Peacemakers 2

Matthew 5:9-12

In a world of continual chaos and uproar, those who are united with God, through Christ Jesus, must uphold the standard of peace, so that others can hold fast to the hope of a secure eternity with the Father. The church of today, has a mandate to represent holiness, despite the cost. It’s unfortunate that we are living during the end-times, when many have fallen away from the faith, but there is a remnant of believers who have not bowed to the standards of the world, yet strive to maintain a holy, righteous, and peaceful lifestyle, on a consistent basis.

People around the globe are suffering in some capacity, and are desperately searching for peace. Some are dealing with sickness or the loss of loved ones, while others find it hard to keep money in their pockets or food in their homes. With all that’s going on in life, it seems impossible to find a mere ounce of peace. God sees the struggle of man, and desires that none perish, but all come to repentance. God does care about His prized creation, but He wants us to shift our focus off our problems for a moment, and back to what’s important; eternal security. God will take care of His people, but He’s more concerned with the state of their souls.

While the world entertains fear and uncertainty, the children of God should be known for maintaining hope and peace. There should be a noticeable difference in the behavior between those who are of God, and those who are lost. For example, when facing a season of trial and suffering, rather than act as if all is lost and hopeless, we should show men that our God is still in control, despite our possible setbacks. There were many in Scripture who suffered greatly, yet maintained a righteous standard through their suffering. A few examples include Joseph, Hannah, Jeremiah, and the apostle Paul.

God’s grace is sufficient for His people, and His strength is made perfect in their weakness. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). This truth should encourage believers to change their perspective on their view of life, and shift God’s agenda to top priority. Only through the power of God’s Spirit, can we find the peace that helps us endure all manner of hard times and difficult situations.

Don’t Forget

Luke 24:5-10

“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22). “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44). “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33).

On multiple occasions, Jesus warned His followers of the horrible things that were destined to happen to Him. He made mention that He would be rejected by those who were supposed to support Him, beaten, mocked, bruised, scourged, and even put to death. But, He never left out the most fascinating of all prophecy; He would rise again, after death!

Our text references the tail end of Jesus’ brief, yet impactful ministry, and also rings some very alarming bells. Following His death, Jesus was taken from the cross and placed in Joseph’s unused tomb. Days following the Savior’s death, the women who had followed Jesus and witnessed His burial, had prepared spices and ointments to use on the body of their loving teacher, while the disciples were keeping themselves out of sight. Ding! Ding! Ding! Helloooooo! Did these folk forget what Jesus had told them, time and time again? Apparently so. But, how could they be in the very presence of Jesus, witness miracles done by His hand, yet forget the most important message He ever told them; “and the third day, He shall rise again.” What purpose was there to prepare spices and ointments, if the Son of man would rise from the tomb? Why hide yourselves from those who were responsible for the death of Jesus, if you knew He would be dead only three days? The disciples and those who followed after Jesus weren’t distracted by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or any other media source, but were fully focused on the prophetic events that took place during their time. I can understand if they were with Jesus during the 21st century, when men are so easily beguiled, but there was hardly anything happening to take their focus off Jesus’ words (that’s just my opinion).

How could they so easily forget that Jesus would rise again? Maybe they thought it was a fairytale, or that Jesus meant something else, or they possibly just didn’t believe. For this reason, God already had a someone in place to remind the people, His Son was indeed raised from the dead. Do you believe what the Bible teaches, or do take in some parts, and disbelieve others? All verses of Scripture are interconnected, and the root of every text is Jesus. The Words of God were written for our instruction, whether we think they are fairytale or not, but despite what we believe, all Scripture will soon be fulfilled.

A Higher Perspective

Mark 2:1-12

Bashing the modern-day church isn’t something I take pride in, as some do today. There are many who speak their thoughts over social media outlets, in reference to the state of church, and christianity, and most of them set the church in a negative light. The definition of the church is, a unified body, consisting of many members, all with different functions, yet operating with one mind, heart, and goal.

It is indeed sad how church has changed over time, and many who seek the truth, can hardly find it from those who profess to be believers, but the biggest problem facing those who are supposed to represent Christ is, perspective. Operating on human intellect alone, gives one a certain world view that is oftentimes contrary to the will of God. Men are indeed wise, and have knowledge to accomplish great things, but worldly wisdom and understanding can take you so far, until you’ll eventually yearn for a deeper understanding of life to grasp things from God’s point of view. In addition, just because a person attends religious services, doesn’t automatically make them qualified in their understanding of the Gospel message. Without the Spirit of God, no man can function appropriately according as God desires.

Our text gives an example of the different perspectives between carnal minded men, and the mind of Jesus. After seeing the faith of four men who sincerely believed that Jesus would heal their paralyzed friend, rather than heal the man first, Jesus focused on his soul. From man’s perspective one would think natural healing should come first, but Jesus proved to the arrogant and undisciplined scribes that a man’s soul is more important than anything else. The physical body of man is temporal, but the soul is eternal, and all souls belong to the Lord. The certain scribes in the text failed to understand that God had given His Son the power and authority to forgive sin, and from His perspective, Jesus was concerned about the total man, and not just the physical.

In times when we don’t understand the plan of God, trust and believe He sees more than we can with our limited sight and judgment. Be careful not to judge the church by where some are in life, because God may be doing something to help their eternal future, and not just a temporary situation.

They Just Don’t Understand

Luke 4:23-30

There are some people in life, who try hard to shine in the spotlight, and are willing to go over and beyond normal means, simply to gain the attention and approval of others. On the other hand, there are those who try hard to remain hidden from the realm of popularity, but their righteous acts keep them at the forefront. Jesus came to the earth to make no reputation for Himself, rather to do as His Father commanded Him to do. As His fame began to spread during the early moments of His ministry, He decided to return to the place where He had been brought up. Walking through the streets of Nazareth must have brought many old memories to Jesus, one of which led Him to visit the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

While in the midst of those gathered together, Jesus read a familiar passage from the book of Isaiah, that was a literal reference to His mission. Rather than appreciate the son of Joseph for all the great works they heard Him perform in Capernaum, the people became filled with wrath instead. They allowed their familiarity with who Jesus was in a natural sense to cloud their judgment of who He was in the spirit realm. The Son of God had just told the people His purpose for His time in the earth, yet they deliberately rejected Him, and literally tried to throw Him over a cliff! Say what?! Yes, they were ready to kill Jesus, knowing He was of their own people, and the son of Joseph and Mary. I’m convinced, Jesus could only shake His head, and repeat in His mind, “No prophet is accepted in His own country” (vs.24).

Are you guilty of rejecting people who have gifts and talents, but are too familiar? Learn to love and accept those who you may be accustomed to, and appreciate their gifts, rather than showing more respect to strangers who seem to be experts. Be not surprised when your Christian life and faith are not easily understood by those who know you well, but keep doing what you do, and God will see you through.

Special Delivery

Luke 1:26-38

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Special Delivery!” Starring, Mary, and Gabriel the Messenger! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Mary walks from the kitchen to the living room while cleaning, then suddenly sees the angel Gabriel appear before her)

Mary: (Screams frantically!!!) Who are you? What are you doing here? How did you get in my house? What is happening right now?

Gabriel: Calm down Mary, everything is fine. I am Gabriel. I was sent by God to give you some very exciting news!

Mary: I’m extremely sorry I screamed in your face. Allow me a moment to sit, and catch my breath.

(Mary sits on the couch, and looks puzzled at Gabriel’s presence)

Gabriel: Oh Mary, you are highly favored, and the Lord is with you. You are truly blessed among women.

Mary: I don’t understand your words sir. What do you mean? What is this about?

Gabriel: Fear not, Mary. You have found favor with God. I’ve come to tell you, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name JESUS.

(Mary’s puzzling look grows more intense)

Gabriel: The child you birth will be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Mary: I…..but…..

Gabriel: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mary: Forgive me kind sir for my puzzled gaze, but how shall this be, seeing I know not a man.

Gabriel: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary: All this seems unreal, and hard to fathom.

Gabriel: I understand how you must feel right now, but if it makes you feel any better, your cousin Elisabeth, the one who was called barren, she’s already six months pregnant, even in her old age.

Mary: How did you know that?

Gabriel: Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Mary: Well sir, be it unto me, according to thy word.

(Gabriel departs, and Mary sits for hours, pondering over the message she had received from the angel)

*Every word spoken of Jesus before His birth, was fulfilled. He, along with his cousin John, would be great, but Jesus would be even more greater, because He was indeed, the Son of God. God saw something in Mary, to trust her with birthing the Savior of the world, and her humility and submission to Gabriel’s message, proved that she was well able to carry out God’s plan for her life. What has God called you to do? Have you submitted yourself to carrying out His plan for your life? Or, are you too busy concerning yourself with the business of others? Focus your time and efforts on doing what God has called you to do, then watch Him bless you, as you walk in obedience to His commands.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Special Delivery”! Thanks for tuning in.

Oops, My Bad…

Exodus 2:1-10

In the war against evil, believers must remain strong and vigilant at all times, because our adversary, the devil, desires that all who love God, be turned against Him, and he’s literally working overtime to see his dastardly plan be manifested. This is evident today, and was recorded throughout Scripture, as men and women of God had to go against the grain, at times, in order that the greater good be accomplished.

The first and second chapters of the book of Exodus give an example of how God can look past a small error or flaw in the life of a believer, in order that His will be done. After the death of Joseph, and the generation he brought to Egypt, the children of Israel grew more prosperous, and increased abundantly. Unfortunately their increased population in the land wasn’t well received by the new king who arose over Egypt. Rather than appreciate the growth of God’s people, and join with them to fulfill His purpose, the king decided that enslaving them, and afflicting them beyond the norm, would be a wise choice. To his surprise, the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. When God begins to bless you, don’t expect everyone to be happy about it.

The king became grieved with the children of Israel, and commanded the midwives to kill all male newborns, but spare the females. Exodus 1:17 reads, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” It takes deeply rooted faith and trust in God, to willfully go against a higher authority, especially when that authority gives a command to go against God’s authority. The midwives were confronted by the king, and questioned as to why they disobeyed his command. Being stuck between a rock and a hard place, the women embellished a little on the details of their actions. They told the king, the Hebrew women were lively, and delivered the babies before they arrived to assist. I’m not sure what color that lie was, but it was used to protect the lives of God’s people. The following verses read that God blessed the midwives, because they feared Him, but were they blessed for lying? No, they weren’t. God undoubtedly forgave them for lying, but blessed them because they saved the lives of many innocent children. One of those little boys who were saved, was chosen by God, to become great, and eventually lead His people out of Egypt.

“When your motives are righteous, God will bless you.” – Ell

Faithful Servants

Genesis 43:20-25

In Scripture, servants were direct extensions of their masters. An example of this was evident in the previous lesson, where we read how Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, was indeed a man of faith, and righteous before the Lord. It’s very crucial (and beneficial for those who serve godly leaders) that men of God select those who are holy, full of the Spirit, righteous, and of good reputation to serve under their leadership. This is because, when God blesses the leader, those under his watch are blessed also. Also, leaders can expect humble and holy servants to adhere to, and obey their commands, without hesitation or contention. Servants who go against their master’s standards, cannot be trusted, thus must be removed and replaced immediately.

Remember when you were a kid, and you would select only the best kickers from a group of friends for your kickball team? You didn’t want anyone who was lazy or slow, but you desired the best of the bunch to represent your team. This is also true in the kingdom of God. While no man is perfect, we can all have prefect (mature and well-developed) faith. Eliezer was indeed a man after his master’s heart, and the man in our text served faithfully under Joseph also. After taking his once hard-hearted brothers through a brief season of rebuke and restoration, Joseph invited them all to join him in blessed reunion. Before the brothers were brought to Joseph’s presence, the steward of the house of Joseph met them at the door of the house. The steward was fully aware of Joseph’s plan for his brethren, and cared little about their explanation, but desired to fulfill his master’s plan to reunite him with his brothers. Although they were totally unaware what fate awaited them, Joseph’s brothers had many fears because of all the strange events they were experiencing. Fortunately, Joseph’s steward carried the spirit of his master, and showed hospitality to them all, including Simeon, whom they had kept in the house.

As a Christian, be mindful of those who work closely with you. We live in a world where Saints and sinners work closely together in most professions, but in the event God allows for you to manage or supervise fellow believers, be extremely grateful for the fact that you can not only work with other believers, but share with each other, the goodness of the Lord on a daily basis, as they operate in the same Spirit you walk in.

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

A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

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

Ell

Sticky Situation

Genesis 43:1-15

In most churches around the world, children are taught very early, the importance of Ephesians 6:1-3 which reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” The average Christian parent willingly seeks to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, so that as they mature, they’ll gradually develop in knowledge, understanding, and reverence of who He really is. Parents want the best for their children, and desire to steer them in the right direction, so they hold a firm stance toward obedience. But, is it ever ok for a child to disobey their parent’s command?

That question may have tickled a few ears, but should children really do everything their parents tell them to, even if it could cause potential harm to them? Our text gives a great example of this precise situation. After seeing their little brother for the first time in years, and assuming he was probably long dead, Joseph’s brothers were met with a rude awakening, when Joseph thought it wise to teach them a lesson for the past error of their ways. There’s no doubt Joseph was elated to see his brethren (it’s apparent he didn’t hold a grudge, nor develop hate toward them), but he desired more so to see his father and younger brother, Benjamin with his own eyes.

After being sent back to their land, and given instructions to return with Benjamin, Joseph’s brothers told their Father Jacob, all that Joseph had told them. After hearing that “the man” commanded them to bring young Benjamin back to him, Jacob was literally heartbroken. He couldn’t afford to lose another son, especially from the wife he had worked over 14 years to marry.

As time passed, and food begin to become scarce, due to the famine, Jacob told his boys to return to Egypt, to buy more food. Judah spoke out and said (in Ell’s translation), “Dad, we already told you, that dude back in Egypt, warned us not to return without Benjamin. I know you love him as you did Joseph, but I’m gonna have to disobey you on this one pops.” Obviously, this didn’t sit well with Jacob, but he was eventually convinced to comply.

Were Judah and his brothers wrong for agreeing to disobey their father, because it could have potentially cost them their lives, or should they have gone against the words of the ruler of Egypt, and returned without Benjamin? Things that make you go, hmm.

There’s a valuable lesson in this story, that all could benefit from. When it comes to obeying God, while possibly upsetting your parents or others, choose God. Never allow anyone, including those you look up to most, to take precedence over the Word of God, because at the end of the day, only what God says really matters anyway. Also, be mindful not to be disrespectful to those in authority, but be certain when following another man’s orders, it doesn’t contradict how God commanded you to live.

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

Ell

Another Story

Genesis 42:6-25

What if, after all God did for Joseph, from keeping him safe in the pit, protected during slavery, appreciated in prison, to becoming ruler over all Egypt, he decided not to forgive his brothers from the way they dealt with him as a child? I strongly believe, there would be an entirely different story written in chapter 42 of the book of Genesis. If Joseph had refused to show kindness to his brothers, their entire family line (with the exception of himself), would have perished in the famine, and this would have no doubt caused major rifts in biblical genealogies, as the sons of Jacob fathered many who were prominent figures in Scripture.

It’s amazing how one sin, can cause a lifetime of trouble. Even in our own lives, I can say with confidence, that if given the chance, there are quite a few choices you would change, without hesitation. Bad decisions have lingering consequences, many of which never seem to go away, so it’s vital that we walk in obedience to God, and avoid making careless mistakes along our journey. God knew that Joseph would forgive his brothers, and supply all their needs, when the time came. This is why he was elevated to 2nd in command in Egypt. God also knows whether we will slip and fall, or stand strong, so He allows, or disallows certain things to happen in our lives as well. Strive to always make wise decisions, and never refuse to show love to your haters, because God allowed you to be blessed, just so you could bless some of them. Don’t take the blessings of God for granted, neither hold grudges against those who’ve caused you grief. Instead, as you have freely received from God, freely give to those in need.

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

Ell