Be Healed!

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Of the many gifts given by God, and the diversities thereof, one that is desired by most people is, the gift of healing. Sickness and pain, and all other unfortunate bodily ailments, invade the lives of many, but healing is desired by all, in order to enjoy the benefits of healthy living. I believe, no man in his right mind desires to suffer sickness, and make attempts to avoid things that cause it. But, God in His never-changing state, can still manifest divine healing to anyone He desires to bless.

The ways of the Lord are far beyond what my 3 pound brain can fathom, so I have limited understanding why so many good people suffer, and deal with sickness and disease, but I’m also fully aware, God takes no pleasure in seeing His children suffer either. There’s reason and purpose behind all things taking place in the earth, and God is fully aware of them all, but if I could operate in the gift of healing, I would make wise use of the gift, and bring change to many hurting individuals. Not only would I heal bodily hurts and pains, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual pains. Around the world, many suffer from inward pains, and other forms of hurt that come through the heart. Physical pain hurts, but emotional suffering can at times, hurt a lot more. While there are no medicines that can heal the pains of the heart, only through the love of God, and His grace and mercy, can healing of the heart truly begin.

Take time today, to pray for those who you know are suffering any kind of sickness, disease, hurt, pain, or shame, and ask God to manifest healing in their lives. We may not operate in the gift of healing, but our fervent prayers can provoke God to send His healing manifestation to those we love and care about, all over the world.

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

God-given tasks for workers

Ecclesiastes 3:9-17

Work is important in all aspects of life. Whether working to make a living for yourself or family, working to get through school, or whatever you do that involves time and consistent effort, one thing’s for certain, work is a necessity in this era. The average person works to earn wages, that are used to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Work was easy in the beginning, as Adam maintained and kept the Garden of Eden in optimal condition. God provided everything he needed, and all he was expected to do was, remain obedient to God’s commands, and enjoy the finest life ever lived. After he sinned, things changed drastically. Work then became strenuous, and mandatory in order to benefit from the necessities offered in life.

Although we must work in order to maintain a natural balance, we must not forget that our priority works involve Kingdom business. When God made man, He deposited in each of us a special gift, talent, and special ability, that He expects us to utilize for His purposes only. Just as police officers and security guards are equipped with certain gear and equipment to perform certain duties, those items aren’t meant for personal or private use, but for purposes related to fulfilling their assignments. Believers are tasked with the commandment of soul-winning, because up to this point on the timeline of creation, things are about to get a lot interesting. Millions around the world are filling seats in movie theaters to watch the Avengers: Endgame movie. This particular film sums up the previous 21 films Marvel has released over the years, and is backed by unprecedented hype. While those movies are fictitious, and purposed to entertain fans, while making the directors and producers filthy rich, in reality, Christ will soon return, to begin the end game for this evil and perverse world.

The church is the mouthpiece for Christ, and our representation of Him can either help save others, or push them further away from the truth. It’s important for the body of Christ to first know their place in God, so that they can properly utilize all the spiritual gear and equipment available to stand against the wiles of satan, fight the good fight of faith, and remain steadfast, unmovable, and always progressing in the works of the Lord.

All the works we do on this earth, whether good or bad, will be judged. While we yet live, we should put our hands to the plow, and don’t look back, until Christ comes to take us away. But don’t think of yourself only, consider your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who can have a better life in Christ, rather than making moves based on their own understanding. It is my desire that everyone give their heart to God, so that they can live a purposeful life now, and won’t suffer the second death that was assigned only for satan and his angels.

Walk in love,

Ell

Called and enabled for ministry

Sunday 3-31-19
Called and Enabled for Ministry
(Matthew 4:12-22)

Before a company usually hires a potential employee, certain requirements are to be met. Company standards typically require candidates to submit a resume, detailing previous work experience, as well as skills that are beneficial to the job title. There are many who fabricate impressive resumes, but only to get the job. These persons usually don’t last long with companies, as their lack of skill is eventually revealed. On the other hand, there are some who work extremely well, and have top-notch work ethics, yet their resume may be a bit weak, so to speak. Candidates are then called in for interviews, so that managers can see for themselves, the faces behind the resumes.

To be qualified for the work of ministry, resumes and interviews are not required. Like companies seeking employees, in the realm of the Spirit, many are called, but few are chosen. God made a plan and purpose for everyone He created, but not all men will choose to walk in their purpose. As Jesus began His ministry, He didn’t seek men’s resumes or credentials, instead, He witnessed men as they worked in their profession, and diligently fulfilled their duties. Being God in the flesh Christ already knew the hearts of the men He chose, and that they would willingly drop everything to follow after Him. Like any flourishing business, quality workers are highly sought after. Jesus knew that His ministry would have a few troubling encounters, so He made sure to select men who were hard workers, strong in faith, and focused on the job at hand.

As you fulfill your calling for God, do you think He’s proud of the work you do? Do you put forth more effort in working for your earthly boss, than you do for your heavenly Father? Because of Christ, we were called and enabled to serve God, and expand His ministry as far as our journey takes us. We must not sit on our gifts, talents, and abilities while souls are lost every day. Instead, we should take advantage of the opportunities Christ provided for us, and work diligently in the gifts and callings God enabled us to perform.

Walk in love,

Ell

Multiply God’s gifts

Matthew 25:14-30

Every man, and woman, was made special, and obtains various talents and abilities that are all intended to advance the kingdom of God on the earth. Many get confused by thinking that their gifts and special skills were meant to only make their lives better, but all the work we invest while we live, was purposed to fulfill kingdom assignments. Some actually abide by God’s standard of living and seek only to build up the Saints, while making strides to win the lost as well. Unfortunately, there are a great deal of others who are either sitting on the gifts that God implanted in them from birth, or they are exercising their gifts, but for the sole purpose of satisfying selfish goals or dreams.

In our text, Jesus taught a parable that I’m certain, confused many who were in attendance, as it does today. The parable of the talents offers deep insight into the mind of the great and mighty God we serve, and reveals His expectations for His people, as they await the return of His Son. While it’s true we were all made in the image of God, and after His likeness, we were also distributed varying gifts and abilities, as I aforementioned. With all that God equipped us with, He expects us to utilize them wisely, while fulfilling the assignment to go into the world and spread His Goodness.

The longer you live in life, the more you see talents wasted for selfish gain, and filthy lucre. Tv shows like “American Idol”, and “The Voice”, exploits the musical talents of contestants for the sole purpose of promoting self, and obviously, bringing in big bucks to tv networks. Even so-called Christians have created a similar show, where God is mentioned, yet He’s not promoted. I’ll deal with that topic in another lesson. Imagine if all those great voices came together and sung continual praises to God, just as the angels do every single day. What a sound it would make on earth, that would resound all the way into the heavens.

There are many ways we can glorify God with our gifts, and singing was just an example, but consider all the things men do that could be refocused, and used to build God’s kingdom. Strong men in weight-lifting competitions could use their strength in other ways like helping to build homes for the needy, or assisting in the relief efforts after devastating weather events. Instead of working hard to prove evolution, and disprove creation, scientists can use their knowledge and understanding to help spread the intricacies of God’s unexplainable and miraculous creation all over the world. Our government makes attempts to portray itself as honest and reliable, when all the while they are doing things that hurt the people, rather than help. With all the power, knowledge, and resources we have, it would be better to reach out and make attempts to unite all countries together, so that everyone can have the opportunity to live and enjoy the benefits they deserve. I know that’s a stretch, but wishful thinking never hurt anyone.

Look at your life, and write down all the things you’re good at doing, without effort. It’s possible that God gave you these gifts to help promote His efforts. The enemy knows and watches as we exercise our gifts, and tries to pull us the other way, but stand strong in your faith, and only do what’s pleasing to God. When Christ returns, make sure He finds you investing your talents in godly things, and not matters of the world. Only what you do on this earth for God, will last. Everything else will fade away, to be remembered no more. Let that marinate in your brain for a moment, then choose to please God, over the selfish desires of this fading world.

Seek peace,

Ell