Straighten Up And Fly Right

Galatians 6:1-10

As a whole, the church should conduct themselves totally opposite of what the world represents. Whether a member of the body of Christ lives in California, China, Sudan, or Germany, all who are deemed as children of God are expected to maintain a standard that is holy, and acceptable unto the Lord, at all times, and in all places.

When the Bible is taught, and the pages of Scripture preached, those who deliver the oracles of God should always do so under the leading of the Holy Spirit. When done this way, the message will always be brought forth as God intended, and the Spirit won’t allow man’s pride to take precedence over God’s intended purpose.

I mentioned the previous statements to establish a grounds for this lesson. In order for the church to remain unified, we must all have equal understanding of the Word of God. God’s Word has been the same since its inspired recording, and its relevance is of the upmost importance to all who are in Christ Jesus. Without God’s Word, there would be no sense of direction or purpose for the church, and we’d be left to traverse the earth on our own wisdom and judgment. Fortunately, God made sure to provide a means by which all men can have equal opportunity to learn, study, and meditate on the things He expects from His people.

In our text, some of the most important principles of holy living are mentioned. The apostle Paul taught the church in Galatia the importance of teamwork, humility, and reaping and sowing. Believers are to stick together in times of good, and not so good. Paul taught that we are to bear one another’s burdens, because doing so fulfills the law of Christ (to love thy neighbor as thyself). All members of Christ’s body are dependent upon each other to function properly, and when one member falls, the others are to restore them with meekness. This is very important, because men are known to point the finger, and make those who fall, feel bad, but they forget that while their pointing their finger at someone who made a mistake, a situation is awaiting them around the corner, to test them in the same area. Christians are to walk in humility at all times, remembering how Jesus carried Himself among those who followed after Him.

Lastly, Paul encouraged the Galatian church that sowing to the Spirit, will bring everlasting life, but sowing to the flesh will reap corruption. The world is expected to sow seeds to their flesh, because they are of their father the devil, but the children of God should always be found investing their time and energy, into building God’s kingdom. Be sure your attitude, behavior, and actions are aligned with God’s expectations, and allow His love to shine through you, as you walk in obedience to His Word.

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

Ell

A Little Too Late

Amos 5:1-3, 16-17

If you were in a position of great authority, and were presented the opportunity to save a life, by use of extreme punishment, or to refrain from executing discipline, so that the convicted could continue on a path to their eventual demise, which would you choose? It’s never a good feeling when bringing discipline upon others, because it hurts to see them suffer, especially when they could have chosen a better direction. Judges and jurors are met with this challenge on a daily basis. It’s not easy to condemn someone to punishment, because most people have a heart, but when your hand is forced to put someone away, because of their consistent unlawful behavior, there’s no choice left, except judgment. Parents also experience these feelings quite often, when they are forced to discipline their unruly children. It matters not how cute and precious those little rascals can be, when daddy and mommy lay down the law, those little ones are expected to obey. But, when they consistently refuse to adhere to the standard, parents are forced to execute plan “pow pow”.

The God of all creation has had His own share of similar instances, when the children of Israel forced His hand to bring judgment upon them, through their continual disobedience. God loved the nation of Israel unconditionally, and had amazing blessings in store for them, but they found more pleasure in their hypocrisy, than in remaining steadfast in His will.

Our text presents prophecy of future lamentations Israel will face, because they had fallen so far away from God’s standard, until there was “none to raise her up” (vs. 2b). After reminding the people of their blatant sins, God offered them one last chance to change their ways. In verses 14 and 15, God said, “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph”. After all the hypocrisy, sinning, and wicked things Israel were undoubtedly guilty of, God gave them another opportunity to clean up their ways. Are you generous and compassionate to others, when they wrong, or offend you? Do you give second, third, fourth, and fifth chances, so others can eventually get themselves together, and have time to ask your forgiveness? Or, do you bring down the hammer, the moment someone comes at you in an unacceptable manner?

God’s mercy is everlasting, and the truth of His Word, will endure through every generation, but there will come a time when those second, third, and tenth chances will be taken away, and God’s hand will be forced to bring judgment down on all who remain in sin, and refuse to correct the error of their ways.

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

Walk in love,

Ell

Love one another

Romans 13:8-10

This lesson is directed toward all who claim to be Christians, disciples, or children of God. The intent of this message is to validate, or determine whether the love that abides in your heart is genuine, God-like love, or just a form of God’s intended love, without the proof of works as evidence.

Love is many things, and can be observed from multiple perspectives, but however an individual chooses to describe what love is, they cannot deviate from its source, God. God is love, literally! He is a Spirit, that is the complete embodiment of love, righteousness, power, and all things relevant to godliness. Every act, whether mighty, or seemingly insignificant, God performed was done through the eyes of love. Even in His judgment, He withholds punishment for a time, so that men can be graced with the opportunity to repent, but some are completely “souled” out to sin, and have enlisted themselves on God’s naughty list.

The biblical and descriptive definition of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13, but love is evident throughout every book of the Bible. Believers were commanded to love, and to do it consistently. There’s never a justifiable moment when a child of God is permitted not to love someone, because love is what comes naturally from their behavior. God is love, love is God, God is in the hearts of His people, so His people should never have trouble loving others. Sounds simple, yet many who claim to be Christians have the most unruly behavior in the world. The one place the world seeks to find help and hope, is the very place that needs help as well. It’s almost a joke these days to share with others you attend church, and/or are a Christian, because the world has witnessed too many bad examples of churches, and disobedient members. When people come to a church looking for help, their business shouldn’t be spread across the community. Instead, everyone should be treated as they desire to be treated themselves.

Real love gives, without seeking anything in return, protects, without seeking anything in return, respects without seeking anything in return, and obeys because it’s right. In order to be effective in loving others, we must first love ourselves. Many problems that stem from churches and other religious communities is, those who are members have issues forgiving themselves, thus are unable to forgive others. The world needs to see real love in action again. Churches, and all who are committed to God, have a duty to spread love across the globe, without hesitation. Christians owe it to each other to love, and are bound by commandment to do so. When love reigns in the hearts of God’s people, gossip will cease, drama will fade away, fighting will come to a halt, and broken relationships will be mended, so that the body of Christ can continue to grow and develop in faith, hope, and love.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus teaches about right attitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

During this time in our text, Jesus had made a reputation for Himself, as the fame of His teaching, preaching, and miraculous healing spread throughout the lands. As He, along with His newly appointed disciples continued to explore Galilee, Jesus made notice of the large gathering of people who came to see Him, so He sought an elevated place, from where He could be positioned, so that everyone in attendance could hear Him speak. Jesus didn’t go up into a mountain to puff Himself up and belittle the people, instead, He wanted all to hear the wonderful teaching He had in store for them. Jesus always took advantage of opportunities to minister when crowds gathered, and His purpose was to save the lost, so He never missed an opportunity to do so.

This lesson’s text also introduces the “beattitudes”, or behaviors that resemble godliness, and in turn, render great rewards. I often stress that Christians are to carry themselves in the same light as Jesus did when He walked the earth, so our behavior and conduct should be very similar to His. According to the text, those who surrender their lives to God, and strive to obey His Word, are considered blessed in so many ways. All who remain humble and obedient, will one day enjoy the vast wonders of the kingdom of Heaven. Even to those who may be experiencing seasons of loss and mourning, God will never leave them comfortless. There are innumerable blessings in the earth, that will run down those who are meek, or gentle and submissive. To all who yearn to grow and mature in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, their aspirations will always be satisfied. Mercy is considered not getting the punishments you deserve, so when you show mercy to others, the same will be returned to you. There’s a character in Scripture who was mentioned as a man after God’s own heart, and I often wondered what God saw in this man, for him to be grace with such a title. One thing I know is, when our hearts are pure and clean (following conversion from sinner to Saint), we are then blessed to see and understand the wonderful mysteries of the almighty God. In addition, those who are the children of God are not only pure in heart, but also peacemakers.

The last of the beattitudes aren’t for the the faint of heart, as they involve the part of Christianity many try to avoid: persecution, suffering, false accusations, and the like, but endured for Christ’s sake. As representatives of God, believers should be mindful of how they carry themselves around others. How you live, proves what’s in your heart, and if you claim to be a child of God, there should be no sign of evil or wickedness in any of your actions. An apple can never be an orange, nor can a banana be a grapefruit, so the child of God should never be anything other than what their Heavenly Father is; pure of heart, humble, holy, righteous, loving, kind, merciful and always forgiving.

Walk in love,

Ell

Lifestyle of Christian believers

Luke 6:27-36

Jesus instructed His disciples, on multiple occasions, how they were to conduct themselves in the presence of sinners. He stressed often that their standard of living should differ from those who refused to walk after godly principles, because they also represented the Father, as He did. Sin and its demonic influence has altered how God defines love, and how men are to treat each other on the earth. For this reason, believers are to live in such a way, that the world can witness the nature of God through their lives. The world has heard of God, and many have read of Him in Scripture, but they can easily see Him through the way believers carry themselves.

In my previous lessons, I mentioned that the most powerful thing humans hold in their possession is choice, and the most coveted attribute of godliness is love. When we choose to love, we initiate a series of events that will open doors by which we can be fruitful, and prosperous for God’s Kingdom. For example, when we love our enemies, not only do we obey God’s command, but we create a situation where those who once despised our God, could possibly have a change of heart. There are times when men will wish evil upon us, and use us in ways that only benefit themselves, but Christ commanded us to bless and pray for them regardless of their selfish motives.

Christians are to extend love in all areas of their lives, including giving. We are to be wise in our giving, but not hold back from those in need, especially from our enemies. We are to also give freely from our hearts, not expecting anything in return. How many people have you run into who refuse to give, unless they know you’ll pay them back? As believers, our motives and intentions differ greatly from the world’s. We treat others the way we wish to be treated, knowing that God loves all men, and desires that they will someday give their hearts to Him. The world holds grudges, remembers faults, and uses past instances for selfish reasons, but the children of God operate in love and mercy, as their Father in Heaven does, and they easily forget hurts, faults, and continues to do good despite how they’ve been treated. At times it seems unfair that we have to endure suffering and persecution, but when I consider all the things Christ went through, yet continued to love and forgive, I get inspired to love even the more. “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36).

Walk in love,

Ell

The call of the Gentiles

Romans 11:11-24

Growing up playing multiple sports, one of the worst titles one could be given by fellow teammates, or opponents was, scrub. A scrub was a player on a team who was appointed as a backup to the backup, or a “just in case someone gets hurt player”, who usually sat on the bench during games while the starters hogged the spotlight. Scrubs were usually picked on, ridiculed, and laughed at by other members of the team, mostly because their skill levels weren’t on par with the others. I can vaguely remember a time when I could have possibly, but not certainly, perhaps, but don’t quote me on it, been a scrub. At least I think it was me. Maybe it was someone else I was thinking about who resembles me, because I was awesome! Okay, it was me, but it was during my baby shark days when I was still developing and learning the ropes of football. When the coach called me into the game, after someone got hurt, I thought I was dreaming, and remained on the bench with my eyes and mouth wide open. I think I missed the next play because I was so caught up in the moment of hearing my name called. When my spaceship finally landed back on earth, I ran on the field and actually exceeded everyone’s expectations, including my own. After the game, I was assigned as a starting player for the remainder of the season, but my coach told me to appreciate the moment and opportunity, and never let it cause me to become haughty and high-minded. Although I was granted the privilege of being a major part of our team’s future success, it could all be taken away if my character and behavior didn’t meet the coach’s expectations.

In God’s plan of redemption, the Jews were His starting players. They were the first to be blessed in the Gospel, and had access to God’s gameplan. Because of their unbelief in God’s plan, they were benched in place of the Gentiles, or scrubs. The apostle Paul helped the Gentiles gain a better understanding of their new position on God’s team, in our text. Their elevation came at the expense of the Jews’ demotion, so Paul warned them not to boast of their being accepted of God in the place of the Jews. The same way my coach could have sent me back to the bench if I allowed pride to control my behavior, is just how God could’ve removed the Gentiles from their position, if they had boasted in their new role.

God still loves His starting players, the Jews, and will engraft them back into their previous position, but they must first change their behavior, and make a choice to follow His gameplan over their own. The body of Christ is composed of many members, yet remains one team. Play your position well, or you’ll get benched for the next man up, until you get your act together.

Walk in love,

Ell

Behavioral action goals of Christians

Romans 12:9-21

What does it take for great athletes to remain at the top of their game, even during times of extreme pressure or signs of aging? Aside from being motivated by wanting to be the best of the best, and the death of his father, Michael Jordan’s seasoned success came through a vigorous work ethic. In order to be the best, Michael believed it took hours of training and proper diet daily to keep him in excellent shape. During his career, he managed to win six NBA titles while fighting to keep his focus away from distractions, and solely on his goal. Following the coach’s game plan, utilizing and respecting the skills of his teammates, and refusing to give up are what made Michael Jordan one of the greatest basketball players ever.

What does it take for a Christian to be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven? It means little to God when we gain approval from men, especially when that approval is based solely on human effort alone. God cares for souls, and it’s our duty to influence as many as possible with the Gospel message. God left a very detailed game plan for the apostle Paul and the churches in Rome, that would help make them a more effective body as a whole. In verse nine, God said when you love, don’t bring the phony stuff, but make sure it’s real. The world isn’t so easily fooled by counterfeit love these days, so it’s crucial that as we witness, we portray the love that God gives.

The church was also commanded to hate evil, cleave to, or be cemented to that which is good, be kindly affectioned one to another, give honor where and when it’s due, never be lazy or careless in business, and maintain zeal as you obey the will of God, whether you receive personal gain or public approval or not. God doesn’t give theses commands to keep us isolated and bored, but so that we can avoid unnecessary distractions while living to please him in all our ways. Many coaches use the phrase, “you play how you practice”, in order to motivate or encourage their players to take their training serious. This can be applied in the life of a Christian as well. The more we pray, fast, study the Word, and apply godly precepts to situations we face, the more mature our behavior will become, and our character will adjust accordingly.

God’s desire is that we get ourselves aligned with His will before we attempt to save the world. An athlete who goes in the game with little to no practice will embarrass himself, along with the entire team. If you’re hesitant about witnessing to a lost soul because you don’t feel prepared, don’t sit idle and hope to instantly become bold, but practice loving those who are already around you. Many of us have family who know they need God, but prefer to hear from someone they trust. You may be the only person someone will listen to, so take advantage of your opportunities.

Throughout each day, monitor your life and see where your behavior was as Christ expects it to be, as well as the areas you need improvement. Walk in a state of humility, while continuing to overcome evil with good. Set an example that pleases God, and attracts the attention of those who are lost, yet are seeking a better way.

Seek peace,

Ell

Genuine Christian behavior

Romans 12:14-21

How hard is it for you to do something good for someone you know hates your guts? Do you have trouble looking past the evil in men, and seeing a dying soul that needs to be saved? God planned for all of us who are alive today, to be in this time for a specific purpose. Sin has been invading this earth for thousands of years, and it’s influence seems to be growing immensely. Many are being led astray from the confines of God’s covering, and are walking along the broad path that leads to destruction. It’s imperative that Christians carry themselves in a way that demonstrates the character of Christ, because those who are lost need something spiritually sound to look to when they seek change.

It’s hard to win others to God when our behavior is just as bad, or worse as theirs. How effective can I be, trying to witness to people and tell them to turn away from the same things I’m caught up in? This is what causes many to lose respect for Christianity, and eventually for God. When we do good while others treat us badly, our resistance to retaliate causes a seed of love to be planted in the hearts of those who come against us.

It’s evident that following in the footsteps of Jesus won’t be an easy task, because in verse 14, Paul tells the church in Rome to bless those who persecute them. Suffering persecution alone is one of the most difficult things to go through, yet Paul encourages the church to take it with a smile. How is that even possible, knowing that persecution involves being sought out eagerly, in order to be mistreated, or to be pursued in a hostile manner? This is why it’s important to be rooted in God, and have wisdom and understanding of His word, because the Scripture tells us why theses things happen, and how we are to react in them.

In order to overcome evil as a body, Paul said the church should be of the same mind, and walk in humility. Being humble helps in keeping our attitude calm, and our character in check when things seem to go wrong. The church is a direct representation of Christ, so when we make mistakes, it hurts our witness to those who are lost. We are to live at peace with everyone; yes, everyone. There are those who were assigned by satan to get on your nerves, but you must recognize this wicked ploy, and shut it down even before it has time to develop. Instead of fighting against all those who attempt to knock you off track, show love toward them, and let God do the fighting for you, because vengeance is His, and He’ll be sure to give them a spanking they’ll never forget.

Unfortunately, it is possible to be overcome by evil, but only if we submit to it. Yield your members to God, and overcome evil with His goodness flowing from you, and into all the world.

Seek peace,

Ell