No Matter What, Trust God

Malachi 1:11-14

Are you afraid of all that’s going on in the world as of late? Does the rising number of individuals all over the globe being affected with the coronavirus, cause you to cringe and cower in fear. Have you spent hundreds of dollars on hand sanitizer and toilet paper, but forgot to load up on other essentials, like FOOD? It’s evident, we are living in the last of the last days, and the plan of the enemy is unfolding in full force. Churches are closing, men are unable to fellowship as they were commanded to, and the elderly are dying off from this horrible virus. Of all that’s going on, do you think God was caught off guard by these recent occurrences? Was He aware, that satan’s agenda to separate the body of believers would happen at such a rapid pace? Everything that’s taking place in this time, was prophesied in Scripture. From the plagues of locust swarms in East Africa, to the COVID-19 virus that has literally shut down Italy, and other countries, these are just a few of the intense end-time events, scheduled to take place.

While the world focuses on all the seemingly negative things occurring, God is monitoring His children, to see whether they’ll remain true to His Word, in midst of what’s going on, and what’s to come, or give in to the world’s “new” normal standards. Something big is about to take place in our society, and it will be uncomfortable for many, but to those who are in God, we must hold fast to our faith, and not lose heart, despite what the world tries to force upon us.

“From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles;” (vs. 11a). The state of the world doesn’t surprise God at all. In fact, He’s just tapping His foot, awaiting the moment to send His Son to the earth, to rescue the Body of Christ from all this foolishness. The world will soon see for themselves, that the name of the Lord, is indeed a very strong tower, and the righteous will be caught up, to meet Him in the air. But for now, we must continue to be bold, and stand firm, despite how the world changes, because God will give His people a strategy, on how to keep themselves, during these days of pestilence and gloom.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Perfect Sacrifice

Leviticus 22:17-25

Rendering offerings to God, was a major part of the ancient Israelite culture. The sacrificial system between God and His chosen people, was set in place as a means of restoring unity, or amending their relationship. When the perfect God required offerings from His imperfect people, He only accepted perfect sacrifices. Some may be led to believe, nothing in life is perfect, so how could God expect something from Israel, that was impossible to accomplish. Well, God’s definition of perfect differs from man’s. According to the text, perfect is defined as, without blemish. Blemishes are small flaws that spoil the appearance of a thing, so God expected the people to thoroughly inspect their offerings, before presenting them to Him. I can picture in my head, Moses and the people inspecting every little detail of a sheep or goat, ensuring that there are no flaws, which could cause God to reject their offering. L

Animal sacrifices have been replaced by the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. God still demands a perfect sacrifice from our very own lives. While we may not appear perfect in the eyes of men, we have the power of God’s Spirit working within us, to keep us spotless, and free from all blemishes.

Walk in love,

Ell

Godly Representatives

Psalm 50:1-15

Parents (mainly mothers) are keen on making sure their children are well groomed, and pleasant, before leaving the house. Shirts should be tucked in, belts buckled, shoes laced properly, noses wiped, and all crunchies removed from the eyes, so that when the children are presented to the public, they represent their parents well. Throughout the day, children have the tendency to slack from following their parents instructions, especially when they are absent from each other, but when the kids see mom and dad coming, they quickly gather themselves together, and try to look as good as they did, before leaving the house.

God loves His children beyond what words can describe, and He takes delight in making sure they look good to the world. When we pray, study, and live holy before leaving our homes, God allows our lights to shine bright, and illuminate the darkness throughout world. Just as kids sometimes get a little loose when their parents leave their presence for a moment, children of God also have moments when they get a little lax in their Christian duties. In these moments, God allows things to happen, in order to guide us back into good standing with Him. This is important because, if God didn’t care for His people, and allowed them to remain unkempt, in a sense, the enemy would gladly, and easily sift them as wheat. I’m so grateful that God is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. God is our loving Father, and we should strive to represent Him better and better, each day.

Walk in love

Ell

Material Love

Micah 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:6-8

When a man finds interest in a woman, he first attempts to learn the things she likes, so that he can present them to her, in hopes of gaining her favor. Traditionally, women were fond of flowers, candy, and wholesome conversation, but things have changed drastically from the days of old, until now. When the man finally gains the woman’s attention, it’s important that he continue doing those things she appreciates, so that she’ll always hold him in high regard. It’s unfortunate how some men get the girl they want, but lose interest after getting too comfortable with her. All the flowers, cards, candy, and sweet nothings he use to whisper in her ear, get replaced with petty disagreements, and more time spent with the boys, and less time with her. If, perhaps, the man finally comes back to his senses, it’ll take more than material things to regain the woman’s favor once more.

When a man gives his heart to God, it’s a beautiful beginning to a great relationship. Babes in Christ are often on fire, and bubbling with joy, for their newly converted lives in God. The first few months are usually when people are more focused, and tuned in to learning about the Lord, and what He expects from them. Many try hard, and do all they can, to prove how committed they are to God. As time passes, and the babes go through the highs and lows of being a Christian, some have a tendency to pull away from God, and revert back to their former lives (the times that seemed more fun). In the event, the rebellious believers have a change of heart, and seek to come back to God, their material gifts won’t do them any good. Giving God tithes, offerings, sacrifices, or anything of the sort, proves nothing of your changed heart. Instead, to prove to God that you’ve changed your ways, you must only “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (vs. 8b).

Those simple requirements may not seem to be much in the eyes of men, but living a consistent life of humility, mercy, and righteousness, is all it takes to reestablish the bond between God the father, and His children.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hidden Treasures!

Micah 6:9-16

What do you value most in this life? The Bible teaches us, that those things we treasure most, are what are hearts are also aligned with. What we deem as treasure, or those things we hold dear to our hearts, we are set on keeping, and protecting them at all costs. This is evident in the lives of wealthy men and women, who value material possessions, and strive to keep their stored treasures in tact. They put alarms and cameras on every corner of their expansive homes, security guards to watch over their fancy cars and yachts, and store most of their funds in overseas accounts. Putting forth so much effort to protect things that will eventually fade away, is futile. Instead, men should store up treasures in heaven, where corrosion, rust, nor anything else could taint its value.

I don’t watch TV often, but lately I’ve noticed how many are worried about losing their riches, due to the recent pandemic. Wall street is also in a state of panic, and many are concerned they’ll lose their 401k investments. God was fully aware these things would take place, during this season, and He knows what His people have need of, so rather than worry ourselves to death about losing money, or material possessions, we should refocus our attention on fulfilling God’s will in this earth. The time for this present world is nearing its end, and there are countless signs that prove it, so fix your heart on God, and invest in the hidden treasures He has in store for us, in the life to come.

Walk in love,

Ell

Respect God’s Name

Micah 6:1-5

What has God done so bad in your life, that caused you to seek the pleasures of the world? Why don’t you read and meditate on the Scriptures, as you’ve done in the past? What keeps you preoccupied for extended periods of time, that restrains you from doing the works of the Lord? The church today has become weakened, because according to Scripture, many have fallen away. While there remains a remnant of steadfast sons and daughters of God, there are also countless men and women, who’ve given in to the influence of darkness, and turned away from walking in holiness.

God has done so many great things for everyone, especially those who are the body of Christ, but for whatever reasons, members of the church have found more pleasure in entertaining evil influences, rather then godly ones. God even asked the children of Israel, “what have I done unto thee?” (vs. 3a). God had controversy with the entire nation of Israel, because they continued in their iniquity, even after witnessing miraculous events take place in their lives, by God’s hand. I often reference parents, who go over and beyond for their children, yet those rascals fail to appreciate what’s given to them, and live contrary to the standards of their homes. In the same way, Israel forgot how good they had it, being in God’s realm of safety and provision, and ignorantly followed after their own desires. Being merciful by nature, God gave them the opportunity to state their case, as to why they chose to turn against the very one who was their source for literally everything.

God is good, all the time, yet we don’t give Him the reverence and respect He deserves. Make strides to strengthen your faith in God, and never allow anything to break your focus on pleasing Him, above all else.

Walk in love,

Ell

Prophets For Profit

Micha 3:5-8

God cares for all men, even those living in willful sin, because everyone has the opportunity to surrender their hearts to Him. While some can be easily convinced, God is the obvious choice, others may require a bit more time for their hardened hearts to soften, so the Word of God can penetrate deep into their souls, to invoke change. For this particular reason, those who have been tasked with speaking the oracles of God to men, must be sure their lives are pure and holy before the Father, so they can always hear clear, and unadulterated prophecy.

Men and women who preach, teach, and proclaim God’s Word to others, are responsible for every word that proceeds from their lips, and what they feed into the hearts and minds of the people, they’ll be held accountable for. In our text, and even today, prophets who were blessed by God (at their initial calling) eventually gave in to idolatry at some point, and began causing innocent souls to fall short of God’s glory. Misleading people from godly platforms is a terrible thing to do, because the consequences that follow could be devastating.

The false prophets in our text, literally caused the people to err, or wander away from holiness, forcing God to step in, and execute strict discipline. God caused a darkness to come over them, so they would not be able to divine, the very sun went down upon their prophecy, causing their days to be darkened, the seers were ashamed, the diviners confounded, and God withheld speaking all messages through any of them. That’s like a bird, being made to fly, but then suddenly restrained, and forced to walk the earth.

Prophets were given authority from God, to do what most men were afraid of; be bold, as they were ordained “to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10b). “Prophets weren’t ordained to hype up crowds, and collect big offerings, but to pull down and destroy kingdoms of darkness, and expose the hearts of men to the love of God.” (Ell Banks).

If you’re anxious to lead, or direct people to God, be warned, you better do it according to God’s holy standard, or you’ll be reprimanded as God sees fit.

Walk in love,

Ell

Good Times!

🎶 Good Times. 
Any time you meet a payment. 
Good Times. 
Any time you need a friend. 
Good Times. 
Any time you’re out from under. 
Not getting hassled, not getting hustled. 
Keepin’ your head above water, 
Making a wave when you can. 
Temporary lay offs. 
Good Times. 
Easy credit rip offs. 
Good Times. 
Scratchin’ and survivin’. 
Good Times. 
Hangin’ in and jivin’
Good Times. 
Ain’t we lucky we got ’em 
Good Times. 🎶

Life can come at you hard sometimes, but you should never allow your temporary struggles to hinder your eternal purpose. Take more time focusing on the good things in life, rather than the bad.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus, The Branch

Isaiah 11:1-5

Jesus, the Son of God, portrayed a number of virtues and qualities, many strive to live by today. While He walked the earth, He never did, nor spoke anything under His own authority or judgment, but His decisions were always based upon God’s approval. Of all the qualities found in the character of Christ, faithfulness and righteousness rest among the upper tier of them all. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, but faithfulness is consistent faith in action, never wavering nor doubting. Jesus was faithful to God, from heaven to earth, and proved that the unity they share is indeed inseparable. What God commanded Christ to do, He did it willingly, and without delay. Many times we are led of the Spirit to say or do things in a certain season, yet we delay, and cause unnecessary repercussions to occur. But, Jesus was strictly concerned about doing the business of His Father, above all else.

Coupled with His faithfulness, were the righteous acts Christ wholeheartedly exhibited to the Saints, as well as to sinners. All who came to Jesus, seeking a better life, received it. Even those who weren’t willing to change, left His presence with the truth, so they’d have no excuse on judgment day.

Righteousness is simply what it says, “right-ness”. As the righteousness of God, the church is expected to live in accordance with the same character Jesus displayed as He served in the earth. Along with faithfulness and righteousness, we are to display love to our neighbors, peace to our enemies, and compassion to all who are in need. Despite the unusual occurrences taking place in the world, strive daily to live righteous, and remain faithful to God, because only in Him, do we have hope of better days ahead.

Walk in love,

Ell

Good Vs. Evil

Isaiah 5:18-24

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (vs. 20). The world, as we know it, has changed dramatically, from God’s original creation. The morals and standards men once lived by, have been substituted for wicked and immoral beliefs. This news comes as no surprise, as it was prophesied by the apostle Paul, when he wrote, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV).

Proof of the end-times can be seen daily, as the world promotes evil, rather than good. Most television shows and movies take more pleasure in showing relationships between gays, lesbians, and transgenders, in place of the traditional man and women unit. Those things that are evil in the sight of God, are popular and publicized in the eyes of men. I always say, if something is popular to the world, it’s more than likely unpopular to God. This is true in many instances, including misplaced love, the role of man and woman, and even in music and entertainment.

I can imagine God sitting high, and looking low upon the state of this world. His longsuffering is on a level far beyond human comprehension, but I’m certain He’s awaiting the moment to rid this present world of all evil and wickedness.

Although Christians are in the world, we are not to become tainted with its influences. When men say hate, God says love. When some walk pass those hungry and destitute, believers are to stop, and lend a helping hand. Individually, it may seem a hard task to make change in this big world, but together, the church can have a major impact on this perverse society.

Walk in love,

Ell