“No Fear In Love”

(1 John 4:16-21

Do you fear the “Day of Judgment”? Are unsure, whether or not you are living a life that pleases the almighty God? Are you keeping the commandments written in Scripture to love God, love your brother, and your enemies? Do you find it hard to give to others, during their times of need? When people hurt and offend you, can you easily forgive them, and continue loving them according to God’s standard? When was the last time you visited the sick, widows, or the fatherless? Have you considered praying for those in prisons, hospitals, or even governments? Does most of the time spent during your day, revolve only around your needs, wants, and desires? Is prayer and fasting (according to Bible), a balanced part of your spiritual life?

One day real soon, this world will pass, and only what you’ve done for God, will last. So, consider your ways, dwell in love, and allow God to dwell in you. This way, you can be prepared to have boldness in the “Day of Judgment”, while overcoming the world until that day arrives.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

Open Thine Hand

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Throughout the Old Testament, there are hundreds of laws and commands God’s people were instructed to live by. Aside from the well-known ten commandments, God issued a number of other laws the people were to also consider, and obey. Although Jesus came to fulfill the law, there are still some practices the church can benefit from, even today. For example, tithing is no longer a mandatory law or command from priests, according to Malachi chapter 3, but the practice of tithing can still offer great benefits to the church as a whole, also to the individual who continues this practice. God loves a cheerful giver, so when we invest in God’s business, He’ll no doubt bless the works of our hands. It’s unfortunate that the modern church has become a business, but the body should never hesitate to give, so the needs of the church can still be met.

Another command given by God to His people was concerning lending money. In a society where selfishness and pride abide, it’s rare to find one willing to give to anyone in need, but God commanded His people to never harden their hearts, nor shut thine hand from anyone in the body who has a need. In times of selfishness, many forget that God was the source, and supplier of their increase, so holding on to what God gave is a big NO-NO! God blesses us, so that we can be a blessing to others, and holding back from helping someone in need is indeed sinful.

Knowing there will ALWAYS be people in the body of Christ who will have some type of need, should keep the church conscious, and motivated to always be ready to assist, when the opportunity presents itself. There are people who strongly believe, others are poor because of a fault or sin they possibly committed, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, God allows things to happen to some, in order to monitor the reaction of those who can help. In addition, we should refrain from making excuses on why we should withhold our blessings from those we feel don’t deserve them. If God was willing to give us His Son, while we were yet in a miserable state, we should not hold back from giving to the poor, in their time of need.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

A Different Kind Of Love

Luke 6:27-36

What does love look like in 2020? In the days of the Old Testament, men and women would receive blessings from God for their obedience. The people of God in ancient times were purposed to stand in contrast to the fashions of the world. God often reveal His love in many ways, but mostly through giving His people victory in battle, providing for all their natural needs, and keeping them safe in their own lands.

God’s children were oftentimes separated from the world, and were consistent in keeping with godly gatherings and traditions. Fast forward to present day, and we see an entirely different world. Gone are the days of God’s people fighting against invading nations and giants, and being in the presence of God, who would reveal Himself in different forms. Today seems more challenging for the church to function as a collective group, as in times past, because we are now living in the midst of sinners on a regular basis. The children of God are exposed to sinful people on their jobs, in department stores, and nearly every place they dwell in the earth. It’s nearly impossible to avoid a sinful encounter, but despite the change in times, the church has even more opportunity to spread God’s love, even to those not engrafted into His family.

Back in the day, God would use one man or woman to speak on His behalf, but today, all members of the body of Christ are ambassadors of God. While we strive to build up and edify one another in the body, we must equally distribute that same love to our enemies. Rather than slaughter all those who opposed the God of Creation, as they did in the past, our duty today is to win our enemies to the Lord’s side. I don’t fully understand the purpose and reason behind the events of the past, but I do know, we have an assignment today, to show love, and not hate, to all men, especially those who despise and despitefully use us. Love is seen, when we can hug someone who purposely tried to harm us. Love is witnessed, when someone attempts to take something from us wrongfully, and we offer to give them more. The world will never understand the nature of God’s love, because it totally contradicts man’s logic, but it’s only through the love of God, can man truly find purpose in this life, and the next.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

Are You Hungry?

Matthew 5:1-12

If men desired God the way they hunger and thirst after natural food, they would eventually become overwhelmed (in a positive way) with all the great knowledge and godly wisdom that comes from above. I notice how people strive to eat healthy, paying close attention to the details in what they consume, and many different “health” diets are available for all who desire a change in their eating habits. While food for the body is essential for growth and development, food for the soul is of vital importance also.

We learn from the Scriptures, Old and New, “man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Spiritual food helps our inner man grow in godliness, and allows us to gain greater understanding of the way of holiness. In the same way food must be consumed then digested, the Word of God must not only be read, but meditated on, day and night.

Some people read a few positive and uplifting Bible verses here and there, then expect to understand what God expects from them. This is equivalent to having a McDonald’s diet, and hoping to eventually develop into an Olympic body type. Yeah… that ain’t happening. Discipline is required not only in food consumption, but also with Bible learning. We must take God’s Word serious, and seek to grow daily from it. Meditation is not a five minute thing, but it can often become hours of careful and intense study, in order to fully understand even one verse of Scripture.

In all, the Bible is literally our spiritual buffet, and all we need to survive in the spirit realm, is enclosed in that holy book. Read God’s Word, meditate on it, and allow your spirit to be fed daily.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

A Godly Man

Psalm 128

To fear God is, to reverence, honor, and respect Him simply for who He is. When a man has the fear of God in His heart, he’ll always be mindful of his actions, and conduct himself in ways that are befitting of a Saint. Godly men are blessed, not because of their mere profession, but because they imitate holiness consistently in their walk, talk, and even their thoughts. God can freely bless those who abide in Him, because they’ll more than likely represent Him well, and not bring shame to his holy name, but those who fail to recognize the power and authority of the God of Heaven and earth, will never enjoy the full benefits His love can offer.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Perpetual Giving

Matthew 5:38-42

Throughout my Christian journey, I’ve heard many wise words from older Saints, and made a habit of gleaning from the advice they were always willing to pass on, but one quote I held on to was, “Christians don’t give to be seen, but they ought to be seen giving”. When I heard this for the first time, I had a bit of trouble wrapping my young mind around it. Giving to be seen, and being seen giving almost sounded exactly the same, in my immature opinion. Over time, I slowly began to understand the difference between the two. On the one hand, there are those who give, in order to promote themselves in the eyes of man, whereas true followers of Christ give from their hearts, knowing that God will not only bless the receiver, but He’ll also return favor to the one who made the sacrificed.

Giving is the standard set by God Himself, when He gave the world His Son, so those who claim to be born-again of the Spirit, should NEVER find it hard to help anyone with a need. Jesus had a few words concerning giving during His Sermon on the Mount. In essence, He made plain the fact that the church should behave different from the world, in relation to giving. In situations when man is expected to retaliate in an unfavorable manner, the believer is to conduct themselves in love and humility, and be willing to give of themselves, whatever their adversary has need of. “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;” (Matthew 5:44 KJV). Yeah… that part never comes easy for some believers. Helping those who seemingly don’t deserve any good thing, is not a hard task for the seasoned Saint, but those who haven’t been fully delivered from some things, may need some extra prayer power and intercession to overcome loving their enemies.

One reason God commanded the church to always give is, because He continuously gives to us. Everyday, we are loaded with benefits, including life, health, a sound mind, love, common sense, and all sorts of provisions. Could you imagine what your life would become, if God stopped blessing you? Well, I never want to find out, so I’ll continue to give from my heart, to all who God places on my path, knowing that in my giving, someone will become one step closer to being delivered, and set-free from whatever may have them bound.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

From Dust To Life

Psalm 103:1-14

Isn’t it fascinating how man chooses to remember those things God forgets, while also forgetting those things God remembers? Sound confusing? Well, it’s truth nonetheless. Man was formed by the Lord God from the dust of the ground, and became a living soul, by the breath God breathed into his nostrils. Of all the precious jewels, stones, and other elements of the earth, why did God choose dust as man’s main ingredient? Could it be, there would come a time in history, when man would become tainted by sin, and need to be reminded how frail and fragile he really is? Or, did God choose the thing that seemed worthless, so that man could avoid the thought of becoming arrogant and haughty? Could you imagine, if man was formed from gold, silver, and other priceless elements? That would be totally awesome, yet would also come with a price.

There are many times in life, when men do forget they are only dirt, yet live as if they are worth everything, rather than forgetting those sins that so easily set them up for failure. When we seek God’s forgiveness from sin and iniquity, and are faithful in our approach to the Throne of Grace, the Father removes our transgressions from us, so far as the east is from the west. While we wallow and squirm in our errors and mistakes, God sits patient, waiting for us to step back on the righteous path, and start moving again.

God knows we are dust, and susceptible to making mistakes, so He set aside unlimited grace and everlasting mercy, so that we could always have a chance to redeem ourselves, if ever we come back to our senses.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

A True Friend

1 Samuel 19:1-7

Why do men hate you, simply for doing what’s right? Why is jealousy always associated with being blessed by God? Why can’t men appreciate you for who God made you to be, and focus their attention on becoming better persons themselves, rather than seek to tarnish your good reputation. I can safely assume, these are a few of many questions David asked within himself while being pursued by king Saul.

Thankfully for David, there was someone on the inside, who would stand in the gap on behalf of his safety. Jonathan and David had become an inseparable union, one that no man could tear apart, so when Saul gave an order to all his servants, including his son Jonathan, to kill David, this direct command didn’t sit well with the heir to the throne. Jonathan delighted much in David, and could not fathom the idea of seeing him killed, so he confronted his wicked father, and convinced him to retract his order to kill God’s chosen king.

Do you have people in your life, who will stand between you and your enemy, in order to seek peaceful resolution, or are all your friends as fickle as a flame, and wouldn’t hesitate to leave you in harm’s way? Give God praise for all those you can truly call friend, and make sure to take a moment to let them know how much you appreciate them.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Righteous Living

2 Samuel 9:1-10

Israel’s first king, Saul, was chosen because the people refused to be led God’s way with judges, and desired only to be as other nations who served kings. Just because other people are doing a thing, doesn’t mean that same thing will work for you. Sure enough, the people’s choice turned out to be the wrong choice, but God had plans to rectify all the errors king Saul committed, through His chosen king, David. The story of David is an interesting one, to say the least, but from the time he was assigned the duties of tending to his father’s sheep, to the moment he assumed the role as ruler over Israel and beyond, God’s name was glorified through the life of king David.

Unlike many rulers in the past who were arrogant, haughty, or simply messy, David ruled according to righteousness, and was victorious in battle, and merciful to the needy. Kings who ruled well in the past, were known for operating in wisdom, and allowing God to guide their hand. Although David had a few instances he probably regretted, his reign was successful in fulfilling the will of God, for the nation of Israel.

All God’s people have a role to play in His plan, so whether or not someone else is operating how they are expected to, do you part, and do it diligently. God will reward you for the work you do, not for worrying about if someone else is doing their job.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

Purpose Blockers

1 Samuel 23:14-18

The life of a Christian is hardly easy, and trials come by default, to make them stronger. Day by day, the children of God strive to live according to holiness, and take great delight in doing works meet for repentance, but the righteous path oftentime becomes hard to tread, especially when adversity rears its ugly head. In the same way God positions men in life to help His people along their journey, the devil also assigns willing individuals to try and block the people of God from fulfilling their purpose in the earth. Purpose blockers are just as the name implies, and they are relentless in halting God’s people from progressing in life. God has a unique plan for everyone who has been born again, but satan wants those plans to be derailed, and remain unfulfilled. Men go to great extremes to block the path of the righteous, and some go so far as to even threaten their very lives, but just as God protected David from multiple threats from king Saul, trust and believe, He’ll guard you against all evil that tries to block your path also.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell