Tag: Creator

All Of You

Jeremiah 29:10-14

“…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matt. 22:37). Why does God require total soul surrender, and unrestricted dedication in order to receive all that He has prepared for those who love Him? Being the creator of all things, and the one who sustains creation, why doesn’t God freely grant blessings, long life, and health to all men, despite what standards they choose to live by? In His defense, God is willing and able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” but He can only stay true to His promises, when man meets certain conditions. In other words, you can’t withdraw money from a bank or institution of which you have no account with.

God requires all of us, because He made us for His purpose, and He takes pleasure in those who delight themselves in His Word. Man was created in the image of God, and after His likeness, then was placed in a garden where the Spirit of the Lord dwelled. Unfortunately, the perfect union between God and man was severed, after Adam disobeyed a simple command from the Lord. Adam lost his account with God’s bank, and was forced to leave the premises.

God desires all of us, including our hearts, minds, and souls, because He understands the great things we can accomplish in His strength. The Father is also aware of the fact that man can be influenced by satan, and submit themselves to his deceptive will as well. For this reason, it’s imperative that all men cling to godliness, and make daily meditation in the Word a priority. This way, the mind can be filled with the knowledge of God’s Word, the heart can be softened by the words of Scripture, and the soul can eventually become more bonded with the truth that’s revealed in the Holy Bible.

Can You Imagine?

Isaiah 49:1-7

Mankind has lived and abided in this troubled world for thousands of years. We inhabit a world of sickness, disease, violence, and a number of other evil associations, that continue to plague the lives of men today. Oftentimes, it seems as if the hope of even having a good day is hopeless, and the joy that’s promised to come in the morning, will never come. Aside from the obvious and observable truths of this present world, when’s the last time you took a moment to consider an eternity in the new Heaven, and new earth?

Our corruptible bodies will soon be changed to incorruptible, and we will change from mortal, to immortality. An eternity in the presence of the God of all creation, Jesus the Saviour, and the sweet Holy Spirit, will be a daily breathtaking experience. During this timeless experience, All who have received God’s free gift of salvation, will be rewarded for all their labor in the earth. The long days of trial and struggle, the sleepless nights praying to God for provision for family, friends, and the poor, and the countless hours spent, showing godly love to those who worked against us, will pay off.

Remaining steadfast in the Lord is not in vain, but will net the believer eternal rewards. Imagine an endless world, where sickness is non-existent, pain is nowhere to be found, the toils of working paycheck to paycheck are over, and all men will be of one mind, one heart, and one spirit. While it may seem unfortunate to abide in a world that promotes evil and wickedness, God has equipped the church with the necessary resources to withstand in this time of peril.

Look forward to that promised future, where we will live with God forever, and use that blessed hope to motivate you to continue fighting the good fight, especially in times when you feel like giving up.

“Let go of the world, cling to God, and make your life count.” – Ell

Who Is Jesus?

John 10:11-18

I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep…As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father…I lay down my life for the sheep…other sheep I have, I must bring…I lay down my life, that I may take it again…No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself…I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…

Jesus is amazing! His love for the Father, extended to those who were committed to His charge. Jesus lived a selfless life, and never hesitated to express His love to anyone. Whether it was through teaching, healing, or rebuking, Jesus was responsible for changing the lives of countless men and women throughout the Scriptures. From the beginning of His ministry, until the end, Jesus held true to His Father’s will; never wavering to the left, nor the right, despite the many temptations presented to Him (some by satan himself).

Jesus is the savior of all mankind, and held the power to literally lay down His life, then take it again, so that salvation could be brought to all who would be willing to receive it. The life of Jesus was literally love in action. His words, works, and behavior were all mirror images of the character of God, and gave a vivid understanding of who God is, but in the form of a man. Just as God is, Jesus was patient, kind, merciful, generous, selfless, meek, compassionate, and all the other fruit of the Spirit found in the very nature of the Creator.

I love Jesus, because without Him, I would be drifting away into utter darkness. I am so glad, He came for me, died for my sins, arose to take victory from the grave, and the sting from death, so that I can have an invitation to spend eternity with Him in peace. This is who Jesus is to me. Who is He to you?

“What do you and God have in common?” – Ell

Turn It Up!!!

1 Peter 4:7-11

During my adolescent period of development, I would often hear the elderly Saints say, “be careful how you treat people, because everything you do is being recorded”. When I first heard those words, I assumed they meant the government was secretly infiltrating the privacy of mankind (well, we know that to be certain in the 21st century), but they were referring to Revelation 20:12, which reads, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” What we do in the earth will someday be weighed by God, and the works we perform today, will determine where we will spend eternity.

Knowing that this present state of the world is nearing its end, it’s high time that the church increase their desire to please God. Believers are slowly falling by the wayside, and those who remain loyal to the Father, are losing their passion for soul-winning, and edification of the body. One of the main reasons many have lost their zeal for love is, suffering and persecution weighs heavy on their shoulders. When we struggle to make ends meet, or even stay healthy, it plays with our minds, to the point we consider throwing in the towel. But, God gives us strength and wisdom daily, to push past the pain, and endure those seasons of trials.

The church today must continue to show love to the world, and each other, because our struggles aren’t as intense as they were to the disciples, or the early church, but despite the fact that we do face hard times, we must continue in real love, while doing things from the heart, not from obligation alone. It’s one thing to tell someone you love them, but it makes a greater difference when you show your love with actions instead.

It’s time for the body of Christ to consistently walk in humility, spread unconditional love to all, show hospitality without murmuring or complaining, speak only the words that were inspired by God, minister according to the ability God instilled in you, and do all else with the mindset that God is deserving of all glory. Doing our part will represent the church, as God intended in these last days. Many of us exercise with great intensity, perform duties at work beyond what’s expected, or give all of ourselves to those things we have a passion for, but when will we realize how important it is, to give all of ourselves to the purposes of God?

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Sovereign Creator

Habakkuk 1:5-11

Throughout all the world, including the heavens and the earth, there’s not one who compares to the God of all creation. God’s omnipotent power has been recorded doing things no man, angel, or demon could ever do! Aside from speaking all things into existence, God holds the power to control creation, as He sees fit. A great example is given in our text, of the sovereignty of the God over all creation. God created man with the power to choose his or her own path in life, but He’s in full support of His agenda, over the enemy’s.

When the people God chose to carry His name throughout the earth, decided that they would find more pleasure in doing things contrary to what they were created for, God would raise up other nations, to sort of whip His people back in shape. There’s nothing like a swift kick in the pants, to help someone regain focus. Discipline is always good, especially when it’s intent is to bring someone from darkness, to light. When we claim to love God, but live contrary to holiness, our actions bring shame and embarrassment to His holy name. In turn, we force the hand of God to bring chastisement in our lives, in hopes that we’ll turn away from wickedness, and back to righteousness. I’m certain God gets no pleasure from allowing His children to suffer, but if a little affliction can save them from eternal suffering, then it’s worth it.

God has plans for all His people, and His thoughts toward us are good, and not evil. But, when we choose to make plans outside of God’s will, He’ll allow things to happen, to whip us back into shape.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Name Of The Lord

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?” (Judges 13:18 KJV). In all the years I’ve studied the Scriptures, I’ve never understood, “the name of the Lord”, as I just discovered five minutes ago (I guess I’m a late bloomer). There are scholars and historians, who debate over what God’s actual name is, and invest years of research, trying to discover it. But, I’ve gained a greater understanding of where our focus, in God’s name, should be directed.

In the same way children are to reverence and respect their parents, by calling them father and mother, or mom and dad, Christians are to acknowledge God, not by an actual name, but who He actually is. God is our Father, who resides in Heaven, and we are to do as Moses did in our text, and “publish the name of the Lord…” (vs. 3). To publish can also mean to proclaim, or make known. When making mention of “the name of the Lord”, we should actually proclaim who, and what God represents. One verse reads, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The prophet Isaiah understood the relevance in God’s power and authority, rather than trying to figure out what His name was when he wrote, “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8).

When men hear “the name of the Lord”, God, Lord, and all the other terms in Scripture that represent the Father, it’s more important that they gain an understanding of who God is, what He represents, and how powerful and unmatched His authority is. The same applies to us, when we acknowledge our parents. I don’t make it a habit of calling my mom and dad by their first names, because it’s been looked upon as a sign of disrespect. Instead, I acknowledge them by who they are, and respect what their roles represent.

God isn’t moved by men who make attempts to learn His actual name, because it means nothing, if they don’t know what the name truly stands for. Rather than spending time trying to figure out what “the name of the Lord” is, redirect your attention to all the amazing things God stands for, as well as what He expects from those who love Him. Respect God’s position as Father, and stay in your lane, as His child, walking in obedience to His commands.

(Exodus 3:13-15 KJV) “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

(Jeremiah 16:21 KJV) “Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.”

Abstain From The Profane

Ezekiel 36:22-28

God is holy, and His name is to be praised, feared, and reverenced in all the earth. As the Creator of all things, it’s only right that all creation render to God His just due.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)

“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.” (Psalm 95:1-7a)

“He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart. The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.  The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.” (Psalm 104: 13-25)

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16)

All things were created for God’s good pleasure, so when something tends to sway off its normal path, God has a unique way of setting it back right. Not only does this apply to nature, but to men also. We were created by God, to serve His purpose, and He expects us to do what brings glory to His name. Unfortunately, many things have changed, since the error of the first couple, that has caused all sorts of imbalances in the earth. Despite the effects of sin, and satan’s unyielding plot to destroy God’s people, the children of God are required to uphold God’s holy standard, no matter what.

The children of Israel, in the past, fell victim to satan’s influences, as they profaned the name of the Lord, by delving into heathen practices and beliefs. These actions no doubt caused many heathen nations to lose respect for the power of the living God, because His own people had turned against Him. But, for His holy name’s sake, God said, “I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (vs. 23). God chose a people to represent His good name in the earth, but Israel brought only shame to it, so He had to step in, and reestablish that He alone, is the true and living God, who holds all power in His hand.

When we mess up, God gives us opportunities to correct the errors of our ways, but when we settle in our mistakes, God has to step in, and give us a little push, to get us back on track. When we claim to be children of God, we are expected to live as such, on a daily basis. Despite how the world is ever-changing around us, we must stay rooted, and grounded in the Word of God, because He alone, is worthy to be praised, feared, and reverenced in all the earth.

Walk in love,

Ell

Light It Up!

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus is the light of the world! He lived a selfless life on earth, shed His innocent blood to guarantee salvation for all mankind, arose from the grave with all power in His hand, now sits next to the Father, as He intercedes on our behalf daily, and awaits God’s command to return to the earth to claim His people. Have you ever wondered why Jesus did all that for us? I’m all for loving my neighbor, and treating all men with kindness, but to die for people who are arrogant, stiffnecked, hard-hearted, hardheaded, and plain wicked, takes a level of love I’m striving to attain.

The sole purpose of Jesus leaving His place in Heaven, taking on human form, and living among men was, to be light in a world of darkness. In more simple terms, Jesus came to expose the evil revealed to mankind (darkness) with the light of God’s Word (knowledge), and to reestablish the union between God, and His precious creation.

Every breath Christ took while in human form, was dedicated to making others see, and come into the knowledge of His Father’s plan. Christ knew full well that in order to grasp any understanding of the will of God, men were to first repent, turn from their evil ways, then they could freely receive, digest, and properly apply God’s Word in their lives.

When we walk in the light of God’s Word, and live in ways that please Him, people who sit in darkness will see our light, and be forced to make a life-changing decision. Others who are on the verge of giving up, or at the point of spiritual death, can be influenced by our lives, and possibly renew their strength, simply by gleaning from our holy living. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell