I Wish…

1 Kings 3:5-14

One of my favorite childhood movies is, Aladdin. Aside from the fact that I had the biggest crush on princess Jasmine, the good ole “Street Rat” turned out to be prince material after all, which made for a heartfelt story. The part of the movie I desired to be in most was, the scene when Aladdin found the magic lamp. Oh, how I wanted so badly to find a magic lamp, and make three wishes. The first wish would have been to have the ability to fly, even into outer space. The second wish would’ve been to have an endless supply of skittles and now-and-laters. For the final wish, I would have asked the genie for a time machine, so I could travel back and forth from the past and to the future, at will. Now, don’t judge me, I was only a kid, but I had a rather unique and vivid imagination.

Being offered the opportunity to be granted anything your heart desires, would be an amazing thing, and I’m certain the average person would request something that would satisfy their selfish desires, but our text proves that not all men seek only to fulfill selfish desires, but place others above themselves. While asleep one night in Gibeon, the LORD appeared to king Solomon in a dream. In this dream, God asked Solomon to make any request, and He’ll grant it unto him. If the young king was asked that same question while living in the 21st century, I’m apt to believe that his request may have been altered, just a little bit (I’m only kidding… maybe not lol). In any case, the text tells us that Solomon’s speech pleased the Lord. So, this begs the question, what exactly did he ask for? Did the young king ask for wealth, long life, or even the destruction of his enemies? Did he desire perfect health, peace on earth, or perfect weather forever? Solomon realized the position he took on from his father was not easy to fill, so he asked God for wisdom, to judge the people, and discern between good and bad. What a guy! Just like his daddy! God was so pleased with Solomon’s request, not only did He grant him wisdom that would never be equaled, but He added riches, honor, and long life, if he walked in His ways, as his father David did. What a dream!

If God asked the same to you, what would you request?

“I Know I Can”

Exodus 1:15-22

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “I Know I Can!” Starring, Little Saint, and Life! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Little Saint begins his day with prayer, and asks God for wisdom and strength to get through the day)

Little Saint: Alright. Here we go. Another day to make Him Proud.

(Little Saint begins his walk through life’s journey.)

Little Saint: This is the day, that the Lord has made…

Life: HEADACHE!

Little Saint: Ohhh my head, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache.)

Little Saint: The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever…

Life: HEARTACHE!

Little Saint: Oh my wee heart, aches so bad, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, and heartache.)

Little Saint: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name…

Life: DEATH OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Little Saint: My God, My God, I feel nothing but pain and sorrow from losing my family and friends, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, and loss of family and friends.)

Little Saint: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?…

Life: JOB TERMINATION!

Little Saint: NOOOO, I needed that job to consistently make ends meet, and to support the ministry, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, loss of family and friends, and loss of employment.)

(Little Saint begins to feel the weight of the world bearing on his shoulders.)

Life: PERSECUTION!

Little Saint: O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt…but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, loss of family and friends, loss of employment, and persecution.)

*Life is indeed hard, not only for the Saints, but for unbelievers also. The difference is, those who suffer for the sake of righteousness, will receive eternal rewards from the Father, while those who suffer while in sin, can only receive the second death. God wishes that all men come to repentance, and desires for no one to die in their sins. The best way the Saints can prove their profession to godliness is, to walk by faith, despite all obstacles that come to block their path. It’s unfortunate that believers will suffer in this life, but our suffering is only for a season. In His perfect timing, God will restore the joy of His salvation to all Saints, and He will give them strength to endure, and continue fighting the good fight.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “I Know I Can”! Thanks for tuning in.

Can You Imagine?

Isaiah 49:1-7

Mankind has lived and abided in this troubled world for thousands of years. We inhabit a world of sickness, disease, violence, and a number of other evil associations, that continue to plague the lives of men today. Oftentimes, it seems as if the hope of even having a good day is hopeless, and the joy that’s promised to come in the morning, will never come. Aside from the obvious and observable truths of this present world, when’s the last time you took a moment to consider an eternity in the new Heaven, and new earth?

Our corruptible bodies will soon be changed to incorruptible, and we will change from mortal, to immortality. An eternity in the presence of the God of all creation, Jesus the Saviour, and the sweet Holy Spirit, will be a daily breathtaking experience. During this timeless experience, All who have received God’s free gift of salvation, will be rewarded for all their labor in the earth. The long days of trial and struggle, the sleepless nights praying to God for provision for family, friends, and the poor, and the countless hours spent, showing godly love to those who worked against us, will pay off.

Remaining steadfast in the Lord is not in vain, but will net the believer eternal rewards. Imagine an endless world, where sickness is non-existent, pain is nowhere to be found, the toils of working paycheck to paycheck are over, and all men will be of one mind, one heart, and one spirit. While it may seem unfortunate to abide in a world that promotes evil and wickedness, God has equipped the church with the necessary resources to withstand in this time of peril.

Look forward to that promised future, where we will live with God forever, and use that blessed hope to motivate you to continue fighting the good fight, especially in times when you feel like giving up.

“Let go of the world, cling to God, and make your life count.” – Ell

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.

Conditioned To Endure

Isaiah 7:10-15

The average athlete trains hard, putting their bodies through extensive and repetitive training, so that when the time comes to compete in their event, they’ll be conditioned to perform accordingly. It’s easy to tell whether or not an athlete of a specific sport has trained or conditioned properly, by how long they last while performing, or the effort they put forth during an event. A boxer who’s legs get weak and shaky halfway during a fight, probably decided not to take his training seriously. Another example is, when a swimmer gives up halfway through a lap, because their conditioning wasn’t up to par.

Throughout the years, I’ve often stressed, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. The better we plan and prepare for what’s ahead of us, the better we’ll perform, when that time comes. This same fact holds true for the body of Christ. All our lives we train daily, showing love and kindness to others, shunning things that are evil, and resisting temptation when it comes, so that as the end-time prophecy continues to be fulfilled, we won’t cower nor fret, when times become more severe. God daily loads us with benefits, in order that we gird and guard ourselves against the evil one. In addition, every situation we overcome now, will increase our faith in God, and better prepare us to face what’s soon to come.

The world is suffering greatly because of sin, but the Bible plainly states that perilous times will indeed come, in the last days. Make it your business to grow daily in the knowledge of God, and ask for His wisdom to help you understand the times, and how you must conduct yourself, as these last days pass by. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“The way may seem hard, but you’ll endure, by the power of God.” – Ell

The Blood

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1:1-5

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge us from all iniquity? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What has the power to cover a multitude of faults? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can take away the sting from death, and victory from the grave? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can we depend on, when we need deliverance from struggles? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can give us eternal redemption? The blood of goats, calves, or rams? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can keep us covered, and protected when the death angel passes by? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What gives us the power to overcome the evil one, and his devices? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

“The blood of Jesus is the life and redemption of the Saints.” – Ell

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

Friends

Matthew 1:6-15

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Friends.” Starring, Curious Neighbor, and Young Jesus! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!)

Mary: (Yells from behind the door) Who is it?

Curious Neighbor: It’s me!!! Can Jesus come out to play for a few minutes?

(Door opens, and young Jesus steps out)

Young Jesus: Hello friend, how are you today?

Curious Neighbor: I’m hungry, but let’s go skip rocks over the river!

Young Jesus: Okay. Mom I’ll be back soon.

(Curious Neighbor and young Jesus chat, while walking to the river)

Curious Neighbor: So, how have you been?

Young Jesus: I’ve been well, learning and growing daily. How have you been?

Curious Neighbor: I’ve been learning how to work and fix things like my dad. You know, the same things your dad has been teaching you.

Young Jesus: Yeah, it’s a lot of hard work, but we’ll need to learn as much as we can, so that one day we’ll be able to earn a good living when we’re older.

Curious Neighbor: I never thought of that. Why are you so smart?

Young Jesus: …

Curious Neighbor: Everytime I have a problem, or can’t figure something out, you always find a solution. I like you Jesus. You’re a good friend.

Young Jesus: I like you too!

(They arrive at the river)

Curious Neighbor: Alright, let’s see who can get the most skips. I’ll go first….Yaaaaaay, I got five on the first try. Okay, it’s your turn.

Young Jesus: I got five also!

Curious Neighbor: Okay. This is boring now. Let’s do something else. What would you like to do?

Young Jesus: Well, what I want to do, I’m not allowed to yet.

Curious Neighbor: Why not? I’ll help you, if it’s hard.

Young Jesus: No, it’s not that. I was told by my Father I must wait, until He tells me to move.

Curious Neighbor: I don’t understand. Mr. Joseph seems like a really nice man, why would he make you move?

Young Jesus: Lol. It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Let’s go climb some trees before we have to go back home.

Curious Neighbor: Okay then. Let’s go!

*Can you imagine what it would have been like, to be friends with Jesus, during His adolescence years? I can only imagine the wisdom and understanding He had, even at such a young age. While his young friend may not have understood His connection with the Father, I’m certain He never made Himself more than what he was supposed to be to Curious Neighbor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Friends.” Thanks for tuning in.

A Different Outlook

Ephesians 1:1-14

Once we realize that our lives are not our own, we’ll discover there’s an entirely different outlook on life, God planned for us to see. The average person believes, life is about money, relationships, career, achieving personal goals, family, leisure, retirement, then enjoying the fruits of their labor. While all of those things aren’t inherently bad, there’s more to life than living the “American Dream”. God desires that we work, to earn a living and support our families and others, but He also called us to do works that represent His kingdom agenda. The Bible teaches, before the foundation of the world, God chose, blessed, predestined, and accepted us. This doesn’t mean, God forced salvation on anyone without their consent, instead, all who accept God’s gift of salvation, will then receive the predestined adoption and Holy Spirit, prepared for all who believe. The people of God are beyond blessed to have the grace of God sustaining them, the blood of Jesus that cleansed them, and the wisdom and prudence of God abiding in their hearts and minds.

“Look at life from God’s perspective. Only then, will things begin to make sense.” – Ell

We’re All The Same

James 2:1-13

In His most shameful moment, while hanging from a cross, Jesus showed no partiality toward the thief hanging next to Him, and loved the man as Himself. Despite being battered and beaten beyond belief, the Son of God didn’t allow His suffering to change His obedience to the commandment to love. The irony in this story, as compared to the modern church is, many people who are healthy, and temporarily free from suffering, choose to show favoritism to those who are wealthy, and shun those who are poor and needy. The church was commanded to love their neighbors as themselves in all situations, but it’s sad how the rich receive favorable treatment in church assemblies, while those who aren’t as financially well off tend to go unnoticed. Every member of the body of Christ has equal responsibility to build and edify one another in the Spirit of meekness, but showing favoritism totally goes against that command. The text teaches, those who show partiality are considered judges of evil thoughts. This should not be found among anyone who claims the love of God abides in them. Rather than seek to render special treatment to men and women who are rich and famous, set your desires on treating all men as if they were Christ Himself.

“Treat me the same way you want me to treat you.” – Ell