Tag: fear

On the mountain with Jesus

Matthew 17:1-7

Throughout our lives, we’ll build a collection of memories that will be accumulated from various experiences we encounter. While some of those memories we’ll prefer to forget, others will bring joy that will last a lifetime! My face lights up everytime I see a star shooting through the midnight sky, or when I witness dolphins swimming in the ocean, while basking on the beach at sunrise. I’ve yet to experience beautiful mountains, or snow, but those, along with other things, are penciled on my bucket list. I’ve lived long enough to see a few of God’s amazing creations, but I would love to have experienced what Peter, James, and John saw on the mountain of transfiguration.

In our text, Jesus allowed a select few of His disciples to accompany Him, as He made His way atop a mountain, to meet some “old” friends. When the men finally reached their destination, one of the most amazing things in Scripture began to take place. Verse two reads, “And (Jesus) was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light”. Can you honestly imagine seeing that with your own eyes? I know Hollywood produces movies with amazing special effects, but with Jesus, nothing was altered with cameras or effects, and was as real as life itself.

Throughout the Bible, light is synonymous with knowledge, and being God in the flesh, Jesus’ transfiguration revealed who He truly was. Not only was His formed changed before the eyes of the disciples, but Jesus was also blessed to grace the presence of two men who had left the earth over a thousand years prior to this visit: Moses, and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus on the mountain. When I first read this passage of Scripture, I had developed so many questions I wanted answers to, but I eventually realized that my frail human mind need not understand all of God’s doings, because His ways are not like the ways of man, so I resulted to standing in awe of the awesome things He does, without trying to question everything. I had wondered how could men who haven’t been seen on the earth since they were taken up by God many years before, appear as if they never left. I also couldn’t understand how the disciples recognized two men whom they had never seen, yet called them by name. In any case, this experience was indeed breathtaking, and moved Peter to offer to make tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. In the midst of him speaking, Peter looked up and saw a bright cloud began to overshadow the company of men. What happened next, literally struck fear in the disciples, and brought them to their knees. God’s voice began to speak from the cloud and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him”. Real talk, I would have already been bugged out from seeing Jesus light up like the sun, along with witnessing two men appear out of thin air, but after hearing God speak from a bright cloud, I probably would have ran and hid behind a rock, or something as well. Jesus came and touched the disciples, then told them not to be afraid, because this was a moment few would see, but all would remember forever.

Do you get bubbly inside, and excited when you think on the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for you? How often do you thank God, and reverence Him for simply being who He is? There average person spends hundreds of dollars a year to be entertained by movies that offer intense and vivid visuals, yet none are real, and were created using visual effects. God has done, and can do things that Hollywood can only copy, so take more pleasure in appreciating the great things He does daily, rather than glorifying man’s futile efforts.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t doubt; Trust God’s promises

Numbers 13:1-2, 17, 25-28; 14:1-2, 5-10

Knowing God the way I do today, allows me to see things in Scripture differently than I did when I first began to meditate on the Word. When I use to read about the children of Israel, I had a slight case of envy for them, being that they were God’s chosen nation, set apart to establish His kingdom in the earth, and to be the line by which Christ was to come through. Unfortunately, the more you read about the ancient Israelites, the more disgust I’m certain you’ll develop for their consistent disobedient behavior, as I have as well.

God literally proved Himself, His amazing power, and sufficient grace and mercy to His people on multiple occasions, yet those miraculous acts weren’t enough to convince the privileged Israelites to commit their trust totally to Him. When they complained about being in bondage, and suffering persecution, God delivered them with a mighty hand. When they cried as they stood facing the Red Sea, while being pursued by a bloodthirsty Pharoah and his army, God parted the sea, allowed His people to cross over on dry land, then closed the waters to drown Israel’s pursuers. As the people roamed the wilderness, following God’s path to the Promise Land, their complaints reached elevated heights, as they assumed God brought them out of Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. So, God miraculously provided food for them, day and night. God provided top-notch protection for the people as He allowed pillars of cloud and fire to go ahead of them by day, and night as well. Out of all these things the Lord did for the children of Israel, they were nowhere close to being sold on His promise of Canaan, especially following the evil report of Giants and fortified buildings in the land.

I’m having trouble understanding the logic and reasoning of the people, because they saw God’s handiwork before their very eyes, yet when facing giants, they cowered in fear. God told them time and time again, the land was theirs, even though someone else attended to it until they arrived (which was actually a good thing). They were also promised God’s personal protection to aid them in taking what was rightfully theirs. But……some people…..no matter what you say, or do to convince them that their victory is indeed assured, they’ll prefer to hold on to their own fear, rather than confide in someone who’s already proven they can take care of them.

Things got even worse when the people threatened to stone the very men who led them, and had faith in God to deliver the land into their hands. While Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people, no doubt as a sign of “what do I do now, these people are hopeless”, Joshua and Caleb became angry, tore their clothes, then reminded the people that with God, there is nothing to fear. If God hadn’t stepped in to protect His men, that mob of cowards would have probably stoned them to death.

Fear can cause us to make unwise decisions. The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, rather than doubt God and react out of fear, pray to Him, and ask for wisdom to make the right choices, and courage to see the process through. God wants the best for you, but you must trust that His word is true, despite what comes against you.

Walk in love,

Ell

Saul fears David

1 Samuel 18:10-16

Have you ever had someone try to kill you (physically or emotionally), simply for being yourself? I’m certain some of you have, but God wouldn’t allow it to play out, because your life has more purpose than you could imagine. When men are fearful of your relationship with God, it causes them to become intimidated, and make futile attempts to block your progress, so that you won’t be able to prosper, while causing them to be overshadowed in their jealousy and selfishness. It’s unfair for a man to hate you for being obedient to God, while they willfully entertain sin, and reap the wages of their actions.

During the years after being anointed the next king of Israel, God favored David in ways men could only dream of. Being chosen by God as the next king is a great honor, and says much about a man. David was nothing like his older brothers who were brawny and great in stature, but his heart was pure, motives positive, and will aligned with God’s. The reign of king Saul was nearing its end, because his deeds had become self-centered, thus causing God’s Spirit to leave him. This same Spirit that left Saul, would soon guide David along the path of his next journey.

David had a history of true bravery while tending to his father’s sheep, and maintaining the flock was no easy task. His primary responsibility as a shepherd was the safety and welfare of the flock. His flock may have included as many as 1,000 sheep. David would graze the animals, herd them to areas of good forage, and keep a watchful eye out for poisonous plants, and prowling predators. He was also responsible for protecting the sheep from a lion and a bear. What a bold and brave kid he was! Shepherds were also responsible for minor injuries or basic medical treatment for their flock, especially since they worked in isolated areas. During lambing season, the shepherd would make frequent checks on the ewes (female sheep) at all hours of the day and night, and at times, assist the ewe if birthing problems occured. All these responsibilities were carried out daily, without complaint, and faithfully by David. God knew that if this boy could tend to his earthly father’s sheep in this way, he’d be a great candidate to lead his heavenly Father’s people as well. This is a lesson to all who feel that their hard work is in vain. Be faithful to whatever duties you are assigned to, no matter how insignificant they may seem, because God will honor your faithfulness, and promote you according to His timing.

After receiving praise and honor from the people for his victory over Goliath, king Saul became furious toward David, because the people gave more glory to David over himself. The same evil spirit permitted by God to influence Saul in chapter 16, visited him again, causing him to make two attempts (of 21) to kill David. Wait a minute. Why would God let an evil spirit control a man, when He’s pure and holy? Evil spirits come from God only in the sense of being permitted by Him to trouble those who are in a backslidden state, and persist in sin and rebellion, or to test a man’s faith, as in the case with Job. God never gives up on anyone, but allows time for them to come to their senses. Unfortunately, men give up on God when their desires take priority over His.

David’s fame had begin to spread throughout the lands, and if it continued, Saul feared he would soon have the kingdom as well. So, he monitored David with hawk eyes, hoping to prevent this from happening, but God had already planned for David to be Saul’s replacement. No matter what Saul did to make life harder for David, the young man remained humble, and behaved himself wisely, because he kept God first.

Men will rise against us in this life, because we decided to take a stand for holiness, no matter what. As the world continues its steady decline in sin and wickedness, the body of Christ must strive to behave themselves wisely in all their ways. Although we may not be appointed as kings and queens, we are still invaluable in God’s eyes, and have a purposeful life to live. Be faithful to your calling, despite who tries to stop your progress. Continue in God’s will, maintaining a humble attitude, and God will remove all those who intend to harm, or hinder your purpose.

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

Trust and honor God

Proverbs 3:1-12

Who’s side are you leaning on, as you live your days on this beautiful, yet perishing earth. On the one side, there’s the true and living God; The creator of the world, and the One who sustains all human life, and every living thing upon the earth. The very God who brought all things into existence, also set rules, guidelines, and commands for His people to abide by, in order to ensure that their days will be purposeful and filling. Obeying the commands given by God render a 3-fold blessing of peace, long life, and length of days. What an awesome combination of blessings rewarded to all who willingly trust in the Lord with all their heart, and refuse to depend on their own wisdom and understanding! Leaning on the Lord’s side not only grants an individual more life, but good health and prosperity also come from walking in the ways of holiness. When we choose to acknowledge God in all our ways, we will never be left to walk a path without His wisdom and protection accompanying us.

Standing in stark contrast to the God of love is, satan. Choosing to side with this spirit-being who shuns all things holy, can only lead a person to a disastrous end. Rather than trust and honor God in all things, an individual not grounded in godliness will be an easy target for the enemy to influence, and cause to do things that may seem beneficial at first, but will only lead to their utter destruction. The devil manipulates men to trust in themselves, and embrace evil, because he knows his time is limited, and intends to turn all he can away from believing in God. Our adversary, the devil, is anti-God. Where God says love, satan influences men to hate. For God so loved the world, He gave, but satan hates God and His people, so he makes unyielding attempts to take away our love, joy, peace, and happiness every day. Trusting and honoring God means choosing life, but joining the side of satan will reward you with death in this life, and the next. Choose wisely.

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Walk in love,

Ell

The Lord will help you

Isaiah 41:8-13

The more I meditate on the Word, the better I understand the structure of God’s operations. I oftentimes mention that everyone God created, He made to serve a unique purpose. From the days of Adam until now, God has chosen many whom He deemed worthy to fulfill special assignments in the earth. The great and mighty God even went so far as to call some, His friends. What greater honor could be given to anyone than God calling them a friend. What does God consider you to be? One fellow whom God considered a friend was Jacob. Jacob’s purpose was predestined, even before birth. Although his character had a shaky and not so humble beginning, he proved to be a great pioneer of the faith, whom God used to do great things. God had recognized Israel as His chosen people, and Jacob as their leader. Their purpose was to serve as a beacon of light in the midst of a wicked and perverse world. God knew that those who didn’t understand His message, would reject it, as well as those who delivered it, so God encouraged His chosen people by mentioning to them, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (vs. 10).

It’s natural to be afraid of the unknown, but when God tells you everything will be alright, you can rest assured He’ll follow through on His promise. All the obstacles and challenges the children of Israel faced, when they fully committed their hearts to God, He always pulled them out to safety. Even in moments when the people turned away from God’s direction and trusted in other gods, He allowed them to suffer a little while; long enough for them to come to their senses and realize they will never be safe and prosperous outside of His leading.

God not only promised to preserve His Word, according to Psalm 12, but He also promised to preserve His people. Believers today are God’s chosen people as well, and the sheep of His pasture. Just as God’s chosen nation of Israel were made strong to stand against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, we require that same strength and power to stand firm as well. There’s absolutely no need for us to fear the enemy, nor his wicked devices, because our God promised that all who come against us will be put to shame, and they that strive, or quarrel against us shall perish. We make life harder on ourselves when we step outside of God’s will, and trust in our own understanding. These are the moments satan yearns for, so that he can inflict as much damage as he can to our hearts, minds, and souls, before we finally turn back to God broken and wounded. I advise all believers to stick to the structure God set in place to ensure your safety, protection, and prosperity. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, be strong and very courageous, love your neighbor as yourself, seek peace and pursue it, in all your ways acknowledge God, and He will direct your paths. Be obedient to the Word of God, and trust in His power to keep you properly equipped to endure to a more perfect end.

Walk in love,

Ell

Serve and work for God’s pleasure

Philippians 2:12-18

If you knew that you would die in 24 hours, would you be glad about it, while rejoicing, or would you cringe in fear, while thinking of all the things you did in life, hoping that your living pleased God? The average Christian is afraid of dying, not because they are unaware of the events that follow, but it’s a natural “fear of the unknown”, or never experiencing something, that causes many to faint at the mere thought of their non-existence. Christians need not fear death, simply because whatever happens immediately after, we’ll be in good hands, with God. In the book of St. Luke, the rich man and Lazarus both died, but Lazarus opened his eyes in the bosom of Abraham, while the rich man opened his eyes in hell. From that parable Jesus taught from, it’s safe to assume that when a Saint dies, they’ll appear in the company of others who died in the Lord, whereas those who remained in sin, won’t arrive at the same destination. One sure way to overcome the fear of death is, to live a consistent holy life. The closer you get to God, the more boldness you’ll develop, as you face daily challenges and obstacles. Death has no sting, nor does the grave have victory, because Christ overcame them both! We only need to serve God, and obey His commandments, in order to fulfill the the purpose God set for our lives.

The popular apostle in the last few lessons is Paul, and he continues to encourage the churches in this text. He taught the Philippian believers that God works in them to accomplish great things for the Kingdom, but they must allow Him to do so. For God to do His greatest works in them, they had to eliminate murmuring and disputings from their behavior, so that they could be blameless and harmless in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. It’s a privilege, pleasure, and honor to represent the God of all creation on this earth. Believers are supposed to stick out like a sore thumb in this evil world. We are not to blend in with sinful men, but we are to be different, while showing the world what a child of God looks like in behavior, character, conduct, and appearance. Our lives are limited, and our days short, so it’s imperative that we study and meditate on the Word daily, so that if christ came suddenly, we wouldn’t be caught unprepared.

If you knew the date you would leave this earth, how would your behavior change today? Would you live however you wanted until the day approached, then surrender your heart to God at the last minute, or would you give God your best effort every day, and strive to influence others to believe in Him as well? Don’t play with your life people, time truly is winding up. Prove your love to God by living a life that Christ will be proud of at His second coming.

Walk in love,

Ell

Let it be according to your Word

Luke 1:32-38

One of man’s greatest fears is, fear of the unknown. When we are unable to see the end result of a possible action or decision, we become reluctant about making a move. I admit, it can be difficult making decisions when you have no idea of the possible outcomes of those potential decisions, but overcoming this fear takes faith in God, boldness, and encouragement. It took faith for Abraham to believe that he, and his wife, could bear a child while they were stricken in age. It took an unprecedented bold faith for Noah to obey God to doing something that was never done before. As you go back and conduct thorough research through the Scriptures, you’ll discover that nearly every biblical character experienced a faith test at some point.

One woman in particular, showed a level of faith that was responsible for affecting every person who has ever lived, is alive today, and who will be born in time to come. Mary was a young virgin girl, engaged to be married to Joseph, of the lineage of king David. By now, many already know the story of how the angel visited Mary, and told her how she would conceive, and bring forth the Son of God, but have you ever really considered how hard the decision was to accept the angel’s words? First off, how was she to explain to her fiancé that she was going to get pregnant by the Holy Ghost? Say what now!? On his own understanding, Joseph could have had Mary put away, and divorced her privately, rather than expose her to public shame and death, as the law required, for making such claims.

Mary risked everything while trusting in the messenger sent by God. When we “let go, and let God”, all those things we worry about, He will take care of them. Mary didn’t have to explain herself to Joseph, because the angel of the Lord visited him in a dream, and brought him up to speed on the plans of God. God will never leave you to face tough situations alone. Whether He provides a ram in the bush, or sends someone to encourage you, know that He will be with you the whole way through.

To all those who profess to be born-again believers, have you released the reigns of your life, and trusted God to lead your paths, or are you hesitant, because many of the decisions you’ve yet to make leave you fearful of the unknown? I’m usually transparent as I write, and confess that there are some areas I’ve yet to give God total control of, but after writing this, I’ve encouraged myself to man up, and let it be according to the Word of God.

Be encouraged, as you live day-to-day. Strengthen your relationship with God by studying His Word, praying always, and exercising healthy spiritual habits as oft as you can. This way, the fear of what’s unknown won’t be so discouraging, because your trust will be totally in the power, and might of the Father.

Seek peace,

Ell

The wind and water obey the voice of Jesus

Mark 4:35-41

Who is Jesus, and what manner of man is He that even the wind and sea obey Him? Scholars, religious leaders, and authors are all trying to answer this question, even today. Some say He was John the Baptist, or Elijah, whereas others said He was one of the prophets. After walking with, and witnessing Jesus perform miracles including healings, feeding countless people with a few scraps of food, and opening blinded eyes, Jesus’ very own disciples had trouble answering the question of who He really was. To save the disciples from hurting their brains, Peter got a little help from Heaven and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and my Father are One”. The same power God operated in that framed creation, is what Jesus used while on earth.

Following Christ and learning of His power and purpose, one would think it strange to believe that anything threatening could cause Him harm, even a storm. But the men who accompanied Him on the ship toward a short journey proved to have no faith in His power at all. After teaching multitudes using parables, Jesus set sail to the other side of the sea. Shortly after setting off, a storm began to brew, that caused the waves to beat upon the ship, so much until the men feared for their lives. One thing I’ve learned in life concerning fear, is that it can cause you to instantly forget important truths. The men aboard the ship had been taught, by Christ, things concerning the Kingdom of God, also how satan comes to take away the sown word of God in men’s hearts. This storm provided a prime example of the truth of what Jesus taught, and how the men allowed fear to blind them from His power. Many today operate in the same manner by allowing the fear of life’s struggles to cause them to forget that our God has all power in His hand.

What’s important to note about this text is that while the men scurried about on the ship, during the storm, Jesus was asleep. Why would Jesus be asleep while in the midst of a life-threatening event? Well, maybe Jesus slept, because He knew that the storm had no power over Him, also to give his followers the opportunity to exercise their faith. Why fret over things you know can’t touch you? But the men did. There were a few men in Scripture who worked their faith in power over the elements, including Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha.

So Jesus woke up, rebuked the storm, then questioned the men’s faith. The fact that Jesus rebuked the storm proves that it was from satan, and not God. Satan is the prince over the power of the air, and can cause storms as well, but only with God’s permission. When we fear, it shows a lack of faith in God. What surprises me most about this text is that the men were more afraid of seeing the power of God manifested through Christ in rebuking the storm, than that actual storm itself. These men were beginning to see that Jesus was God in the flesh, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and in all its fullness. Manifesting His power over the storm was normal for Him.

Believers today have the Holy Ghost power living on the inside of us. We may not operate in the ability to cause storms to cease, but we can hold fast to our faith and trust in the God who can. When storms begin to rage in your life, anchor your soul in the power of the Almighty God, and rest in knowing that His name is a strong tower, and in Him, your safety is guaranteed.

Seek peace,

Ell