The Hard Way

1 Corinthians 5:1-5

Learning is one of life’s most fundamental virtues. In their beginning stages, babies learn to walk, talk, and manipulate their parents into submission of their wills. Adolescents take advantage of opportunities to grasp the rudimentary principles of education, including reading, writing, and arithmetic in school, or at home. High school graduates set goals to learn a specific trade or field of study, in hopes of contributing to society in their profession. Learning is extremely valuable, and allows for one to grow accordingly in specific areas of life, while avoiding the dangers associated with ignorance.

While learning is inherently good, the are times when some individuals require hard lessons, after refusing to abide by the rules and guidelines that govern proper learning standards. For example, a baby who makes a habit of flicking peas off their spoon, may get a little “pow pow” on their hand or wrist, in hopes they’ll learn to refrain from those actions in the future. Another example involves children who refuse to do their homework consistently, and could be reprimanded by their teacher, as well as their parent, who’s discipline is intended to push them to shift their focus back in the right direction. College students who find it more important to drink and party, rather than attend class, could find themselves arrested, thrown in jail, or even suspended for a time from school. Discipline is enforced solely to cause one to change their mind from behaving contrary to the standards they are expected to adhere to.

In our text, the apostle Paul enforced strict discipline on an individual who’s actions were unacceptable according to righteous standards. Although the early church was still in development, and the people were growing gradually by faith, there were some who deliberately went against the teaching of the Gospel, and participated in acts even the Gentiles were wise enough to avoid. What made matters worse was, those who knew about the man’s deliberate sinful act, were so consumed in their own affairs, they neglected to rebuke him for his evil deed. Paul, in his absence, commanded the church to gather in a meeting, and deliver the man unto satan, “for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Throughout the Christian community, there are debates as to the meaning of this text, but I’m more inclined to believe, the man who willfully sinned was excommunicated from the Corinthian church, and satan was permitted to afflict his body, which would eventually bring him to repentance.

Sometimes in life, we’ll go through times of difficulty, but only to shift our focus from satisfying our selfish needs, to fulfilling God’s purpose for us. Be mindful of straying too far away from biblical learning, as you continue to grow in grace, because there will always be times when you’re tempted to go against God’s standards, in favor of fulfilling worldly and selfish desires.

The Wages Of Sin 2

1 Kings 22:29-40

…all he had to do was listen, and obey! Like, he literally asked for an answer from the Lord, and received it, yet he refused to do the right thing! Seriously, Ahab?! Okay, let me start over. Have you ever needed help with something, and you couldn’t accomplish it on your own, but when help arrived, you turned it down? That thing you so desperately needed, in order to be successful, or in the case of Ahab, to stay alive, you chose rather to abide by the words of those who spoke lies, rather than truth. The Bible makes it very clear, king Ahab was the most evil man of his time, and was responsible for committing countless acts of wickedness, on behalf of Baal. When seeking a word of certain victory against the Syrians, Ahab’s false prophets were influenced by a spirit approved by God, to speak lies from their lips. The prophets confirmed (falsely), the king would fair well against the Syrians, but God spoke through the prophet Micaiah, warning the king he would suffer greatly, if he went to battle against Syria. In other words, God set before king Ahab life, and death, and gave him the power to choose which to acknowledge. Ahab literally hated Micaiah, because he usually spoke against the wickedness he sought approval for. Why hate a man for trying to save your soul? Oh senseless king. Unfortunately, Ahab ignored Micaiah’s godly advice, and was met with a disastrous end.

Despite how cruel and wicked some people become, God will continue to show them sincere love. But, when God’s warnings of judgment for disobedience are ignored, those same people condemn themselves to a disastrous end.

Obedience Leads To Victory

2 Kings 3:9-17

When life seems to be cool, calm, and collected for you, how often do you acknowledge God in your ways? Do you pray to the Father only in times of great need, or have you discovered that making daily prayer a part of your spiritual journey extremely beneficial?

Many of us forget to make God a healthy part of our day, but the moment times begin to get tough, we quickly come to our senses, and reach out to the One who can bring us the victory. God demands obedience from those who are in Christ Jesus, and expects them to walk in His ways, and keep His commandments regularly. But, the moment we allow ourselves to waver from God’s commands, the sooner we’ll find ourselves in deep water.

Our text gives a prime example of the importance of seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness, before making decisions. In the New Testament, the victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave has already been won through Jesus, but the men in our text had yet to experience life after the resurrected Christ. Instead, they sought prophets of God, for confirmation of victory before they set out for battle. The kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom had set their minds to attack the men of Moab, because king Mesha of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel (for more details, reference chapter 3 in its entirety). As the three kings prepared to do battle against the Moabites, one of the men remembered how God used prophets to give word whether or not they would fair well in battle. The prophet Elisha was mentioned to the kings by one of the servants, and the men went quickly to seek him out. Elisha was hesitant at first to assist the kings, but then requested a minstrel to come and play an instrument, while he sought words from the Lord. God gave the prophet Elisha specific commands to tell the three kings, and if they were to obey them, they would cement their victory, but if they did not perform the easy commands from God, their fighting would be in vain.

Sometimes, it only takes simple obedience to receive the best from the Lord. Oftentimes, we make it hard for God to bless us by getting too comfortable in times when our money is good, and things are going well for us. But, whether we are in seasons of good or times of struggle, we should always seek to fulfill the will of the Father, and not become complacent, because only through obedience, can we guarantee victory in all areas of our lives.

Are You There?

Lamentations 5

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Are You There?” Starring, Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, and God, the Father! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Jeremiah calls to God, in hopes of pleading to Him for help.)

Jeremiah: (Ring! Ring! Ring!……Ring! Ring! Ring!)

Father:…

Jeremiah: Why won’t He answer, I know He’s always there? Sigh… I’ll keep trying. (Ring! Ring! Ring!……)

Father: (Picks up phone)…

Jeremiah: Hello Father, are you there?

Father:…

Jeremiah: Father, hello… can you hear me? It’s Jeremiah, your servant.

Father:…

Jeremiah: Father… sigh… I know you’ve rejected us, and are very angry with how we have been living, but we need your help!

Father:…

Jeremiah: Since we’ve turned away from you, things have gone from bad to really bad, and we are unable to save ourselves!

Father:…

Jeremiah: It’s evident you have called us to live according to righteousness, but our low standard of living has resulted in intense suffering!

Father:…

Jeremiah: Please Father, I know you see our struggles, so consider your people, and bring us back into your arms of protection!

Father:…

Jeremiah: All that we have been blessed with, has been taken by strangers; our inheritance, our houses, and we can’t rest because we are under heavy persecution!

Father:…

Jeremiah: Even the elders have refrained from serving, and our holy place is desolate! Father, please… restore us to our former glory in your presence! Do not forsake your people Lord. This is my prayer…

Father:…

*The longer we stray away from walking after righteousness, our sins will eventually find us out. The people of Jerusalem experienced the results of living contrary to God’s commandments, and were forced to suffer immensely. Although God heard the prayer of Jeremiah, He allowed the people a season of suffering, in hopes they would learn from the error of their ways, until He restored them once again. God loves His people, and will never abandon them, but when we continue in sin, He’ll allow seasons of suffering, in order to push us back into the right mindset and re-commit to serving Him.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Are You There?” Thanks for tuning in.

Careful Consideration

Jeremiah 9:17-22

As a believer, and faithful follower of Christ, how do you properly treat those whom you love, that have made a habit of committing sin and iniquity? The world teaches that we should judge those who do wrong, and demand the most severe judgment upon them, but should a Christian share like demands with the world? God is love, and He loves those He created, but justice was set in place for all who break the law, commit a crime, or practice sin. The Bible teaches, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”, so all who make a habit of participating in sin activities, will soon receive just wages for doing so.

Knowing that all men are susceptible to error, those who are in God, should always be mindful how they treat people who fall. God the Father is the only judge, and we are to make attempts to restore those who make mistakes, and not sentence them to an eternity in exile, knowing that at any moment, we too can all fall into temptation, so it’s wise to consider that same thought when we think of judging others.

Learn to look beyond a person’s faults, and see their potential submission to God’s will. There was a time, when we too were entangled in an ugly past, but someone prayed for us, and helped bring us into right standing with the Lord. In those moments when you’re itching to call someone out for their faults, consider Jesus hanging, and dying on the cross, for all the wrong you’ve done, and will do during your journey through life.

Regarded, And Not Despised

Psalm 102

“…men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
(Luke 18:1b). The year 2021 has barely begun its second quarter, yet many unfortunate events have already taken place. People in every country continue to suffer from the lingering pandemic, while others hold their stance against police brutality and social injustice. If this year started with such unfavorable circumstances, I can only imagine what’s to come as the days go by.

It’s evident, we are living in perilous times, but there is no reason for the Saints to stop praying. Situations and circumstances do seem bleak and grim, but God still sits on His throne, monitoring the decaying earth. The days we experience have been prophesied many years ago, and are expected to worsen. Fortunately, the Bible teaches us how to prepare for today, and what’s soon to come.

God loves His people, and hates to see them suffer, but walking in the Spirit doesn’t always take you along a smooth path. Suffering comes as a package deal with being joined with Christ. We suffer, because Jesus suffered, but in our suffering, we mature, and grow stronger and wiser through our experiences. The Spirit of God guides believers throughout each day, and as we speak to the Father, He regards our prayers and acknowledges our faith in His own way, and according to His perfect timing. We pray, so that we can keep our line of communication with God open, and receive instruction from our Father, through His Spirit. Prayer also keeps our minds and hearts focused on those things that are important to God, and not what we think we should do.

God’s business should always be priority, and despite how the world looks, those who love Him have been given the necessary tools to stand in the evil day. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Eph. 6:10-18).

“God Is With You”

Zechariah 8:18-23

One of the biggest concerns facing believers today is, knowing how to draw others to God. While living a life of righteousness is a daily process, influencing others to walk after the righteousness of God, is a duty all Saints have been commanded to fulfill as well. Jesus said, in the book of John, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Some scholars relate this saying to Jesus being lifted up, and hung on a cross, while others mention that it references His ascension into heaven, but either way, when Jesus is the center of attention, His life and sacrifice will be more than enough to draw all men unto Himself.

Many go through life, using methods outside of Scripture, in hopes of reaching lost souls, but all it takes is the message of the Gospel, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, to inspire and influence others to consider God’s way. Professional fishermen know, the right bait is necessary for catching certain fish, and without the bait, there’s nothing to attract the fish to his hook. The Word of God is enough on its own, to compel men to come to Jesus, but we must first grasp an understanding of it for ourselves, or we’ll be like an inexperienced fisherman, casting with the wrong bait, or no bait at all.

God is with those who trust Him, and are committed to His will, and when believers realize that all they need is God to make a difference, they’ll be fascinated at what He can do through their very own lives. When God is with you, reaching out to others becomes more of a desire, rather than a simple obligation, because God is love, and that love is potent when used according to His Word.

Recognition

Psalm 111

Of all the accolades men covet in the earth, none compare to the simple desire to be recognized. From a child climbing on monkey bars, to celebrities and athletes who entertain the masses, everyone longs to be recognized. Recognition is simply acknowledging someone’s presence, or validating the fact that they are known. It’s easy to recognize someone you see often, or have frequent communication with, but those you aren’t familiar with or rarely encounter, aren’t often acknowledged.

In society today, men and women who are wealthy, or make major contributions that impact cities, states, and even countries, are widely recognized around the globe for their charitable efforts. People are usually captivated and treat such persons as “gods” in the earth, because of their great influence, but there is a God who has done much more than a man could ever do, yet His recognition is hardly acknowledged by mankind.

The God of heaven and earth, has done wonderful and incredible works in the earth, the likes of which no man can imitate. God created oceans and seas, mountains, and trees, but men refuse to give Him glory for His works. The Lord even supplies the needs of men, women, and children around the world, yet some choose to give honor to the works of their own hands, rather than the One who sustains them. God is amazing, and deserves all honor, glory, and praise! The author of our text was well aware of the goodness of the Lord, and made mention of the importance of acknowledging Him with continual praise. Although no man has ever seen the Lord, we can all clearly see His handiwork throughout nature. Romans 1:20 verifies the previous statement as it reads, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: “

Men ought to acknowledge God in all their ways, and give reverence to His holy name, because He created everything, and keeps all things in their place. God gives us strength, provision, and protection as we go throughout our days, and we owe it to Him, to render all the recognition He’s worthy of.

Parental Guidance Pt. 2

Daniel 9:4-6, 15-19

Good parents raise their children in such a way, they’ll be able to conduct themselves in a decent and wholesome manner, as they mature and develop throughout their lives. A good way to test the level of a child’s maturity, and how they’ll represent their family’s name is, to monitor them in public places, and around other people. Most parents set standards in their homes, which they expect their children to adhere to. Not only are children expected to conduct themselves accordingly at home, but away from home also. Children who obey their parents are typically rewarded for doing so, and render more help to the family as a whole, rather than create unnecessary problems for everyone. But, there are those who more often than not, give their parents a not so good name. If there’s one thing a parent despises, it’s dealing with children who give their name a bad reputation. Children often forget how impactful their actions are, and disregard the fact that they bear their parent’s name. Knowing this, they are known to find themselves in unfavorable and embarrassing situations, many of which their parents go out of their way to save them from.

The Bible teaches, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” (Prov. 22:1). Throughout history, men and women were not only known by their accomplishments, but more importantly by their names. The name of the Lord was to be reverenced and respected by His people throughout the Bible, but there were many times when the children of Israel gave the Lord a bad name. God is good, and always good, yet those who claim to serve Him have done major damage to His name for generations.

Our text picks up where God’s chosen people had once again, given in to sin, and were drawn away into diverse iniquities. Surprisingly, the man who interceded to pray forgiveness on their behalf, was not responsible for participating in their sin, yet he included himself in the prayer. Daniel expressed sincerely to God, “We have sinned, and committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.” (vs. 5). Daniel did nothing wrong, yet felt responsible for defaming the name of the Lord as the people did. What a guy! Although Israel had taken the name of the Lord in vain, and connected themselves to wickedness, Daniel petitioned God to withhold His anger from the people for His own sake, because the people are called by His name. Whether they wanted to be or not, Israel were God’s children, in the same way we are to our parents, and whether we do good or bad, we can’t disconnect from being our father and mother’s child.

God loves all His children, but we have a mandate to keep His name holy. We must do this by obeying the Word, living according to godly principles, and committing all our thoughts, plans, and motivations to the will of the Father. When our priorities are to please the Father, we’ll be positioned to represent Him the right way, and avoid bringing shame and embarrassment to His name.

Parental Guidance

Ezra 10:1-12

“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.” (Eph 6:1-3). This passage of Scripture was engrained in my mind at an early age. By the age of ten, I could recite these verses from memory with ease. In my younger days, I often wondered why my parents focused so much time training my siblings and I on committing this passage, and others relating to obedience, to memory. My father and mother understood the importance of obedience to God, and the dangers of disobedience, and were wise enough to help their children develop an understanding of godly principles, through their biblical rearing.

When we obeyed our parents, I can safely assume it brought peace and a sense of joy and comfort to their hearts, as they witnessed their efforts have a positive effect in our lives. Unfortunately, raising seven children in the 80’s was far from a cakewalk. I can also imagine my mom and dad wanting to pull their hair out, during times when we were too much to deal with. Being our parents, and leaders of the home, we were expected to follow and respect their orders and commands, but there were many times when we did the opposite of what we were told, in order to satisfy our selfish wills. We were raised to live different from the world, and not mingle with behaviors and activities that were contrary to God’s Word. This same message was given to the children of Israel in our text, by Ezra the priest. God had already warned His people to keep themselves pure and undefiled from the ways and customs of the pagan people who dwelled in the land they would soon enter, but while some took heed to God’s word, others had different agendas.

Throughout the time of the judges, Israelite men had married heathen women, and then adopted their religious practices. God knew the dangers of mixing the holy with the profane, and told Ezra to warn the people to remain holy. As always, the people rebelled, and willingly mingled with the heathen nation. In the same way my parents probably showed frustration at the disobedience of myself and my siblings, Ezra the priest heard what the people had done, then tore his clothes and plucked out his hair and beard. If that wasn’t enough to show his frustration and disappointment, Ezra sat astonished all day, until the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice, the priest fell on his knees, spread out his hands unto the Lord, and prayed.

Ezra’s sincere prayer gives a great perspective on sin, because he recognized how serious it is, how it affects others, and how God would spare an undeserving nation, if they would only repent. Eventually, the congregation of those who turned away from the Lord, confessed their sins, and were forgiven.