Tag: Care

At The Cross

John 19:25-30

Even while bearing the weight of all the sins of men, a brutal scourging, and hanging from a cross, Jesus was still concerned about his family. Enduring pain and struggles are difficult by default, but God offers strength that can help a person maintain focus on those things we tend to shun away when we suffer, but are of vital importance.

In our text, Jesus was at the tail end of His time in the earth, and wanted to make sure His mom was taken care of. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother with eyes of eternity, and made certain she would be cared for, despite all that was taking place. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John), was also near the cross, and took on the responsibility of housing Mary. It’s good to know that at least one of the disciples stayed near Jesus, when all the others were away in hiding. Jesus also had brothers,  so some may wonder why He didn’t leave his mother with them. Well, John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, and this was enough for Jesus to know that he was the perfect person to entrust with His mom.

The moment you need people most, is when they scurry away into hiding, but those who are bold enough to stand with you, even if it causes them to suffer, will not hesitate to be strength to you, until the end.

Who Is My Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37

God is love, and His love extends far beyond human comprehension, but the understanding we gain from how the Scriptures define what love is, is vital for all Saints to grasp and apply in their daily living. There are innumerable aspects to God’s love, some of which include compassion, mercy, grace, kindness, humility and many more, and all of them can be exercised by those who truly walk according to holiness. All who are in Christ Jesus, should be readily available to express the love of God in all situations, especially in times when others have great needs. We should not show favor to some, while disregarding others, because we were called to win the lost, and edify our brothers. In other words, we can’t refuse help to those who aren’t joined to the church, and we must not turn our faces from our brothers or sisters, who reach out for a helping hand. God truly loves everyone, and expects His people to distribute His love to all who have need of it.

Most of us know the story of the “Good Samaritan”, so I won’t delve too deep into it, but this story helps us understand, despite the title we wear, or position we hold, we should never allow those to keep us from helping someone in need. If Jesus could leave Heaven, and come to earth to save us, then we should never miss an opportunity to lend a hand to anyone, whether they be saved, or lost. In the Bible, the Samaritans were considered half-breeds, and were shunned by many, but when the certain Samaritan in our text saw a man battered, bruised, and near death, he had compassion on him, took care of his wounds, and carried him to safety. The priest and levite should have been ashamed of not representing God’s love in the time of need, and we should also be mindful not to allow our status, title, or the opinions of others, to keep us from showing love to all men, no matter their ethnicity, background, or the color of their skin.

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Because He Cares

John 4:1-15

Have you considered lately, how special you are to God? The Lord loves you so much, that He daily loads you with benefits, keeps you filled with His Spirit, and protects you from seen, and unseen danger every day. That’s enough to lift your head to the sky and say, “Lord, I Thank You!” God made every man and woman unique, yet He loves them all the same. What the Father will do for one, He’ll also do for the other, because He is no respecter of persons. There’s no matter too great, or small, that God won’t take time to help us get through it. Like a loving father who cares for his children, God makes sure that the body of Christ is properly cared for, on a daily basis. Even during moments when God has to remove all our distractions, so that He can have our full attention, this proves that He is not too sovereign, until He can’t have private moments with His children. A good father listens to his children, and allows them to build faith and trust in their credibility. To the believer, there’s no one more credible than the One who created all things, and sustains His creation without assistance. Saints have the liberty to come to God anytime, anywhere, and with any issue, and He’ll always provide some means of understanding of how to handle the problems we face in life. Learn to appreciate God, not because of what He does for us, but just for who He is.

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Eternal Emotions

Genesis 42:35-38

What is it about the human heart, that allows for it to experience both ends of the emotional spectrum and all the roller coaster feelings in between; sometimes all within mere moments of time? Being made in the image of God the creator, and after His very own likeness, mankind was designed in a very unique, and incomparable fashion. Without trying to sound braggadocious or anything of the sort, but God made us super special, in a variety of ways! Man has the ability to think, think about what they’re thinking about, then decide which thought to act upon. We can feel hurt, pain, and shame on the inside, without any physical signs of its occurrence on the outside.

Men are physical, spiritual, and soulful beings, created to exhibit the most incredible works of the One who made all things. I’ve often wondered, why did God make us so emotional, or allow for us to feel things, some of which aren’t favorable. For example, losing something, or someone that holds a special place in your heart, brings a hurt that is unlike anything else. In the Bible, Jacob thought he had lost his “favorite” son, Joseph, which left a huge hole in his heart. This pain caused him to cling even more tightly to his youngest son, Benjamin. In the same way a physical scar heals, yet continues to reveal a scar, Jacob carried the scar of supposedly losing his son, for years (until he discovered he was actually alive).

Losing a loved one never feels good, especially if they left us with unresolved issues. For this reason, I advise all men to appreciate those who remain in your life, and love them unconditionally, because you never know when will be the last time you’ll see them. In addition, sympathize, and emphasize with those who may have lost someone dear to their hearts, because it’ll never be easy for them for the rest of their life.

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

Ell

What A Wonderful World

Genesis 41:34-36

What kind of world would this be, if men weren’t so hungry for material possessions? I grew up under the philosophy of, “sharing is caring”, so it was natural for me to always extend a helping hand to anyone who needed one, even during my adolescent stage. As I matured, I began to notice how people were very selfish, and preferred to keep all their goods to themselves, rather than share what they had with others, who had little to none.

When a man receives the love of God in his heart, then allows that same love to blossom in his life, he’ll see things different from the way average men perceive things. If you take a poll on everyone who’s net worth exceeds a million dollars, I can guarantee you, most of them are insecure about their wealth, and keep a tight grip on it, without giving hardly any away. God is all about togetherness, unity, and humility, but the world teaches the philosophy of “get all you can, and can all you get”.

🎵🎶 If e-ve-ry bo-dy, was like Jesus, what a won-der-ful world, this would be 🎶🎵 (song performed by the late, great, and unique Inez Black). I wish I could wake up tomorrow, and see that the world was changed dramatically. I would jump for joy to see that racism had finally ceased, taxes disappeared, and all men treated one another, the same way they would desire to be treated. Well, that’s only wishful thinking, because men in this world will continue to grow worse. But, the hope we have in Christ Jesus, who went away to prepare a wonderful place for the Saints, keeps us motivated to endure this world of evil, until our time in this earth comes to its end. While we wait, let’s strive to be kind to one another, serve the Lord with gladness, smile to brighten someone’s day, and extend a helping hand, to those who are in need, especially if they are your enemy.

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

Ell

Handle With Care

James 2:1-7

When handling something precious and valuable, it’s often advised to treat it with care, and avoid mishandling it, as to respect what it is truly worth. This holds true not only in material things, but also in the realm of the spirit. True value in the life of the believer is made manifest through Christ, and the faith that we have in Him, should be shown to all men equally, and without partiality. For God so loved the “WORLD”, that He gave…, and those who follow after Him, should be willing to treat all men the same, despite their differences.

While it’s obvious the world won’t see things the way the church does, we must still treat them the way we desire to be treated. As for members of the body interacting with each other, the love of Christ should abound in every point of contact. Whether someone was blessed with much, or very little, dissention should never rear its ugly head amongst those who are in the faith. The church should always remain in perfect unity and harmony, so that the Gospel that was preached thousands of years ago, can still be seen, heard, and believed today. Men and women literally died, so that the Word of God could be passed down to our generation, so take pride in knowing that someone who never knew you, cared enough to save you.

Let these words keep you humble, as you show real love to those striving daily, just like you.

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

Ell

God sustains and cares for Jacob

Deuteronomy 32:10-14

The only way for a person to truly enjoy the full benefits God provides is, to fully commit themselves to His will and purpose. Dedicating your life to God, and pledging allegiance to His cause means you renounce, and denounce everything that looks like, smells like, or tastes like evil. It’s impossible to reap all the goodness of God, while choosing to hold on to things contrary to His Word. It’s almost like trying to withdraw money from a bank that you have no account with, or attempting to utilize the gym equipment at L.A. Fitness, when you don’t have a membership with them. God is pure, holy, just, and lovely, so expecting the love and care He promises to those who are in His will, won’t be enjoyed by those who willingly participate in sinful activities.

The apostle Paul tells us in the book of Romans, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (3:23). Everyone who’s ever lived have at some point displeased God, but through the innocent blood of Christ, we who have confessed with our mouths, and believed in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, have been redeemed, and born anew. No longer are we guaranteed the punishment we most definitely deserved for our sins, but we have a righteous relationship with the Father, and access to an eternal inheritance, not made by man.

God allows His rain to fall on the just and the unjust, but those who live according to His will, receive the care and sustenance required to live a full, and purposeful life. Many who study the scriptures are well-versed on the history of Jacob, so I won’t delve too deep into it. We know he was a trickster from his youth, that carried over into his adult years, but he eventually turned his heart completely to God, and allowed God’s will to take the place of his own. The text tells us of the many great things God did for His servant Jacob, some of which include leading him out of the waste howling wilderness, instructing him on how to live, keeping him as the apple of His eye, and blessing him with the opportunity to enjoy the finest of foods and drinks.

The same way God sustained and cared for Jacob, is the same way He awaits to bless you as well. Living as the righteousness of God automatically grants us access to His best, but there are many living beneath what God desires to do for them. It’s obvious that suffering is a package deal with living a righteous life, but after the suffering, comes bountiful blessings! Focus your mind and heart on pleasing God, above all else. If you sit and think for a moment, you’ll come to the realization that there’s nothing in this sinful world that can compare to the love that God has for His children. I advise all who read this to commit your hearts to God, so that He can show you what living the “good life” is all about.

Walk in love,

Ell