Wait to enter the King’s presence

Proverbs 25:2-7a

Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t simply give His children everything they need, without them having to ask for anything? Jesus mentions in the Gospels that we are to ask, and it shall be given unto us. James also took the time to remind us that we have not, because we refuse to ask for things. Unlike men who desire to hold things over our heads while forcing us to beg, God withholds things in order to test our hearts. God truly does have everything we could possibly need in this life, and the next, but His desire is that we learn to depend totally on Him, as well as align our desires with His own. The second verse of our text reads, it is the glory of God to conceal, or hide things from plain sight, while He honors those who diligently search them out. All of Scripture is the inspired Words from God Himself, but we must search them diligently and faithfully in order to gain more knowledge and understanding of God’s expectations for His people, and what the future holds for those who trust Him, and those who refuse to. The king of glory will soon return to judge the earth, and believers must be presented without spot or wrinkle, in order to be taken as the bride adorned for her husband. Just as people would show reverence and respect for the great kings of old, we too must live in such a way that our lives never get in the way of the purpose of God. How much better would it sound to have your name called by a king, to join his company, than to have him cast you away for not respecting his authority? As we continue to live in expectation of our Savior’s return, let’s make a conscious effort to live holy, acceptable, and pleasing lives until our name is called to join the king in eternal glory.

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s grace for hard testing

Psalm 66:10-15

A good teacher, or professor, seeks only to instill good knowledge and wisdom into the minds of their developing students. Their main objective is to ensure that those they are responsible to teach, are well-prepared, and capable of handling the challenges awaiting them at the next level. The best method for determining the skill levels of the students, and how much knowledge and information they’ve retained during scheduled time periods is, through testing. If you ask the average student, at any level, whether or not they enjoy taking tests or exams, I’m almost certain you’d receive a resounding “No”, but testing proves to professors which students have a firm grasp on certain subjects, as well as those who may need more understanding.

In the same way a teacher judges their student’s level of understanding through tests, is the same way God, at times, will allow His children to experience tests of life, to prove their love and faith for Him. Everything God allows believers to go through, is permitted to make them better. God will never allow anything for the purpose of causing us to stray from His hand of protection. He loves us unconditionally, but He is equally aware that the enemy is putting forth a formidable effort to win our attention as well. Tests only come to make the body of Christ strong, as well as keep them in a position to always depend on God.

In our text, king David revisited the time when God allowed the children of Israel to be ruled by their enemies, and suffer intense bondage in Egypt. I can only imagine the thoughts of God’s people, as they unwillingly suffered, while the Egyptians lived lavishly. But, Israel’s season of trial and testing came to an abrupt end, when God led them away from their oppressors, through the Red Sea, and eventually to the Promised Land. The greatest reward after testing is more than gold stars, plaques, or certificates: it’s the knowledge you’ve gained that no one can ever take away from you, no matter how hard they try. When God delivers us from patiently suffering for His sake, the reward in experiencing His glory and majesty can’t be matched by anything! The healing God provided to my beautiful sister, after a season of sickness, makes me shout for joy whenever I think about the days and nights I watched her go through her testing. Even when I hear stories of how God provided miraculous healing, finances, and other blessings to others who endured hard testing, I get joy in my soul, and my faith in God increases tremendously.

Believers will face inevitable challenges on their journey, but one thing is certain, God will always be there to monitor the process. Even in times when the enemy tries to tempt us to fall into sin, if we stick to God’s curriculum in His Word, we’ll always pass those annoying tests with flying colors. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:1-4)

Walk in love,

Ell

Submit to God in love

James 4:1-10

Growing in the knowledge and understanding of God is similar to learning how to drive an automobile. Before you can safely go out and explore the open roads, you must first study the proper ways to handle a vehicle, as well as the rules that govern those same open roads. Going out for a spin unprepared, as many have done, could possibly lead to a person getting a ticket for violating a law, or an accident that could cost them their life. It takes continuous practice, patience, and humility to effectively learn driving to its full extent, but many choose to go out too soon and aren’t willing to submit to the rules of the road, then find themselves regretting the outcomes of their unwise choices.

God wants to get the best out of everyone He created, so He teaches us what’s required to function properly in our calling, from the Scriptures. Oftentimes, new converts to Christianity are overjoyed with their new focus, and renewed ideals, until they step out into the world too soon, and get mauled by the enemy. It takes continual practice, patience, and humility in order for a young believer to fully learn and grow into the ways of holiness. The easiest way to learn anything in life, is to put aside your thoughts and understanding, in favor of what you’re intending to learn. When we submit to God, we’re actually agreeing to trust in what He believes, over our own judgments. Humility is the only way to effectively grow in God, and reciprocate His love to those around us. Pride and selfishness are key ingredients to stunted spiritual growth, unanswered prayers, and delayed blessings.

James teaches in this text to submit to God, resist the devil, and he’ll actually flee from you. The reason many Christians continue to battle with certain things that cause them to falter is, they entertain the enemy, rather than resist him. On the road of life, there will be countless drivers who you’ll have to avoid who may be drunk, dozing behind the wheel, or just plain inexperienced. We must stay alert, and focused so that we can safely avoid all those who could potentially hinder our journey. The more you draw close to God, the more He’ll draw close to you. Keep your mind and heart tuned to the Father at all times, and remain humble as He exalts you, in due time.

Walk in love,

Ell

The serpent’s temptation

Genesis 3:1-7

Of all the animals God created, the most cunning was the serpent. There’s been constant debate whether or not snakes once had legs or wings, because God said, “upon thy belly shalt thy go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.” I’m no rocket scientist, but if the serpent was cursed to move around on its belly, then it must have had some other means of transportation prior to that (i.e. legs or wings). Snakes have long been the symbol of evil and deception, but God made them good in the beginning. There are a number of facts concerning snakes that I find rather interesting. Snakes are found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. In fact, there are around 3000 different species of snake. They also have a unique anatomy which allows them to swallow and digest large prey. Snakes are carnivores (meat eaters), and can’t bite food, so they have to swallow it whole. Snakes have flexible jaws which allow them to eat prey bigger than their head! I know some humans who make attempts to do that as well. Some species of snake, such as cobras and black mambas, use venom to hunt and kill their prey. Some sea snakes can breathe partially through their skin, allowing for longer dives underwater. Snakes weren’t created only to be used as a tool for satan, but everything God made, He called it good, and very good. The devil has a habit of taking what God calls good, and turning it into a symbol of evil (like the rainbow).

Let’s rewind to the moments before the curses. “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE” (Genesis 2:16-17). Satan was very clever in using the serpent to beguile Eve to take fruit from the tree God commanded her husband not to eat from. He even went so far as to tell the first recorded lie in Scripture; “And the spent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” Well, she fell for it, and caused her husband to believe satan’s false teaching as well. The lust of Eve’s eyes rose above the truth of God’s Word. What makes matters worse, is that Adam was with her the entire time. He named every creature and knew for a fact, snakes can’t talk! I’m not sure what came over him in that moment, but even today, women have had a powerful influence over men that have caused them to do some strange things.

The devil knew the consequences of disobeying God, because he was guilty of the same crime. It’s so important that we know the Word of God for ourselves, because there are many false teachers today who twist Scripture in order to manipulate others for gain, while leading them on the broad path to destruction. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The more we study, the better we can tell a lie from the truth. Believers are not so easily deceived, the closer they walk with God. Satan is cunning and very manipulative, so prepare yourselves for those moments when he targets you to be his next victim. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Resist temptation by staying rooted and grounded in the Word of the living God.

Seek peace,

Ell

Living in the light of God

1 John 1:5-10

The title of this lesson could be rewritten as, “Living in the Knowledge of God”, for we know that light refers to knowledge in Scripture, and darkness is the lack thereof. But God is also light, and in Him is no darkness at all. In the Bible, we discover that God is not only light, but God is love, God is good, God is a Spirit, God is a consuming fire and a list of other powerful descriptions, is our God. The Lord our God is the Father of lights, who dwells in a light that no man can approach, nor has any man seen.

Living in the light of God means walking in the truth of His word. The disciples experienced this first-hand, as they had seen, heard, handled, and looked upon the Word of life, which is Jesus Christ. These men were eyewitnesses to the eternal God in the flesh, so their accounts of Him were not only something they heard, but a life-long experience. As the source of wisdom, knowledge, truth, and holiness, God commanded Christ to establish the same standard on earth. Jesus said in John 14:31, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” Christ did nothing of His own will, but what the Father commissioned Him to do. As the Word of life, Jesus walked the earth spreading the goodness of His Father wherever He went. Whether He encountered a beggar, a blind or lame man, or even the rich, Christ exposed the word to all who would listen, and there was no variableness in His message. He stayed true to the will of God.

The disciples followed suit, as they carried on the message of salvation to the world. Jesus gathered His disciples together and gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew chapter 10 explains, in detail, Jesus’ commission to His disciples.

As believers, we are expected to carry on where the disciples left off. Through the Holy Ghost, we have access to God’s power that enables us to stand firm, and witness effectively, in this evil day. The light of God’s word illuminates through His children, and equips them to be able to show the world who God really is. God has prepared a great supper, and we are to go out and compel all to come. We compel the world with truth, exhortation, reproof, instruction, patience, love, meekness, gentleness, and perseverance. But there are times when we must use drastic means in order to turn people from hell, and the coming wrath of God.

We must do all we can to win the lost, but the choice is theirs to decide whom they will serve. Live in the light of God, and let His word change the hearts of those you meet.

Seek peace,

Ell

Light of the Gospel

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Growing up in the 90’s, some of the popular slogans in TV commercials were, “Knowledge is Power”, “Reading is Paramount”, and “The More You Know, The More You Grow”. These slogans were more related to advancement in education, and the importance of knowledge. Our society defines knowledge as facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education. The biblical aspect of knowledge incorporates discernment, understanding, and wisdom into this definition. Why is knowledge so important? Well, a popular cartoon (G.I. Joe) understood that, “Knowing is half the battle”. Having knowledge of a thing, whether it be education, war, or even relationship, makes you better prepared to operate in such things.

Many millennials are learning the truth of how powerful knowledge is in this modern era. Research revealed that millennials without a college degree are three times as likely to say their job is just to help them get by. In addition, almost four times more millennials without a degree live in poverty. It’s a known fact that high school diplomas don’t carry as much weight as they once did, so students are encouraged to further their education by attending college in order to have a better opportunity to become successful.

In the book of Hosea, God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Why do people reject the very thing that’s purposed to save their lives? The prophet Isaiah mentioned in his book, “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.” The less we know about God, the more we suffer spiritually, and sometimes naturally.

The knowledge of God is His word, and His word is the light that illuminates in the darkness. The apostle Paul, and the other disciples, preached the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and not of themselves. The same God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has allowed the light of the Gospel to shine in the hearts of His people. But the god of this world, satan, blinds the minds of those who don’t believe. The enemy knows that if people can only taste of the goodness of God’s word, they’ll reject him, and all he stands for. But to those who willing reject the word of God are like men who purposely walk with their eyes closed, and fall continually.

The light of the Gospel is the knowledge God wants all people to obtain. This knowledge is what brings our salvation, and prepares our souls for life beyond this world. Solomon helps us understand that the fear of the Lord, is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. It’s a dangerous thing to reject the light of God’s Gospel. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” How can you protect yourself from an adversary you can’t see? Can you imagine going to war with an enemy, but fighting in total darkness. You’d be apt to injure your own men, or possibly yourself. But walking in the light reveals to you those things God warns us to resist.

God’s word is what keeps us holy, righteous, and safe in His loving arms of protection. Meditate on God’s word, and don’t allow the enemy to pull you away from the knowledge that keeps him bound and under your feet.

Seek peace,

Ell

All creatures depend on God

Psalm 104:24-30

“O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). No matter how hard people try, they’ll never fully understand the ways of God. While it’s not purposed for the created to always understand the Creator, it is evident that we are to appreciate the works He has performed. When we’re young, we develop a rather minute appreciation for God and all His goodness, but the longer you live to see the vast riches of the earth, the more you’ll realize the truth of how God created the earth, and filled it with amazing things!

Consider the oceans, and all that are inhabited beneath the seas. According to businessinsider.com, there are 228,450 known species in the ocean, and as many as 2 million more that remain a total mystery. That’s astounding news! What’s more awesome is that each creature was made in its own unique way, and serves its own purpose. God made everything good, and it shows in all His creation. From the smallest plankton, to the mighty blue whale, God’s beautiful sea is full of His majestic knowledge and wisdom as He made things as He saw fit. Not only did God create, but He also takes care of His created. God made creation self-sustaining. Animals that only eat plants, have an array of possible food, whether on land, or in the sea. In fact, before the great flood, animals were herbivores, and men only ate plants, herbs, fruit, and grain – this is material for another lesson. One of the smallest creatures in the sea is krill. Krill feeds on plankton (small microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water), but provide food for a host of other creatures, including fish, birds, and baleen whales.

All of creation is dependent upon God for their daily living. God made them, so it’s His responsibility to maintain their well-being. Matthew wrote in his gospel account, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” If God provides daily sustenance for all creation, do you think He’ll forget to care for you? I don’t think so! Although man has changed numerous things involving food and other things, the earth is still primed to produce healthy and sustaining foods. I’m battling a fever at the moment, but it’s not because God didn’t care for me. I neglected to give my body proper nourishment. God always provides what we need, but we must gather it and consume proper amounts to stay healthy. Rarely do you see animals in healthy environments suffer from lack of provision. So take advantage of the beauty of God’s creation and live a healthy, and full life.

Seek peace,

Ell

Life with Christ in the world

John 17:14-19

Jesus walked the earth for 33 years without giving in to sin or temptation. Some say since He was God in the flesh, it wasn’t a challenge to be tempted or deceived by the devil. But Jesus, like men, had to make a choice to obey His Father, or submit to satan. Yes, He was and is all God, but in the earth realm, He was susceptible to sin. For example, while agonizing in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked God, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Jesus had a choice to give the load back to God and save Himself, or push pass His pain so all men could be saved. I’m so glad He chose to save me. I mentioned this moment to give readers a unique perspective of the mind of Christ.

When God sent His Son to the earth, He entrusted Him to take care of His people. One day, Jesus had a conversation with His Father and told Him how the world hated His children, after He had delivered to them His word. This hatred was birthed from being disconnected from God, and affixed with evil. The world hates Christians, because they operate under godly principles, that expose the sin that they themselves remain in. Jesus said, “the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” All things become new when we accept Christ as our Savior. The world won’t understand this, because they know not God, and are unable to hear His voice. Jesus said in John chapter 10, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

It’s impossible to be of the world, and save the world at the same time. In order to be effective witnesses of Christ, we must be sanctified. In His conversation with God, Jesus asked Him to sanctify His people through His word, which is truth. Sanctification primarily involves separation from a profane to a sacred use, or to consecrate oneself wholly to God and His purpose. Jesus had the power to sanctify Himself unto God to do His will, even unto death. We are sanctified through the word, to go into the world and be effective in the works of the Lord. But it’s a dangerous thing to go out into the world unprepared, because the enemy awaits patiently as a serpent waits for immature animals to crawl out from their nests, to devour them at a moments notice.

Jesus sent us into the world to win the lost, but not to get swallowed in it. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” As believers, we can’t say we love God, but live in ways contrary to His word. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and we have a duty to carry out His commands, despite facing possible persecution. The world needs Christ. The world needs hope. The world needs love. The world needs deliverance. Be the voice God can trust to speak His word to the world, and use your influence to divert many from falling into temptation.

Seek peace,

Ell