Power In His Hand

(1 Chronicles 29:10-13)

Men who’s lifestyles are unaligned with the will of the Father, oftentime boast in their riches, accomplishments, pride, and vainglory. These persons seek only to build up their own names, and make them great in the earth. They attach their names to business, schools, and even churches. Pride can cause even the most elect, to succumb to pleasing self, rather than directing all attention to the Lord. This is what causes many to fall, because they grow accustomed to receiving attention and praise from the world, until they prefer the glory and honor that belongs to God.

Conversely, men who have joined in union with God, acknowledge the fact that He alone is worthy, and deserving of all glory, honor, and praise. Rather than bask in the spotlight, they turn the light in the direction of all the goodness of the Lord. Even king David understood the importance of giving God all the praise, as he took advantage of opportunities to share amongst great crowds of people, how awesome God is in His greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. The ancient king continued to express how men ought to take notice that all riches and honor are byproducts of God’s grace, and cannot be gained the right way, nor prove profitable, except by His hand. “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV).

God desires to make all men great, but only for the purposes of promoting His kingdom, His power, and His holy agenda. Be not deceived by the world, nor its many deceptions, but glory in the Lord, and seek only to make His name great.

Walk in love,

Ell

Light It Up!

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus is the light of the world! He lived a selfless life on earth, shed His innocent blood to guarantee salvation for all mankind, arose from the grave with all power in His hand, now sits next to the Father, as He intercedes on our behalf daily, and awaits God’s command to return to the earth to claim His people. Have you ever wondered why Jesus did all that for us? I’m all for loving my neighbor, and treating all men with kindness, but to die for people who are arrogant, stiffnecked, hard-hearted, hardheaded, and plain wicked, takes a level of love I’m striving to attain.

The sole purpose of Jesus leaving His place in Heaven, taking on human form, and living among men was, to be light in a world of darkness. In more simple terms, Jesus came to expose the evil revealed to mankind (darkness) with the light of God’s Word (knowledge), and to reestablish the union between God, and His precious creation.

Every breath Christ took while in human form, was dedicated to making others see, and come into the knowledge of His Father’s plan. Christ knew full well that in order to grasp any understanding of the will of God, men were to first repent, turn from their evil ways, then they could freely receive, digest, and properly apply God’s Word in their lives.

When we walk in the light of God’s Word, and live in ways that please Him, people who sit in darkness will see our light, and be forced to make a life-changing decision. Others who are on the verge of giving up, or at the point of spiritual death, can be influenced by our lives, and possibly renew their strength, simply by gleaning from our holy living. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep On Striving

Matthew 3:13-17

It’s the year 2020, and you’ve had your share of life’s ups and downs over the years. Along your journey, you’ve crossed paths with people who have either inspired you to be better, or made you think twice about being in their company again. As the days progressed, you grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God, and made applying the teachings of Christ habitforming. The path you walked was not always easy, yet you continued to strive to do good, despite inevitable challenges. Up to this point in your life, can you truly say that God is pleased with the way you’ve lived? When your name is mentioned in Heaven, what assessment will God submit of how your life compares to what He expects?

God commissioned the church to love Him, and keep His commandments, and in doing these alone, you’ll develop a more clear understanding of what God expects from you, and how to carry it out. Just as John the Baptist, and Jesus were sent by God to “fulfill all righteousness” (complete what they were sent to do), the body of Christ also bears the responsibility of fulfilling their individual assignments as well. Before an adventurer sets off on any journey, he makes certain to gather the necessary tools and supplies, that’ll assist him throughout his endeavors. Of all the things the adventurer collects, the most important is his compass. Without knowing which direction he’s traveling, the adventurer would no doubt find himself in unfavorable territories, and possibly run out of supplies. When we attempt to navigate through life without God’s Word, we assume the same position as an adventurer, without his compass. Eventually, we’ll get lost, and desire the help of someone to guide us back on track.

It’s been said, there are many paths to God, but the one way to reach that final destination is through Jesus, the Son in whom God is well pleased. We all have a job to do while on this earth, and staying in the will of God, will ensure that job is completed. Just as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs players are preparing mentally, and physically for the Super Bowl on Sunday, the Saints of God should prepare themselves daily, to walk the path of righteousness, and strive to carry out their purpose, despite the distractions that are set to hinder them.

Let the recent death of Kobe Bryant serve as an example that tomorrow is indeed not promised to anyone, and our days are numbered, so spend your precious moments in this life trying to please God, and He’ll ensure that all your labor will not be in vain.

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon’s request

1 Kings 3:5-14

Before taking on any major task or duty, proper preparation is essential to ensuring one’s success. For example, when firefighters receive a call of a burning building, they must be certain to bring all the necessary equipment to put out the flames. It wouldn’t be wise for the firefighters to bring gallons of ice cream, or butter to dispel the flames, instead, gallons of water would be more appropriate? In another example, teachers are advised to compose lesson plans, that will prove beneficial to their student’s academic success. The right lesson plan can be the difference between a child’s future success, or failure. One thing I’ve learned in life is, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and trusting in the Lord is the basis of all great thoughts, plans, and ideas.

Following the reign of the great king David, his son Solomon was chosen to rule in his stead. The children of Israel were a great people, not only in fame and prestige, but also in number. In Solomon’s own words, he mentioned, “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude” (vs. 8). Leading people, in general, is no easy assignment, so imagine trying to lead millions.

King David ruled successfully, because he allowed God to guide his hand, and from his example, Solomon learned the importance of submission to God. When presented by God, the opportunity to make any request, and He would grant it, Solomon surprisingly asked for wisdom. A more accurate description of Solomon’s request was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (vs. 9a). Solomon could have asked for money, fame, slaughter of his enemies, or anything else, and God would have granted it, but his heart was set on doing the work of the Lord, so his desires were in line with God’s will. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him the wisdom he desired, but also added riches, honor, fame, and conditional long life (if he walked in the ways of the Lord, and kept His statutes and commandments as David did).

If God asked you to make a request for anything, what would it be? Be honest. Would you ask for those things money can’t buy like wisdom, understanding, favor, or knowledge, or would you be so consumed in life’s affairs, until you’d seek pleasures of this would, that eventually fade away? I’ll be honest, I’d consider asking God for super powers like the ability to fly, breath under water, ability to touch people and instantly heal them, or X-ray vision (so I can see who’s responsible for always holding up the elevators at work…gets me so ANGRY!!!), but after pondering for a moment, I’d probably ask for something with a bit more spiritual significance, as Solomon did.

Seek to be wise in God’s eyes, and consider those things that are relevant to His will. As you plan and prepare for your daily duties, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He’ll guide you on the path of success. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Always keep the faith

2 Peter 1:1-15

Fighting the good fight of faith, standing strong in the will of God, being steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the works of the Lord are easily attainable by following the apostle Peter’s simple advice, in this text. Many preach, or teach that remaining true to God can be done by following their own personal steps to success, but we learn from Peter, which example works best, where one will never fall, nor give up on their spiritual journey.

In order to maintain a solid connection to God, during all of life’s struggles, tests, and trials, one must first be diligent in their commitment to God, while also being faithful, virtuous, ever-learning, sound-minded, patient, and godly in character, behavior, and actions. Our faith is what keeps our hope and trust in God, and keeps us grounded in His Word. The virtue of a man is shown through how he acts and behaves, and defines the depth of his character. Growing in the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, fills the believer with all the necessary tools and ammunition necessary to effectively walk according to godliness, and avoid every trap, and snare set by satan, to cause them to falter. Having a sound mind, and patience, runs hand in hand. In order for one to operate in patience, they must first have their minds fixed on God, and unaffected by unholy thoughts and ideas. People who are wise and patient, typically avoid unnecessary falls that those who are unwise tend to experience. All these admonitions, coupled with the command to love, are required for the child of God to always remain fruitful, and never be barren in the knowledge of God. As we grow in godliness, our faith level increases as well, thus solidifying the bond already established between us and the Father.

Walk in love,

Ell

On the mountain with Jesus

Matthew 17:1-7

Throughout our lives, we’ll build a collection of memories that will be accumulated from various experiences we encounter. While some of those memories we’ll prefer to forget, others will bring joy that will last a lifetime! My face lights up everytime I see a star shooting through the midnight sky, or when I witness dolphins swimming in the ocean, while basking on the beach at sunrise. I’ve yet to experience beautiful mountains, or snow, but those, along with other things, are penciled on my bucket list. I’ve lived long enough to see a few of God’s amazing creations, but I would love to have experienced what Peter, James, and John saw on the mountain of transfiguration.

In our text, Jesus allowed a select few of His disciples to accompany Him, as He made His way atop a mountain, to meet some “old” friends. When the men finally reached their destination, one of the most amazing things in Scripture began to take place. Verse two reads, “And (Jesus) was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light”. Can you honestly imagine seeing that with your own eyes? I know Hollywood produces movies with amazing special effects, but with Jesus, nothing was altered with cameras or effects, and was as real as life itself.

Throughout the Bible, light is synonymous with knowledge, and being God in the flesh, Jesus’ transfiguration revealed who He truly was. Not only was His formed changed before the eyes of the disciples, but Jesus was also blessed to grace the presence of two men who had left the earth over a thousand years prior to this visit: Moses, and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus on the mountain. When I first read this passage of Scripture, I had developed so many questions I wanted answers to, but I eventually realized that my frail human mind need not understand all of God’s doings, because His ways are not like the ways of man, so I resulted to standing in awe of the awesome things He does, without trying to question everything. I had wondered how could men who haven’t been seen on the earth since they were taken up by God many years before, appear as if they never left. I also couldn’t understand how the disciples recognized two men whom they had never seen, yet called them by name. In any case, this experience was indeed breathtaking, and moved Peter to offer to make tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. In the midst of him speaking, Peter looked up and saw a bright cloud began to overshadow the company of men. What happened next, literally struck fear in the disciples, and brought them to their knees. God’s voice began to speak from the cloud and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him”. Real talk, I would have already been bugged out from seeing Jesus light up like the sun, along with witnessing two men appear out of thin air, but after hearing God speak from a bright cloud, I probably would have ran and hid behind a rock, or something as well. Jesus came and touched the disciples, then told them not to be afraid, because this was a moment few would see, but all would remember forever.

Do you get bubbly inside, and excited when you think on the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for you? How often do you thank God, and reverence Him for simply being who He is? There average person spends hundreds of dollars a year to be entertained by movies that offer intense and vivid visuals, yet none are real, and were created using visual effects. God has done, and can do things that Hollywood can only copy, so take more pleasure in appreciating the great things He does daily, rather than glorifying man’s futile efforts.

Walk in love,

Ell

A light to the nations

Isaiah 42:1-9

Does God have feelings? Can the very one who spoke all things into existence, and framed the entire world care enough to concern Himself with the affairs of billions of people who, at times, don’t acknowledge His relevance? God cares for all of His creation, and pays attention to every detail of the life of everyone who walks the face of the earth. Not only does care about men and women, but He daily provides for the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, and the fish in the sea. There’s not one thing God made in vain, because everything He does has love attached to it. Even after the fall of man, rather than hit the delete button and start all over again, God sustained a remnant of people, and initiated His already prepared redemption plan.

Sin brought darkness into the world, that separated man from God, which in turn allowed for the uprising of unbelief, discord, disrespect, and lack of love and appreciation for the God who made all things, and made them initially good. The most influential and prominent piece to God’s plan is Jesus. God loves His Son so much until even His very soul delights in Him. God has a soul? Sure He does. How else could we be made in His image and have a spirit, soul, and body, but He be different? In any case, God sent Jesus to earth fully loaded, and prepared to shine His light (emblem of knowledge, instruction, and truth) in a world that had been overtaken in darkness (sin, unbelief, blinded from truth). Just as a flashlight reveals those things hidden in the dark, Jesus was the light that revealed the sin that kept men bound from the truth of God’s Word, and His salvation. The same God who created the heavens, stretched forth vast lands full of life and splendor, and made a being in His image and after His likeness, set His Spirit upon Christ to bring forth judgment to the Gentiles, to be a covenant and a light to the people, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness.

The are many today who are struggling to find their way, because they have no light to reveal which path they should take. Only in Christ can men find their true purpose, and recognize that it’s only available in God. The light of the Lord will expose all things fake and phony, that easily beguile innocent people into falling in snares of sin. God’s Spirit also assists believers in trying spirits to see whether they are of Him, or not. The body of Christ shares the same light of the knowledge of the Word of God as the Savior Himself, so as Matthew mentioned in his Gospel, I also admonish all believers to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Walk in love,

Ell

Living wisely

Colossians 4:1-6

When people hear the words that flow from your lips, what impression are they left with in their minds? Do you often speak words that are pure, true, and holy, that leave others yearning to engage in future conversations with you, or are your words sharp, piercing, and full of gossip, that cause men to turn away when they see you coming? The body of Christ should make it a priority to always use wisdom in their communication, and speak with grace, seasoned with salt, or answers that will oppose sin and preserve the truth of God’s Word. As Christians, our words should be Christian (Christ-like), holy, wise, respectful, courteous, and desirable. More important than speaking wise words, believers are to portray wisdom in all their actions as well. Imagine how many mistakes you could have avoided in life, by simply seeking wise counsel before making certain choices. God is always available to give us His wisdom whenever we ask, and I’m convinced He knows quite a bit more than we do.

James helps us understand, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (1:5). King Solomon also taught “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The life we live on this earth is meant to mirror the same life Jesus lived while in His earthly body. Although we may not be direct descendants of the holy Trinity, we have been engrafted into the same royal bloodline of Christ. Men witnessed how Jesus carried Himself on a daily basis. The words He used were holy, pure, and edifying. His actions were in line with the same will that His Father sent Him to fulfill. Not once did He deviate from His assignment, and many benefited from His unending love and grace. We too have an assignment to carry out, and all eyes are watching as we attempt to fulfill it. Our lives are intended to leave a positive impact on the saved, and the unsaved. At no point should a believer become a hindrance or stumbling block to anyone lost, or seeking a better life. Just as Jesus did, we should continue in the works of healing, prophecy, preaching, teaching, and edifying fellow Christians.

The sole purpose of our time on this earth is to obey God, and keep His commandments. In doing so, our actions will be aligned with God’s will, we will treat all men with love and respect, and we will live with very limited mistakes, because the wisdom from God will guide our thoughts and actions.

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the image of God

Colossians 1:15-20

Who was Jesus before He left Heaven to fulfill His mission on the earth. Men have only seen Him in the flesh, but have never truly known Him, except from His life, words, and deeds on earth. John tells us that in the beginning, Jesus was with God. Not only was He with God, He was God, and was always as much divine as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Christ created all things with God, and allowed for the redemption of that creation through the power of His blood, and the Holy Spirit. In Heaven, all knowledge, life, and the light of men was in Him. Jesus being the image of the invisible God, references the fact that God has a body; a spirit body like the angels and other spirit beings. From all eternity, the person we know as Jesus Christ, existed as an equal member of the Godhead, and reigned in the same wisdom, knowledge, and power as well. Before He became God’s Son (humanity, not deity), He was a spirit being who carried out the divine plan of creation, and was the direct agent of God the Father who created all things by Him. In other words, God ordered and commanded, and Christ carried out the plan. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?

Just like on earth where we enjoy the fullness of creation, Heaven isn’t full of clouds of marshmallows and angels floating around doing nothing, but it’s full of God’s beautiful creation as well, just on an upgraded level. Invisible things are made up of material substances which are visible in its own realm. Angels and all other Heavenly beings are of material substance as well. Although all are visible in their own realm, some may not be visible to others of lower realms. Knowing this, I am eager to explore all of God’s wonders in the new Heaven and earth. Men have constructed some amazing things on the earth, but I can only fathom what the Heavenly handiwork looks like in person.

Christ reigned and ruled in all of Heaven’s glory, and His authority was equal in the trinity. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (vs. 17). Today, Christ reigns again with God the Father, but has become the head of the church as well. The church is the body of Christ, and is a direct representation of His essence in all things. This is why the world needs to see a difference between themselves, and the body of Christ, so that they’ll be convicted by the sin that plagues their lives, and willingly surrender their lives to the Father. Christ is holy all the time, so we should live in holiness all the time as well. God’s image is in the body, represented through the Holy Spirit, so our works should only be done in love and respect for the God who loves us. The life Jesus lived on earth can indeed be replicated, but many fail to realize the power that lies in His Spirit, just as the disciples often did. Appreciate God the Father and Christ Jesus who delivered us from the power of sin and darkness, and welcomed us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Walk in love,

Ell

Sustained and led by the Spirit

Romans 8:26-30

Without the light (knowledge) of God’s Word to guide the path of His people through this dark and perverse world, they would all be lost, and be wandering aimlessly along dangerous paths to destruction. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, but the prince of the power of the air stole the authority man once held over the earth, yet only for a season. The apostle Peter encouraged the church to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Believers weren’t saved, and delivered from sin only to be left alone to seek God on their own strength, but the very Spirit of God assists them, as they face day-to-day challenges from their adversary.

Not only does the Holy Spirit help us counter satan and his tricks, but he guides us as we deal with our physical, moral, and mental weaknesses and flaws. Just as a ship is sustained above water because of its weight, in relation to the amount of water it displaces, the Spirit of God keeps us above the consequences of sin and carries us safely over the weight of our trials and obstacles that inevitably come against us. Even when we pray, our thoughts and desires don’t always align with God’s divine will, because our minds can become tainted with all the sin and negativity we see in the world, so the Spirit makes intercession for us, because He knows we would make many mistakes in prayer, and inspires us with proper desires that are pleasing to God.

The church is to walk by faith, and not by sight. In other words, we live, trusting God in all things, and acknowledging that He alone has the power to give us the victory in every area of our lives. Where there’s sickness, God is a healer. When your money is acting funny, God is your provider. In moments of sadness and depression, God understands our emotions, and grants peace that men will never understand. When you allow the Spirit to lead your life, you will walk the path God predestined for you before you even existed. Your purpose will be fulfilled daily, and you’ll avoid falling into the traps and snares that have been set to hinder your progress. As you live for God, you may not understand everything that goes on in your life, nor see instant change, but never forget “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (vs. 28).

Walk in love,

Ell