Ruth, mother of David and Jesus

Matthew 1:2-6, 16

I’ve never really been keen on history, nor am I fully aware of my own family’s history, so for the sake of not screwing up Biblical history in reference to genealogy, I’ll use the time for this lesson to expound upon the importance of family.

The original family was instituted by God Himself, when He brought together Adam and Eve, then instructed them to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. Some believe that there were people who existed before Adam, based on the term “replenish”, and were wiped out prior to his creation, but Genesis 3:20 reads, “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” If Eve is the mother of all living humans, then how could anyone exist before she was pulled from Adam’s rib, and delicately crafted into the world’s first top model? That’s a topic for another discussion.

The family structure consists of a father, mother, and children who all reside in a house, of which mom makes into a home. While fathers have a role to be the provider, protector, instructor, and disciplinarian in the home, mothers add the extra flavor that keeps the family together. Our text reveals one particular mother, who was responsible for the birthing of two of the most prominent men who ever existed. Down the family line of Ruth, came forth king David, and the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing how God created one man and woman, then from their union came all of us, with different purposes, personalities, and character traits? Imagine if Ruth had aborted her children, or chose to never get pregnant. King David, and all his great accomplishments, including the book of Psalms, would be nonexistent. Christ would have still been sent to the earth, but the family line He came through couldn’t have been put together any better than it had been.

Ruth was a pure woman, with a generous heart, and was included in the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ. In total, Jesus came through 42 generations of great and mighty men and women, whom God used to establish His name, until His Son was born to reveal the true power in that same name. This lesson provided another plate of food for thought. Stay blessed!

Walk in love,

Ell

Faithful women

Mark 15:40-47

When God created man and woman, He made them wonderfully, but there’s something about a woman that makes them tick a bit different from the man. In my most humble opinion, when God formed the woman from Adam’s rib, I’m apt to believe that He pulled out some things the man can never get back. Women are driven by default. They see a need, fill that need, then search for opportunities to fill other needs. Women have a certain “sticktoitiveness” that pushes them to go after what their hearts desire, no matter what obstacles lie in wait. Proverbs 31 lists verses of things women are capable of, including the value of her worth, the virtue in her very being, and the amazing things she can do with just her hands and a vision. The average woman in business has proven over the years that she is just as capable to perform certain duties as a man, yet isn’t fairly compensated for it (that’s food for another lesson). I could go on forever listing the awesome attributes of the woman, including how they even live longer than men, partially because their immune systems age slower, but I want to focus your attention on the power in their “sticktoitiveness”. If you do enough global research, you’ll discover that women are actually responsible for keeping the world turning. Now don’t get it twisted, I’m not advocating for the female chauvinist movement, rather I’m taking a moment to set the stage to introduce some of the most loyal women in the history of creation.

Since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He was usually accompanied by His twelve disciples, who were all men in training to carry on the Gospel message after He left the scene. The disciples were imbued with power that enabled them to heal sick people, cast out devils, and even raise those who had died, but in the very moment when their faith and loyalty was truly tested, they failed miserably. In the final moments, as Jesus breathed His last breaths, the ones who stuck close by His side until the end were, the women. The moment He needed His boys to have had His back, is when He realized that He could trust more in the women who followed His ministry, than the very ones responsible for taking over the reigns after His death. He even prophesied that they would scatter, so He was already prepared to face His mission alone. How would you feel if you were the quarterback of a football team that was about to play against the team that never lost a game, then your teammates all quit, but then the cheerleaders came on the field to play alongside you? That would be rather odd, but interesting nonetheless. There will be moments in our lives when the ones we least expect will give us more support than those in our close circles. God has a unique way of proving the loyalty of your friends by exposing what’s in their hearts through your own trials and testing.

During the entire crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Magdalene (the woman whom Jesus cast out seven demons), and Mary the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus, witnessed the entire event. They also were loyal followers of Jesus when He ministered in Galilee. Not only were these two women standing in support of their crucified Savior, but verse 41 reads that many other women also looked upon Jesus, as He laid down His life for the world. My question remains, where were the disciples, as Jesus suffered this great persecution? Where were those strong and courageous men, who were blessed with power, taught the ways of holiness, and equipped to stand against all evil? More than likely, they were in hiding, for fear of losing their lives, but Jesus taught them specifically in Matthew 16:25, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Sooo wouldn’t it be more appropriate for Jesus to be crucified with those who followed Him the closest? Although it would make for a heartfelt storybook ending to see Jesus crucified with His disciples, this was a mission Christ had to suffer alone, so that the disciples could establish His doctrine in the foundation of the church.

As you take up your cross and follow after Christ, expect so-called friends to fall away gradually, especially when the heat gets turned up to a great degree. Only through intense flames, is pure gold proven, so watch carefully who remains by your side in those hard and trying moments of your life. You may be surprised who’s left standing with you, so embrace them, and thank God for loyal and faithful friends.

Walk in love,

Ell

Praise God’s mighty works

Psalm 66:1-9, 16-20

Take a moment and stand in front of a mirror. What do you see? Look at those mysterious eyes, that are more detailed than the space shuttle. Gaze down at your hands and feet, the members of your body that allow you to get from place to place, and grab hold of any and everything. Your legs, arms, back, and even butt were all designed to make you the most wonderfully replicated image of the very God who made all things. Even the brain that’s housed in your skull is a phenomenon in it’s own right.

Man was fearfully, and wonderfully created by God, and His purpose for including us in His plan of creation was not to become what we see in the world today, but to be an extension of His eternally existing glory. God is to be praised above all things, because He’s just that awesome! How would you even have the opportunity to be as cool as you are, if God had not created you? All the things you’ve experienced in this life, whether good or bad, God was there to protect you in them. It’s because of God’s grace and mercy that we are still alive today, blessed with unlimited opportunities to spread His Goodness to all the world.

The Psalmist in our text was well aware that God was worthy, and deserving of all praise. There were nine commands given in this text, that we should consider following after in our own lives. We should make a joyful noise to God every time our eyes open to witness a new day. During moments when we’re reminiscing on the hard times God delivered us from, we should sing forth the honor of His name, and make His praise glorious. Have you noticed how the world, and surprisingly many church folk, flock to, and scream praises to celebrities? It’s literally sickening how a man or woman who confesses they love God, can use that same tongue to shout praises to wicked and evil men and women. Think about your response to those the world considers famous, and make sure your glory to God, heavily outweighs the attention you give to them.

As believers, we are to acknowledge God in all our ways, and make known His awesome works to those we see every day. It’s hard for a closet Christian to win an unbeliever to the Lord. The world must see a difference in those who claim they are indeed born again believers, or they’d see no reason to give up their sinful lives in exchange for a seemingly false hope from shaky Christians.

The latter verses of this Psalm reveal why many believers are left with countless unanswered prayers. God is to be praised and glorified for all His works, and for answering our prayers, but why does it seem that there are some prayers we’ve be waiting for answers on for years? Well, the answer is simple. The Psalmist quoted in verse 18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Harboring sin in our hearts is bad news, and is the reason many of our prayers never get answered. How many times have you knowingly held iniquity in your heart, and encouraged it? Can you recall times when you pretended to be something you weren’t, or held on to wicked thoughts in the midst of praying for God to bless you? God desires for all His children be blessed, but it’s up to us to make it a reality.

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand [are] the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills [is] his also. The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land]. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” (Psalm 95)

Walk in love,

Ell

Majesty of God’s rule

Psalm 93

History records a list of all the great things men deem as wonders of the world. The seven wonders of the ancient world include the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, Hagia Sophia, Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, and Taj Mahal. These great and wonderful structures have been visited by millions of vacationers for years and years. More recent world wonders consist of the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Victoria Falls, the Great Barrier Reef, CN Tower, Chichen Itza, and the Old City of Jerusalem. All these marvelous and remarkable wonders pale in comparison to the majesty of the God of all creation.

Men take great pleasure in the amazing things made by their own hands, but God, in His glory, power, and majesty, made the world, its inhabitants, and He sustains it day-to-day. There’s no harm in admiring and appreciating the cool things man constructs, but without the wisdom and strength of the One who created the man, none of those mighty and beautiful structures would ever exist. God reigns supreme over all things. The psalmist in our text tells us He’s clothed in majesty and strength, He established the world, and His throne is established of old. Of all the incredibly amazing things God reveals to us daily, His handiwork is hardly appreciated by men. The world gives more credit to mother nature, than Father God who made the heavens, the seas, and all the land we see today. There are lists of artists, whom we consider as great, and most of their works are unaffordable to the average consumer, but not one of the pieces from those great artist compares to the beautiful art we see in the skies, the forests, or on the seas every day. God is the most fascinating artist of all, and men can only copy what He already created.

Verse four reads, “the Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.” If you’ve never been out to sea, it’s an overwhelming experience. Being in the midst of water on all sides, without land in sight, causes the heart to beat a bit faster than normal. Couple that landless sight with boisterous waves, and you’ll find yourself in a very powerful atmosphere. God sees that and laughs, because His might and majesty excels far beyond the great waves of the oceans. Isn’t it good to know that our God is housed in holiness and righteousness? We have nothing to fear, because we are in the hands of the only one who controls all things. I advise all men to take more time to appreciate the beauties of God’s creation, but don’t forget to give Him the glory.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus: God’s loving promise

Luke 1:26-31; 2:21-35

In the beginning, God created a wonderful universe! The heavens were full of bright, and shining stars, the sun stood high in the day, and the moon created beautiful atmospheres in the evenings. God filled the firmament with numerous types of birds, that were free to fly as far, and as high as they could go. All types of animals did God create to roam the earth, cohabiting the same environments in peace, without the killer instinct animals have today. Not only did God fill the air and the earth with life, but the seas were the ideal location for God to make an array of marine animals and other creatures to abide, many of which may still be unknown today. Man was created to have dominion over the whole earth, and literally serve as the ruler of all things under the heavens.

God’s plan went according as He saw fit, until the man was introduced to something contrary to the order of godliness. Sin alone, did nothing to affect Adam and Eve’s place in God, but when they submitted to satan’s wicked devices, God had no choice except to adjust His plans, by removing certain benefits designed for the man, until there was a way to redeem him from his error.

From the fall of Adam until the birth of Christ, the world had suffered a steady decline in faithfulness. The children of Israel were in and out of the will of God, constantly giving in to idolatry, and wickedness, but God continued to have mercy on them, because He knew that His chosen people would one day turn their hearts back to Him. Christ was God’s answer to bring man back into right standing with Himself. There was no other way for us to be redeemed back to God, except by a pure, and undefiled sacrifice. Jesus was God’s loving promise to all the world, by which we will one day be able to see Him in eternal peace.

People all over the world are preparing themselves for the Christmas season, by spending thousands of dollars on gifts and items that will lose value in weeks. Many fail to realize that Jesus truly is the reason for this holiday season, so why not give a gift to Him for a change. Offer yourselves unto God, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in His sight. Turn away from idols, and cling to the God who loves you most. Spend more time growing in the knowledge of the Savior, and less time panicking and wondering if you bought everyone the best gifts. I hate to burst your bubble, but God cares very little for exchanging gifts for “Christmas”, because He wants us to show more appreciation for the gift He gave us, in His Son, every day. There’s nothing wrong with blessing others with nice things, but never allow participating in such activities cause you to stress, get angry, or forget that the only true reason for Christmas is, Christ.

Seek peace,

Ell

Love and worship God

Psalm 103

If I could find or create one word to describe how amazing and awesome God is, I would blast it all over the internet, write it on every door of all the houses in my neighborhood (if I don’t go to jail after) and pay to have it displayed on one of those airplane banners that fly by on Saturday mornings. There are more reasons to praise and glorify God than I can fathom in my finite mind. Of all the good God has done for men since the beginning of time, I remain baffled as to why people still refuse to give Him the glory He’s deserving of.

Whether they want to admit it or not, the world truly believes that an intelligent designer exists. Millions have been brainwashed to believe that the universe came from nothing exploding, and all things evolved over billions of years, into what we see today. The textbooks in public schools, television shows, and movies, all contribute to the education and desensitizing of the minds of children and adults, that make the idea of creation seem only a myth. But science proves, time and time again, that everything we see was designed according to the plans of a Creator. Not only did God create, but He sustains what He brought forth. Animals, plants, and trees, are all under the watchful care of the God who made them. If God cares enough to provide food for an animal, how much more would He meet the needs of people?

David blessed God continually, and consistently, because (I can’t really express in words) God is just sooooooooooooo awesome! In this Psalm, David mentions 30 benefits of which to praise God for. I won’t mention them all, but I’ll discuss a few to show that the same God who took care of David many years ago, is available to assist us today. God cared for David in the same way a good father cares for his son. When David sinned, God forgave him. In times when he was sick, God provided the healing he so desired. Even during times of oppression, God always executed righteousness and judgment on behalf of his servant David. God doesn’t hate, nor want anyone to die in sin, or suffer beyond what He allows, but His everlasting mercy is limited to those who fear Him, keep His covenant, and obey His commandments. Even His righteousness is only evident in the lives of those engrafted into His royal family.

Every moment we’re blessed to experience, we should take time to acknowledge God as the supreme authority over our lives. Men forget that their days are as the grass of the field, and live as if they have all the time in the world to do as they please, then come to God when they’re ready. But tomorrow isn’t promised to any man, and it’s unwise to take chances with your life. David took advantage of every opportunity he had to glorify the name of the Lord, and God respected him for doing so. Believers should take more initiative to promote the goodness of God in every place they go. I’m sitting in Starbucks writing this lesson, and took a moment to share ideas with a fellow Christian who approached me during my studies. No matter where you are, always look for ways to share the Word of God. We may seem to be at a disadvantage in society today as we try to witness in a world full of distractions, but the power of God is more than enough to guide our ways, and help us minister effectively to those who’s minds have been overwhelmed with the lies and deception of the enemy. Let’s join in with the angels of heaven, and God’s heavenly host, to magnify the Lord, and bless Him for simply extending His love to us every day.

Seek peace,

Ell

God will send a great flood

Genesis 7:1-5

On the seventh day, God ended His work of creation, and saw that all He had made was good. The earth was covered in the beauty and majesty of God’s handiwork, as were the heavens. Various types of animals roamed the vast green lands, while the depth of the seas were full of innumerable creatures, both great and small. The skies were inhabited by birds of many types, spreading seed all across the earth. Men and women populated the earth in increasing numbers.

Fast forward a few thousand years, and we see the earth in total disarray. Corruption had plagued the lands, as men filled the earth with violence and disobedience. The once peaceful and splendid earth, was now intolerable in the sight of God. The all holy God couldn’t stand to witness the wickedness of man any longer, so He decided that the end of all flesh was nigh. God said, “the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”

God found one man who was deemed just and prefect in His eyes. Noah and his family were the only ones left who were of a pure bloodline. All other men were the products of wickedness and unholy unions. God told Noah, “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.” God still wanted His plan for man to go forth on the earth, so He was starting over with the family of Noah.

As Noah prepared the ark, I can imagine his thoughts as he considered that all will perish, except he and his family. But he was obedient to God to the very detail. In his generation, Noah was the only righteous man. What say you in your generation? If God looked down for all who were righteous, would your name be called? Or would He pass over you, in search of another?

Noah witnessed the deaths of thousands, perhaps millions of men and animals, because of sin and disobedience. But God preserved just enough to begin again, with a fresh start. Consider your life, and how you’re living these days. Judgment is coming again to this earth for similar reasons as back in the day. Will you be saved from the next wave of judgment? Or will you spend your eternity in the flames of hell, where there is endless suffering? This world is literally out of sync with holiness, and it won’t get any better. I urge every believer to be holy, as God is holy, and be consistent in obeying the commands of the Lord. God wants everyone saved, but we must choose where we will spend eternity.

Seek peace,

Ell

The Lord’s sorrow for all creation

Genesis 6:1-8

Did you know that every decision you make in this lifetime could potentially have either a positive, or negative impact on the entire human race? Hope that statement didn’t shock you too much. Think for a moment about all the choices you’ve made since childhood. Some were good, whereas others were not so favorable. If you chose to smile and greet someone you met for the first time, that kind gesture could go a long way. The person you affect, is also affected by those whom they’re connected to. And the people they are connected to are affected by the response they gave to you from a simple smile. And the chain reaction goes on and on.

Obedience to God is the ONLY way to walk effectively in His divine will, but living contrary to the will of God can only result in negative outcomes, where sin sits firmly at the root of your choices. Mankind was created by God to be an extension of His holy nature. God didn’t make man to be controlled as He sees fit, but all were created with the freedom of choice. When we choose to live godly lives, our actions will reflect those Christ portrayed while on earth. Our motives and intentions will only be to bring glory to the name of the Lord, and none to ourselves. But since Adam fell, at the beginning of the age of man, God’s most prized creation begin to fall further and further away from holiness.

As the number of people continued to multiply on the earth, so did the evil in their hearts grow as well. This text has presented constant debate amongst Bible scholars in reference to who the “sons of God” were, who took the daughters of men as wives. Some say that these sons were fallen angels who had children from women of the earth. Furthermore, since it cannot possibly be that the sons of God in this text were the sons of Seth or godly men marrying ungodly women, then it must be that they were fallen angels. Others say that it’s impossible for spirit beings to interact naturally with humans. I won’t delve too deep into this subject, but I will say that from these unholy unions, sin erupted on the face of the earth like never before. It got so bad until God even shortened the lifespan of man, because He couldn’t stand the sight of their wicked practices.

Verse five reads, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was so great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” I believe this behavior is coming full circle, even today. Men seem so evil these days. They think only of themselves, and how they can “get over” on other people just so their lives can be better. Men have not only lost their love for God, but their own conscience has faded away as well. They eat, sleep, and breath evil, in 2018. God could only shake His head in disgust and disappointment, as He witnessed the evil deeds of what He had created. Did God make a mistake? Of course not. He made the man as Himself, yet the man chose to put aside righteousness, in favor of wickedness.

Just as God was grieved in His heart for how the people turned away from His leading, He takes no pleasure when we, His children, walk in ways contrary to godliness. Think of how your parents felt when you deliberately disobeyed their direct orders. They looked on you in hurt, shame, and disgust because they expected more from you. You are the fruit of their loins, and your actions not only affected you, but their reputations were questioned as well. We embarrass God when we profess our salvation in public, but live like devils in private.

Let’s start the month of October by living better. Go back to when you first gave your heart to God, and obtain the passion you had for righteous living again. God loves all of us, so we should extend love to all we meet. Don’t let God down again, but make Him proud of the life you’ll live the rest of this year, and years to come.

Seek peace,

Ell

God created people

Genesis 1:26-31, 2:4-7

How does it make you feel, knowing that you are truly God’s finest creation? Do you value and appreciate being made in the image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? If so, how does your life prove it? Being made in God’s image, and after His likeness, means you were created with the finest character, attributes, and abilities. God is light, and the knowledge of His light is His Word. In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), who’s redemptive blood covered the sins of men. Things have changed since the fall of man, but being restored by Christ gave us the rights we once held from the beginning. This proves our value to God, as He gave His only begotten Son to save all mankind.

John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. By dying in our place for our sins, Christ removed the wrath of God that we justly deserved. 1 John 4:10 says “in this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Are you beginning to see how much God loves and values you? Because of our sins, we were separated from God. Christ’s death removed this alienation and reconciled us back to God. Our sins had put us in captivity from which we needed to be delivered. Christ’s death accomplished redemption for us from our captivity through the payment of His very own life. If you were in the place of Christ, would you have left Heaven, became poor, and died for people who mocked you and spit in your face? Something to think about. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

God had a purpose for every man and woman who ever walked the face of the earth, and He still has purpose for us alive today. As a believer, your assignment is to love God, and keep His commandments. Even the angels in Heaven think it not robbery to offer continual worship and obedience to their Creator, so we are expected to do the same. Unlike animals, plants, and trees, men have physical bodies that house a soul, and a spirit. Our spirit is what keeps us connected to God, while our souls harbor our feelings, emotions, and inner man. Our love for God is expressed from our soul, and maintaining a healthy connection to our Father requires that we guard our souls from evil things.

Understanding your value to God will help you seek to be more like Him. God made man unique, intelligent, and well-built. The next time you look in the mirror, build your confidence and esteem by thanking God for making you awesome! “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14).

Seek peace,

Ell

The seventh day, Hallowed and blessed

Genesis 2:1-3

In six literal days, God made everything that exists today! The heavens, the earth, and all the masses of persons and things in them were created in less than a full week. These acts alone keep me in humble submission, and in awe of the unimaginable power our God holds. All things were finished, and set in motion to do as they were created to do. So after God finished His work, rested on the seventh day, blessed and sanctified it, there was no need for Him to create anything else.

I don’t intend to acknowledge the theory of evolution in all my lessons on creation, but everything created is ascribed to the personal acts, words, and deeds of a living God, which totally demolishes any possibility of things evolving. The main problem with most evolutionists is that they choose to deny the possibility of an intelligent designer being the center of all things. God made all things good, and very good, and what He made still does what they were intended to do. Dogs still bark, cats meow, trees grow and give life to the environment, fish swim, birds fly, and alligators still chase golfers on the greens.

Like any artist who appreciates their finished work, I’m certain God took a moment on day seven to admire all He had brought into existence. As He looked through the different types of interesting clouds (Cumulonimbus, Cumulus, Nimbostratus, Cirrus, Cirrocumulus), He could see the swift and busy birds gliding across the morning skies. As He continued to look down, He would come across a herd of uniquely striped zebra running together briskly across desert plains. The jungles of the rainforest are home to countless plant and animal life that God designed to produce according to His plans. God created and made a wonderful world, and His designs are intriguing and flawless. Every animal on land and in the sea, were made specifically with all it needed to survive in its habitation.

If you take the time to study any insect, plant, tree, animal, or even the atom, you’ll discover how mind-blowing God is in all His wisdom. Whichever day you choose as your day of rest, consider God’s beautiful creation, and thank Him continually for making you His most prized work.

Seek peace,

Ell