Scattered Minds

1 Peter 3:8-19

The men and women who make up the body of Christ in these last days, aren’t all on the same page. We are living in a time, when many false doctrines have infiltrated congregations around the globe, causing some to hold fast to the traditions of men, rather than the commandments of God the Father. The apostle Peter teaches in our text, we are all to be of one mind, as we fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Unity is essential in keeping the body of Christ together, and allowing each member to effectively use their gifts for edification, but where division is present, confusion has the ability to keep many from being their best for God. Not only are the members of Christ’s body commanded to be of one mind, but being meet for the Master’s use also demands that we walk in humility, show compassion toward others, and be willing to extend encouragement to all who need it. When a person’s foundation is built on godly principles and standards, they’ll easily render good for evil, or blessing for persecution. The church today loses its influence on the lost, the more they give in to false doctrine, which causes division. But, when the Lord is once again sanctified in the hearts of men, only then can they truly submit themselves to the truth of God’s word, and easily recognize anything that is contrary to what the Father commanded them to do.

Too Good To Keep!

Matthew 9:27-31

Is there ever a time when it’s okay to “not” obey the words of the Lord? For many, this question would be answered with an absolute “NO”, because the Bible teaches us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. We also learn from the Scriptures, those who hear the word and keep it, are blessed. Now that the foundation has been established, that men ought to always obey the words of the Lord, how could it be possible for anyone to get a pass for not doing as the Lord commanded?

Our text reveals a time, when Jesus was beginning to make known His power and authority amongst those who gathered in His presence. While the Son of God chose to keep a low profile, and shun popularity, His profound teachings and miraculous works caused many to seek Him for various reasons. After casting demons from a man, healing a woman with an issue of blood, and raising a ruler’s daughter from her death bed, Jesus was approached by two men suffering from blindness. The men obviously heard about Jesus and His reputation, so they both cried to Him, asking for mercy. Unlike the previous miracles performed by the hands of Jesus, these men were handled a bit differently. After crying out for help, Jesus continued walking toward His destination (many suggest Matthew’s house). Why would Jesus continue walking away from the men, rather than turn toward them, and heal them? Interesting, isn’t it? The two blind men followed Jesus into the house (obviously being led by some from the crowd), then stood before Him. Jesus asked, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” In other words, “do you guys really believe I can heal you?” The men responded with a confident, yes Lord! So, Jesus touched their eyes, and healed them, according to their faith.

Rather than respond immediately to the blind men’s plea, Jesus waited to see if they had faith. There will be times when it seems as if God is taking His sweet time to answer our prayers, but He’s oftentimes monitoring us, to see if we’ll keep our faith in Him, or give in to our issues. The blind men were persistent, and would not allow anything to stop them from claiming their healing.

This is such a beautiful Bible story, but how does it relate to my initial question? After receiving their sight, Jesus told the men to keep this news to themselves, and not spread word of their healing to others. This word from Jesus seemed almost unfair. How could anyone who received a miraculous healing from Jesus, not share their message of deliverance with others? It’s possible, Jesus was seeking to keep His identity unknown to His enemies as long as possible, so He didn’t want the fame men attempted to attach to His name to spread. Another possible reason for keeping this act quiet could be, because Jesus didn’t want to only be known as a worker of miracles. Whatever the reason, the men left and spread word of their healing throughout all their country, doing the opposite of what Jesus told them to. So, were they wrong for sharing their good news with others?

Godly Representatives

Psalm 50:1-15

Parents (mainly mothers) are keen on making sure their children are well groomed, and pleasant, before leaving the house. Shirts should be tucked in, belts buckled, shoes laced properly, noses wiped, and all crunchies removed from the eyes, so that when the children are presented to the public, they represent their parents well. Throughout the day, children have the tendency to slack from following their parents instructions, especially when they are absent from each other, but when the kids see mom and dad coming, they quickly gather themselves together, and try to look as good as they did, before leaving the house.

God loves His children beyond what words can describe, and He takes delight in making sure they look good to the world. When we pray, study, and live holy before leaving our homes, God allows our lights to shine bright, and illuminate the darkness throughout world. Just as kids sometimes get a little loose when their parents leave their presence for a moment, children of God also have moments when they get a little lax in their Christian duties. In these moments, God allows things to happen, in order to guide us back into good standing with Him. This is important because, if God didn’t care for His people, and allowed them to remain unkempt, in a sense, the enemy would gladly, and easily sift them as wheat. I’m so grateful that God is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. God is our loving Father, and we should strive to represent Him better and better, each day.

Walk in love

Ell

Conditional love

1 Kings 9:1-9

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Conditional Love”! Starring, the wisest man ever created, king Solomon, and the creator of all things, God the Father, Himself! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Solomon: (speaking to his workers) Alright men, you’ve done exceptionally well. After 20 long years, we finally finished building the house of the Lord, my house, and all the other things we thought would be pleasing to the Lord. All your hard work will not go in vain, and expect for God to work wonders in your lives, for how you dedicated yourselves to doing His work.

(Men return to their homes, and Solomon goes to his home to rest)

God: (speaking to him in a dream) Solomon.

Solomon: Hello Father. It’s nice of you to visit me again. Have you noticed that we finally finished building the temple, in honor of your name? It took a while, but I wanted it to be the most wonderful place in the world, just as my dad had envisioned it would be.

God: Yes I noticed, and I love it!

Solomon: I knew you would be pleased!

God: I also heard your prayers and supplications that you made before me. This house you built for me, I place my stamp of approval on it, and deem it holy.

Solomon: I am honored Father, and I submit myself the more to your will.

God: It is my desire to put my name forever in the temple, but there are certain conditions that must first be met.

Solomon: Conditions? What do you mean Father? Have I not already proven myself worthy to be called your son, as my father David before me?

God: You’re indeed an obedient one, but many have started out well, then fell short in the end. Fear not, I have all the confidence in you to uphold my standard throughout your reign.

Solomon: Coming from you, that means everything to me.

God: If you walk before me, as your father David walked, with integrity, and uprightness, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and also keep my statutes and judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom upon Israel forever, as I had also promised to your father David.

Solomon: You have my word. I will be obedient to your commands, and walk in integrity, as my father David did.

God: (nods His head)

God: But, if you, or your children turn from following me, and refuse to keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and go to serve and worship other gods, then all the “happy happy joy joy” will turn to cries of sorrow, because I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, cast this house you built for me out of my sight, and make Israel the talk of the town, for their disobedience.

Solomon: Father, I do not want that to come upon your people. I promise to do my best to keep your name holy, throughout the land.

God: We shall see Solomon. But, if the people forsake me, then all these things shall come upon them. I love you, and my people, but they must obey me, in order to receive the benefits of my unconditional love.

(Solomon continues to dream peacefully, after his visit from the Lord)

This concludes another episode of, “Conditional Love”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

Walk in love,

Ell

A house of prayer for all people

Isaiah 56:3-8

The earth is filled with people of varying beliefs, customs, and religious backgrounds. According to a few reliable sources I researched online, there are more than 4,000 religions worldwide! It’s amazing to see, how of the two original religions (Abel – service to God, and Cain – service to satan), such a great number have been established in the earth. The problem with having too many religions is, while only one is right (James 1:27), the others were undoubtedly birthed out of rebellion, disobedience, pride, and other negative reasons. God is always right, and His Word has withstood the times from the beginning, until now. Even as the people in ancient times struggled to resist the temptations of false doctrines and religions, we today must also guard against all teachings that are contrary to godliness.

Unlike most man-made religions where works alone (not always good works) validate one’s right standing in such beliefs, God desires first, that men submit to His righteous will, then good works will prove each man’s confession. Regardless of what a person believes willingly, or by force, the Lord is always ready to receive any man who seeks to follow His way. Just as God accepted strangers, eunuchs, and all who were outside of His chosen people, in our text, God awaits to bless anyone who freely surrenders their own will, for His. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

The Lord will build David’s house

2 Samuel 7:11-17

🎶🎵 Christmas, Christmas time is here, time for joy, and time for cheer 🎵🎶. That was a song we use to sing many moons ago, when I was in elementary school. I may have mixed the words around a little, but who cares, I was like eight years old 😊😂. This holiday season is one where we acknowledge the birth of Christ, by sharing in the act of giving to others. While I’m fully aware, Jesus’ actual birthday wasn’t December 25th (it was probably around March or April), there’s no harm in choosing a day to commemorate the birth of the savior of the world.

During this season, gifts are bought in abundance, and dispersed amongst family and friends in various places worldwide. While Christmas is intended to bring good vibes to all, there are some who struggle with grasping the true concept of what the day actually represents. God gave His only begotten Son to the world, so that men would not be lost in sin, and suffer its eternal consequences. Therefore, we should willingly show gratitude and appreciation for such a wonderful, and priceless gift in Christ, everyday! It’s sad to witness how children have become spoiled to the point they expect to receive many good things on Christmas, when they should first have an understanding of who the day is set aside for. While there’s nothing wrong with sharing gifts, gift-giving should never supercede how blessed we are, to be given God’s most precious gift.

God is a selfless giver, and when He blesses someone, they never forget it. For example, king David desired to build God a house, but God ironically built one for him, and his seed forever. What an amazing gift, to receive a blessing from God that would last forever! Can you think of all the gifts you received in your lifetime, and how many you still have in your possession? I’m certain, many of what we’ve received from others have either been destroyed with time, or forgotten and placed in storage containers lol (y’all know I’m right, so stop tripping). God revealed that He would build David a house, not of material substances, but of spiritual, living, and eternal substance. This Christmas, try gifting your loved ones with things that have more eternal value like love, peace, hugs, laughter, and good tidings of great joy!

Walk in love,

Ell

Two houses firmly settled

1 Chronicles 17:1, 3-4, 11-14, 21:18, 21-27

When you purchased, or rented your first home or apartment, can you remember the feeling of excitement bubbling on the inside of you, as you contemplated all the ideas and plans you had in mind, to make your new place home? After days of decorating and setting things in place, many of you probably forgot to do the most important thing to truly make your house a home. God is the source of all things good, and even in purchasing a home, He requires that we consider His interest while doing so.

Owning a home is more than simply being in a secure place, where you can dwell in safety and peace, but it’s about dedicating your home to God, so that He can get glory from your place of residence as well. As believers, our homes should also mirror the respect and reverence shown in religious facilities. The same way we honor and respect God in the house of prayer, we should be even more mindful of His presence in our homes. Many problems that occur in the world, and even the church, stem from issues in the home. Children who are unruly, and misbehave consistently, usually can be connected to troubled homes as well.

If God is first in our lives, then His presence should inhabit every corner, of every room in the house. Fathers should always initiate prayer, and other spiritual habits in the home, and mothers should second the motions of fathers, without hesitation. Children are to obey their parents “in the Lord”, because it’s the right thing to do. We’re living in a day, where men have become something else, and mothers have to pick up the slack of both parents, but the God we serve, is able to sustain all those who are willing and obedient to His Word, despite their shortcomings and struggles.

Strive to keep God relevant in your home, as well as in your local church. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, then allow Him to order your steps, according to His Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

God makes a house for David

1 Chronicles 17:7-10

In the same way God made promises to Abraham, to bless him and his seed forever, God also promised to bless king David, and to ordain a place for his people, where they could be planted, and kept safe from all harm and danger. One important fact people need to understand is, God doesn’t make promises as men do, who often forfeit their agreement by not upholding what was established initially, but when God says something, He always follows through. It’s up to the other party to keep to what they agreed to, in order to receive what was promised. “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa 55:10-11). “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Trust that God will make good on the promises He made to you. Continue to abide in God’s Word, and allow His Word to abide in you, so that you’ll be better situated to walk in obedience to His commands.

Walk in love,

Ell

God needs no house

2 Samuel 7:1-11

A few lessons ago, I mentioned the time when king David contemplated building a temple to house the presence of God, and this text is where the story of David’s desire to build a house for God can be found.

David was a great man; one who esteemed others over himself, and never took glory away from God. While celebrating during a festival (in the previous chapter), after placing the ark of the covenant in a new tabernacle, David’s wife, Michal, misjudged his worship to God, and bodily manifestations, as if he was representing himself in a vile manner. This was ironic, because David had returned home with the intentions to bless his family, but encountered the opposite from his ill-mannered wife. For some reason, Michal was always critical of David’s actions, so much until it caused her to be barren until her death. In her heart, she despised the very man whom God loved, and blessed abundantly.

I mentioned that brief summary of the end of chapter six, to bring to light how cool, calm, and collected David was, as He kept his focus on pleasing God, no matter who tried to hinder him. Many times we lose our composure, when others are critical of our relationship with God, but rather than change our praise to accommodate our haters, we should intensify it, in hopes that our fervent worship would possibly set them ablaze as well.

A while after putting his wife’s nonsense behind him, David pondered in his heart to build a house for God to dwell in. After gazing at the beautiful place he resided in, and wishing to build something greater for the Lord, God gave His servant a short lesson concerning His dwelling place. While his intentions were pure, God thought it best to teach David a short lesson by reminding him how He walked in a tent and tabernacle for hundreds of years, walked with Israel, never spoke of building a permanent house, took David from the sheep to be ruler over Israel, guided and protected David in all his adventures, cut off all his enemies, and made his name great! In other words, God put it simply, no place could hold all of His glory. While the tabernacle was the place where His presence was housed, God was never limited to that one location.

Aren’t you glad, the God we serve isn’t limited to time and space? Our God is awesome! He can do wondrous, and marvelous things! His love extends far beyond time itself! What makes Him even more special is, He lives inside of all who love Him. While king David was unable to build a house for God, you can invite Him to live inside your heart forever.

Walk in love,

Ell