🎶 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

Wasted Time

Ephesians 5:8-16

Can you think for a moment, and calculate how much time you’ve wasted during your lifetime? I am probably guilty of squandering years worth of time during my days in the earth, and there’s nothing I can do to recover those precious seconds. Time, is the single, most valuable commodity God has given to man, and how we spend it, will determine our eternal destination. Unlike those of the world, who habitually invest their time in works of darkness, that always proves unfruitful, the children of God are to redeem, or make wise use of the time they’re blessed with, because the days are evil, and Christ is soon to return.

When we invest our time into things beneficial to kingdom business, our works will be acceptable to the Father, but when we join in fellowship with those who choose to walk in darkness, instead of the light, our works will profit nothing to secure an eternal future with God. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11-14 KJV).

“Time wasted can never be recovered.” – 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.

Pruning Season

John 15:1-3

Is it possible for someone to be connected to God, the source of life, and still be dead? I can answer that question with an experience I had during my early years in college. One of the stores closest to the University of Central Florida was, Walmart Supercenter, so I would usually do my shopping there for school supplies, groceries, and personal items. One of the most important items on my shopping list when I went off to college was, a clothing iron. Walking around that huge campus in wrinkly clothes would have been embarrassing, so I knew to keep a good iron on hand, in order to have my clothes pressed to impress.

While ironing a shirt one morning, I accidentally tripped over the power cord, causing the iron to fall on the floor. I quickly picked up the iron, so it wouldn’t burn the carpet, then placed it back on the ironing board. After the plug was yanked from the wall, I reinserted it and waited for the iron to heat up again. Unfortunately, after it hit the floor, the iron became good for nothing except the garbage can. Even though the plug was connected to a live power source, the iron itself was dead.

Our text tells us, all who are in God, but aren’t producing fruit, will be taken away, but those who bring forth fruit, will be purged, so they can continue producing. God is the only one who can remove a person from His hand, and no man can pluck anyone from Him. It’s sad to be in God, yet spiritually dead, because in God we have all the necessary resources required to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.

Even when we fall, and feel disconnected from the source, forgiveness is readily available upon our request. God is merciful, and gives grace to the humble, so all who are in Him must seek only to use His power for good, and not evil. Connect to God’s source of power, so you can be equipped to produce good fruit, but remain faithful to God’s commands, so that your spirit may live, and you’ll never be plucked from the true vine.

“It’s easier to deliver the Gospel of Christ to others when your life pleases God.” – Ell

Be Prepared!

John 15:18-25

When a person becomes a born-again believer, are they immediately exempt from trouble? Ha, if only that were true. In fact, the moment someone gives their heart to God, they instantly become public enemy number one to satan, and his band of deceivers. The world hates Christians, and can only imagine wicked thoughts toward them, but have you ever considered, the world hated Jesus, before you were a twinkle in your daddy’s eye? That’s right, before your coworkers, so-called friends, and in-laws hated you, they hated Jesus first. Our Savior endured unbearable suffering and persecution by men who had literally no cause for doing so. Jesus came to reveal man’s sin, so they could willingly repent, and be reconciled to the Father. Unfortunately, many chose, and still choose today, to cling to their fleshly passions, that keep them bound to sin. Think it not strange, when people who are worldly, don’t respect your profession of holiness, and could care less about the Gospel you preach, because if the world could hate and persecute Jesus, what makes you think they won’t do the same to you?

“Do you practice what you suggest?” – Ell

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

Examine Yourself

Isaiah 27:2-6

Why does God allow people to continue in sin, and get drawn farther and farther away from the truth? Why won’t He simply wipe out all those who refuse to accept His salvation, and move on to the next stage in life? Why is God so merciful? Why is God’s grace sufficient? Why? Why? Why? Well, unlike the wicked men of Noah’s day, God knows that no matter how far men stray from His Word, there’s a chance they will return. God loves His creation, despite how unruly and ignorant they become. Imagine if God judged and condemned you for every sin you committed, what state would you be left in? Without Jesus’ sacrifice, you’d be lost forever, but, because of His unending love, we all can be forgiven, transformed, and engrafted into God’s royal family. Appreciate all the chances God has given you, to come back to your senses, then learn to show compassion to others, who may need a little more time to tighten up. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

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