Futile Faith

Habakkuk 2:18-20

When you experience days of sadness, grief, or sorrow, do you go outside, and express your thoughts to your car? In times of distress, will seeking the counsel of your fine clothing, help to make your days better? When you need peace in the midst of a storm, how much money can you spend to find resolution? When you’re sick in your body, can you look into your television, and find healing? Of all the things men idolize today, none can offer the love, joy, healing, peace, strength, and wisdom God freely gives to those who serve Him.

Idols do nothing except distract men from the truth of God’s Word, and keep them bound to satan’s evil philosophies. Our text plainly describes idols as, dumb, clarifying that they have no breath at all, nor can they hear, or be trusted to assist men in any way. It’s rather unfortunate, how the glory that belongs to God, is given to things made by the hands of men, but such is the way this world has become.

The body of Christ needs to be mindful, not to get caught up in giving too much time to things unhealthy for their souls. Despite what the world promotes as popular, or attractive, God is the only one deserving of the glory, honor, and praise. When we are hurting in our hearts, God can give us a peace that surpasses all human understanding. When we get weak, and are about to throw in the towel, God’s perfect strength lifts us up, and prepares us to fight another round.

Push away all idols in your life, that only distract you from focusing your attention on the awesome creator of the universe, and let God be the only one you run to for all your needs.

Walk in love,

Ell

Do You Love Me?

Isaiah 1:11-17

Would you accept gifts from someone who said they loved you, but was inconsiderate, full of sin, weighed down in iniquity, evil, corrupt, rebellious, and turned their back on you? Whether it was something you desired, or simply something seemingly valuable, would you find it difficult to refuse? Love has been abused since the beginning of time, when men claimed to love God, yet their lifestyles proved otherwise. Even today, many have a limited understanding of what love represents, and cater only to the feeling and emotional aspects of it. The definition of love is vast, yet understandable, but many fail to take time to delve into the core of its meaning.

God is love, and when the term is used, God must be at the root of its intended purpose. When I tell someone I love them, it’s not because I get butterflies in my tummy, or goosebumps on my skin, but I understand they are a precious creation, made by God, and deserve to be treated as Christ Himself. I’d be willing to make sacrifices, and assist as necessary to make their lives better, in an effort to prove that the love I spoke with my lips, was more than mere words alone. Love is action, and our works reveal whether our professed love is genuine, or counterfeit.

Our text reveals God’s feelings toward those who abuse love, and attempt to justify ill actions with gifts. Israel had rebelled against God, yet still believed He would accept their offerings and sacrifices. To their surprise, their sinful behavior kindled the Lord’s anger, to the point He refused to accept any gift, offering, sacrifice, feast, or anything that brought Him delight in the past. Unfortunately, their offerings were vain and unable to please God, so He commanded them to put away their evil doings, and rather than present vain offerings to Him, show genuine love to those around them instead.

When you use the word love, what are your intentions behind it? Is it a tool you use to manipulate others, in order to get what you want, or do you understand the true definition of God’s love?

Walk in love,

Ell

Under persecution proclaim Jesus the Christ

Acts 17:1-9

When believers preach the truth of God’s Word to the world, not everyone will receive it the same way. While those who believe, will open their hearts to receive God’s inspired words, unbelievers will exhibit behaviors contrary to the character and nature of a disciple of Christ, and will oftentimes make attempts to silence the children of God, in favor of promoting their false beliefs and doctrines. No matter how loving, kind, gracious, and true God is, some men won’t be convinced that He reigns supreme, until they have a “Saul-Paul” conversion experience. God wants all men to be saved, but satan influences many, while promoting his opposition without ceasing.

The apostle Paul had many experiences dealing with men standing against his teaching, but he never allowed persecution to change his profession of holiness, nor his message of the Gospel. In our text, Paul and Silas had journeyed to Thessalonica, where they took part in their His usual habit of preaching, and expressing the details of the scriptures, in the synagogue. While ministering for about three weeks, Paul was graced with the presence of a great multitude of people taking heed to his teaching. Those who were convinced by the teaching of the Scripture, consorted with, or joined allegiance to Paul and Silas. Unfortunately, those which believed not, did what many unbelievers typically do when they feel threatened; “set all the city on an uproar” (vs. 5b). The unbelieving Jews were motivated by envy, and convinced another group of rowdy knuckleheads to join them in searching the whereabouts of the men of God. The angry mob then visited the house of Jason, one who believed in God, and had hidden God’s servants so well, the disturbed Jews couldn’t find them. Out of spite and anger, the mob arrested Jason, without proof of a crime, then eventually released him. Men will do some strange and unusual things when they fight against God. Rather than simply ignore Paul and his teaching, they wanted to have them arrested for supposedly going against the decrees of Caesar. Men will never learn, their power cannot rival that of the Creator of all things. Even today, men show more respect and reverence to celebrities, or politicians, rather than the God who created them.

In the midst of unfair and unjust treatment, never change the way you feel about God. He’s been with you from the beginning, and He has a wonderful end awaiting you. We are human, and at times, tense up when the pressure builds, but rather than run when the fire gets too hot, ask God to join you in the flames, and allow the heat to try your faith, to show the world it’s as pure as gold.

Walk in love,

Ell

Test the spirits

1 John 4:1-8

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Satan is also a spirit, and many who have been deceived, worship him blindly, according to the spirit of error. From generation to generation, God calls men and women to speak according to His Word, so that believers and be encouraged, and sinners can be saved. Like a good shepherd, it’s the duty of the Father to keep His sheep gathered and protected from all who would wish to harm them. The devil is the wolf, dressed in sheep’s clothing, who has worked diligently for thousands of years, to sway men’s hearts from believing in God, but the truth of God’s Word is potent enough to keep God’s people safe, because the enemy has already been defeated by the power in that same Word, since Christ took on the sins of the world, died, then arose with all power in His hand!

In the same way we see millions of men and women carrying on their duties on the earth, in the realm of the spirit, there are countless good and bad forces, doing what they were assigned to do as well. God’s Holy Spirit abides in the hearts of believers to comfort them, and bring back to their remembrance, all the words taught by Jesus. His duty is to encourage, inspire, and uplift the hearts of those who strive to be like Christ. On the contrary, the devil and his host demonic beings go to and fro, seeking whom they can kill, steal, destroy, and devour. Our text mentions how we are to test every spirit that influences a man, and not believe their words, except they be inspired by God. The text also mentions that the antichrist spirit is already in the world, deceiving the minds of many who aren’t rooted and grounded in the love of God. Preachers, prophets, teachers, and whoever claims to be called by God, must first confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, before we should believe anything else that proceeds from their lips. Those who deny that Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, then rose up from the grave, are not of God, but of the devil.

Despite what we see going on, as the end draws nigh, disciples of Christ are to continue to love one another, because God is love. We can’t hate those who refuse to accept our proclamations of holiness and godliness, because the world isn’t tuned in to God, therefore they can hear Him through us, but to those who are of God, they hear us, and will continue abiding in the spirit of love and truth. Your love for others proves your love for God, so walk in love, but beware of deceiving spirits, that try to take that love away.

Walk in love,

Ell

Weigh the evidence carefully

Deuteronomy 19:15-20

If all members of the body of Christ loved each other as they were commanded to, according to Scripture, then there would be no reason to establish matters concerning false witnesses and reports. This is because, the love of God that dwells in each individual would permeate so deep in their hearts, until any thought of evil, or deception would be clipped at the root, before being birthed from the lips. Rather than seek to deceive, or manipulate a brother or sister, members would instead look for opportunities to bless them at all times. God is giving, and gracious in doing so, and those who abide in His love have the capability of operating in like manners. Unfortunately, men are fickle, and tend to give in to the pressures of sin, which cause them to turn against the brethren in the church.

In those moments, when someone brings up a false report against another, our text teaches that the two involved parties are to come before those in charge of handling such matters, in order to find the truth of that matter. In addition, one man’s word alone isn’t enough to convict the accused, but two or three witnesses are required to validate the alleged report. This is similar to our court system today, where it takes more than one man’s word to convict another, because witnesses and evidence must be presented to prove the assumed claims. God stands for truth, and shuns lies, so in order to rightly justify, or sentence a man for a claim, the matter was to be carefully investigated by judges, who were instructed to make “diligent inquisition” of, or carefully and thoroughly seek the truth of reported cases. It’s never a good thing to quickly condemn someone based on a false accusation, without thoroughly seeking the truth, because you could be responsible for wrongfully judging an innocent man, and according to this text, if it’s discovered that the accusation was indeed false, then the one who presented the lie would be judged by the same judgment he intended to be brought upon the innocent.

This example was intended to bring fear in all who were present at the hearing of such cases, so that they would think twice about making the same mistake of falsely accusing their brother or sister.

Bearing false witness sucks on so many levels because, if you claim to have the love of God in your heart, how could you even imagine thinking evil of your own people? Love covers a multitude of faults, so even if you witnessed a fellow believer fall, or make a mistake, you don’t put their fault on blast, instead you approach them in brotherly love, and hope they receive your rebuke in love as well.

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:25-32).

Walk in love,

Ell

A mother-daughter covenant

Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18

The importance of good examples is necessary to ensure that those who follow behind us will have a better chance of avoiding unnecessary problems and situations in their own lives. Parents strive to raise their children in ways that will set them up to be respected, as they grow and mature in life. Fathers teach their sons how to be men, and develop the necessary work ethics required to be effective in their future roles. Mothers show their daughters what it takes to maintain the home, as well as groom them to one day be a good wife to their husband, and mother to their children. We are all products of what we gleaned from the examples of those who came before us, and whether we gravitated toward the good, or the bad, the way our lives are set today is based on who’s example we elected to follow after.

The life of Ruth was greatly increased, because she decided that following after Naomi, and her God, was better than returning to the pagan life she was once associated with. I’m certain the way Ruth and her sister-in-law lived prior to being found and married by the sons of Naomi seemed senseless and unprofitable up to this point in their lives, because when they were advised to return home to their past, they both wept and refused, because they found that following Naomi’s example was far better than what they had left. After refusing to leave Naomi’s side, Ruth cemented her covenant with those famous words she spoke in verses 16 and 17.

Who’s example did you follow, that caused your life to turn out the way it did? We’re your parents or grandparents an influential part of your development as a man or woman, or were you heavily influenced by others who either encouraged you to grow in the grace of God, or exposed you to things contrary to holiness at an early age. No matter what she faced in life, Naomi made certain to stay true to God, and protect those under her care. We should do the same in our lives as well, and make certain that those who are under our wings are properly cared for, respected, and encouraged to do their best in this life, so that they’ll store up great rewards in the next.

Walk in love,

Ell

Transformed giving and praying

Matthew 6:1-6

Since the beginning of man’s existence, giving has been a major part of society. While there are many who have been privileged to have an abundance of supplies and resources, there are always those who live in lack, and require assistance from others to get by. Jesus Himself reminded us, “For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always” (Mark 14:7). Governments offer programs that provide food, shelter, and clothing for those who are less fortunate, but such programs are limited in supplies, and render services only in certain areas. While it’s good there are services provided by governments to assist those who are unable to provide for themselves, this burden should be handled by the church. That may seem to be a biased opinion, but if the body of Christ was unified as it was when the early church was established, then providing for the poor and needy would be a simple and fulfilling task. The problem with many people who extend services to the poor is, they do it to be seen of men, and seek only to bring glory to themselves.

Back in the day, alms were acts of charity, that were only solicited by the less fortunate. Those who were able to help were commanded by Jesus to do their alms in secret, so that their reward could be personally delivered by God Himself. Many hypocrites were literally sounding trumpets and gaining attention from men, under the false grounds of calling the poor, yet with no other intention than to gratify themselves by giving alms in public, but Jesus said that’ll be their only reward, the praise of men. Christians are to walk in humility, and not seek the glory of men, because all glory belongs to the God who gives us power to get wealth, and in return, bless others.

This same approach should be applied to our prayer lives as well. Those hypocrites who did their alms in public, were also guilty of praying only to be seen of men as well. Prayer is how the believer communicates with God the Father to gain spiritual insight, strength, direction, encouragement, faith, wisdom, and all other necessary resources required to live a godly life. Prayer is misused, abused, and ineffective when done for selfish and unprofitable reasons. The effects of prayer are only seen when God responds, so praying amiss, or outside of God’s will is a sure way not to get God’s attention. Jesus said when the believer prays, they should go into a place where there is privacy, then pray to the Father in secret, then He will in turn reward His children openly.

Christians should avoid becoming haughty or high-minded, and strive to remain free from hypocrisy, broken in spirit, burdened for others, meek, humble, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, wise, obedient, patient, and loving. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

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

Jesus betrayed and arrested

Mark 14:43-50

Have you ever been arrested for a false accusation? I’m certain most of us haven’t, but the mere thought of being accused, arrested, and punished for a crime you didn’t commit can cause all sorts of feelings and emotions to run through the mind, from fear and confusion, to anger and rage. Living outside of the standards of holiness, can cause men to act in ways that are unpleasant, and exhibit inhumane behavior to innocent people. In the words of Bishop Earl Carter, “sin makes you stupid.” This is 100 percent accurate, as the purpose of sin is to turn men away from God, and follow paths of evil and wickedness.

Judas, one of the original 12 disciples, was never fully sold on Jesus and His ministry. This is true based on his pattern of selfish behavior and motives as he and the eleven apostles followed Jesus during His ministry. Although Judas was continuously doing things undercover that may have been hidden from his brethren, Jesus was fully aware of all his wicked actions, no matter how cunning he was. I often wonder why Jesus didn’t replace Judas from the beginning, or even leave him out of the original selection process when gathering disciples altogether, but in the words of Jesus Himself, “but the scriptures must be fulfilled” (vs. 49). God has His reasons for doing things certain ways, and it’s unwise to question His authority, but there are many lessons that can be learned from the lives of Jesus and the disciples, even though one betrayed Him.

In this lesson’s text, the final chapter of the life of our Savior had began to unfold, as the betrayal of Judas was brought into full manifestation. After an agonizing moment in the garden of Gethsemane, and being left to find strength in the only One He could trust, because His disciples were too sleepy to offer any sense of encouragement, Jesus woke up the heavy-eyed disciples and exchanged words with them. As He spoke, Judas, along with a gang of men composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, surrounded Jesus and His disciples, carrying swords and staves (wooden clubs and other weapons). One thing that’s interesting to note is, the men who sought to kill Jesus didn’t even know what He looked like. How can you seek to murder someone whom you can’t even recognize? Judas told the men that the one he kisses, “the same is he; take him, and lead him away safely” (vs. 44). Had they known who they had come to take, there would be no need for a sign of identification. As I mentioned, sin makes you stupid. In any case, after the kiss of betrayal, the men took hold of Jesus and attempted to take Him away, but He presented them with a thought-provoking question, as He often does. Jesus asked the men, “Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves to take me?” (vs. 48). Jesus continued to remind them how He would teach daily in the temple with them, but they didn’t take him then. I guess they felt better doing their dirt outside the sacred walls, than within them…smh. The level of humility Jesus portrayed was unlike any other, in that He could have easily called down legions of angels to rid Him of all those who opposed His ministry, but because of His unending love for you and I, He endured unimaginable torture, pain, and persecution, so that we could be saved from the judgment of sin, and one day live in eternal glory with the Father, and the Son.

Walk in love,

Ell

By their fruits you will know

Matthew 7:15-23

One of the biggest issues that has concerned mankind since the beginning of time until now, is trust. Living in a world full of sin and deceit, many find it hard to confide in people, because there’s always uncertainty whether or not they can be trusted. We research and check the backgrounds of doctors, lawyers, and even ebay providers to make sure they have a trustworthy history before sharing private information with them, or exchanging transactions.

In this text, Jesus gave in-depth analysis on how to truly know a person by recognizing them by the fruit they bear. His focus was geared toward making the church aware of how to spot a false prophet, and not fall in to their deception. Jesus said, “Beware”, or keep away from false prophets and teachers. Although they may walk the walk, and talk the talk, they’re just wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The biggest identifier of who they are, will be revealed in what they produce. The average fruit tree wears its fruit on its branches, for all to see and collect. Trees that are plush and full of leaves appear to have fruit ripe for the pickin’. But that’s not always the cause, because Jesus was once deceived by a fig tree that appeared to have fruit, but was only full of leaves. So he cursed it, and it withered away.

Men and women are taking great risks, teaching and preaching false doctrines, but the fruit of their labor will soon come to light. It would do us well to pay attention to the lives of those who claim to be called by God, and anointed to teach, preach, or prophesy. The sign of a true prophet is, what they proclaim happens. If it doesn’t happen, false prophet.

Most prophets in Scripture who were sent by God usually confirmed what was already in the hearts of the culprit, or to highlight end-time events. There are those who play the game of mesmerizing audiences by calling out personal information about an individual that they dug up before a service, so that the people would be amazed and moved to give large offerings to them in the end. This type of deception is frowned upon by God, and actually catches many saints off guard.

Preachers and teachers who fail to bring forth good fruit, will soon be cut down and cast into the fire. I’m sure I don’t need to explain that in detail. All the false prophets and teachers will one day stand before the throne of judgment and testify that the works they did, were done in the name of Jesus. But Christ will respond, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” These men are in pulpits, on stages, and even in our communities working acts of iniquity.

Guard yourselves against such persons and show others the real Jesus inside of you.

Seek peace,

Ell