Without Love…

Romans 13:8-10

Have you ever took a moment to consider, why the state of this present world continues to decline as the days go by? Men have seemingly lost touch with any sense of morality, thus causing them to do all sorts of wicked things in the earth. Children have no respect for parents, or any authority. Governments care more for power and control, rather than meeting the needs of the people. Even the weather seems to be behaving in unusual ways.

The Bible mentions, in the last days, these things, and more would begin to take place. But, if men would only acknowledge, and obey the apostle Paul’s inspired instructions in the book of Romans, most, if not all the world would avoid the current, and inevitable times of chaos and destruction. Paul wrote, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Make sense? I certainly think so.

Good Representation

Psalm 38

How well do you represent godly living in all areas of your life? Can your family, coworkers, neighbors and friends easily tell whether you are dedicated to living a life of holiness, or not? It’s easy to look the part of a believer in church, or amongst those gathered for religious purposes, but how well do you represent godliness outside of the church walls, and in the company of those who do not share your beliefs? Are you easily entertained by unhealthy conversations at work, or do family members know the right buttons to push, that will cause you to act out of character? Representing God in a fallen world isn’t always easy, but if one diligently commits to doing as the Lord commanded, He will always direct their steps, by His Spirit.

“It Is Written…”

2 Timothy 3

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

According to Dr Kent Hovind, the Bible can be defined as, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. A select few men, were chosen and inspired by the Spirit of God, to record specific events of history, so that man could learn the knowledge of God, and gain an understanding of His purposes. The purpose of reading scripture is to study, meditate on, understand, then apply biblical knowledge to our daily lives. The more we learn about God’s word, the better equipped we’ll be to handle the issues of life. Take time daily to read and study God’s word, and allow it to strengthen your faith in Him.

Walking In Liberty

Galatians 5

1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.

“I Surrender All”

Mark 12:28-34

The first of all the commandments requires total surrender of all aspects of man, to the supremacy and sovereignty of the almighty God. When asked by a scribe, “Which is the first commandment of all?”, Jesus plainly stated, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:” (vs. 30). If a man did just what Jesus mentioned, there would be little, to no room for that man to error, or turn away from God.

There are many who pour all their strength into their jobs or careers, so much until they have little energy to bathe and eat when they get home (maybe I’m included in that bunch, or maybe not…I won’t tell). There are also people who devote their minds to science and research, that takes hours upon hours of their lives away, as they barely even scratch the surface of what they aim to discover. Then, there are those who literally give their souls to a mate, and can do nothing else, except daydream about that person, night and day. The last group of individuals can be found devoting their hearts to special causes and charities, so much that they desire only to meet the needs of those things they support, while neglecting to allocate time for other important things.

Could you imagine, if the church as a whole, loved the Lord with ALL their heart, soul, mind, and strength? What would the body of Christ look like today, if all members were totally committed to kingdom business? What if all preachers preached the unadulterated proclamations of Scripture, without defiling it to please itching ears? What if teachers taught the words of Jesus, so that men could gain a better understanding of their purpose in the earth? What if gossip, lying, cheating, and all other wicked vices were non-existent among those who claim to be followers of Christ? If all God’s people truly obeyed the first of all the commandments, then I’m apt to believe many who are lost today, would surrender their lives to God, because the church would have a much greater impact in the earth, if all members were totally in love with Lord.

It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

Open Thine Hand

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

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 Royal Law

James 2:8-13

Do you love yourself? Do you really take note of the way you care for your own well-being? Do you make sure to keep yourself well-groomed, fed properly, healthy, safe from dangerous situations and areas, well-informed of worldly affairs, clothed in decent and clean apparel, distanced from drama, lies, and gossip, and covered in prayer, with fasting? When you love yourself, you’ll be certain to do all that’s necessary to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive lifestyle. In fact, God appreciates when His people keep themselves healthy in their physical bodies, and sound in their mind and soul. While God loves to see us care for ourselves, it pleases Him the more when we show that same love and care for others.

Do you find it easy to love others the same way you love yourself? Can you bless someone with something you could possibly need for yourself, or are you unable to sacrifice, so that someone else can bask in a moment of peace and provision? Loving “thy neighbor as thyself”, should never be a hard task for the children of God, because all their works are motivated by the Holy Spirit. When a believer sees someone with a need, their first instinct is usually to meet that person’s need (if possible). Even if you lack what someone else has need of, rather than give up on them, it’s wise to walk with them to seek resolution elsewhere. When we see others hurting, we are to show sympathy, as if their hurt was our own. Even during this unprecedented season of sickness and death, the church should remain humble, and sensitive to the feelings of all those who have suffered great loss.

Treating others the way we desire to be treated, is counted as well doing, according to Scripture, but showing respect to some, while avoiding others is considered sin. That’s right! It’s a sin to show favor to some, while avoiding others like the plague. In our society, we judge men based on their outer appearance, but God despises having respect of persons, and promotes meekness, kindness, and mercy amongst all who bear His holy name.

As you continue on your journey through life, be mindful of how you treat others. Have you been guilty of showing any degree of partiality or injustice toward others? If so, repent quickly, and strive to love everyone the same way you love yourself.

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

Ell

With My Whole Heart

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

When a husband commits to a wife, he is literally committing all of himself, to join in union with the woman he loves. After his decision is made, there’s no room for him to consider, nor desire any other woman, because the one he found, should be all that he needs. When a child commits to a college or university, he or she has decided that all other options did not meet, nor satisfy the expectations they had set. As they matriculate through their years of education, they’ll eventually pledge themselves to the culture and environment of their school, and could possibly be seen sporting their schools athletic jerseys, or license plate covers.

When we commit to something, we literally give it all of us, and our intentions and motivations are usually in support of what we’re committed to. Are you fully committed to God, like for real for real? Does God have the attention of all your heart, all your soul, and all of your strength? When you decided to commit to the Father, did you turn away from everything that’s not conducive to His way of living?

When you choose to be on God’s team, you can’t give in to, nor support anything contrary to His gameplan. God is the creator of everything, so why would anyone choose to reject following after Him? If you’re still riding the fence on serving God and dabbling in things that are unhealthy for your soul, spend more time meditating on the Word, praying without ceasing, and focusing your attention on keeping your commitment to God solid. God is the real deal, and all else can’t compare, so when you give all of yourself to Him, you’ll be making the wisest decision ever.

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

Ell

Peaceful Impression

John 14:25-31

What impression do you leave on others, when you’re absent from their presence? As a child of God, do people recognize you as one who exhibits the character traits Jesus portrayed while He roamed the earth? Since you’ve become engrafted into God’s royal family, have you fully understood what He expects of you? These are questions every person who claims to be filled with God’s Spirit, should easily respond to.

When Jesus left to be with His Father, He knew the church would need much help to withstand the evil days, so rather than leave us to fend for ourselves against the forces of darkness, He prayed to the Father, who then sent the Comforter (Holy Ghost) to be another heavenly representative, to teach us all things, and bring to remembrance, the words of Christ (among many other things).

Before Jesus left the scene, He gave the gift of peace to His disciples. Of all the amazing virtues in Christ’s arsenal, why would peace be favored among them all? Consider the state of the world today. What is most needed besides the obvious (money, food, shelter, healthcare)? You got it! Peace. Despite how many people try to beautify societal constructs, this world is functioning from a chaotic state. Peace is needed all over the world, and in every country, you’ll find similar patterns of wickedness in governments, business, and other means by which the less fortunate are taken advantage of. The law-abiding citizens need peace, in order to maintain stability, amongst corrupt leadership. Peace is needed in our homes, so that fathers and mothers can properly raise their children to love and respect God. Even in homes where the mother or father is absent, more peace is required to keep that single parent strong and determined to keep their family together. Peace is most definitely needed in the hearts of those nearing the edge of their sanity; those who feel that life has dealt them an unfair hand.

As a believer, it’s your duty to strive to live peaceably with all men, knowing that the times are hard, not only on the church, but on the world as well. If we are to win the world to Christ, we must first understand that peace should go before us in all our encounters.

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

Ell