Strive Until The End

Esther 10:1-3

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 KJV). There are many who start out serving God with all their heart, whose lives exemplify the example Jesus left for the church to follow, after He left the scene. These men and women put God’s best interests at heart, and strive to love their neighbors, while doing all they can, to help those in need. They shun the spotlight, and take advantage of opportunities to bless others, without being seen. Rather than make a name for themselves, these bold believers choose to boast in the Lord, and His goodness. Although these individuals seem to be unhindered in their purpose, they are still susceptible to falling short of God’s glory. The devil tries hard to knock the children of God off track, by influencing them to cling to carnal things. If the believer entertains carnal thoughts long enough, they’ll inevitably give in to the enemy’s temptation.

Many have run well for God, and fought hard to keep His name holy, but after being elevated, and getting their heads puffed up, they gave in to the temptation that was so desperately awaiting to pull them down. Men who once preached “holiness is right” from the pulpit, have allowed their stardom to alter their message, only to please itching ears. Others have been hindered by the mighty dollar, and sought to make profit from the church, rather than speak as a prophet, to benefit the people.

It matters not how you start, but how you uphold what you begin. This was proven true in the life of Mordecai. From the beginning, Mordecai sought only to protect the people of God, while serving as an example of righteousness before them. When faced with adversity, the man of God never wavered, nor altered his stance on what was right in the eyes of God. Even when his faithfulness and trust in God, allowed him to be elevated to a high degree throughout the land, he still held true to his initial motive, to keep the people of God safe, to ensure provision for them, and to continue speaking peace to all his seed.

No matter where you are in life, strive to maintain your initial stance in godliness. Whether God allows you to abound, or be abased, don’t change your belief in Him, nor in His power to overcome all evil. If you resist the devil, he will flee from you, but if you don’t keep God’s Spirit in you, the enemy will return with backup, to try and take you down. Run well until the end, and avoid all obstacles thrown in your way.

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

Ell

Reverence God, Love Thy Neighbor, Bless The Poor

Esther 9:18-23, 29-32

Remembering, and celebrating the good things God does for us, is actually promoted by Biblical text. The modern church holds gatherings, showing appreciation for leaders, and …(I can’t think of much more than that lol). Seldom do churches celebrate each other, as it was in Scripture, because men and women who lead, are viewed as gods. But, our God is pleased when we gather to honor Him, for giving us victory in all our circumstances, as well as when we bless other believers (and there poor), from the same platform. Celebrations should never be self-centered, nor focused on one individual, no matter the title he bears.

The people of God in ancient times, always acknowledged God, as their focus of gathering, on all occasions. The fact that man can do nothing on his own strength to combat evil, is reason enough to reverence God, who has all power and authority over the enemy. The body of Christ should focus more on appreciating each other, in edification and encouragement. Not one member is more important than the other, and once we come to this understanding, we’ll be better prepared to care for the lost and needy. Think back over your life, and give God praise for all the victories He won, on your behalf.

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

Ell

God Protects His Own

Esther 8:3-8, 16-17

Throughout history, all who made attempts to thwart the progress of God’s people, were eventually convinced to stand down, by way of force, or even death. When Pharoah refused to release the children of Israel from Egypt, he and his people suffered plagues, the likes of which caused many to lose faith in their false gods, and respect the power of the true, and living God. When the mighty Goliath breathed threatenings against God’s people, the Lord used young David, to prove to him, and the Philistines, where the source of true power came from. Time after time, God’s people were confronted by men, whose sole purpose was to stop the spread of His kingdom in the earth, but despite their unyielding efforts, God worked mightily through His people, to keep His plan in motion.

Our text this week, was centered on the story of Esther, and Mordecai, and How God protected, and provided for them, in the midst of an evil plot to destroy all the Jews within the king’s provinces. The same evil spirit that controlled the minds and thoughts of men like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot, once ruled in the heart of Haman. Such a spirit promotes pride, arrogance, haughtiness, jealousy, strife, wrath, lack of reasoning, lack of understanding, and lack of love. Men who portray these attributes may cause certain levels of shame and destruction to the lives of innocents, but God will always have the last word in such cases.

Through prayer and fasting, God turned Haman’s plot against him. The same gallows he built to hang Mordecai, was ironically used to hang himself. In addition, the Jews were permitted to destroy all those who hated the them (including Haman’s ten sons), so that God’s people could be free from any more threats of destruction. Without hesitation, the king reversed Haman’s wicked decree, and allowed Mordecai to write whatever law he desired, that was in favor of his people. That’s amazing! This was equivalent to being granted a blank check from a billionair!

God has a way of doing things, and while we may not always understand His plans at first, it’s comforting to know, He will expose our enemies, provide protection through the process, and give us more blessings and resources than we had, in the end.

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

Ell

Rotten Apples

Esther 5:9-14

Have you heard the phrase, “one bad apple spoils the barrel”? This quote simply implies, if you hang around trash long enough, you’ll eventually wear the stench of it. Typically, the people you spend time with, are more than likely influencing your behavior, whether negatively, or in a positive way. In the case of the bad apple, there could be fifty, to a hundred pristine and healthy apples in a barrel, but one could be internally infested with worms and germs, that could eventually transfer to the good apples. Unless they are separated with haste, all the good apples could become rotten in a matter of moments.

Corruption has a tendency to spread, and cares not for who or what it infects, because the root of all corruption is sin. In our text, Haman continued his plight, to terminate Mordecai, and all the Jews. This man was full of corruption, and found pleasure only in material possessions, and the praise and glory of men. A prideful heart, is incapable of harboring feelings of compassion, sympathy, and empathy, thus causing one to ignore the values required to love thy neighbor as thyself.

Haman was so wicked, until his evil influence infiltrated the hearts of those in his home as well. The wife and friends of Haman advised that he build a gallows, from which Mordecai would be hung. This idea pleased the unjust man, and further blinded him from the path of self destruction ahead. 

When men plot evil against the children of God, we ought not avenge ourselves, because we can only see so far in the spirit, whereas God can see the whole picture. “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people” (Hebrews 10:30). Mind your company, and remove yourself from those who are contaminated with corruption.

Walk in love,

Ell

No Contest

Esther 3:7-11

The war between good and evil, was determined before it even began. The all-powerful God, cannot be bested on any platform, nor by any being or entity. God reigns supreme over all beings, and all things, so why does satan continue to contest His authority, knowing he already lost? That’s a valid question, deserving of a reasonable response.

While in heaven, Lucifer was blessed by God, to hold a very unique position. From his platform, the beautifully anointed cherubim, allowed pride to settle into his heart, thus initiating his eternal demise. When he fell from heaven, the devil had all intentions of rendering evil to God, for stripping him of his prestigious position. After his stupid mistake, the devil was never permitted to reside in God’s eternal glory, ever again, so the only way to get back at the Father for seemingly humiliating him, satan finds ways to use his powerful methods of deception and manipulation, to influence men to turn against God.

After easily besting the first man and woman, satan continued to cloud the judgment of men from then, until now. How sad it is, to know you missed out on your blessing, but try hard to keep others from receiving theirs. The enemy will NEVER give up, trying to block the children of God, from making it to heaven, and he’s successfully caused many to actually miss it already. The easiest way for a man to be influenced by evil is, for them to refuse, or lack the knowledge of truth. Without the truth of God’s Word, men are easy pickings for the devil to corrupt. For this reason, it’s vital for men and women of God, to deliver the unadulterated truth, so that others can easily discern when the enemy is attempting to trick, and trap them.

Walk in love,

Ell

Bow To No Man

Esther 3:1-6

As I study the Scriptures, I try to gain greater understanding of even the most simplest verses. Just because you read something a few times, doesn’t mean that God can’t reveal more revelation from that same text. I found the same to be true, as I meditated on this lesson.

There are countless things God freely gives His people, including love, joy, peace, strength, sanity, and provision, but I learned there’s one thing God will never give to another (especially not to any graven image), and that’s His glory. All glory belongs to God, and when men attempt to take glory upon themselves, they usually end up going through a season of humility. In our society, we praise and give glory to men, as if they are celestial beings, gathered around the throne of God. We stand, applaud, cheer, and treat mortal men and women, better than we honor God. That’s insane! A man can do no more for you, than what his heart will allow Him to, and most men these days are so full of themselves, until they thrive off the glory you bestow upon them.

Men with titles in churches, politicians, and even athletes, are viewed as high priority, while laymen and fans are to acknowledge their high esteem. Well, I show respect to those who deserve it, but I’ll never kiss a man’s behind, no matter who He is. Only God deserves my glory, and all my praise goes up to Him. It matters not if you’re a military general, doctor, or the president of the United States of America, I’ll never give a man the reverence that’s due to the God of all creation.

In our text, Mordecai experienced an uncomfortable situation, when he was frowned upon for not bowing to a newly appointed leader of the princes of king Ahasuerus. Haman hated the Jews, and his hatred grew more intense when he discovered that Mordecai refused to bow to him. Men who harbor burning desires to be exalted over others, are usually met with an unpleasant end. Haman was full of wrath, until he plotted to not only kill the man of God, but he sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

Pride and haughtiness has caused men to conjure the most brutal and horrific plots, since the beginning of time, and Haman allowed his “bigheadedness” to push his thoughts beyond the realm of morality. If you were in Mordecai’s position, would you bow to a man who sought only to swell his head from your praise? Would you risk your life, and the lives of those you love, to go against what you believe? Although it’s scary, at times, to stand for God, if you remain bold, God will ALWAYS show up, and rescue you, before the enemy has a chance to wipe you out.

Walk in love,

Ell

Do You Really Believe?

1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 42-45

Do you really believe in the resurrection of the dead? Are you totally convinced, the God who created everything, came to the earth in a flesh body, lived sinless among men, was beaten beyond belief for preaching the Gospel, took on the sins of those same men, as He willingly allowed them to nail Him to a wooden cross, and be left to die, so that everyone could be pardoned of all their iniquities?

When you tell others about Jesus, are you certain that the message you render, is mirrored by the way you live? Thinking from a carnal perspective, it would seem senseless, and futile, to believe that a man could live sinless, let alone be resurrected from the grave. But, thinking with the mind of Christ, makes it clear to understand, God has the power to do anything!

It’s hard to convince a man to believe in God, when we have yet to fully believe Him for ourselves, but when our lives are dedicated to pleasing the Father, our witness gains a more solid foundation, on which to boast in the Lord. In our text, the apostle Paul dealt with members of the Corinthian church, who refused to believe in the resurrection of the dead, despite eyewitness accounts of the resurrected Jesus. It’s hard to disprove hard evidence, especially when more than 500 people testify the same message.

Those who refuse to believe that Jesus rose from the grave, with all power, will struggle with facing death for themselves, because they’ll contemplate the fear of not knowing what will happen after they die. But, those who are in God, can rest assured, when they die, there’s a spiritual body awaiting them, as they transition to their new, and glorious home.

Walk in love,

Ell

Raised In Immortality

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

When we finally get the opportunity to see God face to face, we’ll have to be dressed appropriately for the occasion. God is omnipresent, and in all places at all times, but the very embodiment of His pure essence, resides in the kingdom of Heaven. When this earthly life is over, we’ll leave our corruptible, and mortal bodies behind, in place of new and improved incorruptible, and immortal bodies. It’ll only take a moment for God to change us into our eternal forms, so we should look forward to our expected upgrades.

While we’ve been commanded to properly care for our earthly bodies until we depart, we must not become too attached to them, and the things that bring us pleasure, because everything on this planet, will soon be destroyed. Our bodies will go back to the dust, houses, cars, money, and all those things we hold so dear, will be done away with. Some people are so into chiseling their bodies into the perfect form, until they forget to purge and purify their hearts. Others accumulate wealth, and stash it away, rather than find ways to help those in need. The church needs to wake up, and mind those things that please God, rather than themselves. We can never recover lost time, but we can take advantage of the time we have left, to get ourselves right with God. When judgment day comes, will you be sent to God’s right, or His left?

Walk in love,

Ell

Supreme Authority

1 Corinthians 15:24-28

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. The holy union of God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit reigned supreme, since forever, but when God decided to create the earth, and all the inhabitants that would dwell on it, He was fully aware there would be necessary changes in the way they usually operate. God knew man would fall, and was prepared to take on man’s form, in order to redeem them from the penalty of sin. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 KJV).

Being in the form of a man, God was able to legally subdue sin, and erase the penalties attached to all who were guilty of committing offences. When Jesus died, men were free to receive repentance, and adoption into the family of God. Although salvation was made available to all men, judgment was still due to satan, and all his evil forces. As we continue to live upon the earth, the time for satan’s freedom to roam this planet, is nearly up. Men are still influenced by evil spirits, and can fall short of God’s glory. But, the time is fast approaching, when Christ will put all enemies under His feet, including the last enemy, death.

During the Millennial period, Christ will rid the world of all rebellion and wickedness, and once all things are subdued unto Him, He’ll render the earth back to God, to be restored as it once was, before sin stained it.

Aren’t you glad to know, your future is secure in God? Despite what’s going on around the world, no matter how bad it seems, Christ will make sure, all evil is dealt with. You may have been mistreated, or dealt a bad hand in this life, but if you keep your trust and hope in the Lord, you’ll have a super awesome future awaiting you!

Walk in love,

Ell

Hope Won’t Shame You

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Where does one find comfort, in a world full of chaos, and confusion? How can the believer rest assured, that all their labor in godliness, won’t be in vain? The closer we get to the second coming of Christ, the harder it seems to find peace in the earth. In God, there is an indescribable peace, that offers comfort in all situations, but when our eyes and ears receive constant negativity from media and other sources on a daily basis, it makes it more challenging to rest in the Lord. Well, there are methods that help to relax the mind, including listening to encouraging music, watching the sunrise or sunset, or enjoying the company of loved ones, but a guaranteed way to be comforted in the midst of life’s uncomfortable situations is, meditating on the Word of God.

We find in the scriptures, that our hope and trust is safe, when placed in the hand of God. God’s Word is true, and His promises and sure, so when we read the scriptures, we should be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ, despite what we see through our natural eyes.

No matter how bad this present world becomes, believers still have hope of a wonderful, and secure eternity. Unfortunately, we must endure hard times, as Jesus did, so think it not strange, when suffering is laid before us. Through Christ, we can overcome any obstacle or roadblock set in our way. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell