Tag: Learning

Listen And Live

Psalm 81

If the children of Isreal had only listened to, and obeyed the commands of the Lord, they would have avoided years of unnecessary shame and punishment. Their lives would have been completely different, had they not ignored the voice of God, while heedind to strange gods, and seducing spirits. What was so fascinating about worldly lusts, that drew them away from the God who performed many mighty works before their own eyes? What more could they have wanted God to do for them, when He had already delivered them from bondage, sustained their health, garments, and wealth for years? Our texts reads, if the people had only hearkened to the Lord, and walked in His ways, He would have subdued their enemies, and turned His hand against their adversaries. God called His own people, “haters”, because they literally loved the world, and hated His ways.

Are you in a position in life, where things could have turned out better, if you had only listened to, and obeyed God’s word? Unlike the children of Israel, we are still alive to change our ways. Take a moment now to talk to God (as you would a loving Father), and apologize for allowing other things to take priority in your life over Him. Then, make it your business, to always seek first the kingdom of God, so that your next outcome will benefit from God’s favor, and not His judgment.

A Ride With The Devil

Matthew 4

Have you ever wondered, why Jesus willingly tagged along with the “tempter”, after He had fasted 40 days, and was hungry? We are taught in James 4:7 to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from us. Rather than resist the devil, Jesus allowed the devil to take Him along on a short journey, with hopes of tempting Him to disobey the will of God, His Father.

Jesus has always been submitted to God, so why would He freely tag along with the very one who caused man to sin in the beginning? Contrary to worldly belief, the enemy has absolutely no power to stand against the Son of God. In fact, satan has already been condemned to the pit of hell, then eventually will spend his eternity in the lake that burns with fire. I have come to believe, Jesus allowed the devil to tempt Him, in order to show the children of God how to handle themselves whenever their seasons of tempting comes. The most effective way to stand against any attack of the enemy is, utilize the word of God as your countermeasure. Every situation satan presented to Jesus, He used God’s word to shut down his wicked motives and intentions.

The body of believers will most certainly be tempted during their lifetime, but using the word of God when faced with difficult times, will prove effective to counter anything that’s intended to sway them from the truth.

Missed Opportunity

1 Thessalonians 5

How many opportunities have you passed on, to share the goodness of God’s salvation with others? I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve missed countless opportunities to tell others how amazing, and important it is, to submit to the authority of the almighty God.

It’s becoming more apparent that time on this earth is fleeting fast. Rather than allocate all our time accumulating earthly treasures and enjoying worldly pleasures, we should dive deep into learning how to live according to the will of God, who will soon judge the living, and the dead.

God cares very little about the affairs of this present world. In fact, while many tune in to major sporting events and entertainment venues, God is concerned about men’s souls. Money, fame, and status can do nothing to gain access into God’s eternal kingdom, but believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ, is all it takes.

While we may not be able to reach millions, God gives us time and opportunity to witness to those in our small circles. Take time daily to tell someone how good the Lord has been to you, because it may be just what someone needs to hear, to bring them out of darkness, and into God’s marvelous light!

Love And Kindness

Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Do you have to always be kind to mean people? Are you to consistently show love to those who hate you? Does “turning the other cheek” offer any real benefits? Well, to those who are in Christ Jesus, these behaviors are the norm. In addition, claiming to be a child of God comes with an expected way of living. When worldly folk encounter compromising situations, it’s common for them to behave unseemly. On the contrary, when a child of God is met with a challenging circumstance, they are expected to be “Christ-like” in their approach. It’s never easy doing good to those who intentionally mean to do you harm, but when a man or woman has the right Spirit, they’ll be able to maintain godly character in any situation or circumstance.

“Be kind, you can’t rewind time”.

-Ell