Perplexed And Wondering

Luke 24:1-12

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and other women witnessed Jesus breathe His last breaths from the blood-stained cross. It’s rather unfortunate how Jesus’ disciples hid away from fear of the Jews, while a handful of loyal women stood by the side of the suffering Savior, until the end of His assignment. These same women also followed closely, as Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus carried the lifeless body of Jesus to a tomb, where they assumed His body would remain forever.

On multiple occasions, Jesus told those who followed Him the details of His Father’s plan, but for some reason, they could not grasp the simplicity of His words. Jesus’ message to His followers literally went in one ear, and out the other, in the same way many today disbelieve He’ll return a second time to gather the Saints. A few days after the two men placed the body of Jesus in a tomb, the same women who witnessed His death and burial, returned, bringing spices prepared for His body. Bringing spices to a tomb could be compared to bringing flowers to a grave in our day, as a sign of love and respect for the deceased. To their surprise, the women arrived at the tomb to see the stone that sealed the entrance rolled away. First of all, they should have been home with their family and friends during this time, waiting and anticipating the risen Savior’s arrival, but they believed He was still laying lifeless in the tomb.

After witnessing an empty tomb and wearing a perplexed look on their faces, the women were greeted by two angels, who reminded them of Jesus’ words. Then, they remembered, and their faith was restored. The women hurriedly sought out the disciples, to tell them the great news. Unfortunately, when they arrived and told the men what they experienced, the disciples didn’t believe their words, just as the women disbelieved before being reminded by the angels. How could the men who were closest to Jesus, not believe what He had told them plainly, and on multiple occasions?

Can you relate to the women and disciples in our lesson, who heard the Word, but failed to believe it? Are there moments in your life, when your feelings supercede the infallible and unadulterated Word of God, that speaks truth alone? How often do you take Scripture for what is says, without doubting; believing that what’s written, will come to pass? God’s Word is truth, and those who live by it will avoid harboring worry and doubt, concerning the things He promised. Build your faith and confidence in God, and stand firm knowing that His Word shall not return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that which He please, and it shall prosper in the thing where He sends it.

Rolling Stone

Matthew 28:1-10

The stone that secured the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid, was not rolled away by the disciples, whom the chief priests and Pharisees assumed would steal the body away, but by an unexpected visitor from Heaven. The angel of the Lord removed the stone, so that others could see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, as He boldly prophesied. History records that stones made to secure tombs were an average of a few tons, and while it was task rolling it into place to cover the opening, it was even more difficult to remove it. Fortunately, God sent an angelic being with powers beyond normal men, who entered earth’s atmosphere, causing a great earthquake, then easily rolled the stone away and sat on top of it, until the women who followed Jesus arrived. God knew the disciples and women who followed Jesus still didn’t believe, nor understand the words He spoke concerning His resurrection, so He had a plan to make certain all their doubts would be removed.

Pruning Season

John 15:1-3

Is it possible for someone to be connected to God, the source of life, and still be dead? I can answer that question with an experience I had during my early years in college. One of the stores closest to the University of Central Florida was, Walmart Supercenter, so I would usually do my shopping there for school supplies, groceries, and personal items. One of the most important items on my shopping list when I went off to college was, a clothing iron. Walking around that huge campus in wrinkly clothes would have been embarrassing, so I knew to keep a good iron on hand, in order to have my clothes pressed to impress.

While ironing a shirt one morning, I accidentally tripped over the power cord, causing the iron to fall on the floor. I quickly picked up the iron, so it wouldn’t burn the carpet, then placed it back on the ironing board. After the plug was yanked from the wall, I reinserted it and waited for the iron to heat up again. Unfortunately, after it hit the floor, the iron became good for nothing except the garbage can. Even though the plug was connected to a live power source, the iron itself was dead.

Our text tells us, all who are in God, but aren’t producing fruit, will be taken away, but those who bring forth fruit, will be purged, so they can continue producing. God is the only one who can remove a person from His hand, and no man can pluck anyone from Him. It’s sad to be in God, yet spiritually dead, because in God we have all the necessary resources required to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.

Even when we fall, and feel disconnected from the source, forgiveness is readily available upon our request. God is merciful, and gives grace to the humble, so all who are in Him must seek only to use His power for good, and not evil. Connect to God’s source of power, so you can be equipped to produce good fruit, but remain faithful to God’s commands, so that your spirit may live, and you’ll never be plucked from the true vine.

“It’s easier to deliver the Gospel of Christ to others when your life pleases God.” – 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

A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-8

To sacrifice, in a natural sense, is to give up something you want to keep, in order to get or do something else, or to help someone with a need. People make sacrifices daily, for purpose specific to their situations. From a biblical perspective, sacrificing originally involved killing clean, and unblemished animals, to offer as a means of atonement to God, for man’s sins. Sacrifices were also offered to acknowledge guilt, fellowship, and many other things.

The sole purpose of a sacrifice is, something has to be given up, permanently. Interesting, isn’t it? Based on this fact, how is the believer supposed to be a “living sacrifice”? Are they to walk around as a zombie, like in Walking Dead? No, not at all. Instead, being a living sacrifice involves giving up all things that are contrary to holiness. Our old man has desires that the flesh yearns to fulfill, but the new man puts to death, all those things God despises.

A living sacrifice is witnessed through the lives of those who are holy, and make godly living their standard. It’s common for a Saint to act like Christ did, while in the earth, maintaining all the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. During His time with His family and disciples, Jesus never conformed to worldly standards. In fact, He stressed vehemently the will of His Father to all who would listen.

To be like Christ, we must experience a total transformation, by first renewing our minds. If satan can trap the mind of a man, he can then easily overtake the soul and body. For this reason, it’s crucial that we guard our minds against all evil and wickedness, and not give in to the temptations that are daily set before us.

To prove God’s perfect will for our lives, we must maintain His holy standard, in all areas of our lives, remembering that we are the salt of the earth, and we were called to season, preserve, and irritate as God’s Spirit directs.

As you continue on your path, guard yourself against the attacks of the enemy, while keeping yourself unspotted from the world. Although we are in this world, we must not allow ourselves to become what it represents. Be that living sacrifice, that’s holy, and acceptable to God, all the days of your life.

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19

What are you thankful for? Think for a moment, of all the experiences you’ve had thus far in life; all the good, bad, and even ugly ones. After all the struggles, hard times, and suffering, how did you respond, when God finally healed you from a sickness or disease, made your crooked places straight, or kept you safe in troublesome times? What joy it brings to one’s soul, when God steps into an unfavorable situation, and makes things work for your good! Even though many of us presently suffer, and go through trials, knowing that God can, and will deliver us, should be enough to keep us moving forward. Never take for granted, the blessings of the Lord, because doing so proves what’s really in one’s heart.

God loves our praise, not only after He blesses us, but when we do it willingly, and consistently. Our text gives an example of one who was conscious enough to acknowledge the One responsible for delivering him from an extremely unfavorable situation. According to Christianity.com, Leprosy was the scourge of the ancient world. Nothing evoked more fear, more dread, or more revulsion than the sight of these walking dead. That is what a leper was called, a walking dead man. The smell of his decaying flesh would announce his coming long before the tattered scraps of his clothing would be seen, or his raspy “Unclean! Unclean!” announcement he was required to declare, could be heard. The stumbling shuffle of toeless feet, the wandering of sightless eyes and the moan of a cheek less mouth, all pointed to Leprosy, this unseen attacker that slowly destroyed human bodies, and made the individual an untouchable to society.

Can you imagine being in a position where everyone who looks at you, considers you “dead” to society? I haven’t had an experience like the ten lepers in our text, but I’m certain when Jesus came to town, they were all prepared to throw out a lifeline for an immediate miracle.

After the ten lepers heard Jesus was in town they met Him at a distance, then lifted up their voices together and cried out for mercy. What a scene that must have been! Ten men, shunned from society, yet banned together by their shared struggle, were able to come to Jesus in unity, to seek deliverance. It’s amazing how healthy church folk can’t even get along to unite in prayer, let alone seek God for a miracle. But, these men were tired of their situation, and desired to be healed of their horrible disease.

Jesus, spoke a word, the men obeyed, and were instantly healed. Wow! Of all the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned to give Jesus an “I Can’t Believe What Just Happened Praise”! Why didn’t all the men return to thank Jesus for doing something in their lives that no one else could have done? That one, humble Samaritan, one who was considered a half-breed, and shunned by other nations, was grateful for his life-changing experience, and would not take another step forward, until he gave thanks to Jesus. How will you respond when God finally delivers you?

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Dead Men Walking

Colossians 3:1-11

Have you considered the seriousness of death lately? If not, could it be, you’re too consumed in the affairs of this present world, until you forget to take note that someday you’ll cease to exist in this realm? During my nearly 39 years traversing this planet, I’ve discovered there are three things in this life that are guaranteed; toothaches, taxes, and death. The Bible teaches that by man came death, and its because of the first Adam, our physical bodies must be done away with. That may have sounded a bit sad and gloomy, but, death is actually the beginning of eternal life. In fact, according to Scripture, in order to obtain eternal life in Christ, one must put to death the “old man”, and all the ways and behaviors associated with him.

The old man represents the sinful nature you once submitted to, before surrendering your life to Christ. Now don’t get it twisted, we all have a past, and would be ashamed if God played how we use to be on a jumbotron, for all to see. I find it disheartening, at times, when I witness those who claim to have God in their hearts, judge others who are guilty of committing the sins they were once delivered from. Rather than have compassion on those who have fallen, while remembering their own deliverance, some people (with their short-term memory) easily forget how God reached down to save them one day.

Our old nature favored behaviors including lying, fornication, inordinate affection, filthy communication, malice, wrath, and all manner of disobedient deeds. Once we had mortified, or literally put those behaviors to death, we were then able to put on the “new man”, which was renewed in knowledge, after the image of the Creator. That’s sooooooooooooo awesome! God waits for us to give up evil, so that we can then put on good. It’s all up to us, and God will never force us into anything. We have the liberty to choose whom we’ll serve, but sadly, many have, and will choose the evil way, over the good.

As we walk in our newness, we are commanded to set our affections on things that are relevant to God, and not on things contrary to His will and purpose, because as I often mention, this world will soon be destroyed, and only what we’ve invested in heavenly matters will be safely secured in the next life. Die to the flesh, but live in the Spirit.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

Faith is expressed through actions

Luke 6:46-49

Just as a fish would eventually die in the absence of water, faith without works is dead. Faith is believing in something, even before it manifests. As believers, we hope for things God promised to bless us with in our lifetime, and our faith is proven through our works. Throughout the Scriptures, God promised to sustain His people, strengthen them when they are weak, renew their strength, give them an expected end, be with them through all trials and struggles, give them everlasting life, and be patient, faithful, and compassionate with them.

Before receiving from God, we must first believe that He is able to do those things which He promised. After believing, the next step of faith is performing works that validate your belief. Farmers don’t plant seeds, then expect them to sprout on their own strength. Instead, they nurture the seeds, giving them fertilizer and water, while keeping them exposed to sufficient sunlight. They have faith that the seed will grow, but they also do the works that make growth possible. In the same sense, believers have faith that God will do what He promised, but their works should prove that faith, until the promise is manifested. For example, God promised that if we ask, seek, and knock then we’ll receive, find, and have doors opened to us. All of the prerequisites for receiving require work. If you prayed to God for a better job, but refuse to search for it, your supposed prayer of faith is immediately nullified. The body of Christ is required to work their faith, proving that they truly believe in the power of God to provide for them, as well as revealing their commitment to His Word.

Our lesson text gives a perfect example of faith in action. Those who obey the Word of God are compared to a man who built a house upon a solid foundation. This house was so firmly established, until even floods, and streams of water couldn’t shake it. When we believe God for a thing, then couple that belief with consistent works, there’s nothing anyone can do to hinder you from receiving your blessings from God. On the contrary, when we say we believe God from our “soup coolers”, but no works are attached, this is compared to one who built his house upon the earth, with no foundation. I’m sure you can picture in your mind what that would look like, and the likelihood of that house withstanding any type of severe weather. Jesus said, when streams of water beat on this house, it fell immediately, and had great ruin.

When a man sincerely trusts in the Lord with all his heart, he’ll never lean to his own understanding, because he’ll make sure to live every day in expectation of the things God promised to give him. When we pray to God, then plan things just in case God doesn’t come through, this proves that our trust isn’t totally in Him. While I’m not against planning, nor preparing just in case, I’m only reaffirming that if God promised to do something for you, and you take efforts to plan until your promise comes, then it’ll fit snug and perfect in your life when He delivers it.

Waiting to receive from God won’t always be easy, but the reward will far outweigh the wait. In those moments when you feel like giving up, or that God may have forgotten about you, consider all the people around the world who have greater struggles than yourself, yet trust God regardless. God never forgets us, but monitors how we respond during our tests of faith. God wants us to be strong and very courageous during our struggles, Just as Jesus was when He hung from the Cross. Our situations may look bad for a season, but after our suffering, there will be unspeakable joy in our hearts, peace in our minds, and strength like we’ve never experienced.

1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

James 1:12 – Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Walk in love,

Ell

The resurrection of the dead

1 Corinthians 15:12-28

I often wonder what life would have been like if sin had not infiltrated the earth. When God finished His creation, and called it good, Adam and Eve were granted the opportunity to live in harmony with God, and enjoy eternal peace and prosperity on the earth, without the strain of resistance against evil influences. Their earthly bodies weren’t subjected to the stain of sin and death, and were more than likely purposed to last as long as God existed. The first Adam was made a living soul and was earthy, and by him came death. Many judge Adam for his inability to resist evil, and continue in the works of the Lord, but he only did what many of us do on a daily basis. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Just as Adam knew the words from God, yet was influenced by satan to go against them, men and women today who claim to be believers can be found ignoring God’s voice in favor of selfish desires, or even the voice of the evil one as well. I’m not so quick to judge any man for the mistakes they have made, because at any moment, I could get caught up into doing things that aren’t pleasing to God, and wouldn’t appreciate others judging me for my actions.

Although Adam’s big mistake had devastating ripple effects that are continuing to this very day, Christ rectified his original error, when He came to the earth, established the Kingdom of God, died, was resurrected, descended into the the lower parts of the earth to deliver those there, then ascended back to His Father’s side with all of His original power restored. The resurrection of Jesus is an essential cog in God’s plan of salvation for men, and in our text, the apostle Paul had to correct false teachings from some who denied that the resurrection of the dead would actually take place. I grew up watching movies like Night of the Living Dead, Beetlejuice, and Drop Dead Fred, so in the mind of a kid, I believed that dead bodies could actually be resurrected. Obviously, I know now the reality of life and death in a spiritual sense, but the men in our text knew that Christ had rose from the grave, but denied that men would also. Paul explained that if the dead in Christ would not be resurrected, then Christ Himself was not risen. Not only was Christ not raised from the dead, but their preaching and faith would be in vain, and all men would still be in sin. To make this false assumption even worse, those who were dead in Christ were just that, gone with no afterlife. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (vs. 19). Can you imagine living now, and not having an eternal destination, except the grave? We may as well just die now, because the hope of an eternal future in glory wouldn’t exist. Christ’s resurrection is a fact, and the guarantee that all other men will soon be resurrected at the appointed time.

Knowing that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption, how will dead, flesh bodies raise up, and be in the presence of the incorruptible God? “But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body” (vs. 38). God will give every person his own body, but not a natural one; a spiritual body. Corruption must be put aside so that incorruption can take its place in the bodies of those resurrected, because flesh and blood cannot inherit glory or the spiritual body. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). This life isn’t all we have to live for, but there is a time coming when we will enjoy a better life, in the presence the Savior of the world.

Walk in love,

Ell