Huddle Up!

Acts 5:12-16

One of the hardest things to do on this planet is, get a group of people to agree on the same ideals, required to reach a unified goal. Many sports teams fail to win the coveted championship trophy, because certain members of their team aren’t in sync with the coach’s gameplan. We often see how certain individuals act out of character, when their team is on the verge of winning a game, thus causing them to suffer a loss. Even when playing a game of tug-of-war, if all members on a team aren’t working collectively as a group, they’ll easily be pulled over to the other side. Teamwork really does make the dream work, especially when all who are joined together share the same mindset, and one goal. This same concept can be applied to an individual, and their body. When the natural body is healthy, one can easily accomplish those things the mind is set to achieve. Unity is the key ingredient to any collective group, seeking to achieve success.

In our text, the apostles of Jesus were responsible for doing many signs and wonders among the people of the early church. Their miraculous manifestations would not have been made possible if confusion and ill will was among them, but their minds were set on being obedient to God, and fulfilling His command to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The body of Christ consists of many members, all who may be affiliated with different denominations, but if all have their minds and hearts set on fulfilling God’s will, then God can do great things through His people, no matter who they are affiliated with. The truth will indeed stand forever, so when the church collectively spreads the truth of the Gospel to all men, God will reveal His awesome power through all who are of one accord.

“Unity is what makes success a reality.” – Ell

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Favor For The Dreamer

Genesis 37:29-36

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs many people will experience in life is, parenting. While raising children (especially in this time) should be taken seriously, and with the proper precautions, one of the most unwise things to do is, show favor to one child, over all the others. Favoritism is good when it involves things like selecting foods you prefer, or the color you want to paint your house, but when dad and mom show more love for Cinnamon, while treating Nutmeg and Cashew like the neighbor’s kids, then those seeds will eventually come back to haunt them.

A great example of this can be found early in Scripture, in the lives of Jacob, and his sons. The average Bible reader should have already been exposed to this inspiring story, but if you haven’t, then you can read it in less than an hour (Genesis chapters 37-45). The text reveals, “Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age” (vs. 3a). Some history records that Jacob was over 90 years old when Joseph was born, and after the death of Rachel, little Joseph became his father’s special helper in being the agent between him and his brothers.

Unfortunately, the other brothers strongly disliked the relationship between their father, and little Joseph. Usually, when a mob of angry people have ill feelings toward someone, they tend to devise a plan to destroy their credibility. This was precisely the case with Jacobs sons. When Jacob had sent Joseph to check on his brothers one day (who were supposed to be feeding the flock in Shechem, but took a stroll to Dothan), they saw him from afar, and instantly plotted to slay him. Aside from labeling him, the dreamer, the brothers decided they’d kill him, then throw him in a pit. If it had not been for Reuben, who convinced the others to spare Joseph’s life, and only throw him in a pit, the little dreamer would have left the earth without fulfilling his promised assignment.

It’s amazing how people can hate you for things you had nothing to do with. Some people were blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities, that others dream to have, but rather than appreciate their gifts, they plot to hinder them from exercising them. Never allow jealousy, hatred, envy, nor strife to invade your mind, simply because God shows someone favor. Whether it be a brother, sister, friend, or even someone you aren’t too fond of, value, appreciate, and respect those who God uses in great ways.

Jacob suffered heartache for years, thinking that his son had been killed, but in the end, the love he had for Joseph was restored. Parents, be careful how you treat your children, because one day they’ll grow up, and act upon all you said and done to, and for them. Also, be certain to raise all of them in the fear of God, and teach them the value of love and respect for others.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Protect Your Purpose

Matthew 2:13-15

Have you ever had a thought or idea, that seemed right in your own mind, but when you shared it with others, they made you lose interest in making your objective a reality? While God may not write our plans for life on stone walls or tablets, nor speak to us in the same way He did with Moses through a burning bush, the Spirit of God can plant seeds of purpose in our minds, that when properly protected and cultivated, can change our lives forever.

I ran across the term, “dream killers”, many moons ago, and understood it as a way to describe those who find pleasure in destroying the purpose of men and women, rather than support their dreams. The devil can do no more to us, than what God permits, but we are responsible for limiting negative speech which he uses against us, in efforts to put our visions to rest. It’s vital that we guard and protect the purpose the Lord sets in our hearts, so that we can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, in this life.

Not only is guarding our own purpose a priority, but protecting the purposes of others is also of great importance in the body of Christ. This was proven true in our text, as Joseph was tasked with keeping baby Jesus safe from the evil king Herod, who sought to destroy Christ, before His purpose was set in motion. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (as it did once before), to warn him of the king’s plan to destroy the young child, and to give him instruction on where to find a place of refuge. Joseph’s obedience to God was essential in keeping the dream killer from destroying a purpose that eventually changed life forever.

Has God placed you in the life of someone who is at the point of giving up on their dream? If so, be their strength, and support them in their purpose, because what God has placed in them, could possibly change our world forever.

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

Ell