedient in fulfilling the great commission of Christ? I ask these questions simply to introduce the narrative of today’s text.

Jesus was extremely critical concerning the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees, who were known for being all talk, and no show. They were so cruel until they would demand that men bare heavy burdens they themselves wouldn’t dare carry. Verse five reads, “But all their works they do for to be seen of men…” These hypocrites did things to look good to others, as many do today. They express an outward style in clothing and beautiful forms of religion, and this was the entirety of their religion.

Everything the scribes and Pharisees did was only to bring attention to themselves, and not God. Jesus went on to teach that no man is greater than another, no matter his title, because we all have one Master, and one Father.

It still saddens me as I witness men and women of the clergy, who deem it necessary to surround themselves with an entourage. Men want to feel so important these days until they’ll defy godly standards just to do so. Jesus said that all those who exalt themselves will soon be humbled. I learned a long time ago that it’s better to humble yourself, rather than be humbled at the hands of the Lord.

The main problem with those in leadership who bring attention to themselves is that they block those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, from growing in the knowledge of God. Their heads are so high in the clouds that they aren’t teaching and reaching the hearts of the people. God set men in leadership positions, not to gloat and become haughty, but to lead and guide others in the ways of holiness.

The best candidates for leadership are those who are humble, sensitive to the needs of others, full of the Holy Spirit, and have been working diligently, even before wearing a title.

Would you trust being operated on by a doctor who recently earned his degree, but never performed a surgery? Or would you be more comfortable knowing that your doctor has had years of experience in his field? Don’t be known as one who talks, but doesn’t back it up with action. Let your works speak for you.

Seek peace,

Ell