Tag: Divine

Divine Connection

Acts 8:26-35

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). God cares for all men, whether they do evil, or good. In fact, one of God’s most amazing and unappreciated characteristics is, His patience. Oftentimes, men take for granted, the time God grants them in the earth, but soon that time will expire.

King Solomon helps us understand, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3). God wants all men to submit themselves to His will and authority, so they can reap the best benefits of this life, and the next. Unfortunately, the world has become so corrupt to the point men, women, and children alike, are dying at unfathomable rates. Many pass away too soon, before they can even begin to enjoy the benefits that come with living a saved life. God the Father sees all, knows all, and desires that all come to Him, before their time is cut short. For this reason, the Spirit of God works through those who are attuned to His will, and joins them with others who diligently seek the truth of God’s Word. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, so all who have a strong desire to known Him, will indeed discover the depths of His unparalleled love, grace, and mercy.

Our text introduces a certain man; one who was of great authority, and served under queen Candace of the Ethiopians, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. While it may seem strange for an Ethiopian eunuch to seek worship in Jerusalem, tradition tells that king Solomon taught his religion to the queen of Sheba, who established it among her people. So it was only right for the man to travel to give honor to the God of the great king Solomon. As the man sat in his chariot, he struggled to understand the readings of the prophet Isaiah. It’s evident he had a desire for godliness, but couldn’t grasp its concepts. This was the perfect opportunity for God to connect a man seeking the truth, with another who understood and lived the truth.

During this time, persecution of the church had elevated to astounding rates (spearheaded by Saul, who had recently ordered the death of Stephen), yet the apostles and disciples of Christ continued to branch out to spread the Gospel to different lands. While watching the Ethiopian man from Heaven, struggling to understand the Word, God sent an angel to Philip, instructing him to get up, and go to Gaza. Not knowing the reason for the urgent request, Philip arose and did as he was instructed. When he arrived, the Spirit told Philip to join himself to the same chariot which the Ethiopian man sat upon. I’m certain God was smiling, as He observed the willing and obedient servant, approaching the chariot of someone seeking to know and abide by the truth. After Philip literally ran to meet the man, the Bible says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (vs. 35).

God knows what we have need of, and He always has someone in place, to assist in whatever way possible. The Ethiopian man may have left his estate with questions, but I’m certain he arrived back home with more than he expected. Trust God to help you find answers to questions you may have concerning His Word, or life in general. When you seek God with all your heart, He’ll always send someone to help you gain a better understanding of those hard things you are unable to grasp.

Why Pray?

Luke 23:9-15

Why pray, when it seems like God isn’t listening? Why pray, when the world continues to deteriorate, before our very eyes? Why pray, when the enemy works diligently, to defame the reputation of the church, and those who were once strong in the faith, have taken sides with that wicked one? Why pray, when those we love battle for years with sickness and pain, never seeming to get better? Why pray, when our family, friends, and others suffer untimely deaths, regardless of our fervent petitions? Why pray, when evil, vile, and corrupt men continue to thrive, and live successful lives, while the members of Christ’s body struggle to live from paycheck to paycheck? Why pray, when social injustice, “systemic racism”, and all other forms of unethical treatment toward minorities, continues to reign in lands with “organized governments”? What’s the point of praying, when bad things continue to happen to good people? Well, I’d like to pass the mic to a great friend of mine, and allow Him a moment to share His thoughts on the aforementioned questions…

…”Why did I choose to leave Heaven, to come down to the earth? Why did I give up riches, royalty, position, and authority, in order to take on the form of a created, lower being? Why did I willingly endure hurt, shame, lies, abuse, threatenings, beatings, slander, hate, injustice, ridicule, being misunderstood, despised, abhorred, detested, loathed, scolded, battered, spit on, pierced in the side, whipped, and torture beyond belief, when I held the power to instantly vanquish all who rejected me? Why did I suffer, and lay down my life, so that those same men who disfigured my mortal body, could one day be forgiven, and receive the gift of salvation?” Okay Jesus, I’ll take it from here. Whew!

Have you considered lately, how intense the suffering of Jesus actually was, or have you read all the things the apostle Paul endured, while still writing books of the Bible? Life is tough, I won’t deny that, but we pray to God to acknowledge that He holds all power in Heaven, and in earth, and while He can step in and right all the wrongs in the earth, He must allow His will to be done. Sin caused nothing but chaos and destruction in the earth, but God will soon rectify all wrong, then purify His people for all eternity. We may have to suffer a while in this life, but don’t allow your struggles, to keep you from communicating with God. Our Father knows, and sees all that’s going on, but we should continue to pray that His will be done, even in times when we don’t understand what it actually is.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Do Your Job

Genesis 37:12-17

What role do you play in God’s divine plan? Were you called to preach, teach, or prophesy? Or, are you more inclined to work behind the scenes, doing things that help many, while refusing recognition? All members of the body of Christ play a major part in fulfilling God’s overall plan for this present earth. Whether your duties require hard physical labor, or other approaches, the end goal for all believers is to see God in peace, but along our journey to Heaven, we are urged to influence others to join us on the righteous path.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

From Doubters To Believers

Mark 5:35-43

On your last visit to the doctor, we’re you nervous and afraid, that the acting physician would mishandle you, because of his or her lack of ability? The last time you took your vehicle to get serviced, did you question the mechanics, whether or not they knew how to inspect and service your vehicle? Did you laugh at the foreman of the construction crew, who handled the blueprints of a new apartment community, doubting that he knew what he was planning to do? When we see a man or woman, wearing a certain uniform that caters to a specific profession, we automatically believe they are capable of performing the duties associated with their titles. We don’t often doubt whether doctors, fireman, or even automobile mechanics are able to fulfill their assigned duties, or not. Instead, we have trust and belief that when we see a man or woman in uniform, they are well able to do what they are assigned to.

In our text, we find where Jesus was doing the works of His Father; more specifically, He was operating in divine healing, and working to rid many of sickness, demon possession, and even death. Jesus had built a reputation that preceded Himself, thus causing many to seek Him for healing and deliverance.

After casting a demon out of a man, and healing a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve long years, Jesus continued on His way to heal a man’s sick daughter. As Jesus and those who followed neared the house of the sick damsel, some came from the house and told the ruler of the synagogue, “Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (vs. 35b). Naturally, this is a common response from those who have no faith in the Man in uniform, but Jesus was no ordinary man, and the works that followed after Him, should have been enough proof for everyone to believe in His incredible power.

To make this story a bit more interesting, as Jesus entered the house, and noticed a great noise of weeping and wailing, He kindly told those gathered, “the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” (vs. 39b). The next verse reads, “And they laughed him to scorn.” This is very interesting for a few reasons, but more specifically makes me wonder, how can they turn from crying to laughing so suddenly. Well, during these times, weeping and wailing was more of a custom, and not real sorrow. So, it could quickly be turned to laughter in a moment. The people knew the young girl was dead, so their scornful laughter was more of unbelief, and mockery for Jesus’ confident statement. The nerve of some people, smh. Jesus wisely put everyone out of the room, except for those who refused to doubt His power and authority, then went to work.

The Bible never mentions the response of those who doubted Jesus after He brought the twelve year old girl back to life, but I’m certain from that day on, that laughing crew never doubted the power of Jesus ever again.

Sometimes in life, you’ll encounter people who will doubt that God can bring you out of situations that may seem dead. But, if you keep your faith in the power of God, and surround yourself with those who are positive and encouraging, God will come through for you, and turn your doubters into believers.

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

Ell

God’s Divine Love

1 Kings 8:54-61

How would you respond, if God decided to abandon you, and leave you to fend for yourself the rest of your life? Could you maintain the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to, while God guided your every move, or would you find it difficult to keep your life in order, while making decisions based on your own wisdom and judgment? Before fully submitting yourselves to God, you may have had some success in life, where good things happened here and there, but only when your life is ordered by the Lord, will your good have natural, and spiritual implications as well.

Just as God kept His promises to those who served Him before we were even in existence, He will keep His word toward us also. When we trust in God, delight in Him, commit to His way, He’ll in turn, supply our needs, give us the desires of our heart, and answer all our prayers, according to His will. We were created by God to enjoy the full benefits of His divine love, but we must first surrender our hearts to Him, then walk in all His ways, by keeping His commandments, statutes, and judgments.

Serving God isn’t hard at all, but resisting temptation is where the struggle is. I often wonder, why men cheat on good women, because if the woman has everything he wants and needs, then why would he even consider giving attention to someone else? In the same sense, if God has literally everything we want and need, why entertain thoughts and ideas the enemy presents to distract us? God operates in love, but the lust of the eyes and flesh, offers things that seem more appealing than what God offers. Satan is the master of deception, and knows what it takes to turn our eyes away from God, so he tries hard to break our focus, by setting traps that don’t seem harmful, nor threatening at first glance. But, the longer we entertain temptation, the tougher it’ll be to escape its sinful grasp. This is why it’s extremely important to incline our hearts to God, as Solomon did, so that He will never leave, nor forsake us. “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day”. (1 Kings 8:61 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

A covenant to marry

Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Starring, three of the most honorable and humble characters in Scripture; Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Naomi: Ruth, my loyal and faithful daughter, you’ve been with me all this time; showing support, and helping me in more ways than I can imagine. Ever since we lost our husbands and left Moab, not once did you do anything to offend, or disrespect me. Many years have passed, and I’ve grown old, but you’re still young and vibrant! I think it’s about time that I return the favor by helping you find a husband. As a matter of fact, the maidens you were gleaning with the other day, weren’t they working for my cousin Boaz?

Ruth: Umm…I think so mother.

Naomi: Girl that boy is rich! Not only is he rich, but he’s also righteous! Rich and righteous…now you can’t go wrong with that babygirl.

Ruth: Yes mother, but…umm…

Naomi: What is it girl, let it out!

Ruth: Well, if he’s our cousin, is it lawful for us to marry? And I don’t want him just for his wealth. I want to be a wife who pleases God, then in turn, can please my husband.

Naomi: Of course it’s lawful. In fact, your closest of kin is entitled to the opportunity to take you as his wife, and give you children, since your husband died without giving you any. Later on in the future, most countries will forbid the marrying of relatives, but some will still practice it. Don’t ask me how I know 😉.

Ruth: Alright mother. I will trust your words, and follow whatever advice you can offer. But what if he doesn’t like me, or think I’m not attractive enough?

Naomi: Child please! You’re one of the most beautiful, and desirable women God has ever created. If he doesn’t fall for you, then something is wrong in his brain.

Ruth: (LOL)

Naomi: Alright, listen up. Here’s what I want you to do. Take a good, long shower, freshen yourself with your best perfume, then dress up in something modest, yet appealing. Then, I want you to go to a certain place where he usually rests, hide out for a few, then wait for him to fall asleep. After he’s snoozing good, go to him, uncover his feet, then lay down. When he gets up, he’ll tell you what you should do from there.

Ruth: Uhhh….umm… you’re joking, right?

Naomi: No time for games honey.

Ruth: So, you want me to hide in a man’s house, wait until he falls asleep, then lay near him until he wakes up?

Naomi: Precisely!

Naomi: Alright mother. I trust you. At your word, I will do it.

(Tradition says that women of the East, when going to be with their lawful husbands would, through modesty, and in token of subjection to them, go to the foot of the bed, gently raise the covers, and creep under them up to their place. In the case of Ruth, she was instructed to only uncover the feet of Boaz and lie down there until he should discover her presence, then tell her what to do. Naomi evidently knew that Boaz was a man with good moral character, which is why she could safely advise this.)

*Ruth follows Naomi’s plan to the letter, and now rests at the feet of the snoozing Boaz.

Boaz: Zzz…zzz…zzz…zzz…mmm..whaa… wha… what’s going on? (Rolls over) Is someone there? (Feels something at his feet, then looks up with sleepy eyes) Ohhh sugga snaps! Who whaa what..what are you doing….who the…what are you doing here?

Ruth: Please don’t be alarmed, forgive me if I’ve violated your personal space. I am Ruth, your handmaid. If you would be so kind, spread your skirt over me, for we are near relatives.

(Spreading the skirt over a woman was a symbol of taking her under one’s protection, and entering into marriage with her. (Sounds like my kind of wedding; private, simple, cheap, and already at the honeymoon).

Boaz: Ohhhh, it’s you! Hey beautiful! How are you? Did Naomi put you up to this?

Ruth: Yes, she wants a better life for me, and suggested that you and I would be a good match.

Boaz: Sigh… you are a beautiful and blessed woman, whom God favors, because you have shown more kindness to me since we met. I know I’m at fault for not following through with the kinsman redemption duty, and I’m grateful that you, and my cousin have reminded me to act on it. I give you my word, that I’ll take care of this today. As a matter of fact, take these six measures of barely, and give it to Naomi. I’ll get back with you when things are settled.

Ruth: God bless you for your kindness, and extreme generosity. I promise to be the wife you need, to help meet all your needs, and fulfill God’s will for your life.

Boaz: See, now you’re trying to make me blush. You better get your beautiful self outta here before I have to repent…

Ruth: (Smiles) You’re so crazy boy…

Boaz: Crazy about you boo…

*Ruth returns to Naomi to tell her the good news.

Ruth: Hello mother!

Naomi: Is that you, Ruth?

Ruth: Yes ma’am, it’s me.

Naomi: Well… I’m listening. How’d it go?

Ruth: It went well mother.

Naomi: Well, geesh! Where’s all the excitement?

Ruth: Mother, I’m overjoyed! I just don’t know…I mean… well, this is like a dream come true. It feels like I’m floating in the clouds. Boaz is sooooo fine, and sooooo sweet…. and I saw his feet. His toes weren’t ugly. That’s a major plus!

Naomi: Girl, I know what you mean.

Ruth: Here, he told me to give you this, as a gift.

Naomi: (Receives the measures of barley) That boy is a true God-send. They don’t make them like him anymore. Hang out here with me for a while. From the way you explained things, I’m certain Boaz won’t rest until he takes care of this matter today.

Ruth: (Smiles, and blushes)

This concludes another episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Lord renews the weary

Isaiah 40:27-31

Who can God be compared to, and what can measure up to His supreme power? Men make images of gold, and other precious elements, then adorn them with silver and fine stones. Can these lifeless, graven images line up to the everlasting God? There are massive trees that cover the lands, who’s branches can spread great lengths. Dinosaurs, and other great beasts, walk the face of the earth, and are mighty in power and stature. Even men and women with an exceptional IQ, can think and create what the average individual may not be able to. Can all these match the omnipotence of the Creator of the heavens and earth?

Men can’t even begin to understand the ways of God, let alone compare there limited power to His. When God created, who was there to give Him instructions? As He sat the mountains and hills in place, who gave Him the knowledge on how to do it so that they would last thousands of years? The Scripture says that God sits on the circle of the earth, and we are all as grasshoppers to Him. God is mighty, and His power is matchless. Nothing, and no one is equal to, nor can be compared to the Lord. We are to worship and adore the One who brought forth light, sat the stars in the sky, and breathed life into every living creature.

All of our help comes from God. He keeps watch over us all day and night. He never slumbers, as men do, neither does He require sleep. Isn’t that amazing? We have 24hr protection from the God of all creation. Knowing this should make men feel priceless! When life begins to weigh you down, and you consider giving up, God has the divine strength our spirit bodies require to keep moving forward, and not quit. The more we understand the reality of God’s unexplainable presence, the better we’ll be able to stand in this evil day. The most fittest athletes eventually reach their limit, and need to recover, but God gives strength to those who are in need, and are focused on fulfilling His will, not on kicking a ball through a net or field goal. We waste so much time, energy, and effort on things God cares nothing about. We weren’t created to use our bodies as punching bags, or bumper cars, but we were commissioned to use all our strength to carry out the will of our Father. I get disturbed when athletes are interviewed after a game, and thank God for helping them win, or do well.

The strength of God is not wasted on frivolous sporting events, but poured into those who are willing to walk in the footsteps of Christ. These are the few who wait on the Lord, and He renews their strength. They mount up with wings as eagles, no matter their age. Even seasoned Saints can receive renewed strength and energy that can lift them as they continue to serve God. The longer athletes run, they eventually get tired, but those who live for God will run, and never be weary. They’ll walk, and not faint. When God sees His children committed to His cause, He won’t hesitate to bestow His power on their lives.

Be not weary in doing well, because all your works will soon pay off. Let God lead your life, and trust only in His Word, because our time on this beautiful planet will soon be over.

Seek peace,

Ell