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Genesis 1:26-31

In the beginning, man was made in God’s own image, after His likeness. In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, fowl of the air, cattle, and all the earth, including every creeping thing upon the earth. In the beginning, God blessed man and woman, and told them to fill the earth with offspring. In the beginning, man ate only herbs, fruit, and seed. In the beginning, things were radically different from today.

Today, men have taken on the image and likeness of carnality. Rather than desire the things of God, they yearn for worldly pleasures and lusts of the flesh. Today, men are afraid of nearly every animal in the animal kingdom that has not been thoroughly domesticated, including mice and cockroaches. Today, having multiple children is shunned by the modern self-centered society. In the past, large families were deemed a blessing from the Lord, but those days seem to be long gone. Today, men will eat anything that moves (or doesn’t move). While we have been granted permission by God to consume meat (according to Genesis 9:3, and Matthew 15:11), many around the globe enjoy some very unusual delicacies.

From the beginning of time until now, the world has become nearly unrecognizable from God’s original creation. But, in a moment, all will be restored from chaos and wickedness, to unity and perpetual holiness.

The Whole Picture

1 Samuel 9:1-10

Do you ever wish sometimes, God could show you the purpose for your life plainly? I often wonder why things happen the way they do, but over time, the reasons are eventually revealed. While God could lay out a direct order for our lives, we must stay true to His Word, as His will for each individual is revealed daily. An example of this was evident in our text. God placed judges to rule and govern over His people, but they desired to be as other nations who were ruled by kings. While God’s way was indeed efficient, He would allow the ungrateful Israelites to receive a king. The man God set aside to be Israel’s first king, had no clue of what he would soon walk into, as he lived a normal life in obedience to his father, who was considered a mighty man of power. For some strange reason, Saul’s father’s asses had gone missing. This was odd, because livestock were usually kept under careful watch during these times. Saul’s father told him to take a servant, and search for the missing asses. While Saul was busy conducting his search, God had already told the prophet Samuel the day before, to be ready to meet, and anoint the young Saul as captain over the people of Israel. It’s amazing how God can see the end of a matter, before we even receive instruction on how to do our part. God knows all, and has prepared a way for every person to fulfill His purpose, but we must follow His instruction, so that we can always connect to those whom He placed on our path, to take us to the next level.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Matthew 17:1-8

Hearing the voice of God has been misunderstood for ages, and many have taken advantage of others, by claiming to hear from God, while taking money in exchange for a “word from the Lord”. Throughout the Old Testament, God spoke to men in various ways; from a burning fiery bush, to even using a donkey to get a man’s attention. In the New Testament, God spoke though His Son, Jesus, and gave Him all the instructions required, to guide men back into the fold. Today, the Holy Ghost is in the hearts of those who have received God’s gift of salvation, to offer strength, comfort, and bring back to remembrance, the teachings of Christ.

God would never leave His people to traverse these perverse lands alone, so He made sure to give us His Spirit to keep us on the right track. Men who claim to hear from God on the behalf of others, typically have motives to manipulate them for selfish reasons. God doesn’t speak to men as He did in the past, so for those who yearn to know God’s plans for them, read His Word. Also, for those who want to hear the voice of God audibly, read the Word out loud lol (credit to Justin Peters).

The Bible entails all the instructions and tools the church needs to keep themselves occupied, until Christ returns, so I admonish all to be mindful of those who claim God gave them a Word for you, because everything God wanted you to know, is written in His Word. While God can bring people to your heart and mind, He will hardly ever tell someone what you need, without first revealing it to you.

Be strong, be vigilant, because the enemy is still trying to take us out before this year ends. We’ve had ups, and downs, but by the grace and mercy of God, we are still here. Continue to guard yourselves against the evil one, and keep your faith in the Lord. Study and meditate on the Word of God daily, so that you can prove to Him, your love and dedication to His will is solid.

🎶 Walk In The Light… Beautiful Light 🎶

John 3:16-21

What is light? We see what it does, but what is it actually? Light exposes cockroaches in your kitchen, illuminates the midnight skies with starlight, expands and radiates in all directions like a lightbulb, bends around corners, and even carries energy and momentum. Light is an amazing source of awesomeness, and it has been a major benefit to mankind, since the beginning. In the natural sense, light is responsible for doing all these things, but on the spiritual level, light holds a more intense purpose. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, and is synonymous with knowledge. The knowledge of God (His Word) reveals the truth, and exposes the darkness found in sin and disobedience. The purpose of Christ coming to the earth was, so darkness could be revealed, and men could discover their desperate need for the light. Those who refuse and reject God’s light, willingly do evil, and hate the knowledge of His Word, so they get comfortable doing deeds in darkness, so the light won’t expose them. As children of God, we live in such a way, that our lives mirror that of Christ’s, so when the light shines over us, we welcome it, because our deeds are pure, holy, and acceptable unto God. Walk in the light, so that you can be a shining example of what holy living looks like, in these last and evil days.

“If God is love, then is the love you share with others godly?” – Ell

Humbled Beginnings; Extraordinary Endings

Luke 2:21-24

As a child, I would often envy other children in school, who were fortunate enough to dress in the finest clothing, and flaunt the most expensive backpacks. Even the lunch boxes these particular kids brought to school were fancy, and were filled with all the goodies I yearned to enjoy. It’s hard for a child not to compare himself to those he’s in close proximity to, and oftentimes seeing them enjoy things his own parents probably couldn’t afford, could cause moments of sadness, and minor depression. As I grew older, and began to learn more about the knowledge of God, I gradually gained a better understanding of God’s perspective on humbled beginnings.

Just because one may grow up, not having things society deems as the best, doesn’t guarantee that person won’t have a prosperous, and fulfilling future. The perfect example of this biblical truth can be found in our lesson’s text. Thinking from a carnal perspective, one would assume, God would allow Jesus to be raised in a wealthy family; one that has relevance with the church, and with the world. A father sending His only Son, to live with a poor family, then die for wicked people, wouldn’t fair too well on the Lifetime Movie Network. They’d call that bad parenting. Fortunately, God knows everything, and He was well aware that His Son would stick to His divine plan, and not waver, no matter what His upbringing looked like.

From being born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, to being presented to the Lord in Jerusalem, with a sacrifice of two turtledoves, Jesus, the Son of the living God, went on unhindered and consistent in His obedience to God’s unselfish, and life-saving plan for mankind. It’s because of the obedience of Christ, that all men can be forgiven of their sins, and become partakers of the same inheritance that belongs to Him. Speechless!

You may not have had the privileges others around you enjoyed during your lifetime, but never allow how others live, to determine how far you’ll go in life. Besides, just because people may have nice things, doesn’t mean they have peace in their hearts, and stable minds. Trust and believe, God will make your life worth living, even if you don’t think you’re worth it. If you could see yourself the way God does, you’d instantly change your way of living, for the better.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 4:8 – He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:8 – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:37-39 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Work Work, Sweat Sweat!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

In the beginning, God made everything beautiful! All the inhabitants of the earth, were masterfully created by the everlasting Father Himself. The earth was originally made in a self-sustaining state, so that man could enjoy it forever, without working to maintain it. Unfortunately, that pretty picture didn’t last too long, after the man gave in to deception, and sinned against God.

From the time of Adam and Eve’s eviction from the Garden of Eden, to now, men are required to work, in order to maintain a living in the earth. Work can be a hassle at times, but our reward comes in the form of a paycheck. With that paycheck, we are then able to accommodate a decent living (in most cases). The Bible teaches, if a man doesn’t work, then he doesn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words, lazy people will suffer, because their lack of consistent work, won’t grant them the resources they need to survive.

Although Adam messed things up for all of us, God honors our work ethics, and endorses the command for us to enjoy the fruit of our labor. I know…I know… life sucks, people are wicked, the government is evil, the world is coming to an abrupt end, so why should I focus on being consistent on a job that’ll eventually fade away into nonexistence? Surprisingly, the wisest man who ever lived felt this same way. King Solomon had a moment when he hated life! Can you believe that? In his own words, he said, “Therefore, I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Proverbs 2:17). I’m not certain whether or not the great king was going through mid-life crisis, but he literally pondered the reasoning behind working for vain things, when everything he worked for would be left for others to enjoy.

We all go through those moments, when we are tired of the cycles of life, but God never gets tired of seeing His children prosper. Whether they be at work, school or university, or taking the message of His Gospel around the world, the people of God can honor Him in whatever capacity of life they find themselves. While we all have to work, let’s do it considering the fact that we will get paid (lol), but most importantly, God can use us on our jobs, or wherever we are, to influence others to get closer to Him. Take pride in what you do to earn a living, and treat yourself from time to time. God knows the struggle is real, but He also knows you can handle it.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

God Brings Balance

Leviticus 25:8-17

The Year of Jubile, was an exciting season, ordained by God, so that all Hebrews could receive a fresh start in their way of living. During this hallowed year, people were required to live off their increase, so that the land could rest, and lie untended, for a season. Not only was the land given room to breath, but the people were also commanded to rest from work. God knew the importance of balance and fairness, so He made certain that during this year, business was to get a fresh start as well. This was a time when all mortgages were canceled, servants released back to there families, all debts forgiven, and all lands were reverted to the original owners. Jubile was set aside to be holy, and a time where liberty was proclaimed throughout the lands, and unto all the people there. God also stressed, that when conducting business, men were to be fair, and not oppress one another, during this time.

How I wish America feared God in such a way, that His standards ruled the government. Some say this country was founded on godly principles, but its obvious men have long pushed those standards aside, in place of their own ideals. Rather than proclaim liberty, fairness, and respect for our fellow man, this country is divided by parties, social classes, and the color of a man’s skin. Could you imagine how incredible it would be, if a year was set aside, where the government canceled everyone’s debt, including mortgage, credit card bills, student loans, and more? Although that’s only a fairytale, it would allow an opportunity for all things to return to balance.

Well, I guess I’ll snap out of my daydream, and focus back on reality. While we try to maintain balance in this world of unjust leaders, be certain to treat your fellow brothers and sisters with godly love, and respect. Always be honest, and keep God first in all your dealings. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

One day like one thousand years

2 Peter 3:8-10

One thing many people are ignorant of is, God’s timing, and how it is not the same as the time man is confined to. In fact, God resides outside of time, and is not limited, nor affected by it in any way. He is a timeless being, who existed before the beginning of the beginnings. As AMAZING as that sounds, I don’t understand, nor can I explain how that’s possible, but based on the irrefutable evidence I see on a daily basis, I believe every word inspired by Him, and written in the Bible.

Knowing that our time on earth is limited, should provoke every man to seek counsel from the One who exists outside of time. Unfortunately, many are willingly ignorant of this fact, and choose to live as though their end is secure, while living according to their own wills. Time that’s wasted can never be regained, and it’s sad how countless hours a day are spent on actions and habits that do nothing to please God, bring glory to His name, nor strengthen the faith or character of a man. It’s interesting to see a sports team strive hard to win a game, as the time slowly expires; contributing effortless physical and mental exertion to come out victorious. I say this often, and I’ll say it again, “God cares nothing about sports!” The time men spend shooting balls in hoops, kicking balls through goals, or swinging golf clubs from the greens, could be used learning, growing, and spreading the message of the Gospel all around the world.

According to verse ten of our text, “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. Take a moment, and read that verse again. Go ahead, I’ll wait……….”the earth also and the works therein shall be burned up”. All the amazing buildings, monuments, stadiums, homes, cars, attractions, amusement parks, malls, and every Walmart, will be destroyed, on the day of the Lord. If reading this verse frightens you a little, good. It’s intent is to make you aware that our existence on this planet is temporary, and God has a better place prepared for us, after this life. So, why do men invest so much precious time in things that will someday be an afterthought? God doesn’t need time, we do, so it’s time that we learn to appreciate the time we’re given, and spend it wisely, because when it’s gone, judgment awaits.

After studying this lesson, I recommend everyone to invest your time doing things that bring pleasure to God. For example, instead of hating your enemies, learn to love them, and seek to draw them closer to God, rather than wish evil upon them. If you have lingering issues with a brother sister, coworker, or friend, release the grudge, forgive them, then try to make up for all the time lost during your time of separation. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him”. (Colossians 3:15-17 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the image of God

Colossians 1:15-20

Who was Jesus before He left Heaven to fulfill His mission on the earth. Men have only seen Him in the flesh, but have never truly known Him, except from His life, words, and deeds on earth. John tells us that in the beginning, Jesus was with God. Not only was He with God, He was God, and was always as much divine as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Christ created all things with God, and allowed for the redemption of that creation through the power of His blood, and the Holy Spirit. In Heaven, all knowledge, life, and the light of men was in Him. Jesus being the image of the invisible God, references the fact that God has a body; a spirit body like the angels and other spirit beings. From all eternity, the person we know as Jesus Christ, existed as an equal member of the Godhead, and reigned in the same wisdom, knowledge, and power as well. Before He became God’s Son (humanity, not deity), He was a spirit being who carried out the divine plan of creation, and was the direct agent of God the Father who created all things by Him. In other words, God ordered and commanded, and Christ carried out the plan. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?

Just like on earth where we enjoy the fullness of creation, Heaven isn’t full of clouds of marshmallows and angels floating around doing nothing, but it’s full of God’s beautiful creation as well, just on an upgraded level. Invisible things are made up of material substances which are visible in its own realm. Angels and all other Heavenly beings are of material substance as well. Although all are visible in their own realm, some may not be visible to others of lower realms. Knowing this, I am eager to explore all of God’s wonders in the new Heaven and earth. Men have constructed some amazing things on the earth, but I can only fathom what the Heavenly handiwork looks like in person.

Christ reigned and ruled in all of Heaven’s glory, and His authority was equal in the trinity. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (vs. 17). Today, Christ reigns again with God the Father, but has become the head of the church as well. The church is the body of Christ, and is a direct representation of His essence in all things. This is why the world needs to see a difference between themselves, and the body of Christ, so that they’ll be convicted by the sin that plagues their lives, and willingly surrender their lives to the Father. Christ is holy all the time, so we should live in holiness all the time as well. God’s image is in the body, represented through the Holy Spirit, so our works should only be done in love and respect for the God who loves us. The life Jesus lived on earth can indeed be replicated, but many fail to realize the power that lies in His Spirit, just as the disciples often did. Appreciate God the Father and Christ Jesus who delivered us from the power of sin and darkness, and welcomed us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Walk in love,

Ell