Tag: fear

Walking Through The Impossible

Matthew 14:22-33

If you had the opportunity to switch places with the apostle Peter, on the night he walked on the water to meet Jesus, would you accept? Imagine being the only person in history to do the impossible, and live to tell others about it!

When the men on the ship saw a figure walking on the sea, they became terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But, Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” The men undoubtedly knew the voice of Jesus, as they had been following Him for quite some time, but of all who were on the ship, Peter alone acted on faith, and asked to join Jesus on the water. After accepting Jesus’ invitation, Peter stepped down out of the ship, and began walking on the water. As I sit and write this lesson, I’m looking at the water as boats sail by, and wonder what thoughts ran through Peter’s mind as he took his first steps on water. Well, the Bible mentions, Peter gave more attention to the boisterous winds rather than Jesus, and he began to sink because of fear. Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand and caught Peter, to save him from drowning.

While focusing on Jesus, Peter was able to do the impossible, but the moment he placed his focus on his problems, his faith wavered, and he began to sink. Although we may not walk on water, we will face tough situations in life, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we’ll walk through all that we face, and come out on the other side. On the other hand, if we focus on the wind and waves, we’ll sink in all our problems and difficult situations. Don’t allow your inadequacies to take precedence over the awesome power of Christ.

Seeing Is Believing

Mark 4:35-41

What could possibly be better than hearing about miracles and other unbelievable moments that took place in the lives of others? Any story you could ever hear, or read about, pales in comparison to actually witnessing a miraculous event with your own eyes. A miracle can be defined as, a wonderous event, that cannot be explained by scientific or natural laws. For this reason, many conclude, miracles are the workings of divine agencies, or higher powers.

In our text, large crowds had begin to follow Jesus, because they had heard of the miracles brought forth by His hands, and were intrigued by His teachings, through the parables. Jesus was wise enough to understand those who gathered around Him, so much that He didn’t speak in ways to confuse them. Instead, His parables were a way to challenge His listeners to seek diligently, the meaning of His words. Not only were the words Jesus spoke undoubtedly profound, but the works He performed were undeniably miraculous.

As the sun began to set, and evening approached, Jesus desired to pass over on the other side of the water, from the ship He taught from. So, the men who were with Jesus, sent the multitudes away, and they set sail toward the other side. While on their way across the sea, the Bible mentions a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the ship, until it was full of water. Picture yourself on a ship, in the middle of a devastating storm, with some of your coworkers, friends, and family members. How would you react in this situation? Now, picture yourself in this same storm, but substitute your family, friends, and coworkers with Jesus, the Son of God. How would you react then? The men on the ship began to lose themselves for, fear that they would die. Fortunately, they were wise enough to acknowledge Jesus on the ship, but only to share their faithless cries. I’m certain these men were eyewitnesses of the miracles Jesus performed earlier in the Gospel of Mark, and had grown in wisdom and understanding from His teachings, so how could they allow fear to so easily beset them, knowing the man they saw perform miracles was on the same ship as they were? In any case, Jesus recognized their lack of faith, rebuked the wind, and spoke peace to the sea. Wow, what a guy!

As if they weren’t already fascinated by the works of Jesus before, this miraculous event caused exceeding fear to come over the men. They then begin to say to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” I’ll answer that question for those faithless men. Jesus is a man, come to the earth from the third Heaven, sent by the Father, to save mankind from sin, and themselves.

God knew we would have storms in our lives, even to this day, and we can either cower in fear, as the men in our lesson did, or trust that Jesus cares for you, just as he did for the disciples on the ship, thousands of years ago. The men in our text spent countless moments with Jesus, yet they still underestimated Him. Don’t make the mistake of doubting what the power of God can do in your life. Instead, believe what you witnessed Him perform in your life, when He saved you from a miserable path of sin, cleaned you up, then set you on a path of righteousness, for His name’s sake.

“God still works miracles, but until He does again, keep the faith, and don’t fret when the storms of life beat upon your sailing ship.” – Ell

From Faith To Fear

1 Kings 19

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

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

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

“No Fear In Love”

(1 John 4:16-21

Do you fear the “Day of Judgment”? Are unsure, whether or not you are living a life that pleases the almighty God? Are you keeping the commandments written in Scripture to love God, love your brother, and your enemies? Do you find it hard to give to others, during their times of need? When people hurt and offend you, can you easily forgive them, and continue loving them according to God’s standard? When was the last time you visited the sick, widows, or the fatherless? Have you considered praying for those in prisons, hospitals, or even governments? Does most of the time spent during your day, revolve only around your needs, wants, and desires? Is prayer and fasting (according to Bible), a balanced part of your spiritual life?

One day real soon, this world will pass, and only what you’ve done for God, will last. So, consider your ways, dwell in love, and allow God to dwell in you. This way, you can be prepared to have boldness in the “Day of Judgment”, while overcoming the world until that day arrives.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

A Godly Man

Psalm 128

To fear God is, to reverence, honor, and respect Him simply for who He is. When a man has the fear of God in His heart, he’ll always be mindful of his actions, and conduct himself in ways that are befitting of a Saint. Godly men are blessed, not because of their mere profession, but because they imitate holiness consistently in their walk, talk, and even their thoughts. God can freely bless those who abide in Him, because they’ll more than likely represent Him well, and not bring shame to his holy name, but those who fail to recognize the power and authority of the God of Heaven and earth, will never enjoy the full benefits His love can offer.

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

The Day Of The Lord

Zephaniah 1:14-18

There are many areas of Scripture, people are hesitant to read, because they either bring fear, or confusion, when trying to understand them. In fact, the average Bible reader prefers to study more about the blessings of God, as opposed to learning about end-time events. Our lesson text details a very unique day, that will come, according to God’s schedule plan.

Every man, and woman, who refuses to accept Christ as their savior, will soon face a day, that will be like none anyone has ever experienced on the earth. Although many believers will unfortunately experience end-time tribulation, when the enemy amplifies his attacks against God’s people (which seems, at times, to already be in effect), and causes hurt and shame to many, the day of God’s wrath will come, after Christ has taken His people away from the plagued, and sin-sick world.

The prophet Zephaniah was very descriptive, as he mentioned the details of that sad, and terrible day. It’s mentioned that this day will be one of great wrath, trouble and distress, waste and desolation, darkness and gloominess, clouds and thick darkness, trumpet and alarm, bloodshed, and a day wicked men will not escape.

We serve a God of love and justice, and not one who desires that men perish in sin, but to willingly refuse His salvation, and liberty from eternal damnation, automatically sets one on the path to experience this tragic day. It’s the will of God that no one perish, but that all come to repentance, so they’ll have no fear of the great day of the Lord, when it comes.

Walk in love,

Ell

Horrible Halloween

2 Timothy 1:7

Halloween comes to promote the spirit of fear. The movies, the celebrations, the costumes, etc. all represent the devil’s spirit of fear. Being fearful opens us up to the enemy’s playground and allows him access to our thoughts and feelings. This is why the Halloween season is so wicked and demonic. It is a time where the things that scare us are celebrated and enjoyed as if they are just entertaining us. But the devil knows that if he can birth fear in us, he can have control over our minds and thoughts so that we are fearful of our own future. We will begin to doubt our own plans for our families, our careers and aspirations, and our abilities. Once we start doubting ourselves, we will begin to be discontent and fearful of other’s perception of us. Doubt causes us to mask our fears and cover up our true selves, which makes it very hard for us to be helped or encouraged! Fear produces all of this!

Many today suffer from anxiety, depression, and hopelessness because of the Spirit of fear. Many turn to sin and substance abuse to mask their feelings of doubt and fear. The devil is able to manipulate us and take us off God’s course through the spirit of fear. So many have fallen away from the faith because fear took their faith away. We must never give place to fear. When we are fearful, we must pray and ask God, by faith, to rebuke this spirit from our lives and keep us believing and receiving from Him. Pray for His power, His love, and a sound mind! When we have these, the spirit of fear has no place in us.

-G. Craig Lewis

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