Under persecution proclaim Jesus the Christ

Acts 17:1-9

When believers preach the truth of God’s Word to the world, not everyone will receive it the same way. While those who believe, will open their hearts to receive God’s inspired words, unbelievers will exhibit behaviors contrary to the character and nature of a disciple of Christ, and will oftentimes make attempts to silence the children of God, in favor of promoting their false beliefs and doctrines. No matter how loving, kind, gracious, and true God is, some men won’t be convinced that He reigns supreme, until they have a “Saul-Paul” conversion experience. God wants all men to be saved, but satan influences many, while promoting his opposition without ceasing.

The apostle Paul had many experiences dealing with men standing against his teaching, but he never allowed persecution to change his profession of holiness, nor his message of the Gospel. In our text, Paul and Silas had journeyed to Thessalonica, where they took part in their His usual habit of preaching, and expressing the details of the scriptures, in the synagogue. While ministering for about three weeks, Paul was graced with the presence of a great multitude of people taking heed to his teaching. Those who were convinced by the teaching of the Scripture, consorted with, or joined allegiance to Paul and Silas. Unfortunately, those which believed not, did what many unbelievers typically do when they feel threatened; “set all the city on an uproar” (vs. 5b). The unbelieving Jews were motivated by envy, and convinced another group of rowdy knuckleheads to join them in searching the whereabouts of the men of God. The angry mob then visited the house of Jason, one who believed in God, and had hidden God’s servants so well, the disturbed Jews couldn’t find them. Out of spite and anger, the mob arrested Jason, without proof of a crime, then eventually released him. Men will do some strange and unusual things when they fight against God. Rather than simply ignore Paul and his teaching, they wanted to have them arrested for supposedly going against the decrees of Caesar. Men will never learn, their power cannot rival that of the Creator of all things. Even today, men show more respect and reverence to celebrities, or politicians, rather than the God who created them.

In the midst of unfair and unjust treatment, never change the way you feel about God. He’s been with you from the beginning, and He has a wonderful end awaiting you. We are human, and at times, tense up when the pressure builds, but rather than run when the fire gets too hot, ask God to join you in the flames, and allow the heat to try your faith, to show the world it’s as pure as gold.

Walk in love,

Ell

Suffering leads to endurance, character, hope

Romans 5:1-5

According to sempervirens.org, local coast redwood trees can grow to 300 feet or more, compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet, or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet. Redwoods create the strength to withstand powerful winds and floods by extending their roots more than 50 feet from the trunk, and living in groves where their roots can intertwine. Redwoods live so long, and are treasured for building, because they are extremely resistant to insects, fire and rot. A redwood’s bark can be one foot thick, and it contains tannin which protects the tree from fire, insects, fungus and diseases.

While the great redwood trees are strong, massive in height, and can withstand severe weather and other extreme conditions, they first had to overcome being a seed, buried in the dirt, before they could exhibit all their desirable attributes. Many today wonder why God allows them to suffer, but certain situations are scheduled in our lives so that we can develop, and grow stronger from every trial or circumstance we face. Even in moments when it seems as if we’ve been buried in the dirt by our suffering, God works on us, in our suffering, so that we can mature in our spiritual endurance, character, and hope of His glory. Similar to the redwood tree that grew tall and firm out of the dirt, we too can be elevated from our negative circumstances, and allow God’s glory to shine through our lives. The problem most Christians have is, they complain whenever hard times come. Instead of complaining, believers should embrace their unfavorable moments, the same way an athlete embraces vigorous training, because the more they endure, the stronger they become.

The more rooted we become in Christ, the stronger our foundation will be; thus positioning us to be able to withstand all the trials and tribulations life may throw at us. As you go through seasons of suffering, rejoice in them, knowing that if God allowed it to happen, there’s a reason for it, and you’ll benefit greatly, if you endure till the end.

Walk in love,

Ell

Give generously to enrich your life

2 Corinthians 9:10-15

The more seeds a farmer plants in the ground, the more crops he’ll reap during the time of harvest. The more time a student devotes to studying a particular subject in school, the more knowledge and understanding they’ll ultimately develop concerning that subject. The more a believer gives to support the ministry of God, the more God will bless them to be able to continue giving. When we invest our time, money, or other resources so that the Gospel of Christ can be shared in diverse places, God will honor our giving by supplying our needs, and multiplying our seed, so that the fruit of our righteousness will increase as well.

God’s system differs from the world’s, concerning fair wages. While workers get paid a salary, or hourly wage for the time they invest at work, the average income is usually enough to cover bills from month to month. Seldom do companies offer bonuses, or willingly give pay increases, because most businesses prefer to pocket more profit, rather than compensate those who keep their companies running. God provides for all the needs of His children, as well as make ways so that they’ll always be in a position to lend help to those in need. Some are under the impression that giving to a godly cause is futile, because they see how men take advantage of pulpits, using them for selfish purposes. But, when a person willingly sows into the kingdom of God, they will be guaranteed a personal reward by the hand of the Father.

The text reads, we are to give according to our hearts, and not do it grudgingly, because God loves a cheerful giver! Have you ever met someone who gave you something, then you wanted to return it to them after witnessing their ungrateful countenance? When we give, in any capacity, we should do it with a smile on our face, and love bubbling in our hearts, because it’s a blessing simply to be able to sow into the lives of others. Imagine if the sun and moon refused to give us their light, or if the plants decided that we no longer deserved their oxygen…we would be left in a detrimental situation. When the church refuses to give their time, money, or whatever resources they have in abundance, to bless others, they are willingly choosing to cause harm to those who could benefit from their assistance.

Give from your heart, and God will make sure you’ll never run out of resources.

Walk in love,

Ell

Test the spirits

1 John 4:1-8

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Satan is also a spirit, and many who have been deceived, worship him blindly, according to the spirit of error. From generation to generation, God calls men and women to speak according to His Word, so that believers and be encouraged, and sinners can be saved. Like a good shepherd, it’s the duty of the Father to keep His sheep gathered and protected from all who would wish to harm them. The devil is the wolf, dressed in sheep’s clothing, who has worked diligently for thousands of years, to sway men’s hearts from believing in God, but the truth of God’s Word is potent enough to keep God’s people safe, because the enemy has already been defeated by the power in that same Word, since Christ took on the sins of the world, died, then arose with all power in His hand!

In the same way we see millions of men and women carrying on their duties on the earth, in the realm of the spirit, there are countless good and bad forces, doing what they were assigned to do as well. God’s Holy Spirit abides in the hearts of believers to comfort them, and bring back to their remembrance, all the words taught by Jesus. His duty is to encourage, inspire, and uplift the hearts of those who strive to be like Christ. On the contrary, the devil and his host demonic beings go to and fro, seeking whom they can kill, steal, destroy, and devour. Our text mentions how we are to test every spirit that influences a man, and not believe their words, except they be inspired by God. The text also mentions that the antichrist spirit is already in the world, deceiving the minds of many who aren’t rooted and grounded in the love of God. Preachers, prophets, teachers, and whoever claims to be called by God, must first confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, before we should believe anything else that proceeds from their lips. Those who deny that Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, then rose up from the grave, are not of God, but of the devil.

Despite what we see going on, as the end draws nigh, disciples of Christ are to continue to love one another, because God is love. We can’t hate those who refuse to accept our proclamations of holiness and godliness, because the world isn’t tuned in to God, therefore they can hear Him through us, but to those who are of God, they hear us, and will continue abiding in the spirit of love and truth. Your love for others proves your love for God, so walk in love, but beware of deceiving spirits, that try to take that love away.

Walk in love,

Ell

Salvation requires enduring witness

Mark 13:9-13

Signs of the end-times are all around us. From wars, and rumors of wars, to men claiming to be the resurrected Christ, the Bible is surely fulfilling its words as prophesied. Jesus often encouraged His disciples, along with multitudes that followed Him, of impending persecution they would face, but many didn’t take His wise counsel serious, until such times had come to pass. Even in our text, Christ warned Peter, James, John, and Andrew to be prepared for times of sorrow, where nations would rise against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, earthquakes would began to occur in various places, and there would be famines and troubles all over the lands. What makes Jesus’ warning worse is, those would only be the beginning of sorrows.

While salvation is free, and living for God is the preferred choice, believers are still assigned to certain persecution. I would love for life to be easy for everyone, but we all must suffer, for Christ’s sake. Enduring hard times for the purpose of fulfilling God’s plan, will guarantee rewards in Heaven you’ll never attain otherwise. While it’s one thing to suffer, just for the sake of suffering, standing strong during persecution, so that the name of the Lord can be glorified and magnified, will no doubt net us Heavenly treasures, that nothing can ever corrupt.

In all we experience in this life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ must still be preached to all the world. The world needs to know that Jesus is the Son of the true, and living God. Also, men and women need to be made aware of the fact the Jesus was the way by which their sins were forgiven. I strongly dislike how those on platforms get praise from the masses for singing, dancing, playing sports, or even “preaching”, while the Savior of the world is shunned away into forgetfulness. Jesus’ sacrifice was the single-most important event in human history, and we, His disciples, must make the world aware of this truth.

Even during our suffering, and preparing for what’s to come in the end, our salvation is sure, as long as we endure. Be strong in the Lord, and in His power, even while working, shopping, or handling day-to-day duties. Also, never let a moment go by without sharing the goodness of God with someone you meet. Whether it be subtle, or direct, be bold in sharing the goodness of God with others, because you could be the change they were praying for. “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”
(Ephesians 6:10-12). “And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:10-13).

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus heralds the centurion’s faith

Luke 7:1-10

The older I get, the more I see the values of men change. Gone are the days when character meant something; when men praised each other more for rendering acts of kindness, rather than selfish accomplishments. Men today take more pride in flaunting their muscles, money, and influence, rather than allow their godly attributes like faith and love, to speak on their behalf. God is never impressed by things that bring glory to ourselves, but He takes pleasure in watching us work our faith, so that He can get glory out of our lives.

In our text, Jesus was impressed by a man who had greater faith than anyone in all Israel. How honorable it is to be considered one who has the greatest level of faith, than everyone in your country! Even during Bible days, men were known by their wealth and prestige, yet rarely were men praised for their good name. The man responsible for grabbing Jesus’ attention was a centurion, who had a servant suffering from a near-death illness, and was in need of a miraculous healing. Jesus had a knack of always being in the right place, at the right time (the omnipresent power of God probably led Him where He needed to be), and met the needs of all who came to Him in faith.

A centurion was a Roman military leader who commanded up to 100 soldiers. Unlike many who take pride in their positions of power, the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. He also felt unworthy to come where Jesus was. There first step in receiving a miracle from God is, keeping oneself in the state of humility, realizing that the Lord is more likely to bless those who reverence His power and authority, over those who boast in their own. Jesus moved at the words of the faithful centurion, and sent healing where his servant was. 🎵🎶 Faith, faith, faith, just a little more faith 🎶🎵

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus raises the widow’s son

Luke 7:11-17

One thing society lacks today that continues to sow discord among individuals is, the lack of compassion. The Bible prophesied, “that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection…” Without natural affection can be translated to, lack of compassion. Love moves the believer to become sensitive to the needs of others. Jesus even taught that we are to first love God, then love our neighbors as we love ourselves, but for years men have been desensitized and brainwashed by what’s portrayed on TV and movie screens that have changed the way they are to naturally care for others.

The average TV show or movie supports individualism, over the concept of collectivism. God made billions of people, not to inhabit the earth living in a box, or shell, but to work together as a community, in order to accomplish those things He desires of them. Unfortunately, the minds of men have been changed from showing natural affection to one another, to avoiding each other. How often do you pull over to help someone stranded on the side of the road (I’m aware, these days you have to be mindful of that, because of the changing times)? Even if you are unable to assist someone, does your heart feel for them, when you see they’re in need?

God made us just as He is, capable of feeling for others, but the devil works diligently to change that natural affection by causing men to think more about themselves, rather than the needs of those less fortunate. Jesus, the Son of the living God, and Savior of the whole world, had every opportunity to be selfish, and ignore the fact that many needed His power, but His heart was pure, and He found pleasure in meeting the needs of others, knowing they could do nothing to return the favor.

An example of Jesus’ compassion took place in our lesson, where He saw a dead man being carried out of the city to be buried, then He changed the entire scene. Picture this (if you’re a woman): You marry the man of your dreams, live a happy life, bear a beautiful son, husband supports you and the family with no issues, husband dies, son grows up as your only means of support and protection, son dies, and is being carried away to the graveyard, as you walk slowly behind in agony and tears. That must have been a hard path to walk, but the widow woman was left to bear the struggles of life alone. Fortunately, for her, Jesus was nearing the gate of the city, then noticed the crowd of people following closely behind the men who were carrying the dead body, and the weeping mother as well. “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” In the next verse, Jesus touched the bier, or frame of the bed resembling a coffin, then said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” The man sat up, begin to speak, then was delivered to his mother. That was love in full force! There are some people who can only off words of comfort, but Jesus offered words, along with action.

Oh, how I love Jesus, because He loves us without condition, and wants the best for everyone! What I find confusing is, those who claim to be Christians, hardly ever show acts of compassion. Too often are they consumed with making their own lives better, while neglecting to help their struggling brothers and sisters they see on a daily basis. Our love is not measured on how often we say it, but how often we show it. Let love lead you to care for others, as you would care for yourself.

Walk in love,

Ell

Faith is expressed through actions

Luke 6:46-49

Just as a fish would eventually die in the absence of water, faith without works is dead. Faith is believing in something, even before it manifests. As believers, we hope for things God promised to bless us with in our lifetime, and our faith is proven through our works. Throughout the Scriptures, God promised to sustain His people, strengthen them when they are weak, renew their strength, give them an expected end, be with them through all trials and struggles, give them everlasting life, and be patient, faithful, and compassionate with them.

Before receiving from God, we must first believe that He is able to do those things which He promised. After believing, the next step of faith is performing works that validate your belief. Farmers don’t plant seeds, then expect them to sprout on their own strength. Instead, they nurture the seeds, giving them fertilizer and water, while keeping them exposed to sufficient sunlight. They have faith that the seed will grow, but they also do the works that make growth possible. In the same sense, believers have faith that God will do what He promised, but their works should prove that faith, until the promise is manifested. For example, God promised that if we ask, seek, and knock then we’ll receive, find, and have doors opened to us. All of the prerequisites for receiving require work. If you prayed to God for a better job, but refuse to search for it, your supposed prayer of faith is immediately nullified. The body of Christ is required to work their faith, proving that they truly believe in the power of God to provide for them, as well as revealing their commitment to His Word.

Our lesson text gives a perfect example of faith in action. Those who obey the Word of God are compared to a man who built a house upon a solid foundation. This house was so firmly established, until even floods, and streams of water couldn’t shake it. When we believe God for a thing, then couple that belief with consistent works, there’s nothing anyone can do to hinder you from receiving your blessings from God. On the contrary, when we say we believe God from our “soup coolers”, but no works are attached, this is compared to one who built his house upon the earth, with no foundation. I’m sure you can picture in your mind what that would look like, and the likelihood of that house withstanding any type of severe weather. Jesus said, when streams of water beat on this house, it fell immediately, and had great ruin.

When a man sincerely trusts in the Lord with all his heart, he’ll never lean to his own understanding, because he’ll make sure to live every day in expectation of the things God promised to give him. When we pray to God, then plan things just in case God doesn’t come through, this proves that our trust isn’t totally in Him. While I’m not against planning, nor preparing just in case, I’m only reaffirming that if God promised to do something for you, and you take efforts to plan until your promise comes, then it’ll fit snug and perfect in your life when He delivers it.

Waiting to receive from God won’t always be easy, but the reward will far outweigh the wait. In those moments when you feel like giving up, or that God may have forgotten about you, consider all the people around the world who have greater struggles than yourself, yet trust God regardless. God never forgets us, but monitors how we respond during our tests of faith. God wants us to be strong and very courageous during our struggles, Just as Jesus was when He hung from the Cross. Our situations may look bad for a season, but after our suffering, there will be unspeakable joy in our hearts, peace in our minds, and strength like we’ve never experienced.

1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

James 1:12 – Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Corinthians 10:13 – 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].

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Walk in love,

Ell

Your faith has made you well

Mark 5:25-34

During His brief ministry on the earth, Jesus had built quite a reputation for Himself, while healing, delivering, and changing the hearts of many who were determined to be in His presence. Despite how much Jesus shunned the spotlight, His miraculous acts brought unprecedented attention to Himself, that was unavoidable.

Not too long after casting an evil spirit out of a man who dwelt in the graveyard, in the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus and His disciples journeyed back to Capernaum, where he was immediately met by a mob of skeptical people, one of which approached the Son of God with a very interesting request. One of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, came to Jesus and fell at His feet. His daughter was at the point of death, and the man wanted Jesus to lay His hands on her, so she could be healed and live. It’s obvious the power Jesus spoke of from His Father was real, because many witnessed the evidence of manifestation for themselves, but personal faith in that power was still a prerequisite to receive blessings of such magnitude from God. Jesus agreed to pray for the girl, then followed Jairus to where she was. On the way to His destination, the crowd of people continued to follow Jesus, but in the midst of them pressing upon Him on all sides, Jesus asked a question, “Who touched my clothes?” Carnal-minded thinking led the disciples to conclude Jesus wasn’t making sense, as there were many who touched Him, but Jesus was speaking from a spiritual perspective, as He literally felt virtue leave His body. While ignoring the hopeless, yet privileged disciples, Jesus looked around to see who’s faith was responsible for pulling virtue from Him. There are so many points I want to expound upon from this verse, but I’ll keep it short, for the sake of the blog post. Jesus was God in the flesh, and operated in the same power as His Father in Heaven. He was also capable of doing exceeding, abundantly, above all we could ask or think. From then, to now, being able to receive a miracle was only made possible by first having a condition, being fed up with that condition, trying and seeing that man can do nothing, except what God allows, then striving to reach God, but through unyielding faith.

There was a woman who had suffered twelve years with a blood condition. She spent all her money, seeking help from physicians, but to no avail. This is similar to many today, who go all out looking for answers from man, when God’s been there the whole time, waiting to bless us. The woman pressed her way through the crowd, only to touch the clothes of Jesus, because she had faith enough to believe that if the man was as anointed as she had heard, then touching His clothes would be enough to bring about her healing. To her, and Jesus’ surprise, she was right! After revealing her story, and intentions to Jesus, He responded, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Being all man (and all God), I can imagine that every time Jesus healed someone, He felt joy on the inside that caused goosebumps to form all over His body. His love is pure, and has compassion on everyone, including those who plotted to murder Him.

From this lesson’s text, it’s clear that we must have faith in God, in order to be a candidate for a miracle. Some struggle from minor things in life, while others suffer extreme conditions. What may seem shallow to some people, may actually be severe for others. Whatever your need is, whether great or small, God is not limited in His power, and can deliver us from anything. Pray the prayer of faith, believing that God can back up every Word spoken in Scripture, then live your days in expectation of your miracle manifestation.

Walk in love,

Ell

Widow’s faithfulness rewarded

1 Kings 17:8-16

At the end of a race, or athletic event, those who finish first, or outlast their opponent, are usually granted a reward. In any organized competition, individuals who are fearful, usually get exposed by those who are confident, and victory seldom comes to those who lack the boldness necessary to compete. For this reason, it’s essential for all who seek to obtain a reward, to be fearless, and confident in their chances to achieve success. Even during moments when a person falls behind in a race, if they keep their eyes fixed on the prize, they will be able to overcome all obstacles that hinder their success.

This same example can be applied to a child of God’s obedience, or lack thereof. When we trust God throughout a process, and are faithful to His commands, He will always reward us for our faithfulness. On the contrary, when we allow fear to keep us from obeying God, we set ourselves up to either delay what God has for us, or lose some things altogether.

The Bible is full of examples of men who either allowed fear to cause them to miss a blessing from God, or faith that granted them opportunities to be showered with the goodness of God’s grace, mercy, and favor. As we close this week’s lesson with final thoughts on the widow woman, and her faithfulness in keeping God’s Word, I want to reiterate a few points I mentioned in lessons prior to this one. First off, we learned how God moves based on our faith and action, not fear. The Bible teaches that perfect love cast out fear, because fear has torment. Many will sit idle and refuse to move at the words of God, when fear controls their mind. The widow woman could have missed out on a great blessing, had she allowed the fear of eating her last meal, then dying, keep her from obeying what God commanded her to do.

In the same way an athlete has faith, and confidence in their ability to accomplish their goals, believers should have faith in God, and confidence in His ability to do exceeding, abundantly, and above all we can ask or think. But, this is made possible, according to the power that works in us. God has proven Himself to all of us, simply by sustaining us this long, and keeping us in good health. It’s the duty of the children of God to love Him, and keep His commandments, so as you continue on your path of righteousness, keep your eyes fixed on God, and strengthen your faith through every experience you encounter in this life.

Walk in love,

Ell