Wise Counsel

2 Timothy 4:9-18

Times have changed from the days of old, to now, when the young would glean wisdom and wise counsel from the elderly. It always amazes me, how a child can claim to know more than anyone who’s lived more than twice the years they’ve been alive. But, I digress, and allow all to get enough bumps and bruises necessary to force them to seek after wisdom. Wisdom is a coveted virtue, for anyone seeking a productive and blessed future. Unfortunately, the years of knowledge and counsel the younger generations need to be successful (in God’s eyes), are shunned away for the cares of the present world.

The apostle Paul proved to be one of the most influential of all godly men mentioned in Scripture. He was not only motivated by his humiliating and regretful past, but his drive to spread the goodness of the Gospel was fueled by the sincere love shown to him by Christ Himself. Paul’s 180 degree turn from darkness to light, was a miraculous event, but he would soon learn that the journey set before him would not be as smooth as he would hope. The apostle Paul was bold, and sure of that which he preached, and he never allowed any situation or circumstance to deter him from his mission. He was inspired by the Spirit of God in all he set his mind to do, even when establishing churches. God guided Paul’s hand, and gave him strength and wisdom on how to teach those who sought after righteousness.

Along his journey, Paul’s message wasn’t well received by everyone, especially those whom he assumed would offer their support. Demas, once a minister and fellow laborer with Paul, had surprisingly forsaken him. Paul mentioned that Demas “having loved this present world, departed unto Thessalonica.” (vs. 10). It’s easy to get over losing people who were never there for you, but being forsaken by someone who fought beside you, leaves a sting that is not easily relieved.

There were many others who stood against Paul during his ministry of preaching the Gospel, but God sustained him long enough to fulfill the will He set before him. Many of the valuable lessons Paul learned throughout his life, he made sure to pass them along to young Timothy. Paul knew, just as he faced ridicule and rejection from men of the “cloth”, Timothy should always be prepared for similar experiences.

Living a godly life will present the church with challenges and struggles, but it’s unfortunate when those struggles come by way of those who are supposed to be fighting alongside us. The Bible teaches that we are to pray for our enemies, but we should routinely set aside time to also pray earnestly and fervently for those who claim to be children of God.

“Despite how young or old you are, seek after wisdom, and allow the Spirit of God to give you understanding.” – Ell

Prayer Power!

Genesis 24:24-33

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b KJV). To translate this verse to 4th grade understanding, it would read, the sincere prayer of a man who truly loves God, will always result in extraordinary deeds. When we pray to God, in faith, believing that our desires are aligned with His will, He will bring into manifestation, our sincere petitions. The purpose of prayer isn’t so God can know what’s in our hearts, because He already knows our thoughts, even before we think them, but it’s to reveal to Him, that we indeed are submitted to His will, and desire to accomplish it through our daily living.

We don’t ask God for things in vain, rather our requests to God are for things that will advance His kingdom business in the earth. Whether we seek guidance for financial breakthrough, healing, or a spouse, all requests are made known unto God, in order that His will be done, through us, in the earth.

Our text gives a great example of answered prayer, and how sometimes, God allows instant manifestation. Following the death and burial of his wife, Sarah, Abraham gave instruction to the eldest servant of his house, to find a wife for his son, Issac. Abraham was very detailed in his request, and knew that God would come through for him, as He always did before. Being burdened with such a hard task, Eliezer did what any righteous man would do in his position; he prayed unto the Lord for help finding a wife for his master’s son. To make a long, yet beautiful story short, everything Eliezer prayed for, was answered in a matter of moments. God blessed Abraham, by way of Eliezer, and blew the mind of the servant with such a quick manifestation. It never takes God long to do anything, because He is literally timeless. If He wants to bless someone instantly, He can do just that, and if He decides that answering our prayers too soon may not be wise, then His delay will never become a denial.

God is truly amazing, and coming through as fast as He did for Eliezer, literally caused him to worship. How do you respond when God answers you quickly? Are you usually shocked and amazed like a deer staring into headlights, or do you fall to your knees, and lift your head and hands up in worship? No matter how big or small, make all your requests to God with passion, and sincere gratitude, because doing so proves to the Father how serious we are about what we desire from Him. But, always remember to pray according as He wills, because there are times when we pray for things we shouldn’t, then His Spirit will step in to make intercession on our behalf.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

The Prayer Of Faith

James 5:13-20

One of the most sound words of advice acknowledged by Luke in the New Testament says “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” These words were mentioned right before Jesus began to teach the parable of the “Unjust Judge”. If you’re not familiar with this story, it can be found in Luke 18:1-8. Christ understood, keeping in constant communication with the Father, was essential to maintaining the right balance of natural, and holy living. God knows all, created all, and understands all, so the more we come to Him with whatever issue, the better we’ll understand His purpose for allowing it, and how to handle it.

Our text also gives a powerful word of wise counsel, as it states, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (vs. 16b). While prayer involves communicating with God, in order for God to hear, or even acknowledge your words, a couple of things must first be dealt with. First of all, we should always approach God with a pure heart, and good intentions. If there is any sin in our hearts, we should confess our faults, and the Lord will save us. Second, when we pray, it must be done in faith. Praying without faith is, praying amiss, and God doesn’t acknowledge unfaithful requests. Many times, people come before God with doubt, fear, unbelief, or discouragement, but these things must be put aside, so that one won’t lose heart when seeking to receive an answer from the Father.

Because of Christ, we have a right to approach God, despite with the enemy says or does to convince us otherwise. Prayer is powerful and super effective, and when it becomes a customary pattern, the life of those who pray will become increasingly focused, and appealing in the eyes of God.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

For the sake of your prayers

1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter’s sense of urgency toward the people in this text is referenced to a time of impending judgment on Isreal, which came about 10 years later. During this judgment, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, along with the priesthood and sacrifices. As a good leader should, Peter gave specific commandments to help prepare the people for what was soon to come. Similar to the commandments he gave the people in chapter 1, Peter began by telling them to be sober. Sobriety is key to holiness, as it allows one to function with a clear and conscious mind. There are many things in this world that have the power to easily influence our minds, no matter how “saved” we say we are.

The second command was that the children of God “watch unto prayer”. Growing up, I would often hear the same phrase at the end of most prayers in church services: “Watch, and pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.” Does this mean that we should pray with our eyes wide open? In a sense, it does. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” When we pray, our goal is to bring to God’s attention that we want what He wants for us. As we watch, we remain focused on the things that are relevant to God, and we strive to live holy as we wait for our prayers to become manifested.

The next commandment, which was to be above all else, was to “have fervent charity among themselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Love is the single most powerful element on the planet. If God is love, then there must be a prominent force that lies beneath love’s surface. The best way a family, team, group, or organization can function at its optimum level, is if all members get along, and are on the same page. Discord among teammates can cause all sorts of things to go wrong, that can eventually cost them games. Businesses usually flourish when all workers operate in unity, and togetherness. But when those who feel that their work is unappreciated, or they aren’t getting enough exposure as other departments, this becomes a recipe for eventual disaster. The best way the church can represent God is to do so by first loving each other. It’s embarrassing to Christianity when brothers and sisters fight amongst themselves. What’s even worse, is when it happens in the presence of unbelievers. God frowns on His people, as an unhappy parent does when siblings don’t work together.

Peter’s forth commandment was for the people to “use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Hospitality is what shows the world the humility of the Saints, but this is unattainable if true love is not first achieved. If I don’t love someone, I wouldn’t be so quick to show them acts of love either. This is what’s causing much division in churches today. There’s a lack of love amongst the people, which in turn causes the unsaved to refrain from coming to church, the children dread attending services, and the preachers have to continue giving baby messages until the church starts to develop and mature. This is truly an embarrassing sight to the body of Christ.

I urge all believers to love one another without conditions. When we do unto others as if it were Christ, then the outcomes of our behavior would be totally different. Forget not how good God has been in your life. Take those memories, and use them as motivation to show love and kindness to someone else. Strive to get along with your brothers and sisters, and let love lead your every action, word, and deed.

Seek peace,

Ell