Pharoah’s Ring

Genesis 41:41-49

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous underdog stories, that uplift those with heavy hearts, and encourage others with hung down heads, but of all the stories written, few compare to the life, and legacy of Joseph.

Born into a prestigious family line, Joseph was destined to continue in the footsteps of his predecessors. Like all feel-good stories, Joseph’s beginning was hard, harsh, and extremely cruel. From being hated by his own kin, to being imprisoned for false accusations, the servant of the Lord refused to allow his struggles and persecution to hinder his godly duties. How often do men turn away from God, and seek other sources for answers, when life hits them with seasons of trials and tribulations? Very often, from my perspective. The times we should cling to God most, is when trouble hits, because these are the very moments God desires to use us to accomplish great things.

Joseph’s patience, and endurance through his challenging season, paid off in an unprecedented way! From being literally thrown in a pit, then imprisoned, Joseph’s faithfulness to God awarded him the position of “ruler over all the land of Egypt” (vs. 43b). God may not make us kings, queens, and rulers over countries for our consistent holy living, but He can, and will bless His people in other ways. Whether we are blessed with good health, wealth, favor with man, healthy and obedient children, or any other good thing, staying true to God in the midst of hard times, will always work to the benefit of the Saints of God.

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

Ell

What A Wonderful World

Genesis 41:34-36

What kind of world would this be, if men weren’t so hungry for material possessions? I grew up under the philosophy of, “sharing is caring”, so it was natural for me to always extend a helping hand to anyone who needed one, even during my adolescent stage. As I matured, I began to notice how people were very selfish, and preferred to keep all their goods to themselves, rather than share what they had with others, who had little to none.

When a man receives the love of God in his heart, then allows that same love to blossom in his life, he’ll see things different from the way average men perceive things. If you take a poll on everyone who’s net worth exceeds a million dollars, I can guarantee you, most of them are insecure about their wealth, and keep a tight grip on it, without giving hardly any away. God is all about togetherness, unity, and humility, but the world teaches the philosophy of “get all you can, and can all you get”.

🎵🎶 If e-ve-ry bo-dy, was like Jesus, what a won-der-ful world, this would be 🎶🎵 (song performed by the late, great, and unique Inez Black). I wish I could wake up tomorrow, and see that the world was changed dramatically. I would jump for joy to see that racism had finally ceased, taxes disappeared, and all men treated one another, the same way they would desire to be treated. Well, that’s only wishful thinking, because men in this world will continue to grow worse. But, the hope we have in Christ Jesus, who went away to prepare a wonderful place for the Saints, keeps us motivated to endure this world of evil, until our time in this earth comes to its end. While we wait, let’s strive to be kind to one another, serve the Lord with gladness, smile to brighten someone’s day, and extend a helping hand, to those who are in need, especially if they are your enemy.

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

Ell

Reel ‘Em In!

Genesis 41:14-24

Living as a Christian in 2020, has become far from easy. While we strive to live holy, and keep evil communication from our lips, the world continues to strive against us, forcing us to prove what’s truly in our hearts. Based on this fact, it’s important for those who are engrafted into the family of God, to remain mindful of how they conduct themselves, while in the company of unbelievers. It’s easy to conform to the ways of men, so that we could blend in with their company, but God requires the Saints to shine their lights in all places, all situations, and among all people. This is very crucial, because God can use us to draw others to Himself, if we aren’t afraid to be different from the world. It’s hard to catch a fish when your bait looks exactly like it, but when you secure an attractive lure to your hook, you’ll begin to attract all types of fish to your line. Is your life attracting men to the Lord, or do people lose interest in God, from the way you live?

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

Ell

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Who Said That?

Acts 13:1-5

When God speaks, can you tell whether it’s Him, or not? How do you discern the voices in your head, whether they are from the devil, the Father, or the spirit of your mind (conscience)? The best way to recognize when God is speaking to you (through His Spirit) is, to be in a position of proper posture, then you’ll be better prepared to discern what’s true, and what’s not.

As humans, we were created with intuitive minds, that have the capability of harboring endless thoughts in our brains. From those thoughts, we can discern what actions to take, based on the current situation we may be facing. Unfortunately, there’s also the devil, who oftentimes makes attempts to fill our minds with evil and wicked thoughts and vain imaginations. He does this in various ways, including infiltrating television shows, movies, music, and all other mediums to distract our attention from the things of God.

As a person matures in godliness, it becomes fairly easy for them to distinguish the different voices they hear. If at anytime, you are led to do something contrary to God, morality, or your sanity, then this voice is NOT from God. On the other hand, if you are striving to live holy, while keeping yourself pure and humble before the Lord, you’ll often hear clear and direct instruction, and revelation during times of prayer, fasting, or moments throughout your day.

God loves to have our attention tuned to Himself, because He alone knows what’s best for us, and how we can properly serve Him daily. It’s wise to follow and obey the voice of the Lord, but it’s foolish to place our own thoughts, or entertain thoughts from the evil one, over the Father. Pray to God for discernment and wisdom, so that you can always receive clear and precise instruction, on how to live your life with purpose.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Don’t Hate, Appreciate

Genesis 37:2-11, 23-24, 28

If we could see life from God’s perspective, then our actions and behavior towards others would change in an instant. God sees the hearts of men, and judges them, not only by their actions, but by their motives and intentions as well. He desires the best for all mankind, but they must be willing to align themselves properly to receive His best.

Men are born in sin, shaped in iniquity, and are preset to fail. This was all made possible because of the fall of Adam. Because of sin, many are susceptible to becoming influenced by its wicked nature, which can cause them to inflict harm onto others. When our focus on godliness begins to waver, we make ourselves easy targets to become overtaken by all manner of evil spirits; some of which include lying, jealousy, envy, strife, gossip, and even thoughts of murder.

While it’s one thing to harbor ill will toward an enemy, it’s worse when the person you’re at odds with is a member of your own family. Throughout history, most family dissension stemmed from hatred, jealousy, and envy. Our text gives one example of such a situation, when Jacob’s sons proved how hatred and envy can cause men to commit horrendous acts, even toward those of the same blood. Although the hate Joseph’s brothers felt toward him was triggered by his preferential treatment of their father, they were still old enough to know that they should control their emotions, and not allow sin to overtake their thoughts. Unfortunately, their initial level of hate for their little brother was increased the more, after Joseph shared dreams of how he would someday rule over them. It’s hard to tell from Scripture, whether Joseph was being boastful, or just trying to be a normal little brother, in any case, his very presence struck an irritating nerve in the hearts of all his brothers, who eventually threw him in a pit, from which he was sold as a slave to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.

What a shame, to read how blood-kin can threaten to kill one of their own, because of hatred and envy. Do you allow your feelings to cause you to treat your brothers or sisters different? Can you appreciate when someone in your family receives a blessing from God, or do you become jealous, and turn hostile toward them? Be very careful how you treat those who only desire to be loved, because if you push them away, God will make it so that you’ll definitely see them again; only next time, you may be surprised to see what they have become.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Save Me From Me

James 4:1-7

One of the hardest battles many will face in life is, overcoming their own selves. While warring against the forces of darkness can present formidable challenges to the believer, the battle of self tends to hold a bit more weight. When a man is unstable in his mind, his ways will correlate with that same instability. Some negative effects associated with the actions of those who are unable to control their wavering desires include unanswered prayers, unfair treatment toward others, and possibly becoming an enemy to God Himself. That’s right, you could be on the other side of the spiritual battle, simply by joining yourself to those things that displease the Father.

An unstable mind will cause men to act on lustful desires, and do those things that cause separation between themselves and God. Have ever wondered why you often find yourself lashing out at innocent people for no reason? Well, maybe it’s because you are dealing with things within yourself, that require godly resolution. Have you been praying and waiting for God to give you things you think you need? If you’re still waiting, maybe you are asking for things, only to satisfy evil desires. Many times God ignores your requests, because what you are seeking will cause you harm, rather than good.

During a time like 2020, do you really want to be on the front lines with satan, facing God and His royal army? If not, then get right on the inside, change your ways, come to grips with reality, let go of sin, cling to salvation, walk in the Spirit, humble yourselves before God, and allow His grace to save you from you, so that your life can begin to have a positive impact in the earth.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Transparency

Acts 7:9-15

When I wake up in the morning, and open my eyes to see the new day, God is with me. As I turn over in bed, regaining feeling in my numb legs and arms, God is with me. When I gather enough strength to plant my feet on the floor, and slowly rise upright, God is with me. As I wash, then gird myself for the day ahead, God is with me. When I think of what the day will bring, God is with me. As I travel on the dangerous highways, going to and fro, God is with me. When I spend all day, pushing to make it through another day of hard labor, God is with me. As I deal with the pressures of life that come by way of those who are evil, wicked, or even my foes, God is with me. When I try to smile, stay positive, and keep a straight face, to hide the hurt, pain, and shame inside me, God is with me. As I give strength to others, when I require strength for myself, God is with me. When those who i thought were for me, turn against me, God is with me. When my body goes through seasons of sickness and pain, God is with me. When those I love, lose their lives, God is with me. When those I don’t know perish, and my heart still feels pain, God is with me. When the enemy attempts to knock me off track, God is with me. As I sit and write this tonight, exhausted from another long day of work, God is with me. When I consider, I am still alive, healthy, and have a sound mind, it’s because God is with me. I love the Lord, indeed I do. It’s because of Him, I can not, and will not give up. I am thankful for all who strive to live holy, in an unholy society; to all who are committed to staying true to God’s will. Be strong, be vigilant, stay faithful, because God is with you.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

You Are Alive!

Psalm 106:1-6, 16-22

Why do you think you’re still alive? Why is it, out of all the people who’ve died this year, God continues to spare your life? Have you ever considered what a blessing it is, to simply see another day? There are people who wake up with murmuring and complaining on their lips, without considering that their first words should be to give God thanks and praise for another day on the earth. Could it be, those who refuse to acknowledge that the breath of life could easily be removed from them, have their minds fixed on earthly pleasures and treasures? Or, perhaps those who are ungrateful for God’s mercy have yet to taste and see how good a life in service to the Father really is. Whatever the case, God has everlasting mercy, and He has spared our lives for such a time as this.

We are living out the days of prophecy, when the pages of Scripture are being fulfilled. Whether we are in the will of God or not, the Bible will indeed fulfill itself. While we yet live, it’s crucial that we learn what is expected of us from the Father, and diligently carry it out. Why live on the earth going through hell, then die and spend eternity in unending hell?

Every man and woman created by God has a purpose, and a role to play in fulfilling His will. Regardless of what God has proposed for you to do in this life, you must do it wholeheartedly, and with a mind set on pleasing God. When God is pleased with our lives, He’ll grant us blessings in the earth, then can benefit our lives, and the lives of those around us.

The state of the world looks miserable, and the church seems to have lost its strength, but this is the time for the body of Christ, to join together in union, and reignite their passion for holiness. You are alive, because God is not done with you. You are alive, because you have work left to do in the earth. You are alive, because many people are depending on you to be strong, so they can continue to gain strength from your consistent faith. You are alive, because you know that you are special in God’s eyes, and you want to prove to Him, no matter what comes your way, you will not give up, nor give in to the pressures of life. You are AMAZING! You are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made! You are SPECIAL! You are CHOSEN! You are a CONQUEROR! You are a WINNER! You are ALIVE, so appreciate every breath you breath, because you never know when those breaths will run out.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Favor For The Dreamer

Genesis 37:29-36

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs many people will experience in life is, parenting. While raising children (especially in this time) should be taken seriously, and with the proper precautions, one of the most unwise things to do is, show favor to one child, over all the others. Favoritism is good when it involves things like selecting foods you prefer, or the color you want to paint your house, but when dad and mom show more love for Cinnamon, while treating Nutmeg and Cashew like the neighbor’s kids, then those seeds will eventually come back to haunt them.

A great example of this can be found early in Scripture, in the lives of Jacob, and his sons. The average Bible reader should have already been exposed to this inspiring story, but if you haven’t, then you can read it in less than an hour (Genesis chapters 37-45). The text reveals, “Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age” (vs. 3a). Some history records that Jacob was over 90 years old when Joseph was born, and after the death of Rachel, little Joseph became his father’s special helper in being the agent between him and his brothers.

Unfortunately, the other brothers strongly disliked the relationship between their father, and little Joseph. Usually, when a mob of angry people have ill feelings toward someone, they tend to devise a plan to destroy their credibility. This was precisely the case with Jacobs sons. When Jacob had sent Joseph to check on his brothers one day (who were supposed to be feeding the flock in Shechem, but took a stroll to Dothan), they saw him from afar, and instantly plotted to slay him. Aside from labeling him, the dreamer, the brothers decided they’d kill him, then throw him in a pit. If it had not been for Reuben, who convinced the others to spare Joseph’s life, and only throw him in a pit, the little dreamer would have left the earth without fulfilling his promised assignment.

It’s amazing how people can hate you for things you had nothing to do with. Some people were blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities, that others dream to have, but rather than appreciate their gifts, they plot to hinder them from exercising them. Never allow jealousy, hatred, envy, nor strife to invade your mind, simply because God shows someone favor. Whether it be a brother, sister, friend, or even someone you aren’t too fond of, value, appreciate, and respect those who God uses in great ways.

Jacob suffered heartache for years, thinking that his son had been killed, but in the end, the love he had for Joseph was restored. Parents, be careful how you treat your children, because one day they’ll grow up, and act upon all you said and done to, and for them. Also, be certain to raise all of them in the fear of God, and teach them the value of love and respect for others.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell