Prophetic examples of faithfulness

Luke 4:24-30

Throughout the Bible, prophets of God were known to expose wickedness in the hearts of men, warn others of coming judgment for failure to repent, and predict inevitable events that would eventually take place. Rarely were prophets accepted by the public, because they often challenged men to change their hearts from haughty, to humble. One of the scariest things to do is, ignore a prophet’s warning, because God usually sends them moments before bringing judgment. Of all the prophets who ever lived, Jesus was no doubt the greatest of them all (for obvious reasons). Where the prophets of old, such as Elijah and Elisha, exhibited faithfulness to God in great ways, Jesus took faithfulness to another level.

The irony in prophecy is, those you seek to save, often reject your words of positive influence, and make attempts to get you as far away from them as possible. This took place vividly in our lesson’s text, as Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, to teach, and to prophesy. When Jesus taught from the Scriptures, His gracious words filled the people’s minds with amazement, but that glory was short lived, as the hearts of the congregation changed when Jesus began to reference the days of Elijah and Elisha, when God blessed one heathen for sustaining Elijah during the famine, and healing the other by the words of Elisha. Apparently, the people of Nazareth despised the heathens, and refused to appreciate the words Jesus spoke, so they gathered together, and drove Him out of His own town. The evil in their hearts was exposed the more, when they went so far as to make an attempt to push Jesus over a cliff! Are you kidding me? They tried to push JESUS over a cliff? Lol, wow! What disrespect this was to Mary and Joseph as well; their own neighbors, trying to kill their son for telling simple truths?

The heart of a man is always revealed when the light exposes their hidden motives. Don’t get angry when God sends someone to help bring you back into right standing with Him. Warning always comes before a fall, so take heed when you’re given warning to tighten up, and get back on track. Also, learn to appreciate those who are faithful to God, and their calling, and aren’t ashamed to perform the works He called them to do, because many who started out well, have given up, or given in to life’s pressure.

Walk in love,

Ell

On the mountain with Jesus

Matthew 17:1-7

Throughout our lives, we’ll build a collection of memories that will be accumulated from various experiences we encounter. While some of those memories we’ll prefer to forget, others will bring joy that will last a lifetime! My face lights up everytime I see a star shooting through the midnight sky, or when I witness dolphins swimming in the ocean, while basking on the beach at sunrise. I’ve yet to experience beautiful mountains, or snow, but those, along with other things, are penciled on my bucket list. I’ve lived long enough to see a few of God’s amazing creations, but I would love to have experienced what Peter, James, and John saw on the mountain of transfiguration.

In our text, Jesus allowed a select few of His disciples to accompany Him, as He made His way atop a mountain, to meet some “old” friends. When the men finally reached their destination, one of the most amazing things in Scripture began to take place. Verse two reads, “And (Jesus) was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light”. Can you honestly imagine seeing that with your own eyes? I know Hollywood produces movies with amazing special effects, but with Jesus, nothing was altered with cameras or effects, and was as real as life itself.

Throughout the Bible, light is synonymous with knowledge, and being God in the flesh, Jesus’ transfiguration revealed who He truly was. Not only was His formed changed before the eyes of the disciples, but Jesus was also blessed to grace the presence of two men who had left the earth over a thousand years prior to this visit: Moses, and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus on the mountain. When I first read this passage of Scripture, I had developed so many questions I wanted answers to, but I eventually realized that my frail human mind need not understand all of God’s doings, because His ways are not like the ways of man, so I resulted to standing in awe of the awesome things He does, without trying to question everything. I had wondered how could men who haven’t been seen on the earth since they were taken up by God many years before, appear as if they never left. I also couldn’t understand how the disciples recognized two men whom they had never seen, yet called them by name. In any case, this experience was indeed breathtaking, and moved Peter to offer to make tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. In the midst of him speaking, Peter looked up and saw a bright cloud began to overshadow the company of men. What happened next, literally struck fear in the disciples, and brought them to their knees. God’s voice began to speak from the cloud and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him”. Real talk, I would have already been bugged out from seeing Jesus light up like the sun, along with witnessing two men appear out of thin air, but after hearing God speak from a bright cloud, I probably would have ran and hid behind a rock, or something as well. Jesus came and touched the disciples, then told them not to be afraid, because this was a moment few would see, but all would remember forever.

Do you get bubbly inside, and excited when you think on the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for you? How often do you thank God, and reverence Him for simply being who He is? There average person spends hundreds of dollars a year to be entertained by movies that offer intense and vivid visuals, yet none are real, and were created using visual effects. God has done, and can do things that Hollywood can only copy, so take more pleasure in appreciating the great things He does daily, rather than glorifying man’s futile efforts.

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep God’s commandments

Proverbs 3:1-10

This lesson will be a short reminder to all those who claim to be born-again sons and daughters of God, that keeping His commandments always yield amazing benefits. Although heaven and earth are soon to pass away, disciples of Christ are yet mandated to live by a godly, and holy standard. Serving God, at times, seems tedious, and can cause the minds of even the most faithful to question whether or not He sees all the troubling experiences they encounter, but the Lord never slumbers, nor sleeps, and pays close attention to every detail of everything we face. God commanded His people to do things a certain way for a reason. For example, to obtain peace and long life, one must only remember God’s laws, and keep His commandments. While that may be a simple command to obey in order to reap such great blessings, attempting to follow God’s words are usually met by inevitable confrontation. Satan has a hard time ignoring those who seek to please God, because he was deemed, “the author of confusion”, and directs all his focus on knocking them off track. For this very reason, the text reminds us in verses five and six to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledged Him, and He shall direct thy paths”. When we consult God’s advice on all the situations we face in life, it will greatly reduce the possibility for satan to influence us to sin. God’s power never fails, and if we commit all our trust to Him, then He’ll make sure our choices and decisions are stamped with His approval.

From morning, to afternoon, and in the evening, God should be at the forefront of our minds and hearts. His way is right, and those walking along the path He directs exhibit consistent righteous behavior. Make sure you have a full understanding of what God expects of you, after claiming to be His own, because many wear the title “Christian”, but live contrary to what it stands for.

Walk in love,

Ell

Commit to covenant obedience

Deuteronomy 4:1-8, 12-13

Businesses today are non-stop, and companies seek to hire potential employees who are capable of maintaining and producing positive results, that will keep their profit margins at reasonable levels. The more flourishing, and well-developed businesses are usually upheld on the backs of workers committed to their cause, while those companies that experience fluctuations in productivity, work hard in dealing with high turnover rates. Before companies commit to those seeking employment, they thoroughly investigate each candidate, in order to make sure they’ll be a good fit for their business. Hiring individuals based only on a resume, can lead to potential issues, but talking to, and hearing the candidate in person helps to gain a better understanding of the face behind the resume. Commitment involves someone being dedicated to a cause, or activity. In addition, committing to something also obligates a person to do something as well.

When a man or woman dedicates their lives to services in God’s kingdom, they are expected to obey the rules which that kingdom is governed by. God is love, so those who are committed to Him, are expected to love, without question. God is always love, and love is always God, so there’s no excuse for anyone who claims to be in God, to ever refuse to love someone, no matter the case. God’s kingdom produces higher profit margins (converted souls), when those who serve Him consistently put actions behind their words. It’s in our obedience, where God is glorified, and He in turn blesses us for our obedience, by which His name is magnified through our blessed lives.

Obedience to God, allows for blessings that can never be obtained otherwise. According to Scripture, obedience brings long life, success, mercy and justice, answers to prayer, preservation from corruption through idolatry, an inheritance, prosperity, blessings to offspring, and many more! Saints aren’t obedient to God simply to receive blessings, but because He is worthy of our everything! God gives us the breath of life daily, even when we use it in ways that displease Him. Our obedience to God is the greatest way to prove that our confession, and profession that we’ve surrendered our hearts and wills to Him, are valid and true. Just as many are dedicated to the companies they are employed by, God expects His children to be fully committed to covenant obedience to His Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

God will not abandon you

Deuteronomy 4:25-31

God’s mercy endures forever, and what He promised, He’s sure to fulfill. Regardless of how far away we may stray from the confines of covenant agreement with the Father, He will never go against His word, while allowing us time to regain focus, and turn back to following after Him. God’s patience is immeasurable, and His forgiveness knows no limits, but He can only release His favor once we are standing in alignment with His Word, will, and way. This was proven time, and time again in Scripture, when God promised to bless Israel, they would disobey His commandments, wallow in their misery, then reconsider their actions and turn back to Him. God is not like man, who holds grudges against one another, and refuses to forget times of mistrust and failure, but He’s always ready to forgive, and forget those things we do, that are not pleasing in His sight. God loves to bless His people, not only because He promised to do so, but so that others can see His God works through them, and hopefully be influenced to learn His ways as well. How often do you meet people who are willing to support you, no matter how much wrong you may have done to them? Even relationships between good friends fall apart when trust is broken, and one is unfaithful to the other, but when God makes a promise, He’s willing to keep His word, so long as we repent, turn away from distractions, and commit to a life of dedicated service to His plan. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Walk in love,

Ell

Make not Heavenly or earthly idols

Deuteronomy 4:14-24

It’s baffling to witness how people turn to supposed gurus, or men and women with heightened intelligence (therapists, counselors, and the like), more than they seek God for wisdom, counsel, and advice. While the minds of men are finite, and limited in knowledge and understanding, the wisdom of God is on a level where men cannot comprehend it, unless God’s Spirit reveals it to them. Therapists give advice, or words of inspiration, in efforts to motivate people to change their negative thinking into positive, and health gurus offer extensive knowledge on what foods should be consumed to make the body function better. While maintaining a positive mental attitude, and healthy diet are important, it’s of greater importance to maintain a healthy spiritual diet as well.

God has knowledge of the beginning to the end, and obeying His Word is a sure way to increase one’s spiritual health. One of the ways the spirit of men is weakened, is by giving in to idols. God warned His people to avoid creating idols, and worshipping things that are irrelevant and have no spiritual value, because all glory belongs to Him, and Him alone. God despises men who take extreme pleasure and delight in things He created, rather than in Himself. If you compare the idols from then to now, you’ll see similarities that are inseparable. The first similitude Israel was warned against was making a graven image of any kind of bodily image. Off the top of your head, how many statues of men and women have you seen in your lifetime (excluding the statue of liberty). The next warnings were against making graven images of the likenesses of beasts, birds, creeping things, and fish. Aaron, and the children of Israel, were discovered by Moses worshipping a golden calf, made with the gold of jewelry from the people, while he spent time with God on the mountain. There are numerous religions today that use animals as symbols of worship. To go a bit further into idol worship involving animals, there are people who literally put the needs of their pets, before the needs of their own children. Now that’s insane! Dogs and cats are treated like human beings, while many neglect those humans who actually need attention, like the poor and homeless. The last warning God admonished against was making the likeness of the sun, moon, stars, or any host of Heaven as a graven image. This one usually ruffles the feathers of many, as the average American takes pride in following their horoscope (horror scope, as I like to call it). The horoscope is one of the oldest methods that originated in Babylon, where the planets were identified as influential gods in predicting the future. Reading that tidbit of information should have already triggered your spiritual red flag. I won’t get into details concerning horoscopes, but I wanted it to be known, that we are not to worship, nor put our trust in things contrary to holiness. We become corrupt when we believe more in vain ideologies, over God’s divine wisdom and understanding.

At the root of man’s sin and disobedience, you’ll find satan planting seeds of discord. The devil is anti-God, and works diligently to disrupt what we believe His Words says. Influencing men to worship created things over the creator, benefits satan’s plan to pull as many as he can away from following after God. We are to be disciples of God; teachable, and ever-learning, so that we can always be prepared to guard against all enemy attacks. God loves us, but the devil hates us, so why not listen more to what God says do, rather than give in to the evil influences of satan. Examine your life, and turn away from anything that holds more relevance than God.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:21-23).

Walk in love,

Ell

Remember that you were there

Deuteronomy 4:9-11

Picture this: You get a call one day from your pastor, or spiritual leader, who tells you that he’s gathering all the congregation together, to meet at the nearest mountain (in Florida, that would be a far drive, unless you reside near the Panhandle). Anyhoo, once everyone arrives at this mountain, they all witness the entire mass of earth begin to burn with fire, yet not be consumed by it. To make this encounter more interesting, the voice of God begins to speak from the mountain of fire, and gives you instructions on how to live, and what He expects from you. Realistically speaking, after your eyes dim down to normal size, mouth winds up from the ground, and skin rest gently back on your body, would you easily forget this experience? I highly doubt I would, because this one instance would literally change my life forever!

Seeing such a miraculous happening, and hearing the voice of God from a mountain engulfed in flames must have been an awesome sight, and breathtaking sound to the children of Israel, and God never wanted them to forget it, “lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life” (vs.9). God’s law set the standard by which His people were to live by. Those who understood God’s words, were to abide by them, then teach them to their children, and continue it throughout their generations. The world would be a different place, if that tradition was followed by everyone who claimed to be a child of God. In any case, God wanted Israel to know, without a doubt, that He was all-powerful, all-knowing, and in control of the things they would face in life. He wanted them to be fully persuaded that there was no other god in Heaven, nor on the earth, who was able to do exceeding, abundantly, and above all they could ask for, or think of.

Good examples make way for positive influence, and living a life pleasing to God, will impact the lives of those who follow you in a positive way. However, not everyone will change based on how you live, but they’ll know for certain, God is real, by the way He reveals Himself through your life. In those moments when life’s pressures break them, they’ll look up and see you standing strong, because God is with you. When trouble surrounds them on every side, they’ll cry to you for help, because they’ve witnessed you overcome the impossible. Even in time of sickness, those who watch your life will look to you for prayer and encouragement, because they know, if God healed and delivered you, then He can do the same for them too.

Never forget how amazing God is, and how His love impacts your life daily. Share His words with all those you meet, especially those from the younger generation, because the children of today, will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Walk in love,

Ell

God made a covenant with us

Deuteronomy 5:1-7

When was the last time you actually took a moment to realize how blessed you are? Although life presents us with challenges which oftentimes test our faith in God, in the very midst of each struggle, we are still blessed. The average person, when under pressure, encounters moments of forgetfulness, of the great things God has already performed in their lives. Although sickness, death, hurt, or lack has a tendency to alter the mood and feelings of a person, that can temporarily stunt their faith, God never changes, nor should we, no matter how rough times become.

Moses was witness to a people who consistently broke while under pressure, yet God continued to provide for them. However, following the inevitable removal of all those who willingly disobeyed the commands of God continuously, Moses gathered the new generation of Israel together, and charged them to hear, and obey the laws given by God in the Mosaic covenant. God proved His love for the people, and provided for them, yet only asked for their obedience in return. During those days, the ten commandments were laws the people were required to adhere to (in addition to others), in order to maintain the agreement between themselves, and the living God. God knew the men were frail, and susceptible to unhealthy influences, but He demanded, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”. The prior generation that followed Moses placed Baal worship, ahead of worship to God. This angered God, because those He blessed, offered praise to idol images that did nothing to provide for, protect, nor save them. This new generation of followers were given the same orders, and admonitions, and were expected to keep God above all else.

Obeying God consistently requires the emptying of self, and being filled with all of Him. This is made possible by first accepting His free gift of salvation, agreeing to the terms of the new covenant, and allowing the Spirit of God to guide you in all your ways.

The children of Israel were blessed beyond comprehension, yet they allowed outside influences to change their hearts toward God. What are some things in your life that are tempting you to turn away from the One who cares for you the most? Do you place other gods before the Heavenly Father? Does your job, money, TV, vehicle, or spouse get more attention from you than God? According to the new covenant, God’s Word is written in our hearts, and Christ makes intercession for us, to the Father. Our only obligation is to love God, and keep His commandments. In doing so, we will maintain what’s expected of us in the new contract, or alliance established by God, through Christ Jesus.

Walk in love,

Ell

Mediator of the new covenant

Hebrews 8:1-12

Does God make mistakes? If not, then why is there so much trouble in the world? Fair question, but one of the best things God ever did was create living beings with the freedom to make their own decisions. Could you imagine what the world be like if everything was created as robots, to only do what God required, and nothing could willingly go against His commands? For one thing, there would definitely be peace and tranquility in the land, but Heaven and earth would be missing a sense of genuine authenticity that comes with the power of personal choice. God made everything, then called it good, and very good, but one being’s pride caused changes in God’s original plan for creation that continue to plague the world to this very day.

In an effort to unify God’s people to Himself, a covenant was established, whereby men were granted promises, but only if they obeyed what was written in the law. The first covenant wasn’t a mistake that God implemented, rather it had faults and had to be done away with, because although it helped men live according to a better standard, it didn’t provide salvation and eternal life. Where the first covenant’s laws were written on external sources, according to the new covenant, God put His laws into men’s hearts and minds. This is interesting on so many levels, because having God’s words written in your mind and heart eliminate all excuses as to not knowing what He expects from you. In addition, every man can know God for themselves, and it would be difficult for pride to overtake the minds of those who have full knowledge, and understanding of the will of God.

Unlike the first covenant which had no mediator, but priests who offered gifts and sacrifices to God, Christ Jesus, the Son of the true and living God, serves as the high priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to God, so that the new covenant could be sustained forever. Jesus is indeed the everlasting high priest, and has made the only true atonement for man’s sins. It’s because of Christ, that no matter where a person is, or how bad their circumstances in life are, no one is too far that His grace cannot reach them, and His love can’t save them. Thank you Father for a new, and better covenant!

Walk in love,

Ell

Praise God’s works

Psalm 111

What is praise? Praise can be defined as the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something. The Bible mentions countless examples where men and women offered praise to God for reasons specific to their relationship with Him. King David praised God for the many times He delivered him from those who sought to take his life. Job praised God for His omnipotent power and remarkable glory. The apostle Paul rendered praise to God throughout his epistles. Why do we praise God? Praise is comely, or fitting for those who serve God wholeheartedly. God provides, sustains, and maintains our lives on a daily basis. He even loads us with benefits every single day. There are innumerable reasons for men to give God praise, and 24 hours in a day to offer them to Him.

We not only praise God for the works He performs, but simply for who He is. God created mankind, provides for them daily, sustains their health and wellbeing, forgives their sins, protects them from seen and unseen danger, and offers a love that’s so amazing, until it never ends. We praise God, because He’s deserving of every bit of it.

Men today give praise to movie stars, athletes, and politicians, who could care less about their very existence, while refusing to give the One who created them the reverence He deserves. I observe how women literally throw themselves at popular singers, who’s sole purpose is to sway their minds from thinking sober, to meditating on unholy thoughts. Even preachers in churches have become “gods” to their members, who treat them better than God Himself. Imagine how God feels when we give praise to people and things that offer no contributions to our eternal security. It’s high time that we focus our praise on the One who’s deserving of it. Without God, we would be nonexistent. Without God’s love, there would be no means of repentance. Without God’s grace and mercy, all men would receive the wages due for all their sins. I advise everyone who claims to love God, give Him all the praise He’s worthy of, and prove your love to Him by performing good works daily.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31, KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell