The Frailty Of Man

Psalm 146

To many people in the world, trusting in God seems relevant, only when things become too hard to bear on human strength alone. When bills are paid, food fills the refrigerator, kids make the honor roll, and the neighbor’s dog, who constantly poops in your yard, finally keels over, we have little to no regard for God. Oftentimes, we fail to keep up healthy spiritual habits in times of plenty, while becoming accustomed to our lack of spiritual growth, but the moment the tables turn, and all the good in our lives turn to bad, God’s mainline rings off the hook!

The Bible warns against trusting in man, rather than God, and gives direct reasons why. Four reasons why depending on man’s wisdom is futile are 1) there is no sure help in any man, 2) man’s breath eventually leaves the body, and he is helpless to offer assistance, 3) man’s body goes back to the dust after death, and 4) man’s very thoughts leave the body, and cannot help anyone, as the body becomes dust.

The writer of this Psalm understood the importance of trusting God, at all times, and in all situations. We trust God because He made heaven, earth, the sea, and all that’s beneath its depths. The Lord has the power to open blind eyes, uplift those with heavy hearts, preserve strangers, relieve the fatherless and widows, give food to the hungry, and execute judgment for the oppressed. While men perish and fade away, the Lord shall reign forever, unto all generations, so why not put your trust in Him? He knows all, sees all, and created the very men we trust in, more than Himself. When we come to the realization that God really is who He says, we’ll never doubt that what He can do for us, far outweighs placing our confidence in worldly men.

Walk in love,

Ell

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Habakkuk 2:6-14

When men take advantage of others, in order to gain wealth and possessions, they automatically become eligible for a scheduled return of severe punishment. According to the “Golden Rule”, we are to treat everyone the same way we expect to be treated. Sadly, the world has become corrupt until the point that some will do all within their power (even if it hurts someone), to fulfill their selfish desires.

In nearly every country of the world, there are men who are living lavish, and have become financially stable, but at the expense of other’s suffering. The compassion once shared amongst men, has faded away, and the “dog eat dog”, or “barrel o monkeys” mentalities have overtaken men’s minds. While it appears, the men and women who have seemingly prospered using corrupt methods, are living the good life, their temporary happiness, and accumulated wealth is scheduled for an abrupt end. God sees all, and despises those who take advantage of others, or gain wealth by fraud and oppression, so He allows the wicked to wallow in their ways, until the time comes for them to reap what they had sown.

Seeds planted into the ground, represent the fruit that comes forth from the trees, so how we treat people, will determine what fruit will spring up in our lives. When we sow seeds of love, not only will man render it in return, but God will certainly bless us as well. But, when we plant seeds of evil and wickedness, in time, the same will begin to grow in our lives also.

Walk in love,

Ell

Futile Faith

Habakkuk 2:18-20

When you experience days of sadness, grief, or sorrow, do you go outside, and express your thoughts to your car? In times of distress, will seeking the counsel of your fine clothing, help to make your days better? When you need peace in the midst of a storm, how much money can you spend to find resolution? When you’re sick in your body, can you look into your television, and find healing? Of all the things men idolize today, none can offer the love, joy, healing, peace, strength, and wisdom God freely gives to those who serve Him.

Idols do nothing except distract men from the truth of God’s Word, and keep them bound to satan’s evil philosophies. Our text plainly describes idols as, dumb, clarifying that they have no breath at all, nor can they hear, or be trusted to assist men in any way. It’s rather unfortunate, how the glory that belongs to God, is given to things made by the hands of men, but such is the way this world has become.

The body of Christ needs to be mindful, not to get caught up in giving too much time to things unhealthy for their souls. Despite what the world promotes as popular, or attractive, God is the only one deserving of the glory, honor, and praise. When we are hurting in our hearts, God can give us a peace that surpasses all human understanding. When we get weak, and are about to throw in the towel, God’s perfect strength lifts us up, and prepares us to fight another round.

Push away all idols in your life, that only distract you from focusing your attention on the awesome creator of the universe, and let God be the only one you run to for all your needs.

Walk in love,

Ell

Check Yourself, Before You Wreck Yourself!

Habakkuk 2:15-17

When was the last time you had a physical examination (I exclude myself from that question, because of…ummm..well, reasons lol)? Anyhoo, as we age, our bodies lose the strength and vigor they had during our “glory years”, so it’s essential for us to monitor, and evaluate the state of our physical well-being, on a regular basis. These borrowed bodies that house our soul and spirit, have a shelf life, and will someday expire, so while we have them, it’s essential that we do all we can, to make certain they remain strong and durable to withstand the changing times, and seasons. This sound piece of advice was stirred up in me, from a recent back injury I incurred at work. When we misuse, and abuse our bodies, we’ll experience harsh realities, when we suffer major or minor injuries.

Physical examinations are vital to our long-term health, but more important are spiritual examinations. Going through life, we often become stagnant, and hardly ever do we check our walk with God, to make sure it’s tight like glue. For this reason, disciples of Christ are to always, and I stress, ALWAYS, check themselves daily, to ensure that they are living in accordance to the Word of God. In those moments, when we think we have things all together, is when we can slip, and falter. But, when we live everyday, as if it were our last, we would be mindful of our thoughts and actions toward others. Staying in good spiritual shape isn’t a hard task; it’s as simple as obeying the commands written in the Scriptures. The apostle Paul left us a great spiritual workout plan in the book of Romans:

*Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
*Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
*Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
*Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
*Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
*Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
*Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
*Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
*Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
*If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
*Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
*Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
*Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

This is only a snippet of all the wonderful spiritual exercises to glean from in the Word of God. Take care of yourselves, physically and spiritually, and allow God to get the most out of you, while you yet live.

Walk in love,

Ell

Contrasting Characters

Habakkuk 2:1-5

The most iconic hero in all of comics is undoubtedly, Superman. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman was introduced to be the savior, and protector of all mankind. Hailing from planet Krypton, young Kal-El was sent to earth, by his biological father, in order to survive the tragic destruction of his home planet. Fortunately, he was discovered by a married couple living in Kansas, who raised the child to be respectful, honest, and portray great work ethics throughout society.

Superman possesses extraordinary powers, with the character traditionally described as “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. For most of his existence, Superman’s famous arsenal of powers has included flight, super-strength, invulnerability, super-speed, vision powers, super-photographic memory, super-hearing, and super-breath, which enables him to freeze objects by blowing on them, as well as exert the propulsive force of high-speed winds.

With all the strengths and powers Superman has at his disposal, his intentions are to only use them for good, not evil. His character is set to a standard, that with power, comes responsibility, and such powers should never be used selfishly, or to take advantage of others. Unfortunately there are those who have contrasting character traits, and prefer to cause chaos and destruction to the lives of innocent people, rather than support their greater good. Superman has reigned victorious over countless villains, including Doomsday, Lex Luthor, Darkseid, and General Zod (just to name a few). Although these foes have powers beyond those of normal humans, they choose to abuse them, seeking only to gain more power and authority over all who are “beneath them”.

The contrasting characters of Superman and his foes, will keep them at never-ending odds, but as long as there’s power flowing within him, Superman will fight for justice, no matter what it takes.

As Christians, we may not have the ability to leap over tall buildings, or run faster than a train, but we do posses a power beyond anything a comic book character can ever obtain. The power that comes after receiving the Holy Ghost, allows for the Saints to perform incredible things, but with such power, also comes responsibility. We are to be the salt of the earth, and season the lands with our compassion, and good deeds. Conversely, the enemy prefers to hinder our righteous living, in favor of promoting a more wicked agenda. Men are fickle, and can be easily beguiled by satan, especially when their minds are unstable.

The children of God are to represent His character traits, while attending to the greater good of all men, but they must also be mindful not to give in to the pressures of the character of our adversary, because this works against the purpose and will of the Father.

To all who fight for justice, and seek only to fulfill the will of God, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Walk in love,

Ell

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Matthew 25:41-46

Up to this point in your life, how have you treated those who were hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned? It may take a few moments for you to think on all those situations, but according to Jesus, the church should pay close attention to those struggling in these areas, and waste no time, attending to their needs. While it is true, we were made the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21, we are to prove our allegiance to the Father through our works. How we treat others, reveals the secrets of our heart toward God. When a man loves God beyond words alone, he makes it his business to help those in need, on a daily basis. Whether it be lending a listening ear to someone dealing with a struggle, providing food for the hungry, or telling a lost soul about Jesus, the body of Christ should always be found doing something, to make the lives of others better.

There are those who bark and rant that they love God, and can even quote Scriptures easily, but they only do it for show, and have no real intentions to get their hands dirty in the field. God has rewards awaiting those who fulfill His love command, as well as for those who willingly refuse. The righteous have no problem taking time to relieve people of the pressures life presents to them, including children, whereas the unrighteous can turn their face away from a hungry child, with no remorse at all. Always be mindful of how you treat people today, because it’ll ultimately determine where you will spend eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell

Nothing But The Truth

Ezekiel 33:1-9

Proclaiming the Word of God, is what all disciples of Christ have been commissioned to do on the earth, but preaching from a position of authority, brings a different level of responsibility, the average believer isn’t bound to. Many were called by God, to do great things in His kingdom, but few were chosen to carry out special assignments. Men who desired to be leaders in the church, were given instruction to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 2:4 KJV).

Those God called to lead others, are to be bold, direct, and honest when delivering His Word to the people. In the same way Ezekiel, the watchman, was commanded by God, to warn men to turn from their evil ways, leaders today are tasked with the same command. It’s never wise to withhold rebuke from those who need it, because it could ultimately save their lives, but refusing to give warning to those in sin, could cause men to die without salvation, causing their blood to forever be on your hands. This is why I don’t understand why men are so eager to become pastors, or church leaders, because such positions require much responsibility. The souls of the people are what matter to God, and if any leader teaches doctrine contrary to what’s in God’s Word, he’ll be in danger of harsh punishment. When a man truly loves God, he’ll do all within his power, to take care of God’s people.

If you’re in a position of authority in your local church, or other organization, do you give the people the whole truth of God’s Word, or do you withhold the harsh truth, in order to appease their itching ears?

Walk in love,

Ell

Trust The Process

Psalm 130

Pray – Wait – Receive. This is the typical process the children of God experience when seeking answers from the Father. Before coming to God with any request, we must first determine if what we desire is aligned with God’s will for us. Children ask their parents for everything, and most of what they whine for, are things they don’t need. A good parent knows how to ignore futile requests, for the ones that are actually relevant. Although God may hear all our prayers, He will only answer the ones that will make our lives better, but for His purposes. Selfish prayers are never answered, and God is too wise to give us things that would draw us away from Himself. When we pray, let’s be certain that what we ask for, will not only benefit ourselves, but also have an impact on the kingdom of God.

The “waiting game” is the second part of the prayer process. In my most honest opinion, I HATE WAITING! I don’t consider myself a millennial, nor do I openly confess to be amongst the microwave generation, but, I do not enjoy waiting. Waiting for God to answer our prayers is very important, because during these moments, God monitors how we behave, until He decides to respond. I have failed many tests of waiting, and found myself complaining that God was taking too long to assist me, on multiple occasions. Little did I know, God had my answer, before I even prayed, but waited to see if I would wait patiently for His response. Well, I’m grateful for second chances, because from those experiences, I learned to wait on God, no matter what.

The rewards that come from waiting on God are absolutely amazing (ask Joseph, Job, and Daniel, if you don’t believe me)! God knows what we need before we even ask, but He demands constant communication between He and His children, so that healthy rapport can be established, and we will always know His voice, from the enemy’s. God doesn’t need blessings, but we do. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24 KJV).

After we pray to God, we are to live as if those prayers are already answered. We should continue living and loving, as God commanded, rather than put our lives on hold, waiting to see if God will answer us. Prayer does work, and although the devil attacks us spiritually, trying to hinder our blessings, God will always answer the prayers of the righteous. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

The Longsuffering Father

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 12-14

Patience is like time; it eventually runs out – Ell Banks. The modern-day “earthling”, including men, women, and children, have developed extremely low levels of patience. We gripe and moan at 45 second red lights, and throw fits when the drive-through lane becomes the lazy river. The people of today have been deemed, the microwave society, because they desire that all things come quickly, so they won’t have to wait long for them.

Our impatience usually causes us to suffer, at times, by way of car accidents, burning our tongues from eating hot foods, or disciplining our children too soon, without questioning their seemingly unacceptable behavior (felt the need to throw that curve ball in there for all the parents).

Patience is a virtue, and was implemented by God, for good reason. Imagine working with an impatient farmer, who randomly throws seed all over there place, instead of properly placing them accordingly, in the soil. Rather than wait for seed time and harvest to run their course, he would pluck everything up too early, causing wasted time, and resources.

Patience also keeps us safe from dangers we see, and those we don’t. There were moments when I would feel the Spirit of God, nudging me to slow down, while even driving the speed limit. Had I not listened to the Holy Ghost, I would have crashed into an elderly man, who ran a red light, and was positioned to ram directly into my car. Rather than curse, scream, and honk the horn at grandpa, I prayed a prayer of thanks to God, for keeping me safe from an accident, and sparing the life of someone’s father, brother, or friend.

God has been patient with man for a very long time, and according to Scripture, His patience will soon run out for the wicked, and those who claim His name, yet shun His righteousness. Man has been given the unadulterated Word of God, countless personal testimonies, and the best free gift anyone could claim, salvation. We have also been given ample time to receive God’s Word, taste to see how good it is, digest it, and compare it to what the world offers. Those who are truly honest with themselves know, that God is real, His Word is true, and the world can do nothing to save them, yet they still must make the choice to claim salvation, before the patience of the Lord runs out.

Walk in love,

Ell

All Puffed Up!

Isaiah 10:12-14

“By the strength of my hand I have done it…” (vs. 13a). Can you recall a time, when you puffed yourself up, to gain praise from men, then God quickly humbled you, before your head swelled too big to pop? I can think of multiple examples from my own experiences, when God politely humbled me, to prevent me from humiliating myself.

Pride sucks, because it reveals that your true intentions are to take the glory that belongs to God, all for yourself. Some truly believe, that because they have the ability to do a thing, it’s justified, by default, simply because they can do it, but according Colossians 3:23, everything we do on this earth, we are to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. I’ll give you 37 seconds, to think of one thing you can accomplish, without God’s help (playing the Jeopardy tune in the background). Have you thought of something yet? Probably not, because there’s not one thing man can do, except God allow it. For example, if God borrowed the breath He breathed into you for a few days, what would happen to your physical body? Yeah, now you’re beginning to see my point.

God created man with amazing skills, talents and special abilities, that are all to be used to fulfill His purposes in the earth, but when we start to toot our own horns for things God was responsible for, there will always come a season of “straightening”. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 KJV).

God is fixed on getting the best out of His children, and causing their light to shine bright amongst men, but seeking to outshine the God of all creation, places one in the same category as satan, when he was in heaven. When we value and appreciate who we are in God, we’ll spend less time focusing on self, and more time contemplating how to make others better.

Walk in love,

Ell