Keep On Teaching

Mark 6:1-6

I wrote a blog nearly a year ago concerning the dangers of familiarity, and how many people have misjudged, and dishonored some whom they should have given more respect to. For example, growing up with siblings who eventually become famous, doesn’t change the fact that they are still your brother or sister. Therefore, you wouldn’t see them as the world would, and probably could care less about their fame. On the other hand, those who only know of famous people from listening to their music, or watching them on the big screen, tend to have a greater appreciation for their work.

After hearing about all the incredible miracles Jesus had performed outside of His hometown, from casting demons out of some, to raising others from the dead, it’s sad to know that those in His own community refused to accept the fact that He indeed was the Son of God. The text mentions, “And he marvelled because of their unbelief” (vs. 6a). After touring many different lands, spreading the goodness of His Father, Jesus no doubt expected to return home with a more appreciative welcome. Those He blessed while He journeyed through various lands were extremely grateful for the love Jesus had freely shown to them, but those in His own country could do no more than criticize, and doubt who He really was. This was so disheartening to point that Jesus could do no mighty works there, except lay His hands on a few sick folk, and heal them. Although the people in His town proved to be unthankful, Jesus made certain to not allow the people’s unbelief, keep Him from teaching.

While we live to please God, we’ll also experience doubt and unbelief from those we assume have our best interests at heart. But, after overcoming the hurt and pain of those you thought would support you, don’t allow their unbelief to keep you from spreading the goodness of the Gospel.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Mindless Paparazzi

Mark 7:1-8

When people deliberately go out of their way to get on your nerves, how do you respond to them? When some of those same people join themselves with others who have nothing better to do than disturb your day, and make attempts to find fault in your life, when their own lives are torn up from the floor up, what method works best to get them to think twice about approaching you ever again? What do you do, when the people who seek to bring you down, confess to be followers of Christ? Believe it or not, Jesus dealt with these same issues more often than He would have liked to, but the way He handled His haters were always priceless moments.

I love Jesus so much! He always knew the perfect words to say to those who often made attempts to set Him up for failure. The scribes and Pharisees would usually follow Jesus and His disciples, in the same way the paparazzi hover around celebrities today. Rather than commit their hearts solely to obeying the commandments of God, they took more delight in holding the traditions of men. Thus, their worship to God was in vain, because their hearts were set on keeping to traditions, instead of sincere worship and obedience to God’s commands.

In our text, the Pharisees were so concerned about the disciples washing their hands before eating, that they failed to see how dirty their own hearts were toward the ways of godliness. Jesus confronted the pesky men with Scriptures, to counter their failed attempt to ensnare Him in their futile trap.

The Word of God is the best defense, against any trick or trap the enemy sets against us. The next time someone boldly accuses you of not following a tradition that means nothing to God, slap them with a few verses of Scripture, showing them that their souls are more important than dove-washed hands, and febreeze fragranced clothing.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Play It Again

Psalm 119:97-104

When I hear a song, or watch a movie I really like, I can play either on repeat for weeks, or even months, and not get bored. Knowing every word to the song, or all the lines of each character from a movie, I’ll still find great pleasure from enjoying them, no matter how many times they are played. Call me crazy, or even insane, but when I really like something, it brings me joy everytime I’m entertained by it.

A thought crossed my mind the other day, about how many people literally get bored from reading the pages of Scripture. I can admit, when I began to study the Word of God in my early years, I didn’t find it to be as pleasurable as some portrayed it to be. I would often fall asleep, if I read more than two chapters of a book, because I would lose interest, and prefer to watch the game on ESPN. But, as I matured in godliness, and actually tasted God’s Word, I discovered that it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life!

The Word of God is rich in knowledge, and instruction on how to carry oneself as a child of God, so when I read the Bible nowadays, I hate to put it down, because God continues to reveal things in familiar passages, I had not noticed times before. Even if I’m watching a YouTube sermon from one of my favorite teachers, I can watch and rewatch their videos over and over, while still gleaning from their words of wisdom and inspiration.

It’s obvious to me now, that the more of God we have in us, the less space the world can occupy in our hearts and minds. When we love God more than anything else, we’ll even refrain from taking sides with evil men, because our godly understanding will help us discern what’s good for us, and what we are to separate ourselves from. Taste and see for yourself, that God’s Word is worth more than anything!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Back To The Basics

Proverbs 8:22-31

According to traditional educational systems, the fundamental foundations of learning are centered around reading, writing, and arithmetic. Although “The Three R’s” expand in depth, different skills in the minds of children, they are all dependent upon each other, yet are better appreciated the more a child develops more understanding of each. Once a child has a good understanding of the concepts of reading, he can then progress more in the areas of writing, and mathematical principles, but without a firm grasp on reading, all other areas of learning will be difficult for the child to grab hold of.

Growing in godliness, is attributed to three important concepts as well. These areas include wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The Bible teaches that when we get wisdom and understanding, we are then able to represent God the way He intended us to. Wisdom is not to be forsaken, but promoted, because it will preserve, keep, promote, bring honor to, and deliver a crown of glory to all who are led by it.

The wisdom of God was purposed to keep the children of God functioning properly in the earth. We are taught in the scriptures to walk in the ways of Christ, but in order to do it effectively, wisdom must be present for that to even be possible. The more we operate in wisdom, the more we’ll develop a better understanding of the knowledge of the Word of God.

Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding work hand-in-hand to keep the Saints rooted, and grounded in holiness, therefore, “Get wisdom, get understanding: forsake it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:5-7 KJV).

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Straighten Up And Fly Right

Galatians 6:1-10

As a whole, the church should conduct themselves totally opposite of what the world represents. Whether a member of the body of Christ lives in California, China, Sudan, or Germany, all who are deemed as children of God are expected to maintain a standard that is holy, and acceptable unto the Lord, at all times, and in all places.

When the Bible is taught, and the pages of Scripture preached, those who deliver the oracles of God should always do so under the leading of the Holy Spirit. When done this way, the message will always be brought forth as God intended, and the Spirit won’t allow man’s pride to take precedence over God’s intended purpose.

I mentioned the previous statements to establish a grounds for this lesson. In order for the church to remain unified, we must all have equal understanding of the Word of God. God’s Word has been the same since its inspired recording, and its relevance is of the upmost importance to all who are in Christ Jesus. Without God’s Word, there would be no sense of direction or purpose for the church, and we’d be left to traverse the earth on our own wisdom and judgment. Fortunately, God made sure to provide a means by which all men can have equal opportunity to learn, study, and meditate on the things He expects from His people.

In our text, some of the most important principles of holy living are mentioned. The apostle Paul taught the church in Galatia the importance of teamwork, humility, and reaping and sowing. Believers are to stick together in times of good, and not so good. Paul taught that we are to bear one another’s burdens, because doing so fulfills the law of Christ (to love thy neighbor as thyself). All members of Christ’s body are dependent upon each other to function properly, and when one member falls, the others are to restore them with meekness. This is very important, because men are known to point the finger, and make those who fall, feel bad, but they forget that while their pointing their finger at someone who made a mistake, a situation is awaiting them around the corner, to test them in the same area. Christians are to walk in humility at all times, remembering how Jesus carried Himself among those who followed after Him.

Lastly, Paul encouraged the Galatian church that sowing to the Spirit, will bring everlasting life, but sowing to the flesh will reap corruption. The world is expected to sow seeds to their flesh, because they are of their father the devil, but the children of God should always be found investing their time and energy, into building God’s kingdom. Be sure your attitude, behavior, and actions are aligned with God’s expectations, and allow His love to shine through you, as you walk in obedience to His Word.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Pass It On

2 Timothy 1:3-9

The most valuable treasure adults can leave behind for the youth is not money, property, or any type of investment. Instead, passing on the knowledge of God’s Word will benefit the next generation far more than anything else. By default, children are born into a world tainted with all manner of evil and wickedness, so establishing a solid foundation in the Word of God, will help children develop a better sense of what’s right and wrong, according to the Scriptures. Not only is establishing a foundation of holiness in the hearts and minds of our youth vital, but continuous encouragement is also a great way for seasoned Saints to nurture young people, as they develop.

One of the biggest problems plaguing the modern-day church is, lack of Bible knowledge being transferred from the elderly to the young. One reason for this stems from the fact that the world has put a firm grip on the minds of the youth today, by distracting them with all types of technology, and social media. I’d be surprised to find a handful of children in any area of the county, who’s eyes aren’t glued to their cell phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV. Children spend more time on social media, than doing things that could potentially help them become better adults. Although it’s become more of a challenge to reach the young in these last days, the message of the Gospel is still as potent as it was in the past, and is very much capable of reaching as far as possible, to grab the attention of our wavering generation.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Protect Your Purpose

Matthew 2:13-15

Have you ever had a thought or idea, that seemed right in your own mind, but when you shared it with others, they made you lose interest in making your objective a reality? While God may not write our plans for life on stone walls or tablets, nor speak to us in the same way He did with Moses through a burning bush, the Spirit of God can plant seeds of purpose in our minds, that when properly protected and cultivated, can change our lives forever.

I ran across the term, “dream killers”, many moons ago, and understood it as a way to describe those who find pleasure in destroying the purpose of men and women, rather than support their dreams. The devil can do no more to us, than what God permits, but we are responsible for limiting negative speech which he uses against us, in efforts to put our visions to rest. It’s vital that we guard and protect the purpose the Lord sets in our hearts, so that we can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, in this life.

Not only is guarding our own purpose a priority, but protecting the purposes of others is also of great importance in the body of Christ. This was proven true in our text, as Joseph was tasked with keeping baby Jesus safe from the evil king Herod, who sought to destroy Christ, before His purpose was set in motion. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (as it did once before), to warn him of the king’s plan to destroy the young child, and to give him instruction on where to find a place of refuge. Joseph’s obedience to God was essential in keeping the dream killer from destroying a purpose that eventually changed life forever.

Has God placed you in the life of someone who is at the point of giving up on their dream? If so, be their strength, and support them in their purpose, because what God has placed in them, could possibly change our world forever.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Conditional Blessings

Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 15-19

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV). God will never place obstacles in your life, that are impossible to overcome. Whether you’re stricken with sickness, pain, hurt, debt, trapped between a rock and a hard place, or feel like you’re down in the dumps of life, God prefers to see you blessed, rather than suffer.

The average disciple knows, suffering comes as a package deal with salvation, because the war between good and evil persists, even today (it’s apparent that the victory is already ours, but we must endure to see it manifest). God wants His people blessed abundantly, so that they’ll be able to sustain a balanced life naturally, as well as spiritually. In addition, God blesses those who obey His Word, and our text lists in detail, how God promised conditional blessings to the ancient Israelites.

As long as the children of Israel obeyed the voice of the Lord, they would receive blessings no man could render, nor duplicate, but if they preferred to follow after disobedience, then they would receive curses, instead of blessings. If I promised to give you a debt-free house, car, yacht, paid in full car and yacht insurance, food for life, free health insurance, and free airline flights anywhere in the world, in exchange for a verbal agreement that you’ll be nice to everyone you meet in life, would you take that deal? That almost seems unfair to me, but it’s an offer I doubt anyone would turn down. God offered a similar proposal to Israel, of bountiful blessings and provisions, in exchange for their simple obedience, and He asks the same of us today. It’s obvious we’re not in the same position as the ancient Israelites were back then, but we can still receive God’s best, if we can endure life’s tests.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Disconnected From The Father

Genesis 28:10-17

I’ve been having issues with my right shoulder for nearly 20 years, that dislocates whenever I extend it in certain ways. Even after surgery, I struggle to avoid experiencing another scary moment while working, exercising, or sleeping. When my shoulder dislocates, and is out of its proper position, my entire body reacts, and is affected by the problem area. No longer can I function properly, nor complete my daily duties, until my shoulder is set back in place, and the pain subsides to reasonable levels. My entire way of doing things is affected when I experienced a dislocated shoulder, but when I consistently avoid over-extending it to prevent injury, all things continue as they should.

God does His best work through His people, when they are in the right position. When we walk according to God’s will, it’s easier for Him to give us those things He desires for us to have, so that we can continue to produce fruit meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8).

In our text, God promised to bless Jacob, and his seed, even though he had been out of position for many years. Jacob was a trickster, and a master at deceiving others, in order to get what he wanted. God knew that in time, Jacob would use the same energy he exerted into manipulating men to succumb to his will, and amplify it while eventually fulfilling the will of the Lord.

All who are connected to God, have access to His divine glory, power, wisdom, protection, and provision, but when we are out of position, those things we so desire are stored up, until we get back on track. God is jealous when we desire things other than Himself, but His mercy is so unique, until He’ll wait a lifetime for you to come back to Him, and bless you abundantly when your heart is in His hand.

Are you out of position in God? If so, consider all the things you’re missing out on, and the time you’re wasting while wandering about outside of God’s will. Rejoin yourself to the Lord, and allow Him to bless you while operating in the right position.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Are You God-Approved?

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

To those with aspirations of becoming a leader in any capacity of life, the best measure of whether or not you consider yourself fit for such a position, should be compared to the requirements God set for choosing a leader for His people in Scripture. There are men and women all over the globe, who hold positions of power, yet are unfit to lead. Many of those who have led, or are presently leading “unworthily”, were more than likely placed in those positions based on family name, illegal efforts, or some other means. However, when a man or woman meets God’s requirements of a qualified leader, their reign will have a positive, and lasting impact on all who are under their watch.

First off, God must approve of the man, before He’s even considered for the position. After being God-approved, one must handle all matters with the Spirit of humility. A good leader seeks not to puff themselves up, nor do they strive to accumulate excessive wealth. Instead, their priorities are centered on the needs of those they watch over, and how they can make life better for the people, long-term. Keeping the people’s needs as their primary focus, will allow for God to provide for the needs of the leaders. When God sees His people diligently working to make the lives of others better, He’ll always be sure to meet their needs, before they even ask.

Another major characteristic of a good leader is, they have a genuine fear, and reverence for God. When a man respects God, his behavior and actions will prove it. He’ll attend to God’s Word, study His precepts, and await all judgment until it’s affirmed through God’s wisdom. How many times have you rushed to conclusions, without first seeking God’s wisdom through prayer? Leading God’s way will always produce benefits, with little room for error. In addition, God honors good leaders by building their faith and character, blessing their family, and allowing their reign to last, so that His goodness can be on display, as long as the leader obeys God’s commands, and refuses to turn to the left, or the right.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell