Tag: First

“I Surrender All”

Mark 12:28-34

The first of all the commandments requires total surrender of all aspects of man, to the supremacy and sovereignty of the almighty God. When asked by a scribe, “Which is the first commandment of all?”, Jesus plainly stated, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:” (vs. 30). If a man did just what Jesus mentioned, there would be little, to no room for that man to error, or turn away from God.

There are many who pour all their strength into their jobs or careers, so much until they have little energy to bathe and eat when they get home (maybe I’m included in that bunch, or maybe not…I won’t tell). There are also people who devote their minds to science and research, that takes hours upon hours of their lives away, as they barely even scratch the surface of what they aim to discover. Then, there are those who literally give their souls to a mate, and can do nothing else, except daydream about that person, night and day. The last group of individuals can be found devoting their hearts to special causes and charities, so much that they desire only to meet the needs of those things they support, while neglecting to allocate time for other important things.

Could you imagine, if the church as a whole, loved the Lord with ALL their heart, soul, mind, and strength? What would the body of Christ look like today, if all members were totally committed to kingdom business? What if all preachers preached the unadulterated proclamations of Scripture, without defiling it to please itching ears? What if teachers taught the words of Jesus, so that men could gain a better understanding of their purpose in the earth? What if gossip, lying, cheating, and all other wicked vices were non-existent among those who claim to be followers of Christ? If all God’s people truly obeyed the first of all the commandments, then I’m apt to believe many who are lost today, would surrender their lives to God, because the church would have a much greater impact in the earth, if all members were totally in love with Lord.

It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

My First Love

Hosea 2:14-23

“Hindsight is always 20/20”, and people usually see situations more clear, after experiencing them first-hand. These sayings are especially true in circumstances where some have failed to appreciate the kindness and generosity of others, until that person removed themselves from their company. A similar saying that applies to this is, “you don’t know what you got, till you lose it”.

Living as a Christian, in these days, is extremely challenging, as men often take our kindness for weakness, but the moment their lives take a turn for the worse, they remember those who once showed them compassion, eventually seeking them for comfort. God dealt with this continually from the children of Israel, during the time when they willingly entertained evil influences, and ignored His chastening. They failed to appreciate all that God was gracefully providing for them, and chose to find pleasure in things the Father despised. This situation happens in many homes across the country, as parents work tirelessly to provide for their children, then witness their lack of appreciation, and resistance to abide by their teachings. It would break my heart, to see the son or daughter I raised and provided for, turn their face away from me, and connect with those who operate under standards contrary to what was established in my home. Children today, are easily distracted by the many influences of the world, so it’s vital that parents establish solid Bible standards as early as possible, to train their kids to recognize truth from lies, at an early age.

God loved Israel, but hated their sins, yet He promised to give them bountiful blessings, as soon as they grew weary from their sinful living, and remembered how good they had it, before they left their first love. God’s love isn’t fickle and frail as the love portrayed by the world, but He offers love unconditional, and reserves blessings for those who remain true to His Word.

Have you left God’s love for someone else’s? If so, do you finally see the difference in the love offered by the Father, compared to that of carnal men? Turn away from all those things that do nothing to help you grow spiritually, and return to your first love. Let God prove to you, that what he offers, can bless your life now, and throughout eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell