Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

Spring Cleaning!

2 Kings 22:14-23:30

Throughout the year, many who own homes or rent apartments, usually accumulate excessive amounts of clothing, tools and equipment, and most notably, dirt and grime. For this reason, “Spring Cleaning” was coined to represent a time when conducting a thorough cleaning of the home, or place of living should, take place. Usually, moms take charge of going through every area of the home, in an effort to get rid of things that have little to no value, then go to work on those areas until they are clean enough to her liking. Children are usually involved in this process, but not to the same extent as mothers.

Keeping things stored that add no value to your living situation, only take up space for things that actually can add value. In most cases of spring cleaning, junk is thrown out, and messy places are renewed to reveal their intended freshness. While living the Christian life, it’s easy to get attached to things that aren’t healthy for our souls, if we aren’t careful. For instance, if you check the hearts of the average believer, I’m almost certain you’ll find one or two items in their “inner man”, that are unhealthy for their spiritual development. Just as mom’s designate times to thoroughly clean their homes, the children of God should do the same to keep their hearts and minds clean, and unspotted from the world. It’s important to take moments during the day to examine whether the things in your life are adding to your growth in godliness, or if they represent something contrary to holy living.

Our text gives a great example of how the process of purifying our souls should be conducted. In the previous lesson, king Josiah heard the word of God for the first time, then was immediately convicted, and sought to make things right. This young man not only intended to turn the hearts of the people toward righteous living, but he literally cleaned out EVERYTHING that brought dishonor to the name of the Lord. Below is a brief list of some of the things Josiah was provoked to put into action:

-burned all vessels that were made for baal
-put down the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to baal, the sun, and to the moon, planets, and hosts of heaven
-burned all the wooden images in the house of the Lord, until they were like powder
-broke down the houses of the sodomites near the house of the Lord, where women wove decorations for the graven images
-defiled all high places where the priests burned incense
-removed horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, then burned the chariots of the sun with fire
-beat down and brake all altars made by the evil kings of Judah
-defiled all the abominations built by king Solomon -broke in pieces all the graven images, and filled their places with the bones of men

To what extent do you go, to keep your heart clean before the Lord?

Pruning Season

John 15:1-3

Is it possible for someone to be connected to God, the source of life, and still be dead? I can answer that question with an experience I had during my early years in college. One of the stores closest to the University of Central Florida was, Walmart Supercenter, so I would usually do my shopping there for school supplies, groceries, and personal items. One of the most important items on my shopping list when I went off to college was, a clothing iron. Walking around that huge campus in wrinkly clothes would have been embarrassing, so I knew to keep a good iron on hand, in order to have my clothes pressed to impress.

While ironing a shirt one morning, I accidentally tripped over the power cord, causing the iron to fall on the floor. I quickly picked up the iron, so it wouldn’t burn the carpet, then placed it back on the ironing board. After the plug was yanked from the wall, I reinserted it and waited for the iron to heat up again. Unfortunately, after it hit the floor, the iron became good for nothing except the garbage can. Even though the plug was connected to a live power source, the iron itself was dead.

Our text tells us, all who are in God, but aren’t producing fruit, will be taken away, but those who bring forth fruit, will be purged, so they can continue producing. God is the only one who can remove a person from His hand, and no man can pluck anyone from Him. It’s sad to be in God, yet spiritually dead, because in God we have all the necessary resources required to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.

Even when we fall, and feel disconnected from the source, forgiveness is readily available upon our request. God is merciful, and gives grace to the humble, so all who are in Him must seek only to use His power for good, and not evil. Connect to God’s source of power, so you can be equipped to produce good fruit, but remain faithful to God’s commands, so that your spirit may live, and you’ll never be plucked from the true vine.

“It’s easier to deliver the Gospel of Christ to others when your life pleases God.” – Ell

A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

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

Ell

The Mirror

James 1:19-27

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The purpose of the mirror is to reflect our natural selves, so that we can either appreciate who God created us to be, or take time altering and changing those things we aren’t too pleased to share with others. We use mirrors to help us catch blemishes in our makeup, or faults in our clothing, so that we can tidy up, before stepping out of the house. Mirrors reveal all, and leave nothing hidden to the natural eye.

The same way we spend hours fixing our natural selves in front of the mirror, we should devote way more time looking at ourselves from the perspective of God’s Word. The Bible reveals to us, that we aren’t anything to brag about, and should be forever grateful that Jesus sacrificed His life, so that our sin blemishes could forever be wiped away. The more time we spend in God’s Word, the better we’ll understand the importance of doing what the Word says. It’s strange for a person to stand in front of a mirror for hours, then forget the image they saw once they turn away. The Bible equates this to men who hear the Word of God, but fail to do what it says.

While the mirror is one of man’s greatest inventions, it can only reveal to men their flaws. They must willingly make the necessary changes to rectify their appearance. The Word of God reveals to men the things that can easily beset them, but it’s their responsibility to take action in obeying God’s simple instructions for overcoming all evil. The next time you stand in front of the mirror, consider whether getting your hair, suit, or makeup just right, more important than ensuring that your heart, mind, and soul are right with God.

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

Ell

What About The Children?

Luke 11:9-13

If you’re a parent, and your child asked for something to eat, would you give them a bowl of rocks? Any sound-minded father or mother would respond to that question with an absolute NO! How could any parent refuse to give their little one the things they have need of? In my most honest opinion, it’s borderline criminal for anyone to see a child in need, and refuse to help, especially if they have more than enough to supply. Children are feeble, and underdeveloped, so ensuring they are well-fed, and properly cared for should be top priority on every mom and dad’s to-do list.

Taking care of those you love should feel more like an opportunity to bless and provide, rather than a hard task or duty. When God blesses His children, He always does it out of love, and what He gives is best for their lives. God knows what His children have need of before they even ask or think it, and He’s built a reputation for giving His people what they need, more than what they ask for amiss. God is a great Father, and always provides the best for His children, and He desires that we do the same for ours. Learn to love your children the way God loves you, and always be ready and willing to give them what they need, so that they’ll be able to grow and develop healthy, in a natural and spiritual way.

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

Ell

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

Humbled Beginnings; Extraordinary Endings

Luke 2:21-24

As a child, I would often envy other children in school, who were fortunate enough to dress in the finest clothing, and flaunt the most expensive backpacks. Even the lunch boxes these particular kids brought to school were fancy, and were filled with all the goodies I yearned to enjoy. It’s hard for a child not to compare himself to those he’s in close proximity to, and oftentimes seeing them enjoy things his own parents probably couldn’t afford, could cause moments of sadness, and minor depression. As I grew older, and began to learn more about the knowledge of God, I gradually gained a better understanding of God’s perspective on humbled beginnings.

Just because one may grow up, not having things society deems as the best, doesn’t guarantee that person won’t have a prosperous, and fulfilling future. The perfect example of this biblical truth can be found in our lesson’s text. Thinking from a carnal perspective, one would assume, God would allow Jesus to be raised in a wealthy family; one that has relevance with the church, and with the world. A father sending His only Son, to live with a poor family, then die for wicked people, wouldn’t fair too well on the Lifetime Movie Network. They’d call that bad parenting. Fortunately, God knows everything, and He was well aware that His Son would stick to His divine plan, and not waver, no matter what His upbringing looked like.

From being born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, to being presented to the Lord in Jerusalem, with a sacrifice of two turtledoves, Jesus, the Son of the living God, went on unhindered and consistent in His obedience to God’s unselfish, and life-saving plan for mankind. It’s because of the obedience of Christ, that all men can be forgiven of their sins, and become partakers of the same inheritance that belongs to Him. Speechless!

You may not have had the privileges others around you enjoyed during your lifetime, but never allow how others live, to determine how far you’ll go in life. Besides, just because people may have nice things, doesn’t mean they have peace in their hearts, and stable minds. Trust and believe, God will make your life worth living, even if you don’t think you’re worth it. If you could see yourself the way God does, you’d instantly change your way of living, for the better.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 4:8 – He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:8 – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:37-39 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

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

Ell

Jesus institutes the new covenant

Mark 14:17-24; Hebrews 8:6-7, 10-12

Can you recall the last new set of clothes you purchased? I honestly can’t remember when I last went clothes shopping, but I do remember how wearing new clothes usually makes me feel like new money! The crisp and clean material that hasn’t been worn down with wear and tear, lays snug against my skin, while the smell of the new clothes (along with one of my favorite colognes, Nautica Blue) gives off a fresh, scintillating aroma that makes even the birds chirp a bit louder 🐥🐦. I’m unsure how to explain it in depth, but there’s something about wearing new clothes that makes one feel a sense of appreciation and relevance (odd, but true).

In a similar sense as new clothes changing the appearance and attitude of a person, the New Covenant God establish through Christ for His people, made it possible for men to experience a total makeover on the inside, that is manifested outwardly. The old covenant was flawed in the sense that no one could possibly live according to God’s will, while trying to memorize and walk according to over 700 or more laws and rules. You’d literally drive yourself insane attempting to be the perfect person, because you’re human, and everyone makes mistakes. If the old covenant was flawless, then what need would there be for the new one? The law of Moses was indeed faulty, and had to be done away with so that the perfect covenant could be enforced. Did God make a mistake by instituting the old covenant? Not at all. The old covenant acted as a mirror, to reveal to men their flaws, in hopes that they would humble themselves, and submit to God’s way, but it was unable to remove their sins.

Under the new covenant, the house of Israel and the house of Judah will be fully enlightened and have perfect knowledge of God’s truth. All their affections, desires, and appetites will be purified, so that they will obey God willingly, and without hesitation. God will forgive and forget the sins of His people, because they will genuinely repent, and forsake all sin in their lives. Where the old covenant was powerless to save, the new covenant saves to the uttermost. The old covenant acted as a sinful mediator, as men could see themselves for who they really were, but the new covenant was established on a sinless mediator, who allowed for all men to be saved by grace. The old covenant brought bondage and could not justify, but the new covenant brings liberty, and justifies all who are adopted into the family of God. While the old convent exposed man’s sin, the new covenant covers the sins of men, by way of the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Walk in love,

Ell