God’s Word is true and reliable

Isaiah 40:6-9

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, while preparing them for future events. It’s one thing to experience something, without being prepared for it, but it’s a million times better when you can be prepared for an event, while waiting in expectation and anticipation of its arrival. Christ loves all men, and desires that they stay true to God’s words, and be ready when He returns.

Before Jesus entered the earth, prophecy of His arrival, and the truth of God’s Word was revealed through the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit of God brought to light to Isaiah, how frail, and unreliable this world is, in comparison to the ever-sustaining and true, Word of God. Flowers fade, grass withers, animals die, men age, and time continues to reveal the frailties of humans and nature alike, but the one thing proven to be unchangeable, and always reliable is, the Word of God. Unlike food, that loses its desire the more of it you consume, God’s Word gets sweeter, and more desirable the more you study, and meditate on it.

Everything your eyes see on a daily basis, will soon be changed from a temporal and frail condition, to one that will last forever. This present earth will be renovated by fire, and God will be sure to sustain it, as long as His Word remains true. Rather than get too caught up into the things of this world, we should focus most of our attention on enjoying the new Heaven, and new earth.

Everything in God’s Word, despite those who have alerted the original scriptures and devised multiple tainted versions of the Bible, is true, and is at the pinnacle of fulfillment. From the book of Genesis, to Revelation, every inspired word that God revealed into the hearts of those who contributed to the scriptures has withstood the times. Every issue, or situation we face even in this time, can also be referenced somewhere in Scripture. It’s because of God’s Word that we know how to live, and what to live for. Even the wonders of science are hidden on multiple pages of the Bible. All of God’s words are true, reliable, encouraging, and offer a sense of security that won’t be found trusting any other source.

What’s your motivation for living? Are the sources you trust in, proven and reliable like God’s Word? Are you encouraged to continue in the direction your life is going, based on what you believe? If not, I encourage you to rest in the Lord, and allow His trusted Word to build up your faith, hope, and desire to be one of the sons, or daughters He’s calling for in these last, and evil days.

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

Remember that you were there

Deuteronomy 4:9-11

Picture this: You get a call one day from your pastor, or spiritual leader, who tells you that he’s gathering all the congregation together, to meet at the nearest mountain (in Florida, that would be a far drive, unless you reside near the Panhandle). Anyhoo, once everyone arrives at this mountain, they all witness the entire mass of earth begin to burn with fire, yet not be consumed by it. To make this encounter more interesting, the voice of God begins to speak from the mountain of fire, and gives you instructions on how to live, and what He expects from you. Realistically speaking, after your eyes dim down to normal size, mouth winds up from the ground, and skin rest gently back on your body, would you easily forget this experience? I highly doubt I would, because this one instance would literally change my life forever!

Seeing such a miraculous happening, and hearing the voice of God from a mountain engulfed in flames must have been an awesome sight, and breathtaking sound to the children of Israel, and God never wanted them to forget it, “lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life” (vs.9). God’s law set the standard by which His people were to live by. Those who understood God’s words, were to abide by them, then teach them to their children, and continue it throughout their generations. The world would be a different place, if that tradition was followed by everyone who claimed to be a child of God. In any case, God wanted Israel to know, without a doubt, that He was all-powerful, all-knowing, and in control of the things they would face in life. He wanted them to be fully persuaded that there was no other god in Heaven, nor on the earth, who was able to do exceeding, abundantly, and above all they could ask for, or think of.

Good examples make way for positive influence, and living a life pleasing to God, will impact the lives of those who follow you in a positive way. However, not everyone will change based on how you live, but they’ll know for certain, God is real, by the way He reveals Himself through your life. In those moments when life’s pressures break them, they’ll look up and see you standing strong, because God is with you. When trouble surrounds them on every side, they’ll cry to you for help, because they’ve witnessed you overcome the impossible. Even in time of sickness, those who watch your life will look to you for prayer and encouragement, because they know, if God healed and delivered you, then He can do the same for them too.

Never forget how amazing God is, and how His love impacts your life daily. Share His words with all those you meet, especially those from the younger generation, because the children of today, will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jonathan and David plan rendezvous

1 Samuel 20:18-23

When going through trouble and hard times, it’s important that prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and fasting, be at the forefront of a person’s thought process. When we’re overwhelmed with the pressures of life, we can literally lose ourselves in stress and worry, if we’re not rooted and grounded in God. Connecting with others who are strong in faith, and sensitive to your situation can also help alleviate the strain of bearing your burdens alone. David was favored by God to gain the trust and respect of Jonathan, who made sure to keep his friend safe from his father’s multiple attempts to kill him. When God has a plan for your life, He’ll assign certain people to help you bring that plan into fruition.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:12-19).

Walk in love,

Ell

Faithful women

Mark 15:40-47

When God created man and woman, He made them wonderfully, but there’s something about a woman that makes them tick a bit different from the man. In my most humble opinion, when God formed the woman from Adam’s rib, I’m apt to believe that He pulled out some things the man can never get back. Women are driven by default. They see a need, fill that need, then search for opportunities to fill other needs. Women have a certain “sticktoitiveness” that pushes them to go after what their hearts desire, no matter what obstacles lie in wait. Proverbs 31 lists verses of things women are capable of, including the value of her worth, the virtue in her very being, and the amazing things she can do with just her hands and a vision. The average woman in business has proven over the years that she is just as capable to perform certain duties as a man, yet isn’t fairly compensated for it (that’s food for another lesson). I could go on forever listing the awesome attributes of the woman, including how they even live longer than men, partially because their immune systems age slower, but I want to focus your attention on the power in their “sticktoitiveness”. If you do enough global research, you’ll discover that women are actually responsible for keeping the world turning. Now don’t get it twisted, I’m not advocating for the female chauvinist movement, rather I’m taking a moment to set the stage to introduce some of the most loyal women in the history of creation.

Since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He was usually accompanied by His twelve disciples, who were all men in training to carry on the Gospel message after He left the scene. The disciples were imbued with power that enabled them to heal sick people, cast out devils, and even raise those who had died, but in the very moment when their faith and loyalty was truly tested, they failed miserably. In the final moments, as Jesus breathed His last breaths, the ones who stuck close by His side until the end were, the women. The moment He needed His boys to have had His back, is when He realized that He could trust more in the women who followed His ministry, than the very ones responsible for taking over the reigns after His death. He even prophesied that they would scatter, so He was already prepared to face His mission alone. How would you feel if you were the quarterback of a football team that was about to play against the team that never lost a game, then your teammates all quit, but then the cheerleaders came on the field to play alongside you? That would be rather odd, but interesting nonetheless. There will be moments in our lives when the ones we least expect will give us more support than those in our close circles. God has a unique way of proving the loyalty of your friends by exposing what’s in their hearts through your own trials and testing.

During the entire crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Magdalene (the woman whom Jesus cast out seven demons), and Mary the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus, witnessed the entire event. They also were loyal followers of Jesus when He ministered in Galilee. Not only were these two women standing in support of their crucified Savior, but verse 41 reads that many other women also looked upon Jesus, as He laid down His life for the world. My question remains, where were the disciples, as Jesus suffered this great persecution? Where were those strong and courageous men, who were blessed with power, taught the ways of holiness, and equipped to stand against all evil? More than likely, they were in hiding, for fear of losing their lives, but Jesus taught them specifically in Matthew 16:25, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Sooo wouldn’t it be more appropriate for Jesus to be crucified with those who followed Him the closest? Although it would make for a heartfelt storybook ending to see Jesus crucified with His disciples, this was a mission Christ had to suffer alone, so that the disciples could establish His doctrine in the foundation of the church.

As you take up your cross and follow after Christ, expect so-called friends to fall away gradually, especially when the heat gets turned up to a great degree. Only through intense flames, is pure gold proven, so watch carefully who remains by your side in those hard and trying moments of your life. You may be surprised who’s left standing with you, so embrace them, and thank God for loyal and faithful friends.

Walk in love,

Ell

Well pleased

Matthew 3:11-17

Every member joined into the body of Christ plays a major role in establishing God’s kingdom. Some were called to preach or teach, while others were called to prophesy or handle administrative duties in the church. There are many who establish churches, and set them in motion, only for others to sustain them, and strive to fill every seat with disciples. The most important part of any ministry is its foundation. Just as buildings require solid foundations in order to withstand time and weathering, ministries demand the same to ensure prosperous and fulfilling works from the body of believers.

One believer who was called to prophesy and establish the foundation for the ministry of Christ was, John the Baptist. John typified the character of how the church should carry themselves. He wasn’t flashy or prideful, nor did he boast in himself, as many with platforms and an audience usually do. While the rich and wealthy of John’s day wore girdles of silk or linen, decorated with silver, gold, and valuable stones, John dressed himself in camel’s hair, and a leather girdle, which were rough garments usually worn by prophets or the poor. Although his physical appearance wasn’t stunning, his message of repentance was bold, sharp, and powerful! Unlike preachers today who give watered down messages only to appease their listening audiences (and to keep good offerings coming in), John’s words cut straight to the heart. Some of John’s doctrines included repentance, the kingdom of heaven, restitution, godliness, absolute justice, and Jesus, the Lamb of God.

As John’s popularity grew, many came from Jerusalem, Judea, and all the region around Jordan, to be baptized of him, and to be forgiven of their sins. Like clockwork, whenever God was moving immensely in the lives of people, the haters always showed up to poke their nose in God’s business. John noticed the Pharisees and Saducees coming to his baptism, and without hesitation, he called them out for their self-righteousness, and denial of true godliness. It’s one thing to come to God with the intention to change, but coming only to spectate and criticize is simply a waste of time. John continued to express that he baptized with water unto repentance, but Christ will come and baptize with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. John remained humble at the mention of Christ, because he was fully aware that his little cousin was indeed the Son of God, but he wasn’t prepared to actually baptize Jesus. When Jesus arrived to Jordan where John was ministering, He asked for John to baptize Him, but John refused, because he felt unworthy to do such an incredible thing. Jesus mentioned something very interesting that quickly changed John’s response when He said, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (vs. 15). In other words, God had an assignment for both of His servants to fulfill, and it was purposed for John to baptize Jesus, the savior of the world.

As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and shining upon Him. What an awesome depiction of the Father above, the Son below, and the Spirit between them! God then spoke those awe-inspiring words, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (vs. 17). Although it wasn’t mentioned in Scripture, I’m 175 percent certain that God was also well pleased with John. John did well in paving the way for Christ, and he continued his mission even after Jesus took the stage. As God looks over all the men and women who still exist on the earth, is He well pleased when He stops and gazes at you? Look at your life, and compare it to all those who’ve gone on to glory. Are you bold in your confession of salvation as other pioneers of the faith were? Do you go against the grain, and preach holiness, even when others criticize and put you down? Like John the Baptist and Jesus, live your life in such a way that God is always pleased when He mentions your name in Heaven.

Walk in love,

Ell