Hard Work Pays Off

Genesis 44:14-17

The average person who works to maintain a steady income, seeks to fulfill all their assigned duties, so that there will be no problems or issues when pay day comes. Many of us dress ourselves in such a fashion, that we exemplify what our position represents. We arrive to work clean, well kempt, and giving off sweet smelling fragrances. Most people care about how they look at work, and also how they perform. They take pride in the work they do, and seek to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. When problems arise, we work diligently to correct all issues that may have gone wrong, and our end goal is to prove to our superiors, that we are well able to perform all duties assigned to us, as well as show them that our hard work deserves just recompense.

Imagine for a moment, if we took the same approach as we do working for worldly men, and applied the same work ethics to living for God. Do you monitor how you dress yourself on a daily basis (as being a representation of holiness)? Do you love God and keep His commandments diligently, and wholeheartedly? How do you expect God to reward you on judgment day, based on the fruit you produced during your lifetime? Reconsider all the effort you put forth to please men, and redirect some of that time and effort into fulfilling God’s will for your life. While it’s commanded in Scripture for man to work, it’s also commanded that we bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Strive to maintain a healthy balance of physical and spiritual labor, knowing that in the end, God will reward us not for clocking in and out at work, but for what we accomplish for His kingdom.

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

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

Without Spot, Or Wrinkle

Psalm 15

The body of Christ consists of many unique members, fitly joined together by the Spirit of God, that operates to do the works required by God, so that His will can be accomplished in the earth. God’s way is right, and when the body walks that righteous path, they will be invited to inhabit the Lord’s tabernacle, and abide in His holy hill, on that glorious day!

Living in a world of sin, will present inevitable circumstances by which the righteous man can fall, and although God left man His unadulterated Word, the Holy Spirit, and hope of an eternity in His kingdom, the body of Christ must strive to live blameless, and avoid all things evil, in order to keep their heavenly reservation valid. God’s moral code differs greatly from the world’s, and His Word distinguishes His standard, from that of the world as well. The world considers a good man as one who does natural things like, giving money to charities, accepting all people as equal (supporting gays, lesbians, and the like), or other things that hold little, to no spiritual value, but God desires that our good begin within ourselves, and then be made manifest in the way we live. While there’s nothing wrong with doing good deeds, being blameless in God’s eyes requires that one walk upright consistently, perform only righteous works, speak the truth in your own heart, keep your tongue from evil (speaking lies, slander, gossip, etc), love and respect your neighbor, and honor those who fear the Lord.

Living by those standards will definitely keep the body of Christ blameless, and unspotted from the world, because when our attention is set on pleasing God, we’ll monitor our behavior, and check our lives daily, with a fine toothed comb.

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

Ell

Mary accepts miracle of pregnancy

Luke 1:34-38

What does it take for a man or woman to commit all their trust to the Lord? First off, one must be totally convinced, that God is real, His Word is true, and all that offends His will, is dangerous. In God, is life, love, and purpose, and every individual brought into this world, has been assigned special tasks to fulfill, until their time is cut off. Many who grow in the knowledge of God at an early age, and allow His will to supercede their own, usually spend years advancing in good, and godly works, whereas those who procrastinate, and allow time to pass, may render good works in their lifetime, but they’ll never recover all the time wasted, that could have been used to edify the kingdom of God.

When a man realizes what his purpose in life is, and accepts it, he should immediately seek wise counsel, so that all his days can be spent, fulfilling his predestined duties. Everyday that passes, where we fail to acknowledge God, and seek to carry out His will, is a day that could have made life better for ourselves, or someone else. Imagine, for a moment, if Mary allowed carnal thinking to rule her thoughts after hearing the angel’s proclamations, and refused to accept them. How would the story have played out? Fortunate for Mary, Gabriel was wise in being obedient to God, and speaking only what he was assigned to, including bringing to light that Mary’s cousin, Elisabeth, was also expecting to bring forth a child of promise, and purpose as well.

Mary’s acceptance of God’s words was made possible by the fact that she was exposed to an angelic being, he presented himself in peace and humility, eased her fear, spoke the truth of God, and reaffirmed the power of God by revealing the truth about Elisabeth. God never wants us to wonder, nor worry about how we’ll accomplish what He assigned us to do. No matter how odd or unusual a job seems, God will always provide what we need to get it done. When our faith and trust is totally committed to God, He is then obligated to arrange our circumstances in such a way, that our steps are ordered to carry out our mission. Follow Mary’s example, and take God at His word. In the end, you’ll have endless stories to tell others how awesome God has been throughout your lifetime.

Walk in love,

Ell

Widow’s faithfulness rewarded

1 Kings 17:8-16

At the end of a race, or athletic event, those who finish first, or outlast their opponent, are usually granted a reward. In any organized competition, individuals who are fearful, usually get exposed by those who are confident, and victory seldom comes to those who lack the boldness necessary to compete. For this reason, it’s essential for all who seek to obtain a reward, to be fearless, and confident in their chances to achieve success. Even during moments when a person falls behind in a race, if they keep their eyes fixed on the prize, they will be able to overcome all obstacles that hinder their success.

This same example can be applied to a child of God’s obedience, or lack thereof. When we trust God throughout a process, and are faithful to His commands, He will always reward us for our faithfulness. On the contrary, when we allow fear to keep us from obeying God, we set ourselves up to either delay what God has for us, or lose some things altogether.

The Bible is full of examples of men who either allowed fear to cause them to miss a blessing from God, or faith that granted them opportunities to be showered with the goodness of God’s grace, mercy, and favor. As we close this week’s lesson with final thoughts on the widow woman, and her faithfulness in keeping God’s Word, I want to reiterate a few points I mentioned in lessons prior to this one. First off, we learned how God moves based on our faith and action, not fear. The Bible teaches that perfect love cast out fear, because fear has torment. Many will sit idle and refuse to move at the words of God, when fear controls their mind. The widow woman could have missed out on a great blessing, had she allowed the fear of eating her last meal, then dying, keep her from obeying what God commanded her to do.

In the same way an athlete has faith, and confidence in their ability to accomplish their goals, believers should have faith in God, and confidence in His ability to do exceeding, abundantly, and above all we can ask or think. But, this is made possible, according to the power that works in us. God has proven Himself to all of us, simply by sustaining us this long, and keeping us in good health. It’s the duty of the children of God to love Him, and keep His commandments, so as you continue on your path of righteousness, keep your eyes fixed on God, and strengthen your faith through every experience you encounter in this life.

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

Husbands and wives, joint heirs

1 Peter 3:1-9

Christians are commanded by God to submit themselves to every ordinance of man, as well as to every person who has any authority in government, who cooperate in efforts to promote righteousness, over lawlessness. This is important, because there are some who are under the impression that they are not to abide by laws and rules set by men who are ungodly. On the contrary, God supports justice, because human government is of His own doing, and if any man or woman seeks to do that which is right, we are to support them, just as His people did in ancient times. In addition, our cooperation also puts to silence those who shun Christianity, and proves that believers aren’t as haughty as they are falsely accused to be.

Following the previous example, servants are commanded to be subject to their masters; showing respect to those who are good, and to those who are hard to please. It’s difficult, at times, to submit to bosses who are stubborn, pig-headed, arrogant, disgusting, displeasing, high-minded, haughty, disrespectful, discourteous, rude, impolite, uncivil, ill-mannered, ungracious, irreverent, inconsiderate, insolent, impudent, impertinent, cheeky, flippant, insubordinate, churlish, contemptuous, disdainful, derisive, scornful, disparaging, insulting, and abusive (did I miss anything lol). We earn God’s acceptance as heirs to His kingdom, and joint-heirs with Christ, when we uphold His righteous standard in the midst of our suffering and injustice, because persecution and hard times come as a package deal when we submit our lives to God.

Submission is not limited to governments, authorities, and bosses, but it extends even into our homes. According to Scripture (and contrary to societal belief), wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. I can hear all the wives murmuring, “I ain’t nobody’s slave”, lol. Well, the Bible’s definition of submission does not involve one being used, abused, nor taken advantage of. Instead, submitting as God commands is the greatest sign of true commitment. Women have to first separate the idea of slavery, from the word submit, in order to understand how in-depth their role is, as a wife. Wives are to be “discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:5). Wives are to understand, and reverence their husbands as the head, just as Christ is the head of the church. The problem some women face in marriage is, they get hooked on the “new age” equality teachings, that alter their understanding of what God expects from them. Yes, the husband and wife are one in body, soul, mind, and spirit, but there’s an order in the family that has been ignored for ages, that has caused all kinds of issues between married couples.

Another issue plaguing women submitting is, the need to focus more on their outward appearance, hoping that their looks will keep their husband’s interest high. While looks play a part in any relationship, it shouldn’t be the focal point. Women of old adorned themselves with the Word of God; making sure that their inward man was right in the eyes of God, so that they would be properly positioned to assist their husbands as God saw fit. The Bible mentions that obtaining a meek and quiet spirit holds more value than anything a woman could do to enhance her physical appearance, so rather than spend unnecessary funds on expensive clothes, makeup, and jewelry, the wife should spend more time keeping her heart pure, and right with God.

To the wife who’s joined to an unbelieving husband, her obedience in all things is based upon him loving his wife, as Christ loves the church. In other words, if she’s ordered to do something outside of the will of God, then she’s not obligated to follow that order. Is this grounds for a divorce? According to the text, no, because even though the unsaved husband refuses to hear preaching of the gospel, he will be exposed to the chaste behavior of his born-again wife. For this reason, it’s vital that the believing wife strive to conduct herself in charity and chastity, showing reverence to the husband, in hopes that he would be won over by her godly example.

Submissive wives are beautiful in the eyes of God, and essential to the success and wellbeing of their husbands. Never feel that you are of lesser value based on your role as a wife, because when God made you from the man’s rib, He constructed the perfect creature, capable of doing amazing things!

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s chosen bride

Ezekiel 16:8-14

There are many people in life who enjoy the benefits of living in prosperity, some of which were born into wealth, whereas others started from nothing, but gained great increase by the works of their hands. It’s not a crime, nor sin to enjoy the finer things in life, but problems arise when we allow those things to cause us to shift our focus from the God who provided our increase, to entertaining ungodly influences. Even certain marriages encounter problems when one partner takes advantage of the other’s wealth and notoriety, while forgetting that they were once abused, misused, and struggling before God sent someone to make their lives better. Every now and then, a healthy reminder of where we came from, to where we are now is necessary to keep us humble, and free from falling into temptation.

God took Jerusalem as His bride, when they were cast away, naked, destitute, and dirty, then treated them as the best thing since sliced bread, by adorning them with endless love. God gave them life, caused them to grow up and become well-developed, washed away their blood and anointed them with perfumes and oil, decked them with precious jewels, and the list goes on. The extent of God’s love for His bride was endless, and He proved that love by providing for Jerusalem unlimited provision and protection, and only required faithfulness, trust, and devotion in return.

How would you conduct yourself, if you were approached by someone who was willing to be a loving, faithful, and devoted partner to you, who would cherish you to no end, but only asked that you treat them with the same love and respect in return? Well, Jesus is coming to take the church as His bride, and He expects us to be our best when He arrives. Christ offers everything we need, and will give it willingly, but we must prove that our love for Him is real. We prove this love through our daily living: How we treat our fellow man, whether we obey His commandments, or not, and fulfilling all the things He asked us to do until He returns. Just as a wife prepares mentally, emotionally, and physically to be the best for her husband, we too should ready ourselves to be received by Christ, when He returns.

Walk in love,

Ell

Boaz welcomes Ruth to his fields

Ruth 2:5-13

Have you ever heard the phrase, favor isn’t fair? If you haven’t, I heard it for you…many times. Some people believe in luck, and that in life you either have it represented in a good way, or a bad one. Luck is usually accompanied by coincidence, and many live by these two beliefs, but in my most honest opinion, I shun luck and coincidence, and have more of an affinity to favor and consequence. Nothing happens by chance, but all things are the direct result of the decisions we choose to make, or not make in our daily living.

An example of the latter of the two beliefs I mentioned takes place in our lesson’s text. After returning to her hometown of Bethlehem from Moab, Naomi remembered she had a relative who was a mighty man of wealth. Her arrival came around the time of the beginning of the barley harvest. This was perfect timing, as she and Ruth had an opportunity to glean from the fields, before the harvest was depleted. Naomi had returned home, claiming that the Lord had afflicted her, causing her to be empty, so she needed a means to gain access to food and other provisions. Usually, her husband and sons would make sure their women were properly cared for (that’s rare these days, as men have become soft and lazy), but they were forced to fend for themselves for survival.

Surprisingly, Ruth devised a plan to glean in the fields that belonged to Naomi’s wealthy relative, Boaz, in hopes that he would notice her, and find favor with her. Long story short, her plan worked! While gleaning in the fields, Boaz noticed Ruth, and took a liking to her, so he inquired of the reapers who she was. After hearing the whole story of her time with Naomi, Boaz extended unprecedented favor toward Ruth, and made it known to her that his actions toward her were the result of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to Naomi, even after losing her husband and abandoning her faith for theirs. Boaz would continue to bestow blessings upon Ruth, so much until the two would eventually become an item. Ruth’s temporary suffering turned into a lifetime of favor and blessings.

I know first-hand the struggle is real, and life can throw some pitches that are extremely tough to hit, but if we remain committed to God through the storms and the rain, He’ll provide a rainbow of blessings after those storms pass that will change our lives from bitter, to better. Favor is fair, but only if you follow the right path to attain it.

Walk in love,

Ell

Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem

Ruth 1:19-22

Have you ever been in a committed relationship? At first thought, did you assume my question was only in relation to marriage, or courting? Well, commitment should be at the helm of all relationships, whether it be between those who are interested in each other, family ties, or solid friendships. Finding someone you can put all your trust in these days is rare, and if by chance you meet someone who seems to be trustworthy, it always comes with a bit of hesitation. Trust is earned, and is established based on faithfulness and consistent acts of love.

In our lesson, we continue where Naomi was still mourning the loss of her husband and two sons. While grieving, she heard that the Lord had lifted the famine from the land she and her family had left, and provided crops again, so she took her daughters-in-law, gathered her belongings, and set off to return home. As they began the journey back to Bethlehem, Naomi gave opportunity for her daughters-in-law to return to their former pagan lives. While Orpah wept and returned to her own family, Ruth was committed to her mother-in-law, and chose to stay with her. I often hear people say that words mean little without actions, but the words Ruth used to solidify the covenant she had with Naomi should be mentioned in the vows of everyone who has plans to be married, or those who are filling out friendship applications. Ruth’s exact words to Naomi were, “…Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (vs. 16-17). Imagine if your boyfriend, girlfriend, or a potential friend approached you in this way. Those are some heavy and intense words to follow up with actions, but if you know the whole story, you also know that Ruth stayed true to her words, and God blessed her beyond measure.

In a world full of evil, deception, and wickedness, it’s really hard to commit to people who say all the right things initially, because they later reveal who they really are when the heat intensifies. In your prayers, ask God to connect you to people who are first wise in His eyes, so that they can cover you from evil you can’t see, keep you on the path that leads to life, and connect you to others who can change your life in ways you never imagined!

Walk in love,

Ell