A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Let God Lead

Psalm 43

🎵🎶 When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
In God I trust, when I am afraid.
In God I trust, in God whose word I praise
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
I TRUST YOU LORD I REALLY DO 🎶🎵
-Song by Steve Green

Journeying through life will present moments when finding our way will appear dark and dim, but the only way to see the path of righteousness during times of darkness is, by trusting in God’s light, and His truth. The Word of God is the only way to safely navigate and traverse through these troubled times, so never lean to your own understanding. Instead, let God lead you in the way you should go.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Eternal Emotions

Genesis 42:35-38

What is it about the human heart, that allows for it to experience both ends of the emotional spectrum and all the roller coaster feelings in between; sometimes all within mere moments of time? Being made in the image of God the creator, and after His very own likeness, mankind was designed in a very unique, and incomparable fashion. Without trying to sound braggadocious or anything of the sort, but God made us super special, in a variety of ways! Man has the ability to think, think about what they’re thinking about, then decide which thought to act upon. We can feel hurt, pain, and shame on the inside, without any physical signs of its occurrence on the outside.

Men are physical, spiritual, and soulful beings, created to exhibit the most incredible works of the One who made all things. I’ve often wondered, why did God make us so emotional, or allow for us to feel things, some of which aren’t favorable. For example, losing something, or someone that holds a special place in your heart, brings a hurt that is unlike anything else. In the Bible, Jacob thought he had lost his “favorite” son, Joseph, which left a huge hole in his heart. This pain caused him to cling even more tightly to his youngest son, Benjamin. In the same way a physical scar heals, yet continues to reveal a scar, Jacob carried the scar of supposedly losing his son, for years (until he discovered he was actually alive).

Losing a loved one never feels good, especially if they left us with unresolved issues. For this reason, I advise all men to appreciate those who remain in your life, and love them unconditionally, because you never know when will be the last time you’ll see them. In addition, sympathize, and emphasize with those who may have lost someone dear to their hearts, because it’ll never be easy for them for the rest of their life.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Hearts Of Repentance

Genesis 42:29-34

To what lengths would you go, to save the life of someone you love? The story of the life of Joseph is filled with many valuable lessons, that can all benefit anyone who desires to be more like God. In our text, Joseph was very careful not to reveal his identity to his brothers suddenly, as he perhaps desired to uncover the truths of his younger brother Benjamin, and his father Jacob. Joseph knew how vile and malicious the hearts of his older brothers were, so he was wise in his initial approach toward them.

The text reads that Joseph spake roughly with them, no doubt to bring back to their remembrance, how they willingly planned to end his young life. Through God’s wisdom, Joseph’s strategy worked. After a moment of harsh, yet necessary dealings with his brethren, Joseph caused the once unruly men to finally face the truth of their actions toward him as a child. It’s hard to get over being hurt, especially when it comes by the hands of family, but time always has a way of reminding your persecutors that their ungodly acts toward you, will always work against them, until they repent.

Joseph was able to endure extreme hardships, receive the highest honor as ruler of Egypt, and be reunited with his father and younger brother once again. Joseph’s brothers thought selling him into slavery would be his end, but God sent the young lad on a journey, to eventually preserve their very own lives. Your life may not seem to be all that and a bag of chips at the moment, but keep on pressing on, and watch how God orchestrates the events of your life, to serve His life-changing purpose.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Repent, And Keep Moving

Psalm 51:1-12

When a Saint falls, their number one priority should be to first seek repentance from God, then allow Him to cleanse them from their error. Oftentimes, when we stumble, we tend to care more about the opinions of others, rather than coming before the Lord to seek forgiveness. While those who are the body of Christ should strive to represent holiness at all times to the world, when they veer off track, their first conversation should be with God alone. Man has no power to forgive sin, but God has all power, and He alone can purge, wash, and restore us back to our rightful place in Him. Throughout our lifetime, we will fall short of God’s glory, but because of Jesus, we can approach the Throne of Grace, and have our iniquities washed away.

King David, a man after God’s own heart, was responsible for committing two ungodly acts, that caused much misery and pain in his future. But, rather than blame others, or try to sweep those situations under the rug, the king repented, and sought reconciliation with the One Whom he had transgressed against.

God loves His people, but He hates when we sin. Everytime we submit to sin, we acknowledge that what we allowed to gain our attention, was more important than what God warned us against. For this reason, we should always get convicted when we mess up, because this proves that we are aware of our actions, and aren’t fixed on making sin habitual.

After king David messed up, then repented, he committed the rest of His life to service to God. Never allow your sin and mistakes to cause you to lose faith in God. We are born in sin, and shaped in iniquity, so it’s only natural for our flesh to desire things of the world. But, when we put off the old man, and gird ourselves with the new and improved, God fills us with His Spirit, that helps make avoiding sin a lot more easier, than trying to resist the devil on our own.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Who Said That?

Acts 13:1-5

When God speaks, can you tell whether it’s Him, or not? How do you discern the voices in your head, whether they are from the devil, the Father, or the spirit of your mind (conscience)? The best way to recognize when God is speaking to you (through His Spirit) is, to be in a position of proper posture, then you’ll be better prepared to discern what’s true, and what’s not.

As humans, we were created with intuitive minds, that have the capability of harboring endless thoughts in our brains. From those thoughts, we can discern what actions to take, based on the current situation we may be facing. Unfortunately, there’s also the devil, who oftentimes makes attempts to fill our minds with evil and wicked thoughts and vain imaginations. He does this in various ways, including infiltrating television shows, movies, music, and all other mediums to distract our attention from the things of God.

As a person matures in godliness, it becomes fairly easy for them to distinguish the different voices they hear. If at anytime, you are led to do something contrary to God, morality, or your sanity, then this voice is NOT from God. On the other hand, if you are striving to live holy, while keeping yourself pure and humble before the Lord, you’ll often hear clear and direct instruction, and revelation during times of prayer, fasting, or moments throughout your day.

God loves to have our attention tuned to Himself, because He alone knows what’s best for us, and how we can properly serve Him daily. It’s wise to follow and obey the voice of the Lord, but it’s foolish to place our own thoughts, or entertain thoughts from the evil one, over the Father. Pray to God for discernment and wisdom, so that you can always receive clear and precise instruction, on how to live your life with purpose.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Turn It Up!!!

1 Peter 4:7-11

During my adolescent period of development, I would often hear the elderly Saints say, “be careful how you treat people, because everything you do is being recorded”. When I first heard those words, I assumed they meant the government was secretly infiltrating the privacy of mankind (well, we know that to be certain in the 21st century), but they were referring to Revelation 20:12, which reads, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” What we do in the earth will someday be weighed by God, and the works we perform today, will determine where we will spend eternity.

Knowing that this present state of the world is nearing its end, it’s high time that the church increase their desire to please God. Believers are slowly falling by the wayside, and those who remain loyal to the Father, are losing their passion for soul-winning, and edification of the body. One of the main reasons many have lost their zeal for love is, suffering and persecution weighs heavy on their shoulders. When we struggle to make ends meet, or even stay healthy, it plays with our minds, to the point we consider throwing in the towel. But, God gives us strength and wisdom daily, to push past the pain, and endure those seasons of trials.

The church today must continue to show love to the world, and each other, because our struggles aren’t as intense as they were to the disciples, or the early church, but despite the fact that we do face hard times, we must continue in real love, while doing things from the heart, not from obligation alone. It’s one thing to tell someone you love them, but it makes a greater difference when you show your love with actions instead.

It’s time for the body of Christ to consistently walk in humility, spread unconditional love to all, show hospitality without murmuring or complaining, speak only the words that were inspired by God, minister according to the ability God instilled in you, and do all else with the mindset that God is deserving of all glory. Doing our part will represent the church, as God intended in these last days. Many of us exercise with great intensity, perform duties at work beyond what’s expected, or give all of ourselves to those things we have a passion for, but when will we realize how important it is, to give all of ourselves to the purposes of God?

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Best Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

During Christmas time, millions of dollars are spent on various items, that are shared as gifts amongst family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Although the reason for the Christmas celebration is to acknowledge the birth of Jesus, American society has turned the season into a gift-giving frenzy. Children and adults alike, expect to receive good things from those who love them, and they render the same in return. While gifts offered to the receiver offer little benefit to others, the best gifts are those that can bless multiple people.

This same concept can be seen in the foundation of the early church. The apostle Paul taught the Corinthian believers the importance of the various functions in the church. Although the people were considered one body, they all had different functions. God organized the church in a way that all members can contribute, and exercise their gifts, without feeling as if their lives are meaningless. Paul was also detailed in dissecting the various functions in the church, and stressed that the people should covet earnestly the “best gifts”. The best of anything, is usually something that can help more than one person. In the case of the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul desired that the members seek to exercise gifts that will benefit not only themselves, but also bring edification to the entire body of Christ.

It’s easy to covet those gifts that may seem to bring attention to oneself, but as children of God, we are commanded to walk in humility, while keeping our focus on peace, love, and unity amongst the body.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

With One Accord

Acts 2:1-12

One of the most iconic moments in Bible history was, the day of Pentecost, recorded in the book of Acts. When the day of Pentecost was “fully come”, this was referencing the fiftieth day from the waving of the sheaf of the first-fruits. According to the book of Leviticus, Pentecost was one of the original eight feasts of the Lord, or holy convocations, which were to be proclaimed in their appropriate season. God appointed times for His people to gather and offer sacrifices and praises for all that He had done for them. This was important to keep the minds of the people focused on the source of their peace, prosperity, and protection.

Our text picks up a short while after the first business meeting of the church, and the election of the replacement disciple (Matthias). During this gathering of about 120 men, the Bible mentions all these men were in one place, and with one accord. In other words, none of the men gathered were lukewarm, shady, doubtful, unconcerned, nor uninterested in God’s affairs. Instead, they were all united in faith, love, and prayer. Can you pause for a moment, and imagine if this was the state of the church today. If every man and woman, who gathers together in the name of the Lord, were always sharing the same mind, will, and motivations, how do you think the earth would look today? Well, we have an absolutely amazing experience that takes place in the verses of our text.

Being of the same mind, and gathered together in unity, provoked the almighty God, to literally invade the space where the men were, and fill them with His Spirit, while unlocking the ability for them to speak a language they never spoke. This was done, so that all the nations of the earth that would also come to witness God’s power, could be ministered to in their native tongue. God knew, many would come together to join the ever-growing church, so He (in His infinite wisdom), was fully aware that those whom He called, needed to capable of reaching all who would show up. Unlike men, who think mostly in “the now”, God sees the end of a thing, and knows how to prepare His people to handle it, before it manifests.

Although the modern church seems to have lost its once renowned potency and effectiveness in the earth, the power of God is still readily available, to invade the lives of those who will gather together in one mind, one heart, and one Spirit. Never underestimate the power of unity, because doing so could prohibit you from reaching your full potential in God.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

Dead Men Walking

Colossians 3:1-11

Have you considered the seriousness of death lately? If not, could it be, you’re too consumed in the affairs of this present world, until you forget to take note that someday you’ll cease to exist in this realm? During my nearly 39 years traversing this planet, I’ve discovered there are three things in this life that are guaranteed; toothaches, taxes, and death. The Bible teaches that by man came death, and its because of the first Adam, our physical bodies must be done away with. That may have sounded a bit sad and gloomy, but, death is actually the beginning of eternal life. In fact, according to Scripture, in order to obtain eternal life in Christ, one must put to death the “old man”, and all the ways and behaviors associated with him.

The old man represents the sinful nature you once submitted to, before surrendering your life to Christ. Now don’t get it twisted, we all have a past, and would be ashamed if God played how we use to be on a jumbotron, for all to see. I find it disheartening, at times, when I witness those who claim to have God in their hearts, judge others who are guilty of committing the sins they were once delivered from. Rather than have compassion on those who have fallen, while remembering their own deliverance, some people (with their short-term memory) easily forget how God reached down to save them one day.

Our old nature favored behaviors including lying, fornication, inordinate affection, filthy communication, malice, wrath, and all manner of disobedient deeds. Once we had mortified, or literally put those behaviors to death, we were then able to put on the “new man”, which was renewed in knowledge, after the image of the Creator. That’s sooooooooooooo awesome! God waits for us to give up evil, so that we can then put on good. It’s all up to us, and God will never force us into anything. We have the liberty to choose whom we’ll serve, but sadly, many have, and will choose the evil way, over the good.

As we walk in our newness, we are commanded to set our affections on things that are relevant to God, and not on things contrary to His will and purpose, because as I often mention, this world will soon be destroyed, and only what we’ve invested in heavenly matters will be safely secured in the next life. Die to the flesh, but live in the Spirit.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell