Washed In The Blood

Titus 3:3-7

One of the most exciting times of my childhood was, going with my mom to the laundromat. Living with seven children and a husband, also meant loads of dirty clothes, and oftentimes washing our piles of laundry could be done faster and more efficient using the oversized laundromat washers and dryers in our neighborhood. For some strange reason, I found it rather fascinating to sit in front of a washing machine, and watch the clothes swish and splash against the thick glass door for nearly 45 minutes. In mere  moments, clothes that were once full of dirt and stains, were miraculously made clean and fresh by the power of soap and water. Not only was the washing process efficient and exciting, but the drying process was even more fascinating! With the right amount of heat and dryer sheets, those clean and wet clothes would be dry and fluffy in no less than 50 minutes. Alright now, I was a kid, so don’t judge me. We didn’t have cable television, or iPads back then, so a kid had to do whatever was necessary, to enjoy the wonders of life.

While that transparent story of my past may seem funny and cute, the process of washing and drying can be relatable to the process of man’s redemption, according to Scripture. All those who are members of the body of Christ, were once a load of dirty laundry. Before coming into the knowledge of God, and accepting Jesus as our Savior, many of us (according to the apostle Paul in verse 3) were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving different lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But thanks be to God, Christ took us to the laundromat on Golgotha Hill (Calvary). Jesus took on all man’s sins, as He hung on the cross and died. His death saved us by the washing of regeneration, and we were renewed by the power of the Holy Ghost. It’s by the grace of God, the church is justified, and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (vs. 7). Aren’t you glad you’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb, and dried by His sweet Holy Spirit?

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

You Look Good!

Colossians 1:24-29

The church has the responsibility of seasoning the earth, and being a light to all who walk in darkness. The church is more then a building, with stained glass windows, pulpits, and baptismal pools. Instead, the church is a collective group of individuals, all working together, exercising their gifts for the glory of God. While that brief description of what the real church is sounds accurate, it’s apparent that what Paul envisioned the church to become, has swayed far away from his expectation.

In his day, the apostle Paul was mindful of the early church, and set his affections on building, edifying, and even sacrificing himself, so that the church could grow. Paul proved over and over, God’s business was his business, and he was willing to go above and beyond, so that God’s people would be properly equipped to strive daily, to fulfill His plan.

I wrote a quote a short while ago that says, “I don’t teach to make you feel good. I teach to make you look good to God”. After writing that quote, I realized this was the same perspective the apostle Paul had concerning the churches he established. Paul cared little for men’s opinions, and more for their souls. The text mentions that Paul and others preached, taught, and warned men in all wisdom, so that they could “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (vs. 28). The purpose of edification is not to bring glory to oneself, but it’s to help our brothers and sisters mature in the knowledge of our great God.

Do you care enough about other Christians, to help them grow in God? Do you concern yourself with meeting the needs of those who may need a helping hand? Have you considered someone else, who may also be dealing with a struggle? Learn to center your attention on building up those around you, because all that matters to God is, that the church line up with His Word, so that their witness will prove successful in the earth.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

The Only Way

John 14:1-14

Throughout my journey on this decaying planet, I’ve witnessed many (Christians and non-believers) who harbored major concerns about life after death. I must admit, it can get a bit frightening at times, spending too much time thinking about never existing in this realm after death, but when you know what to expect in the next life, the worry and fear of the once unknown, will disappear in mere moments.

Those who are in Christ Jesus, can expect unimaginable blessings, and great inheritance in the life to come. In our text, Jesus comforted His troubled disciples by reminding them that He would soon leave the earth, but during His time away, He would prepare a place where they could abide with Him forever. There’s been much speculation, along with varying interpretations on the descriptions of Heaven mentioned by Christ, but whether we’ll live in actual mansions, or not, I just want to be there.

It’s unfortunate that after all the teachings and miracles performed by Jesus, His disciples still had their doubts about His sovereignty. Their doubts weren’t developed from disrespect, but I can only imagine that their finite minds and limited understanding caused them to not fully understand what Jesus continually presented to them. Jesus knew how to handle His followers, but stressed more than anything, He is the only way to the Father. The words Jesus spoke, were not His own. The works Jesus performed, were not His own. The miracles Jesus manifested, were not by His own doing. The reason Jesus was able to do those things which were beyond human comprehension was, because He was in the Father, and the Father in Him. For this reason, Jesus told His disciples, when they believe in Him, they are also believing in God. But, if perhaps they fail to believe this obvious truth, Jesus humbly expressed, “or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (vs. 11b).  In other words, “if you’re simply too naive to hear and understand the truth of my words, then base the truth on the miraculous works you’ve witnessed with your own eyes” (Elliott’s translation).

One day soon, we’ll all see death, but the thought of that day doesn’t have to bring fear and worry in our hearts. In fact, the Bible reads in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”. When a Saint dies, God is excited, because they can then see those things that were only read in the Scriptures.

As you continue your journey on this side of Heaven, keep your chin up, and consider all those amazing things that await you in the next life. We have trained our eyes, minds, and hearts to only concern ourselves with the cares of this world, but meditate more on what God has prepared for us in Heaven, then you’ll be able to live a more bold and dedicated life on this earth.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Peaceful Impression

John 14:25-31

What impression do you leave on others, when you’re absent from their presence? As a child of God, do people recognize you as one who exhibits the character traits Jesus portrayed while He roamed the earth? Since you’ve become engrafted into God’s royal family, have you fully understood what He expects of you? These are questions every person who claims to be filled with God’s Spirit, should easily respond to.

When Jesus left to be with His Father, He knew the church would need much help to withstand the evil days, so rather than leave us to fend for ourselves against the forces of darkness, He prayed to the Father, who then sent the Comforter (Holy Ghost) to be another heavenly representative, to teach us all things, and bring to remembrance, the words of Christ (among many other things).

Before Jesus left the scene, He gave the gift of peace to His disciples. Of all the amazing virtues in Christ’s arsenal, why would peace be favored among them all? Consider the state of the world today. What is most needed besides the obvious (money, food, shelter, healthcare)? You got it! Peace. Despite how many people try to beautify societal constructs, this world is functioning from a chaotic state. Peace is needed all over the world, and in every country, you’ll find similar patterns of wickedness in governments, business, and other means by which the less fortunate are taken advantage of. The law-abiding citizens need peace, in order to maintain stability, amongst corrupt leadership. Peace is needed in our homes, so that fathers and mothers can properly raise their children to love and respect God. Even in homes where the mother or father is absent, more peace is required to keep that single parent strong and determined to keep their family together. Peace is most definitely needed in the hearts of those nearing the edge of their sanity; those who feel that life has dealt them an unfair hand.

As a believer, it’s your duty to strive to live peaceably with all men, knowing that the times are hard, not only on the church, but on the world as well. If we are to win the world to Christ, we must first understand that peace should go before us in all our encounters.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Real Love

John 14:18-24

If God is something, then that which God is, should be reverenced, respected, and imitated. The Bible declares throughout the scriptures (but more directly in 1 John 4:8), God is love. Allow your mind to ponder on that for a brief moment. If God is love, then that can aslo be translated, love is God. All your life, you’ve been under the impression that love is emotions, googly eyes, butterflies in your tummy, and all those attributes that are associated with things you like, but once you realize the true extent of what love really is, you’ll see life from a totally different perspective.

The true essence of love extends far beyond human emotions, and can be seen in action throughout history. God’s love is unlike that which the world operates in, because the love offered by the world is conditional, and usually comes with a price. Conversely, the love of the Father is unconditional, and is freely given to all men. The world abuses, misuses, and disrespects what real love stands for, but God continues to shower His endless love over all mankind. “For God so loved the world He gave…” (John 3:16a). 

Love is comprised of a host of virtues including (but not limited to) sacrifice, patience, obedience, action, understanding, trust, commitment, and most importantly, humility. It’s because of God’s love, men can be saved from the eternal penalty of their sins. It’s because of God’s love, we can have a right to the tree of life we had lost access to, from Adam’s big mistake. It’s because of God’s love, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. It’s because of God’s love, I can have hope for a brighter tomorrow. It’s because of God’s love, the church can stand strong in the time of trouble, because the Holy Spirit will keep us encouraged. It’s because of God’s love, we who remain alive today, have opportunities to continue spreading the message of God’s life-changing Gospel.

When in sin, let love in, and allow it to make you all over again. God loves you, and I do too!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

The Invisible Man

John: 14:15-17

In this life of inevitable suffering, there’s one thing no man will ever willingly pass up, and that’s comfort. On a daily basis, we see people struggling from challenging circumstances, that most seem to never recover from. Not only do worldly men suffer but, believers experience uncomfortable situations, many of which are not the cause of their own doing, but they struggle to overcome them nonetheless. During childhood, some of us have been forced to deal with lack of provisions like food and clothing, and possibly being embarrassed by those who judged us by our outer appearance. As we grew older, the real challenges of life begin to manifest in the forms of dealing with the education system on the collegiate level, finding a job, dealing with unruly leadership or subordinates, and the struggles of raising a family based on godly principles. All men are positioned to face certain discomfort in this life, but for those who love God and abide by His Word, there’s an invisible man who provides comfort in all uncomfortable circumstances.

Jesus was fully aware of the state that this world would eventually become, so He prayed to the Father, so that He would send us help to endure these end-times. Without the Holy Ghost, many would have given up years ago, but because we have that divine comfort, we can make it through trials and situations that oftentimes cause men to wonder. The world can never understand, nor receive the Spirit of God, because they can’t see Him. Carnal men usually have to see something, in order to give it relevance. But, the Comforter is as real as life itself, and He guides the children of God throughout each day, encouraging them to strive to please God, because their labor is never in vain.

In those moments when you feel sad and alone, the invisible man is there to remind you, you’re never alone. When you’ve lost all hope, and are tempted to throw in the towel, the invisible man will remind you of how strong you really are, and can overcome all things, through Christ who gives you strength. When you are about to give up on love, and refuse to trust in relationship anymore, the Comforter will guide you through the Scriptures, of all who have suffered greatly, yet never gave up on love. Always be reminded, the invisible man is there, to bring you comfort, in all uncomfortable situations.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Gone Too Far… Smh

John 13:31-35

This lesson’s text is filled with so many teaching points, that I would be writing for days expounding upon them all. Instead, I prefer to bring your attention to verse 31. At first glance, many would skip to verse 32, without noticing a valuable lesson written in plain sight in this verse.

Jesus was the most true, honest, reliable, and dependable friend anyone could have ever asked for. His obvious connection to God should have been a dead giveaway of the character one could expect from sharing experiences with Him, and those who shared the most experiences with Jesus during His ministry were, His disciples. Jesus selected 12 ordinary men, and empowered them to perform some of history’s most extraordinary works. Can you imagine, walking, talking, laughing, crying, and enjoying all the experiences of life, but in the presence of Christ? I can’t fathom how that would feel, but I am certain that every disciple who followed after Jesus, was changed from the moment they gave up their past, to the very instant they saw His power in action.

Although Jesus proved to His followers that He indeed was sent by God to save the world, this amazing truth did little to influence a man who shared in those amazing works and experiences with the Son of God. Judas Iscariot, was handpicked by Jesus, to become one of the chosen disciples. In the same way as the other 11, Judas also left all, to follow Christ, but his experience was on a level his brethren knew nothing about. If Jesus had not known the thoughts of Judas, I’m apt to believe, He would have carried Himself a different way. But, from the beginning, to his betrayal, Jesus knew full well, the heart of Judas had been hardened to the point of no return. It’s sad to fathom how a man can become so consumed with the cares of this world, that even God in the flesh, could not influence him to change.

Judas had gone too far, and although he was blessed with power to do things ordinary men could only dream of, he couldn’t let go of his lust for the world, which caused him to make the most devastating decision of his life. Yes, God’s plan was that Christ be sacrificed, but maybe… just maybe, it could have been triggered by someone other than Jesus’ disciple.

No man will ever face betrayal on a level as Jesus did, but I’m 175 percent sure, that someone in your “circle of friends” has been holding a blade, and waiting for the opportunity to stab you in the back. Unlike the average human, Jesus showed love to Judas, despite knowing He was never really true to his confession.

Will you continue to love those who you know hate your guts, but haven’t been bold enough to confess it yet? Those in your life who have gone too far, and allowed the opinions of others to dictate their perspective of who you are, can you still smile, hug, and shower them with the love of Christ?

After Judas had left the table, Jesus said to those who remained faithful, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (vs. 35). Judas betrayed the Son of God, yet the Son never stopped loving him…and the Son will never stop loving you, but you must give the same love to one another.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Absolute Authority

John 5:19-24

After studying this lesson, it brought my mind back to a time when I was a young lad, nearing the end of the third grade school year. I wasn’t the smartest in the class, but I had earned the teachers respect by maintaining perfect attendance, behaving respectfully toward my classmates, and always making the honor roll. You can tell just by those merits, haters were gonna hate, but my parents raised their children to be respectful, and to take schooling serious. So, I did, and my scholarly conduct earned me a few extra perks with my teacher. One day during class, my teacher had to leave the room for something important, and left me in charge to monitor my classmates until she returned. Boy, why did she do that? Knowing I would report those who acted out of character in the teacher’s absence, there were some who deliberately acted a fool, just to get under my skin. What my fellow law breaking students failed to realize was, whatever I reported to the teacher, would be taken as if she had witnessed things with her own eyes. My words, would in essence be her words, and my judgments the same. Despite how anyone else felt about the teacher’s delegation, or that we were all the same age, my words were the authority in that classroom, until our teacher returned.

This flashback is kinda on par with the lesson’s text. God the Father, is the omnipotent, and sovereign ruler of all creation. He alone has the power to do as it pleases Himself. But in the earth, the Father left all judgment to the Son, and by this delegation, all men should honor the Son, just as they would the Father. So those who dishonor Jesus, are literally dishonoring God the Father also. Jesus, the Son, does the same works as the the Father. In addition, He has absolute and unlimited power and authority from God, to do as God directs Him. Just as my classmates were under the authority of our teacher, on behalf of little ole’ me, all men are to reverence Jesus, the Savior of the world, in the same way they honor and respect the God of all creation.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Plugged In To God

Proverbs 3:13-18

Any device that requires a power source to function, is useless without being connected to that same source. An iron will never get hot and steamy without being plugged into an outlet, which will prove ineffective at getting all the wrinkles from your clothes. A vacuum can’t pick up the dust and debris from your floor, except it also be plugged in to a source of power. I can give hundreds of examples of different things requiring power in order to produce, but I’m sure by now you get the point.

A Christian who is plugged into the source of God’s power, has the ability to produce good fruit consistently, while operating in God’s divine wisdom. Wisdom literally makes the believer a force to be reckoned with, in the earth! While some strive for silver, gold, and rubies, those who have direct connection to the wisdom of God, can achieve far more than the value of precious stones. Wisdom grants the people of God long life, riches and honor, pleasantness, peace, happiness, and eternal life. Is that not enough to make you excited?!

This world looks horrible, with all the past, and current events taking place, but the Word of God is still relevant, and we, the children of God, can continue to live out the pages of Scripture, even in this dying world. It’s obvious that suffering will come at times, but never rule out the opportunity for God to work wonders in our lives, as we stay connected to His unlimited source of DUNAMIS power!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Keep On Teaching

Mark 6:1-6

I wrote a blog nearly a year ago concerning the dangers of familiarity, and how many people have misjudged, and dishonored some whom they should have given more respect to. For example, growing up with siblings who eventually become famous, doesn’t change the fact that they are still your brother or sister. Therefore, you wouldn’t see them as the world would, and probably could care less about their fame. On the other hand, those who only know of famous people from listening to their music, or watching them on the big screen, tend to have a greater appreciation for their work.

After hearing about all the incredible miracles Jesus had performed outside of His hometown, from casting demons out of some, to raising others from the dead, it’s sad to know that those in His own community refused to accept the fact that He indeed was the Son of God. The text mentions, “And he marvelled because of their unbelief” (vs. 6a). After touring many different lands, spreading the goodness of His Father, Jesus no doubt expected to return home with a more appreciative welcome. Those He blessed while He journeyed through various lands were extremely grateful for the love Jesus had freely shown to them, but those in His own country could do no more than criticize, and doubt who He really was. This was so disheartening to point that Jesus could do no mighty works there, except lay His hands on a few sick folk, and heal them. Although the people in His town proved to be unthankful, Jesus made certain to not allow the people’s unbelief, keep Him from teaching.

While we live to please God, we’ll also experience doubt and unbelief from those we assume have our best interests at heart. But, after overcoming the hurt and pain of those you thought would support you, don’t allow their unbelief to keep you from spreading the goodness of the Gospel.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell