Tag: Commit

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

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

I Believe!

Zephaniah 3:8-13

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”. (Matt 24:35). “For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18). Without being forced to believe in, or submit to God’s Word, I made a choice to follow God, based on my own judgment. In many cultures, children are forced to believe in things, without being given a choice to weigh whether or not what they are being pressured into, is profitable for their health, well-being, and future. I grew up in a Christian home, but chose to find out the truth about God for myself, outside of what was poured into me from my youth. From 22 years of study,  meditation, and research, I am totally convinced, God is real, and every word of Scripture is truth. In fact, proof of God’s Word has already been revealed during our time, through manifested prophecies. Some can be found in the following scriptures:

Matthew 24:6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

2 Timothy 3:1-7 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Peter 3:3-4 “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Although there are many, who refuse to believe the Bible is true, and its words are being revealed daily, all things will play out accordingly, then those who remain in sin and ignorance, will be in for a rude awakening. Contrary to what’s being taught in modern times, there’s only one way to God, and that’s through Jesus. Christ sacrificed His perfect life for our imperfections, so that we could have the opportunity to spend eternity with the Father of all creation. Rest assured, the last days are upon us, and no matter what you believe, there are only two choices; either there is a God, or there isn’t. If there isn’t, then we’re all living for nothing, without proof of the origin of our existence, nor a reason to anticipate a purposeful end. If there is a God, then we all better line up, and do as He says, because He knows everything, and our hope in Him will not bring us to shame.

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

Ell

God’s Divine Love

1 Kings 8:54-61

How would you respond, if God decided to abandon you, and leave you to fend for yourself the rest of your life? Could you maintain the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to, while God guided your every move, or would you find it difficult to keep your life in order, while making decisions based on your own wisdom and judgment? Before fully submitting yourselves to God, you may have had some success in life, where good things happened here and there, but only when your life is ordered by the Lord, will your good have natural, and spiritual implications as well.

Just as God kept His promises to those who served Him before we were even in existence, He will keep His word toward us also. When we trust in God, delight in Him, commit to His way, He’ll in turn, supply our needs, give us the desires of our heart, and answer all our prayers, according to His will. We were created by God to enjoy the full benefits of His divine love, but we must first surrender our hearts to Him, then walk in all His ways, by keeping His commandments, statutes, and judgments.

Serving God isn’t hard at all, but resisting temptation is where the struggle is. I often wonder, why men cheat on good women, because if the woman has everything he wants and needs, then why would he even consider giving attention to someone else? In the same sense, if God has literally everything we want and need, why entertain thoughts and ideas the enemy presents to distract us? God operates in love, but the lust of the eyes and flesh, offers things that seem more appealing than what God offers. Satan is the master of deception, and knows what it takes to turn our eyes away from God, so he tries hard to break our focus, by setting traps that don’t seem harmful, nor threatening at first glance. But, the longer we entertain temptation, the tougher it’ll be to escape its sinful grasp. This is why it’s extremely important to incline our hearts to God, as Solomon did, so that He will never leave, nor forsake us. “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day”. (1 Kings 8:61 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

God-sent ravens to feed Elijah

1 Kings 17:1-7

Have I mentioned lately, how much God hates evil, and despises sin? If not, then here goes…God hates evil, and despises sin! Acts of sin defy God’s expected acts of obedience to His Word. When we willingly sin, we are choosing to side with baal, or satanism. No matter how pretty the picture is painted, sin is always wrong, and consistent acts lead to rebellion against God. God created man to bless him, and make him to prosper in all things, but when a man sins, inevitable consequences will always meet him on his path.

There was a man named Ahab, who assumed the throne to rule over Israel, during the time when king Asa ruled Judah. It’s been written, king Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord, than all who ruled before him. That’s intense! What could this man have possibly done, that excelled above those before him? For one thing, his biggest mistake was first, marrying one of the most wicked, and sinister women in Scripture (Jezebel), coupled with serving baal, building an altar for the pagan god, and worshipping him religiously. Verse 33 of chapter 16 reads, “and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him”. After reading that verse, you could safely assume, God would respond in a powerful, yet unusual way (to get the kings attention, expose his evil, and hope to convince him to change his evil heart). God loves everyone, but He has no tolerance for sin, and will give you a chance to repent, but that window could close before you know it.

During the evil reign of king Ahab, God raised up a prophet to stand against the king, and reveal His power to the nation. Elijah, meaning God is Jehovah, was one of the returning exiles mentioned in the book of Ezra. God sent Elijah to confront the king, then announce that there would be no dew, or rain until he says so. That was an interesting statement on many levels. First, the king probably wondered how a mere mortal could control the elements, after getting over the fact that this man came in his presence to check him. Knowing that the king’s heart was pure evil, God then ordered His prophet to run to a place where he would be provided food and water for a season. Telling a king there would be no way for the fields of crops to be watered no doubt angered him, because food is an essential, and he, along with the people could suffer greatly. The more evil and pride a man holds in his heart, the more God will do to prove to him, he’s nothing without the Lord.

While the king suffered for a season, God cared for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him bread and flesh every morning and evening, while he drank fresh water from a brook. God always provides for those who are obedient to what He commands them to do, and brings judgment on those who willingly rebel. Even today, there are many who are similar to, if not worse than the wicked king Ahab, who suffer greatly for their continued disobedience. But those who are just as bold and faithful as the prophet Elijah, are on schedule to receive God’s best!

Walk in love,

Ell

Commit to covenant obedience

Deuteronomy 4:1-8, 12-13

Businesses today are non-stop, and companies seek to hire potential employees who are capable of maintaining and producing positive results, that will keep their profit margins at reasonable levels. The more flourishing, and well-developed businesses are usually upheld on the backs of workers committed to their cause, while those companies that experience fluctuations in productivity, work hard in dealing with high turnover rates. Before companies commit to those seeking employment, they thoroughly investigate each candidate, in order to make sure they’ll be a good fit for their business. Hiring individuals based only on a resume, can lead to potential issues, but talking to, and hearing the candidate in person helps to gain a better understanding of the face behind the resume. Commitment involves someone being dedicated to a cause, or activity. In addition, committing to something also obligates a person to do something as well.

When a man or woman dedicates their lives to services in God’s kingdom, they are expected to obey the rules which that kingdom is governed by. God is love, so those who are committed to Him, are expected to love, without question. God is always love, and love is always God, so there’s no excuse for anyone who claims to be in God, to ever refuse to love someone, no matter the case. God’s kingdom produces higher profit margins (converted souls), when those who serve Him consistently put actions behind their words. It’s in our obedience, where God is glorified, and He in turn blesses us for our obedience, by which His name is magnified through our blessed lives.

Obedience to God, allows for blessings that can never be obtained otherwise. According to Scripture, obedience brings long life, success, mercy and justice, answers to prayer, preservation from corruption through idolatry, an inheritance, prosperity, blessings to offspring, and many more! Saints aren’t obedient to God simply to receive blessings, but because He is worthy of our everything! God gives us the breath of life daily, even when we use it in ways that displease Him. Our obedience to God is the greatest way to prove that our confession, and profession that we’ve surrendered our hearts and wills to Him, are valid and true. Just as many are dedicated to the companies they are employed by, God expects His children to be fully committed to covenant obedience to His Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

Renounce everything for Christ

Philippians 3:7-14

When a man proposes to a woman, what he’s essentially saying to her is, out of all the millions of women in the world, she is the one whom he deems worthy to spend a lifetime with. He renounces all possibility of pleasuring any other woman with his time, effort, and heart. For the rest of their lives, this couple will make plans to be fully committed to one another, while avoiding any and everything that could potentially hurt their union. In the same sense, when a man or woman enlists for the military, they no longer have the choice to conduct themselves as they see fit. They have to abide by the rules and regulations set in place by each military branch. We see in movies and television shows how those who act out and decide to behave unruly in the military, usually receive harsh punishment. Strict rules are enforced, because serving the country you fight for is a serious matter, and you could be called to defend it at any moment.

The same way some give up their own selfish goals to work in union with the goals of their spouses, and others for up their personal agendas and submit to the authority of their military, is how believers should approach following after Christ. When we choose to serve God, we are also choosing to let go of all things carnal, and unfruitful. There’s no person, accomplishment, or status that even compares to attaining the execellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul went so far as to compare all his advantages including the honor and respect he held among the Jews, and all his worldly knowledge to poop! The goal of the believer is to win, or gain Christ. Consistent obedience to the Word of God, and faith in the power of His might, makes this goal easily attainable. Paul was totally committed to Christ, so much until he desired to know Him and the power that was in His resurrection, to share in His sufferings, and surprisingly, die as He did.

How deep does your love for God reach? Are you desiring to know Him only for the benefits He provides, or are you prepared to learn Him through the sufferings of Christ as well? Are you willing to give up your wealth, prestige, and honor, so that God can lead your life the way He sees fit? Man’s righteousness doesn’t qualify to ensure an eternal reservation with Christ, so it’s wise for us to renounce everything that could hinder a strong relationship with the Father, and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (vs. 14)

Walk in love,

Ell