Naomi loses her husband and sons

Ruth 1:1-5

Throughout life, there will always be certain things that are beyond our control. The serenity prayer helps us understand this truth also, as it’s words mention, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever and ever in the next. Amen.” When life feels out of control, it’s easy to try to control everything and everyone around us, but some of us do the opposite, and just throw our hands up while giving up on the situation altogether. Accepting and submitting to God’s plan for your life is the only sure way to find peace in situations you’re unable to change or control. We may not always understand God’s plan, but we can let go of trying to manipulate events and people, and let God work through us.

In our lesson text, Naomi was faced with a situation that could either cause her to break down and give up, or push her to be better. During a famine that was taking place in their land, Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) took his wife and two sons on a journey to look for more sustainable lands in the country of Moab. For reasons not mentioned in Scripture, Elimelech died. This was very significant, as the husband was the sole provider of the family during these days, and losing a husband could cause major problems for a widow trying to provide for two sons on her own. To make matters worse on the heartbroken widow, during their time in Moab, Naomi’s two sons died as well. Some speculate that their deaths were the result of transgressing the law in marrying foreign women, but this is unlikely, unless they were convinced to follow idolatry with the Moabites as well. In any case, within the span of ten years, this faithful woman lost all her means of support, including her husband and two sons.

Let’s further examine this situation, because as you read a bit deeper into the text, we find where Naomi, like many today, thought God was punishing her for something she probably had done, but if you look at the bigger picture, famines, wars, and the like are not personal curses, or they would only affect the person involved. These types of judgments show no respect of persons at all, affecting the wicked, as well as the righteous. When God finds it necessary to punish the wicked, sometimes the righteous suffer along with them as well. We live in a time where judgment is coming down on the wicked, yet the good hearted and kind people are struggling as well. It almost seems unfair that the good must suffer at the expense of evil men’s deeds, but we were graced to have faith and power through God’s Spirit to help us endure, until our change comes.

Naomi seemingly lost everything, but her faith in God kept her standing, and provided the opportunity for her to be blessed abundantly in the end. The end of a matter with God is ALWAYS good, and if it’s not good, then it’s not the end of the matter. Keep living, and watch God work! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Walk in love,

Ell

Ruth, mother of David and Jesus

Matthew 1:2-6, 16

I’ve never really been keen on history, nor am I fully aware of my own family’s history, so for the sake of not screwing up Biblical history in reference to genealogy, I’ll use the time for this lesson to expound upon the importance of family.

The original family was instituted by God Himself, when He brought together Adam and Eve, then instructed them to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. Some believe that there were people who existed before Adam, based on the term “replenish”, and were wiped out prior to his creation, but Genesis 3:20 reads, “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” If Eve is the mother of all living humans, then how could anyone exist before she was pulled from Adam’s rib, and delicately crafted into the world’s first top model? That’s a topic for another discussion.

The family structure consists of a father, mother, and children who all reside in a house, of which mom makes into a home. While fathers have a role to be the provider, protector, instructor, and disciplinarian in the home, mothers add the extra flavor that keeps the family together. Our text reveals one particular mother, who was responsible for the birthing of two of the most prominent men who ever existed. Down the family line of Ruth, came forth king David, and the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing how God created one man and woman, then from their union came all of us, with different purposes, personalities, and character traits? Imagine if Ruth had aborted her children, or chose to never get pregnant. King David, and all his great accomplishments, including the book of Psalms, would be nonexistent. Christ would have still been sent to the earth, but the family line He came through couldn’t have been put together any better than it had been.

Ruth was a pure woman, with a generous heart, and was included in the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ. In total, Jesus came through 42 generations of great and mighty men and women, whom God used to establish His name, until His Son was born to reveal the true power in that same name. This lesson provided another plate of food for thought. Stay blessed!

Walk in love,

Ell

Continuing the family line

Deuteronomy 25:5-10

The children of Israel were required to follow some very interesting laws and ordinances back in Bible days. The obvious laws that kept men in right standing with God were the ten commandments, and those that separated the evil from the good, but some laws that applied to them back then would be shunned upon in 2019. Our text presents one such law concerning remarriage, and succeeding a man’s family name. In Christian culture today, marriage is to be between one man, and one woman, then the two are joined as one, and are to be fruitful and multiply. If the husband dies, this releases the wife from her bond of matrimony, and she’s free to remarry at her will. The next potential candidate she chooses is expected to be of no relation to her, nor her husband, and the name of the deceased husband would soon die, if they didn’t bare a male child.

In our lesson text, if the husband of the wife passes, and he has a brother, then she has the option of marrying him, in order to keep her husband’s name relevant. I’m certain I would roll over ten times in my grave if my wife married my brother, but hey, that’s how it was back then. To add more drama to this issue, if the brother refuses to take the widow as his wife, then she’s to report him to the elders of his city, where they’ll give him a chance to explain his reasoning. If he stands true to his refusal, then he’s to be publicly humiliated, as wife is to loose his shoe from his foot, and spit in his face. To be barefoot was a sign of distress and humiliation. Doing this to the man signified that he had sold everything and was bankrupt. In other words, the man in Israel who refused to preserve the name of his brother was considered worthless, and without value. This lesson was just a little food for thought. Stay blessed!

Walk in love,

Ell

Covenant between friends

1 Samuel 18:1-5, 19:1-7

Times have changed dramatically from when David began his journey to become king, until now. Even his friendship with Jonathan seemed to only be fitting back then, because if their relationship was carried over into this era, it would be looked upon with eyes of skepticism. I say that because the Bible reads that after Jonathan heard of David’s victory over Goliath, and the conversation between him and his father, his very soul became knit with the soul of David, and he loved him as his own soul. Saying things like that these days makes it seem like bruh was a bit sweet, but there was nothing “funny” about the joining together of David and Jonathan. It takes a real man to express love to another man, because love is of God, and when expressed or demonstrated based on His definition, then it will always be genuine, true, and according to His Word.

After Saul made an agreement with David’s father to keep him as a servant, he and Jonathan made a covenant that solidified their friendship forever. Jonathan went so far as to give David the robe from his back, his garments, sword, bow, and girdle. Giving is the greatest sign of true commitment (God set this example when He gave the world His Son), and Jonathan proved that he was true to David by giving his best to his friend.

Covenants are like the cement that’s poured to fill the foundation of a building or structure, that hardens over time, and is tested by measures of extreme force. Well, the foundation of friendship established between David and Jonathan was put to the test on multiple occasions. Following fifteen failed attempts to kill David, Jonathan remained committed to keeping his friend safe from his father. Risking his own life, the son of the wicked king refused to commit to an evil plot to destroy an innocent man, and proved that his loyalty to David couldn’t be severed, even if it took disobeying the will of his own father.

How faithful are you in keeping commitments to friends? Do your words match your actions, or do you break away from your covenants when the heat gets too hot? Committing to God provides a guaranteed way to stay true to who and what you commit to. Strive hard to be a man, or woman of your word, and don’t allow negative people to change the way you feel about your friends. Good friends are hard to come by these days, so thank God for those you can trust to fight with you through anything.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jonathan and David plan rendezvous

1 Samuel 20:18-23

When going through trouble and hard times, it’s important that prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and fasting, be at the forefront of a person’s thought process. When we’re overwhelmed with the pressures of life, we can literally lose ourselves in stress and worry, if we’re not rooted and grounded in God. Connecting with others who are strong in faith, and sensitive to your situation can also help alleviate the strain of bearing your burdens alone. David was favored by God to gain the trust and respect of Jonathan, who made sure to keep his friend safe from his father’s multiple attempts to kill him. When God has a plan for your life, He’ll assign certain people to help you bring that plan into fruition.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:12-19).

Walk in love,

Ell

David and Jonathan enter covenant

1 Samuel 20:12-17

When there is but a step between life and death, every decision you make is of great importance. Whether it be a battle with health, men at war, or in David’s case, running for your life, one thing that adds a bit of comfort to your crucial circumstance is, having someone by your side to fight with you.

David was being hunted and pursued, simply for being favored by God. Proverbs 10:22 reads, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it”, but men who are unable to appreciate your favor can easily be persuaded by the enemy to entertain jealousy, envy, and strife. Such was the case with Saul, as he developed intense hatred toward David, but for reasons unsupported by logic. Saul’s intense hate was less about David, and more about his failure to take full advantage of the benefits that came with being favored by God. While David struggled to understand the king’s motive behind seeing him dead, he found favor in the sight of Saul’s son, Jonathan. The bond between the two young men had become so strong, until Jonathan even stood up for David in the presence of the king, and spoke good of his friend. He explained to his father how David did nothing wrong against him, nor did he sin, his works were always very good toward the king, and the king himself rejoiced at the great victory against the Philistines the Lord orchestrated through David. This was one of the most appealing pleas for righteousness from a son to a father. It cleared David’s name of any falsehoods, and revealed the extreme selfishness and jealousy of king Saul.

Jonathan really stepped up for David, and proved himself to be a man of God, who also risked his life for a friend. The two would soon enter a covenant agreement where Jonathan would ask David to promise to keep him and his family safe, during the time when he becomes king, in return for sparing his life from Saul. This agreement was eventually fulfilled when David had become king.

Cling tightly to those God places in your life to help you get through rough seasons. Trials and tribulations really do reveal who your real friends are, while exposing the imposters. Thank God daily for the people in your life who you know you can count on to support you during the good times, as well as the bad. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Walk in love,

Ell

Michal helps David escape

1 Samuel 19:8-12

What do you do when God elevates you, so that you can do great things for His kingdom, but your haters refuse to make things easy for you? I can recall a time when I was promoted on a job, and instead of congratulating and supporting my advancement, my coworkers criticized me for being too young and inexperienced. The last thing a person needs when venturing into greater pastures, is, for others to discourage them from proceeding. The reason men are unable to willingly extend support to those whom God elevates is, they lack real love in their hearts. Where love abides, good works are always in development.

In our text, we learn the full extend of a woman’s love for her man, as Michal proved to David that her love for him was real. Before his arrival in the king’s palace, David continued in his normal family duties. Unbeknownst to him, Saul was struggling with an evil spirit, that God permitted to influence him, after His Spirit was removed. One of Saul’s servants had heard that David was a skillful musician (among other things), and that the Lord was with him, so Saul immediately called for David, and the king embraced his presence at first sight (obviously, this was before his jealous ploy to kill him). Whenever Saul felt the effects of the evil spirit, David would play his instrument, and the king would be relieved.

Fast forward a few chapters, and we’re back to where we left off last lesson. After his fifth failed attempt to have David knocked off, the godless king was at it again. David proved himself mighty in war once again, as he had slain a great number of Philistines, but this awesome feat didn’t sit well with the king. As he sat with his javelin in hand, he waiting for the most opportune moment to throw it at David, in hopes of it piercing through the boy’s flesh, and pinning him to the wall. David’s skillful play of his instrument no longer had an effect on the king, as his rage grew beyond control. This was the third time Saul sought to kill David with the javelin, but was unsuccessful. This wicked king sought once to even kill his own son with the same weapon, because of his love for David. Heartless people will always do ungodly things. Saul threw the javelin directly toward David, but the wise lad swiftly dodged the weapon, and fled the scene. This, no doubt, was the last time David played his instrument, or hung out in the king’s presence.

Following another unsuccessful attempt to kill God’s chosen king, Saul persisted in his efforts to fulfill his plan, and sent word to the men who tended to David’s home, commanding them to slay him in the morning. As a woman, what would you do if you heard that your father sent men to kill the man you love? The wise and cunning Michal heard of her father’s plan, and rather than submit to her father’s command, she proved that the love between a man and a woman superceded the ill will of a wicked father. She quickly helped David escape through a window, so that he could be a few steps ahead of her father’s evil plan. David’s wife also took an image, and set it up in the bed as if it was to be David resting under the sheets. She risked her life protecting David, while deceiving her own father.

How far will you go to protect those you love? Can you comfortably sit idle, and watch as your loved ones are destroyed by evil men, or are you willing to stand up for, and assist those who fight against jealous and wicked individuals? It is the will of God that no one die in unforgiveness, but that all come to repentance. Unfortunately, many have become stubborn beyond reproach, and hard-hearted to the point our good has no effect on them. Rather than waste our energy trying to get them to change, we should direct our attention on staying true to God, and invest our time in those ripe and ready to receive God’s love. In no way am I advising that we give up on people, but that we don’t lose ourselves trying change men who have no desire to be changed. Some people will only be affected by divine encounters from God.

Walk in love,

Ell

David marries Saul’s daughter

1 Samuel 18:20-24, 28-30

This lesson picks up where the last one left off, as king Saul’s jealousy and hate toward David grew continually. The reason for the king’s intense dislike for David stemmed from the fact that he realized the favor he once had from God had left him, and was transferred to Jesse’s baby boy. God’s favor wasn’t granted to David for petty reasons, but David’s life prior to being blessed as future king, exemplified all the qualities and character of a man after God’s own heart.

One of the greatest benefits of being full of God’s Spirit is, having access to His divine wisdom to utilize in our daily interactions. Wisdom is key in making the right choices and decisions, and ensuring that our actions and reactions remain in line with holiness. Knowing that king Saul had become his enemy, and uncertain as to the reasons why, David stayed true to the standards by which he was taught. As he assumed the role of his demotion, his character never changed, and one of Saul’s daughters took notice. Michal, the youngest of the king’s daughters, fell in love with David, and those around her noticed the bright glow on her face. This news was quickly presented to the king, who rather than bask in a moment to bless his daughter with David, intended to take advantage of this opportunity to use Michal to set David up to be killed. This would be Saul’s fourth attempt to kill David, and judging from his prior failed attempts, one would assume he’d stop trying. Unfortunately, his lack of godly wisdom disallowed him to think clear enough to see the error of his ways.

Saul commanded his servants to meet David in private, and sweet-talk him into thinking the king found favor in him to be his son-in-law, but David’s wisdom was far beyond their own, and assumed the king’s words were untrue, as he professed to be a poor man, and lightly esteemed. In other words, the king tried three times to kill David who was once a shepherd boy, now he somehow found favor in him to bless him with his own daughter? That was a load of bull, and David wasn’t buying any if it, at first thought. The king’s servants told him David’s thoughts concerning his offer, and this made Saul even more afraid of the future king, because he knew for certain that the Lord was with David.

It’s ironic how men plan to use something to curse you, but God turns it around, and uses it to bless you instead. Saul’s plot to destroy David, allowed for him to be blessed with a wise, and cunning wife, and more opportunities to prove himself wiser than all the kings servants, so that his name was much talked about. Even in all this, the king refused to give up carrying on his wicked plan.

Have you ever asked yourself, “why am I always going through trouble, and when will it ever end”? I have millions of times, but I’ve come to the realization that the devil really hates me, and will do all he can to stop my progress. Just as king Saul refused to cease from plotting to kill David, our adversary will strive daily to wipe us out, but God gives us wisdom and strength to endure until the end. Trouble only lasts for a season, but during those seasons we must remain true to God’s standard, and not give in to the pressures of those who seek to destroy us. The devil is no one we should fear, but we are to always remain girded in our spiritual armor, and watchful, because his attacks can be successful, but only when we let our guard down, and give him the opportunity to hinder us.

“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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Walk in love,

Ell

Saul fears David

1 Samuel 18:10-16

Have you ever had someone try to kill you (physically or emotionally), simply for being yourself? I’m certain some of you have, but God wouldn’t allow it to play out, because your life has more purpose than you could imagine. When men are fearful of your relationship with God, it causes them to become intimidated, and make futile attempts to block your progress, so that you won’t be able to prosper, while causing them to be overshadowed in their jealousy and selfishness. It’s unfair for a man to hate you for being obedient to God, while they willfully entertain sin, and reap the wages of their actions.

During the years after being anointed the next king of Israel, God favored David in ways men could only dream of. Being chosen by God as the next king is a great honor, and says much about a man. David was nothing like his older brothers who were brawny and great in stature, but his heart was pure, motives positive, and will aligned with God’s. The reign of king Saul was nearing its end, because his deeds had become self-centered, thus causing God’s Spirit to leave him. This same Spirit that left Saul, would soon guide David along the path of his next journey.

David had a history of true bravery while tending to his father’s sheep, and maintaining the flock was no easy task. His primary responsibility as a shepherd was the safety and welfare of the flock. His flock may have included as many as 1,000 sheep. David would graze the animals, herd them to areas of good forage, and keep a watchful eye out for poisonous plants, and prowling predators. He was also responsible for protecting the sheep from a lion and a bear. What a bold and brave kid he was! Shepherds were also responsible for minor injuries or basic medical treatment for their flock, especially since they worked in isolated areas. During lambing season, the shepherd would make frequent checks on the ewes (female sheep) at all hours of the day and night, and at times, assist the ewe if birthing problems occured. All these responsibilities were carried out daily, without complaint, and faithfully by David. God knew that if this boy could tend to his earthly father’s sheep in this way, he’d be a great candidate to lead his heavenly Father’s people as well. This is a lesson to all who feel that their hard work is in vain. Be faithful to whatever duties you are assigned to, no matter how insignificant they may seem, because God will honor your faithfulness, and promote you according to His timing.

After receiving praise and honor from the people for his victory over Goliath, king Saul became furious toward David, because the people gave more glory to David over himself. The same evil spirit permitted by God to influence Saul in chapter 16, visited him again, causing him to make two attempts (of 21) to kill David. Wait a minute. Why would God let an evil spirit control a man, when He’s pure and holy? Evil spirits come from God only in the sense of being permitted by Him to trouble those who are in a backslidden state, and persist in sin and rebellion, or to test a man’s faith, as in the case with Job. God never gives up on anyone, but allows time for them to come to their senses. Unfortunately, men give up on God when their desires take priority over His.

David’s fame had begin to spread throughout the lands, and if it continued, Saul feared he would soon have the kingdom as well. So, he monitored David with hawk eyes, hoping to prevent this from happening, but God had already planned for David to be Saul’s replacement. No matter what Saul did to make life harder for David, the young man remained humble, and behaved himself wisely, because he kept God first.

Men will rise against us in this life, because we decided to take a stand for holiness, no matter what. As the world continues its steady decline in sin and wickedness, the body of Christ must strive to behave themselves wisely in all their ways. Although we may not be appointed as kings and queens, we are still invaluable in God’s eyes, and have a purposeful life to live. Be faithful to your calling, despite who tries to stop your progress. Continue in God’s will, maintaining a humble attitude, and God will remove all those who intend to harm, or hinder your purpose.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hearing and doing

Matthew 7:24-29

If there’s one thing we’re certain to experience in this life, it’s inclement weather. It matters not your location or area you inhabit, all countries and lands around the globe stay prepared for threatening weather. There are different types of severe weather that vary, depending on latitude, altitude, topography, and atmospheric conditions. High winds, hail, excessive precipitation, and wildfires are forms and effects of severe weather, as are thunderstorms, downbursts, tornadoes, waterspouts, tropical cyclones, and extratropical cyclones. California is known for its devastating earthquakes, Asian countries are familiar with tsunamis, and down here in south Florida, we’ve become accustomed to hurricanes. The key to surviving such major storms is to plan, and prepare ahead, but preparation must be done properly, to increase your chances of safety and survival.

When a storm approaches, news anchors and meteorologists become the most popular people on television, as they keep viewers updated on the strength, and location of the storms. Those in the areas that could be affected by storms are advised to either evacuate, or secure their homes and property in such a way that they’ll sustain minimal to no damage during the storm. While many take heed to the advice and warning from the news, there are those who refuse to listen, and suffer great loss in the aftermath of the storms.

Jesus gave words of wisdom to all who came to be in His presence. His sermons centered around the topics of marriage and divorce, love, retaliation, alms giving, prayer, fasting, trusting in riches, double-mindedness, worry and anxiety, judging, unbelief, selfishness, false prophets, and many more. Hearing, and doing what Christ taught made the people wise in the Son of God’s eyes. They were even compared to a wise man who’s house was built on a solid foundation, and withstood the terrible storms that beat upon it. On the contrary, those who refused to hear and do what Christ taught were compared to a foolish man who’s house was destroyed by the rain and floods, because it was built on a weak and unstable foundation.

When the storms of life pass our way, being rooted in God’s Word is the only sure way we’ll be able to stand. Relying on finances or the influence of people can only take you so far, but doing what God says will keep you on a consistent path of prosperity. I often mention that there will be times and seasons of testing, but it’s only necessary to reveal how pure your faith is, and to give you an idea of how much you’ve matured in your walk with God. When you break easily under pressure, it shows that your faith needs more developing, and exams will be assigned to your life to help get you back on track. When we stand firm in the midst of trials and testing, God smiles on us, and rewards us according to our faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, but doing what you hear is what makes all the difference.

Walk in love,

Ell