Pharoah’s Ring

Genesis 41:41-49

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous underdog stories, that uplift those with heavy hearts, and encourage others with hung down heads, but of all the stories written, few compare to the life, and legacy of Joseph.

Born into a prestigious family line, Joseph was destined to continue in the footsteps of his predecessors. Like all feel-good stories, Joseph’s beginning was hard, harsh, and extremely cruel. From being hated by his own kin, to being imprisoned for false accusations, the servant of the Lord refused to allow his struggles and persecution to hinder his godly duties. How often do men turn away from God, and seek other sources for answers, when life hits them with seasons of trials and tribulations? Very often, from my perspective. The times we should cling to God most, is when trouble hits, because these are the very moments God desires to use us to accomplish great things.

Joseph’s patience, and endurance through his challenging season, paid off in an unprecedented way! From being literally thrown in a pit, then imprisoned, Joseph’s faithfulness to God awarded him the position of “ruler over all the land of Egypt” (vs. 43b). God may not make us kings, queens, and rulers over countries for our consistent holy living, but He can, and will bless His people in other ways. Whether we are blessed with good health, wealth, favor with man, healthy and obedient children, or any other good thing, staying true to God in the midst of hard times, will always work to the benefit of the Saints of God.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Stay On Track

Psalm 119:169-176

During my early years of life, I always found trains to be a fascinating means of transport. Watching those intricate machines glide across the tracks while waiting in the back seat of my parent’s car, was always a thrill to witness. I would often get scolded by my grandmother, because whenever I would ride with her while going over a train track, I always felt the need to add a few extra bounces in the van, even after we had rumbled over the tracks.

Trains have one mission, and that’s to get its cargo from point A, to point B. While technology has made for more efficient transportation, there are rare occasions when a train will get derailed from its track. As strange as it may seem, dealing trains is rather easy. In fact, the most common way is to drive it too fast for the rail position. The wheels can ride up the side of a rail on a curve at high speed, and if the alignment is too wide or narrow it will cause the train to dip, and rise up off the rails. That’s a scary thing to witness. The process of placing a derailed train back on its track is rather tedious, and requires hard labor, but once the train is placed back into its proper position, it can then proceed to carry out its assigned duties.

The church can be compared to a train. While the train is set on a track, and assigned to carry resources from place to place, believers are also positioned in God’s will, to carry His message of the Gospel from heart to heart. Oftentimes, a believer will veer off track, and end up in places and positions God didn’t intend for them to be in. But, getting back on track with God, requires one to first realize they are out of position, then cry out to Him for His salvation. It’s unfortunate how many only consider God’s grace, after they’ve fallen, rather than cling to it before a fall, in order to remain on track.

Never allow yourself to stray away from God’s leading, and commit to doing His will, so that you’ll always be in the right position to fulfill your mission. Remain consistent in God’s Word, stay on track, and choo choo nonstop, until you reach your final destination.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

The Trials Of Faith

Job 42:10-17

When you suffer in life, do you automatically think it’s the direct result of some hidden act of sin you’ve possibly committed? Although sin does allow for bad things to happen to the believer, there are also moments when God will schedule a season of suffering for His children, as a means of testing the level of faith they have in Him. Serving God is a beautiful thing, but when our hearts are fixed on fulfilling His purpose in the earth, we are sure to ruffle the feathers of those who oppose righteous living.

Job experienced God’s scheduled season of suffering first-hand, yet proved to God, his confused wife, and misguided friends, that no matter what comes against him, nothing has the power or ability to turn him away from the Father. Through all the terrible things Job experienced, including the death of his ten children, losing all his famed wealth, and being stricken with a physical illness seemingly beyond healing, not once did this man sin against God.

One of the iconic verses in the book of Job is, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (42:10). How often do we cry, moan, and complain to everyone, during hard times, when God only wants to prove to satan, that our faith in Him will remain strong, despite spiritual and physical attacks. Regardless of the occasional hardships we are certain to encounter, we must not forget, we are still beyond blessed! God loads us daily with benefits including, life, health, and the freedom to read and study His Word. When bad things happen, rather than get worked up and full of worry, see your situation as an opportunity to show the enemy his efforts to turn you away from God, will be futile. And, when you stand in the midst of your attacks, while praying for those who misjudge your faith, God will turn your situation around, then bless you with more faith, strength, peace, joy, and love than you had before. Stay blessed Saints.

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

Ell

Rich And Righteous

Job 1:1-5

In times of plenty, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance of our wealth and possessions, to the point where we forget who’s ultimately responsible for giving us increase. God is the source of all our needs and supplies, so when He blesses us, it’s only right that we humble ourselves, and seek Him the more. Not only does the world take issue with those who are wealthy and righteous, but satan also keeps a very close eye on those who serve God faithfully, while not allowing their wealth to change them.

Our text introduces Job, a man from the land of Uz (which was located south of Edom and west of Arabia), who was considered perfect and upright, and was known as the greatest of all the men of the east. Job was the ideal example of how to remain humble, while living with wealth. Job never allowed his possessions to possess him, as he continued to do those things that pleased God. Job was also blessed to have ten children, who gathered often to enjoy each other’s presence. As a good father should, Job kept his children covered in prayer, and would often make sacrifices to God, on their behalf, in case they may have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Although salvation must be received according to God’s standard, there’s nothing wrong with a parent bringing their children to God, in prayer, knowing He’ll keep them covered and safe, long enough for them to eventually give their hearts to Him.

Many of those who are familiar with the story of Job are aware of the events that occur in the upcoming verses, but it’s good to know that God can still be praised above all, no matter how blessed you are with material wealth.

If God were to bless you abundantly, would you allow your increase to change the way you serve Him? Would you get so consumed in buying things you couldn’t afford before, or spend your days traveling to different countries, while forgetting that God blesses you, so that you can bless others? Well, some may actually get the opportunity to live in this life with abundant increase, but be warned, the more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. As Job was obedient to God while being rich and righteous, make sure you keep yourself submitted to the will of God, when He trusts you with more than enough.

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

ELL

Are You God-Approved?

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

To those with aspirations of becoming a leader in any capacity of life, the best measure of whether or not you consider yourself fit for such a position, should be compared to the requirements God set for choosing a leader for His people in Scripture. There are men and women all over the globe, who hold positions of power, yet are unfit to lead. Many of those who have led, or are presently leading “unworthily”, were more than likely placed in those positions based on family name, illegal efforts, or some other means. However, when a man or woman meets God’s requirements of a qualified leader, their reign will have a positive, and lasting impact on all who are under their watch.

First off, God must approve of the man, before He’s even considered for the position. After being God-approved, one must handle all matters with the Spirit of humility. A good leader seeks not to puff themselves up, nor do they strive to accumulate excessive wealth. Instead, their priorities are centered on the needs of those they watch over, and how they can make life better for the people, long-term. Keeping the people’s needs as their primary focus, will allow for God to provide for the needs of the leaders. When God sees His people diligently working to make the lives of others better, He’ll always be sure to meet their needs, before they even ask.

Another major characteristic of a good leader is, they have a genuine fear, and reverence for God. When a man respects God, his behavior and actions will prove it. He’ll attend to God’s Word, study His precepts, and await all judgment until it’s affirmed through God’s wisdom. How many times have you rushed to conclusions, without first seeking God’s wisdom through prayer? Leading God’s way will always produce benefits, with little room for error. In addition, God honors good leaders by building their faith and character, blessing their family, and allowing their reign to last, so that His goodness can be on display, as long as the leader obeys God’s commands, and refuses to turn to the left, or the right.

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

Ell

Believers are blessed

Galatians 3:6-9

Belief in God, and the words written in Scripture, allows for one to be justified, so long as that belief is coupled with faith, and good works. Belief in God alone doesn’t bring justification, because even devils believe there is one God, and even tremble at the fact, yet they lack the faith necessary to be counted as righteous unto God. God knows the hearts of men, and whether or not they’ll allow what they believe to push them to go after righteousness.

Abraham believed God, and his belief was accounted to, or equivalent to righteousness. Not only did Abraham believe in God, but his obedience to God’s words validated his confession. Nothing has changed from the days of Abraham, until now, in reference to faith, belief, and justification, so all who believe in the God of Abraham, and have faith in His Word, are also justified, and counted as righteous. We are living in a time where those who are the righteousness of God, fail to see their true value, because of the many distractions in this life, but believers are indeed blessed, despite what circumstances they experience. Unfortunately, many focus more on man’s opinion of who they are, rather than God’s. Although ungodly men can, at times, do good things, they’ll eventually care more for themselves in the end.

God made everyone special, but those who dedicate their lives to Him, will experience life in ways they could never imagine! Throughout Scripture, you’ll discover countless men and women who’s lives were lived to the fullest, simply by staying true to God. A few include Abraham, Esther, Job, king David, the twelve disciples, and many others. Look at your life for a moment, and consider how blessed you really are, since giving your heart to God. You may not be rich, or famous, but in the eyes of God you are wonderful!

Walk in love,

Ell

A covenant to marry

Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Starring, three of the most honorable and humble characters in Scripture; Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Naomi: Ruth, my loyal and faithful daughter, you’ve been with me all this time; showing support, and helping me in more ways than I can imagine. Ever since we lost our husbands and left Moab, not once did you do anything to offend, or disrespect me. Many years have passed, and I’ve grown old, but you’re still young and vibrant! I think it’s about time that I return the favor by helping you find a husband. As a matter of fact, the maidens you were gleaning with the other day, weren’t they working for my cousin Boaz?

Ruth: Umm…I think so mother.

Naomi: Girl that boy is rich! Not only is he rich, but he’s also righteous! Rich and righteous…now you can’t go wrong with that babygirl.

Ruth: Yes mother, but…umm…

Naomi: What is it girl, let it out!

Ruth: Well, if he’s our cousin, is it lawful for us to marry? And I don’t want him just for his wealth. I want to be a wife who pleases God, then in turn, can please my husband.

Naomi: Of course it’s lawful. In fact, your closest of kin is entitled to the opportunity to take you as his wife, and give you children, since your husband died without giving you any. Later on in the future, most countries will forbid the marrying of relatives, but some will still practice it. Don’t ask me how I know 😉.

Ruth: Alright mother. I will trust your words, and follow whatever advice you can offer. But what if he doesn’t like me, or think I’m not attractive enough?

Naomi: Child please! You’re one of the most beautiful, and desirable women God has ever created. If he doesn’t fall for you, then something is wrong in his brain.

Ruth: (LOL)

Naomi: Alright, listen up. Here’s what I want you to do. Take a good, long shower, freshen yourself with your best perfume, then dress up in something modest, yet appealing. Then, I want you to go to a certain place where he usually rests, hide out for a few, then wait for him to fall asleep. After he’s snoozing good, go to him, uncover his feet, then lay down. When he gets up, he’ll tell you what you should do from there.

Ruth: Uhhh….umm… you’re joking, right?

Naomi: No time for games honey.

Ruth: So, you want me to hide in a man’s house, wait until he falls asleep, then lay near him until he wakes up?

Naomi: Precisely!

Naomi: Alright mother. I trust you. At your word, I will do it.

(Tradition says that women of the East, when going to be with their lawful husbands would, through modesty, and in token of subjection to them, go to the foot of the bed, gently raise the covers, and creep under them up to their place. In the case of Ruth, she was instructed to only uncover the feet of Boaz and lie down there until he should discover her presence, then tell her what to do. Naomi evidently knew that Boaz was a man with good moral character, which is why she could safely advise this.)

*Ruth follows Naomi’s plan to the letter, and now rests at the feet of the snoozing Boaz.

Boaz: Zzz…zzz…zzz…zzz…mmm..whaa… wha… what’s going on? (Rolls over) Is someone there? (Feels something at his feet, then looks up with sleepy eyes) Ohhh sugga snaps! Who whaa what..what are you doing….who the…what are you doing here?

Ruth: Please don’t be alarmed, forgive me if I’ve violated your personal space. I am Ruth, your handmaid. If you would be so kind, spread your skirt over me, for we are near relatives.

(Spreading the skirt over a woman was a symbol of taking her under one’s protection, and entering into marriage with her. (Sounds like my kind of wedding; private, simple, cheap, and already at the honeymoon).

Boaz: Ohhhh, it’s you! Hey beautiful! How are you? Did Naomi put you up to this?

Ruth: Yes, she wants a better life for me, and suggested that you and I would be a good match.

Boaz: Sigh… you are a beautiful and blessed woman, whom God favors, because you have shown more kindness to me since we met. I know I’m at fault for not following through with the kinsman redemption duty, and I’m grateful that you, and my cousin have reminded me to act on it. I give you my word, that I’ll take care of this today. As a matter of fact, take these six measures of barely, and give it to Naomi. I’ll get back with you when things are settled.

Ruth: God bless you for your kindness, and extreme generosity. I promise to be the wife you need, to help meet all your needs, and fulfill God’s will for your life.

Boaz: See, now you’re trying to make me blush. You better get your beautiful self outta here before I have to repent…

Ruth: (Smiles) You’re so crazy boy…

Boaz: Crazy about you boo…

*Ruth returns to Naomi to tell her the good news.

Ruth: Hello mother!

Naomi: Is that you, Ruth?

Ruth: Yes ma’am, it’s me.

Naomi: Well… I’m listening. How’d it go?

Ruth: It went well mother.

Naomi: Well, geesh! Where’s all the excitement?

Ruth: Mother, I’m overjoyed! I just don’t know…I mean… well, this is like a dream come true. It feels like I’m floating in the clouds. Boaz is sooooo fine, and sooooo sweet…. and I saw his feet. His toes weren’t ugly. That’s a major plus!

Naomi: Girl, I know what you mean.

Ruth: Here, he told me to give you this, as a gift.

Naomi: (Receives the measures of barley) That boy is a true God-send. They don’t make them like him anymore. Hang out here with me for a while. From the way you explained things, I’m certain Boaz won’t rest until he takes care of this matter today.

Ruth: (Smiles, and blushes)

This concludes another episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

Walk by the Word and prosper

Psalm 1

How happy is the man who lives his life as God intended from the beginning, who refuses to accept and go along with the advice of godless people, stand in agreement with those who regularly practice sinful activities, and dwell in the assemblies of men who boast and speak arrogantly to others. Such a man is able to walk consistently in godliness because he takes delight in reading, studying, and cross-referencing God’s Word every single day of his life. Just as it’s possible for men to watch TV, read a book or magazine, or enjoy the radio, scheduling time daily to read the Bible is not a hard task. One must only commit to studying the Word, and stick to it. I’ve known many who’ve binge watched godless TV shows for weeks. Imagine how much better a man or woman could have become, if they spent hundreds of hours studying Scripture, rather than being entertained by ungodly media.

The righteous man who makes God’s business his first priority benefits greatly from doing so. Just like a tree that’s planted near a river, and receives ample amounts of water to provide for its health, and consistent fruit, the man who walks by the Word of God will also be cultivated, and well-watered, so that he can maintain good spiritual health, and produce much good fruit. Not only will this man prosper spiritually, but everything he does in his life, including material, will prosper as well. Material prosperity is as much the will of God as soul, body, and health.

When we take care of God’s business, He’ll in turn, take care of ours, but this benefit can’t be enjoyed by those who walk in darkness, and refuse to obey the will of God. Unlike the righteous man who’s roots are firmly planted in the Word of God, and receive proper spiritual nourishment to bring forth good fruit, the ungodly are comparable to chaff, or the husks of corn or other seed separated by the process of winnowing or threshing. Chaff is considered worthless, and is driven away by the winds. That’s just how some are today, who follow after all forms of false doctrine. Anything that sounds good, they flock to, without learning the true nature of the teachings. There are men who purposely lie in wait to ensnare and carry away innocent souls with their hollow doctrine, but being rooted in the Word will prevent any of God’s children from being tossed to and fro by men’s false teachings.

The end of life for the ungodly is far from pleasant, and can be avoided. Unfortunately, many have been deceived by satan, and are unable to see the truth in God’s Word. As the righteousness of God, we, His children, are to let our lights shine before men, and when they see our good works, they’ll give God the glory, because we won’t take any credit for the great things He’s soon to do in our lives.

Walk in love,

Ell

The seventh day, Hallowed and blessed

Genesis 2:1-3

In six literal days, God made everything that exists today! The heavens, the earth, and all the masses of persons and things in them were created in less than a full week. These acts alone keep me in humble submission, and in awe of the unimaginable power our God holds. All things were finished, and set in motion to do as they were created to do. So after God finished His work, rested on the seventh day, blessed and sanctified it, there was no need for Him to create anything else.

I don’t intend to acknowledge the theory of evolution in all my lessons on creation, but everything created is ascribed to the personal acts, words, and deeds of a living God, which totally demolishes any possibility of things evolving. The main problem with most evolutionists is that they choose to deny the possibility of an intelligent designer being the center of all things. God made all things good, and very good, and what He made still does what they were intended to do. Dogs still bark, cats meow, trees grow and give life to the environment, fish swim, birds fly, and alligators still chase golfers on the greens.

Like any artist who appreciates their finished work, I’m certain God took a moment on day seven to admire all He had brought into existence. As He looked through the different types of interesting clouds (Cumulonimbus, Cumulus, Nimbostratus, Cirrus, Cirrocumulus), He could see the swift and busy birds gliding across the morning skies. As He continued to look down, He would come across a herd of uniquely striped zebra running together briskly across desert plains. The jungles of the rainforest are home to countless plant and animal life that God designed to produce according to His plans. God created and made a wonderful world, and His designs are intriguing and flawless. Every animal on land and in the sea, were made specifically with all it needed to survive in its habitation.

If you take the time to study any insect, plant, tree, animal, or even the atom, you’ll discover how mind-blowing God is in all His wisdom. Whichever day you choose as your day of rest, consider God’s beautiful creation, and thank Him continually for making you His most prized work.

Seek peace,

Ell

Blessed are the poor

Luke 6:20-26

I remember a time, when a preacher gave the same sermon, on faith, to his church for nearly 2 months. The congregation were murmuring and complaining, because they felt that the preacher should finally move on to another subject. When he got wind of the people’s sayings, he explained to them in the next sermon that his reason for giving the same message was because they were yet to understand and walk in it. It’s pointless to move on when you fail to understand the foundation.

Jesus gave a sermon on a mountain in Matthew chapter 5. On the mount, He taught the “beatitudes”. This text is simply a reiteration of Jesus giving the same message to His disciples, but instead of presenting the entire message, He focuses His attention on those who are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel.

There are people around the world who are poor, hungry, weeping, and hated, but for what reason do they suffer? It hurts my heart when I see a child hungry and suffering from malnutrition. I hate to see women being oppressed and treated unfairly, even in this country. Men who could once provide for their families with ease, suffer at the hands of corrupt men who only want to see them fail.

But the God who sits high and looks low, has a kindled wrath awaiting to be released upon everyone who persecutes His children. God has reserved judgment for the unrighteous rich, the greedy and covetous, those who only seek pleasures, and the man-pleasers.

To all those who may be going through hard times today, don’t fret. Instead, rejoice and leap for joy, literally. Actually try jumping as high as you can and praise God while showing those who reject you that all your help comes from the Lord, and He will deliver you.

Seek peace,

Ell