Steps Of A Good Man

Luke 5:1-11

Everywhere Jesus went, He was found doing something to help someone. Whether it was healing a sickness or disease, or casting out demons or raising the dead, the works of the Son of God were always centered on making men better. Aside from the miraculous healings and other blessings, Jesus made preaching the kingdom of God priority over all else. Miracles and blessings are good, but without the Gospel, all is futile.

Jesus’ words were so inspiring, until crowds of people would literally follow His every move, just to hear from Him. Even when He sought seclusion in a desert place, after doing many great works, the people sought Him diligently, and didn’t want Him to leave after they discovered His location. This is an example of how men are to cling to God, and His holy Word. The same God that worked through Christ, the Son, works through His Spirit in all who have been redeemed, even today.

Although we may not see all the miracles that took place during Jesus’ time in the earth, the exact message He preached in the synagogues, and throughout all the lands, is present with us in the Bible. It’s the will of God, that we cling to His Word, just as the people refused to let go of Jesus, and allow the message of the Gospel to penetrate deep into our souls, so that we can be changed, renewed, and prepared to share it properly with others. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalms 37:23)

The Right Side Of The Ship

John 21:15-19

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “The Right Side of the Ship”! Starring, Peter, the Other Disciples, and the Risen Savior! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Peter: Brethren, it’s been a good while since we left this place of hiding, after our Lord was crucified and risen. It was an amazing experience to see Him miraculously enter our dwelling, even while the doors were locked, to breath on us, and give us the Holy Ghost.

Other Disciples: Yes, it was uplifting and life-changing to be in the presence of our risen Savior again. It was even more touching to see doubting Thomas believe, after our Master revealed to him His wounds.

Peter: Indeed our Savior has risen, and graced us with His resurrected body, but we must not abide behind these walls for too long, or our food and supplies will run out. I will go fishing, and bring back food, so that we may eat.

Other Disciples: That’s a good idea. We will come also.

Peter: Alright. Grab all your tools and supplies, then meet me by the shore.

(Peter and six of the disciples set out to go fishing)

Peter: (Shouts out orders to the other disciples.) Let’s get ready to sail gentlemen! You two, perform a detailed inspection of the ship and all the equipment! James and John, inspect all the standing rigging and the turnbuckles and cotter pins! Nathanael, point the ship toward the wind! Now turn the ship to the starboard side so it’s about 90 degrees off the wind!

(The men set out, in hopes of bringing in a decent catch.)

(After hours of fishing, night came, yet the disciples caught nothing. All of a sudden, a voice cries out from the shore.)

Mystery Man: Hello out there! Have you children caught anything yet? If not, try casting your net on the right side of the ship, and you’ll catch as many as you desire.

Other Disciples: Who is that standing on the shore?

Peter: I’m uncertain.

John: Hey, Peter…I think that’s Him!

Peter: Who John?

John: It’s Him Peter! It is the Lord!

(Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he quickly put on his clothes, then dove into the water to meet the Risen Savior.)

*How prepared will you be to meet Jesus when He comes? Will you tell Him to wait a minute, while you get things in order? Or, will you dive into the water, as Peter did, in haste and excitement?

Peter: Master! You come again unto us! It is a blessing to be with you again!

(The Other Disciples arrive on shore to greet the Lord also.)

Risen Savior: As you can see, I have already prepared the table for you to dine with me tonight, but bring the fish you caught also, so we can set them over the coals as well.

(The disciples enjoy a yummy dinner with the Lord, then the focus is centered on Him and Peter.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?

Peter: Yes Lord, you know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my lambs.

(Peter holds a look of confusion on his face.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?

Peter: Yes Lord. You know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my sheep.

(Peter continues to hold the gazed look of confusion.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?

(Peter was grieved because the Lord asked three times if he loved Him.)

Peter: Lord, you know all things; you know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my sheep.

*This story brings to remembrance, the moment when Peter denied Jesus three time. In the time when Jesus needed the most support, His most loyal follower denied Him. It’s one thing to say you love the Lord, but it’s another thing to prove it through your actions. Although he was forgiven of his error, Jesus reassured the disciple that his life still had purpose and meaning.

*If you feel down and in the dumps for not living according to God’s expectations, repent, and allow this story to reenergize and spark the flame of your purpose. Don’t let your past mistakes keep you down, no matter how severe, because God is love, and His forgiveness is certain. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when confronted by Jesus. How would you respond if Jesus asked do you love Him? What side of the ship are you fishing on?

This concludes the exciting episode of, “The Right Side of the Ship”! Thanks for tuning in.

God Is With You

Isaiah 6:1-8

In the past few lessons, we were reminded of men who were humbled by their frailty, yet inspired by God to do great things. Moses was known to have a sort of speech impediment, and was asked of God to confront Pharoah on His behalf. While he could have wallowed in his natural insufficient state, he chose rather to trust that God would speak for him, and guide him to a promising end. Gideon’s weak faith, and understandable doubts weren’t enough to keep God’s power from working through him either. Despite feeling unequipped to handle such a great task given by God, his faith and trust was restored, after God proved to him, He was on his side. The prophet Isaiah was also a man with a humble spirit, and felt unworthy to spearhead a worthy task from the Father, but after being cleansed from his iniquities, and purged of his sin, the great prophet quickly answered the call of God, to go out and proclaim His words to the world. This year will have its inevitable struggles and times of suffering, but never think you have to take on the challenges of life alone. God is with those who love Him, and are true to His Word. Just as He revealed His power through the men of old, He will imbue the church of today with the same awesome power, to make His name glorious!

I’m Doing This, Because I Love You

Judges 6:1-16

Can you recall a time, when your parent or guardian advised you of the dangers of making a certain decision, yet you chose to ignore their warning, and made the decision out of ignorance anyway? After you made the mistake, and was left helpless, you cried out to your parent or guardian for help. One would think you would have learned your lesson after this instance, but you would later find yourself in the same cycle over and over. Surprisingly, your parent was always there to pull you out of trouble, and into a safe place. This was the relationship Israel had toward God, unfortunately.

In times of plenty, and being protected from their enemies, Israel would often find themselves doing evil in the sight of the Lord, thus forcing His hand to turn them over to those who would oppress them. While some may think it was harsh and cruel for God to deliver Israel to their enemies, His actions were justified because of their disobedience. If the people were to consistently obey God’s commands, He would bless them, but for their disobedience, they would suffer chastisement.

In our text, the children of Israel suffered greatly, as the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the east came against them and destroyed all their crops, so much until nothing was left for them to feed from. Israel was greatly impoverished, and finally realized that God was waiting on their cry for help. God loved His people unconditionally, but when they willingly strayed away from His leading, He had to allow pain and suffering to overtake them, in order to bring them back to right focus.

When we stray too far away from living for God, He won’t allow it to go unnoticed. He loves each and every one of us so much, that He’ll allow a season of pain and suffering, but only to help direct our attention back toward Him. Learn to appreciate hard seasons, because they may be scheduled to help keep your faith rooted in God.

Who Am I?

Exodus 3:1-12

God created all men special, and not one person deserves more esteem than another. From the least of mankind, to the greatest, all people were made fearfully and wonderfully by God, and are capable of doing amazing things through His power. Oftentimes, when in the presence of men and women who are considered famous or popular by worldly standards, some can become nervous, and feel unworthy to be amongst them. But, no matter who the world promotes as great, no man is greater than the almighty God.

While leading his father-in-law’s flock through a desert, Moses was unaware of the great responsibility that was moments away. As he approached Mount Horeb, the angel of the Lord appeared in a flame of fire, in the midst of a bush. This definitely caught Moses’ attention, and he turned to get a closer look. But, before he could take another step, God called unto him, and made known that he was on holy ground, and to remove his shoes. During this time, the children of Israel were being severely oppressed by the Egyptians, and God would not allow it to continue any longer. From the fiery bush, God told Moses He would send him unto Pharoah, so that he could bring His people out of Egypt. Humility is always revealed in the hearts of those who love God, and Moses proved this by asking God, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharoah, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt” (vs.11). God assured the humble servant, He would certainly be with him as he carried out this task, and commanded him to return to the same place where he was standing, to reverence God after delivering the Israelites from the Egyptians. God knew His plan would work, and that Moses would do his part, so He wanted him to return to Mount Horeb, as he and Israel serve God from that point on.

Moses felt intimidated and unworthy to stand before the great Pharoah, but with God, he had all the confidence he needed, to do as God commanded. For every situation you face in life, whether great or small, don’t allow them to intimidate you, especially if God commanded you to go through it. God is all powerful, and He can equip you with all you need to be bold, no matter what you face in this life. Don’t let men and women shame or make you feel unworthy, because with God you are more than worthy!

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.

Fighting Temptation

Luke 4:1-13

The following is a brief excerpt from the Life Application Study Bible (King James Version)

Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside the still waters.” But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the wilderness for a long and difficult time of testing, and he may also lead us into difficult situations. When facing trials, first make sure you haven’t brought them on yourself through sin or unwise choices. If you find no sin to confess or unwise behavior to change, then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Finally, be careful to follow faithfully where the Holy Spirit leads.

Temptation often comes after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries. Remember that satan chooses the times for his attacks. We need to be on guard in times of victory just as much as in times of discouragement. Satan often tempts us when we are most vulnerable.

The devil, who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, also tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, not a symbol or an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for his temptations. Satan succeeded with with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too.

Knowing and obeying God’s Word is an effective weapon against temptation, the only offensive weapon provided in the Christian’s armor. Jesus used Scripture to counter satan’s attacks, and you can too. But to use it effectively you must have faith in God’s promises, because satan also knows Scripture and is adept at twisting it to suit his purpose. Obeying the Scriptures is more important than simply having a verse to quote, so read them daily and apply them to your life. Then your “sword” will always be sharp.

The Last Meal

1 Kings 17:8-16

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “The Last Meal”! Starring, Widow Woman, her son, and the great prophet, Elijah! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Widow Woman arises from her knees with her son, after praying to God for strength, as she and her son prepare their last meal. Being a widow, it was very hard for her to make ends meet, especially during a time when the husband would provide majority of the family’s income and goods.)

Widow Woman: …in the name of the Father, amen. Son, go and wash your hands, while I prepare dinner.

Son: What are we having today mommy? I want a lot of food. I’m very hungry!

Widow Woman: Sigh… yes my son, I will make you as much as your little tummy can hold (knowing all she had was enough for just the two of them, she didn’t want to disappoint her son).

(The son goes to wash and prepare himself for supper)

Widow Woman: (Speaking softly under her breath) Lord, we need you. Since my husband was laid to rest, I can barely provide for myself, and my son. After today, I have no provisions for the days after. Please Lord, make a way for us to survive. I know you have all power to do great things, so reveal your power to me and my son, today.

(Widow Woman tilts her head back, looks to the heavens, as tears roll down the sides of her face. All of a sudden, she hears a voice commanding her to prepare her home to receive an unexpected guest, who will require sustenance and rest.)

(During the reign of the most wicked and cruel king Ahab, God prepared the prophet Elijah, to speak on His behalf, in order to reveal His judgment to the king. After doing as God commanded him to do, the prophet Elijah went into hiding, as God provided unconventional means of food while he waited. When the source of provision had ceased, and the brook dried up, it was time for God’s servant to move to his next destination.)

Elijah: God, my Lord and strength, the ravens have gone scarce, and this beautiful brook has dried up. Where will you have me to go, so that I may rest and have food?

(God told Elijah to arise, and go to Zarephath, and dwell there, for He had already commanded a widow woman to sustain him while there. So, he arose and went where God instructed. As he neared the gate of the city, he saw a woman gathering sticks.)

Elijah: Hello madam! Excuse me, but if you don’t mind, could you please bring me some water to drink? My journey was quite long, and I am parched.

Widow Woman: (Thinking in her mind whether this was the unexpected guest or not.) Yes! Yes, good sir. I will fetch some water for you.

Elijah: Ma’am! Pardon, but while you’re going to get the water, could you please also bring back some bread, so that I may regain my strength? But only if the request isn’t too great a task.

Widow Woman: (Speaks with tears in her eyes.) As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

Elijah: Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

(Widow Woman went to do as Elijah commanded. She arrives home to began meal preparations.)

Son: Hey mommy! Did you find all the sticks you were looking for?

Widow Woman: Yes son, I find them. I need you to sit there for a moment. I have to prepare a meal for a very special person.

Son: But mommy, I’m hungry! My tummy is making noises like a frightened horse!

Widow Woman: My son, you are a bundle of joy. Give mommy a few moments, then we all will eat well.

(After obeying the words of the unexpected guest sent by God, Widow Woman, Elijah, and her house, ate good many days thereafter.)

*Obeying the commands of God tend to get harder, the more we deal with the pressures of life. But, overcoming what wars against us with obedience to God, will guarantee that not only will our faith grow stronger, but God will make a way to deliver us from our struggle, no matter how intense it may be.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “The Last Meal”! Thanks for tuning in.

Year Of Jubile?!

Leviticus 25:8-17

The year 2020 was a year when countless men and women “prophets”, spoke openly about various things they predicted would take place during the year. While some ignorantly prophesied the generic miracles speech (many are still waiting to receive them), others made random claims that have yet to manifest. While God used men profoundly in Scripture, to share His words of warning and foretelling, men today embarrass God, by making claims the Lord never inspired them to speak.

All those money-hungry men who so easily hyped people into believing their falsehoods, couldn’t even predict that COVID-19 would devastate the entire world. Rather than make false claims, using God’s name to predict things to come in 2021, I strongly advise all “profits” to preach God’s Word, as it is plainly written in the Bible. Everyone knows this world is fading away, so it’s easy to make generic prophesies concerning hard times or tragic events, but it’s more beneficial for the church, if those who claim to be prophets, speak from what’s already written in Scripture.

People today already have so much to deal with, including job instability and corrupt government, so the last thing they need is the church working against them with lies and manipulation also. I’m no prophet, nor do I make claims to “hear from the Lord”, but I can confidently predict, in the year 2021, if you obey God and keep His commandments, He will bless you in ways no man can. While some look for answers to prayer in the form of dollars, God can also manifest things like favor with man, physical or mental healing, and deliverance from hard situations.

It’s 100 percent obvious, the coming year will present inevitable challenges, but by the grace of God, the body of Saints can trust more in His written Word, than the false prophesies of lustful men.

Remember Me?

Deuteronomy 8:1-11

What is prayer? Prayer is rendering to God sincere words of worship, praise, thanks, or petition. Why do men pray? Men pray for various reasons, but most importantly, to God in their hearts and minds. How can a person forget God, who is the great “I AM”, and creator of all things? To forget is to fail to remember, inadvertently neglect to do, bring, or mention something, and to put out of one’s mind, or cease to think of or consider. In this lesson, I’d like to focus on the latter description of the aforementioned term.

When God blesses His people, it’s only fitting that they return praise and thanks to Him for all He does, but history has its share of instances, when men allowed their success to supercede the source of their blessings. God loves to bless, and He is ready and willing to bestow good things to those who obey His commands. Unfortunately, men are susceptible to allowing all their good, to cloud their focus on the purpose for being blessed, which causes them to develop a bad habit of putting God out of their minds. For example, after God miraculously brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea, and on dry land, they were soon after found murmuring and complaining. Even after wandering through the wilderness 40 years, while God kept them fed, protected, and their clothes never got worn, the people were still found being ungrateful.

Men ought to always pray, not only because of how great God is, but so that we can keep Him first in our hearts. Be mindful to always keep consistent communication with the Father. Thank Him for waking you up, bless His name for giving you salvation, praise Him for the strength He gives to move as you do, and honor Him for every breath you breath, and wholesome thought you think. When you find yourself getting close to brink of complaining, consider all the things God has done, is doing, and will do for you, then let praise and thanks flow from your lips in humble submission to His unmatched love.