God’s Divine Love

1 Kings 8:54-61

How would you respond, if God decided to abandon you, and leave you to fend for yourself the rest of your life? Could you maintain the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to, while God guided your every move, or would you find it difficult to keep your life in order, while making decisions based on your own wisdom and judgment? Before fully submitting yourselves to God, you may have had some success in life, where good things happened here and there, but only when your life is ordered by the Lord, will your good have natural, and spiritual implications as well.

Just as God kept His promises to those who served Him before we were even in existence, He will keep His word toward us also. When we trust in God, delight in Him, commit to His way, He’ll in turn, supply our needs, give us the desires of our heart, and answer all our prayers, according to His will. We were created by God to enjoy the full benefits of His divine love, but we must first surrender our hearts to Him, then walk in all His ways, by keeping His commandments, statutes, and judgments.

Serving God isn’t hard at all, but resisting temptation is where the struggle is. I often wonder, why men cheat on good women, because if the woman has everything he wants and needs, then why would he even consider giving attention to someone else? In the same sense, if God has literally everything we want and need, why entertain thoughts and ideas the enemy presents to distract us? God operates in love, but the lust of the eyes and flesh, offers things that seem more appealing than what God offers. Satan is the master of deception, and knows what it takes to turn our eyes away from God, so he tries hard to break our focus, by setting traps that don’t seem harmful, nor threatening at first glance. But, the longer we entertain temptation, the tougher it’ll be to escape its sinful grasp. This is why it’s extremely important to incline our hearts to God, as Solomon did, so that He will never leave, nor forsake us. “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day”. (1 Kings 8:61 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Give God time

2 Chronicles 7:8-11

Super Bowl LIV (54), also known as, “The Big Game”, is only a few days away, and millions around the world are planning to celebrate their team’s victory to the fullest. Avid fans of both genders, go all out, to show support of the team they love, and root for them without restraint. Men, women, and children alike, will gather around big screens on that most anticipated day, to gaze attentively, as grown men wearing tights, fight over a pig-skinned ball, for over 3 hours. What’s also shocking is the fact that due to the increasing amounts of states legalizing sports gambling, billions of dollars will be wagered on the Big Game, legally, and illegally.

While celebrations have become a normality in our society, it’s origin was intended to be focused solely on showing gratitude and appreciation to God, and all His goodness. Birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, sporting events, and other things have become the focus of what the average American celebrates, but how much better would it be to focus all our energy on celebrating the only One who’s actually deserving of it? Society has shaped and shifted our minds into believing that many frivolous things are deserving of celebrations, but in God’s eyes, it’s all a waste of time. When all of our energy is directed toward God, we would spend less time wasting our emotions on events that have absolutely no spiritual relevance, and more time investing into our eternal prosperity.

Our text mentions the time when king Solomon, and the entire congregation of Israel kept the dedication of the altar, and the feast for seven days. For an entire week, the people rejoiced in the memories of God’s goodness during the reign of king David, and Solomon as well. I posed the question in the previous lesson, “how much is enough, when rendering praise and thanksgiving to God”? According to this text, enough is whatever one’s heart desires.

It’s easy for the believer to get distracted when their focus isn’t totally on God, because all that the world offers seems pleasant to the flesh, and oftentimes beguiles men to fall into temptation. Take a moment and think about all the things you set aside time to celebrate. Do any of those things bring glory to the name of the Lord? If so, then party on! If not, then you may want to reconsider what to invest your time in. Life is short, and tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone, so spend more time doing things that please God, so that He can spend more time blessing your life in return.

Walk in love,

Ell

I.O.U.

2 Chronicles 7:1-6

When rendering to God sacrifices of praise, offering, or thanksgiving, how much is enough? After considering all the things God has done, and is yet doing in your life, do you think it’s even possible to repay what He’s done for you? Is there any amount of money, burnt offering, or other gift you can offer to God, in exchange for one simple breath? By now, I’m certain you have a good idea of the answer to those questions. God is beyond awesome, and He does things for us, that no one else can do, so limiting our gratitude to Him is very unwise.

Scheduling time to pray, and reverence God, is essential to the body of Christ, and helps the believer maintain focused faith in God, and not on things of the world. In the same way unborn babies are connected to their mother’s placenta by an umbilical cord, where oxygenated blood and nutrients can be transferred to the baby, believers are tied to God through salvation (redemption), and prayer, with thanksgiving, are means by which God supplies the needs of His children.

When we pray, in faith, and not wavering or doubting, God hears us, and schedules our answer according to His timing. When king Solomon “had made an end of praying”, God responded instantly! Fire came down from Heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifice he had placed before the Lord. This was a sign that God was pleased with Solomon’s prayer and sacrifice, and deemed it acceptable. Solomon had done well in leading the construction of the Temple of God, and all the materials used to build the house of God calculated to an estimation of a few BILLION dollars! How much have you freely given in offerings during your lifetime? I doubt my contributions come close to what Solomon gave, but when you give from the heart, God accepts it, no matter the amount.

How much is enough when giving to God? Well, Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” In other words, God looks not on the amount of what you offer Him, but at the heart in which it’s given. We can’t pay God back for what He does for us with things, but we can offer holy and acceptable lifestyles to Him, which is our reasonable service.

Walk in love,

Ell

Yes, He cares

Matthew 6:25-30

In the beginning, God created so many amazing things, including birds that fly in the air, fish to swim in the seas, trees, plants, and all types of flora and fauna that inhabit the entire planet! There are millions of different trees and animals that exist in the earth, that all rely on God’s sustaining hand, to keep them fed. He gives sunlight and rain, so that plants and trees can receive nourishment, and makes certain that all the animals get their daily nutrition as well. God made everything good in the beginning, and still provides for His creation today, from the tiny little bumblebee, to the great oak tree. It’s amazing to even fathom how God pays attention to the smallest details of everything He created! This not only applies to plants and animals, but to you and I as well. To all who feel that God doesn’t, or has stopped caring for them, I strongly advise you to think again. Yes, God looks after things that may last mere moments, but He certainly cares for His people the more. God didn’t create man for jest or nought, but we were fashioned in His own likeness, to inhabit the earth, and spread goodness throughout. If God thinks enough to care for birds and trees, do you have faith enough to believe that He’ll take care of you too?

Walk in love,

Ell

Conditional love

1 Kings 9:1-9

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Conditional Love”! Starring, the wisest man ever created, king Solomon, and the creator of all things, God the Father, Himself! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Solomon: (speaking to his workers) Alright men, you’ve done exceptionally well. After 20 long years, we finally finished building the house of the Lord, my house, and all the other things we thought would be pleasing to the Lord. All your hard work will not go in vain, and expect for God to work wonders in your lives, for how you dedicated yourselves to doing His work.

(Men return to their homes, and Solomon goes to his home to rest)

God: (speaking to him in a dream) Solomon.

Solomon: Hello Father. It’s nice of you to visit me again. Have you noticed that we finally finished building the temple, in honor of your name? It took a while, but I wanted it to be the most wonderful place in the world, just as my dad had envisioned it would be.

God: Yes I noticed, and I love it!

Solomon: I knew you would be pleased!

God: I also heard your prayers and supplications that you made before me. This house you built for me, I place my stamp of approval on it, and deem it holy.

Solomon: I am honored Father, and I submit myself the more to your will.

God: It is my desire to put my name forever in the temple, but there are certain conditions that must first be met.

Solomon: Conditions? What do you mean Father? Have I not already proven myself worthy to be called your son, as my father David before me?

God: You’re indeed an obedient one, but many have started out well, then fell short in the end. Fear not, I have all the confidence in you to uphold my standard throughout your reign.

Solomon: Coming from you, that means everything to me.

God: If you walk before me, as your father David walked, with integrity, and uprightness, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and also keep my statutes and judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom upon Israel forever, as I had also promised to your father David.

Solomon: You have my word. I will be obedient to your commands, and walk in integrity, as my father David did.

God: (nods His head)

God: But, if you, or your children turn from following me, and refuse to keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and go to serve and worship other gods, then all the “happy happy joy joy” will turn to cries of sorrow, because I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, cast this house you built for me out of my sight, and make Israel the talk of the town, for their disobedience.

Solomon: Father, I do not want that to come upon your people. I promise to do my best to keep your name holy, throughout the land.

God: We shall see Solomon. But, if the people forsake me, then all these things shall come upon them. I love you, and my people, but they must obey me, in order to receive the benefits of my unconditional love.

(Solomon continues to dream peacefully, after his visit from the Lord)

This concludes another episode of, “Conditional Love”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon’s request

1 Kings 3:5-14

Before taking on any major task or duty, proper preparation is essential to ensuring one’s success. For example, when firefighters receive a call of a burning building, they must be certain to bring all the necessary equipment to put out the flames. It wouldn’t be wise for the firefighters to bring gallons of ice cream, or butter to dispel the flames, instead, gallons of water would be more appropriate? In another example, teachers are advised to compose lesson plans, that will prove beneficial to their student’s academic success. The right lesson plan can be the difference between a child’s future success, or failure. One thing I’ve learned in life is, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and trusting in the Lord is the basis of all great thoughts, plans, and ideas.

Following the reign of the great king David, his son Solomon was chosen to rule in his stead. The children of Israel were a great people, not only in fame and prestige, but also in number. In Solomon’s own words, he mentioned, “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude” (vs. 8). Leading people, in general, is no easy assignment, so imagine trying to lead millions.

King David ruled successfully, because he allowed God to guide his hand, and from his example, Solomon learned the importance of submission to God. When presented by God, the opportunity to make any request, and He would grant it, Solomon surprisingly asked for wisdom. A more accurate description of Solomon’s request was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (vs. 9a). Solomon could have asked for money, fame, slaughter of his enemies, or anything else, and God would have granted it, but his heart was set on doing the work of the Lord, so his desires were in line with God’s will. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him the wisdom he desired, but also added riches, honor, fame, and conditional long life (if he walked in the ways of the Lord, and kept His statutes and commandments as David did).

If God asked you to make a request for anything, what would it be? Be honest. Would you ask for those things money can’t buy like wisdom, understanding, favor, or knowledge, or would you be so consumed in life’s affairs, until you’d seek pleasures of this would, that eventually fade away? I’ll be honest, I’d consider asking God for super powers like the ability to fly, breath under water, ability to touch people and instantly heal them, or X-ray vision (so I can see who’s responsible for always holding up the elevators at work…gets me so ANGRY!!!), but after pondering for a moment, I’d probably ask for something with a bit more spiritual significance, as Solomon did.

Seek to be wise in God’s eyes, and consider those things that are relevant to His will. As you plan and prepare for your daily duties, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He’ll guide you on the path of success. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t give up, help is on the way!

2 Chronicles 29:3-11

Can you recall a time, when life had become so rough for you, until you literally gave up on everyone, including God? During this hard season in your life, it seemed like everything was falling apart, from having problems at work, home, and all other areas. Your money was acting funny, kids acting like power rangers, coworkers keeping up drama, and even your spouse didn’t make things better by adding more pressure to your already complicated situation. All you wanted was relief, but the One you needed most, you turned away from. Anytime we turn away from God, by default, we turn toward ungodliness. This is why most people get caught up in things they never imagined could influence them like doing drugs, drinking, or participating in unholy activities to cope with the stress and pressure they experience.

Unhealthy amounts of stress can even cause the most elite to stop praying, fasting, and trusting in the power of God. Only until we turn away from things set to keep us bound to our worries, and place our faith back in God, will we begin to see the hand of God move on our behalf. God sees our struggles, and knows that life can be uneasy at times, but turning away from Him does nothing except cause Him to withhold His blessings from us. Always remember, God isn’t moved by our tears, but by our faith.

A valuable lesson in reference to returning to God, is found in our text. During the time when the fathers of the children of Israel had turned away from God, the people suffered greatly for their father’s sins. They trespassed and did evil in the sight of God, forsook God, stopped going to church, turned their backs on God, and refused to give sacrifices to God, who had done so many great things for them. What sense does it make to turn away from the very One who provides, supplies, and fulfills all your needs and desires? This is why I don’t understand how children can turn against their parents, who literally give them everything! They’re provided shelter, food, clean clothes, rides to school, programs, and shopping centers, yet they are always ungrateful.

The children of Israel suffered, until Hezekiah began to reign. Unlike those before him, who turned away from God, king Hezekiah “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done” (vs. 2). Instead of following in the footsteps of men who lost God’s favor, the new king obeyed the will of God and did good in His eyes, clinged to God, opened the doors of the church and repaired them, and removed all the filthiness out of the holy place. Restoring oneself back to God requires cleansing of the inner man first, then he can bring forth actions that please God.

No matter how tough life gets for you, NEVER turn away from God. Seasons of trial and testing will come, but they’re only scheduled in your life to prove your level of faith in God, build character, and encourage those around you (if you remain strong throughout). “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

Walk in love,

Ell

No room for pride

Ephesians 4:1-8, 11-16

As I often write concerning the importance of unity amongst the body of believers, I find it necessary to always reference the similarities of the human body as well. Every part of the physical body, from the smallest detail, to the most prominent, is important. Without feet, the body would experience great difficulty moving from place to place. Without hands and arms, we would have issues working diligently to earn our keep. Our eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, were all uniquely designed to make God’s most wonderful creation a masterpiece! Even eyelashes were designed to protect the eyes from small particles such as dust, sand, or debris from entering and harming the eye. Contrary to the belief of evolutionists, every part of the human body, was, and is necessary, in order to perform as God designed it to.

The church of the living God, consists of one body with many members, that operate under the leading of one Spirit. Every person born again into the body of Christ, is important. It matters not one’s age, ethnicity, our background, because when a person gives their heart to God, they instantly become a shining light in Christ’s body.

When we become followers of God, He bestows gifts to us, that we are expected to make wise use of, as we edify each other, and build up His kingdom. Although gifts vary in their operation, all are intended to be used solely for the purposes of godliness. God is wise beyond any imagination of man, and He desires that we grow in wisdom as well. He also gave some certain positions, from which the body could be perfected, and the work of ministry increased.

The purpose of church meetings, Bible study, and all the things men do to promote the Gospel is, to help believers reach a level of maturity, where they grow to the point where men can’t deceive them with “every wind of doctrine”. This is why unity is so vital, and the church should always be on one accord in their beliefs. In the same way we feed our natural bodies, and exercise to develop strong muscles, we are to also build our spiritual muscles as well, by meditating on God’s Word, praying without ceasing, and taking time to fast, so that we can tune out our natural desires, and focus solely on spiritual ones.

Each member of the body of Christ, must take pride in what God has called them to do. Whether you were called to teach, preach, or simply be a supporter of a ministry, “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (vs. 1). Walk in humility, and learn to appreciate the diversity of God’s gifts in others, so that you’ll never get jealous, or grow envious of how God works through your brothers and sisters. You are special to God, and unique in your own way, so learn to love yourself, and who God made you to be, and continue maturing in all things that are pleasing to the Father.

Walk in love,

Ell

A house of prayer for all people

Isaiah 56:3-8

The earth is filled with people of varying beliefs, customs, and religious backgrounds. According to a few reliable sources I researched online, there are more than 4,000 religions worldwide! It’s amazing to see, how of the two original religions (Abel – service to God, and Cain – service to satan), such a great number have been established in the earth. The problem with having too many religions is, while only one is right (James 1:27), the others were undoubtedly birthed out of rebellion, disobedience, pride, and other negative reasons. God is always right, and His Word has withstood the times from the beginning, until now. Even as the people in ancient times struggled to resist the temptations of false doctrines and religions, we today must also guard against all teachings that are contrary to godliness.

Unlike most man-made religions where works alone (not always good works) validate one’s right standing in such beliefs, God desires first, that men submit to His righteous will, then good works will prove each man’s confession. Regardless of what a person believes willingly, or by force, the Lord is always ready to receive any man who seeks to follow His way. Just as God accepted strangers, eunuchs, and all who were outside of His chosen people, in our text, God awaits to bless anyone who freely surrenders their own will, for His. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell