Eternal Dividends

Isaiah 38:16-20

How much wealth can a man accumulate in a lifetime? According to modern standards of measure, wealth can be calculated more or less objectively via inflation adjustment. For example, comparing the nominal GDP of the United States of the respective periods, and then converting it into contemporary United States dollars. Unfortunately, for ancient wealth measures, comparison of wealth becomes more problematic, on one hand due to the inaccuracy or unreliability of records, on the other due to the difficulty of comparing a pre-industrial economy to a modern one (especially in the presence of absolute monarchy, where an entire kingdom or empire is considered the ruler’s personal property). Some scholars have even estimated the total worth of king Solomon’s wealth to be near 3 billion dollars (according to modern measures of calculation), and this was during the early years of his reign. Regardless the amount of wealth men accumulate in the earth, they cannot take a single, shiny penny into the next life. I’ve mentioned in a previous lesson, how money has its purpose, and necessary uses, but rather than making money your sole purpose in life, why not calculate how much praise, honor, glory, and reverence you can give to God, while you yet live? Honoring the God of all creation is by no means a competition, but if service to God is guaranteed to net eternal rewards in the life to come, wouldn’t it be wise to make doing so top priority?

When’s The Last Time…?

Psalm 106-107

When was the last time, you told God you love Him? When was the last time, you expressed gratefulness, simply for being alive? When was the last time, you hugged yourself? When was the last time, you considered how short life is? When was the last time, you treated yourself to something nice? When was the last time, you ignored your haters, and prayed for them instead? When was the last time, you stood your ground, in the midst of persecution and shame? When was the last time, you spoke highly of someone, other than yourself? When was the last time, you sat with an elderly person, and gleaned from their years of wisdom? When was the last time, you shared your wisdom with a child? When was the last time, you thought about men and women who are incarcerated, and felt a sense of sorrow? When was the last time, you visited someone who was sick, and in pain? When was the last time, you didn’t hesitate to give food, clothes, or money to the poor? When was the last time, you took a walk at night, gazed into the starlit sky, breathed in slowly, exhaled, then told God “thank you”? When was the last time, you looked around, and appreciated God’s creation? When was the last time, you brought comfort, to an uncomfortable situation? When was the last time, you actually meditated on the Word of God? When was the last time, your smile made someone’s day? When was the last time, you held your peace, even when you knew you were right? When was the last time, you helped someone grow closer to God? When was the last time, you held on to your faith, even when it seemed God had forgotten about you? When was the last time, you went on a fast (not a diet)? When was the last time, you shunned pride, for humility? When was the last time, your soft answer turned away someone’s wrath? When was the last time, your grievous words stirred up someone’s anger? When was the last time, you considered eternity? When was the last time, you made preparations for your eternal destination?

Too Good To Keep!

Matthew 9:27-31

Is there ever a time when it’s okay to “not” obey the words of the Lord? For many, this question would be answered with an absolute “NO”, because the Bible teaches us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. We also learn from the Scriptures, those who hear the word and keep it, are blessed. Now that the foundation has been established, that men ought to always obey the words of the Lord, how could it be possible for anyone to get a pass for not doing as the Lord commanded?

Our text reveals a time, when Jesus was beginning to make known His power and authority amongst those who gathered in His presence. While the Son of God chose to keep a low profile, and shun popularity, His profound teachings and miraculous works caused many to seek Him for various reasons. After casting demons from a man, healing a woman with an issue of blood, and raising a ruler’s daughter from her death bed, Jesus was approached by two men suffering from blindness. The men obviously heard about Jesus and His reputation, so they both cried to Him, asking for mercy. Unlike the previous miracles performed by the hands of Jesus, these men were handled a bit differently. After crying out for help, Jesus continued walking toward His destination (many suggest Matthew’s house). Why would Jesus continue walking away from the men, rather than turn toward them, and heal them? Interesting, isn’t it? The two blind men followed Jesus into the house (obviously being led by some from the crowd), then stood before Him. Jesus asked, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” In other words, “do you guys really believe I can heal you?” The men responded with a confident, yes Lord! So, Jesus touched their eyes, and healed them, according to their faith.

Rather than respond immediately to the blind men’s plea, Jesus waited to see if they had faith. There will be times when it seems as if God is taking His sweet time to answer our prayers, but He’s oftentimes monitoring us, to see if we’ll keep our faith in Him, or give in to our issues. The blind men were persistent, and would not allow anything to stop them from claiming their healing.

This is such a beautiful Bible story, but how does it relate to my initial question? After receiving their sight, Jesus told the men to keep this news to themselves, and not spread word of their healing to others. This word from Jesus seemed almost unfair. How could anyone who received a miraculous healing from Jesus, not share their message of deliverance with others? It’s possible, Jesus was seeking to keep His identity unknown to His enemies as long as possible, so He didn’t want the fame men attempted to attach to His name to spread. Another possible reason for keeping this act quiet could be, because Jesus didn’t want to only be known as a worker of miracles. Whatever the reason, the men left and spread word of their healing throughout all their country, doing the opposite of what Jesus told them to. So, were they wrong for sharing their good news with others?

Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

Presumptuous Sin

Numbers 15:30-41

Committing sin through ignorance, or unwillingly, was handled very delicately by God in ancient times. If a man or woman, who was among the children of Israel, committed an act against the commandment of God, but was unaware of their offense, that particular sin could be forgiven. Fortunately, at the cost of offering an animal sacrifice to the Lord, the priest could make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel. Conversely, in the case where an individual of the congregation of Israel willfully went against the words the Lord had spoken through Moses, that person would be sentenced to death. While some may feel God’s punishment in these instances was too harsh or strict, the simple act of obedience was an easy remedy to avoid certain death.

God takes sin very seriously today, just as He did in time past. When a man knows to do good, yet refuses, this is considered sin, according to James 4:17. Our text mentions a man who was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. According to the law, it was forbidden to perform labor on the Sabbath, so gathering sticks was considered work. While there was a law to cover those who sinned through ignorance, those who had knowledge of their actions were deliberately despising the word of the Lord, and broke His commandments. Thus, that soul would utterly be cut off, and their iniquity would forever be upon him. In addition, those who literally defied the commandments of God would be stoned outside the camp.

It’s a privilege and an honor to be covered under the new covenant, because many today (including myself) knowingly commit sin, and go against the commandments of the Lord. But, by the grace of God, we can be forgiven, and set back on the righteous path. Taking advantage of grace to sin willfully, is abusing God’s gift. In this case, God could literally turn you over to a reprobate mind, so be thankful we aren’t condemned when we fall, but are justified and renewed by the blood of Jesus.

The Ultimate Fate

Matthew 8:28-34

In the battle of good versus evil, there’s an ultimate fate for those who choose the path of righteousness, and another for all who reject salvation through Christ Jesus. The Bible plainly states, all who “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, shalt be saved. What will men be saved from? Revelation 21:8 records it this way, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” The salvation that comes through Christ, will save men from the second death. It’s appointed for man to physically die once, then face judgment with God, but those who refused to accept Jesus as their Savior on earth, will unfortunately experience a spiritual death also.

The assurance for the children of God rests in the fact that the blood of Jesus washed away their sins, and redeemed those who believe, by faith, to God the Father. The ultimate fate for God’s people is an eternity of habitation in the new heaven and earth. In addition, the church can stand firm on the fact that their faith in God, and obedience to His Word will secure their reservation in His eternal kingdom. But, for those who rebel, the second death awaits their souls.

There are many who disbelieve in heaven and hell, but even devils know their ultimate fate. In our text, the men possessed with devils, who abided in tombs, met Jesus and cried out saying “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” It’s very interesting the devils mentioned, “before the time”. The Bible mentions in Revelation, at the end of the world, satan and his angels will be thrown in the lake of fire. So, when the devils asked this question to Jesus, it proved they were fully aware of their inevitable end. Do you know where your final destination will be?

“If God Be For Us…”

Romans 8:31-39

Without God, we are defeated, but with God, we are more than conquerors! Without God, we are separated from Christ, but with God, we are inseparable from Christ! Without God, all who come against us can bring us harm, but with God, all who come against us have no chance! Without God, we have no Savior, but with God, the Savior was given for all! Without God, we toil and labor in vain, but with God, our acts of faith are counted as righteousness! Without God, all are condemned, but with God, all have an opportunity to be redeemed! Without God, we are left without hope and alone, but with God, Christ maketh intercession for us! Without God, we can be carried away by tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword, but with God, we are covered from all that forms against us! Without God, we live in vain, but with God, we die daily for a greater purpose!

Hope, In Sorrow

Matthew 24:4-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Hope, In Sorrow” starring, Jesus, and His disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Jesus sits on the mount of Olives, followed by His disciples, after prophesying persecution and destruction to Jerusalem in the temple.)

Disciples: (Removed themselves from the crowd, to have a private audience with Jesus.) Master, we heard your words concerning Jerusalem, and the things to come, but can you elaborate more on their meaning? And, when will all these things take place? Also, what shall be the sign of your coming, and the end of the world?

Jesus: Remain focused at all times, and don’t allow anyone to deceive you, because many will approach you in my name, claiming they are Christ, and will actually deceive many.

(The disciples listened attentively to the words Jesus was speaking.)

Jesus: In time to come, you will hear of wars and rumors of them also, but don’t faint, nor lose heart, because all these things must come to pass.

Disciples: Alright Master, so is this the end?

Jesus: No, not yet. There’s more…

(The disciples wonder and contemplate the possible extent of Jesus’ prophecies amongst themselves.)

Jesus: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places.

Disciples: After hearing all those horrible things that will take place, this must indeed be the end, right Master?

Jesus: Not so. In fact, these are signs of the beginning of sorrows.

Disciples: How could things possibly get any worse than these perils?

Jesus: In that time, men will deliver you up to be afflicted, and even kill some of you. And, you’ll be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Disciples: …

Jesus: Many false prophets shall rise, and deceive countless people. And, because iniquity shall run rampant in the land, many will develop hearts of stone.

Disciples: We are soon to face some extremely hard times.

Jesus: Don’t fret, because whoever endures until the end of the time of sorrow, shall be saved.

Disciples: Master, that is encouraging news! But, when will the end of the world be?

Jesus: When the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, then shall the end come.

*If the time of sorrow the disciples faced was only the beginning, I can only imagine how difficult the days will become for those who remain today. We can see the obvious signs of the end fast approaching, but if we endure, we will be delivered by the resurrected Jesus, who died for the sins of the world.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Hope, In Sorrow”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

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

Weary Worry

Luke 12:22-34

Aside from death, taxes, and corrupt governments, there’s another thing men can’t seem to avoid in this life. If you were able to survey every sensible person on the planet, and ask if they harbor worry in their minds, I’m apt to believe, your results would be a resounding “yes” for most of them. When we worry, we actually give way to anxiety or unease, while allowing our minds to dwell on difficulty or troubles. On the surface, worrying seems inevitable, and unavoidable, because there are times when we experience moments of unease and stress. For example, parents often worry about the safety of their children while away from home, whether at school or participating in other activities. Men and women who are poor and destitute, worry and wonder, whether or not someone will take time to offer them food, clothes, or a monetary gift. The longer we live on this earth, the harder it seems to escape worry, but Jesus offered a solution, in our text, to help us worry less (especially concerning things we can’t control), and refocus our thoughts on matters that are relevant to kingdom business.

The longer we cloud our minds with thoughts of food, clothing, drama at work, keeping the children safe and healthy, keeping ourselves healthy, whether we are doing enough good deeds, or whatever the case is, Jesus commanded His disciples to think not on those things, but have faith in the God who knows what they have need of, and will supply all of them, as long as they remain in His will.

While it’s necessary to work and plan responsibly, dwelling on how your plans could go wrong, or not work out, is unwise. Besides, worrying is pointless, because it can do absolutely nothing except bring harm to your physical and mental states of being. God made all things, and He knows what we need, before we ask, so it’s foolish and unhealthy to allow worry to invade the beautiful mind God placed in you.

God isn’t oblivious to what we experience in this life, despite how bad things seem to be, and He promised to supply all our needs, not necessarily our wants. But, Psalm 37:4 reads, “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” When we think on those things that are relevant to God’s plan and purpose, He’ll take care of our earthly issues, while at the same time, prepare us to take care of His spiritual assignments during our journey.

If you struggle with worry, and are seeking the strength and wisdom to regain your faith and confidence in God, empty all thoughts that cause you to doubt. After you’ve cleared your mind of worry, practice thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. God watches every moment of your life, and He’s rooting for you to endure.

“Place all your trust in God, and allow Him the chance to prove that His words are true, and you mean the world to Him.” – Ell