“If God Be For Us…”

Romans 8:31-39

Without God, we are defeated, but with God, we are more than conquerors! Without God, we are separated from Christ, but with God, we are inseparable from Christ! Without God, all who come against us can bring us harm, but with God, all who come against us have no chance! Without God, we have no Savior, but with God, the Savior was given for all! Without God, we toil and labor in vain, but with God, our acts of faith are counted as righteousness! Without God, all are condemned, but with God, all have an opportunity to be redeemed! Without God, we are left without hope and alone, but with God, Christ maketh intercession for us! Without God, we can be carried away by tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword, but with God, we are covered from all that forms against us! Without God, we live in vain, but with God, we die daily for a greater purpose!

Make It Rain

1 Kings 18

Many days had passed from the time God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the evil king Ahab, until He was ready to reveal His omnipotence to the nation that had turned against Him. During these times, a severe famine overtook Samaria, but the king and those he ruled were still unconvinced of the sovereignty of the true and living God. After an eventful three years of miraculous signs and provision, God spoke to the prophet Elijah, and instructed him to return to the king with another important message. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” Could you imagine not having rain for three years? Without rainfall on the earth, there would be catastrophic damage all over the world. But, God allows things to happen so others can witness for themselves, all power belongs to Him, and He alone is deserving of worship, honor, and glory. Unfortunately, men are too consumed in their own beliefs, that they totally disregard the obvious workings of the living God, in favor of their futile idolatry.

As you read further into chapter 18, you’ll discover the very unique and elaborate plan God commanded Elijah to follow, which revealed the falsehoods and foolishness of Baal worship, and brought to light the mighty power of the God of Heaven and earth. 450 prophets who worshiped Baal were left without an answer from their “god of rain and plenty”, yet they witnessed the power of the true God with their own eyes.

Nothing compares to the power of the almighty God. Men and women are drawn away daily into deception, and allow falsehoods to overtake their sensibility, but every idol worshipped by men, has no power to do anything, except distract them from the truth. Have you pledged your allegiance to serve weak and powerless idols, or are you aligned with the God who created all things?

Sticky Situation

Genesis 43:1-15

In most churches around the world, children are taught very early, the importance of Ephesians 6:1-3 which reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” The average Christian parent willingly seeks to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, so that as they mature, they’ll gradually develop in knowledge, understanding, and reverence of who He really is. Parents want the best for their children, and desire to steer them in the right direction, so they hold a firm stance toward obedience. But, is it ever ok for a child to disobey their parent’s command?

That question may have tickled a few ears, but should children really do everything their parents tell them to, even if it could cause potential harm to them? Our text gives a great example of this precise situation. After seeing their little brother for the first time in years, and assuming he was probably long dead, Joseph’s brothers were met with a rude awakening, when Joseph thought it wise to teach them a lesson for the past error of their ways. There’s no doubt Joseph was elated to see his brethren (it’s apparent he didn’t hold a grudge, nor develop hate toward them), but he desired more so to see his father and younger brother, Benjamin with his own eyes.

After being sent back to their land, and given instructions to return with Benjamin, Joseph’s brothers told their Father Jacob, all that Joseph had told them. After hearing that “the man” commanded them to bring young Benjamin back to him, Jacob was literally heartbroken. He couldn’t afford to lose another son, especially from the wife he had worked over 14 years to marry.

As time passed, and food begin to become scarce, due to the famine, Jacob told his boys to return to Egypt, to buy more food. Judah spoke out and said (in Ell’s translation), “Dad, we already told you, that dude back in Egypt, warned us not to return without Benjamin. I know you love him as you did Joseph, but I’m gonna have to disobey you on this one pops.” Obviously, this didn’t sit well with Jacob, but he was eventually convinced to comply.

Were Judah and his brothers wrong for agreeing to disobey their father, because it could have potentially cost them their lives, or should they have gone against the words of the ruler of Egypt, and returned without Benjamin? Things that make you go, hmm.

There’s a valuable lesson in this story, that all could benefit from. When it comes to obeying God, while possibly upsetting your parents or others, choose God. Never allow anyone, including those you look up to most, to take precedence over the Word of God, because at the end of the day, only what God says really matters anyway. Also, be mindful not to be disrespectful to those in authority, but be certain when following another man’s orders, it doesn’t contradict how God commanded you to live.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Another Story

Genesis 42:6-25

What if, after all God did for Joseph, from keeping him safe in the pit, protected during slavery, appreciated in prison, to becoming ruler over all Egypt, he decided not to forgive his brothers from the way they dealt with him as a child? I strongly believe, there would be an entirely different story written in chapter 42 of the book of Genesis. If Joseph had refused to show kindness to his brothers, their entire family line (with the exception of himself), would have perished in the famine, and this would have no doubt caused major rifts in biblical genealogies, as the sons of Jacob fathered many who were prominent figures in Scripture.

It’s amazing how one sin, can cause a lifetime of trouble. Even in our own lives, I can say with confidence, that if given the chance, there are quite a few choices you would change, without hesitation. Bad decisions have lingering consequences, many of which never seem to go away, so it’s vital that we walk in obedience to God, and avoid making careless mistakes along our journey. God knew that Joseph would forgive his brothers, and supply all their needs, when the time came. This is why he was elevated to 2nd in command in Egypt. God also knows whether we will slip and fall, or stand strong, so He allows, or disallows certain things to happen in our lives as well. Strive to always make wise decisions, and never refuse to show love to your haters, because God allowed you to be blessed, just so you could bless some of them. Don’t take the blessings of God for granted, neither hold grudges against those who’ve caused you grief. Instead, as you have freely received from God, freely give to those in need.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Oohhh Be Careful…

Genesis 42:1-5

One of the most influential lessons I’ve learned in life was, be careful how you treat a person, because you never know when you may need their help. Oftentimes, it’s a hard pill to swallow, requesting assistance from someone you’ve wronged severely and repeatedly, but receiving help from others comes easy, when you learn to show genuine love and respect toward them consistently.

Joseph’s brothers treated him unfairly, and refused to appreciate his gift, while choosing rather to see him suffer, than prosper. It’s sad and disheartening, when your own family treats you as if you were their enemy, rather than their own kin. But, through all his suffering, shame, and disappointment, God allowed Joseph to be blessed beyond his imagination.

Joseph was purposed to be blessed for many reasons, but also to lend a helping hand to those same brothers who sold him into slavery. During the time when the struggle through the famine became intense, Jacob commanded his sons to go to Egypt for food. After pondering on this lesson for a while, I’m convinced, Joseph knew he’d run into his brothers again, and God had placed him in a position that the average person would never reach during those days, so being in the presence of his jealous and cruel brothers, would definitely have a different flavor this go ’round. Despite the way he was treated, Joseph showed true love toward his brothers.

Can you show real love to someone who deliberately hurt you? Can you forgive, and bless that person who sought only to kill your hopes and dreams? Is your faith strong enough to endure suffering for a season, so that God can elevate you to a place from which you can bless those who caused all your suffering? Chew on that for a moment…

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Fruitful In The Famine

Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40, 50-52

Why do bad things happen to good people? Well, bad things happen to everyone, but it seems, at times, that the good suffer unnecessarily, simply for doing what’s right. Many have lost their lives in the past, for standing for truth, and although they were unable to live full lives, their message still resonates in our current time. In Scripture, Stephen was stoned to death, for doing great wonders and miracles among the people, and teaching the truths of Jesus. Many who strive to do good, suffer unfortunate hardships, but God sees all, and can use those hardships to promote those who endure them.

Our text summarizes the theme of Joseph’s life. Although he didn’t suffer death from all his negative occurrences, God proved to him that those who remain obedient to His Word, can and will be rewarded in the earth. Aside from being blessed during the famine, Joseph’s obedience to God caused him to become ruler of Egypt. Pharoah said to Joseph, “only in the throne will I be greater than thou” (vs. 40b). Wow, what an honor! Allow this lesson to encourage you to continue fighting the good fight. Bad things will happen to good people, but God will use those bad experiences, to elevate them to greater levels in Himself, and among men.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

One Source

Genesis 41:53-57

Trying to prosper in this life while navigating on your own judgment and intellect, will always lead you to an unfruitful end. There’s nothing inherently good in the earth (especially these days) except for those things we have need of to remain alive. Food, clothing, shelter, and good health are most important among all things we can accumulate, and without them, living could easily become a hard thing to do.

God gives those who trust in Him, wisdom required to navigate in the earth. The Lord knows all, and sees the end from the beginning. God knows when seasons will change, whether in nature, or in our own lives. He keeps His children clothed, fed, and protected, during all seasons, and desires that they always be prepared to extend provisions to others as well. It’s hard to convince someone, the God we serve is full of grace, and can supply all our needs, when we’re broke and struggling, but God can and will provide for those who diligently seek Him, and desire to do only what’s pleasing in His sight.

As we continue delving into the story of Joseph, we find where the seven years of plenty had come to an end, and famine took precedence in all civilized lands that surrounded Egypt. Because of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dream, God allowed Egypt the opportunity to prepare well, before the time of dearth invaded the lands. It’s uncertain whether or not the other lands got wind of the prophetic words of Joseph, but the Bible noted, “And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn; because the famine was so sore in all lands” (vs. 57).

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can be certain of who holds tomorrow. God will supply all our “need”, according to His riches in glory, and He expects His people to be ready and willing to help those who are in lack. Giving is God’s modus operandi, and it should be engrained in the minds of all Saints, to operate the same. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). God is the source of all good things, and we can always come to Him to receive those things we have need of.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

A Moment With The King

Matthew 24:3-14

If you could spend a day with Christ, what questions would you ask Him? Would your concerns cater more to events from your past, present, or future? Would you want to know the answers to why certain things happened in your life, that no one could explain, or would you prefer to know how your life would eventually end up? If I could ask Jesus anything, I’d first question His unyielding love for a people, who continually dishonor His name. I would also want to learn the full extent of the love He has for all men. I would then ask Him for advice, on how to remain strong in difficult times, as He once experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane. Being in the presence of Christ, would cause my mind to be filled with a multitude of thoughts, questions, and concerns, but I would probably just enjoy being near Him, until my day in His presence was over.

The disciples of Jesus, were always at liberty to bring to Him, any and all concerns they had. One day, as the Son of God sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him secretly, with a matter they didn’t wish to share with others. The disciples were concerned about the words Jesus had previously spoken in reference to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem. These men also sought clarity on the signs of Jesus’s second coming, as well as the end of the world. These were actually legit concerns that Jesus didn’t hesitate to respond to.

As His disciples, Jesus always made sure to make things clear for them, even when they didn’t fully believe, nor understand His words. Jesus explained, the beginning of sorrows will be made known during the time of great deception; when many shall come in His name, and deceive many saying, “I am Christ”. In addition to great deception, the world will experience wars, rumours of wars, nations rising against one another, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. If the disciples thought those signs were hard pills to swallow, Jesus was just getting started. Not only would the world experience deception and earthly devastation, but the disciples themselves, would face harsh persecution, and even death, for Christ’s name sake. But, in the midst of all this sorrow, they are commanded to continue preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God, to all the world.

I’m not sure whether or not the disciples were motivated to preach while walking down from the mount of Olives that day, but Jesus’ words were nothing but truth, and some have already been manifested to this day. In the year 2020, many have claimed to be messengers of God, while deceiving hundreds and even thousands into believing their wicked doctrines. Also, the earth has experienced all types of famines, earthquakes, viruses and diseases, and all other types of devastation.

We are truly experiencing the prophetic end-times, and like the disciples, we too must strive to spread the Gospel of God, to all nations. Whether we are scheduled to face persecution, affliction, or even death, the duty of all believers is to endure unto the end. Only through perseverance, can the race be won, and all who wait on the Lord, will be saved.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Boaz welcomes Ruth to his fields

Ruth 2:5-13

Have you ever heard the phrase, favor isn’t fair? If you haven’t, I heard it for you…many times. Some people believe in luck, and that in life you either have it represented in a good way, or a bad one. Luck is usually accompanied by coincidence, and many live by these two beliefs, but in my most honest opinion, I shun luck and coincidence, and have more of an affinity to favor and consequence. Nothing happens by chance, but all things are the direct result of the decisions we choose to make, or not make in our daily living.

An example of the latter of the two beliefs I mentioned takes place in our lesson’s text. After returning to her hometown of Bethlehem from Moab, Naomi remembered she had a relative who was a mighty man of wealth. Her arrival came around the time of the beginning of the barley harvest. This was perfect timing, as she and Ruth had an opportunity to glean from the fields, before the harvest was depleted. Naomi had returned home, claiming that the Lord had afflicted her, causing her to be empty, so she needed a means to gain access to food and other provisions. Usually, her husband and sons would make sure their women were properly cared for (that’s rare these days, as men have become soft and lazy), but they were forced to fend for themselves for survival.

Surprisingly, Ruth devised a plan to glean in the fields that belonged to Naomi’s wealthy relative, Boaz, in hopes that he would notice her, and find favor with her. Long story short, her plan worked! While gleaning in the fields, Boaz noticed Ruth, and took a liking to her, so he inquired of the reapers who she was. After hearing the whole story of her time with Naomi, Boaz extended unprecedented favor toward Ruth, and made it known to her that his actions toward her were the result of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to Naomi, even after losing her husband and abandoning her faith for theirs. Boaz would continue to bestow blessings upon Ruth, so much until the two would eventually become an item. Ruth’s temporary suffering turned into a lifetime of favor and blessings.

I know first-hand the struggle is real, and life can throw some pitches that are extremely tough to hit, but if we remain committed to God through the storms and the rain, He’ll provide a rainbow of blessings after those storms pass that will change our lives from bitter, to better. Favor is fair, but only if you follow the right path to attain it.

Walk in love,

Ell

Naomi loses her husband and sons

Ruth 1:1-5

Throughout life, there will always be certain things that are beyond our control. The serenity prayer helps us understand this truth also, as it’s words mention, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever and ever in the next. Amen.” When life feels out of control, it’s easy to try to control everything and everyone around us, but some of us do the opposite, and just throw our hands up while giving up on the situation altogether. Accepting and submitting to God’s plan for your life is the only sure way to find peace in situations you’re unable to change or control. We may not always understand God’s plan, but we can let go of trying to manipulate events and people, and let God work through us.

In our lesson text, Naomi was faced with a situation that could either cause her to break down and give up, or push her to be better. During a famine that was taking place in their land, Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) took his wife and two sons on a journey to look for more sustainable lands in the country of Moab. For reasons not mentioned in Scripture, Elimelech died. This was very significant, as the husband was the sole provider of the family during these days, and losing a husband could cause major problems for a widow trying to provide for two sons on her own. To make matters worse on the heartbroken widow, during their time in Moab, Naomi’s two sons died as well. Some speculate that their deaths were the result of transgressing the law in marrying foreign women, but this is unlikely, unless they were convinced to follow idolatry with the Moabites as well. In any case, within the span of ten years, this faithful woman lost all her means of support, including her husband and two sons.

Let’s further examine this situation, because as you read a bit deeper into the text, we find where Naomi, like many today, thought God was punishing her for something she probably had done, but if you look at the bigger picture, famines, wars, and the like are not personal curses, or they would only affect the person involved. These types of judgments show no respect of persons at all, affecting the wicked, as well as the righteous. When God finds it necessary to punish the wicked, sometimes the righteous suffer along with them as well. We live in a time where judgment is coming down on the wicked, yet the good hearted and kind people are struggling as well. It almost seems unfair that the good must suffer at the expense of evil men’s deeds, but we were graced to have faith and power through God’s Spirit to help us endure, until our change comes.

Naomi seemingly lost everything, but her faith in God kept her standing, and provided the opportunity for her to be blessed abundantly in the end. The end of a matter with God is ALWAYS good, and if it’s not good, then it’s not the end of the matter. Keep living, and watch God work! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Walk in love,

Ell