Washed In The Blood

Titus 3:3-7

One of the most exciting times of my childhood was, going with my mom to the laundromat. Living with seven children and a husband, also meant loads of dirty clothes, and oftentimes washing our piles of laundry could be done faster and more efficient using the oversized laundromat washers and dryers in our neighborhood. For some strange reason, I found it rather fascinating to sit in front of a washing machine, and watch the clothes swish and splash against the thick glass door for nearly 45 minutes. In mere moments, clothes that were once full of dirt and stains, were miraculously made clean and fresh by the power of soap and water. Not only was the washing process efficient and exciting, but the drying process was even more fascinating! With the right amount of heat and dryer sheets, those clean and wet clothes would be dry and fluffy in no less than 50 minutes. Alright now, I was a kid, so don’t judge me. We didn’t have cable television, or iPads back then, so a kid had to do whatever was necessary, to enjoy the wonders of life.

While that transparent story of my past may seem funny and cute, the process of washing and drying can be relatable to the process of man’s redemption, according to Scripture. All those who are members of the body of Christ, were once a load of dirty laundry. Before coming into the knowledge of God, and accepting Jesus as our Savior, many of us (according to the apostle Paul in verse 3) were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving different lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But thanks be to God, Christ took us to the laundromat on Golgotha Hill (Calvary). Jesus took on all man’s sins, as He hung on the cross and died. His death saved us by the washing of regeneration, and we were renewed by the power of the Holy Ghost. It’s by the grace of God, the church is justified, and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (vs. 7). Aren’t you glad you’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb, and dried by His sweet Holy Spirit?

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

Ell

No god Like Our God

Psalm 86:1-13

Who can do what God does? Can a doctor truly understand, and explain the code of human DNA? While they may see an in-depth analysis of cell function, no one can truly understand how cells do, what they do. Can a bird sing, except God grace him with the necessary parts to do so? Birds were uniquely formed to inhabit the heavens, and show forth God’s unmatched intellect. Do you believe in gravity? I do, but can you honestly say, you understand it fully? Can you contain it in a jar, analyze it, or paint it purple? Although we know the purpose of gravity, and what it does, no one can fully make sense of it. What is light, except the illumination of dark spaces? We see the light, but how does it exist? What substance is it composed of?

God is amazing, and the things He does are sometimes beyond human comprehension. I tried once to contain God in my finite brain, then had a headache for a few hours after. God has the power to speak things into existence, heal sick bodies, raise men from the dead, inhabit praise from those who love Him, and bless men so, until curses are unable to penetrate their lives. As I write, I have millions of thoughts running through my mind, concerning how good God is, and how He does so much for everyone! I don’t understand all the ways of God, but I’ve learned how to keep His attention, from studying the Bible.

King David left great examples of how to stay in union with God, until He creates opportunities, just so He can bless. David understood that one must first cleanse the evil from their hearts, before even attempting to ask anything from the Father. A pure heart, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, will always keep you in a position where God CANNOT refuse to grant your prayer requests. The almighty, all-knowing, all-wise God, looks down on the earth, and desires to perform some amazing things in the lives of the people, but many don’t believe in Him, nor in His Word, so they willingly forfeit themselves from receiving blessings that can only come from God. While men find temporary satisfaction from pleasures in the world, only God can give things that offer lasting joy, and satisfaction.

Who can do what God does? No one. Think on that for a moment, and consider adjusting your life to where it always has God’s attention.

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

Ell

Trust The Process

Psalm 130

Pray – Wait – Receive. This is the typical process the children of God experience when seeking answers from the Father. Before coming to God with any request, we must first determine if what we desire is aligned with God’s will for us. Children ask their parents for everything, and most of what they whine for, are things they don’t need. A good parent knows how to ignore futile requests, for the ones that are actually relevant. Although God may hear all our prayers, He will only answer the ones that will make our lives better, but for His purposes. Selfish prayers are never answered, and God is too wise to give us things that would draw us away from Himself. When we pray, let’s be certain that what we ask for, will not only benefit ourselves, but also have an impact on the kingdom of God.

The “waiting game” is the second part of the prayer process. In my most honest opinion, I HATE WAITING! I don’t consider myself a millennial, nor do I openly confess to be amongst the microwave generation, but, I do not enjoy waiting. Waiting for God to answer our prayers is very important, because during these moments, God monitors how we behave, until He decides to respond. I have failed many tests of waiting, and found myself complaining that God was taking too long to assist me, on multiple occasions. Little did I know, God had my answer, before I even prayed, but waited to see if I would wait patiently for His response. Well, I’m grateful for second chances, because from those experiences, I learned to wait on God, no matter what.

The rewards that come from waiting on God are absolutely amazing (ask Joseph, Job, and Daniel, if you don’t believe me)! God knows what we need before we even ask, but He demands constant communication between He and His children, so that healthy rapport can be established, and we will always know His voice, from the enemy’s. God doesn’t need blessings, but we do. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24 KJV).

After we pray to God, we are to live as if those prayers are already answered. We should continue living and loving, as God commanded, rather than put our lives on hold, waiting to see if God will answer us. Prayer does work, and although the devil attacks us spiritually, trying to hinder our blessings, God will always answer the prayers of the righteous. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Two houses firmly settled

1 Chronicles 17:1, 3-4, 11-14, 21:18, 21-27

When you purchased, or rented your first home or apartment, can you remember the feeling of excitement bubbling on the inside of you, as you contemplated all the ideas and plans you had in mind, to make your new place home? After days of decorating and setting things in place, many of you probably forgot to do the most important thing to truly make your house a home. God is the source of all things good, and even in purchasing a home, He requires that we consider His interest while doing so.

Owning a home is more than simply being in a secure place, where you can dwell in safety and peace, but it’s about dedicating your home to God, so that He can get glory from your place of residence as well. As believers, our homes should also mirror the respect and reverence shown in religious facilities. The same way we honor and respect God in the house of prayer, we should be even more mindful of His presence in our homes. Many problems that occur in the world, and even the church, stem from issues in the home. Children who are unruly, and misbehave consistently, usually can be connected to troubled homes as well.

If God is first in our lives, then His presence should inhabit every corner, of every room in the house. Fathers should always initiate prayer, and other spiritual habits in the home, and mothers should second the motions of fathers, without hesitation. Children are to obey their parents “in the Lord”, because it’s the right thing to do. We’re living in a day, where men have become something else, and mothers have to pick up the slack of both parents, but the God we serve, is able to sustain all those who are willing and obedient to His Word, despite their shortcomings and struggles.

Strive to keep God relevant in your home, as well as in your local church. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, then allow Him to order your steps, according to His Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s forever covenant

1 Chronicles 16:14-18

In the book of Genesis, God made multiple promises to Abraham, and established a covenant with him, that continues to this very day. In chapter 12 of Genesis, God promised to make of Abraham a great nation, bless him, make his name great, make him a blessing, bless those that bless him, curse those that curse him, and allow all families of the earth to be blessed through him. Those were some hefty promises placed on the shoulders of God’s chosen vessel. Fast forward to chapter 17 of the same book, and we find where God established His covenant with Abraham. Aside from giving him a name change, God promised to multiply the seed of Abraham exceedingly, and made known that he would be the father of many nations. God also added that He would make Abraham exceedingly fruitful, make nations and kings by him, and give him and his seed the land of Canaan. As long as Abraham was obedient to God, and stayed true to His plan, things always worked in his favor.

God didn’t choose to do great things through Abraham because he was a perfect man, instead, God saw His perfect faith, and that he would be consistent in obeying the voice of the Lord. The same principle applies to all believers today. God has also promised to perform great things in our lives, and He stands at the ready to manifest them, but we must remain aligned to His will and purpose, so that there will be no reason for us to miss our blessings. God’s love is everlasting, and those who remain faithful to Him until the end of this life, will enjoy that same love in the next life, for all eternity!

Walk in love,

Ell

Spying out the land

Numbers 13:17-24

The basic steps involved in the process of purchasing a house include building up a suitable credit score, figuring out what you can afford, connecting to an established real estate agent, gaining favor from a lender, searching for your home of choice, making an offer, inspections, insurance, closing, then picking up your keys. Yaaaaaaay! While each step is essential in the home buying process, it’s of equal importance for those who seek to own a home to spy out the neighborhood, and the surrounding communities during different times of day. This is important in identifying the type of area you’re attempting to settle in. I’ve heard stories of people who purchased their supposed dream homes, but later discovered that where they settled were drug infested, high crime, and unsafe areas. It’s always good to schedule a couple weeks of riding through the neighborhood where you plan to live during the morning, afternoon, evening, and on weekends (especially during football season). While crime can occur almost anywhere, it’s recommended to examine certain areas, to ensure how safe and protected a community is, before planning to settle, and raise a family there.

Our text brings us to the time when the children of Israel were moments away from stepping into the land God had promised to them, but before they were allowed to enter, God commanded Moses to send out men to search the land of Canaan, to “see the land, what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether it be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land” (vs. 18-20). God already knew the inhabitants of the land, and what it provided, but He wanted His people to see for themselves the bountiful blessings the land of Canaan offered.

God has a unique way of dealing with those He loves. He promises to give us His best, but tests our faith first, to see how we will respond. Canaan was loaded with all manner of richness, and the spies saw it with their own eyes. The blessings God promised to you will soon be manifested before your very eyes. Continue to walk in faith, as you go through your period of testing, because at the end of your test, there’s a great reward prepared for you to receive.

Walk in love,

Ell

Samuel is dedicated to the Lord

1 Samuel 1:24-28

Samuel was one of the most prominent men in Bible history. He had the favor of God, and of men, was established as the prophet of the Lord, was acknowledged as a true prophet of God by all Israel, became the 16th judge of Israel, delivered Israel from the Philistines, and even anointed David as king, later on in his life. This man was so anointed, even as a child, that every prediction or word of prophecy he spoke was literally fulfilled. He knew that God was the Lord of all creation, and allowed His words to inspire him, so that all his counsels could be received as coming from God Himself. Had it not been for a faithful, and God-fearing mother and father, there’s no telling what kind of man Samuel would have become.

Hannah was truly “souled” out for God, and was unselfish in fulfilling her promise to Him, in giving her promised child back to Him. When little Samuel was weaned, and old enough to be separated from his mother, Hannah took him up with her, along with offerings of sacrifice, to the Lord in Shiloh. When she reached the temple, or wherever they gathered, she approached the prophet Eli, and reminded him who she was, and that she had come to deliver her child to the Lord. While it’s unlikely Hannah was the only woman to pray by the high priest, asking for a child the way she did must have impressed Eli so that he’d never forget her.

Hannah’s prayer was direct, and definite, and God honored her words. Our prayers should be that way as well, and not a bunch of emotional and not fully thought out petitions. When we pray, we are to first believe that God can, and will answer us, then make our request known to Him, and follow that request with a life of dedicated service to His purpose, until He answers us. Sometimes, God will even honor our thoughts. I can recall a few times when God answered things I only considered in my head. That’s amazing, but I lived in a way that pleased Him, so He showed me just how great a Father He was.

Live your life in a way that God can’t hold back any good thing from you. When He’s searching the earth, seeking whom to bless, make sure He never passes you by without loading you with good things.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hannah is childless and suffering

1 Samuel 1:1-8

What do you do when God restricts you from being blessed, and doesn’t tell you the reasons behind His plan? In addition, how are you to deal with people who have more than enough, but rather than help you, or pray that God strengthen your faith, they make life more miserable for you by provoking you during your season of lack. That last thing anyone needs while they’re struggling is, for someone to make matters worse by giving taunting remarks about how blessed they are, and you’re not. Where I grew up, those are typical fighting words, but God has reason for doing certain things in the lives of certain people, and our lesson will reveal such a situation from the life of Hannah.

Hannah was one of two wives married to a godly man named, Elkanah. Polygamy was tolerated during this time under the law, but it was forbidden in the New Testament. I’m not sure why a man would desire more than one wife anyway, because it’s no easy task understanding just one (And all the men said, AAAAMEN). Throughout Bible history, having more than one wife usually ended in trouble, as it did in this lesson. Elkanah was faithful to God, and to his wives and children, but he had more love for Hannah, even though she was barren. The Bible reveals that “the Lord had shut up her womb”. Why would God do such a thing, especially to a good woman? God is all-knowing, and has the understanding to discern who will break under pressure, and who will stand strong until change comes. Just like Job, who endured more suffering than anyone in the history of life (next to Jesus), yet did not curse God, nor give in to the pressure, Hannah endured taunting and ridicule for years from the other wife Peninnah. Why this woman was so cruel to Hannah is not mentioned, but her true motives toward Hannah would never have been revealed, except that God allowed Hannah to suffer for a season.

Many of us today are suffering, but not because of anything we’ve done to cause it. God may be allowing a season of trouble, in order to reveal the hearts of those who are in our circle of trust. It’s possible God wants us to see who is really for us, and who could care less about us being blessed. People are fickle, and change like the winds, but God is consistently good, and will always keep our best interests in mind. He knows what we have need of, even before we ask, but if we endure suffering, and refuse to break under pressure, our rewards will far outweigh whatever situation we may be experiencing. Don’t give up, help is on the way!

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

Jacob charged to marry cousin

Genesis 27:46-28:5

Anger is an emotion that, if left unchecked, has the potential to stir up a world of trouble. The Bible teaches us that we indeed are allowed to be angry. However, while expressing our feelings of strong dislike towards a thing, we are forbidden to allow our anger to cause us to act out in sin. We live to please God, and have the Holy Ghost abiding on the inside of us, but there will be times when our faith, and emotions, will be tested to the brink.

In this text, Esau had become overwhelmed with hate towards Jacob, after being robbed of their father’s blessing. It’s apparent that many of those who were associated with this family knew of Rebekah’s partiality for Jacob, as they informed her of Esau’s plot to kill his brother. The devious mother, and wife, who was responsible for causing all this mess to unfold, quickly planned to send Jacob away, until Esau’s rage subsided.

Rebekah appealed to her husband and asked if Jacob could also take a wife of the daughters of her uncle Laban, and not from the land where they dwelled. Some time before, God forbade Israel to mix with other nations, and commanded them to dwell alone, and not intermingle with them. In any case, Rebekah feared that she would lose both sons if Esau killed Jacob, and was subject to the death penalty, so she hoped that Jacob would be safer if sent away. So Isaac blessed Jacob and told him not to marry a Canaanite woman, but go to Padanaram and choose a wife from his mother’s father.

The same promise God spoke to Abraham, Isaac bestowed unto Jacob. Jacob had already obtained the birthright, so the blessing of his father was freely given, erasing all doubt as to whether the birthright now really belonged to him. I’ve often heard people say that God doesn’t bless mess, but the promise was spoken over Abraham, and his seed, so God knew that Jacob would eventually come to terms with his troubled past, and get himself together.

Provoking others to anger is a very terrible thing to do. The repercussions that follow such behaviors can sometimes take years to repair. Jacob and his mother were indeed wrong for deceiving their family, but God was able to get the glory in the end.

Seek peace,

Ell