Special Delivery

Luke 1:26-38

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Special Delivery!” Starring, Mary, and Gabriel the Messenger! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Mary walks from the kitchen to the living room while cleaning, then suddenly sees the angel Gabriel appear before her)

Mary: (Screams frantically!!!) Who are you? What are you doing here? How did you get in my house? What is happening right now?

Gabriel: Calm down Mary, everything is fine. I am Gabriel. I was sent by God to give you some very exciting news!

Mary: I’m extremely sorry I screamed in your face. Allow me a moment to sit, and catch my breath.

(Mary sits on the couch, and looks puzzled at Gabriel’s presence)

Gabriel: Oh Mary, you are highly favored, and the Lord is with you. You are truly blessed among women.

Mary: I don’t understand your words sir. What do you mean? What is this about?

Gabriel: Fear not, Mary. You have found favor with God. I’ve come to tell you, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name JESUS.

(Mary’s puzzling look grows more intense)

Gabriel: The child you birth will be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Mary: I…..but…..

Gabriel: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mary: Forgive me kind sir for my puzzled gaze, but how shall this be, seeing I know not a man.

Gabriel: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary: All this seems unreal, and hard to fathom.

Gabriel: I understand how you must feel right now, but if it makes you feel any better, your cousin Elisabeth, the one who was called barren, she’s already six months pregnant, even in her old age.

Mary: How did you know that?

Gabriel: Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Mary: Well sir, be it unto me, according to thy word.

(Gabriel departs, and Mary sits for hours, pondering over the message she had received from the angel)

*Every word spoken of Jesus before His birth, was fulfilled. He, along with his cousin John, would be great, but Jesus would be even more greater, because He was indeed, the Son of God. God saw something in Mary, to trust her with birthing the Savior of the world, and her humility and submission to Gabriel’s message, proved that she was well able to carry out God’s plan for her life. What has God called you to do? Have you submitted yourself to carrying out His plan for your life? Or, are you too busy concerning yourself with the business of others? Focus your time and efforts on doing what God has called you to do, then watch Him bless you, as you walk in obedience to His commands.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Special Delivery”! Thanks for tuning in.

Scepter Of Righteousness

Hebrews 1:6-9

Jesus:
– Appointed heir of all things
– Made the worlds
– Brightness of God’s glory
– Express image of God’s person
– Upholds all things by the word of His power
– By Himself, purged all sins
– Sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high
– Made so much better than the angels
– Obtained a more excellent name than angels
– Only begotten Son of God
– His throne is for ever and ever
– His kingdom is righteousness
– Loves righteousness, and hates iniquity
– Anointed by God, with the oil of gladness

Of all the things we are grateful for, which of them compare to the Savior of mankind? Jesus is the best thing, that anyone could ever dream or hope for. In a world, where religion is tainted, and men strive to find true meaning in life, God provided the only thing, whereby men can grow in knowledge and understanding of what life is all about. Jesus has existed from the beginning, and will reign supreme for eternity, and His love for man is what gives us hope for a bright, and secure future. In those moments when you feel like your faith isn’t strong, and your living is in vain, review the list of the characteristics of Jesus, then the joy of His salvation will be restored unto you.

“What’s better than living your best life now? Living with the best for eternity.” – Ell

Keep It Simple

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Doing ministry and works for the kingdom of God, are very noteworthy opportunities. God is the creator of all things, and working to fulfill His purpose is a great thing! I can remember as a child, I always wanted to go out on Saturday mornings, to help my dad and brothers mow lawns. I was always denied that privilege, because I was too small, and would probably hurt myself, or someone else. But, when the opportunity came to assist my dad with his side business, I jumped at the chance to finally contribute to bringing funds to our home. When we do works for the kingdom, it’s so that all members of the body of Christ can be blessed. There’s no secret to what Christians do, and all things are done for edification, and encouragement. For this reason, there should never be a time, when a preacher, teacher, prophet, or anyone who exercises their gift in the body, do so for self gain. Paul mentioned in our text, he can speak with tongues (multiple human languages) more than all of the Corinthian church members, but he would rather speak only five words the people could grasp and understand, rather than 10,000 words that would leave them beyond confused.

Never get so caught up in your spiritual gift, talent, or ability, until you lose focus on God’s purpose to help others, and not hinder them. Take pride in all the great things God has placed inside of you, and be careful not to abuse, misuse, or not use His gifts, but operate in them as they were purposed to be used.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

“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

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

The Unpopular Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been popular in the world. Since the days of the disciples, even now, men have chosen to go after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, rather than submit themselves to the authority of God. Knowing that the world will always reject the Word of God, presents problems for those who make attempts to deliver it. Jesus warned His disciples, as they went out to preach, they’d no doubt suffer persecution, because those who were actually supposed to support them, were only using religion to gain status, and relevance among men. The message of the Gospel goes against the selfish doctrines men set as the authority during the time of Christ. But, Christ knew it would not be easy for His disciples to be accepted, and forewarned them of their inevitable opposition.

Majority of biblical events happened for a certain people, and a particular time, but this text can be applied to our day, as there are stark similarities in how Jesus described the people back then, to how men are today. Men who preached the Bible according to God’s command, were never accepted by the wolves who lurked in assemblies, seeking only to make profit off the people of God. Despite how impactful the Spirit of God works through a man, it’ll never penetrate the heart of someone unwilling to repent. The message of the Gospel also caused divisions in families, because while some had a heart to follow after righteousness, others loved darkness, rather than light. Jesus continued to warn His disciples how they would be hated by the world, but for His name’s sake, and if they endured to the end, they would be saved.

A true messenger of God will not deliver words to make a person feel good. Instead, they’ll try hard to convince all who are gathered in their midst, that the Word of God is true, sin separates men from God, and salvation is mandatory, in order to see the Lord in peace. Out of all the words that spew from a man’s lips, if his intentions are focused more on profit and prosperity, rather than soul salvation, then he’s more likely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

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

Ell

What Are You Preaching?

Ephesians 3:7-13

The purpose of proclaiming the Word of God is, to edify and build the faith of those who are in Christ Jesus. When the believer’s faith is strong enough to understand God’s will for their lives, they can then put their faith to work, by compelling others to come, and become partakers and fellow-heirs of the body of Christ. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God, then all who preach God’s Word, should seek only to strengthen the faith of those who receive their words.

The church was established to continue the representation of God’s holy way, from the time of the disciples, until now. It’s unfortunate how many churches have conformed more to worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the standards set by the early church. The original disciples, along with those who were commissioned to go out and preach the Gospel, were keen on delivering pure, and unadulterated words inspired by God. They were bold, effectual, and most important, they were humble.

Early church leaders suffered greatly for delivering the Gospel message, but the more they were persecuted, the harder they worked to win souls. The same can hardly be said about modern churches, as the preaching of the Gospel message has been altered to satisfy itching ears, instead of building the faith of believers. The apostle Paul set a prime example of how leaders should carry themselves among the body, and of all the things he was accused of in his past, Paul never allowed them to distract him from his purpose. The great apostle went so far as to consider himself “less than the least of all saints” (vs. 8). This was an expression of extreme humility, which kept Paul safe from allowing pride to settle in his heart.

Leaders today should live in such a way, that God gets all the glory from their lives, and they should seek none for themselves. The average preacher you see on TV nowadays, dresses better than movie stars, drives the most expensive vehicles, print their names and faces on all the material they sell, while preaching messages that are 2 percent God, and 98 percent hot garbage. God desires that all men come to repentance, but men who refuse to preach the truth, make it hard for those who are sincere in seeking a better life.

Judgment is coming to the house of God, but it saddens me to witness many being deceived, because of men and their lust for fame and fortune. To those who remain true to God’s Word, be encouraged, and don’t allow anything to keep you from falling short of God’s glory. Continue to preach the Word in season, and out of season. Be bold in your proclamations whether people want to hear it, or not. Always remember, God will hold you accountable for how you influence the minds and hearts of others. So, if your aim is to use the Bible to deceive for selfish gain, rather than edify the body of Christ, then you’re in line to receive very harsh judgment, from God Himself. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

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

Ell

Press On!

Ezekiel 37:15-23

When God chose Israel to represent His kingdom in the earth, He had plans for them from the beginning of their establishment, until eternity. People of every nation could witness the power of God, and learn of His goodness through the very lives of the children of Israel. They were to walk in truth, and obedience, while turning away from all things contrary to His holy way. Throughout the years, the Jews have had their share of ups and downs in their doings, but God never gave up on them. When they went against the standards of godliness, to go after idols, God allowed trouble to shake them back into reality. No matter how often the people strayed, God continued to show them everlasting mercy, and grace. Even today, the Jews are scattered, and disorganized, but God will soon gather them all together, and make them one nation in the land, upon the mountain of Israel. Our text continues, “and one king shall be king to them all” (vs. 22).

If God can love a wayward people such as the children of Israel, who have disobeyed Him for thousands of years, don’t you think He cares enough to not give up on you? Stop being so hard on yourself, fix your collar, and walk in integrity. God loves you, and desires that you stand firm in His Word, and don’t allow your shortcomings to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. If God will soon bless Israel, who has been historically disobedient, God will forgive you of all your errors, and strengthen you to press toward a prosperous end.

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

Ell

God’s wondrous deeds for all people

1 Chronicles 16:19-27

Up to this point on the timeline of life, there’s not much more God needs to do, to prove to the world that His love is unconditional, His grace is sufficient, His mercy is everlasting, and the truth of His Word has yet to be disproven. I can boast in the Lord all day, because He is well-deserving of it! God is so good, until it’s impossible for anyone to count all the good things He has done for them, because He does things for us that we don’t even notice, at times. Whether God grants us a blessing that’s small, or great, all thanks, praise, honor, and glory should be aimed in His direction.

Countless examples of men and women in Scripture rendering thanks to God for His many blessings, were recorded so that we would have more than enough evidence to prove, without God, we can do nothing to advance in His kingdom. Without the wisdom of God, we wouldn’t be able to discern right from wrong. Without God’s love, we would be easy targets for the enemy to influence us to entertain hate, and all the negative attributes that are tagged to it. Without the grace of God, it would be impossible to receive the free gift of salvation. Without mercy…..my oh my….we would get all that we deserve for our participation in sinful activities. Without the Word of God, we would be lost souls wandering through life, like a man journeying through the wilderness without a compass.

God has done, and continues to do great things for His people, but He not only looks out for His own, He also has compassion on many who are lost. God blesses His children, not so they can boast in things, or flaunt as if they’re better than anyone else, instead, He wants us to boast in Him, while declaring His glory to all nations. The world needs God, and many who are lost have no sense of direction how to find Him. This is where the Saints come in; to live as examples of godliness, in the midst of a dying and troubled world. Our lives are to be light, or knowledge, that leads and guides those who lack the knowledge of God, or are in darkness, to the Truth. God desires to do wondrous deeds in the lives of all people, but there must first be a willingness to change, a turn from sin, and acceptance of the true and living God as one’s savior.

Walk in love,

Ell

The family escapes successfully

Genesis 19:1, 15-26, 29

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The obvious sign of a true believer is humility, and their end is always good in the sight of God. On the contrary, the identifying character associated with men who are ungodly, and usually end up detained by evil forces, is pride. Whenever a person gets to the point where they feel they are capable of maneuvering through life without God’s guidance, they immediately set themselves up for failure. No one on this earth, and I repeat, no one has the ability to resist evil on their own strength. It takes the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to even stand a chance against the wiles of satan.

The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah somehow allowed evil influences to invade their minds and hearts, which drew them away from walking after righteousness, and dedicate their lives to working evil. Their sins had become so amplified, until God visited the earth to monitor the situation for Himself. The people’s hearts were too far gone to accept repentance, and judgment was inevitable, so the angels of God forced Lot and his family to escape (he was willing to obey and leave, but was lingering for some unknown reason), so that they wouldn’t be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

The instructions to Lot and his family were to leave the city, don’t look back, and find a safe place in the mountains. As they fled to safety, Lot’s wife trailed a little behind her husband, then turned and looked back. Immediately, she became a pillar of salt. Her willful disobedience to God’s Word proved to what extent her attachment to the world had become. Lot’s wife looked back, and was consumed, just as the angel had warned would happen.

Many have run well, and fought the good fight of faith, but were hindered by things of the world, that caused them to miss Heaven. I often ask, what is so valuable in this world that is powerful enough to keep a person from seeing God in eternal peace? Is your attachment to your career, husband, wife, children, money, cars, or properties more important than your soul? “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36). Lot’s wife had life, peace, and prosperity set before her, but turned back to the evil world that sought only to kill, steal, and destroy her purpose. Do you wake up every day, seeking first God’s kingdom, and His righteousness, or are your first thoughts set on planning ways to get rich, where to go on vacation, or how to enjoy the pleasures of this evil world? Take your life a bit more serious, because soon, and very soon, destruction is coming to this earth, as it did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Walk in love,

Ell