Careful Consideration 2

Deuteronomy 24:14-18

How do you treat people who are less fortunate than yourself? Do you take advantage of those who are unable to fend for themselves, or are you humble enough to seek ways to help the stranger, fatherless, and widow, who oftentimes find it difficult to maintain a steady income? Those who claim the name of Jesus as their Savior, have been commanded by the Father to be fair and impartial to all men, especially those who are at a disadvantage in life. How you treat those who are less fortunate, proves the character that resides inside you. It’s impossible to claim to be full of God’s Spirit, yet turn away from someone asking for help (especially when you have the means to assist). When God blesses you with increase, expect to be a blessing to whomever God allows to cross your path. Always remember, closed hands block blessings, but opened hands are always ready to receive.

Careful Consideration

Jeremiah 9:17-22

As a believer, and faithful follower of Christ, how do you properly treat those whom you love, that have made a habit of committing sin and iniquity? The world teaches that we should judge those who do wrong, and demand the most severe judgment upon them, but should a Christian share like demands with the world? God is love, and He loves those He created, but justice was set in place for all who break the law, commit a crime, or practice sin. The Bible teaches, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”, so all who make a habit of participating in sin activities, will soon receive just wages for doing so.

Knowing that all men are susceptible to error, those who are in God, should always be mindful how they treat people who fall. God the Father is the only judge, and we are to make attempts to restore those who make mistakes, and not sentence them to an eternity in exile, knowing that at any moment, we too can all fall into temptation, so it’s wise to consider that same thought when we think of judging others.

Learn to look beyond a person’s faults, and see their potential submission to God’s will. There was a time, when we too were entangled in an ugly past, but someone prayed for us, and helped bring us into right standing with the Lord. In those moments when you’re itching to call someone out for their faults, consider Jesus hanging, and dying on the cross, for all the wrong you’ve done, and will do during your journey through life.

Selfless Consideration

Romans 15:1-6

In our society, working together is promoted in all areas of business, education, and entertainment. Businesses thrive on increase and productivity, but their success can only go as far as their unified organization allows them to. Teachers work hard to ensure that their students learn and develop the skills required to advance to the next grade level. When done for the right purpose and with right intentions, teachers can impact the lives of their students far beyond their initial expectations. Without unity and togetherness, it would be unwise for any team, of any sport, to attempt to challenge an opponent, because their lack of teamwork would weigh heavily against them, causing them to suffer a great and embarrassing loss. From these examples, it’s safe to presume that working together as a single unit, will always produce better results, than operating from a system of dysfunction.

While teamwork involves all members working together toward a common goal, each individual must exhibit behaviors of humility, compassion, and understanding, in order for the “team” to “work” effectively. In our text, the apostle Paul helps Roman believers grasp a better better understanding of the importance of unity, amongst the body of Christ. Although each member of the body performs different functions, not one area holds more importance than another. The Bible does teach that we are to honor our leaders, and give them respect, but we must not consider our own callings irrelevant, in comparison to theirs.

The church is at its best, when all members perform their duties with all their heart, aiming to give God glory from their lives. Unfortunately, times will arise when those who are weak in faith, may tend to get weighed down by the heaviness of life’s struggles. During these critical moments, those who are strong in the Lord, ought to make haste to cover, protect, edify, and restore those who may fall, because at any moment the enemy could come and sift them as wheat. The Bible doesn’t teach us to be “people pleasers”, but we are commanded to live to please others. In pleasing others, we make ourselves available to lift them up during times when they feel down, supply their needs during seasons of lack, or simply loaning an ear or shoulder for someone to cry on, giving them hope that they’re not alone in the fight of faith.

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

Ell

Solomon reviews temple developments

1 Kings 8:14-21

🎵🎶 When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah, I thank God for saving me 🎶🎵. Sometimes in life, the perfect antidote for stress, worry, doubt, unbelief, or anything that tends to weigh us down is, taking thought of all the good things God has done for us. Seriously consider how blessed you truly are, and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for simply being in existence. Life may get tough, at times, but as the saying goes, “tough times don’t last, but tough people do”.

God made everyone unique, and with a purpose to fulfill. The more we grow in the knowledge of God, the more clear our purpose becomes. The more we understand our purpose in God’s plan, the more we can contribute to kingdom business. The more contributions we make in God’s kingdom, the stronger our witness becomes, which in turn, builds faith and hope in others. Can you think of a few contributions you’ve made recently in the kingdom of God? As a child, I desired to someday, build shelters to house the homeless and destitute. It’s always sad to see people on the streets, with no food, clean clothes, or shelter, so I would often close my eyes, and wish I could zap every homeless person I saw with my magic finger, and make them wealthy and healthy in an instant. Although I was never in a position to fulfill that desire, I’m certain God honored the very thought of my little heart.

Even when king David desired to build God a temple, and was denied permission, God said to him, “Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart” (vs. 18b). All our thoughts and desires should be set on doing things that please God, and bring glory to His name alone. Oftentimes we find ourselves in unfavorable situations, because we make attempts to build up our own names, instead of God’s. But, when we seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, He’ll make certain to supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory. Continue to trust God in all things, and keep your thoughts pure, holy, and invested in doing good things for others.

Walk in love,

Ell