Jesus teaches about spiritual discernment

Matthew 7:1-6, 15-23

The people you associate with on a regular basis will determine your quality of life, and the works you perform daily will determine the type of fruit you’ll naturally produce. Believers walk in newness of life, and portray the character of Christ, thus their fruit is always expected to be good.

The same Spirit Jesus operated in, works in us today, to keep us aligned with God’s Word, and motivated to continue in good works. The closer we align our lives to the will of God, the easier it will be to avoid falling into the snares of sin and disobedience, but as we drift away from godly wisdom and protection, our decisions and actions will slowly begin to become unpleasant in the eyes of our heavenly Father.

In the Spirit of God, resides all things beneficial to the believer, including power, love, a sound mind, wisdom, faith, and discernment. Such virtues are necessary when interacting with people in the body of Christ, and especially those in the world. Without love for people, and discernment to see past their facades, we would lack the empathy and compassion required to see their need, and offer a solution to help make their lives better. There are many who pass judgment on others based on their own wisdom, and fail to first judge themselves. Rather than attempt to pull out the twig from someone else’s eye, they should first remove the giant oak tree from their own. When we struggle to rectify our own issues, it’s impossible to see clear enough to help someone overcome theirs (this is in reference to judgment).

Love makes us mature, by teaching us to walk in humility, and seek the good in others, over the bad. Not only does the spirit of discernment help the believer in their day-to-day interactions with others, but it also has the ability to reveal the hearts and intentions of men as well. If there’s one thing that makes a good parent instantly turn to kill mode, it’s hearing or seeing their child being taken advantage of. Woe to that person who is guilty of deceiving a mother’s child… her wrath is coming.

Just as innocent children are oftentimes deceived by evil-minded adults, immature believers are, at times, deceived by men who preach false doctrines. Even in Bible times, men would present themselves under the guise of a sheep, while their motive is to devour innocent souls like a ravenous wolf. God stands at the ready to defend His children, but they must remain in His will, so that He can keep them safe, just like a parent can offer the best protection for their children, as long as they stay in their presence. When we ignore God’s voice, or leave from our parent’s covering (thinking we’re grown), we then set ourselves up to be sharkbait for satan and his evil crew.

The spirit of discernment gives us the ability to see through all things false, and uncover the root of satan’s plot. As we grow and mature in godliness, our spiritual abilities will also develop, and make us more of a force to be reckoned with. The devil and his gang are cowards, that prey on the weak and feeble, and any chance they get to turn a believer away from God, they’ll jump on the opportunity to do so.

Once you receive Christ in your heart, you are guaranteed a place in God’s Kingdom, so make it your business to grow daily in His Word, and utilize the tools He made available for you to combat evil and wickedness. Don’t allow anyone to cancel your reservation to spend eternity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, because there are those who appear to be in God, but at judgment they’ll hear, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (vs. 23).

Walk in love,

Ell

Living humbly

Matthew 23:1-12

Trying to live under corrupt leadership can at times be a difficult thing to do. Most people know to be good by default, but when they see those in authority living the alternative of what they preach, it makes them hesitate to trust in their words. Jesus commanded the people in our text to obey the words of God, even if they’re delivered from the mouths of hypocrites, because although the leaders refuse to live by them, God’s word remains true. Jesus continued to teach, and point out the signs of hypocrites. The following is a list of those characteristics: hypocrites demand respect as teachers, demand service, but don’t render it, teach, but don’t practice it, seek praise of men, flaunt and puff up their religion, desire only the best sets in social gatherings and church, glory in personal attention and titles, rob men of the truth and life, while rejecting that same truth and life, take advantage of innocent widows, give looooooong prayers just to impress, strive to win men to their sect, rather than to God, try hard to convince men that their hypocrisy is truth, but not God’s word, glory in bodily cleanliness, but live in moral filth, and pretend to be religious by exhibiting outward religious acts, while ignoring inward holiness in life and conduct. It’s a dangerous thing to purposely steer men away from the truth of God’s Word, because there’s a special judgment awaiting them in the end, which includes the second death. Christians are to live holy, while denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. We should also live soberly, righteously, and godly, so that when Christ returns, we’ll be found without a spot or wrinkle, and appear before our Savior holy and without a blemish. Learn God’s truth for yourself, to avoid being deceived by men’s lies and evil manipulations, and to be found humble in the sight of God, and men.

Walk in love,

Ell

Life in Christ Jesus

Colossians 2:1-10

Life in Christ Jesus is confusing to those who don’t understand the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge embodied into His very being, yet is the most wonderful experience to those knit together by His love, grace, and mercy. I often write concerning the suffering we must face as believers, but it’s because persecution is inevitable for saints, as satan tries hard to sever the threads that join us together with Christ.

Paul wished that he could reveal to the Colossian church how much he suffered, so that he could continue to bring forth the Gospel to them, and other nations. His suffering was not intended to cause them to faint, rather that their hearts might be comforted by his persistence in the faith. Doesn’t it make you feel good to know that someone you never met before fights so that you can have a better life? Paul was the light to the Gentiles, and his consistent efforts in spreading the Gospel exposed those who made attempts to beguile new converts with enticing words, philosophy, and vain deceit after the traditions of men, and the rudiments of the world. Many were in danger of being deceived by subtle reasoning, in which conclusions drawn from evidences assumed may have seemed conclusive in themselves, but were false and contrary to the Word of God. Even today, believers are drawn away from God’s Word because of men’s use of manipulation and deceptive play on words. Only when we are rooted in Christ, and our faith built strong in Him, can we be prepared to stand against wicked devices and evil plots men set forth to hinder the believer.

Life in Christ Jesus is what makes living purposeful, so “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:6-11).

Walk in love,

Ell

Tempted in the wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11

“…And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matthew 6:13a). As Jesus taught the sermon on the mount, one of His teachings included the model prayer, which contained the verse I mentioned at the beginning of this lesson. I often wondered why Christ instructed us to pray to the Father to not lead us into temptation, yet He was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. On the surface, this may seem to be contradictory, but I think I have a better understanding of each scenario. As Christ taught us to pray, He was simply teaching us to ask God to not allow evil to overtake us, but deliver us from the evil one, because on our own human strength, we are incapable of standing firm against satan. He would simply sift us as wheat, chew us up, and spit us out broken and defeated. But when God fills us with the power of His Spirit, when are then able to, stand, be steadfast, and remain unmovable against all the wicked ploys of our adversary. The Spirit of God did not lead Jesus in the wilderness to be overtaken by satan, because the devil had absolutely no chance to subdue, nor overwhelm Jesus with any of his wicked devices. This was proven three times as Christ combated satan’s evil and selfish offers with ease, by utilizing God’s Word. After the devil realized he was no match for the Son of God (even after Christ had just finished fasting 40 days and nights, and was hungry), he fled the scene like a thief who sees 5-0 coming around the corner with their lights beaming, and runs away.

What’s interesting about this passage of Scripture is, even though Jesus had more than enough power to withstand the wiles of the enemy, there were a host of angels standing by, just in case things got ugly, and to minister unto Him. We too will be met with tempting situations, and must stand firm when they come. The devil is extremely cunning, and knows just what to dangle in front of us to hold our attention. The mistake many Christians make is assuming satan has no power to influence them, but if he can literally move Jesus from place to place, I’m sure he can find ways to change the way you think and feel. Never attempt to confront temptation alone. Let God lead you by His Spirit, so that you’ll always have the upper hand on the enemy’s attacks.

Walk in love,

Ell

God seeks the scattered people

Ezekiel 34:11-16

If Christ visited the earth for a few days, and disguised Himself as to not be recognized, He would find the state of the body of believers in total disarray. While I strongly believe that most Christians truly have a heart for God, many of them have been conditioned into following the doctrines of wicked men, that have caused a great number of people to be lost, and find it difficult to find their way home when they come to their senses. Just as sheep scatter when being manipulated by thieves or hirelings, Christians struggle, trying to see the truth in the teachings of false prophets and teachers. The church has become divided, due to all the religions, beliefs, and teachings men have made into doctrine. Many have even left churches and religious organizations, because they’ve gotten to a point where they are uncertain what to believe.

When the shepherd returns to find his sheep scattered, he works diligently to gather them back together into safety. The shepherd cares deeply for his flock, because it provides a number of benefits to his purpose, including meat, milk, wool, hides, and skins. A sheep’s wool is the most widely used animal fiber, and is usually harvested by shearing. Sheep also help plants and other vegetation to obtain water and nutrients better because the soil has been loosened from their grazing. Just as sheep are valuable to shepherds, believers are of great importance to God. We were all fearfully and wonderfully crafted by the Creator, to do amazing things on the earth to fulfill His purpose. The Spirit of God has imbued us with power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. We have the power to get wealth, as well as the power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

The enemy knows what God’s sheep are capable of, so he thrives on deceiving even the very elect, because they have the power of influence to manipulate mass numbers of believers. The day is fast approaching when God will rescue His people from the jaws of evil and wicked men. Just as it hurts the heart of a parent to see their children suffer, God is nearing the end of His patience for watching His children be used, abused, deceived, manipulated, hurt, defeated, enticed, and being fed false doctrine. God will take it upon Himself to personally gather His people, move them from wicked atmospheres, place them in healthy and pleasurable habitations, then nurse them all back to good health. Many don’t realize that they are being deceived, but God knows, and He won’t allow them to suffer in their position too much longer.

All those who have been malnourished from years of deception and false doctrine, worry not, because your Father in Heaven will soon gather you together, and heal those who are sick, bind up the broken, bring back those who were driven away from the church, and most importantly, destroy the strongholds of oppression, and feed wicked men their deserved judgment.

Walk in love,

Ell

Live by the Truth

1 John 2:20-27

Since the beginning of creation, until now, there have always been those who’ve created doctrines and beliefs that totally contrast the Biblical account. Some include the Five-Percent Nation, sometimes referred to as NGE or NOGE, the Nation of Gods and Earths, or the Five Percenters, Freemasons, Black Hebrew Israelites, and Gnosticism. The Bible warns us continually about avoiding false prophets, and those who seek to deceive our minds with lies, because the groups I mentioned have been ordered to confuse, deceive, and plant lies in the minds of people, causing them to turn away from the truth of God’s Word. Those who are in Christ know that all things necessary to the Christian life in general, comes by way of the Holy Ghost. There’s no need to seek so-called superior knowledge of others, because that only leads to confusion and deception.

Gnosticism was a second-century heresy claiming that salvation could be gained through secret knowledge. Gnostics also believed that the created, material world (matter) is evil, and therefore in opposition to the world of the spirit, and that only the spirit is good. Christianity teaches that salvation is available to everyone, not just a special few, and that it comes from grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), and not from study or works.

John tells us, in this text, that all liars are those who deny that Jesus is the Christ. He goes on to include that the antichrist also denies the Father and Son. There are so many lies and false beliefs that are intended to confuse the people of God, and those seeking salvation, but we know that all truth is in the Word of God, and that the Word alone is powerful enough to disprove all the lies and heresies against it. The key to not being deceived and caught up in these manipulative persuasions, is to ground yourself in the Word of God. The more you know about God and His Word, the better prepared you’ll be to cast down all things contrary to His teachings. Ezekiel said, “And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God” (13:9). Jeremiah also weighs in, as he writes, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord” (23:16). The apostle Paul sums it all up, as he states, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

As we approach the end of times, the enemy will push hard to influence the world with his wicked agenda. Believers must stand strong, and be ready to hold their ground when false teaches, and those who believe unholy doctrines attempt to pull them away from the Truth. The anointing that abides in us, teaches us all things that are true, and where no lies reside. The world is full of people waiting to deceive us, but we must be prepared to guard against them, and we may be able to convince them to turn their hearts to the Lord. The power of our influence can actually win those who have been deceived by the enemy, because greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.

Seek peace,

Ell

Jacob and Laban make peace

Genesis 31:43-50

Relationships amongst family, friends, or even lovers, require a great deal of patience, love, communication, and understanding in order to keep peace with one another, and have a solid foundation to dissolve possible conflicts quickly. Oftentimes, people tend to allow the anger they hold inside to keep them from forgiving those who’ve wronged them, which eventually causes them to lose potential blessings that were scheduled to come into their lives.

Jacob and Laban were two men who lived to deceive others, while failing to hit the mark God had set for their lives. Jacob had a bad past, that seemingly carried over into his unusual future. After years of being taken advantage of by his uncle Laban, Jacob became overwhelmed with frustration, and confronted Laban, expressing all the things he held inside from the moment they met. The problem with unchecked anger, is it can sometimes cause a person to let off an uncontrolled amount of steam, and use words that can have lasting negative effects on the other persons. The best way to deal with a heated argument is to first try your best to calm down, then help the other person control their temperament as well. Two people barking at each other rarely come to a resolution concerning anything.

After Jacob expressed his feelings to his uncle, Laban changed his tune and offered a resolution to resolve their differences. They agreed to a covenant that was binding, sacred, and was possibly upheld with a penalty for breaking it. Laban warned Jacob that if he violated the covenant, although no man was there to witness their agreement, God was present the entire time. These men had a history of making bad decisions, but God allowed them time to straighten out their troubled lives.

God gives us time every day to set right those things we may have done that weren’t pleasing in His sight. When people mishandle and treat you bad, don’t fret, nor retaliate out of anger. Instead, think first on the goodness of God to keep your frustration under control, then allow the Spirit of God to guide your words and actions accordingly.

Seek peace,

Ell

Rebekah diverts Isaac to bless Jacob

Genesis 27:5-17

A Christian is one who has confessed with their mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and believes in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead. These are the grounds on which salvation by grace was established. Christians are (supposed to be) Christ-like in all their ways, and exude godly character in their every day experiences. God entrusts those who commit their ways to Him, to share His message with all the lost souls in the world, just as He used the children of Israel in the Bible days. This commission can be a gratifying, and amazing life experience, but only if one commits to dedicated and loyal service to the Lord.

Christian families are the ideal examples God uses to win the lost. God established the family structure for the purpose of advancing His kingdom on earth. But when families represent God on the outside, while neglecting to address internal issues they struggle with, this creates a bundle of potential mishaps that could plague the family for years. These situations are hazardous to the body of Christ as a whole, as well as those seeking to know God for themselves. What many fail to realize is that the actions they make, whether good or bad, will have a resounding effect on those around them.

As Isaac gave his final wishes to Esau, Rebekah was eavesdropping, and heard every word he uttered. She quickly ran to Jacob and told him all that his father had said. Her motive was to make it so that Jacob received his father’s blessing, and not Esau, because she favored him over his brother. What a sad state of affairs when a mother plots evil against her husband and child. What causes a person to go against the very people they were committed to love? Rebekah devised a well-thought-out plan to trick her husband into giving the blessing to Jacob.

Dysfunction in families always begins as a tiny seed, that if left unchecked, could grow, and spread its infection as far as possible. As you play your role in the family you’re in, be mindful of things you do that could cause harm to those you love. If you have a problem with lying, combat it with prayer, fasting, and meditating heavily on God’s Word. If you’re known to be a cheat, limit yourself to those things that tempt you to be untrusting. If you battle with anger, or pent up aggression, make it a habit of speaking soft words in those moments you get the urge to “Hulk Smash”.

God loves family, and desires that His people get along. So do all you can, while you can to be a positive impact on your family, and all those you meet along the way.

Seek peace,

Ell

Isaac prepares to bless Esau

Genesis 27:1-4

One problem many parents regret in life, is showing favoritism to their children. The biggest issue concerning children who are favored over others, is that those who are rejected tend to grow up hating their parents, as well as the favored child. This situation rarely turns out good for parents, or their children.

Isaac and Rebekah were a strange couple, in that they both chose to favour one son over the other. Esau gained his father’s favor, because of the well- prepared meals he provided for him. He was a hunter, and a man’s- man, according to our society today. Jacob lacked the brawn and skill Esau portrayed, and was considered a “plain man”, who stayed indoors. In my opinion, he was a modern-day momma’s boy.

As Isaac grew older and had lost his vision, he yearned for one of his favorite son’s special meals. So he called Esau and told him to take his hunting equipment, go out, and bring back venison. He desired the savory meat his son prepared so well, because he feared his death was fast approaching. Isaac also told his eldest son that when he returned, he would bless him from his soul. It’s typical of aging fathers, in that time, to bestow the birthright upon their eldest son, during their latter days. I think it’s safe to assume that Esau totally forgot that he had already sold his birthright to his brother Jacob. Had he remembered, he probably would have brought that valuable piece of information to his father’s attention.

As I read through this disheartening story of family dysfunction again, I can’t help but acknowledge how God has bountiful blessings in store for His children, yet many lose their rights to receive them, because they give in to sin. Sin has the ability to rob us of what God had promised to give. Unlike Esau, we must not sell ourselves to the deceiver, which is the devil. Giving in to satan’s plan, forfeits our rights to bask in the blessings of God’s goodness. Be on guard, and stand ready with your spiritual armor on, because the deceiver will come to test your faith in God. Don’t give up, nor give in, but be strong and very courageous. Only through faith in God, and a consistent lifestyle of holy living, can we be assured that all God has for us, will be bestowed upon us as expected.

Seek peace,

Ell

Jacob and Esau reconcile, families blessed

Genesis 33:4-11

For a surety, Jacob was one of the most interesting characters in the Bible. From his mother’s womb, his little heart was shaped in iniquity, and forged in deception. Not much is mentioned of his early years, except the fact that He deceived his father and brother, which eventually caused heated tension between the two that lasted for some time. In an effort to escape the rage of his brother Esau, Jacob was sent to live with Laban, his uncle. He was to stay there, only until his brother’s wrath had subsided.

I posted on facebook a few years ago and said, “You call it karma, I call it reap what you sow.” All the seeds of deception and evil intent sown by Jacob, would soon resurface as his judgment. After committing to a few seasons of servitude to Laban, Jacob realized that 20 years had passed, and he had been deceived, and manipulated the whole time. He served 14 years just so he could marry the daughter he desired, six years for Laban’s cattle, while at the same time, being robbed of fair wages ten times. I’ve learned a lot in this life, but one thing of utmost importance is that you never mess with a man’s money, nor his honey. Just as Jacob once was in his past, Laban also proved to be an unjust and covetous man. His very first encounter with Jacob was shameful, and this behavior only got worse over time. But God knew that Jacob’s heart had changed, and He was ready to step in and take care of his servant.

All the years Jacob was being deceived, God was taking note. One night as Jacob slept, God spoke to him in a dream and told him to pack up his things, and return to the land of his kindred. Without hesitation, he gathered his family and possessions and fled unnoticed. After a few days, Laban realized that Jacob had left, then went to pursue him. Laban caught up to Jacob, then threatened to bring harm to him, but refused to because God visited him in a dream also, and told him, “Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” In other words, when you catch Jacob, don’t touch him, because he’s under “Divine Protection”. Jacob explained that he fled for fear that Laban’s jealousy would eventually lead him to take away Jacob’s wives. I mentioned in the previous lesson how jealousy makes men act unseemly at times, and for no real reason. Rather than embrace those who God allows to prosper, some people put forth their best efforts to bring them down. This is a sure sign of the evil of men’s hearts from Jacob’s generation, and even today.

Following a series of heated arguments between Jacob and his uncle, Jacob was met by the angels of God, who seemingly inspired him to seek the aid of the brother he once deceived. I mentioned that because immediately after the heavenly visitation, Jacob sent messengers to Esau, informing him of his whereabouts, and how God allowed him to prosper much in the land where he dwelt. I could only imagine the thoughts that ran through Jacob’s mind as he awaited his brother’s response. He was on edge, and so afraid until he gathered all his possessions, and the people with him, and prepared a plan of escape, if his brother was to attack. This is how many people respond when they’ve done others wrong for so long. They live in fear and uncertainty of what response they’ll receive when they see that person again. This is why it’s good to just treat everybody right, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting back at you, or causing you harm.

Jacob had become so tense about seeking help until he literally wrestled, and prevailed, against God (in some earthly form He had taken on). Even when God crippled his leg, Jacob continued to struggle until he received a blessing. How many of us seek God diligently, until He blesses us? Or do we give up at the first sign of struggle or contention? When seeking God for anything (according to His will), never give up, until your prayer is answered.

To Jacob’s surprise, Esau cared nothing for his gifts or presents, because he was grateful just to see his little brother again. This is mercy at its finest. When Esau had every reason to retaliate against his brother for the wrong he had done, he chose to show love instead. Let this story motivate you to love others, in spite of how they may have once treated you. “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?” (1 John 4:20). Live in love, no matter what. Trust that God sees all that goes on in your life, and give Him the opportunity to make things right. But refrain from acting out on those who’ve wronged you, because this will only make things more messy for God to clean up.

Seek peace,

Ell