Salvation That Excites!

1 Peter 3:13-19

Aren’t you glad that the Lord saved you from a miserable life of sin? Do you get joy when you consider, Christ suffered and was put to death, so that you could be made the righteousness of God? When you look at the state of this present world, do you rest assured, knowing there’s a better place reserved for you in the next life? Many today are losing faith in God, not because they deny the truth of the Gospel, but because they’ve allowed their suffering to consume them to the point they’ve lost sight of its purpose. Being constantly criticized, falsely accused, or even put to shame can cause anyone to faint or lose heart, but when we sanctify the Lord in our hearts, His Spirit will equip us with what we need to withstand all that comes against us.

Doing good doesn’t omit the church from suffering. In fact, it attracts more attention from the enemies of God. But, we don’t have to faint or become weary while doing the works of the Lord, because in time, we’ll reap a great harvest from our good works.

The church should get more excited concerning their salvation, because it’s the only free gift, by which we were redeemed back to God, and through it, are able to exhibit consistent good behavior amongst a world of evil men. If it had not been for Jesus, where would you be today?

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

Ell

Mindless Paparazzi

Mark 7:1-8

When people deliberately go out of their way to get on your nerves, how do you respond to them? When some of those same people join themselves with others who have nothing better to do than disturb your day, and make attempts to find fault in your life, when their own lives are torn up from the floor up, what method works best to get them to think twice about approaching you ever again? What do you do, when the people who seek to bring you down, confess to be followers of Christ? Believe it or not, Jesus dealt with these same issues more often than He would have liked to, but the way He handled His haters were always priceless moments.

I love Jesus so much! He always knew the perfect words to say to those who often made attempts to set Him up for failure. The scribes and Pharisees would usually follow Jesus and His disciples, in the same way the paparazzi hover around celebrities today. Rather than commit their hearts solely to obeying the commandments of God, they took more delight in holding the traditions of men. Thus, their worship to God was in vain, because their hearts were set on keeping to traditions, instead of sincere worship and obedience to God’s commands.

In our text, the Pharisees were so concerned about the disciples washing their hands before eating, that they failed to see how dirty their own hearts were toward the ways of godliness. Jesus confronted the pesky men with Scriptures, to counter their failed attempt to ensnare Him in their futile trap.

The Word of God is the best defense, against any trick or trap the enemy sets against us. The next time someone boldly accuses you of not following a tradition that means nothing to God, slap them with a few verses of Scripture, showing them that their souls are more important than dove-washed hands, and febreeze fragranced clothing.

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

Ell

Saved For A Purpose

Matthew 11:7-19

Hey born-again man, and sanctified woman… guess what? The world hates you! Do you wanna know why? Well, it’s simple. The world hates you, because you walk, talk, and act like Jesus. That’s it! You are a living example of what holiness is in the 21st century, and satan can’t stand it! He and his minions have been trying to silence the message of the Gospel for thousands of years. Every day you get out of bed, demons devise plans to wreck your day, but they are hardly successful, because God has angels watching over you, and fighting in the realm of the spirit, on your behalf.

You, mighty man, and virtuous woman, are the reason why the devil works diligently to thwart the plan of God. God has already passed judgment on the devil and his demonic accomplices, but until the day of judgment comes, the enemy roams free, seeking only to bring the children of God down with him. Have you ever seen, or heard of a situation where a person was drowning, and when someone came to rescue them, they panicked, causing their rescuer to drown with them? Well, satan is doomed, and is frantically attacking the church, in hopes that they will fall out of right standing with God, and spend eternity with him, in the lake of fire. I hate to burst satan’s bubble, but you, man of valor, and highly favored woman, are too focused, and motivated on fulfilling God’s will for your life, and you will not bow down to the forces of evil and wickedness!

This is the generation the prophets of old would love to experience, because these are the days when, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” (Acts 2:17). I say to you courageous man, and faithful woman, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power. God sits high, and is observing all that’s going on in the earth. He is neither surprised, nor caught off guard by the goings on of mankind. But, God is watching you, redeemed man and woman, to see how you will conduct yourselves in these end times.

Will you fall short, after running the race faithfully for years? Will you break and give in to the pressures of this perverse society? Or, will you stand strong and be bold, as the apostles were as they faced persecution on levels far beyond anything we’ve ever experienced? Know this; you are special to God, and He is your biggest supporter. Make Him proud of you, by living according to righteousness, no matter how rough and tough your life may get, knowing that it’ll all be worth it, in the end.

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

Ell

The Trials Of Faith

Job 42:10-17

When you suffer in life, do you automatically think it’s the direct result of some hidden act of sin you’ve possibly committed? Although sin does allow for bad things to happen to the believer, there are also moments when God will schedule a season of suffering for His children, as a means of testing the level of faith they have in Him. Serving God is a beautiful thing, but when our hearts are fixed on fulfilling His purpose in the earth, we are sure to ruffle the feathers of those who oppose righteous living.

Job experienced God’s scheduled season of suffering first-hand, yet proved to God, his confused wife, and misguided friends, that no matter what comes against him, nothing has the power or ability to turn him away from the Father. Through all the terrible things Job experienced, including the death of his ten children, losing all his famed wealth, and being stricken with a physical illness seemingly beyond healing, not once did this man sin against God.

One of the iconic verses in the book of Job is, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (42:10). How often do we cry, moan, and complain to everyone, during hard times, when God only wants to prove to satan, that our faith in Him will remain strong, despite spiritual and physical attacks. Regardless of the occasional hardships we are certain to encounter, we must not forget, we are still beyond blessed! God loads us daily with benefits including, life, health, and the freedom to read and study His Word. When bad things happen, rather than get worked up and full of worry, see your situation as an opportunity to show the enemy his efforts to turn you away from God, will be futile. And, when you stand in the midst of your attacks, while praying for those who misjudge your faith, God will turn your situation around, then bless you with more faith, strength, peace, joy, and love than you had before. Stay blessed Saints.

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

Ell

Why Good Men Fall

Proverbs 2:12-19

How do good people turn bad, and how can men who once pledged their allegiance to God, commit themselves to the way of evil men. Throughout history, many had started out as sensible, wholesome, and genuine individuals. These persons were reliable, and would offer assistance to those who were in need, without hesitation. But over time, such persons begin to show signs of notable change; revealing behaviors contrary to their once praised virtues.

At the root of all things evil, is sin, and the author and orchestrator of wickedness, is the fallen cherub, satan. The believer’s adversary, the devil, is extremely crafty, and more cunning than the average human. He seeks nothing more than to kill, steal, and destroy all that the body of Christ stands for. Not only is satan the master of deception, but he’s fully equipped to infiltrate, and subdue the hearts and minds of those who lack God’s spiritual armor. The devil is indeed a formidable foe, but a man who’s rooted in God’s Word, and properly girded in the right armor, will be able to withstand the wiles of the enemy.

In addition to being clothed for spiritual warfare, warring against satan and his minions requires one to be full of God’s wisdom, and mature in the knowledge and understanding of the words in Scripture. It’s easy for any man to put on the equipment of an NFL football team, but wearing the uniform while not knowing the coach’s plans and schemes, would cause them to easily be defeated by their opponents.

Good men fall, because they fail to invest enough time in meditating, and walking according to the Word of God. The more time we spend entertaining carnal things, the more we neglect to solidify our godly foundation. No man ever “arrives” in godliness, so it’s imperative for believers to grow in the knowledge of God daily. Times will come when a child of God will fall or error, but if handled properly, that person can be restored and become stronger, while avoiding being ensnared by the enemy’s traps.

Our gracious Father in Heaven, freely gives wisdom to all who ask for it, but without His wisdom, you’ll become easy pickin’s for the enemy to distract, and deceive.

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

Ell

Overcome Evil With God

Esther 7:1-10

“When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:12 -15 KJV). God protects those He loves; who diligently seek after Him, and keep His commandments. In the same way a father guards his children from robbers and thugs, or a lion protects its cubs from hungry predators, God will always clear the path of those who are purpose-driven, and seek only to fulfill His will for their lives.

While it’s not laid out in plain text what every man is supposed to do in the earth, the basic instructions written in Scripture, are fairly simple to grasp. We learn in the book of Ecclesiastes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13). Those who are fulfilling the whole duty commanded by God, will receive His divine protection and provision, while traversing their journey. Proof of this is evident throughout the Bible, but more specifically in our recent lessons concerning Mordecai and Esther. Despite the overwhelming obstacle set before them in the form of the wicked Haman, God imparted heavenly wisdom into the hearts and minds of Mordecai and Esther, that allowed them to devise a plan to destroy the enemy’s evil plot. With careful planning, patience, and fasting, the trap Haman set for Mordecai, was turned around against his own self. This is how God works through us today. While some are under the impression, God is like superman, who will swoop down from the skies, and rescue those in need (as they believed Jesus would do when He entered Jerusalem), through His Spirit, God imparts wisdom into us, that helps us plan, and develop strategies that will allow us to overcome the plans of evil.

The body of Christ has a job to do, and that’s for each member to carry out their individual assignments, until the end. Whether you are skilled in teaching, preaching, arts and crafts, or any other area, ask God to give you wisdom from Heaven, to aid you, as you use your gift, talent, or special ability, to win souls for the kingdom.

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

Ell

Strive Until The End

Esther 10:1-3

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 KJV). There are many who start out serving God with all their heart, whose lives exemplify the example Jesus left for the church to follow, after He left the scene. These men and women put God’s best interests at heart, and strive to love their neighbors, while doing all they can, to help those in need. They shun the spotlight, and take advantage of opportunities to bless others, without being seen. Rather than make a name for themselves, these bold believers choose to boast in the Lord, and His goodness. Although these individuals seem to be unhindered in their purpose, they are still susceptible to falling short of God’s glory. The devil tries hard to knock the children of God off track, by influencing them to cling to carnal things. If the believer entertains carnal thoughts long enough, they’ll inevitably give in to the enemy’s temptation.

Many have run well for God, and fought hard to keep His name holy, but after being elevated, and getting their heads puffed up, they gave in to the temptation that was so desperately awaiting to pull them down. Men who once preached “holiness is right” from the pulpit, have allowed their stardom to alter their message, only to please itching ears. Others have been hindered by the mighty dollar, and sought to make profit from the church, rather than speak as a prophet, to benefit the people.

It matters not how you start, but how you uphold what you begin. This was proven true in the life of Mordecai. From the beginning, Mordecai sought only to protect the people of God, while serving as an example of righteousness before them. When faced with adversity, the man of God never wavered, nor altered his stance on what was right in the eyes of God. Even when his faithfulness and trust in God, allowed him to be elevated to a high degree throughout the land, he still held true to his initial motive, to keep the people of God safe, to ensure provision for them, and to continue speaking peace to all his seed.

No matter where you are in life, strive to maintain your initial stance in godliness. Whether God allows you to abound, or be abased, don’t change your belief in Him, nor in His power to overcome all evil. If you resist the devil, he will flee from you, but if you don’t keep God’s Spirit in you, the enemy will return with backup, to try and take you down. Run well until the end, and avoid all obstacles thrown in your way.

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

Ell

No Contest

Esther 3:7-11

The war between good and evil, was determined before it even began. The all-powerful God, cannot be bested on any platform, nor by any being or entity. God reigns supreme over all beings, and all things, so why does satan continue to contest His authority, knowing he already lost? That’s a valid question, deserving of a reasonable response.

While in heaven, Lucifer was blessed by God, to hold a very unique position. From his platform, the beautifully anointed cherubim, allowed pride to settle into his heart, thus initiating his eternal demise. When he fell from heaven, the devil had all intentions of rendering evil to God, for stripping him of his prestigious position. After his stupid mistake, the devil was never permitted to reside in God’s eternal glory, ever again, so the only way to get back at the Father for seemingly humiliating him, satan finds ways to use his powerful methods of deception and manipulation, to influence men to turn against God.

After easily besting the first man and woman, satan continued to cloud the judgment of men from then, until now. How sad it is, to know you missed out on your blessing, but try hard to keep others from receiving theirs. The enemy will NEVER give up, trying to block the children of God, from making it to heaven, and he’s successfully caused many to actually miss it already. The easiest way for a man to be influenced by evil is, for them to refuse, or lack the knowledge of truth. Without the truth of God’s Word, men are easy pickings for the devil to corrupt. For this reason, it’s vital for men and women of God, to deliver the unadulterated truth, so that others can easily discern when the enemy is attempting to trick, and trap them.

Walk in love,

Ell

Contrasting Characters

Habakkuk 2:1-5

The most iconic hero in all of comics is undoubtedly, Superman. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman was introduced to be the savior, and protector of all mankind. Hailing from planet Krypton, young Kal-El was sent to earth, by his biological father, in order to survive the tragic destruction of his home planet. Fortunately, he was discovered by a married couple living in Kansas, who raised the child to be respectful, honest, and portray great work ethics throughout society.

Superman possesses extraordinary powers, with the character traditionally described as “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. For most of his existence, Superman’s famous arsenal of powers has included flight, super-strength, invulnerability, super-speed, vision powers, super-photographic memory, super-hearing, and super-breath, which enables him to freeze objects by blowing on them, as well as exert the propulsive force of high-speed winds.

With all the strengths and powers Superman has at his disposal, his intentions are to only use them for good, not evil. His character is set to a standard, that with power, comes responsibility, and such powers should never be used selfishly, or to take advantage of others. Unfortunately there are those who have contrasting character traits, and prefer to cause chaos and destruction to the lives of innocent people, rather than support their greater good. Superman has reigned victorious over countless villains, including Doomsday, Lex Luthor, Darkseid, and General Zod (just to name a few). Although these foes have powers beyond those of normal humans, they choose to abuse them, seeking only to gain more power and authority over all who are “beneath them”.

The contrasting characters of Superman and his foes, will keep them at never-ending odds, but as long as there’s power flowing within him, Superman will fight for justice, no matter what it takes.

As Christians, we may not have the ability to leap over tall buildings, or run faster than a train, but we do posses a power beyond anything a comic book character can ever obtain. The power that comes after receiving the Holy Ghost, allows for the Saints to perform incredible things, but with such power, also comes responsibility. We are to be the salt of the earth, and season the lands with our compassion, and good deeds. Conversely, the enemy prefers to hinder our righteous living, in favor of promoting a more wicked agenda. Men are fickle, and can be easily beguiled by satan, especially when their minds are unstable.

The children of God are to represent His character traits, while attending to the greater good of all men, but they must also be mindful not to give in to the pressures of the character of our adversary, because this works against the purpose and will of the Father.

To all who fight for justice, and seek only to fulfill the will of God, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Walk in love,

Ell

Forgiveness Is Key

Luke 17:1-4

In our lesson today, Jesus brought to light, something of extreme importance to His disciples, that could also prove valuable to all believers today. In His own words, Jesus said, “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!” (vs. 1). This is quite interesting, because Jesus understood, despite being joined with Himself, there will ALWAYS be those who will place impediments in the way of believers, to cause them to stumble, or fall.

While it’s no surprise when an enemy of the Gospel attempts to block the paths of the righteous, it’s extremely disheartening when a fellow believer commits heinous acts against their own. How sad it is, knowing the world already hates you (as it did Jesus), then to discover, those whom you expected to fight alongside you, attacked you more than your enemies. That’s just wrong on all levels, but if you think that’s high on God’s naughty list, Jesus added, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones”. (vs. 2). When men block little children from growing in the knowledge of God, it would be better for them, and the world, if they would just die, and leave the earth. That’s intense, but I get it. I don’t enjoy hearing about anyone dying, nor experiencing pain, but when you hinder a child from learning the truth about God’s Word, or distract your brother or sister from maturing in the faith, you deserve nothing but the worst punishment (unless you repent wholeheartedly, and change your behavior… yeah, I’m all about that “forgiving” life).

Jesus desired unity among the body of believers, and stressed the importance of forgiving those who admit their mistakes, and seek to return to right standing among the brethren. These days, it’s obvious to tell when a person is sincere in their apology, or if they’re just talking out of their “bleep bleep”, because their actions, following their confession, will reveal what’s really in their heart. As Jesus did with His disciples, I also advise all who abide in God, to take heed, that they keep forgiveness readily available to all who seek it, but to also guard children, and fellow believers, against men who seek only to block their path to God’s glory.

Walk in love,

Ell