Tag: Disciple

Consider God

Psalm 93

Mountains peak, and valleys stretch far and wide. But, if you think that’s something, consider God. Oceans run deep, and great waves flow continuously. But, if you think that’s something, consider God. The sun shines bright from millions of miles away, and the moon, the same at night. But, if you think that’s something, consider God. The sky is filled with countless stars, that twinkle and sometimes shoot across the vastness of the heavens. But, if you think that’s something, consider God. Man and woman were made with an anatomy and systems more complicated than the space shuttle. But, if you think that’s something, consider God.

Our God, is awesome. He created the heavens, and the earth. He sustains and maintains His creation by His very word. It is a good thing, to give thanks and praise to the God of all creation.

Without Love…

Romans 13:8-10

Have you ever took a moment to consider, why the state of this present world continues to decline as the days go by? Men have seemingly lost touch with any sense of morality, thus causing them to do all sorts of wicked things in the earth. Children have no respect for parents, or any authority. Governments care more for power and control, rather than meeting the needs of the people. Even the weather seems to be behaving in unusual ways.

The Bible mentions, in the last days, these things, and more would begin to take place. But, if men would only acknowledge, and obey the apostle Paul’s inspired instructions in the book of Romans, most, if not all the world would avoid the current, and inevitable times of chaos and destruction. Paul wrote, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Make sense? I certainly think so.

Righteous Fruit

Isaiah 5:1-7

What do you do, when you deposit seed from a fruitful source, into a fruitful place, provide ample rain, yet the seed fails to produce properly? Under normal conditions, seeds usually produce bountifully in ideal situations such as these, but there must be outside forces that would cause them not to bring forth, as they are expected to. In our text, God removed all things that protected His vineyard, and provided the necessary elements to keep it nurtured, because it wasn’t producing the right fruit. God created man from a fruitful source, placed them in a very fruitful place, but they failed to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. So, God removed His protection from man, and allowed other influences to consume them, because of their corruption. Our lesson’s text is in reference to the house of Israel, and the men of Judah, who instead of producing righteousness and judgment, brought forth oppression and tears. So, God removed His hand of protection from them, so that judgment could conform them back in shape.

Many today of the house of God, aren’t producing as they should, and may require a bit of chastisement to get them back in shape. We serve a bountiful God who is full of grace and mercy, yet we often cling to other things that are unfruitful, while turning away from the source of all power. Set your roots in the Word of God, and allow Him to nurture and cultivate your life, so that you can begin to produce good fruit on a consistent basis.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Listen, And Take Heed

Proverbs 5:7-14

If you were to take a moment to think back on all the times you bumped your head for not adhering to wise counsel, how many bumps would you count? Oftentimes, people (especially children) tend to seek advice when it’s too late. Parents warn and teach their children of the dangers that lurk outside the walls of their safety, so that in the event the child encounters such a temptation, they’ll know how to escape it unharmed, and unscathed. Unfortunately, many children have had to run home with a few bumps and bruises, because they failed to follow their parent’s teachings.

Failure to follow instruction is also typical of some members of the body of Christ, unfortunately. The church has been commanded to read and obey God’s holy Word, but there are times when even God’s own children hate instruction, and despise reproof. It’s during these moments when even the believer gives in to temptation. Not only are these persons disobeying God’s direct commands, but they’re also giving of themselves, to those who consume them without remorse.

If allowed to, the enemy will drain every bit of energy and life from the believer, so that they’ll be unfit to walk according to God’s standards. For this reason, it’s of great importance that the church take heed to the words of Scripture, and apply them daily, as to keep from falling into temptation. To avoid living in regret, or wasting time, effort, and resources on those who are cruel and undeserving, hear the words of the Lord, and depart not from the instruction of those who care for your soul.

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

Ell

Real Love

John 14:18-24

If God is something, then that which God is, should be reverenced, respected, and imitated. The Bible declares throughout the scriptures (but more directly in 1 John 4:8), God is love. Allow your mind to ponder on that for a brief moment. If God is love, then that can aslo be translated, love is God. All your life, you’ve been under the impression that love is emotions, googly eyes, butterflies in your tummy, and all those attributes that are associated with things you like, but once you realize the true extent of what love really is, you’ll see life from a totally different perspective.

The true essence of love extends far beyond human emotions, and can be seen in action throughout history. God’s love is unlike that which the world operates in, because the love offered by the world is conditional, and usually comes with a price. Conversely, the love of the Father is unconditional, and is freely given to all men. The world abuses, misuses, and disrespects what real love stands for, but God continues to shower His endless love over all mankind. “For God so loved the world He gave…” (John 3:16a). 

Love is comprised of a host of virtues including (but not limited to) sacrifice, patience, obedience, action, understanding, trust, commitment, and most importantly, humility. It’s because of God’s love, men can be saved from the eternal penalty of their sins. It’s because of God’s love, we can have a right to the tree of life we had lost access to, from Adam’s big mistake. It’s because of God’s love, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. It’s because of God’s love, I can have hope for a brighter tomorrow. It’s because of God’s love, the church can stand strong in the time of trouble, because the Holy Spirit will keep us encouraged. It’s because of God’s love, we who remain alive today, have opportunities to continue spreading the message of God’s life-changing Gospel.

When in sin, let love in, and allow it to make you all over again. God loves you, and I do too!

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

Ell

Don’t Be Defiled

Mark 7:9-15

According to the Bible, to defile a thing is to make it common, unclean, render it unhallowed, or to profane it. This sounds horrible, and thus begs the question; why would anyone want to defile anything in the first place? Well, I’m glad you asked. If you haven’t noticed, there’s this dude roaming out there in the spiritual realm, and he’s constantly seeking to devour, our consume the souls of men and women left open to his influence. This wicked, vile, and manipulative evil genius, has been terrorizing men for thousands of years. Even after years of compiled evidence of satan’s demonic plan to destroy the church, its amazing how people still fall prey to his unholy, and unhealthy influences.

“…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16b). God the Father is holy, so those who have been engrafted into His family should be the same. Unfortunately, the adversary of the body of Christ, will use all his energy and effort, to ensure that the church becomes defiled, or unclean in the sight of God. Despite his endless efforts to hurt the church, satan can never pluck the children of God from His hand, but he can cause them to stumble from time to time. When we give in to the temptations of the enemy, we render ourselves unclean in the eyes of the holy God. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s guard ourselves against those who purposely try to turn us away from God. Remember to keep your light shining before men, and refuse to allow satan to defile you before your holy, and loving God.

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

Ell

Like A Boss!!!

Numbers 3:11-13

Questions: Why did God create the heaven, and the earth? Why did God organize the sun, moon, stars, seas, land, trees, plants, and animals the way they are, even today? Why did God create a man? Why did God create a man in His image, after His likeness, and with the freedom to choose? Why did God put the man to sleep, then remove a rib from his body (the lower rib, which is capable of regeneration… cool, right?), and create a woman (man with a womb)? Why did God give the man dominion over the whole earth? Why did God kill an animal, in order to clothe the man and woman, after they had sinned (when they saw they were naked)? Why did God shorten the lifespan of man, after removing them from their godly habitation? Why did God continue to bless the man and woman, even after they willingly sinned in His sight? Why did God tell Noah to build an ark, when no man had ever seen rain? Why did God command Abraham to leave his country, kindred, and his father’s house, in order for his purpose to be initiated? Why did God tell Moses (even with his speech impediment), to confront Pharoah, and demand that he release the children of God from slavery? Why did God allow Joseph to suffer, rather than make his path to glory easy? Why did God allow Job to suffer greatly, while even losing his ten children? Why did God forgive king David, after getting a man killed, to cover up his affair with that same man’s wife? Why did God entrust king Solomon with more wisdom than any man who ever lived? Why did God speak so vividly through the prophets, trusting that they would deliver His words, just as He had spoken them? Why did God send His Son, to save a world that cares more for themselves, than His everlasting love? Why did God deposit His power into 12 “Average Joes”, and allow them to perform miracles by His Son’s name? Why did God allow His only begotten Son to be beaten, bruised, abused, tortured, shamed, embarrassed, speared, spit on, mocked, ridiculed, slandered, and disrespected publicly? Why did God provide a plan of salvation, so that all could have the opportunity and privilege to come to repentance? Why did God allow you to be born? What makes you so special, until God wanted you to exist in a time such as this? Have you ever considered, you are still here to help reveal the power and majesty of the everlasting God to men of this perverse generation? Have you wondered why those goals and dreams you’ve been trying to reach since graduating high school, have yet to be attained? Could it be, God has other plans in mind for your life? Why does God allow sin to run rampant in the earth? Why won’t He just empower all His people to zap away every demonic force forever? Why does God rain on the just, and the unjust? Why did God preserve His Word, all these years? Answer: Because He’s the Boss!!!

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

Ell

Disguised Deception

2 John 4-11

From reading this text many times, and from different perspectives, I found it interesting how the apostles would speak to unique congregations, on different occasions. Oftentimes, the crowds which gathered under the apostles, consisted of only men, and the messages delivered were centered on certain duties that pertain to fathers, and their roles as men in the body of Christ, as well as in their homes. This lesson’s text specifically identifies John’s audience as “the elect lady and her children”. Whoever this elect lady was, she was relevant enough for the apostle John to hold an audience with, to warn her and her children about false teachers.

Men who are under the authority of satan, typically plot to infiltrate the minds of woman, because they are considered the “weaker vessel”, and if convinced, they can spoil the minds of their husbands and children as well. In the garden of eden, the serpent knew this truth, and took advantage of his opportunity to beguile the woman, who in turn convinced the man to disobey God. Women aren’t inherently dumb or naive, but when under pressure or confused, they have a tendency to making emotional decisions. John knew full well the susceptibility of the woman, so he gave warning to the elect lady, and taught her how to recognize a deceiver, and their wicked presentations.

John was filled with joy upon hearing that the children of the elect lady were all walking in the truth of God’s commandments. For those who have children, imagine how you would feel, if all your kids were living a committed life to God. I’m certain your days would be filled with love, joy, peace, and laughter. Well, John’s gladness provoked him to deliver a message of warning, so that the elect lady could be fully equipped to guard her children against those who would attempt to steer them away from holiness.

It is mentioned in the text, that “many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh”. Satan is known for mixing a wee little lie, with a lot of truth, but that small bit of deception is powerful enough to turn men away from the truth. Those who know God, and abide in the doctrine of Christ, are easily recognizable by the fruit they bear. But, those who are of the devil, will reveal themselves by their tainted doctrine, and unholy lifestyles. John told the elect lady to turn away from men who dilute the Word of God, with their deceptive words, and refrain from bidding them God speed, or engaging in greetings with them, because doing so would deem her a partaker of their evil deeds also.

As you continue to live for God, allow your excitement for knowing Him keep you focused, and committed to doing His will, but don’t forget to guard yourself, and your children, from deceivers who are littered all over the world, and seek only to pull you away from your heavenly Father.

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

Ell