Asking and receiving fairly

Matthew 7:7-14

Does prayer really work? When we ask God for things, seek His wise counsel for answers, and knock on doors we need opened, how can we know for sure, God hears us, and will respond accordingly? Those are very legit questions, and I’m glad you asked. As the children of God, we have certain rights and privileges unbelievers can never obtain. It is the will of God that His people prosper, so all they are required to do in order to receive what they need to succeed is, simply ask for them, in faith, believing. The number one reason prayer isn’t answered for the Christian is, unbelief. Verse seven of our text tells us that we need only to ask, seek, and knock, then God will respond. The first letters of each of those words spell, ASK, so it’s obvious that God wants us to make a request, in order to get what we want. God is like a father to a child, who knows what his child needs, but desires that the child understand that what they need is necessary, and in accordance with their father’s will.

Praying according to the will of God, will always net you a positive gain, because your desires will be in line with what He already desires for you. On the other hand, praying amiss, or for selfish and unprofitable reasons, will get your request sent quickly to God’s heavenly shredder. Christians who’ve experienced seasons of trials and testing, are fully aware that there are times when our requests are delayed while God is testing our faith and patience, removing phony people who could potentially leech off our blessings, or because the devil is actually fighting against what we prayed for, as in the case with the prophet Daniel. Daniel prayed to God for a thing, and God heard and answered Him immediately after he had finished praying, but his answer was held up for three weeks, as the angel who was assigned to deliver Daniel’s blessing was hindered by the devil, who fought to keep the blessing from reaching him. We’re living in a world of natural, and spiritual warfare, so it’s imperative that we don’t faint, nor lose heart while waiting for God to answer our prayers, because He knows our suffering, and will NEVER allow our faith in Him to be in vain.

When your prayers to God are finally answered, how do you carry yourself after? Do you flaunt and walk with your nose to the sky in arrogance, or do you remain humble, and show God your appreciation by continuing to walk in love? When we have what we need from God, it is still our duty to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated. There are countless individuals who seem to have things all together, and in order, but fail to show love and kindness to those still struggling. I remain baffled at those rich and famous preachers and “profits”, who live lavishly, while their members struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The “Golden Rule” teaches us to do unto others, as we would have them do unto us (vs. 12). How can a blessed man, who claims to love God with all his heart, see someone struggling, but refuse to lend a helping hand. Even in moments when we have not the means to provide for someone’s need, we can follow Peter’s example, and offer a word of prayer, that can do more for a person’s life than silver and gold ever could. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). Does prayer work? Of course it does, when done with the right heart, right intentions, and right faith.

Walk in love,

Ell

Settle differences face to face

Matthew 18:15-20

One of the most critical moments the body of Christ experiences is, when members are at odds against each other, and resolution isn’t always guaranteed. We are to love God, keep His commandments, love our neighbors, and walk faithfully in our calling, but times will arise when believers will bump heads with each other, and need to quickly, and peacefully resolve their issue, before matters progress. There’s one thing the enemy takes great pleasure in, and that’s seeing God’s children fight and bicker with one another. Unity is key for the effective progression of the church, but when discord is sown, this can stunt growth in churches, thus causing members to scatter and possibly lose faith.

Jesus left an example in our text that shows how believers should handle personal conflicts, and settle disagreements. He said, if your brother, or anyone of the same faith, sin against you, it’s your right to go, and tell them their fault. This is to be done in private, and only between the two of you. News spreads fast, especially amongst the body of Christ, so God prefers to avoid exposing drama by keeping it suppressed to those involved. Jesus continued to teach, if your offender actually hears, and accepts that they messed up, then you’ve gained them, or settled your differences. If only this was the case in all disputes, then life would be much more peaceful. Unfortunately, not everyone is mature enough to own up to their mistakes, and in this case, Jesus advised us to bring one or two more people with us to confront our offender, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. It’s so much easier to simply admit that you messed up, apologize, then move on, but some people prefer to be stiffnecked and harden their hearts for reasons unknown to me. If you truly love God, you’ll make honest efforts to seek peace, and pursue it in all your human interactions.

In the age of social media, it’s rare that men talk face to face to settle disagreements, because they would prefer to text, or use Facebook and Instagram, but real man talk things out, and accomplish more by being in each other’s presence, rather than hiding behind a cell phone. For those who refuse to “man up” to their error in the presence of two or three witnesses, Jesus instructed us to take things up with the entire church. How embarrassing is that, to have your business exposed to the whole church body, when you could have dealt with things in private? To make matters worse for the offender, if they chose not to hear the church, they were to be treated as heathens and publicans. In other words, the church was not to engage with any religious communion with him until he repented. After he repents, the church is to forgive him, and remember his sin no more.

As a believer, what methods do you take to settle differences among your brothers and sisters? Do you bicker and hold grudges against them when they offend you, or do you approach them in love, seeking only to bring peaceful resolution, so that the two of you can continue fighting the good fight?

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus teaches about transforming love

Matthew 5:38-48

When an athlete joins a team, they become a part of the system by which the team operates. The rules and standards set by the team must be followed by all players, in order for them to keep a position within the organization. Everywhere the player goes, each is expected to represent what their uniform stands for. All things players learned before joining their new team must be transformed, in favor of what they’ve now become engrafted into. In this same manner, when a man joins the body of Christ, he is no longer tied to his old way of living. He now wears a new uniform, lives by a new and better standard, and is expected to follow the rules set by God’s organization. The things he use to do, that may have been contrary to God’s way, are now replaced with a new attitude, that will render results based from love, and not selfishness.

In our text, Jesus continued His sermon on the mount, as He expounded on the dangers of negative retaliation. Many were taught that if someone wronged them, they were to avenge themselves, but Christ said rather than retaliate out of anger and vengeance, believers are to show love, in place of hate. It’s so easy to get back at those who do us wrong, but as children of God, we are to operate under a different set of actions. Just as God willingly gave His best to a world that rejected Him, we are to willingly render our best attitudes and actions to those same heartless people who reject our love as well. If we say we love God with our lips, but our actions aren’t aligned with what we profess, is that love real?

When we become born-again, we are to then live a perfect life, as God in Heaven is perfect. Perfection, in this sense, isn’t living flawless every day, instead, it’s living in complete conformity to God’s laws. Christians are to be mature in all their ways, and prove their maturity in how they treat their brethren, enemies, and even persecutors. How do you love an enemy, or someone who strives to make your life hell on earth? Well, look at Jesus’ example as He was being nailed to a wooden cross. While He was being beaten, spit on, mocked, scorned, and utterly humiliated, He prayed to His Father that the men be forgiven, because they had no understanding of their actions. Many were brought up a certain way all their lives, and were simply following orders. I’m not letting these men off the hook for what they did to Jesus, but when a man’s mind is consumed with rage and hate, only the love of God can transform his hardened heart.

The love we show to those who fight the good fight of faith with us, is the same love we are to show to those who walk in darkness. No one is to be held to a different standard than another, because God loves all men the same. We have the responsibility to represent the love of God to those who lack understanding of what real love is. God’s love goes far beyond mere feelings and emotions, and is expressed in deeds and actions. You can “feel” for someone until the cow jumps over the moon, but until those feelings are transformed into positive actions, they are worth little to the Kingdom of God. Let your love be without dissimulation, or undisguised. Prove to the world that God’s love is the real thing, and once they taste and see how good it is, they’ll never want to let it go.

Walk in love,

Ell

Love your neighbors

Romans 13:1-10

The one thing that binds all men and women together is, love. Everyone created by God shares the same likeness and image as Himself. Although some choose to live according to the original standards set in place by God, many have veered off track, and taken a liking to ungodly living. Regardless of who refuses to abide by the principles of conduct God demands, Christians are required to continue in love, and extend it to all who cross their path.

There’s no other way to escape this world of evil and wickedness, except by death, or Christ’s return, so while we remain in this finite realm, God expects His people to maintain a holy balance in all areas of their lives. Whether we’re required to subject ourselves to “higher powers” in governments or other arenas, or show love to simple strangers, our mission is to live in such a way, that we keep peace with all men, while not disobeying God’s commands at the same time. Not all men will reciprocate kindness toward us during this life, but there are times when our ways can please God to the point He’ll make even our enemies be at peace with us.

When a man has a full understanding of what love truly is, there are things he just won’t do. Real love will never cause a man to transgress the moral law, deprive any man of his wife, take another man’s life, rob a woman of her virtue, hate anyone, take someone’s property without permission, defame a man’s name, live selfishly, or execute malicious intent toward anyone. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, and love them how you’d expect them to love you, because showing sincere love is the fulfilling of the law.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Lord honors patience

Lamentations 3:25-33

“They that wait upon the Lord…” After reading those few words, I’m almost certain the average Bible scholar can finish the rest of that verse without needing the actual text. Waiting on God to move on our behalf isn’t always an easy thing to do. The Bible tells us to love God, keep His commandments, pray always, ask, seek, and knock, then blessings will come, but what are we to do when it seems as though God misplaced our prayer requests? I, along with the average earthling, dread waiting. I strongly dislike waiting in line at the grocery store, pumping gas in the car, sitting in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic, waiting at restaurants for my food to arrive, and waiting for pimples to leave my face. I simply don’t like waiting, but don’t judge me, because I’m sure everyone has their little dark secrets. It takes a certain level of faith and trust in God, to wait for His plan to fully develop in our lives. God knows all, and sees all that we go through, so it’s obvious He’s well aware of our situations, no matter how rough or challenging they may be. The key to waiting on God is, staying focused and continuing in good works while we wait. The problem many Christians face is, while they wait for God to bless them, they sit idle, in hopes that their answer will fall from the sky. On the contrary, we are to continue walking in love, and performing acts of kindness daily, no matter what state our lives are in. God oftentimes delays His response to our prayers in order to prove what’s in our hearts, to allow time for wicked people to remove themselves from our lives, or so that just when the devil thinks we’re through, He can come through with amazing results. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, so while you’re waiting for an answer to your requests, keep doing good, while giving glory and honor to His name.

Walk in love,

Ell

Restrain your anger

Leviticus 24:16-22

Anger, in itself, is a natural human emotion, but many have died, or suffered great losses from the results of its aftermath. In some cases anger is actually a favored response, depending on the situation or circumstance. For example, being angry toward injustice or seeing someone taken advantage of is normal. We even learn in Scripture that we are allowed to be angry at times, but if left unchecked and uncontrolled, anger can lead to other unhealthy emotions that could trigger regrettable actions.

I mentioned in the previous lesson that humans are frail and finite. We get mad over some of the most ridiculous things including sporting events, politics, and even things the Bible prophesied would take place in these end times. What sense is it to lose sleep over carnal things that have no eternal spiritual value? I’ve read stories of men being killed over soccer games, because the fan of the losing team didn’t appreciate the opposing fans celebration. What could cause a man to get so angry over a sporting event they’re not getting paid to enjoy, to kill another man? I came to my senses a few years ago, when I realized that all those millionaire athletes care nothing about me, so why should I invest my emotions in whether or not they succeed? God doesn’t care about sports, or all the things men get riled up over, because He’s more concerned with our souls, and where we’ll spend eternity.

The love of God dwells in the hearts of all who believe in His name, and live according to His Word. Although there will be times when God’s people will experience moments of anger, the fruit of the Spirit (temperance, or self-control) will always keep the believer’s anger in check. Problems arise when we take the helm, and try to deal with troubling issues on our own strength.

Times of trial and testing are inevitable, and every believer will have their patience tested at some point during their journey, but there’s a major difference between how the saved and the lost deal with anger. God gave His people the power to control their anger, while continuing to act in love, whereas those who are lost, allow anger to consume them, thus causing them to act in ways that could render negative consequences. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:26-32).

Walk in love,

Ell

Handling temptation

Mark 9:42-48

Receiving salvation freely from God is one of the simplest, and best decisions a person will ever make in their entire lives, but maintaining that same salvation is even more important. The value of Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind is immeasurable, and no one else has the capacity to love us as He does. Just as men lock away and keep valuable items in a safe please, so that no one can steal them, believers are to guard their salvation and keep it protected, so as not to lose it by falling into temptation. Our adversary, the devil, knows full well that the only way to enjoy eternity with God is by being born-again of the Spirit, so he makes it his business to distract all who seek righteousness with various temptations and wicked schemes. Jesus Himself said that anyone who puts a stumbling block or impediment in the way of a child upon which they could trip and fall, or cause them to begin to distrust and desert the one whom they are to trust and obey, were better off dead. In His own words, Jesus said, “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea” (verse 42). From my limited understanding, this was a reference to Greek and Roman punishment. In any case, it’s a dangerous thing for anyone, including satan, to cause men to turn away from God.

The world we occupy now is a temporary destination, whereas the new Heaven and earth are eternal, so we should not allow anything to keep us from arriving at that eternal place of glory. Even in instances where we have to cut some things off that seem to be important to us, if those things will keep us from seeing God, then they’ve got to go. If a relationship with someone causes you to lose focus on godliness, then it’s got to go. If what you watch on television is unhealthy to your soul, it’s got to go. If the music you enjoy on a regular basis distracts you from communing with God, then it’s got to go. If your job has you stressed to the point where you are unable to even pray consistently, then it’s got to go. If the church or religious organization you attend is teaching false doctrine, and leading you away from what the Bible teaches, then it’s got to go. There’s not one thing on this planet that’s more precious than your soul, so it’s essential that you protect yourself from all things that are not in favor of your salvation, even it hurts to do so.

Walk in love,

Ell

Living among wrongdoers

Psalm 57

Many teach that the proper response to negative treatment is retaliation. When being attacked, whether you’re a Christian or not, rendering a counter attack is the worst possible thing anyone could do. For one thing, prolonging a negative situation is never a healthy option, so stirring up such a fire could cause flames that could affect innocent bystanders as well. Violence never solves anything, it only creates opportunities for people to get hurt spiritually, physically and mentally.

When a person submits their life to God, they automatically become a target for satan to attack, so it’s common for men to harbor ill wills against them. There will even be times when others will have resentment towards a Christian, when they’ve done nothing to cause it. The world hated Jesus, so expect it to also hate the fact that we operate under God’s agenda, and not the devil’s. For the believer, king David left a perfect example of how to conduct oneself in the presence of those who intentionally seek to disrupt their spiritual and mental focus. God sees and knows all that we face in life, but it’s required that we acknowledge Him in all our ways, so David made it his business to approach God with his issue, as well as praise. God knows we need Him, but He also knows when we try to pimp Him. There were many times I prayed to God to get me out of jams, but only to go back into those same situations after He had delivered me. David knew in his heart that He needed God to stand with him against his enemies, so that he would be free to offer more worship, praise, and good deeds that would bring glory to His name. When you seek God’s help, always check your motives for doing so. David also made certain to promote God’s power in his prayer, more than the ploy of those against him. God doesn’t need to be convinced of His power, but we must first convince ourselves that He is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

God stands at the ready to assist His people in all situations, but we must activate that power with our faith. You can sit in a car all day and pray that it starts, but until you turn the key, or push the start button, you’ll sit there until your buttcheeks get numb. In his prayer of distress, David’s faith was shown in his great admiration for God, and His everlasting mercy. When you pray, do you cry and moan about your issue the entire time, or do you reverence God, then get off your knees feeling motivated to knock the devil out like Rocky did against that tall Russian dude? Talking to God should always motivate us to stand strong against our adversary, because it’s in Him that we live, move, and have our being, so acknowledging our association with the greatest source of power known to all creation, gives us the hope we need that all will soon be well.

Never be afraid of what men try to do to you, because they can only go as far as God allows them to. God allows certain situations to occur in order to see what level our faith is, and whether we need to mature more, or use our faith to motivate someone else. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a).

Walk in love,

Ell

The people promise to obey

Exodus 24:3-8

During ancient times, the power of God was displayed mightily in the lives of Moses, and the children of Israel. From being set free from the bondage of the Egyptians and walking on dry land through the Red Sea, to being fed miraculous meals from Heaven and never outgrowing their raiment for 40 years, the children of Israel were blessed to experience God’s grace to great extremes. But while enjoying the benefits of godly provision and protection, the Israelites managed to find reasons to complain. It says a lot about a person who has all their needs met, yet still finds reasons to complain about something. God chose Israel to be His representation on the earth, and needed a bloodline to use for His Son to be born through, so His love never changed toward them, even during their ungrateful moments.

God eventually spoke to Moses, and set before him a contract to present to the people. This particular contract included laws by which they were to simply obey, that would grant them the right to be to God a peculiar treasure above all nations. As long as the people obeyed, God would freely bless them beyond measure. After Moses presented the words from God to the people, they all with one voice promised to obey “all” the words which the Lord had said. While their collective agreement seemed genuine in that moment, as you read further in the Scripture, you’ll discover how faithful the Israelites really were in keeping their word. In any case, God was ready and willing to be everything they needed Him to be in their lives, and all they were expected to do was obey His commands.

Believers today are under a new covenant, but the same rules that applied to ancient Israel, apply to us today. Just as the children of Israel had to meet certain conditions in order to receive the full benefits of God’s love, we too must also be obedient in keeping God’s commands as well. Jesus said in John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” A real man is known not by the wealth he accumulates, but by the consistency in keeping his word. Make sure before you start blaming God for things in your life that may not seem to be going well, check to see if you are upholding your end of the agreement through faith in God, and obedience to His word.

Walk in love,

Ell

Reaching new people

Acts 18:5-11

After their brief prison ministry in Philippi, the apostle Paul and his crew continued spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the lands. His ministry was preached from Philippi to Thessalonica, then from Berea and Athens to Corinth. Every stop Paul made, he was met with opposition, yet some he convinced to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Surprisingly most of Paul’s objections came from the Jews, the same people who rejected the resurrected Jesus. Regardless of how much truth Paul preached to those he came in the presence of, some mocked, other’s interest was piqued, while many actually clave unto him, and believed. When we set out to witness for the Lord, we must be prepared to face anything, including persecution and rejection, but through our suffering will come salvation. God will never let the work of a believer go in vain, but He’ll always make their end very good, and abundant.

There comes a time in the life of every believer when they get to a point where it becomes frustrating, trying to convince those who know to do better, but refuse the message of the Gospel continually. The more the Jews resisted the Word of God, the more Paul’s spirit was pressed. All that was left for the Jews in Corinth to do was blaspheme, because they obviously had no arguments against Jesus being the Messiah. They had reached the point of having sold themselves to rebellion, thus temporarily pushing Paul to the point where Christ was in Matthew 23:37-39, when He pronounced desolation upon them. Paul freed himself from the responsibility of the rebellious Jews, then set his focus on witnessing to the Gentiles. When you reach the point where it seems pointless to even mention the Word of God to some, because of their constant rejection, wash your hands of that responsibility, then give it all to God. Gather yourself together, then focus your attention on those who’ve been awaiting a good word for a good while.

Despite being openly rejected and criticized, Paul continued going to the synagogues and proclaiming God’s Word to all who attended. In the body of Christ, we never give up on people, but we also are mindful not to waste precious energy and effort trying to turn a rock into a marshmallow. We do all we can to win the lost, as the Spirit leads, then allow God to take over after our efforts change direction.

Walk in love,

Ell