The Invisible Man

John: 14:15-17

In this life of inevitable suffering, there’s one thing no man will ever willingly pass up, and that’s comfort. On a daily basis, we see people struggling from challenging circumstances, that most seem to never recover from. Not only do worldly men suffer but, believers experience uncomfortable situations, many of which are not the cause of their own doing, but they struggle to overcome them nonetheless. During childhood, some of us have been forced to deal with lack of provisions like food and clothing, and possibly being embarrassed by those who judged us by our outer appearance. As we grew older, the real challenges of life begin to manifest in the forms of dealing with the education system on the collegiate level, finding a job, dealing with unruly leadership or subordinates, and the struggles of raising a family based on godly principles. All men are positioned to face certain discomfort in this life, but for those who love God and abide by His Word, there’s an invisible man who provides comfort in all uncomfortable circumstances.

Jesus was fully aware of the state that this world would eventually become, so He prayed to the Father, so that He would send us help to endure these end-times. Without the Holy Ghost, many would have given up years ago, but because we have that divine comfort, we can make it through trials and situations that oftentimes cause men to wonder. The world can never understand, nor receive the Spirit of God, because they can’t see Him. Carnal men usually have to see something, in order to give it relevance. But, the Comforter is as real as life itself, and He guides the children of God throughout each day, encouraging them to strive to please God, because their labor is never in vain.

In those moments when you feel sad and alone, the invisible man is there to remind you, you’re never alone. When you’ve lost all hope, and are tempted to throw in the towel, the invisible man will remind you of how strong you really are, and can overcome all things, through Christ who gives you strength. When you are about to give up on love, and refuse to trust in relationship anymore, the Comforter will guide you through the Scriptures, of all who have suffered greatly, yet never gave up on love. Always be reminded, the invisible man is there, to bring you comfort, in all uncomfortable situations.

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

Ell

Forgive And Forget?

Philemon 8-21

Do you believe in forgiveness? Better yet, do you possess a knowledgeable understanding of what forgiveness truly is? Forgiveness is a term that’s understood in parts. For example, when a man commits a sin, he must first be aware that his action was indeed wrong, and demands justification, so that he won’t be bound by his error the rest of his life. After realizing that you’ve fallen short of God’s glory, and are wise enough to know that only the blood of Jesus has the power to cover a multitude of faults, you must then ask to be forgiven, believe that you are forgiven, then live as if you are free from the sin that once held you captive.

Every man has sinned at some point in their lifetime, and needed to be forgiven, so it’s important that we treat all men fairly, even though their past, or present faults may linger in our minds for a season or two. God never stopped loving us, despite all the ungodly things we did willingly in His sight. Instead, He continued to shower us with life, health, love, and protection, even while we wallowed in our iniquities. When we get to the point where we start judging men for their faults, after they’ve been forgiven, we are in danger of receiving a lesson in humility from God the Father.

Throughout the New Testament, the apostle Paul had been a great role model for many young men seeking to walk after the Spirit. One man, in particular, was Philemon. Paul had found Philemon to be a man of kindness, love, and compassion, who was sincere in his walk with God, and had committed himself to the call of the Lord. Paul trusted that Philemon was mature enough to teach the Word of God to those under His watch, so he sent a young man to serve under him, and offer assistance wherever it was needed. Some time after serving under Philemon’s watch, something happened which caused young Onesimus to run away. This act undoubtedly left a bad vibe with Paul’s disciple, and caused him to wonder what could have caused this to happen. A while after his act of neglect and rebellion, Onesimus found his way back to Paul, who took the time to rebuild the faith and hope of the once reliable lad. Paul refused to hold a grudge against Onesimus, because of his act, but chose to edify him instead, so that he could be better prepared in his service to Philemon. Yes, Paul sent the runaway back to the place he fled from.

The average person would turn their faces from one who had abandoned them, but Paul knew that Onesimus was now ready to minister with Philemon, not as a servant, but as a beloved brother. Do you hold grudges against those who’ve made mistakes, or caused you grief at some point in your life? Are you able to forgive, and eventually forget about the errors of those who have wronged you? Use this lesson as an example to motivate you to be strength to those who may have fallen in sin, because at any moment (when you least expect), you could fall too.

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

Ell

Reverence God, Love Thy Neighbor, Bless The Poor

Esther 9:18-23, 29-32

Remembering, and celebrating the good things God does for us, is actually promoted by Biblical text. The modern church holds gatherings, showing appreciation for leaders, and …(I can’t think of much more than that lol). Seldom do churches celebrate each other, as it was in Scripture, because men and women who lead, are viewed as gods. But, our God is pleased when we gather to honor Him, for giving us victory in all our circumstances, as well as when we bless other believers (and there poor), from the same platform. Celebrations should never be self-centered, nor focused on one individual, no matter the title he bears.

The people of God in ancient times, always acknowledged God, as their focus of gathering, on all occasions. The fact that man can do nothing on his own strength to combat evil, is reason enough to reverence God, who has all power and authority over the enemy. The body of Christ should focus more on appreciating each other, in edification and encouragement. Not one member is more important than the other, and once we come to this understanding, we’ll be better prepared to care for the lost and needy. Think back over your life, and give God praise for all the victories He won, on your behalf.

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

Ell

Forgive and restore broken relationships

2 Chronicles 6:22-25

When worldly men sin, there’s little for the church to get overexcited about, because this is expected behavior of anyone who lives outside of God’s will, but when members of the body of Christ sin against each other, different measures are to be taken. In the same way parents handle sibling rivalry much different than siblings fighting against the neighbors kids, church members (first of all, shouldn’t fight against each other) are to handle such matters by taking them before God. God is righteous, and judges all men accordingly, but when sin is left unchecked, or unforgiven, all guilty parties will face punishment. Imagine for a second, if your arms were jealous of your legs, then tried to injure them, so that they could receive more attention on the body. Or, if the hands were jealous of the eyes, and attempted to poke them out. That would be a dysfunctional body altogether, so imagine how God feels when the members of the church body fight and bicker amongst each other. For one thing, this sets an extremely bad example to the children, as well as embarrasses the church as a whole, to the world. God wants unity among the Saints, because we can accomplish more together, than we can divided. If we treat all men as if they were Christ, then our approach would always to be to edify, and not tear down. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35).

Walk in love,

Ell

Building up your faith community

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

On my daily travels to and from work, I notice seemingly unending construction taking place in all the cities I pass through. The multiple groups of workers in each location contribute equally in an effort to construct their project according as it was planned. From the foundation, to the final product, each person has a responsibility to not only handle their own duty, but also build up those working with them to make the project a success. In the same sense, the body of Christ works together to build the kingdom of God in the earth, and its important that all members of the body keep unity at the forefront of their hearts and minds. In our text, the apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonian believers to strive for togetherness, and take advantage of every opportunity to encourage each other. The people were also advised to show more respect to leadership as well, because leaders endure more than lay members are aware of. As the world becomes more divided, the church should become more of a single unit. Only through unity, can the kingdom of God be established, and men can witness the power of God in the lives of all believers. Spend more time studying God’s Word, tending to the needs of your fellow brethren, and proving to the world your love for God is genuine, and unshakable!

Walk in love,

Ell

Entering the Sanctuary by Jesus’ blood

Hebrews 10:19-25

The death of Jesus on the cross may have been misunderstood by some, and unappreciated by others, but His act of sacrifice was responsible for allowing access to the most amazing benefit anyone could desire. Just as a child born into a wealthy family, by default, inherits all their father possesses, men and women born into the family of God receive full access to all the Father owns as well.

In our text, the apostle Paul helps the church understand the terms by which we have been granted full access to Heaven. It’s because of the blood of Jesus, believers can boldly enter the holiest place in Heaven, any time they desire. Having the liberty to draw near to God by our new high Priest (Jesus Christ), we are able to come with a pure conscience, clean bodies, and unwavering faith. Sin had once stained us, and caused separation between men and God, but now we are reunited with our Creator, and it feels so good 🎵🎶.

The body of Christ has also been admonished to put others before themselves to avoid harboring a selfish spirit, make gathering among the Saints a healthy habit, and exhort one another daily. During these days, some might have forsaken Christian gatherings, possibly because of the persecution mentioned in the succeeding verses. It’s high time that believers encourage one another in the faith, seeing that Christ is soon to come. We should no longer fight and bicker among ourselves, but should build up and edify each other, because time is drawing near when we’ll soon leave this place. Satan desires nothing more than to keep as many as he can from making it into the Kingdom of Heaven, so we should do all we can, not to help him succeed.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and allow His love to guide your ways and actions. Before allowing the cares of this dying world to bring your emotions under evil subjection, use your access granted by Christ, to come to God with all your cares and troubles, and let Him give you what you need to become better. What sense does it make to be in financial need and have access to a bank account with unlimited funds, yet you refuse to access it? Never forget that the earth belongs to God, and everything in it, and Heaven is His dwelling place. He alone has unlimited resources that are reserved for all who come to receive them, but you must “come boldly before the throne of grace, so that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Walk in love,

Ell

Build up each other in worship

1 Corinthians 14:26-33

The purpose for the writer of the book of Hebrews in admonishing believers to not forsake, or abandon assembling themselves together, was because he knew that time was nearing its end, and the church would need each other more than ever, to hold up a godly standard, as the world became more and more corrupt. There are many today who believe that going to a church is unimportant to their individual salvation, and I can understand now, why some feel that way. In the eyes of many, the modern church has become more focused money, rather than souls. Members of various churches seem to use their gifts more for show, rather than edification.

The purpose for gathering together as a body, is not to look at everyone’s fine outfits, fancy cars, or flaunt their gifts. We come together first, to give glory to the God of all creation, then we are to edify, or build up each other with our good, and perfect gifts from above. Imagine a service, where you enter the building with high expectations, and rather than fall asleep listening to repetitive songs, or monotonous Bible reading, you actually sang new songs, heard prophecy directly from Heaven, saw miraculous healing with your own eyes, and experienced the gift of tongues, with interpretation. While I’m on that note, have you ever actually heard someone interpret a tongue in your presence? I think i have, maybe once…I think… maybe not lol. Anyhoo, tongues are useless in the presence of many, unless they’re interpreted for the congregation’s understanding.

It’s time for the body of believers to began using their gifts for God’s purpose, and not their own. Where else can a Christian receive godly wisdom, counsel, and encouragement in a world so full of evil and wicked men, than from those who walk the same righteous path as themselves? Dwelling together in the unity of fellow believers is extremely healthy, and offers tremendous spiritual benefits as well. In those moments when you feel like you’re all alone, and no one understands the season you’re in, you’ll find that your brother or sister in Christ is probably going through a similar situation. The two of you could join together in prayer, and fasting, then your struggle won’t be so hard to go through, because now you’ll have someone to help you carry the weight of your burden. Proverbs 17:17 reads, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Not only were we created to bear the burdens of those we love, but we also have the strength to endure, and not give up as we assist.

Every member of the body of Christ is important, and has a specific purpose to fulfill. When you develop an understanding of your place in the kingdom of God, play your position as well as you possibly can. If you’re called to prophesy, do it in love, as unto the Lord. If you’re called to preach, teach, heal, help, or whatever gift you’re blessed with, do it all in love, as unto the Lord.

Walk in love,

Ell

Paul’s joy at Corinthians’ repentance

2 Corinthians 7:9-11

Can you recall a time in your life when you felt miserable after giving harsh comments to someone who did something that seemed so foolish? What they did to you was ill-mannered, which caused you to snap for a moment, and give them a piece of your mind. The only thing that would justify your reaction in this situation would be if the offender actually learned from this experience, and chose to be better. But if your criticism doesn’t cause positive change, then this could cause unforseen problems between you and the individual, in the near future.

Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church, and he was anxious to know how it affected them. He found out that what he wrote had caused the people to become sorry for a season. He almost regretted having written such a strong letter, but when he saw that his letter caused the people to repent and turn back to God, he was exceedingly glad. Paul wasn’t rejoicing because of the people’s sorrow, instead, he was grateful that his words of influence and encouragement caused positive change in the lives of the church. According to this text, sorrow can be observed from three platforms; there’s godly sorrow, sorrow of the world, and Paul’s momentary regret. Paul wasn’t in error for wondering whether or not he had made a mistake by being too strong in his letter. This showed his compassion and concern for the feelings of others. This is the total opposite feeling he once had as he persecuted Christians for mere sport. Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, changes lives, and cleanses us from sin. Verse ten says sorrow of the world worketh death. This type of pain usually comes from loss of goods, friends, and lack of pleasures.

Paul commended the Corinthian church for their godly sorrow and how it promoted working carefulness and obedience, clearing self-guilt, indignation and hatred of sin, fear of God and the result of sin, desire to make things right, zeal to do the right thing, and revenge in punishing the guilty (but allowing God to execute punishment, and not ourselves).

There will be times when we give words to others that may seem harsh at first, but our intent is only to expose their fault, and to make them better in the end. Be wise in how you discipline, criticize, or encourage others, because what you say can either build them up to be stronger believers, or cause them to lose trust in you, and eventually give in to unhealthy emotions. Let God lead you in all your ways, and be sure to only speak when you know your words are intended to edify.

Seek peace,

Ell