Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead. Let His Word be a light that guides your path.
Romans 12
13 Bless them which persecute you: bless and curse not. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
What have I done to deserve this?! Why are all these things happening to me?! I prayed daily for my wife and family. I took care of all which the Lord provided for me. I served as a good example for my children to follow. Lord, why am I suffering so much? Why did I lose all of my possessions? Why did you take the lives of all my children? Why is my wife speaking nonsense? Why are my friends accusing me of sin? What are these sores all over my skin? Father, you know I’ve been faithful and diligent in my service to you. I do not understand the reason for my suffering but, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”
Various Scriptures
Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.
Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23
Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24
Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11
In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.
Luke 12:22-34
Aside from death, taxes, and corrupt governments, there’s another thing men can’t seem to avoid in this life. If you were able to survey every sensible person on the planet, and ask if they harbor worry in their minds, I’m apt to believe, your results would be a resounding “yes” for most of them. When we worry, we actually give way to anxiety or unease, while allowing our minds to dwell on difficulty or troubles. On the surface, worrying seems inevitable, and unavoidable, because there are times when we experience moments of unease and stress. For example, parents often worry about the safety of their children while away from home, whether at school or participating in other activities. Men and women who are poor and destitute, worry and wonder, whether or not someone will take time to offer them food, clothes, or a monetary gift. The longer we live on this earth, the harder it seems to escape worry, but Jesus offered a solution, in our text, to help us worry less (especially concerning things we can’t control), and refocus our thoughts on matters that are relevant to kingdom business.
The longer we cloud our minds with thoughts of food, clothing, drama at work, keeping the children safe and healthy, keeping ourselves healthy, whether we are doing enough good deeds, or whatever the case is, Jesus commanded His disciples to think not on those things, but have faith in the God who knows what they have need of, and will supply all of them, as long as they remain in His will.
While it’s necessary to work and plan responsibly, dwelling on how your plans could go wrong, or not work out, is unwise. Besides, worrying is pointless, because it can do absolutely nothing except bring harm to your physical and mental states of being. God made all things, and He knows what we need, before we ask, so it’s foolish and unhealthy to allow worry to invade the beautiful mind God placed in you.
God isn’t oblivious to what we experience in this life, despite how bad things seem to be, and He promised to supply all our needs, not necessarily our wants. But, Psalm 37:4 reads, “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” When we think on those things that are relevant to God’s plan and purpose, He’ll take care of our earthly issues, while at the same time, prepare us to take care of His spiritual assignments during our journey.
If you struggle with worry, and are seeking the strength and wisdom to regain your faith and confidence in God, empty all thoughts that cause you to doubt. After you’ve cleared your mind of worry, practice thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. God watches every moment of your life, and He’s rooting for you to endure.
“Place all your trust in God, and allow Him the chance to prove that His words are true, and you mean the world to Him.” – Ell
Acts 6:1-7
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “They Should Have Picked Me!” Starring, The Twelve Apostles, and the group of unnamed Disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!
(Loud, and disturbing crowd chatter amongst the unsettled church members)
One of the 12: Alright, alright, calm down everyone. What seems to be the reason for all this unusual commotion?
Grecian Disciple: Good sirs, we understand that you are busy doing the Lord’s work; preaching, teaching, and healing, but while you are busy doing all those wonderful things, no one is tending to our widows during the time of daily ministration.
Crowd: YES YES, WE DESERVE TO BE TREATED JUST AS FAIR AS THE HEBREWS.
One of the 12: Hmm… I understand, but we must continue doing as God leads us, and it would be unwise for us to stop teaching, in order to partake of the daily ministration, so to avoid this problem again, we will allow you to select seven men with good reputations, and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, to manage daily ministrations.
Crowd: Yes, that’s a great idea. Who should we choose?
(The seven that were chosen were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas)
One of the 12: Alright, now that we have that situation under control, we will continue in prayer and ministering the Word to all men. To the seven who were chosen, we lay hands on you, and pray that God use you to do His will, and that you fulfill your duties to the best of your ability.
Crowd: Amen. Amen. Amen.
(Crowd disperses, except one ungrateful disciple)
Ungrateful Disciple: Hey!! Wait!! Why wasn’t I selected to be chosen to serve the people? I’ve been faithful since I gave my heart to God?
One of the 12: Calm down young man. What is your problem?
Ungrateful Disciple: What’s my problem? What’s my problem? Do you know who I am?
One of the 12: Umm… not really, sorry
Ungrateful Disciple: I deserve to be among the seven selected to manage the daily ministration.
One of the 12: And why do you feel this way?
Ungrateful Disciple: Well, because I think I meet all the qualifications. And, I’ve served as a faithful disciple consistently.
One of the 12: Although you may meet the qualifications, shouldn’t you be in support of your fellow brethren who were selected, and continue doing those things pleasing to God from where you currently stand?
Ungrateful Disciple: Yeah, well, I guess you’re right, but I feel like I could do the job.
One of the 12: I understand son, but the fact that you weren’t selected doesn’t mean you can’t do the job. In fact, maybe God has something else He wants you to do in the church. Have you considered that thought?
Ungrateful Disciple: Now that you’ve mentioned it, maybe you’re right. Instead of getting frustrated with the fact that I wasn’t chosen to serve in that area, I should be happy for the men who were, and offer all the support they need to be successful. And, if God selects me to do something else, I’ll want the brethren to have my back as well.
One of the 12: You got it son. Well done. Now, keep that positive attitude, and go serve the Lord.
Ungrateful Disciple: Thank you sir, I most certainly will.
*We won’t always be selected to do special jobs in the kingdom, but we should not faint, nor lose heart when others are chosen, instead of us. God can get the most of us no matter what position we hold in His kingdom. Be grateful wherever God places you, and work diligently to see that His purpose is fulfilled in your life. Never hate on those who God calls to do special assignments, rather support them and keep them encouraged, because the work they do always comes with hard challenges.
“Stay in your lane, and let God bless you from there.” – Ell
Genesis 24:24-33
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b KJV). To translate this verse to 4th grade understanding, it would read, the sincere prayer of a man who truly loves God, will always result in extraordinary deeds. When we pray to God, in faith, believing that our desires are aligned with His will, He will bring into manifestation, our sincere petitions. The purpose of prayer isn’t so God can know what’s in our hearts, because He already knows our thoughts, even before we think them, but it’s to reveal to Him, that we indeed are submitted to His will, and desire to accomplish it through our daily living.
We don’t ask God for things in vain, rather our requests to God are for things that will advance His kingdom business in the earth. Whether we seek guidance for financial breakthrough, healing, or a spouse, all requests are made known unto God, in order that His will be done, through us, in the earth.
Our text gives a great example of answered prayer, and how sometimes, God allows instant manifestation. Following the death and burial of his wife, Sarah, Abraham gave instruction to the eldest servant of his house, to find a wife for his son, Issac. Abraham was very detailed in his request, and knew that God would come through for him, as He always did before. Being burdened with such a hard task, Eliezer did what any righteous man would do in his position; he prayed unto the Lord for help finding a wife for his master’s son. To make a long, yet beautiful story short, everything Eliezer prayed for, was answered in a matter of moments. God blessed Abraham, by way of Eliezer, and blew the mind of the servant with such a quick manifestation. It never takes God long to do anything, because He is literally timeless. If He wants to bless someone instantly, He can do just that, and if He decides that answering our prayers too soon may not be wise, then His delay will never become a denial.
God is truly amazing, and coming through as fast as He did for Eliezer, literally caused him to worship. How do you respond when God answers you quickly? Are you usually shocked and amazed like a deer staring into headlights, or do you fall to your knees, and lift your head and hands up in worship? No matter how big or small, make all your requests to God with passion, and sincere gratitude, because doing so proves to the Father how serious we are about what we desire from Him. But, always remember to pray according as He wills, because there are times when we pray for things we shouldn’t, then His Spirit will step in to make intercession on our behalf.
“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell
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
Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Throughout the Old Testament, there are hundreds of laws and commands God’s people were instructed to live by. Aside from the well-known ten commandments, God issued a number of other laws the people were to also consider, and obey. Although Jesus came to fulfill the law, there are still some practices the church can benefit from, even today. For example, tithing is no longer a mandatory law or command from priests, according to Malachi chapter 3, but the practice of tithing can still offer great benefits to the church as a whole, also to the individual who continues this practice. God loves a cheerful giver, so when we invest in God’s business, He’ll no doubt bless the works of our hands. It’s unfortunate that the modern church has become a business, but the body should never hesitate to give, so the needs of the church can still be met.
Another command given by God to His people was concerning lending money. In a society where selfishness and pride abide, it’s rare to find one willing to give to anyone in need, but God commanded His people to never harden their hearts, nor shut thine hand from anyone in the body who has a need. In times of selfishness, many forget that God was the source, and supplier of their increase, so holding on to what God gave is a big NO-NO! God blesses us, so that we can be a blessing to others, and holding back from helping someone in need is indeed sinful.
Knowing there will ALWAYS be people in the body of Christ who will have some type of need, should keep the church conscious, and motivated to always be ready to assist, when the opportunity presents itself. There are people who strongly believe, others are poor because of a fault or sin they possibly committed, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, God allows things to happen to some, in order to monitor the reaction of those who can help. In addition, we should refrain from making excuses on why we should withhold our blessings from those we feel don’t deserve them. If God was willing to give us His Son, while we were yet in a miserable state, we should not hold back from giving to the poor, in their time of need.
“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell
Genesis 42:1-5
One of the most influential lessons I’ve learned in life was, be careful how you treat a person, because you never know when you may need their help. Oftentimes, it’s a hard pill to swallow, requesting assistance from someone you’ve wronged severely and repeatedly, but receiving help from others comes easy, when you learn to show genuine love and respect toward them consistently.
Joseph’s brothers treated him unfairly, and refused to appreciate his gift, while choosing rather to see him suffer, than prosper. It’s sad and disheartening, when your own family treats you as if you were their enemy, rather than their own kin. But, through all his suffering, shame, and disappointment, God allowed Joseph to be blessed beyond his imagination.
Joseph was purposed to be blessed for many reasons, but also to lend a helping hand to those same brothers who sold him into slavery. During the time when the struggle through the famine became intense, Jacob commanded his sons to go to Egypt for food. After pondering on this lesson for a while, I’m convinced, Joseph knew he’d run into his brothers again, and God had placed him in a position that the average person would never reach during those days, so being in the presence of his jealous and cruel brothers, would definitely have a different flavor this go ’round. Despite the way he was treated, Joseph showed true love toward his brothers.
Can you show real love to someone who deliberately hurt you? Can you forgive, and bless that person who sought only to kill your hopes and dreams? Is your faith strong enough to endure suffering for a season, so that God can elevate you to a place from which you can bless those who caused all your suffering? Chew on that for a moment…
We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.
Ell
James 1:1-11
Bestowing blessings upon a double-minded man, is like giving car keys to a four year old. A child that young, inexperienced, and underdeveloped, can’t possibly operate a vehicle properly, as they are not equipped to do so. God prefers not to bless those who are wavering and unstable in their faith, because doing so could cause them more harm, than good. Can you imagine if God gave everyone all the things they prayed for, even if they weren’t stable in their minds? This world would be in even more chaos than it already is. God is holy, and He is wise enough to know that only when a man’s mind is stable, can he truly benefit from His goodness.
Many people pray to God daily, but fail to attach faith with their requests. For this reason, they accuse God of not answering their prayers, but the problem was not with God, but their lack of faith. Faith is essential for many reasons, but most importantly, it proves that one’s heart is set on God’s agenda, and not on self. When we pray in faith, we don’t stop doing the works of the Lord. Instead, we continue living a holy life, while waiting and anticipating our manifested prayers.
God wants to bless His children daily, but we must do our part by trusting that He knows what’s best for us, and continuing in His divine will. Always remember, the text teaches us, “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”, and he should never expect God to honor any of his prayers, and only when we function with a sound mind, can God then trust us with His honorable gifts.
Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,
Ell
Ell's Daily Inspirations 