Live Christ’s mind and character daily

Philippians 2:5-11

One of the most profound admonitions the apostle Paul gave to the church, was found in this lesson’s text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (vs. 5). This lesson further proves the fact that God the Father, and Christ the Son, are separate in personhood, yet one in Spirit. The mind of God, was extended to the being made in the form of Himself, and called Jesus. In the beginning God… and the Word (Christ) was also present with God, framing and forming the world. So, when Paul told the church at Philippi to think as Christ would, in essence, he was saying operate daily under the mindset of God Himself. This then poses an interesting question: How can we think as God does when we were made in the flesh, born in sin, and shaped in iniquity, while He is Spirit, all knowing, and sinless? Man indeed is a frail creature, yet God made him in His own image, and after His likeness.

In his own wisdom, man can only do as his nature will allow, but that flesh nature will always lean toward the things of the world. To think like Christ, one must first have His Spirit dwelling in their heart. When God inhabits the heart of a man, He can then begin to reveal Himself, and all His understanding of the Scriptures to him (I studied this lesson a different way, but it’s coming out different as I write, oh well lol. Glory to God). “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). To live like Christ in mind and character on a consistent basis, it’s important for a person to abide (remain, not depart from, tarry, continue, remain as one) in God. As a child, I had a tendency to take extended baths, mostly because whenever I was in the water, I would often imagine being a deep sea diver, from watching too many Jaques Cousteau explorer episodes. But, the longer I stayed in the water, the more my body would begin to change, and adapt to it. Once the palms of my hands and bottom of my feet got wrinkly, it was time to get out, or mom would come knocking on the door. The longer a man or woman remains in God, the more they’ll begin to adapt to His way, and understanding of living. Too often men are swayed into investing too much time in things that distract their focus, like watching excessive hours of television, spending money unnecessarily at malls or online, planning vacations to get away from people, when God called us to win them, or simply sleeping their lives away. The best way to understand the mind of Christ is, to study His words and actions while He walked the earth. Acts 10:38 reads, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Jesus was all about doing the will of the Father, in place of entertaining things that could have brought Him only temporary pleasure.

How much time do you spend doing things that have nothing to do with God’s agenda? Gut check! I find myself, at times, devoting too much time in things God cares nothing about, but the Holy Ghost convicts me, and causes me to consider my ways, and shift back to what’s important to God. Thinking as Christ does, replaces hate with love, selfishness with selflessness, and pride with humility. If God grants you favor to see tomorrow, practice thinking the way Jesus did when He walked with the disciples. Not only should your words be pure and holy, but the same should be seen in your actions as well.

Walk in love,

Ell

Be ready for Christ’s coming

Matthew 24:36-44

Of all the signs that have been revealed, and prophecies manifested to this day, no one can determine the exact time Christ will return to the earth. Christ Himself is unaware when He’ll come back for the Saints, as He awaits the command of His Father; the only One who knows. Jesus told His disciples how His second coming can be compared to the time of Noah, and how God warned him of the flood, without revealing the exact time it would come. Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build an ark, according to certain specifications, saved him and his family, out of everyone on the face of the earth. In Noah’s day, men had become so corrupt, until God shortened their lifespan, then destroyed all the corrupted humans from the earth. Genesis 6:6 reads, “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” God not only destroyed man, but also beasts, creeping things, and fowl of the air. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and was spared, so that his family could replenish the earth once more.

Whether men believe it, or not, Jesus is coming back. Just like it was in Noah’s time, men today are living as if they’ll never die, and care nothing about God’s warning to submit themselves to His authority. In addition, just as countless men and women were destroyed for ignoring Noah’s warning, many today will suffer the same consequences, for choosing to ignore God’s warning as well. There are movies that have been produced which try to depict the actual events of the end-time, or armageddon, but the Bible puts it plain and clear, so that all can be warned of what’s to come.

Jesus mentioned in verses 40 and 41 how some will be taken in the midst of working, while others will be left behind. I’m under the assumption this event will take place after the rapture, based on the text in verses 29-31 (that’s for another lesson). Will you be ready when Christ returns? Are you living in expectation of that wonderful, yet terrifying day? What did you do today to prepare yourself to see God in peace? Was most of your time spent working, complaining, worrying, or crying over things that have little to no relevance to your eternal security? The clock is ticking, and time is winding up, as Jesus prepares to make His second big entrance in the earth. Ready or not, here He comes!

Walk in love

Ell

Reconciliation through Jesus Christ

Romans 5:6-11

What is it about you, that makes God love you so much? Why is it, that whenever you make a mistake, or turn against God, He gives you countless opportunities to repent, and come back to Him, rather than erase your existence from the face of the earth, like He did nations in the past? The obvious reason God continues to care for His people is, His love is endless, and not expressed based on condition. Love embodies the very nature of God, and this love was exhibited vividly in the form of His only begotten Son, Jesus, the Anointed One.

If God was like men, frail and emotional, there would probably be a handful of people left on the earth today, because He would have zapped everyone who rebelled against Him to smithereens. But, God knows the end, from the beginning, and sent Christ to be the means by which our sins were forgiven, so that the bond man once had with Him, could be reestablished.

Not only is the church justified to God by faith, but we are also justified by the blood of Jesus, and reconciled to God by His death. As the world turns, many continue to ignore the fact that the wrath of God will rain down upon the earth, but those who have been redeemed by Christ, and have accepted God’s free gift of salvation, will be saved from wrath, through Christ. It’ll be a sad day for all who are the enemies of God; those who refused to accept Christ as their Savior, when God’s wrath comes, but Christ died so eternal shame and punishment could be avoided by all who believe on Him.

If Jesus sacrificed His life, while men were yet sinners and enemies to God, imagine how much He’ll do after we’ve been reconciled to the Father. Knowing that we have security in our eternal destination with God, should provoke all disciples to joy in Him, through Jesus, by whom we have received the atonement.

Walk in love,

Ell

Suffering leads to endurance, character, hope

Romans 5:1-5

According to sempervirens.org, local coast redwood trees can grow to 300 feet or more, compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet, or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet. Redwoods create the strength to withstand powerful winds and floods by extending their roots more than 50 feet from the trunk, and living in groves where their roots can intertwine. Redwoods live so long, and are treasured for building, because they are extremely resistant to insects, fire and rot. A redwood’s bark can be one foot thick, and it contains tannin which protects the tree from fire, insects, fungus and diseases.

While the great redwood trees are strong, massive in height, and can withstand severe weather and other extreme conditions, they first had to overcome being a seed, buried in the dirt, before they could exhibit all their desirable attributes. Many today wonder why God allows them to suffer, but certain situations are scheduled in our lives so that we can develop, and grow stronger from every trial or circumstance we face. Even in moments when it seems as if we’ve been buried in the dirt by our suffering, God works on us, in our suffering, so that we can mature in our spiritual endurance, character, and hope of His glory. Similar to the redwood tree that grew tall and firm out of the dirt, we too can be elevated from our negative circumstances, and allow God’s glory to shine through our lives. The problem most Christians have is, they complain whenever hard times come. Instead of complaining, believers should embrace their unfavorable moments, the same way an athlete embraces vigorous training, because the more they endure, the stronger they become.

The more rooted we become in Christ, the stronger our foundation will be; thus positioning us to be able to withstand all the trials and tribulations life may throw at us. As you go through seasons of suffering, rejoice in them, knowing that if God allowed it to happen, there’s a reason for it, and you’ll benefit greatly, if you endure till the end.

Walk in love,

Ell

Examine yourselves in your faith living

2 Corinthians 13:1-11

Are you fully committed to living your life for God? If so, how can you tell? Better yet, how can others tell, whether or not you are a true follower of Christ? Are your words pure, and holy? Do you love and treat others the same way you prefer to be loved and treated? With the exception of church services, how much time do you personally devote to meditating on God’s Word daily? Babes in Christ are expected to make minor mistakes, as they adjust to living the life of the “new man”, but there comes a time when seasoned saints should perform an occasional self-examination, to determine whether they are still “in the faith”, or need to make major or minor adjustments to get themselves back on track with God’s business.

Similar to how men and women are strongly advised to get annual physical checkups, to receive an overall assessment of their health, the apostle Paul admonished the church in Corinth to examine themselves, so that they’ll have a full understanding of where they are in God. Obeying God is as simple as loving Him, keeping His commandments, and avoiding evil, but just like many who suffer with failing health, because they refuse to follow the doctor’s orders, countless church folk fall into sin, because they refuse to follow God’s simple commands.

Oftentimes, believers have a tendency of becoming stagnant in their faith development, but Paul encouraged the church to be perfect, or mature in all areas of their lives, knowing “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13-15).

Walk in love,

Ell

Give generously to enrich your life

2 Corinthians 9:10-15

The more seeds a farmer plants in the ground, the more crops he’ll reap during the time of harvest. The more time a student devotes to studying a particular subject in school, the more knowledge and understanding they’ll ultimately develop concerning that subject. The more a believer gives to support the ministry of God, the more God will bless them to be able to continue giving. When we invest our time, money, or other resources so that the Gospel of Christ can be shared in diverse places, God will honor our giving by supplying our needs, and multiplying our seed, so that the fruit of our righteousness will increase as well.

God’s system differs from the world’s, concerning fair wages. While workers get paid a salary, or hourly wage for the time they invest at work, the average income is usually enough to cover bills from month to month. Seldom do companies offer bonuses, or willingly give pay increases, because most businesses prefer to pocket more profit, rather than compensate those who keep their companies running. God provides for all the needs of His children, as well as make ways so that they’ll always be in a position to lend help to those in need. Some are under the impression that giving to a godly cause is futile, because they see how men take advantage of pulpits, using them for selfish purposes. But, when a person willingly sows into the kingdom of God, they will be guaranteed a personal reward by the hand of the Father.

The text reads, we are to give according to our hearts, and not do it grudgingly, because God loves a cheerful giver! Have you ever met someone who gave you something, then you wanted to return it to them after witnessing their ungrateful countenance? When we give, in any capacity, we should do it with a smile on our face, and love bubbling in our hearts, because it’s a blessing simply to be able to sow into the lives of others. Imagine if the sun and moon refused to give us their light, or if the plants decided that we no longer deserved their oxygen…we would be left in a detrimental situation. When the church refuses to give their time, money, or whatever resources they have in abundance, to bless others, they are willingly choosing to cause harm to those who could benefit from their assistance.

Give from your heart, and God will make sure you’ll never run out of resources.

Walk in love,

Ell

Test the spirits

1 John 4:1-8

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Satan is also a spirit, and many who have been deceived, worship him blindly, according to the spirit of error. From generation to generation, God calls men and women to speak according to His Word, so that believers and be encouraged, and sinners can be saved. Like a good shepherd, it’s the duty of the Father to keep His sheep gathered and protected from all who would wish to harm them. The devil is the wolf, dressed in sheep’s clothing, who has worked diligently for thousands of years, to sway men’s hearts from believing in God, but the truth of God’s Word is potent enough to keep God’s people safe, because the enemy has already been defeated by the power in that same Word, since Christ took on the sins of the world, died, then arose with all power in His hand!

In the same way we see millions of men and women carrying on their duties on the earth, in the realm of the spirit, there are countless good and bad forces, doing what they were assigned to do as well. God’s Holy Spirit abides in the hearts of believers to comfort them, and bring back to their remembrance, all the words taught by Jesus. His duty is to encourage, inspire, and uplift the hearts of those who strive to be like Christ. On the contrary, the devil and his host demonic beings go to and fro, seeking whom they can kill, steal, destroy, and devour. Our text mentions how we are to test every spirit that influences a man, and not believe their words, except they be inspired by God. The text also mentions that the antichrist spirit is already in the world, deceiving the minds of many who aren’t rooted and grounded in the love of God. Preachers, prophets, teachers, and whoever claims to be called by God, must first confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, before we should believe anything else that proceeds from their lips. Those who deny that Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, then rose up from the grave, are not of God, but of the devil.

Despite what we see going on, as the end draws nigh, disciples of Christ are to continue to love one another, because God is love. We can’t hate those who refuse to accept our proclamations of holiness and godliness, because the world isn’t tuned in to God, therefore they can hear Him through us, but to those who are of God, they hear us, and will continue abiding in the spirit of love and truth. Your love for others proves your love for God, so walk in love, but beware of deceiving spirits, that try to take that love away.

Walk in love,

Ell

Honor your elders

1 Timothy 5:17-22

Of all the things in life young people should keep in mind, but many often neglect is, the fact that one day they’ll get old. I remember a time when I could count on one hand, the gray hairs on my head and face, but finding them now is as easy as eeny meeny miny moe! Time stops for no man, and the world will continue to turn, despite how we live our lives, so it’s of great importance that we utilize the time God gives us to do good works, and give honor to those who have withstood the tests of time.

Without proper training and upbringing, children have the tendency to develop bad habits, one of which includes disrespecting adults. Gone are the days when the younger generation would use words like “yes sir”, and “yes ma’am” when engaging in conversation with their elders. Children today seem to have little, to no respect for adults, or any other authority for that matter. The Bible teaches clearly that we are to respect those who have lived long enough to gain experience, that can even help us live better lives. It annoys me when I see children who try to out-talk their parents, assuming their own knowledge is superior, when they’ve only been in existence five to ten years. God gives wisdom and understanding to parents to help them as they train up their children in the ways they should go, so the skills they’ll need when they get older can develop and mature over time.

The body of Christ should be a community where respect for elders is the norm, because many have ruled well, and worked hard, so that the people could grow spiritually, mentally, and possibly financially. It’s not an easy assignment to teach, preach, and try to consistently oversee countless men, women, and children, while also maintaining your own family and life affairs. In our text, Paul’s advice to Timothy was, to show honor and respect to the elders of the church, especially to those who rule well. That’s important, because some rule, and deserve respect for their position, but not for the way in which they rule. In the previous chapter, Paul prophesied that in the last days, some would depart from the faith, giving in to the persuasions of evil spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). It’s evident we are living in this time, by the way in which many who were once firm believers in God’s Word, have been deceived, and joined allegiance with doctrines of devils.

Churches are being overrun by men who claim to be prophets (profits), Shepherds (wolves), and Apostles (pedophiles), who have been hired by satan, to tear up what God built up in the lives of many members who faithfully attend. We can show respect to a man for the title he bears, but if we discern his works are not aligned with holiness, the honor and respect he could attain, should be directed to those who rule well.

Times today are different from the past, yet the same. Although we live in a time where technology seems to be booming, the same evil spirits that roamed the earth in the days of old, continue to manipulate men today. Let your good works shine brighter than the evil the world promotes today, and take time to give honor to those who have lived long lives, working diligently to fulfill God’s Word. Always remember, one day, we’ll stand in the same place our ancestors once stood, and how we treat our elders now, will determine how the next generation will treat us.

Walk in love,

Ell

Horrible Halloween

2 Timothy 1:7

Halloween comes to promote the spirit of fear. The movies, the celebrations, the costumes, etc. all represent the devil’s spirit of fear. Being fearful opens us up to the enemy’s playground and allows him access to our thoughts and feelings. This is why the Halloween season is so wicked and demonic. It is a time where the things that scare us are celebrated and enjoyed as if they are just entertaining us. But the devil knows that if he can birth fear in us, he can have control over our minds and thoughts so that we are fearful of our own future. We will begin to doubt our own plans for our families, our careers and aspirations, and our abilities. Once we start doubting ourselves, we will begin to be discontent and fearful of other’s perception of us. Doubt causes us to mask our fears and cover up our true selves, which makes it very hard for us to be helped or encouraged! Fear produces all of this!

Many today suffer from anxiety, depression, and hopelessness because of the Spirit of fear. Many turn to sin and substance abuse to mask their feelings of doubt and fear. The devil is able to manipulate us and take us off God’s course through the spirit of fear. So many have fallen away from the faith because fear took their faith away. We must never give place to fear. When we are fearful, we must pray and ask God, by faith, to rebuke this spirit from our lives and keep us believing and receiving from Him. Pray for His power, His love, and a sound mind! When we have these, the spirit of fear has no place in us.

-G. Craig Lewis

Preparing for the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 11:26-29

Growing up in my community, one thing everyone (adults and children alike) showed respect to was, graveyards. During my elementary school years, our school bus took the usual route that led pass a graveyard, and whenever we approached it, a brief silence would come over everyone on the bus, showing respect to the dead. There were occasional moments when the neighborhood knucklehead would point toward, and make jokes about those who were “asleep”, which would provoke others to warn them that God was gonna strike them dead with a lightning bolt, for dishonoring the deceased. It’s evident that showing respect for the dead is a universal theme, as many still take time to visit the burial plots where their passed loved ones rest; bringing flowers, pictures, and other meaningful mementos to lay at their tombstone.

In the same way people show respect for their lost friends and loved ones, is similar to how the church should conduct themselves when taking the Lord’s Supper. For all who willingly participate in the Lord’s Supper, the Bible holds a strict standard that must be upheld, or severe judgment will come to those who refuse.

The same night Jesus was betrayed, He thought it necessary to have a final meal with His disciples. As He was preparing His mind and heart to fulfill His final assignment, He broke bread that represented His body, and gave wine that represented His blood to the disciples, as symbols of His soon to be marred body, and shed blood that would seal the new covenant, which is based on much better promises.

This last supper with the disciples was significant in many ways, and for those who wish to partake of it, as often as they wish, have been warned not to do it “unworthily”. How would you feel if you went to visit the grave of someone you loved, then saw someone pissing on it? Be honest; you would literally lose your mind! The Bible warns that many who took the Lord’s Supper in vain are weak, sick, and some even suffered death. Woah! That’s intense!

Before doing anything for God, we must first be in the right posture and position to do so. We are to present our bodies to God, a living sacrifice, doing away with the old man, and putting on the new, so that God can freely express Himself in our lives. But, coming to God in pride, haughtiness, or any other posture contrary to holiness, can lead only to trouble. The next time you decide to partake in the Lord’s Supper, or anything that commemorates the death of Christ, be certain your heart is right, before participating, or you’ll open yourself up to a world of trouble.

Walk in love,

Ell