Call to holy living

1 Peter 1:13-25

Living holy requires one to commit themselves to a strict discipline; one that has been ordained and established by God, and stands in contrast to all things carnal. God’s business is unique, and caters to the purposes He foreordained, before the foundation of the world. When a man makes decisions based on carnal thinking, his actions and behavior will normally go against the plans of God. In our text, the apostle Peter made it known, that being born-again means behaving differently from the world. Unlike carnal-minded men, who are unstable in their ways, disciples of Christ are to maintain consistency in their thoughts, remain sober at all times (so a solid connection can always be established between you and God), keep hope alive until the end of their faith, keep away from the “old man”, cling to, and focus all their attention on the “new man”, pattern their entire lives after the things of God, live in expectation of the return of Christ, and while awaiting His return, love all men with a pure heart. As you can clearly see, the ways of the Lord aren’t hard, they only require simple obedience. The church was called to holy living, and God’s expectations of us have not changed. No matter how much the world changes, and conforms to unholy standards, the children of God are to uphold God’s holy standard, proudly! “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Rejoice in God’s actions in Christ

1 Peter 1:3-12

Could you tell whether or not gold was real, if it had not been proven by fire, or other extreme measures? How could you enjoy the beauty, and benefits of trees, except they had first gone through dirt, darkness, and extreme pressure during its seed stage, or process of germination? The best of things are usually birthed through the most unfavorable processes. If you don’t believe me, take a moment and reflect on your life, and all the stress, struggles, and suffering you endured, to become who you are today. Whether you like who you’ve become, or not, I’m certain you’re far wiser now, than you were ten years ago.

Saints are to rejoice during times of peace, and times of suffering, because God desires that we remain focused on the eternal perspective, rather than temporary pleasures of this present world. Occupying until Christ returns, or making wise use of the time we’re allotted, means that we work continuously, spreading the love of God everywhere we go. We are also not to become discouraged, nor disappointed in God nor ourselves, when hard times come, because whether you believe it, or not, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. The struggles that we go through are actually more precious that gold itself, because during these sensitive moments, our character is put on front stage, and God shows us off to the world, proving that we can stand through any storm. After every storm, comes greener grass, beautiful flowers, and sunny skies. In the same sense, the more we endure, the stronger we will become mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Similarly, the stronger we become on the earth, the more praise, honor, and glory we will receive “at the appearing of Jesus Christ”.

Our lives weren’t designed to strive for material wealth and prosperity, but to love God, keep His commandments, rejoice in our suffering, love our neighbors, pray always, seek first God’s kingdom, rid ourselves of worry, doubt, stress, and unbelief, and live everyday as if it were our last. At the end of every day, do you consider how you conducted yourself while in the presence of others? Did you complain when your boss irritated you, or yell uncontrollably when your children got on your nerves? Sometimes, God allows certain things to happen, so that we too can check our level of maturity, then adjust our behavior accordingly. For every trial or struggle you face, keep your heart and mind fixed on God, and He’ll be sure to give you the strength you need to endure. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Walk in love,

Ell

Live by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

Walking in the Spirit, is the only proven way for a child of God to mature spiritually, while avoiding becoming entangled, again, with the yoke of bondage. The purpose of the Bible is to bring to light, God’s plan and purpose for creation, or according to Dr. Kent Hovind, it’s “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (I like that one). While God’s intentions are to reveal Himself to man, so that the purposes predestined for all mankind can be carried out to its fulfillment, there’s another agenda that’s been implemented, without permission, whereby men have been deceitfully influenced to succumb to.

Unfortunately, what God originally intended for the earth, and its inhabitants, was altered greatly when sin was introduced to man. For this reason, maintaining a life in obedience to God, and walking in the Spirit, will ALWAYS be met with daily challenges. For anyone to maintain balance in their walk with God, they MUST first be fully convinced of who He is. This is of vital importance, because there are false doctrines, and beliefs that appear very convincing on the surface, but are extremely dangerous and spiritually unhealthy at the core of what they teach. Many who are shaky in their faith, have been led astray from the Gospel, and have taken delight in falsehoods and ungodly practices. We see daily, the prophecy of the great falling away, where prominent men and women of God, have given in to seducing spirits, and its expected to worsen, as time goes by. Living by the flesh, causes men to only do things contrary to holiness, including committing adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, and senseless mass shootings (let’s continue to pray for the families in California who are suffering from this recent, yet tragic event).

As a child walks with their parent, and clings tight to their hand, trusting that where they lead them will always be to a safe place, the children of God should have a firm grip on the hand of the Father, and rest assured that His way will always lead them to a safe place as well. Despite the pretty pictures and scenarios the devil paints, in efforts to beguile men to fall into his traps, when we trust God, and acknowledge Him in all our business, we’ll have a greater chance at avoiding satan’s wicked devices, while at the same time, building our faith and trust in God.

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:18-21)

Walk in love,

Ell

New life through the Spirit

Romans 8:1-11

Have you ever sat for a moment, and considered how much time you waste doing things that have no spiritual significance? I have, and I’m ashamed to even mention the amount of time I devote to satisfying carnal desires on a daily basis, rather than invest that time into doing things to build God’s kingdom. Living based solely on carnal thinking is a very dangerous way to operate, because Paul mentions, in this text, to be carnally minded is enmity against God, causes one to be unable to become subject to God and His law, and is death. Carnal thinking supports flesh actions, which are never pleasing to God. For years, men have filled their thoughts with ideas of how to earn more income, so that they can purchase vain things, travel the world, and maintain investments, while neglecting to implement the truth of the Gospel in their endeavors. All things done for selfish reasons is vanity to God, and counted as futile in His eyes. Even the church has begun to adopt certain worldly ideals, that only cause confusion and division, rather than unity amongst the brethren.

Christ took on a flesh body, and conquered it, so that we would have the chance to overcome it as well. No longer are we slaves to sin, because of Jesus, and no one can condemn us of our past life, because God has made us free! Our freedom to enjoy our reunion with God should never be taken lightly. Through God’s Spirit, we have the power to overcome evil, with good. There’s nothing satan can do to sever the believer’s union with God, except they willingly give in to his wicked ideology, and allow him to pull them back into the flesh. Paul urged the church to walk after the Spirit, so that they wouldn’t be easily influenced to go after those things they left in their past. Walking in the Spirit means aligning your attitude, and actions with that of the Lord’s. Walking after the flesh means aligning your attitude and actions with satan. The outcomes of each scenario are pretty self-explanatory, but the choice is up to each individual, to make the wise one.

The new life a believer receives through the Spirit of God, is a wonderful and amazing opportunity that should be lived and enjoyed to the fullest! Too often many Christians live beneath what God expects them to enjoy, because they entertain thoughts of carnality too often. Only when our minds are renewed, lives transformed, and hearts fixed on obedience to God, can the Spirit work freely in us, to bring into being, the best version of ourselves God intended for the world to witness. Are you living the best of who you were made to be, or are you selling yourself short, because the world attracts you more than godliness does?

Walk in love,

Ell

Love one another

Romans 13:8-10

This lesson is directed toward all who claim to be Christians, disciples, or children of God. The intent of this message is to validate, or determine whether the love that abides in your heart is genuine, God-like love, or just a form of God’s intended love, without the proof of works as evidence.

Love is many things, and can be observed from multiple perspectives, but however an individual chooses to describe what love is, they cannot deviate from its source, God. God is love, literally! He is a Spirit, that is the complete embodiment of love, righteousness, power, and all things relevant to godliness. Every act, whether mighty, or seemingly insignificant, God performed was done through the eyes of love. Even in His judgment, He withholds punishment for a time, so that men can be graced with the opportunity to repent, but some are completely “souled” out to sin, and have enlisted themselves on God’s naughty list.

The biblical and descriptive definition of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13, but love is evident throughout every book of the Bible. Believers were commanded to love, and to do it consistently. There’s never a justifiable moment when a child of God is permitted not to love someone, because love is what comes naturally from their behavior. God is love, love is God, God is in the hearts of His people, so His people should never have trouble loving others. Sounds simple, yet many who claim to be Christians have the most unruly behavior in the world. The one place the world seeks to find help and hope, is the very place that needs help as well. It’s almost a joke these days to share with others you attend church, and/or are a Christian, because the world has witnessed too many bad examples of churches, and disobedient members. When people come to a church looking for help, their business shouldn’t be spread across the community. Instead, everyone should be treated as they desire to be treated themselves.

Real love gives, without seeking anything in return, protects, without seeking anything in return, respects without seeking anything in return, and obeys because it’s right. In order to be effective in loving others, we must first love ourselves. Many problems that stem from churches and other religious communities is, those who are members have issues forgiving themselves, thus are unable to forgive others. The world needs to see real love in action again. Churches, and all who are committed to God, have a duty to spread love across the globe, without hesitation. Christians owe it to each other to love, and are bound by commandment to do so. When love reigns in the hearts of God’s people, gossip will cease, drama will fade away, fighting will come to a halt, and broken relationships will be mended, so that the body of Christ can continue to grow and develop in faith, hope, and love.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus enables victory over sin

Romans 7:14-25

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16-25).

Without the power of God working within us, we would submit to the natural affections of our flesh bodies. God originally created man good, and very good, but sin and its powerful influence corrupted man’s focus, and damaged the relationship between God and man beyond natural repair. The apostle Paul knew full well the powers of sin, and how it can easily subdue a man not rooted and grounded in God, so he often encouraged the church to yield themselves servants to God, and walk in obedience to His righteousness, to avoid falling into the snares of sin. Too often, men get to a point in life where they unwisely attempt to overcome sin on their own strength, while allowing pride and haughtiness to overtake their minds, causing their flesh to submit to wickedness. Sin is so powerful until it captures a man’s mind, no matter how strong he thinks he is, and causes him to act in ways that are unholy, unnatural, and embarrassing to godliness. Only through the power of Christ can sin, lust, and all evil desires be crucified, and done away with.

While it is possible to live a sinless life after conversion (yet unlikely in many cases), according to the the words of Jesus when He told the adulterous woman, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (Christ would never give a command that a person was unable to obey), satan will make use of every moment he has left on the earth to distract us from focusing on our obedience to God’s Word.

Through Christ, we can do all things, including overcome evil with good, walk in consistent obedience to God’s Word, and win the war between “the law in our members”, and “the law of our minds”. Transform your whole self, by first renewing your mind, then allow God to rest and abide in your heart, so that He can equip, and qualify you to stand firm against sin and its consequences.

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s Word is true and reliable

Isaiah 40:6-9

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, while preparing them for future events. It’s one thing to experience something, without being prepared for it, but it’s a million times better when you can be prepared for an event, while waiting in expectation and anticipation of its arrival. Christ loves all men, and desires that they stay true to God’s words, and be ready when He returns.

Before Jesus entered the earth, prophecy of His arrival, and the truth of God’s Word was revealed through the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit of God brought to light to Isaiah, how frail, and unreliable this world is, in comparison to the ever-sustaining and true, Word of God. Flowers fade, grass withers, animals die, men age, and time continues to reveal the frailties of humans and nature alike, but the one thing proven to be unchangeable, and always reliable is, the Word of God. Unlike food, that loses its desire the more of it you consume, God’s Word gets sweeter, and more desirable the more you study, and meditate on it.

Everything your eyes see on a daily basis, will soon be changed from a temporal and frail condition, to one that will last forever. This present earth will be renovated by fire, and God will be sure to sustain it, as long as His Word remains true. Rather than get too caught up into the things of this world, we should focus most of our attention on enjoying the new Heaven, and new earth.

Everything in God’s Word, despite those who have alerted the original scriptures and devised multiple tainted versions of the Bible, is true, and is at the pinnacle of fulfillment. From the book of Genesis, to Revelation, every inspired word that God revealed into the hearts of those who contributed to the scriptures has withstood the times. Every issue, or situation we face even in this time, can also be referenced somewhere in Scripture. It’s because of God’s Word that we know how to live, and what to live for. Even the wonders of science are hidden on multiple pages of the Bible. All of God’s words are true, reliable, encouraging, and offer a sense of security that won’t be found trusting any other source.

What’s your motivation for living? Are the sources you trust in, proven and reliable like God’s Word? Are you encouraged to continue in the direction your life is going, based on what you believe? If not, I encourage you to rest in the Lord, and allow His trusted Word to build up your faith, hope, and desire to be one of the sons, or daughters He’s calling for in these last, and evil days.

Walk in love,

Ell

Be an example of faith

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10

When you walk in a room of fellow believers, or join in the presence of any group of people who are familiar with you, what’s the impression they get when they see you coming? Do the words you profess concerning holiness and righteousness, align with the works you perform on a daily basis? Or, do you say one thing with your lips, but act differently in the absence of those who can rebuke you, and bring you back into right standing with God? Everyone who claims to be born-again of the Spirit, are required to be examples of what godliness is. Every thought, idea, imagination, or spoken word, should all be brought under the subjection of the Holy Ghost. Although we may have made a confession to follow after Christ, we are unable to do it effectively without being led of His Spirit. Even when we pray to God, we require the assistance of His Spirit, to help make sense of the words we attempt to deliver to Him. “Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

Seasoned Christians are to be model servants, or examples of how to conduct themselves in a world full of sin, so that others can see what’s expected of them from God as well. In addition, the world needs to see real Saints, especially in such a time as this, because perilous times are already here, and will be amplified as the days go by. Just as the apostles in Scripture were bold, honest, pure, and unaffected by the intense contention they faced, we must also stand firm on God’s Word, knowing that if many before us were faithful until the end, we can endure the conflict that will soon come against us as well.

A proven way to remain stable in your walk with God is, to treat all men as if they were Christ. Also, change the perception you have of people, even though some may be hard to understand, and allow God’s Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions, as you interact with others. Like Paul and the other apostles, we should acknowledge God in all our ways, whether the matter seem small, or great. We too can be bold in the face of contention, true and honest in our exhortation, submissive to God who trusted us with the Gospel, gentle with others, as a mother who nurses a child, and affectionate to others who also labor endlessly in the works of the Lord. “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).

Walk in love,

Ell

Facing temptation, stay loyal to Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

If the apostle Paul, and men of God from the days of old, were living and preaching in today’s time, they would undoubtedly be the least popular of all preachers. Based on how watered down the Gospel message has become, hearing a Word from the Lord that is unadulterated, and sharper than any double-edged sword, would definitely stir up trouble in most modern-day churches. Rather than expound on prosperity, material wealth, and self exaltation, the ole’ school preachers would promote repentance, salvation, and the “day of Christ”. Seldom are churches warned of the coming of Christ, because most of the time spent in gatherings involve offerings, announcements, and misguided praise and worship. Church leaders have to stand firm on God’s Word, and refuse to give in to societal pressures, because the souls of the people they lead are dependent upon their wise counsel and leadership for their continued spiritual growth and development.

In light of the inevitable return of Christ, Paul, and those who accompanied him, assembled with the Thessalonian believers, to give warning and encouragement, because the times would soon become perilous. Despite how strong or founded the people were in godliness, they were to remain guarded against all evil. The first warning given was that the people guard their minds. The enemy is well aware that if he can penetrate into a man’s mind, the heart and soul will be his to control. Paul then admonished the church to protect their hearts, and keep their emotions in check, because there are many evil spirits that work to stir up men’s emotions, and cause them to waver in their faith. But, the church was advised to stand firm on what they believed, and allow their faith and trust in God’s power, to be the driving force that keeps them steadfast, and unmovable.

As we guard our hearts and minds against the wiles of satan, we must also be aware that some of our own brothers and sisters in the Lord will unfortunately fall away. (Sigh)…sad, but true. The devil has been very effective at deceiving men, and his tactics work well, even to this very day! Wickedness is prevalent in every country on the planet, and good people give up, and give in to the tricks of the enemy, but despite satan and his lying wonders, the people of God must stand together, and hold up the blood-stained banner of Christ Jesus, until He returns to take us with Him.

Walk in love,

Ell

Under persecution proclaim Jesus the Christ

Acts 17:1-9

When believers preach the truth of God’s Word to the world, not everyone will receive it the same way. While those who believe, will open their hearts to receive God’s inspired words, unbelievers will exhibit behaviors contrary to the character and nature of a disciple of Christ, and will oftentimes make attempts to silence the children of God, in favor of promoting their false beliefs and doctrines. No matter how loving, kind, gracious, and true God is, some men won’t be convinced that He reigns supreme, until they have a “Saul-Paul” conversion experience. God wants all men to be saved, but satan influences many, while promoting his opposition without ceasing.

The apostle Paul had many experiences dealing with men standing against his teaching, but he never allowed persecution to change his profession of holiness, nor his message of the Gospel. In our text, Paul and Silas had journeyed to Thessalonica, where they took part in their His usual habit of preaching, and expressing the details of the scriptures, in the synagogue. While ministering for about three weeks, Paul was graced with the presence of a great multitude of people taking heed to his teaching. Those who were convinced by the teaching of the Scripture, consorted with, or joined allegiance to Paul and Silas. Unfortunately, those which believed not, did what many unbelievers typically do when they feel threatened; “set all the city on an uproar” (vs. 5b). The unbelieving Jews were motivated by envy, and convinced another group of rowdy knuckleheads to join them in searching the whereabouts of the men of God. The angry mob then visited the house of Jason, one who believed in God, and had hidden God’s servants so well, the disturbed Jews couldn’t find them. Out of spite and anger, the mob arrested Jason, without proof of a crime, then eventually released him. Men will do some strange and unusual things when they fight against God. Rather than simply ignore Paul and his teaching, they wanted to have them arrested for supposedly going against the decrees of Caesar. Men will never learn, their power cannot rival that of the Creator of all things. Even today, men show more respect and reverence to celebrities, or politicians, rather than the God who created them.

In the midst of unfair and unjust treatment, never change the way you feel about God. He’s been with you from the beginning, and He has a wonderful end awaiting you. We are human, and at times, tense up when the pressure builds, but rather than run when the fire gets too hot, ask God to join you in the flames, and allow the heat to try your faith, to show the world it’s as pure as gold.

Walk in love,

Ell