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

Do Your Job

Genesis 37:12-17

What role do you play in God’s divine plan? Were you called to preach, teach, or prophesy? Or, are you more inclined to work behind the scenes, doing things that help many, while refusing recognition? All members of the body of Christ play a major part in fulfilling God’s overall plan for this present earth. Whether your duties require hard physical labor, or other approaches, the end goal for all believers is to see God in peace, but along our journey to Heaven, we are urged to influence others to join us on the righteous path.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Worth The Wait

Genesis 30:22-24; 35:16-20

Have you ever prayed for something so long, until it seemed as if God was ignoring you? The thing you felt was necessary to make your life better, seemed not to be on God’s mind at all. What are you to do, when you pray and cry, cry and pray for a thing, but all your efforts seem futile? Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer to that, but I can offer a suggestion, that could help you endure the waiting game.

When we pray to God in faith, He indeed hears us, and desires that our needs be met, but there will come times when God will delay our manifestation, in order to reveal a more deeper revelation through our patience. Sometimes, God withholds blessings, so that the true motives and intentions of others can be revealed early, so that you can see who’s really for you, and who’s not. God also delays things in order to monitor whether or not we have more desire for material things, over His spiritual blessings. There will even be moments when we’ll pray for something, and it’ll never manifest in the earth. Thankfully, God knows all, and has full understanding of the things that will make our lives better, but He cares more for our eternal prosperity, rather than our earthly, temporal possessions.

In our text, Rachel had become envious of her sister Leah, because she bear no children. Jacob was tricked by Rachel’s father into marrying her sister, so he was obligated to bring forth children with Leah also, but Rachel seemed barren, and was ashamed of her present situation. After having six sons and one daughter, Leah was certain that Jacob would dwell with her, or consider showing her more appreciation, but God then remembered Rachel, and opened her womb.

When it seems like all hope is lost, and everyone around you is prospering, these are the moments God steps in to prove to your haters, He never forgets His own. Why God waits until the last minute to bless us sometimes, I’ll never know, but I’m just grateful that He comes through.

You may have been praying and believing for God to open or close doors in your life for a long time, but don’t lose heart. God heard all your prayers, and has not forgotten you. All your prayers of faith have been like a soothing incense to God, and He’ll soon step into your situation, and manifest His love for all to see. Hang in there, and trust that your season of suffering will soon come to an end.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Peacemakers

James 3:13-18; 5:7-12

In the same way trees are known by their fruit, the character of men can be made known by the works they perform. According to Scripture, the church should only be known for producing righteous fruit, and such fruit is only made possible by the corresponding seed sown from their lives.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV). Many in the earth consider themselves to be wise, but their wisdom is based on corrupt seed. Our text teaches, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (vs. 16). That’s extremely profound, knowing that every evil work can be produced from sowing seeds of strife and envy. The preceding verse also mentions, harboring bitter envying and strife in the heart, causes one to lie against the truth. It’s impossible for a man to say he has committed himself to God, and His will, while holding evil and wicked motives in His heart. When a man is motivated by evil thoughts, his actions will mirror what’s hidden in his heart. Conversely, when a man’s heart is full of the love of God, he’ll sow seeds of peace, that will inevitably bring forth the fruit of righteousness.

In essence, the fruit of righteousness include all the works that represent holiness, by which God receives glory through them all. The world promotes all things contrary to godliness, including hate, envying, strife, confusion, and a host of other unholy behaviors, but when a man promotes peace, God will consider him wise, and fill him with heavenly wisdom, as he faithfully brings forth righteous fruit.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Turn It Up!!!

1 Peter 4:7-11

During my adolescent period of development, I would often hear the elderly Saints say, “be careful how you treat people, because everything you do is being recorded”. When I first heard those words, I assumed they meant the government was secretly infiltrating the privacy of mankind (well, we know that to be certain in the 21st century), but they were referring to Revelation 20:12, which reads, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” What we do in the earth will someday be weighed by God, and the works we perform today, will determine where we will spend eternity.

Knowing that this present state of the world is nearing its end, it’s high time that the church increase their desire to please God. Believers are slowly falling by the wayside, and those who remain loyal to the Father, are losing their passion for soul-winning, and edification of the body. One of the main reasons many have lost their zeal for love is, suffering and persecution weighs heavy on their shoulders. When we struggle to make ends meet, or even stay healthy, it plays with our minds, to the point we consider throwing in the towel. But, God gives us strength and wisdom daily, to push past the pain, and endure those seasons of trials.

The church today must continue to show love to the world, and each other, because our struggles aren’t as intense as they were to the disciples, or the early church, but despite the fact that we do face hard times, we must continue in real love, while doing things from the heart, not from obligation alone. It’s one thing to tell someone you love them, but it makes a greater difference when you show your love with actions instead.

It’s time for the body of Christ to consistently walk in humility, spread unconditional love to all, show hospitality without murmuring or complaining, speak only the words that were inspired by God, minister according to the ability God instilled in you, and do all else with the mindset that God is deserving of all glory. Doing our part will represent the church, as God intended in these last days. Many of us exercise with great intensity, perform duties at work beyond what’s expected, or give all of ourselves to those things we have a passion for, but when will we realize how important it is, to give all of ourselves to the purposes of God?

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Prayer Of Faith

James 5:13-20

One of the most sound words of advice acknowledged by Luke in the New Testament says “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” These words were mentioned right before Jesus began to teach the parable of the “Unjust Judge”. If you’re not familiar with this story, it can be found in Luke 18:1-8. Christ understood, keeping in constant communication with the Father, was essential to maintaining the right balance of natural, and holy living. God knows all, created all, and understands all, so the more we come to Him with whatever issue, the better we’ll understand His purpose for allowing it, and how to handle it.

Our text also gives a powerful word of wise counsel, as it states, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (vs. 16b). While prayer involves communicating with God, in order for God to hear, or even acknowledge your words, a couple of things must first be dealt with. First of all, we should always approach God with a pure heart, and good intentions. If there is any sin in our hearts, we should confess our faults, and the Lord will save us. Second, when we pray, it must be done in faith. Praying without faith is, praying amiss, and God doesn’t acknowledge unfaithful requests. Many times, people come before God with doubt, fear, unbelief, or discouragement, but these things must be put aside, so that one won’t lose heart when seeking to receive an answer from the Father.

Because of Christ, we have a right to approach God, despite with the enemy says or does to convince us otherwise. Prayer is powerful and super effective, and when it becomes a customary pattern, the life of those who pray will become increasingly focused, and appealing in the eyes of God.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

I Swear!

Matthew 5:33-37

Growing up in my neighborhood, when disputes broke out between the fellas, to convince someone that they were serious about the point they were attempting to make, they would say things like, “I swear before God”, or “I put my mother on it!” These phrases were used as a means to express the seriousness one felt, concerning their stance on the matter at hand.

Swearing wasn’t something that started in the 80’s, but was a way by which men made oaths, even during Bible days. According to biblical definitions, to swear is to affirm, promise, or threaten with an oath. Making vows, or promises are taken serious by God, and should not be done with false intentions. In our text, Matthew acknowledged Jesus’ words on how the ole’ school men of their day, would often perform oaths to the Lord, many of which they failed to keep. But, Jesus recommended that all men refrain from swearing altogether; whether it be by heaven, earth, or the holy city of Jerusalem.

God prefers that we prove what we believe about Him through our works, and not our words. Oftentimes, we speak more idle words, while doing little to back them up. To those who are in the body of Christ, keep all communication holy, acceptable to God, and to the point.

The apostle Paul taught his spiritual son Timothy, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness”. The more we speak words that are unprofitable for our spiritual growth and development, the more we’ll increase our chance to make mistakes. Keep yourselves aligned with the will of God, and keep your conversations pure, so that the words of Scripture can flow freely from your lips, and save those who are lost.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

To The End

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

At the end of every race is, a finish line. Whether there are cars, people, or even horses aligned at the starting point, races typically produce only one victor. All who are participants in a race, train extensively, and strive relentlessly to overcome those who are placed against them, but to those who finish first, all their labor was proven effective.

The Bible teaches, the life we live on the earth, is comparable to a race. The writer of the book of Hebrews helps us understand the race of life this way: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Heb 12:1). According to this passage, there is a definite end to this life, but to those who endure unto the end (lay aside the weight of sin, while striving to live holy), the Savior will confirm or validate their hearts, and make them blameless before God. What better reward is there on earth, that can compare to an eternity with the Creator of all things?

The apostle Paul was well aware of the importance of living a holy life in the earth, and was pleased to hear that the people he left Timothy to watch over in Thessalonica, were indeed growing and maturing in the things of the Lord. Running the race of life according to God’s standard, involves affliction, distress, and persecution, but Paul and those who accompanied him, gained strength, simply from hearing that the church was prospering. Good news can do a lot to help motivate those who may be going through a hard season, and knowing someone you love has been blessed, can work wonders in your life, as well as theirs. Paul prayed earnestly, to return to those he loved, so that he could fine tune the areas of spirituality they needed help with.

Unlike conventional races, where one competes against the other, the race that the church has been given, involves every member supporting each other, all the way to the finish line.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Listen, And Live

Jeremiah 38:1-6

When God spoke a word, in the scriptures, it was always in the best interest of those whom His words were directed, to take heed, and do as He commanded. God gave instruction, direction, or warning, so that those whom He called to serve His purpose, would fulfill what He expected from them, without distraction or delay.

In those times when men refused to follow God’s direct instructions, a hard lesson was usually associated with their disobedience. One such example can be found in the book of Numbers. Despite all his favor, fame, and miraculous works, Moses never stepped foot in the land of promise, due to his disobedience. During the time when Moses had led the children of Israel into the desert of Zin, where no food or water was to be found, the people had become hungry and parched. Things were so bad, that even Miriam, Moses’ sister, died, and was buried there. So, Moses and his brother Aaron prayed to God earnestly, and God appeared to them, then gave Moses a simple instruction; “Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink”. Obeying God couldn’t get any more simpler than that… right? Unfortunately, Moses had become so frustrated with the complaining people, that rather than speak to the rock as God commanded, he literally whacked it, not once, but TWICE, out of disgust for the rebellious people. Shame on you Moses lol. He was almost there too!

Our text gives another example of the importance of adhering to the voice of the Lord. God had given a word to the prophet Jeremiah, to warn the people of the city to flee toward the Chaldeans, so they might live, because their city would soon be overtaken by the Babylonian army. By this time in Scripture, Jeremiah had proven himself to be a true prophet of the living God, but his words weren’t received well by the princes who were gathered in his presence also. Rather than take heed to God’s life-saving warning, the men convinced the king, that Jeremiah was only weakening the hands of the military, as well as the people in the city, by uttering such hurtful words. The naive king gave in to the cries of the princes, and had the prophet Jeremiah thrown into the dungeon. To give a shortened version to the conclusion of this story, God took care of His prophet, and rescued him from certain death, but as for king Zedekiah and those who remained in the city, well… let’s just say they never saw the light of day, ever again (the details of their judgment are extremely graphic).

When God gives instruction to us today (as He expects us to obey the Bible), it would be wise for us to read, hear, study, and take heed. God knows what’s ahead of us, and desires that we not be overtaken with sin. But, we must trust that His Word is true, and willingly do those things He asked of us, in His Word.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell