Keep It Simple

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Doing ministry and works for the kingdom of God, are very noteworthy opportunities. God is the creator of all things, and working to fulfill His purpose is a great thing! I can remember as a child, I always wanted to go out on Saturday mornings, to help my dad and brothers mow lawns. I was always denied that privilege, because I was too small, and would probably hurt myself, or someone else. But, when the opportunity came to assist my dad with his side business, I jumped at the chance to finally contribute to bringing funds to our home. When we do works for the kingdom, it’s so that all members of the body of Christ can be blessed. There’s no secret to what Christians do, and all things are done for edification, and encouragement. For this reason, there should never be a time, when a preacher, teacher, prophet, or anyone who exercises their gift in the body, do so for self gain. Paul mentioned in our text, he can speak with tongues (multiple human languages) more than all of the Corinthian church members, but he would rather speak only five words the people could grasp and understand, rather than 10,000 words that would leave them beyond confused.

Never get so caught up in your spiritual gift, talent, or ability, until you lose focus on God’s purpose to help others, and not hinder them. Take pride in all the great things God has placed inside of you, and be careful not to abuse, misuse, or not use His gifts, but operate in them as they were purposed to be used.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

You Look Good!

Colossians 1:24-29

The church has the responsibility of seasoning the earth, and being a light to all who walk in darkness. The church is more then a building, with stained glass windows, pulpits, and baptismal pools. Instead, the church is a collective group of individuals, all working together, exercising their gifts for the glory of God. While that brief description of what the real church is sounds accurate, it’s apparent that what Paul envisioned the church to become, has swayed far away from his expectation.

In his day, the apostle Paul was mindful of the early church, and set his affections on building, edifying, and even sacrificing himself, so that the church could grow. Paul proved over and over, God’s business was his business, and he was willing to go above and beyond, so that God’s people would be properly equipped to strive daily, to fulfill His plan.

I wrote a quote a short while ago that says, “I don’t teach to make you feel good. I teach to make you look good to God”. After writing that quote, I realized this was the same perspective the apostle Paul had concerning the churches he established. Paul cared little for men’s opinions, and more for their souls. The text mentions that Paul and others preached, taught, and warned men in all wisdom, so that they could “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (vs. 28). The purpose of edification is not to bring glory to oneself, but it’s to help our brothers and sisters mature in the knowledge of our great God.

Do you care enough about other Christians, to help them grow in God? Do you concern yourself with meeting the needs of those who may need a helping hand? Have you considered someone else, who may also be dealing with a struggle? Learn to center your attention on building up those around you, because all that matters to God is, that the church line up with His Word, so that their witness will prove successful in the earth.

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

Ell

Just An Average Joe

Acts 6:1-7

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” (Philippians 2:7 KJV). Contrary to popular belief, there was nothing fascinating about Jesus physically, that stood out amongst those He encountered. All the pictures and images of the long hair, blue eyed angelic Jesus, are highly exaggerated, and inaccurate. Not only was Jesus visually an “average Joe”, He made certain to keep a low profile, while focusing all His attention on redistributing the Words that came from His Father, to preach and teach to the world.

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2 KJV). When God prepared Himself a body, He was wise enough to refrain from molding an image like James Dean, Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, Denzel Washington, Idris Elba, and Shemar Moore, because people would more than likely gravitate toward them due to their outer appearance, rather than the message they presented. While it’s good to dress modest, and present ourselves decent while doing the Lord’s work, we should be focused more on increasing the reputation of God, rather than promoting our own.

In our text, the twelve disciples were persistent in their efforts to spread the message of the Gospel, and the more they preached, the more the church grew. Unfortunately, they were unable to balance preaching, and maintaining the well-being of the church, so they decided that it was wise to appoint others to handle the domestic duties of the church, while they preached the Gospel, unhindered. This idea was received well by the church, and they identified seven men, whom they deemed fit to carry out the daily ministration. Rather than make known the physical attributes of the chosen men, the Bible was sure to acknowledge that Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas were men with strong spiritual attributes. What an honor it is, to be acknowledged by others, not for vain and irrelevant characteristics, but for traits that are relevant to the God of all creation.

Is the reputation you seek to gain, the same as God’s, or do you flaunt looks, money, and other things to gain the attention of men? Do you receive the message of the Gospel the same from all God’s people, or do you tend to give more attention to those who have mega churches, and may be more fit to star in Hollywood films? “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”(Colossians 3:17 KJV). “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (Colossians 3:23 KJV).

Seek not to gain vain glory, but desire that the body of Christ grow together. Whatever God called you to do, give it your best effort, and be proud of rendering your reasonable services to the Lord.

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

Ell

Welcome the stranger

2 Chronicles 6:32-33

The modern-day church has become something God never intended it to be. In Scripture, the church (an established people, with ideals and government based solely on godliness) was set in place, so that the name of the Lord could be magnified through His people. While it’s true, God can make Himself known to the entire world without the help of man, it’s so cool that He allows His awesome glory to shine through us as well! In any case, the church was established to accomplish only those things that please the Lord, and to give the body of Christ a place to gather, for moments of edification, sharing of testimonies, and glorification of the name of the almighty God.

The glory churches once held in the past, has faded away, because men seek to become leaders, or attend church for the wrong reasons. Some are interested in gaining positions in churches, solely to get wealthy, whereas others only attended services out of habit. Promoting God has been replaced with selfish men, seeking only to promote their own agendas, and convince the people to believe in their opinions, more than the Word of the Lord.

In my younger days (not too many moons ago) church use to be a place, where service would oftentimes become so intense, until strangers would hear God being glorified from outside, and peek inside our church out of curiosity, too see what was going on. My pastor, during those days, would invite all who came in, to join our services. No one was a stranger after entering the house of the Lord. Some who came out of curiosity, would even leave healed, delivered, or set free from issues they could have carried the rest of their lives, had they continued to walk pass the church, and not come in. Our church wasn’t the only place God performed miracles, but we gave Him the glory due to His name, and He in turn, showered us with His wondrous works.

King Solomon acknowledged that even those who weren’t of the people of Israel, deserved to have their prayers answered by God, so that they would gain a greater appreciation for the Father, in the same way His people did as well. God loves everyone, and has no respect for one nation over another. His will is that all come to repentance, so that they can enjoy the opportunity to fulfill their calling on this earth, and reap the rewards eternally in the next life.

Be mindful of how you treat strangers, because God loves them, the same as He loves you. Never feel as if you are more deserving of the things of God, because you may be well-versed in Scripture, or have an amazing gift. God can use anyone for His glory, so “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Striking a fair balance

2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Good advice can go a long way, especially when the words are motivated by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul spoke to many churches during his time of ministry; preaching, teaching, admonishing, rebuking, and doing as he was instructed to do by God, so that the people would know, and live by the standard God approved of, and not the standard of men.

As a good leader, Paul cared sincerely for those he covered spiritually, and oftentimes shared thoughts from his heart (with God’s permission) to the churches. In our text, Paul thought it necessary to provoke the Corinthian church to consider sharing their possessions with those who had little, to nothing. It’s easy to say you love God with all your heart when you aren’t being challenged to prove it, but there are times when that same love needs to be put into action.

There are many leaders who have given advice to their followers, but only for reasons to benefit themselves, and not the needs of the people. On the contrary, Paul gave words that would be expedient, or profitable for the church, if they put into action what he advised. The grace of giving was not a commandment, but mentioned as an example of what the other churches were doing, to build and edify their communities.

For some strange reason, giving seems to be one of the hardest things to do amongst the body of Christ. Having the love of God inside of us, giving should in fact be one of most natural elements of our being. Perhaps some are hesitant to give, because they’ve struggled all their lives, and feel that giving will deplete their supply to the point they’ll fall into poverty again, or maybe some have entertained the spirit of selfishness too long, until it keeps them for maintaining the desire to put others before themselves. No matter the reason, if you give willingly, and cheerfully, God will return unto you overflowing blessings that will come by the hands of men. Be mindful of this though, refusing to bless others, keeps God’s hand from blessing you, because it is more blessed to give, than to receive (Acts 20:35). If God can give His only Son to save the world, then why can’t we willingly give a portion of our goods to help someone who is struggling? Selfishness is NOT an attribute or character of godliness, rather it’s a direct derivative of sinfulness. Were all men created equal? Not at all. But, those who were fortunate enough to have an abundant supply of resources, or even finances, should never hesitate to help a brother in need. I was blessed to meet a woman from Jamaica many moons ago, who has a heart so pure, I think it would rival that of king David. No matter what state she’s in, her willingness to help others never shuts down. She truly exemplifies what a heart after God’s own really is. I strive to follow her example, and the example Christ showed us in the Word, so that my giving won’t be in vain, and God will one day say to me, “well done”.

How would you feel if you lost everything, like the people who are suffering from the recent storm that literally demolished the islands of the Bahamas, and no government in the world, nor your own family or friends would offer a helping hand? You’d be broken beyond repair. My advice to the body of believers is, when God blesses you with increase, instead of storing all your goods away to be eaten by moths, or to become corrupted, share the wealth with the men and women who strive daily to live according to God’s Word, the same as you do.

Walk in love,

Ell

Filled with grace

Acts 6:8-15

When a man knows who he is on the inside, it matters not what others do to try and defame his reputation, because his works will always defend his character. Aside from the twelve apostles who were chosen by Jesus, one of the most notable, and awe-inspiring men in Scripture is Stephen. Of the seven men chosen by the twelve apostles in the early church to attend to the tables where collections were received, and distributions to the people were rendered, Stephen was recorded as having contributed to the edification of the church body in major ways. He was a man full of faith, full of the Holy Ghost and power, and did great wonders and miracles among the people. This is interesting in that it reveals and confirms the truth of the promises and signs for all believers, not only apostles.

The more organized the early church became, the more the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied. What’s surprising is, even the priests were obedient to the faith. Many of these men were bitter enemies of Christ, yet they were also converted. This proved how powerful the gathering of the Saints was, and what a great miracle it was as well.

In all the good the early church brought forth, it wasn’t a surprise to discover that there were some who were motivated to stir up controversy. During the days of the early church’s prosperity and unhindered influence, there arose different groups of heretics, who sought only to silence the voices of God’s chosen vessels. These men even made attempts to hinder Stephen, as he continued to prosper in the works of the Lord, but they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Being full of the Holy Ghost, Stephen no doubt spoke truths that pricked the hearts of those who intended to block his purpose, thus causing them to falsely accuse him of speaking blasphemy against God. How low can you go, to lie and attempt to bring down a man who only does things good in the sight of God, and men? I’m convinced, along with sin, money has the power to make people stupid. These wicked men suborned others (make false charges; swear to do underhand work for money) and set up false witnesses to lie against Stephen, but no matter how far they went to falsely accuse him of wrongdoing, he yet appeared before the people as an angel, because God’s glory shined through his face to convince them that the words he spoke were true.

Being filled with God’s grace, believers today have the same power as Stephen did, to stand strong in the midst of persecution. Oftentimes we shy away from situations that could present potential conflict toward others, but when we spread God’s Word, it doesn’t matter who gets offended, as long as we do as God wills us to. When we stand firm on God’s Word, it’s then His duty to take care of us. Never fear the threats or other hostile actions men bring against you. Instead, trust that the God in you will show up and show out before all those who seek to bring you down.

Walk in love,

Ell

Speak Truthfully Always

Ephesians 4:25-30

According to Scripture, one of the wisest men to walk the face of the earth was king Solomon. In chapter 18 of his book, he wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” The tongue has the power to either bring things to life, or cause them to become permanently ineffective. Knowing this, shouldn’t we be extra careful of the words that proceed from our lips? Everything we say will have a positive or negative effect on our lives, and those connected to us. So it’s important to monitor our words, and choose carefully what we speak into the atmosphere. Every word a Christian speaks should always be truth. This is imperative because God’s word is truth, so our conversations should be in line with His word.

Paul told the Ephesians to put away lying and speak truth to one another, because during those days there were false teachers who taught that it was better to tell lies in instances when it would prove more profitable than simply telling the truth. They believed that if a lie would create a less harmful situation than telling the truth, then it’s best to withhold the truth. Whenever we sin, or fall short of God’s glory, we create an opportunity for the devil to come into our space, and plant seeds of wickedness that could potentially pull us away from God. Paul urged the church to be honest, and only speak words that will help build up others, as opposed to bringing them down. Words that edify deliver grace to those who hear them. How beautiful this world would be, if all the Saints spoke truth to their neighbors. It’s surprising to hear the words that come from the mouths of those who say they love God these days. I’ve even heard some “Christians” cursing more than sailors, in church! This is a shame on all levels.

We misrepresent God every time we speak a lie, or use words that harm others. Think of all the words you spoke today. How many brought edification to someone’s life, and how many times did your words create an atmosphere for satan to impart his influence in your mind? Even in moments when we’re provoked to anger, we must control our words. Hurt people, hurt people, so guard yourself against yourself in times when you’re angry and upset. The best way to help bring your anger to a simmer, is to think back on all the great things God has already done for you. There are times when reminiscing can bring positive change, and get you out of the funk you’re in. But no matter what state you’re in, your words mean much. Do your best to be a good representation of a true Christian and let your words be true, pure, holy, honest, and just.

Seek peace,

Ell