Month: June 2025

“You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.” John 8:44

Elimelech (Ruth 1:1-5)

Multiple scriptures strongly caution us against giving the devil any opportunity, space, or a listening ear in our lives. Leaning in to listen to our enemy’s suggestion will lead to spiritual compromise and harm. However, upon reading this, one might think, “Hold on, I don’t honor the enemy. This message is intended for unbelievers.” But is that the case?

  Let’s break this statement down. Honoring the enemy means giving the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27 states, “For anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Anger often arises when one is fearful, disappointed, irritated, or frustrated, to name a few. So when we have these emotions, if we aren’t careful, we are actually “honoring (coming into agreement with) and giving the devil a foothold. (access) A foothold can also mean an open door in our lives. We should not give the devil any opportunity to have access to our house (God’s temple within us) because he is an enemy of God and wants to destroy us. In our unbelief, we allow him in, whether we want to realize it or not. The adverse effects of this foothold become evident when famine strikes us. It reveals our loyalties. That’s when we begin to see the characters within us of tolerance and avoidance. This may lead us to return to the exact spot where Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross to save and redeem us from…(you name it) Prov. 26:11; 2 Peter 2:22

Elimelech chose to leave God’s land and His people. He then traveled fifty miles to the neighboring region of Moab due to a famine. At first glance, this seems irrational, yet we often make similar choices when we rely on our sight rather than Faith. Historically, the Moabites are known to be the offspring of Lot’s incestuous relationship with his daughter. (Gen. 19:30-38) Furthermore, the Moabites were adversaries of the Jews because they mistreated them. (Deut. 23:3-6; Numbers22-25) So, what prompted Elimelech to lead his family to a place where they would honor their enemies in Moab?

The answer lies in the fact that the Lord was not the ruler of his life. There was a lack of reverence(fear of God), intimacy, and relationship. This is why he excluded God from his decision-making process entirely.

In every aspect of life, we should turn to the Father in prayer before making any decision. However, similar to many things, we selectively invite God into certain areas of our lives, rather than allowing Him to be a constant presence throughout. This should lead us to understand why we face additional hardships and famine!

Tragically, his choice to move to Moab resulted in his death and that of his two sons. This illustrates the unfortunate consequences of disbelief, disobedience, and the act of honoring our enemies. We may attempt to escape our difficulties, but we cannot evade the fundamental issues that often accompany us: an unbelieving and disobedient heart. What doors in your life have you opened up to the enemy that causes you to honor your enemy instead of God? Our loyalty cannot be divided.

“A man has to learn the plague of his own heart before his own problem can be solved.”(The Shadow of an Agony)

Season, when I honored the enemy (testimony)

When my family relocated, it wasn’t due to direction or even obedience, but rather out of a desire to tolerate a suggestion and hide my trauma. I was still grappling with PTSD from an incident that occurred overseas, and I felt an overwhelming urge to escape it. (The problem was I tried to run away from a heart that was broken and unfamiliar to me.) If you know me, you understand that I am not someone who typically shies away from a fight, but this situation was different. Why? There was an open door within me that I wasn’t aware of.  I felt vulnerable, broken, and lost, and I believed I needed to find a sanctuary to heal in. The influence of Man’s suggestion during my moment of vulnerability was not beneficial. When we prioritize our loyalty towards cherishing our friendships, investments, family, parents, or seeking to please others. We frequently end up heeding “the whispers of man that align with our present condition” instead of focusing on obeying God.

Countless times, I overlook the fact that our Heavenly Father is always with us. Yet, I foolishly thought I had to face this journey and famine alone. I reached the ridiculous conclusion that I couldn’t let God see me in this condition. Acknowledging this now feels quite irrational, but it was my reality at the time. In my brokenness, I was more receptive to the opinions of others, seeking an escape route from my trauma rather than seeking God.

What made me flee from my safe haven-home? Unbelief! I felt lost and angry, desperately searching for my path. I never mentioned needing to discover His way, only my own. This was where my issue lay! I had to surrender! Not long after, I recognized that I had made a significant error in moving the way we did. This made me feel even more trapped as the enemy relentlessly taunted me with suggestions. Now, I added mental torment.

I resorted to the only thing I knew: I went before the Father and repented. I sought the Lord’s forgiveness for my rebellion, disobedience, cowardice, anger, and unbelief. We returned home several times to make amends and ask for forgiveness for leaving improperly. Suddenly, God began to pave a new path for our family. Our once “bad decision” transformed into being within His will. He started to bless us, provide for us, heal us, and redeem our mistakes of venturing into another land without His consent. We took a big detour, but nothing can hinder us from fulfilling our Father’s will when we realign ourselves with Him. It took 5 years, but I can now say with joy in my heart that I am living in the will of my Father, and I’m excited to know that I’m honoring the Lord! The most wonderful aspect of serving Christ is that we never waste time; it simply gets reorganized!

In what areas of your life are you allowing the devil to gain a foothold (by giving honor to your enemy)? I urge you to refrain from justifying or rationalizing your choices, and instead, truly allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal truths in parts of your life where you might be reluctant to acknowledge your misdirection. It’s challenging to confront and recognize our vulnerabilities, but if we ignore them, they will remain unaddressed. Once the enemy has access to your home, he can introduce all sorts of things that impact not just you, but also your loved ones. Have you given your adversary access that might be putting you or your family at risk? I encourage you to pray and seek the Holy Spirit for guidance. Don’t just say your fine, give Him permission to search your heart. (Psalm 139:23-24)When He uncovers the truth, take action!

What we frequently overlook is that when Jesus was crucified for our sins, he also reclaimed all the keys that the enemy once held over us. Indeed, our free will can allow us to grant the enemy access again, but this work has already been accomplished on the cross through the blood of Jesus! This means that Jesus is the only one who can liberate us from death.

¹⁸ and the Ever-living One [living in and beyond all time and space]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of [absolute control and victory over] death and of Hades (the realm of the dead).” Rev. 1:18

As I’ve mentioned previously, I recognize that not all hardships stem from disobedience, yet I challenge you to examine your stance. I encourage you to seek the Father and ensure that in the various aspects of our lives, we are not giving honor to our enemies, but rather, we are honoring our Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, strength, and in everything we DO! Consider this: Who are you honoring?

^“37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’” Matthew 22:37-39

“¹⁸ If in spite of all this you still will not listen to Me and be obedient, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. ¹⁹ I will break your pride in your power, and I will make your sky like iron [giving no rain and blocking all prayers] and your ground like bronze [hard to plow and yielding no produce]. ²⁰ Your strength will be spent uselessly, for your land will not yield its produce and the trees of the land will not yield their fruit.”      Leviticus 26:18-20

Elimelech and Neomi (Ruth 1:1-5)

A famine serves as a means for God to capture our attention. Discipline is then necessary because of our disobedience. The signs of disobedience become clear when we choose to walk by sight rather than by Faith.

In Leviticus God intended to “Dismantle thier pride”. He would utilize the rain to ensure the soil became so hard that the seeds could not germinate. Immense effort would be necessary due to the absence of rain and “yet you have not returned to Him.” (Amos 4) One might assume that such hardship would prompt us to humble ourselves into repentance, yet at times we still choose to remain unrepentant.

Why do we let ourselves reach a stage where God has to grab our attention through famine? Our famine consists of the trials, hardships, and challenges we face. (I recognize that not every trial stems from disobedience.) Yet, we permit our vision to influence and distract us from our stance and position through Faith? It’s essential to examine our desires and identify what still holds sway over us, potentially leading us away from Him. However, scripture clearly outlines the repercussions of disregarding and disobeying the Lord’s voice while neglecting to follow all his commandments. (Duet 28:15) Even if we assert that we cannot hear his voice to obey, His Words in scripture still resonate and speak if we are open to “have ears to hear.” (Matt. 11:15)

We see the same mistake happen with Abraham when famine came to his land, (Gen. 12:10) and we also see this with Elimelech. (Ruth 1:1) They both had the problem of fleeing to Egypt and Moab instead of waiting for God to tell them what to do. No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, the safest and best place is in the will of God.

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” Isaiah 40:31

When we discuss walking by faith, it serves as an ideal illustration of its meaning and appearance! The challenge lies in how we react to the famine that confronts us, knocking at our door. I encourage you to ponder the different famines you’ve faced throughout your life. How did you respond to them? Much like Elimelech and Naomi, we often make choices based on our observations rather than clinging to our faith. I urge you to consider what it will take for you to take action and make a decision. Remember, not making a decision is still a decision, so let’s clarify that! What is preventing you from committing to Trusting the Lord during all seasons, including famine?

Faith is claiming God’s promises and following His Word, regardless of what you see, how you feel, or what may happen. Dedicating yourself to the Lord and fully depending on Him to fulfill your needs. When we choose not to trust Him, we are essentially calling God a liar and showing Him disrespect. Now, let’s examine the three significant thoughts in “signing up” to trust God.

Despite what you currently see: It’s important not to let your immediate perception sway you. Instead, reflect on your Biblical worldview perspective, which is accurate and relevant. How you feel: It’s crucial to have the ability to manage and regulate your emotional responses in a manner that is both healthy and aligned with biblical principles. Consider how you articulate your situations, whether in a negative light or through a lens of faith. What may happen: Maintain faith in a future event that, while it may seem uncertain, is still possible. Cling to the scriptures that assure us that what has been promised will indeed come to fruition, in His timing, as we commit ourselves to trusting the Lord.

 Famine does not need to be a part of our heritage or legacy but it’s our choice. As parents, we face choices: allow disbelief to lead us toward tolerance and avoidance, or we can choose to embrace the challenge, ensuring that everyone (including our children and children-children) understands that only through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ can we achieve such a remarkable victory. (Deut. 28:1-14) The price is significant, but it is worthwhile when you look back and witness a legacy that advances the kingdom of God rather than cowards to Famine.

In the narratives of Elimelech and Neomi, God transformed their stories into ones of blessing, prosperity, and a remarkable lineage. Unfortunately, Elimelech didn’t get to experience his family’s name being redeemed and restored due to his death. Keep in mind that his defiance also resulted in the deaths of his two sons. Therefore, Elimelech’s choices ended up costing him more than he had anticipated. Yet, we serve a Good Good Father, who sends someone (in or out of our family) who possesses the courage to look beyond our current situation to seize the victory that remains unseen by others! The aim is to lead a life rooted in obedience and in fulfilling His promises. We will soon see how this transpires through a brave daughter-in-law named Ruth.

Are you the person ready to transform the climax and trajectory of your family’s narrative from Famine and unbelief to Faith and Prosperity?

 “The efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it.”   Waldo Emerson

 Warren W. Wiersbe states it perfectly, “Because God gave us freedom of choice, we can ignore the will of  God, argue with it, disobey it, even fight against it. But in the end, the will of God shall prevail; because ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever.’(Psalms 33:11)

If we obey God’s will, everything in life holds together; but If we disobey, everything starts to fall apart.”

Introduction Book of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-5)

When I read the Bible I am very intentional about highlighting the “ifs” because they signify a condition and remind me of the reward! We are called to respond to these conditions which must be met before the promise can be fulfilled in our lives.  However, we often desire His blessing without putting in the necessary work. We do this when we embrace the trials or challenges that Scripture refers to after the “ifs.” These trials or challenges serve as a beautiful reminder of all the promises God holds for us when we obey His will. (It’s not a question of if we obey, but rather when we choose to obey!) His promises become even more delightful when we emerge victoriously from a challenging storm. We can confidently say, “ ..With God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)

Webster’s 1828 dictionary states that, “IF is a condition or conditional sentence. It introduces a hypothetical scenario or requirement, often setting the stage for a consequence or promise.” We see this word 1,637 times in the Bible, highlighting its importance in conveying conditional statements and divine promises.

I challenge you not to allow the trials in your life to distract you from God’s promises and provision. Keep pushing forward!  Avoid letting unbelief become your default, escape route or back door. Scripture advises us, “Be careful then dear brother and sisters. Make sure that your hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the Living God.” (Heb. 3:12) If you’re uncertain of the condition of your heart, read His promises in Scripture and view how you respond to them. Pay attention to the way you think as you read. Don’t merely read; allow the words to settle, heal, and nourish your soul. One example is, “For IF you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But IF you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

What thoughts arise when you read this scripture? I challenge you to avoid becoming overly religious about this question. We can become so familiar with scripture that we unknowingly dilute the power and authority of His promise, turning it into something merely memorized. I challenge you to live, breathe, and consume scripture. This causes your faith to increase because you believe His Word comes from the very depth of our core!

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any doubts that might be hindering or rationalizing your response. If forgiveness is not an issue for you, feel free to move on to the next promise. If we are not careful this can complicate our ability to accept God’s promises and provision due to our reluctance to …..(you name it) The issue lies in our attention to major challenges, yet often the most difficult are the little, “…foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard…” (Song of Solomon 2:15) which can be equally difficult.

In Ruth 1, we encounter a couple named Elimelech and Naomi. The initial five verses of this Book reveal the challenges they faced. Scripture states, “There was a famine in the land of Canaan.” (Ruth 1:1) Because of this famine, Elimelech chose to move his family to Moab.

I can’t help but wonder if he considered the promise God made to His people before deciding to leave Canaan. Did Naomi remind him of God’s promises? Was she willing to endure this hardship, or did she agree to avoid this trial as well? Elimelech’s unbelief led him to take his family to Moab and everything started to fall apart. Our unbelief often drives us to flee from problems that, in reality, come with an amazing promise. If we stand ready to embrace the trials and trust God during these difficult times.

What we fail to realize is that the choices we make when facing difficulties will lead us to one of three paths: tolerance, avoidance, or signing up to trust God. Let’s look at the differences between the three.

When we tolerate the trials in our lives, it signifies that these challenges take control over us, leading to feelings of harshness and bitterness. What aspects of your life are you willing to compromise your emotions, habits, or beliefs that conflict with His Biblical Worldview? When we avoid the trials in our lives, it indicates that we may overlook the purpose that God intends to fulfill in our lives. It can denote the action of stopping something from occurring or distancing oneself from a person, location, or idea that is uncomfortable or induces anxiety. When we sign up for the trials in our lives, it implies that these challenges serve us, and “..God will work all things together for our good and His glory.” (Romans 8:28) We refuse to allow life’s challenges to seer our covenant with Christ.

Regrettably, Elimelech chose poorly, as stated in Ruth 1:3, “ Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.” Following that, verse 5, continues with, “ and then both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.”  Naomi’s unbelief in God’s promise resulted in her enduring the sorrow of losing all the men in her life while residing in a foreign land, far from home.

I invite you to reflect on both past and present circumstances you are facing and assess how you have navigated challenges. What patterns do you notice? Keep in mind that God has granted us the freedom to choose; we can choose to disregard His will, debate it, disobey it, or even oppose it. The fundamental question is: do you struggle to accept and believe any part of the promise contained after the “If?” If you’re truthful with yourself, what is your usual default reaction: tolerance, avoidance, or committing to trusting God?

As I previously stated, approach the Lord in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to uncover the moments in your past and present where doubt has influenced your actions as well as the instances when you committed to trusting God. Embrace your errors and celebrate your victories. It’s crucial to acknowledge your successes and share them with others. After that, break off any familiar or generational curses through prayer and fasting.

Signing up to trust in God involves clinging to the cross during our trials and persevering until the moment of breakthrough arrives, fulfilling the promises and will of our Father!

2 Chronicles 7:14 states, “ IF My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity)  My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear {them} from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Avoid falling into the trap of a negative and remorseful “if only” mentality. When your faith is in His promises, He empowers you to wholeheartedly accept and embody His Words. This guides us into aligning with His promises for our life.