Enduring Love

1 John 3:11-24

No matter what comes against you in this life, love one another… regardless of who despitefully uses and persecutes you, love one another… when your money starts to act funny, love one another… when your family turns against you, love one another… when friends are nowhere to be found when you need them most, love one another… when you have questions that no one can answer, love one another… when men hate you without valid reasons, love one another… when the wicked seem to prosper and the good seem only to suffer, love one another… when your test never seems like it’ll become a testimony, love one another… when people on your job misunderstand your righteous lifestyle, love one another… when it seems like God is ignoring your desperate cries for help, love one another… when men even try to kill you for doing only what the Bible teaches, love one another… when you lay in bed at night, wondering what’s the reason for living, love one another… when it seems like all your good works and deeds are going unnoticed, love one another… when you’re up worrying how the bills will get paid, while everyone else is sleeping peacefully, love one another… no matter what comes against you in this life, you are still commanded to love one another, because God is love, and He never stops showing love towards His people.

In all that you go through in this life, be sure to keep your conscious clear, heart pure, and motives set on keeping the commandments of God. In due time, God will reward the diligent for their labor.

“Love all men the same way you want God to love you.” – Ell

Joy Down In My Heart

3 John 1:1-4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4). Wow! What a feeling it must be, to have all your children living according to the righteousness of God, in this fallen and sin-sick world. Men and women today get overly excited and pumped up when their favorite sports team wins a game, or if their favorite actor wins a coveted award, but all the worldly things we get amped up for, pale in comparison to knowing that someone you love, has given their life to God. Do you remember the day when you gave your heart to God, and the warm, bubbly feeling you felt inside? It’s almost as if everything looked brand new from your eyes, and you developed a totally new take on life. Imagine how others feel, when they grow weary of living in shame and misery, then wisely submit to their intended purpose in God. While it’s nice to support a team or person of interest, when compared to living for God, all that stuff is counted as pure poo-poo. Take joy and delight in knowing that your eternity is safe and secure in God, because you made the choice to walk in truth, and shun those things that can do absolutely nothing to help you grow spiritually. Then, support those who have also committed their lives to God, and encourage them to stand firm, and fight well.

“Happiness fades, but joy lasts forever.” – Ell

Choose Wisely

1 John 2:28-3:10

If we don’t abide in God, when Christ returns, we’ll lack confidence in our eternal security, and be ashamed at His coming. If we are ignorant of God’s righteousness, then we’ll never understand the righteous works of those who are born of God, or committed to His purpose.

Have you ever really realized how much God loves us? Well, it was His intentions all along, for His created humans to be called His sons. So, how does a common man become royalty, without being born into the family line? According to man’s tradition, this is virtually impossible, but because of Jesus, all who accept the gift of salvation, can transform from common, to royal.

As sons of God, the world won’t understand they way we walk, talk, live, and believe, because their understanding of biblical doctrines is darkened. But, the hope we have in Christ makes us pure, regardless of what man labels us as. Being born of God, makes it possible for the redeemed to actually live a sinless life. Say what?! The Bible mentions in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”, but it is doable to live sinless in the earth. Although believers slip here and there (with no intentions of abusing grace), the seed of righteousness is planted in everyone who is born of God, and if they consistently adhere to His Word, they can indeed resist the practice of, or temptation to commit sin.

Verse 8 reads, “He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” While in Heaven, Lucifer allowed pride to cloud his judgment, thus causing him to rebel against God. His very nature is still influencing many today, but through the power and grace of God, anyone can overcome evil, and commit themselves to His holy will. All it takes to become royalty in Heaven is, a choice. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

“If you ever made a mistake in your life, don’t judge someone else who falls.” – Ell

🎶 Walk In The Light… Beautiful Light 🎶

John 3:16-21

What is light? We see what it does, but what is it actually? Light exposes cockroaches in your kitchen, illuminates the midnight skies with starlight, expands and radiates in all directions like a lightbulb, bends around corners, and even carries energy and momentum. Light is an amazing source of awesomeness, and it has been a major benefit to mankind, since the beginning. In the natural sense, light is responsible for doing all these things, but on the spiritual level, light holds a more intense purpose. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, and is synonymous with knowledge. The knowledge of God (His Word) reveals the truth, and exposes the darkness found in sin and disobedience. The purpose of Christ coming to the earth was, so darkness could be revealed, and men could discover their desperate need for the light. Those who refuse and reject God’s light, willingly do evil, and hate the knowledge of His Word, so they get comfortable doing deeds in darkness, so the light won’t expose them. As children of God, we live in such a way, that our lives mirror that of Christ’s, so when the light shines over us, we welcome it, because our deeds are pure, holy, and acceptable unto God. Walk in the light, so that you can be a shining example of what holy living looks like, in these last and evil days.

“If God is love, then is the love you share with others godly?” – Ell

For The Sake Of The Gospel

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10

For the sake of the Gospel, the apostle Paul endured many things from ungodly men, most of which were unfavorable and unsympathetic. While establishing churches in different cities, the apostle Paul, along with other apostles, were met with challenges purposed only to stop their progress. Of all the sufferings (beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and many more) Paul and his brethren faced, they allowed nothing to hinder them from establishing foundational Gospel teaching in various lands.

Paul knew the importance of spreading the Gospel, and made it his top priority to see it through. Paul admitted himself, that even through the suffering, he and his companions were bold in their God, to speak the Gospel to the church at Thessalonica, despite the great contention against them. When times get rough, average men usually turn tail and gallop away, but real men and women of God stand strong, even in the midst of major conflict.

Standing for the truth isn’t as simple as it sounds, but requires a certain character and behavior, in order to be bold as the apostles were. The apostle Paul was able to stand during times of suffering and intense persecution because, he modeled his life after the life of Christ. Jesus portrayed all characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit in all His encounters, thus allowing Him to always please the Father with his words and actions. In the same sense, Paul and the other apostles were consistent in being honest, pure, faithful to God’s purpose, humble and considerate with others, gentle and kind, and selfless in all their doings. Not only did Paul preach the Word, but he lived his life according to that same Word, on a consistent basis.

When we read the scriptures, we easily become fascinated with the lives of God’s great men and women, but we too can live great lives for the kingdom of God as well. If we love God, keep His commandments, study and meditate on His Word, then live every day rendering selfless acts to our fellow man, our names will someday be listed in the heavenly hall of fame, along with Paul and others also.

Who Is Jesus?

John 10:11-18

I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep…As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father…I lay down my life for the sheep…other sheep I have, I must bring…I lay down my life, that I may take it again…No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself…I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…

Jesus is amazing! His love for the Father, extended to those who were committed to His charge. Jesus lived a selfless life, and never hesitated to express His love to anyone. Whether it was through teaching, healing, or rebuking, Jesus was responsible for changing the lives of countless men and women throughout the Scriptures. From the beginning of His ministry, until the end, Jesus held true to His Father’s will; never wavering to the left, nor the right, despite the many temptations presented to Him (some by satan himself).

Jesus is the savior of all mankind, and held the power to literally lay down His life, then take it again, so that salvation could be brought to all who would be willing to receive it. The life of Jesus was literally love in action. His words, works, and behavior were all mirror images of the character of God, and gave a vivid understanding of who God is, but in the form of a man. Just as God is, Jesus was patient, kind, merciful, generous, selfless, meek, compassionate, and all the other fruit of the Spirit found in the very nature of the Creator.

I love Jesus, because without Him, I would be drifting away into utter darkness. I am so glad, He came for me, died for my sins, arose to take victory from the grave, and the sting from death, so that I can have an invitation to spend eternity with Him in peace. This is who Jesus is to me. Who is He to you?

“What do you and God have in common?” – Ell

Righteous Fruit

Isaiah 5:1-7

What do you do, when you deposit seed from a fruitful source, into a fruitful place, provide ample rain, yet the seed fails to produce properly? Under normal conditions, seeds usually produce bountifully in ideal situations such as these, but there must be outside forces that would cause them not to bring forth, as they are expected to. In our text, God removed all things that protected His vineyard, and provided the necessary elements to keep it nurtured, because it wasn’t producing the right fruit. God created man from a fruitful source, placed them in a very fruitful place, but they failed to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. So, God removed His protection from man, and allowed other influences to consume them, because of their corruption. Our lesson’s text is in reference to the house of Israel, and the men of Judah, who instead of producing righteousness and judgment, brought forth oppression and tears. So, God removed His hand of protection from them, so that judgment could conform them back in shape.

Many today of the house of God, aren’t producing as they should, and may require a bit of chastisement to get them back in shape. We serve a bountiful God who is full of grace and mercy, yet we often cling to other things that are unfruitful, while turning away from the source of all power. Set your roots in the Word of God, and allow Him to nurture and cultivate your life, so that you can begin to produce good fruit on a consistent basis.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Jesus Knows…

John 13:1-15, 34-35

Jesus knew, the world His father created would someday change into something detestable, and full of evil, yet He chose to come down from Heaven to save it regardless. Jesus knew, Adam and Eve would submit themselves to satan’s temptation, but He had His mind set on repairing the mistake no man could fix. Jesus knew, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and all the other great men in Scripture, would have their faults and flaws, yet He would still be implanted in that royal and prestigious bloodline. Jesus knew, the children of Israel would bounce back and forth between obeying the voice of the Father, and entertaining idolatry, but His love for the people never wavered.

Jesus knew, the prophets spoke true of what was to come after His appearing, and He was certain to prove that all of their words were valid (some are yet to be fulfilled). Jesus knew, the men He gathered to be His disciples, wouldn’t be known for their honor, stature, or intellect, yet He chose them anyway, to prove that all can have a place in His great kingdom. Jesus knew, Judas, His hand-picked disciple, would never truly surrender himself to the will of God, but He NEVER treated him differently, but showed the same love and respect He gave to all His followers. Jesus knew, He would suffer a severe and unprecedented beating by the Romans, who had literally no limits to their methods of torture, but He was given strength by the Heavenly host, to endure it for the sake of all mankind.

Jesus knew, dying, suffering, bleeding, and hurting immensely, was necessary, because our lives are just that precious to Him. Jesus knew, you and I would make mistakes in life, some of which will linger and cause us to live in regret, yet His death allowed for all our sins, past, present, and future to be forgiven (this is no excuse to abuse His grace by willfully practicing sin). Jesus knew, satan would try hard to influence the children of God to follow after evil, so He prayed to the Father to send another Comforter, to aid us during our daily walk.

Strive to build a greater love and appreciation for God, for sending His Son to save us, and reunite us with Himself, because He has prepared many great things for those who love Him. Never allow a day to pass, without giving thanks to God, and let the world see that you truly love Him, by the way you show love to one another.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Precious Oil

John 12:1-7

During one of many plots to kill Jesus, the Son of God was wise enough to avoid his pursuers, until the appropriate time of fulfillment. In our text, Jesus kept Himself concealed from His accusers, then went to visit His friends in Bethany. As His time on the earth neared its end, Jesus thought it necessary to commune with those close to Him. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, were near to Jesus’ heart, and offered Him food and rest, during his stay in their town.

One evening, after supper was prepared, Martha began to serve Jesus and Lazarus who sat at the table, but Mary had a different gift for the Savior. Rather than bring food or items essential to supper, Mary brought to Jesus an expensive ointment, or perfume, and poured all of it over the feet of Jesus, then wiped them with her hair. While Jesus acknowledged that Mary saved this ointment for this very moment, the Bible doesn’t mention how her siblings reacted to her act. But, it vividly expressed the heart of one, Judas, who followed Jesus closely. Rather than see the significance of Mary’s blessed action, Judas revealed, through his words, the true intentions of his wicked heart. In his own words, Judas said, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (vs. 5). While his words seemed to offer genuine concern for the poor, his true heart’s intent was the total opposite. John writes that Judas cared nothing for the poor, because he was a thief, who would even steal from the money bag which belonged to the disciples. The whole time he followed Jesus, Judas was dishonest in his secret, evil doings. So, thinking he actually cared about Mary’s oil being wasted, and being used in a different way is almost laughable.

We will never understand everyone’s relationship with God. Where some can give seemingly inexpensive sacrifices, others can freely give up those things that are extremely valuable to them. Never judge how man chooses to bless God, rather focus on keeping your own heart pure, so that your sacrifices can be acceptable to God as well.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!!!

John 13:36-38; 18:15-18, 25-27

The one who stood strong, when others became weak… the one who boldly spoke out against unrighteousness… the one who was daring and willing to walk on water… the one who was armed and ready to fight, to defend the life of his Master… of all the disciples who followed after Jesus, none compared to Simon Peter.

Peter had become one of three disciples considered to be part of the inner circle, but they were all endowed with the same power and authority. What separated Peter from the others was, his boldness in all situations. Peter wasn’t afraid to represent his Master, nor did he hesitate to speak out on behalf of the brethren.

Following after Jesus was just fine and dandy for Peter and the rest of the disciples, that is, until what Jesus had been warning them of, finally began to unfold. Due to the fact that many of the chief rulers during this time loved the praise of men more than the praise of God, the message Jesus preached would soon turn many against Him and His followers. While Peter spoke boldly during times of peace, when the grit finally hit the fan, he cowered in fear. How did the once zealous disciple lose his boldness in mere moments? Jesus knew Peter would break under pressure, and told him to his face, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice” (vs.38). I can picture Peter acting like a teenager after hearing these words, and saying within himself, “I don’t know what’s going on with Jesus, but He should know I’ll always have His back, and I’ll never deny Him”. Well, we know how that eventually played out. Peter did as Jesus had predicted, and was left to wallow in his shame.

Be careful not to think too highly of yourself, especially during troubling times, because there may come a moment when your words will be put to the test. Rather than talk a good game, let your living do the talking, and allow God to keep you humble, to avoid inevitable shame and embarrassment.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell