My First Love

Hosea 2:14-23

“Hindsight is always 20/20”, and people usually see situations more clear, after experiencing them first-hand. These sayings are especially true in circumstances where some have failed to appreciate the kindness and generosity of others, until that person removed themselves from their company. A similar saying that applies to this is, “you don’t know what you got, till you lose it”.

Living as a Christian, in these days, is extremely challenging, as men often take our kindness for weakness, but the moment their lives take a turn for the worse, they remember those who once showed them compassion, eventually seeking them for comfort. God dealt with this continually from the children of Israel, during the time when they willingly entertained evil influences, and ignored His chastening. They failed to appreciate all that God was gracefully providing for them, and chose to find pleasure in things the Father despised. This situation happens in many homes across the country, as parents work tirelessly to provide for their children, then witness their lack of appreciation, and resistance to abide by their teachings. It would break my heart, to see the son or daughter I raised and provided for, turn their face away from me, and connect with those who operate under standards contrary to what was established in my home. Children today, are easily distracted by the many influences of the world, so it’s vital that parents establish solid Bible standards as early as possible, to train their kids to recognize truth from lies, at an early age.

God loved Israel, but hated their sins, yet He promised to give them bountiful blessings, as soon as they grew weary from their sinful living, and remembered how good they had it, before they left their first love. God’s love isn’t fickle and frail as the love portrayed by the world, but He offers love unconditional, and reserves blessings for those who remain true to His Word.

Have you left God’s love for someone else’s? If so, do you finally see the difference in the love offered by the Father, compared to that of carnal men? Turn away from all those things that do nothing to help you grow spiritually, and return to your first love. Let God prove to you, that what he offers, can bless your life now, and throughout eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell

Words Of Authority

Genesis 1:4-9, Amos 5:8-9

“And God said, Let there be…and it was so.” Those words alone, hold the utmost authority and power of all I’ve ever read in my life! To literally speak things into existence, deems one omnipotent, by default, despite what anyone says, in my opinion. As a kid, I tried time and time again, to call things from the sky, including money, candy, other things 80’s kids enjoyed during those days, but I assumed my voice wasn’t as strong as God’s, to call things into existence, because I was never able to make any of those things appear out of thin air. Obviously, my naivety got the best of me, but I soon gained a greater respect for the awesomeness of the power God operates in. In the beginning, God created, and set things in order with the power of His words. He divided light from darkness, placed the firmament of Heaven in the midst of the waters, and it divided the waters from the waters. God set the sun, moon, stars, and everything else in place, as they remain to this day. God created ecosystems in nature, times and seasons, and cycles, so that the earth and all its inhabitants, could be self-sustaining over time. The world in its “pre-tainted” state, was absolutely incredible! Ahh, if only I could have basked in the glory of such a pristine environment. God, in all His glory and awesomeness, still sits high and looks low upon this earth, awaiting the moment to gather His people together, and treat them to an eternity of peace, majesty, glory, and splendor in the new Heaven, and new earth. Will I see you there?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17 KJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.” (Isaiah 66:22 KJV)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:29-33 KJV)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:10-13 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Silent, But Deadly

Amos 5:6-7, 10-13

The modern church has fallen into a state, where Bible learning, and soul salvation have become afterthoughts, and financial gain, and titles have been on the forefront of men’s agendas. The wisdom and knowledge once gained from healthy church gatherings, have been substituted with hours of wasted time of opinions, falsehoods, and carnal doctrines. In a time when the world needs to see the love of God, through His people, they instead are entertained with behaviors of men and women “of the cloth”, that is at times, worse than their own.

Throughout the Scriptures, the men who gave Jesus the most trouble were religious leaders, and this hasn’t changed since. Rather than meet the needs of the people, these men prefer to “tread upon the poor”, take away their provisions, build expensive homes, and make large investments, unrelated to the betterment of the people. Rather than denounce sin altogether, and do right by God’s people, they boast in their positions of authority, and fine living. While the behaviors from these individuals often cause many to become frustrated and upset, the text mentions, “The prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.” (vs. 13). We may get mad, and want to tear those wicked leaders apart, but many of them won’t change, no matter what we say, or do to them. However, God knew these times would come, and already established, that all the wealth, fame, and possessions corrupt church leaders try to accumulate, will be enjoyed by someone other than themselves. These people think they are getting by, with ignoring the needs of God’s people, and filling their pockets with vanity, but they will all be in for a big surprise, sooner or later.

Remain steadfast in the Lord, and don’t allow the wicked devices of corrupt leaders to hinder your faith. Be strong, watch, and pray, as God reveals Himself in ways we’ve never seen!

Walk in love,

Ell

Life Is Bliss

Amos 5:4-5, 14-15

Is life truly worth living? It’s obvious, the state of the world is in steady decline, as we witness Bible prophecy fulfill before our very eyes. The uprising of wars, and rumors of wars, persecution, affliction, and all those things mentioned in the Scriptures, are surely coming to pass. With all the chaos, and turmoil ravaging the lands, can the people of God experience a life of goodness, and prosperity during these prophetic end-times? I’ll first answer that question by listing a few scriptures that support my strong opinion.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 KJV

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

“In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Deuteronomy 30:16 KJV

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

Is life truly worth living? Of course it is! Despite the fact that this world will soon be over, God allows those who are engrafted into His royal family, to experience the full benefits of His amazing love! When we seek good, and not evil, God promised to be with us. Whether in times of sickness, trial, or testing, God will always defend those who seek to fulfill His will, over their own.

The enemy knows his time meandering around the earth is nearly up, so he’s pressing hard against the children of God, trying to convince them to give up. But, we already have the victory over satan. The problem is, many of us aren’t living as if that’s true. When we allow our problems to be bigger than the Problem Solver, this causes issues with our professed beliefs. Even as we live in obedience to God, we must remain bold and steadfast, regardless of what comes against us.

Believers have the power of God working within them, through His Spirit, that helps them do great things in the earth. We receive power, after the Holy Ghost comes upon us, to get wealth, call those things that be not, as though they were, lay hands on the sick, and help them recover, and many other wonderful things! So, rather than spend your life focusing on all your problems, look to God, and trust Him to help you live a good life on this troubled planet.

Walk in love,

Ell

A Little Too Late

Amos 5:1-3, 16-17

If you were in a position of great authority, and were presented the opportunity to save a life, by use of extreme punishment, or to refrain from executing discipline, so that the convicted could continue on a path to their eventual demise, which would you choose? It’s never a good feeling when bringing discipline upon others, because it hurts to see them suffer, especially when they could have chosen a better direction. Judges and jurors are met with this challenge on a daily basis. It’s not easy to condemn someone to punishment, because most people have a heart, but when your hand is forced to put someone away, because of their consistent unlawful behavior, there’s no choice left, except judgment. Parents also experience these feelings quite often, when they are forced to discipline their unruly children. It matters not how cute and precious those little rascals can be, when daddy and mommy lay down the law, those little ones are expected to obey. But, when they consistently refuse to adhere to the standard, parents are forced to execute plan “pow pow”.

The God of all creation has had His own share of similar instances, when the children of Israel forced His hand to bring judgment upon them, through their continual disobedience. God loved the nation of Israel unconditionally, and had amazing blessings in store for them, but they found more pleasure in their hypocrisy, than in remaining steadfast in His will.

Our text presents prophecy of future lamentations Israel will face, because they had fallen so far away from God’s standard, until there was “none to raise her up” (vs. 2b). After reminding the people of their blatant sins, God offered them one last chance to change their ways. In verses 14 and 15, God said, “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph”. After all the hypocrisy, sinning, and wicked things Israel were undoubtedly guilty of, God gave them another opportunity to clean up their ways. Are you generous and compassionate to others, when they wrong, or offend you? Do you give second, third, fourth, and fifth chances, so others can eventually get themselves together, and have time to ask your forgiveness? Or, do you bring down the hammer, the moment someone comes at you in an unacceptable manner?

God’s mercy is everlasting, and the truth of His Word, will endure through every generation, but there will come a time when those second, third, and tenth chances will be taken away, and God’s hand will be forced to bring judgment down on all who remain in sin, and refuse to correct the error of their ways.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Day Of The Lord

Zephaniah 1:14-18

There are many areas of Scripture, people are hesitant to read, because they either bring fear, or confusion, when trying to understand them. In fact, the average Bible reader prefers to study more about the blessings of God, as opposed to learning about end-time events. Our lesson text details a very unique day, that will come, according to God’s schedule plan.

Every man, and woman, who refuses to accept Christ as their savior, will soon face a day, that will be like none anyone has ever experienced on the earth. Although many believers will unfortunately experience end-time tribulation, when the enemy amplifies his attacks against God’s people (which seems, at times, to already be in effect), and causes hurt and shame to many, the day of God’s wrath will come, after Christ has taken His people away from the plagued, and sin-sick world.

The prophet Zephaniah was very descriptive, as he mentioned the details of that sad, and terrible day. It’s mentioned that this day will be one of great wrath, trouble and distress, waste and desolation, darkness and gloominess, clouds and thick darkness, trumpet and alarm, bloodshed, and a day wicked men will not escape.

We serve a God of love and justice, and not one who desires that men perish in sin, but to willingly refuse His salvation, and liberty from eternal damnation, automatically sets one on the path to experience this tragic day. It’s the will of God that no one perish, but that all come to repentance, so they’ll have no fear of the great day of the Lord, when it comes.

Walk in love,

Ell

Have A Heart

Luke 11:5-13

Why are people so mean these days? Have you thought about that lately? I’m not too sure how things went on back in the olden days, but from my experiences growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, men showed a bit more respect for one another, than they do today. Fathers taught their sons proper work ethics, and how to be kind and courteous to women, and mothers would show their daughters the ways of womanhood. Far gone are the days of “yes sir”, and “no ma’am”, because children aren’t being taught to respect their elders. Instead, are youth are being groomed by Disney and Nickelodeon, rather than good old fashioned wisdom, and Bible teachings. Old cartoons usually conveyed chivalry by showing a man laying down his coat over water, so a woman’s feet wouldn’t get wet, or by young boys holding doors open for elderly women. Those virtues are hardly seen today, because men have become selfish, and more self-centered than ever before.

In my 38 years of journeying on this planet, I’ve learned, the farther men drift away from God, the more inclined they are to entertain immoral, and unethical behaviors, but the closer they remain to the Father, the more apt they are to show love and kindness by default. Jesus taught that friends are to always be there for each other, even if it comes at a cost. When you say love someone, there will ALWAYS come opportunities for that love to be proven. Our text gives a few examples of the proper way to handle friends in need, and the importance of showing kindness to those in desperate situations. If I’m hungry, and come to a friend in the wee hours of the night for food, is it right for them to shun me away saying, “it’s too late”, or give me a bag of rocks? Not at all. Instead, they should make it top priority to see that my need is met, especially if they have more than enough to spare. This is especially relevant for the body of Christ. No brother, or sister joined to God, should ever deny a fellow believer assistance (within reason, obviously). Even if you can’t personally assist someone, the least you can do is help point them in a direction where help can be rendered.

If you claim to have the love of God residing in your heart, it should ALWAYS show in your actions. Remember to treat all men the way you desire to be treated, and love them with the same love God shows you every day.

Walk in love,

Ell

Proper Prayer Posture

Matthew 7:7-11

There are countless verses of Scripture in the Bible, that teach us how to receive answers for our prayers, from God. Whether we ask, seek, knock, fast, meditate, perform good deeds, worship, or praise, there’s a requirement that must first be met, in order for our prayers to reach God ears, and merit a legit response. God is holy, and demands that His children be holy as well. Just as a good parent seeks only good for their children, God cares for the church as a good Father should. But, in order to justly receive all God has stored up for us, we must be free from sin. Free, not in a sense that we’re perfect, or mistake-free, but free as in forgiven, born-again, and striving to do God’s will daily.

Oftentimes, men pray amiss, and seek things that will only please their selfish desires, but God blesses us, so that we can be a blessing to others, while bringing glory to His name as well. Even children born into wealthy families have rights to obtain an inheritance, but certain behaviors must still be maintained, in order to receive what’s due to them, at the appropriate time. The prophet Isaiah understood this when he wrote, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). When we live outside of the will of God, He’s not obligated to hear, nor answer anything we cry out to Him. This is similar to a parent being asked for a treat, from a child with consistent unruly behavior. A good parent understands, rewarding children for bad behavior is not a common standard, and could possibly encourage the child to continue in their unhealthy habits (although there are times when you can actually show kindness to a child who’s deserving of punishment, and shock them back into reality). When we learn to desire only those things that are pleasing to God, then He’ll be more inclined to listen to our requests, and bless us accordingly.

So, when you pray to God, what do you ask, and seek from Him. Do you make petitions for things to make your name great, and draw attention to your own plans, or do you desire things that will benefit yourself, and others, spiritually and naturally as well?

Walk in love,

Ell

Effectual, Fervent Prayer

Luke 18:1-8

“…men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (vs. 1). Jesus spoke in parables for a number of reasons, but more so, to instill valuable spiritual lessons into the hearts of His listeners.

Our text details the parable of the unjust judge. In this story, a woman was being treated unjustly by her “adversary”, and sought justice from a ruler, known to be biased, and unfair. Under normal circumstances, the judge would have ignored the woman’s request, and push her case to the side, but she was persistent in seeking justice, and came to the judge on multiple occasions. The woman’s “continual coming” would eventually give the judge intolerable annoyance, and pester him beyond endurance, so he elected to avenge her.

Jesus never mentioned the details of the woman’s adversary, nor the unfair treatment she was experiencing, but the message was clear; if a selfish, and unrighteous individual can be convinced to give support to the innocent, how much more would God do for those who love Him? God is merciful, and gracious without question. He is love, and offers it freely to all who will accept it. Unlike the woman in the story, who was persistent in seeking justice, many Christians unfortunately give up, and stop seeking God, the moment things turn south in their lives. I must confess, I’ve had my share of experiences, where I wondered if God was even listening to my cries for help, because it seemed that all my praying and fasting rendered no results. But, God always had a way of reminding me, He was well aware of the goings on in my life, and had blessings at the end of all my tests. There were times, when God would allow things to last for a season, to monitor how I would respond. Some tests I passed with flying colors, whereas others, I had to retake a few times, until I got it right.

Jesus encouraged His disciples to never stop praying, nor lose heart, because God would always support them, despite all the hardships they’d encounter on their paths. When hard times come, it’s easy to throw in the towel, and the devil doesn’t make things any easier by trying to convince us to doubt God, and live in fear, unbelief, and worry. But, through Christ, we have the power to overcome doubt, fear, and unbelief. Because of Christ, believers have access to God’s supernatural strength, that enables them to overcome natural experiences.

In those moments when you’re on the verge of giving up, take 30 seconds, and ask God to restore your strength, and equip you with all the tools you need, to remain steadfast during your tough seasons. Always remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do, so don’t stop praying, because God will see you through.

Walk in love,

Ell

A New Home

Acts 1:6-11

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “A New Home”! Starring, Papa, and little Johnny! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Papa: Okay family, I called you all here to tell you that I’ll be going away for a while, on business, but I won’t be gone too long, so I expect everyone to be on their best behavior.

Children: Ohhh no pappa, where are you going, and how long will you be away, and why are you leaving?

Momma: It’s okay kids, papa’s going away to work a new job, and guess what? He’s building a new house for us as well!

Papa: Ahh honey, you spoiled the surprise!

Children: Yaaaaaaay! We’re getting a new house! We’re getting a new house! We’re getting a new house!

Little Johnny: Papa

Papa: Yes Johnny

Little Johnny: Umm… while you’re away, who will take care of momma and this house?

Papa: Johnny, I leave you in charge.

Little Johnny: Really papa?!

Papa: Yes. And, I expect you to always listen to momma, do your chores and homework consistently, and without complaining, protect your sister’s from those pesky Johnson boys across the street, and never forget, although I’m away, I’m always watching you.

Little Johnny: Okay papa! I promise I’ll do my best to protect our home while you’re away, and I’ll be nice to Cindy and Rachel (most of the time), and ummm I’ll beat up the Johnson boys if they mess with them, and I will always do my chores and homework, and listen to mommy everyday, and…

Papa: Okay okay little Johnny. I believe you’ll do great while I’m gone, but remember, I’ll be back soon to see whether you kept your word, or not. So, I leave you in charge of keeping things right while I’m away. You represent me, little man, so I expect you to behave the same, as if I’m still here.

Little Johnny: Scout’s honor papa. I will do my best!

This concludes another episode of, “A New Home”! Thanks for tuning in.

This story conveys a similar message Jesus left to His disciples before He ascended into the clouds. They were to carry on, where He left off; witnessing of His purpose to all the world. Knowing the journey wouldn’t be easy, Christ was also sure to leave them with a comforter, to assist them on their endeavors.

The power that ignites believers to boldly proclaim the message of the Gospel comes by way of the Holy Ghost, and absolutely NO OTHER SOURCE. In order to effectively preach God’s message, one must have God’s Spirit within them. When Christ returns, He’ll do as Papa did in our story, and check to see whether we obeyed His commands, or not, so live today, as if Jesus was still here, and allow His Spirit to empower you to be great until He returns.

Walk in love,

Ell