Tag: Favorite

We’re All The Same

James 2:1-13

In His most shameful moment, while hanging from a cross, Jesus showed no partiality toward the thief hanging next to Him, and loved the man as Himself. Despite being battered and beaten beyond belief, the Son of God didn’t allow His suffering to change His obedience to the commandment to love. The irony in this story, as compared to the modern church is, many people who are healthy, and temporarily free from suffering, choose to show favoritism to those who are wealthy, and shun those who are poor and needy. The church was commanded to love their neighbors as themselves in all situations, but it’s sad how the rich receive favorable treatment in church assemblies, while those who aren’t as financially well off tend to go unnoticed. Every member of the body of Christ has equal responsibility to build and edify one another in the Spirit of meekness, but showing favoritism totally goes against that command. The text teaches, those who show partiality are considered judges of evil thoughts. This should not be found among anyone who claims the love of God abides in them. Rather than seek to render special treatment to men and women who are rich and famous, set your desires on treating all men as if they were Christ Himself.

“Treat me the same way you want me to treat you.” – Ell

Play It Again

Psalm 119:97-104

When I hear a song, or watch a movie I really like, I can play either on repeat for weeks, or even months, and not get bored. Knowing every word to the song, or all the lines of each character from a movie, I’ll still find great pleasure from enjoying them, no matter how many times they are played. Call me crazy, or even insane, but when I really like something, it brings me joy everytime I’m entertained by it.

A thought crossed my mind the other day, about how many people literally get bored from reading the pages of Scripture. I can admit, when I began to study the Word of God in my early years, I didn’t find it to be as pleasurable as some portrayed it to be. I would often fall asleep, if I read more than two chapters of a book, because I would lose interest, and prefer to watch the game on ESPN. But, as I matured in godliness, and actually tasted God’s Word, I discovered that it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life!

The Word of God is rich in knowledge, and instruction on how to carry oneself as a child of God, so when I read the Bible nowadays, I hate to put it down, because God continues to reveal things in familiar passages, I had not noticed times before. Even if I’m watching a YouTube sermon from one of my favorite teachers, I can watch and rewatch their videos over and over, while still gleaning from their words of wisdom and inspiration.

It’s obvious to me now, that the more of God we have in us, the less space the world can occupy in our hearts and minds. When we love God more than anything else, we’ll even refrain from taking sides with evil men, because our godly understanding will help us discern what’s good for us, and what we are to separate ourselves from. Taste and see for yourself, that God’s Word is worth more than anything!

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

Ell