Striking a fair balance

2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Good advice can go a long way, especially when the words are motivated by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul spoke to many churches during his time of ministry; preaching, teaching, admonishing, rebuking, and doing as he was instructed to do by God, so that the people would know, and live by the standard God approved of, and not the standard of men.

As a good leader, Paul cared sincerely for those he covered spiritually, and oftentimes shared thoughts from his heart (with God’s permission) to the churches. In our text, Paul thought it necessary to provoke the Corinthian church to consider sharing their possessions with those who had little, to nothing. It’s easy to say you love God with all your heart when you aren’t being challenged to prove it, but there are times when that same love needs to be put into action.

There are many leaders who have given advice to their followers, but only for reasons to benefit themselves, and not the needs of the people. On the contrary, Paul gave words that would be expedient, or profitable for the church, if they put into action what he advised. The grace of giving was not a commandment, but mentioned as an example of what the other churches were doing, to build and edify their communities.

For some strange reason, giving seems to be one of the hardest things to do amongst the body of Christ. Having the love of God inside of us, giving should in fact be one of most natural elements of our being. Perhaps some are hesitant to give, because they’ve struggled all their lives, and feel that giving will deplete their supply to the point they’ll fall into poverty again, or maybe some have entertained the spirit of selfishness too long, until it keeps them for maintaining the desire to put others before themselves. No matter the reason, if you give willingly, and cheerfully, God will return unto you overflowing blessings that will come by the hands of men. Be mindful of this though, refusing to bless others, keeps God’s hand from blessing you, because it is more blessed to give, than to receive (Acts 20:35). If God can give His only Son to save the world, then why can’t we willingly give a portion of our goods to help someone who is struggling? Selfishness is NOT an attribute or character of godliness, rather it’s a direct derivative of sinfulness. Were all men created equal? Not at all. But, those who were fortunate enough to have an abundant supply of resources, or even finances, should never hesitate to help a brother in need. I was blessed to meet a woman from Jamaica many moons ago, who has a heart so pure, I think it would rival that of king David. No matter what state she’s in, her willingness to help others never shuts down. She truly exemplifies what a heart after God’s own really is. I strive to follow her example, and the example Christ showed us in the Word, so that my giving won’t be in vain, and God will one day say to me, “well done”.

How would you feel if you lost everything, like the people who are suffering from the recent storm that literally demolished the islands of the Bahamas, and no government in the world, nor your own family or friends would offer a helping hand? You’d be broken beyond repair. My advice to the body of believers is, when God blesses you with increase, instead of storing all your goods away to be eaten by moths, or to become corrupted, share the wealth with the men and women who strive daily to live according to God’s Word, the same as you do.

Walk in love,

Ell

God answers Hannah’s prayer

1 Samuel 1:9-20

When a person truly understands the nature of God, only then will they be able to discern between the things they should pray for, as opposed to what they should avoid. I said that based on Hannah’s heartfelt prayer, after fulfilling her vow to the Lord. She desired something that should have come naturally to her, but was kept from producing children, because God had revelation, and a miracle planted in her suffering. In her delight, and great appreciation for God’s blessing, Hannah revealed the issues of her heart toward God. Not only did she pray, but in her speaking, God’s Spirit inspired her to also prophesy.

In her own words, she said, “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed” (1 Samuel 2:1-10). From these words, it’s evident that Hannah knew God, and placed His will above all else. It’s because of her faith in His power, and patience during suffering, that God blessed her above measure, and prospered the seed of her womb even the more. It’s one thing when God blesses us in ways we can hardly imagine, but it’s even better when He does amazing things through our children as well.

Before you kneel down to pray, first understand “Who” it is you’re praying to. God created EVERYTHING, and has been sustaining His creation since the beginning of time, until now. Trust that He knows all things, and wishes only that His children seek to fulfill His will, over their own. Just as a good parent knows what’s best for their child, and sets them up to live a prosperous life, God wants us to do exceedingly, and abundantly in our lives, but we must willing, and obedient to His Word, His will, and His way.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hannah rewarded for her faithfulness

1 Samuel 2:18-21

“The end of a matter with God, is always good, and if it’s not good, then it’s not the end of the matter”. Those are encouraging words I often use to help people understand that God will never leave His people to suffer, but has great rewards for those who endure their seasons of trials and testing.

Hannah’s life was lived in shame, as she dealt with all the criticisms that came with being barren. Having children was, and is indeed a blessing, but the more children a woman had back then, the more of a blessing she was considered to be. If you read only the first portion of her life, up until the point where she conceived Samuel, weaned him, then presented him to the Lord to be used for a lifetime of service, you would consider Hannah’s life to be a heartfelt story with a happy ending, but as you continue to read into chapter two of 1 Samuel, you’ll discover that God can bless us with an abundance, if we are willing to sacrifice all we have for Him.

During one of their visits to check on their son, Elkanah and Hannah were greeted by the high priest, Eli, who always appreciated their presence. While there, Eli took the time to pray for Hannah, that God bless her to conceive even more children, for the one she willingly loaned to the Lord. The Bible tells us that the Lord visited Hannah, and blessed her with five more children; three sons, and two daughters. I’m not 100 percent certain whether Hannah thought she would bear more children or not, but it seemed as if she was content with the one she had. Just when we think God is finished blessing us, is the moment when He’s only just beginning.

God has not forgotten you, and sees your struggle, but the longer you endure, the greater your blessing will be.

Walk in love,

Ell

Samuel is dedicated to the Lord

1 Samuel 1:24-28

Samuel was one of the most prominent men in Bible history. He had the favor of God, and of men, was established as the prophet of the Lord, was acknowledged as a true prophet of God by all Israel, became the 16th judge of Israel, delivered Israel from the Philistines, and even anointed David as king, later on in his life. This man was so anointed, even as a child, that every prediction or word of prophecy he spoke was literally fulfilled. He knew that God was the Lord of all creation, and allowed His words to inspire him, so that all his counsels could be received as coming from God Himself. Had it not been for a faithful, and God-fearing mother and father, there’s no telling what kind of man Samuel would have become.

Hannah was truly “souled” out for God, and was unselfish in fulfilling her promise to Him, in giving her promised child back to Him. When little Samuel was weaned, and old enough to be separated from his mother, Hannah took him up with her, along with offerings of sacrifice, to the Lord in Shiloh. When she reached the temple, or wherever they gathered, she approached the prophet Eli, and reminded him who she was, and that she had come to deliver her child to the Lord. While it’s unlikely Hannah was the only woman to pray by the high priest, asking for a child the way she did must have impressed Eli so that he’d never forget her.

Hannah’s prayer was direct, and definite, and God honored her words. Our prayers should be that way as well, and not a bunch of emotional and not fully thought out petitions. When we pray, we are to first believe that God can, and will answer us, then make our request known to Him, and follow that request with a life of dedicated service to His purpose, until He answers us. Sometimes, God will even honor our thoughts. I can recall a few times when God answered things I only considered in my head. That’s amazing, but I lived in a way that pleased Him, so He showed me just how great a Father He was.

Live your life in a way that God can’t hold back any good thing from you. When He’s searching the earth, seeking whom to bless, make sure He never passes you by without loading you with good things.

Walk in love,

Ell

Elkanah attends the yearly sacrifice

1 Samuel 1:21-23

In a marriage, it’s of great importance that both partners establish a healthy rapport between each other, early on. To add to this, communication, and understanding should be at the forefront of any successful relationship.

Elkanah and Hannah were a blessed couple, who put God first before all else, and from their faithfulness, God provided for them abundantly. Even after suffering through years of shame and barrenness, God eventually answered the prayer of Hannah to bring forth a child. When we pray, the purpose behind our words should be to bring glory to the name of the Lord. This is because, if we want God to give us His blessings, it should be for something He’d approve of, and not for selfish reasons. Hannah prayed to God, and made a vow that reads, “O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs. 11). That’s a powerful thing to pray. She had been barren all her life, ridiculed, taunted, and verbally abused, then asked God to give her a child, only to give it back to Him. What a rare breed of woman, to have the understanding that only in God, can a child be used to their full extent. Parents have children today and get them involved in so many things that have little, or nothing to do with godliness, then wonder later on, why they can’t keep them from climbing on walls, and acting like Power Rangers. My advice to all those planning to have children someday (or already have them) is, dedicate your kids back to God, and allow Him to use them in a way that fulfills His purpose.

After having the baby, and nursing him, Elkanah was preparing to take his family to Shiloh, to offer unto the Lord his yearly sacrifice. His intentions were to bring both his wives, and all their children on the journey, but Hannah asked if she could remain home with little Samuel, so that she could wean him, then later on, bring him before the Lord, and leave him there as she had previously promised. Elkanah was consecrated to God enough to allow his wife to fulfill her vow, because he could have legally canceled her request, but discerned that it was necessary to leave her be. How many times have you promised someone something, then actually followed through when the time of fulfillment had come? Are you one of those persons who makes promises, just to get what you want, then forget about the one who blessed you, or are you mature enough to follow-through with your words? Hannah made a promise to God, and made sure to follow-through, because she was overly grateful just to bring forth a child, and realized that God would indeed use her child to do great things in the earth.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hannah is childless and suffering

1 Samuel 1:1-8

What do you do when God restricts you from being blessed, and doesn’t tell you the reasons behind His plan? In addition, how are you to deal with people who have more than enough, but rather than help you, or pray that God strengthen your faith, they make life more miserable for you by provoking you during your season of lack. That last thing anyone needs while they’re struggling is, for someone to make matters worse by giving taunting remarks about how blessed they are, and you’re not. Where I grew up, those are typical fighting words, but God has reason for doing certain things in the lives of certain people, and our lesson will reveal such a situation from the life of Hannah.

Hannah was one of two wives married to a godly man named, Elkanah. Polygamy was tolerated during this time under the law, but it was forbidden in the New Testament. I’m not sure why a man would desire more than one wife anyway, because it’s no easy task understanding just one (And all the men said, AAAAMEN). Throughout Bible history, having more than one wife usually ended in trouble, as it did in this lesson. Elkanah was faithful to God, and to his wives and children, but he had more love for Hannah, even though she was barren. The Bible reveals that “the Lord had shut up her womb”. Why would God do such a thing, especially to a good woman? God is all-knowing, and has the understanding to discern who will break under pressure, and who will stand strong until change comes. Just like Job, who endured more suffering than anyone in the history of life (next to Jesus), yet did not curse God, nor give in to the pressure, Hannah endured taunting and ridicule for years from the other wife Peninnah. Why this woman was so cruel to Hannah is not mentioned, but her true motives toward Hannah would never have been revealed, except that God allowed Hannah to suffer for a season.

Many of us today are suffering, but not because of anything we’ve done to cause it. God may be allowing a season of trouble, in order to reveal the hearts of those who are in our circle of trust. It’s possible God wants us to see who is really for us, and who could care less about us being blessed. People are fickle, and change like the winds, but God is consistently good, and will always keep our best interests in mind. He knows what we have need of, even before we ask, but if we endure suffering, and refuse to break under pressure, our rewards will far outweigh whatever situation we may be experiencing. Don’t give up, help is on the way!

Walk in love,

Ell

“O LORD our God You answered”

Psalm 99

As the devastating hurricane, Dorian, sweeps through the islands of the Bahamas, and slowly creeps toward the coasts of Florida, I can imagine many of the affected inhabitants are crying out to God for help. One of the worst storms to be in, is a hurricane, because the higher the category, the more devastation it’ll leave behind. I can remember hurricane Andrew doing damage in my community during the 90s. We prayed that God would move it away, and He did, but not before it had already caused great amounts of damage. When bad things happen, it’s natural that we seek God for help, but my question is, how are we living before those bad experiences come around? While it’s one thing to live a life that pleases God during the good and the bad, it’s sad when people only remember the name of the Lord when trouble comes. When God answers my prayers, it leaves a feeling of gratefulness, gratitude, and appreciation in my heart that’s like none other, and I usually humble myself more, rather than allow pride to settle in.

God is holy, awesome, powerful, great, and the list of His attributes goes on forever! He wants to bless, and do great things for His children, but we must first realize the times we’re living in. We are truly living in the last of the last days, and God wants us focused more on His plan of salvation, than accumulating worldly treasures. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). As the world continues to grow more wicked, and storms seem to develop at unusual times, we should focus our prayers on things that are more relevant to godliness, as opposed to our own selfishness.

God has been answering the prayers of His people since the ancient times, yet their requests weren’t selfish, but aligned with His will. Our prayers must be the same way, if we expect to get a response from God. While it seems that the people of the Bahamas lost everything from the storm, if their hearts are right with God, they really haven’t lost anything that can’t be restored unto them. Let’s continue to pray that God’s will be done, not only in America, but all around the world. Consider those who have life a little harder than you do, and develop more of an appreciation for all the prayers God already answered in your life.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Nazarite vow

Numbers 6:1-5, 13-15

Marriage vows spoken publicly between a man and woman, are strict, yet necessary terms that represent the promises each partner is willing to keep, as they pursue a fruitful and lasting relationship. While some couples choose to write their own personal vows, and others prefer to recite the traditional marriage vows, each promise is expected to be fulfilled, once the ceremony is sealed and completed with a kiss (and marriage licenses are valid). The husband is to keep God first, and remain faithful to his wife, while not allow distractions from disrespectful women to draw his attention away from the woman he promised to love without conditions. The wife is also required to keep God first, and be faithful, while making sure that all of her attention is directed toward her husband, and not the immature men on her job who constantly make passes at her. Both the husband and wife are to care for each other in sickness, and in health. Whatever vow they committed to, couples will see a successful end, if only they take serious the promises they made to each other at their wedding ceremony.

During the days of Moses, men and women had the opportunity to commit to the Nazarite vow. This vow required an individual to separate themselves to render special services unto the Lord. I added the “special services” part (it’s not mentioned in Scripture per se) because God never allows anyone to sacrifice for Him, and He not do something great through them (Samson, for example). Separating themselves unto the Lord, also required the volunteer to separate himself/herself from wine and strong drink, vinegar of wine or strong drink, liquor of grapes, ripe grapes, dried grapes, and anything made from the vine, from the kernels to the husk. That’s an interesting list of things to give up when vowing the Nazarite vow, because I grew up eating raisins, and they can become an addiction. In addition to not drinking from the vine, the hair of those who willingly chose to make this vow was never to be cut, “until the days be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself unto the Lord”. In the Jewish culture, an abundance of hair was considered a mark of physical strength and perfection, and baldness was considered imperfection. Growing their hair out in long lengths, the Nazarites represented the dedication of a person with their whole strength and powers focused on God’s service. The most important promise of this vow was that the man or woman remain holy all the days which they were separated unto the Lord. It’s obvious that while God was using the Nazarite for His purpose and will, He didn’t want them to come into contact with anything that would cause them to not be sober, and have a sound mind. He demanded their full attention while they fulfilled whatever assignment He tasked them with.

While you may not be a Nazarite, I’m certain you’ve made promises to God in your lifetime. Have you kept all of them? Do you even remember them? Whatever the case, as a believer, you chose to separate yourself from the world, and the things that cause you to sin. Stay faithful and true to keeping your promises to God, and He’ll stay faithful to blessing you accordingly.

Walk in love,

Ell

The family escapes successfully

Genesis 19:1, 15-26, 29

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The obvious sign of a true believer is humility, and their end is always good in the sight of God. On the contrary, the identifying character associated with men who are ungodly, and usually end up detained by evil forces, is pride. Whenever a person gets to the point where they feel they are capable of maneuvering through life without God’s guidance, they immediately set themselves up for failure. No one on this earth, and I repeat, no one has the ability to resist evil on their own strength. It takes the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to even stand a chance against the wiles of satan.

The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah somehow allowed evil influences to invade their minds and hearts, which drew them away from walking after righteousness, and dedicate their lives to working evil. Their sins had become so amplified, until God visited the earth to monitor the situation for Himself. The people’s hearts were too far gone to accept repentance, and judgment was inevitable, so the angels of God forced Lot and his family to escape (he was willing to obey and leave, but was lingering for some unknown reason), so that they wouldn’t be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

The instructions to Lot and his family were to leave the city, don’t look back, and find a safe place in the mountains. As they fled to safety, Lot’s wife trailed a little behind her husband, then turned and looked back. Immediately, she became a pillar of salt. Her willful disobedience to God’s Word proved to what extent her attachment to the world had become. Lot’s wife looked back, and was consumed, just as the angel had warned would happen.

Many have run well, and fought the good fight of faith, but were hindered by things of the world, that caused them to miss Heaven. I often ask, what is so valuable in this world that is powerful enough to keep a person from seeing God in eternal peace? Is your attachment to your career, husband, wife, children, money, cars, or properties more important than your soul? “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36). Lot’s wife had life, peace, and prosperity set before her, but turned back to the evil world that sought only to kill, steal, and destroy her purpose. Do you wake up every day, seeking first God’s kingdom, and His righteousness, or are your first thoughts set on planning ways to get rich, where to go on vacation, or how to enjoy the pleasures of this evil world? Take your life a bit more serious, because soon, and very soon, destruction is coming to this earth, as it did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Walk in love,

Ell

Sodom’s sin revealed

Genesis 19:2-14

One of the most life-threatening things men ignore is, underestimating the power of sin and its deadly consequences. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, so why do men willingly participate in sinful activities, knowing that the end result is eternal damnation? Even before Jesus died to forgive the sins of men, God had a standard in place that men were to live by. When the people obeyed, God blessed them, but when they willingly disobeyed, they were judged accordingly.

As we continue to delve deeper into the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, we find where the two angels who accompanied the Lord on a brief visit to Abraham’s tent, had ventured further to the city of Sodom, to fulfill their God-given assignment. As the sun set, and the moonlight began to shine, the angels approached the gate of the city, and were soon met by Abraham’s nephew, Lot. It’s not mentioned why lot was sitting at the gate of the city after dark, but he probably needed to get away from all the sin and perversion taking place in the wicked city. It was so bad, that literally EVERYONE in the city had become corrupted, and participated regularly in all manners of sexual perversions.

After inviting the godly ministers into his home to render hospitality unto them, “all the people from every quarter” of the city surrounded Lot’s house, and demanded that he send the angels out, so that they could have sex with them. I’ll let that sink into your mind for a moment……………………. Angel’s? Like for real? They were that corrupt, until they were willing to disrespect angelic beings to satisfy their sinful desires? I’m speechless! After a dumb and failed attempt by Lot to appease the desires of the men of the city by offering his virgin daughters, the angels saved Lot from being sodomized, pulled him safely into the house, then blinded the hoard of reprobates, so that they could not see anything. The angels then revealed to Lot their purpose for visiting; to destroy the entire city, because the people proved to be as wicked as it had been reported to the Lord. Can you imagine being the only righteous person amongst millions? Lot was then advised to gather his family, then leave the city, before its destruction. Unfortunately, his plea to his sons-in-law went in deaf ears, as they responded to his warning as if they didn’t care. How sad it is for a person to be given one chance to be saved, but turn it down to enjoy the pleasures of unrighteousness.

Ladies and gentlemen, sin is serious, and should be avoided at all costs, because it’s influence can manipulate anyone, if given the opportunity. Abraham interceded for Sodom, in hopes that God would spare the people, if only one righteous man was found (excluding Lot), but the “destroyer angels” had no choice, but to do what they were created to.

Walk in love,

Ell