Tag: Testing

Elijah restores life to a widow’s son

1 Kings 17:17-24

During our seasons of testing and suffering, God will always sustain His people, as long as they remain committed to His agenda. As the inhabitants of Israel continued to suffer from famine, God continued to provide for His prophet, Elijah. When the first place God sent Elijah to rest had ceased from providing water, God prepared the heart of a widow to receive the prophet, and care for his needs for a season. God has a very unique way of bringing people together, in order to fulfill His will. Elijah had no idea the woman wasn’t in a good position to provide for anyone, but God knew that she needed divine intervention, and Elijah was capable of interceding, to bring that to pass. God places people in our lives for seasons, so that they can help take us to the next level, because there will be times when we won’t be capable of getting there on our own.

While the widow woman was gathering sticks one day to prepare the last meal for herself and her son, Elijah approached her, then asked for water to drink. As she left to get water, Elijah also asked if she could bring him something to eat as well. Take a brief moment, and put yourself in the shoes of the woman. God had already told you He was sending a man who needed your help, and in turn, you’d be blessed beyond measure (I’m uncertain how God relayed that message to the woman, but she got it somehow). Would you follow through with the man’s requests, without hesitation, or would your faith waver at the thought of not having enough supplies to care for you and your son? Faith tests aren’t always easy, but the benefits of following through are usually amazing!

Knowing what God had commanded her to do, the woman still felt the need to inform the prophet of her lack of resources. Elijah’s faith in God’s power of provision had already grown stronger after his experience at the brook of Cherith, so he knew that if the woman took care of his need, God would definitely take care of hers. So, the woman did as she was commanded, and was blessed with more than she could ever imagine. Ironically, this miracle wasn’t enough to fully convince the woman that Elijah was a true man of God, and that his words were complete truth. That’s odd, because she had seen the plan of God play out accordingly, but still held doubts. Many of us today are the same way, because God can do something super duper amazing for us, but when something more challenging comes along, we cringe in fear.

Following many days of miraculous increase, the woman’s son got sick, and died. Rather than approach the man of God in humility, and request his assistance for intercession, the woman question whether or not Elijah came to kill her son. Oh how frail we humans become, when times of blessing become moments of sorrow. Elijah took the boy, laid him on his bed, cried to God and asked the same question the widow woman posed to him. Interesting. Elijah stretched himself over the child three times, then asked God to bring life back into the boy. God granted his request. This miracle was more than enough to convince the woman that God lived through Elijah.

Are you fully persuaded in the power of God to take care of you, or do you live in fear that someday you’ll be left broke and destitute. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s grace and mercy on those who are committed to Him, and obey His simple commands. Trust God wholeheartedly, and never doubt that He is able to sustain you, no matter what condition you find yourself in.

Walk in love,

Ell

God-sent ravens to feed Elijah

1 Kings 17:1-7

Have I mentioned lately, how much God hates evil, and despises sin? If not, then here goes…God hates evil, and despises sin! Acts of sin defy God’s expected acts of obedience to His Word. When we willingly sin, we are choosing to side with baal, or satanism. No matter how pretty the picture is painted, sin is always wrong, and consistent acts lead to rebellion against God. God created man to bless him, and make him to prosper in all things, but when a man sins, inevitable consequences will always meet him on his path.

There was a man named Ahab, who assumed the throne to rule over Israel, during the time when king Asa ruled Judah. It’s been written, king Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord, than all who ruled before him. That’s intense! What could this man have possibly done, that excelled above those before him? For one thing, his biggest mistake was first, marrying one of the most wicked, and sinister women in Scripture (Jezebel), coupled with serving baal, building an altar for the pagan god, and worshipping him religiously. Verse 33 of chapter 16 reads, “and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him”. After reading that verse, you could safely assume, God would respond in a powerful, yet unusual way (to get the kings attention, expose his evil, and hope to convince him to change his evil heart). God loves everyone, but He has no tolerance for sin, and will give you a chance to repent, but that window could close before you know it.

During the evil reign of king Ahab, God raised up a prophet to stand against the king, and reveal His power to the nation. Elijah, meaning God is Jehovah, was one of the returning exiles mentioned in the book of Ezra. God sent Elijah to confront the king, then announce that there would be no dew, or rain until he says so. That was an interesting statement on many levels. First, the king probably wondered how a mere mortal could control the elements, after getting over the fact that this man came in his presence to check him. Knowing that the king’s heart was pure evil, God then ordered His prophet to run to a place where he would be provided food and water for a season. Telling a king there would be no way for the fields of crops to be watered no doubt angered him, because food is an essential, and he, along with the people could suffer greatly. The more evil and pride a man holds in his heart, the more God will do to prove to him, he’s nothing without the Lord.

While the king suffered for a season, God cared for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him bread and flesh every morning and evening, while he drank fresh water from a brook. God always provides for those who are obedient to what He commands them to do, and brings judgment on those who willingly rebel. Even today, there are many who are similar to, if not worse than the wicked king Ahab, who suffer greatly for their continued disobedience. But those who are just as bold and faithful as the prophet Elijah, are on schedule to receive God’s best!

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep God’s commandments

Proverbs 3:1-10

This lesson will be a short reminder to all those who claim to be born-again sons and daughters of God, that keeping His commandments always yield amazing benefits. Although heaven and earth are soon to pass away, disciples of Christ are yet mandated to live by a godly, and holy standard. Serving God, at times, seems tedious, and can cause the minds of even the most faithful to question whether or not He sees all the troubling experiences they encounter, but the Lord never slumbers, nor sleeps, and pays close attention to every detail of everything we face. God commanded His people to do things a certain way for a reason. For example, to obtain peace and long life, one must only remember God’s laws, and keep His commandments. While that may be a simple command to obey in order to reap such great blessings, attempting to follow God’s words are usually met by inevitable confrontation. Satan has a hard time ignoring those who seek to please God, because he was deemed, “the author of confusion”, and directs all his focus on knocking them off track. For this very reason, the text reminds us in verses five and six to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledged Him, and He shall direct thy paths”. When we consult God’s advice on all the situations we face in life, it will greatly reduce the possibility for satan to influence us to sin. God’s power never fails, and if we commit all our trust to Him, then He’ll make sure our choices and decisions are stamped with His approval.

From morning, to afternoon, and in the evening, God should be at the forefront of our minds and hearts. His way is right, and those walking along the path He directs exhibit consistent righteous behavior. Make sure you have a full understanding of what God expects of you, after claiming to be His own, because many wear the title “Christian”, but live contrary to what it stands for.

Walk in love,

Ell

Commit to covenant obedience

Deuteronomy 4:1-8, 12-13

Businesses today are non-stop, and companies seek to hire potential employees who are capable of maintaining and producing positive results, that will keep their profit margins at reasonable levels. The more flourishing, and well-developed businesses are usually upheld on the backs of workers committed to their cause, while those companies that experience fluctuations in productivity, work hard in dealing with high turnover rates. Before companies commit to those seeking employment, they thoroughly investigate each candidate, in order to make sure they’ll be a good fit for their business. Hiring individuals based only on a resume, can lead to potential issues, but talking to, and hearing the candidate in person helps to gain a better understanding of the face behind the resume. Commitment involves someone being dedicated to a cause, or activity. In addition, committing to something also obligates a person to do something as well.

When a man or woman dedicates their lives to services in God’s kingdom, they are expected to obey the rules which that kingdom is governed by. God is love, so those who are committed to Him, are expected to love, without question. God is always love, and love is always God, so there’s no excuse for anyone who claims to be in God, to ever refuse to love someone, no matter the case. God’s kingdom produces higher profit margins (converted souls), when those who serve Him consistently put actions behind their words. It’s in our obedience, where God is glorified, and He in turn blesses us for our obedience, by which His name is magnified through our blessed lives.

Obedience to God, allows for blessings that can never be obtained otherwise. According to Scripture, obedience brings long life, success, mercy and justice, answers to prayer, preservation from corruption through idolatry, an inheritance, prosperity, blessings to offspring, and many more! Saints aren’t obedient to God simply to receive blessings, but because He is worthy of our everything! God gives us the breath of life daily, even when we use it in ways that displease Him. Our obedience to God is the greatest way to prove that our confession, and profession that we’ve surrendered our hearts and wills to Him, are valid and true. Just as many are dedicated to the companies they are employed by, God expects His children to be fully committed to covenant obedience to His Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s forgiveness may involve hard judgments

Numbers 14:26-30

It matters not how long and hard a person tries to cover sin and disobedience, for judgment will always render just payment, because the wages of sin is death. God has patience that far exceeds our finite understanding, but there comes a time when we cause Him to render disheartening punishment upon our own lives. God is love, and His love is everlasting, unconditional, and given free of charge, but there’s one thing He will not tolerate on a consistent basis, and that is sin.

It’s because of sin, the original plan for creation was altered, and the world today is in its current state, but God’s forgiveness is the only genuine remedy offered to men, by which to escape sin’s consequences. I’m fully convinced that God desires for every man to surrender their hearts to Him, but knowing that many will refuse, He’s prepared to execute judgment on all who reject His priceless salvation.

An example of such judgment came down on the children of Israel, who followed Moses and Aaron through the wilderness. Time, and time again, the people murmured and complained against God, so much until they even rebelled, while willingly participating in acts contrary to what they were commanded to abide by. Whenever God made up in His mind to destroy the stiffnecked people, Moses would stand between them and God, then render a prayer of intercession. Fortunately for the people, God honored Moses’ prayers, but their disobedient behavior had reached a point where God knew their hearts were hardened, and unwilling to change. For this reason, God spoke to Moses, and Aaron, then posed this question, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me?” Put yourself in God’s shoes for a moment. Better yet, think of those times when your children, or kids you were assigned to watch over, refused to listen to, and abide by your words. Not only did they reject the things you told them, but they even gave a bad and snobby attitude along with it (reminds me of little Jr. from the Problem Child movies). You wanted so badly to punish them until they spoke another language, but you held back judgment, because you had hope that they would change.

I think back to a time when I lived in Orlando, and had to babysit one of my nephews, until his dad was allowed leave from the army to come pick him up. I left him alone for ten minutes in my house, and told him I’d be back shortly. I also told him not to touch anything, and be good, then uncle Ell would give him something nice (my roommate was in the other room, so he wasn’t in the house alone). Well, when I returned, that little five year old rascal took all my toilet paper and decorated the house, as if toilet paper was cheap! As bad as I wanted to disciple that little V.R. Trooper, I had mercy on him, and still treated him to something nice. God allows us to make mistakes, but when those “mistakes” become habits, it’s necessary for Him to take action.

God eventually replaced His patience for the children of Israel, with judgment, and there was nothing Moses, nor Aaron could do to stay His hand. These were the same people who witnessed God’s miraculous works, and enjoyed all the benefits of His divine glory and revelation, but they never submitted themselves totally to God, thus causing Him to remove His glory from them.

What is the conversation between the Father, and the Son, concerning your life at this moment. If you could listen in on God’s thoughts about how you’re living today, would you be confident that He would be pleased with how you manage your time on the earth, or would He be inches away from rendering judgment based on how you live?

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s forgiveness doesn’t allay suffering

Numbers 14:21-25

The glory of God can be seen all over the world! From raging waters that fill the seas, to the mighty beasts that roam the lands, God’s creation continues to produce fascinating moments that continue to leave men standing in awe. The skies are filled with numerous birds, and other fowl that keep busy flapping and singing day and night, while rainforests and other lands are full of all types of great, and small trees that are unique, and essential in their own ways. But, the longer I live, the more I see blemishes amongst God’s beautiful creation. I see trees that were once strong and firm, begin to suffer, and slowly wither away. Even the animals that graze the lands seem to suffer disease and unusual number of deaths. This world is slowly fading away, because of the effects of sin, but Jesus went away to prepare an incorruptible place where we can dwell with Him forever, in a sinless environment.

The effects of sin were so powerful, until it severed the once holy union between God, and man. Since the fall of Adam, humans have had to endure all manner of suffering, all of which was not intended for man, but sin has consequences that can only be dealt with on a spiritual level, and there was nothing man could do to redeem himself back to God. Therefore, Christ came to undo the mistake Adam caused, while reuniting, or engrafting man back into the family of God once again.

Just as a beautiful tree that sits among thousands of others sometimes suffer from fire, intense weather, or even man’s intervention, born-again believers will still face times of suffering, despite being unified with the Almighty God. How is it possible for a man or woman who’s totally committed to God to suffer in any instance? The perfect example that illustrates the answer to this question is the life that Jesus lived, while on earth. Not once did Jesus commit a sin, nor any act of disobedience against God, yet He suffered and endured more than any man that ever lived (I think the apostle Paul would come in at second place).

Although sin is no match against the power of God, it is potent enough to keep an unforgiven man from entering into eternal peace with Him. Unfortunately, suffering comes as a package deal with salvation, but God will never leave anyone to endure it alone. In the same way Jesus received strength from God while He agonized in the garden of Gethsemane, we too can ask God for strength, especially during our weary moments, and He will send divine strength to keep us from giving in to the pressures of suffering and persecution.

The world is indeed beautiful, yet on schedule to be destroyed. Our lives should be lived doing only good, even though we too will face death, but we have hope in knowing that after our suffering is over, the end of our faith is living an eternal life in the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus forgives our sins

Acts 10:34-43

Majority of people who attended a college, or university, go with the intentions of becoming qualified to one day obtain a position where they can work, and earn income, while performing the duties of those things they learned in school. Those who study to become doctors endure extensive schooling, in order to gain the approval of professors and those who issue licenses, so they’ll be certified to perform the work their title demands. Lawyers, teachers, engineers, and those with other interests, were all required to first become qualified, before being certified to do their work. I doubt anyone in their right mind would allow an uncertified doctor, lawyer, or engineer to render work to them without proper certification, because it would be hard to trust that their work would be legit. Reputation means much in our society, and proper certification, along with a history of good works helps to convince people that certain practices, or companies can be trusted.

What qualified Jesus to bear the sins of the world, die while removing the punishment of those sins from all those who believe, and become Lord of all? Interesting questions, because a normal human could not do as Jesus did, for many reasons. While all men were born from the seed of a sinful man, Jesus was born from the Holy Ghost. The apostle Peter adds that Jesus was anointed by God, with the Holy Ghost, and with power. The power of God, through His Spirit, led Jesus as He live doing only good. While satan was qualified by his rebellion to bring sin into the world, Jesus was qualified by God, to undo the oppression the enemy caused, and continues to cause in people’s lives. Jesus endured 3 years of extensive trials and testing, and lived a sinless life. (He lived 33 years, but His ministry was recorded beginning at age 30. Not much was known except His time as a child, when he amazed a group of doctors at age 12, then continued to increase in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man). Not once did Jesus disobey, or go against the instructions of God, His Father, which was crucial in qualifying Him to bear the world’s sins, take them to the cross, die, then rise with all power in His hand.

The same way people believe the reports of certified doctors, concerning their health, is how they should understand and respect the fact the Jesus was certified as the only one who could provide the cure for sin. We must only confess our sins to God, then believe in the name of the Lord, while proving that confession through a life of good works. Good works don’t save us, but they exemplify the true sign of a changed heart. Jesus is legit, and definitely qualified, and certified to forgive our sins, but we must do our part to trust and believe that He can, and will do what the Bible says.

Walk in love,

Ell

Bless the Lord who forgives

Psalm 103:1-14

What are you thankful for? Have you come to the point in life where you finally realize the difference between what’s really important, and what’s been set up as distractions? Do you find more pleasure in accumulating material things including houses, cars, and investments, or planning your life in such a way that all your motivations are centered around satisfying yourself over others? Are the things that bring you happiness, pleasurable in the eyes of God as well? When was the last time you considered how blessed you really are? These are questions to consider, once a person reaches a certain level of spiritual maturity. Life is lived for a season, then eternity begins. While we have the privilege and opportunity to exist on the earth, we should learn to show a little more appreciation, and gratitude to the God who sustains us daily.

In this Psalm, king David understood the importance of giving reverence to the name of the Lord, recognizing that He alone is worthy of all praise, glory, and honor, because of the amazing things He has done, is doing, and has in store for those who love Him, and keep His commandments. David blessed the Lord from the depths of his soul, which proved that nothing in life was more deserving of his time, worship, and respect, than the Creator of life itself. The things David was grateful for differ from what the average person deems as relevant. He praised God for all His benefits. Scripture tells us that we bless God who daily loads us with benefits, some of which include forgiveness, healing, redeemed and renewed life, love, kindness, and mercy. Could you imagine what your life would be like if God stopped loving you? I don’t even want to entertain the thought, because it’s rather scary. But, God loves us in spite of our human frailties and weaknesses, because He is like a father that understands the needs of his children, and provides what’s best for their wellbeing.

Spend more time appreciating God for who He is, and how He provides for you consistently. Take more pride in your salvation, knowing that without the blood of Jesus, we would all be lost causes. Show more love to your family and friends, even the ones who don’t seem deserving of it, because you could be the one to possibly convince them to live a changed life. Bless the Lord who forgave you, and has intentions to forgive all those who seek repentance, just as you once did.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t doubt; Trust God’s promises

Numbers 13:1-2, 17, 25-28; 14:1-2, 5-10

Knowing God the way I do today, allows me to see things in Scripture differently than I did when I first began to meditate on the Word. When I use to read about the children of Israel, I had a slight case of envy for them, being that they were God’s chosen nation, set apart to establish His kingdom in the earth, and to be the line by which Christ was to come through. Unfortunately, the more you read about the ancient Israelites, the more disgust I’m certain you’ll develop for their consistent disobedient behavior, as I have as well.

God literally proved Himself, His amazing power, and sufficient grace and mercy to His people on multiple occasions, yet those miraculous acts weren’t enough to convince the privileged Israelites to commit their trust totally to Him. When they complained about being in bondage, and suffering persecution, God delivered them with a mighty hand. When they cried as they stood facing the Red Sea, while being pursued by a bloodthirsty Pharoah and his army, God parted the sea, allowed His people to cross over on dry land, then closed the waters to drown Israel’s pursuers. As the people roamed the wilderness, following God’s path to the Promise Land, their complaints reached elevated heights, as they assumed God brought them out of Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. So, God miraculously provided food for them, day and night. God provided top-notch protection for the people as He allowed pillars of cloud and fire to go ahead of them by day, and night as well. Out of all these things the Lord did for the children of Israel, they were nowhere close to being sold on His promise of Canaan, especially following the evil report of Giants and fortified buildings in the land.

I’m having trouble understanding the logic and reasoning of the people, because they saw God’s handiwork before their very eyes, yet when facing giants, they cowered in fear. God told them time and time again, the land was theirs, even though someone else attended to it until they arrived (which was actually a good thing). They were also promised God’s personal protection to aid them in taking what was rightfully theirs. But……some people…..no matter what you say, or do to convince them that their victory is indeed assured, they’ll prefer to hold on to their own fear, rather than confide in someone who’s already proven they can take care of them.

Things got even worse when the people threatened to stone the very men who led them, and had faith in God to deliver the land into their hands. While Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people, no doubt as a sign of “what do I do now, these people are hopeless”, Joshua and Caleb became angry, tore their clothes, then reminded the people that with God, there is nothing to fear. If God hadn’t stepped in to protect His men, that mob of cowards would have probably stoned them to death.

Fear can cause us to make unwise decisions. The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, rather than doubt God and react out of fear, pray to Him, and ask for wisdom to make the right choices, and courage to see the process through. God wants the best for you, but you must trust that His word is true, despite what comes against you.

Walk in love,

Ell

Moses intercedes for God’s people

Numbers 14:13-20

The more I study and meditate on the Scriptures, the more I try to understand the mind of God. When the apostle Paul admonished the Philippian church to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”, what exactly was he referring to? God is a spirit, but has character and emotions just as we do. We were all made in His image, and after His likeness, so it only makes sense that He exhibit familiar emotions as we do. Unlike humans who are frail, unforgiving, and oftentimes hold grudges, God responds instantly to repentance. Even during moments when God’s anger is kindled toward disobedience, sincere and humble repentance is all it takes to turn God’s wrath away.

A prime example of such a situation took place in our text, where Moses stood between the rebellious and disobedient Israelites, and God, who threatened to destroy the entire nation. In the past, God dealt with His chosen vessels privately, and used them to speak to the masses, and Moses was the mouthpiece He used to reach the nation of Israel.

After days of watching the people He chose live contrary to His will, God asked Moses, “How long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” How could the people who freely received the blessings of God, turn their faces against Him so willingly? This was a sign of great disrespect, and lack of appreciation. In His anger, God offered to do away with the stiffnecked people altogether, then make a greater nation, who would be more mightier than the former. Ironically, the same way Adam protected Eve by also eating of the forbidden fruit, in order to share her punishment (or God probably would have wiped her out and made a new woman, if Adam hadn’t eaten the fruit as well… subject for another lesson), Moses felt the need to protect the unfaithful children of Israel. I find myself questioning whether or not Moses thought long enough on the proposal God offered. The Creator of the world offered to give him something far greater than what he already had, yet he refused. How would you respond, if God offered to give you a new spouse, job, car, house, or anything you held on to that wasn’t producing? Please don’t answer that aloud, especially if you’re reading this while sitting next to the something you wish was replaced lol.

Anyhoo, If I was standing in the shoes of Moses, I probably would have allowed God to implement His plan B, despite the possibility of the other nations claiming that God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. If God offers something better, who am I to keep His hand from delivering it? Well, Moses stayed God’s hand from bringing His wrath on the disobedient Israelites, when he prayed for them, and asked God to pardon their iniquity. Immediately, after Moses finished praying, God pardoned the sins of the people.

There are many who teach false doctrines that God is all wrath, and no love, but according to this text, we see that God is quick to forgive, and pardon man’s sins. In his prayer, Moses acknowledged that the Lord is longsuffering (patient), great in mercy, forgives iniquity and transgression, and by no means clears the guilty (so long as they choose to remain in that state). When we make our requests known unto God, aside from seeking remission from our sins, we should also remind Him of who He is, and how He showed mercy on us before. Prayer is more than asking for a thing, it also involves giving honor and reverence to God, because He alone deserves such recognition. If God saved the lives of millions because of one man’s prayer, think of what He can do in your life, when you totally submit to following His will.

Walk in love,

Ell