Tag: Learning

Lock The Door!

Psalm 41:8-10; John 13:21-30

One of man’s most essential inventions were, doors. That’s right, doors!!! The use of doors dates all the way back to 1st century AD, when the Romans made folding and sliding doors in Pompeii. Long before that, in 3000 BC, wooden doors were known to be used in Europe. No one truly knows who invented the first door, except that it was first incepted somewhere in central Egypt. In any case, doors have proven essential in keeping things out of places, keeping other things in, and offering safety and security in most cases.

Modern doors can offer extreme protection, and can be even more secure with the proper knobs, handles, and locks. I remember as a child, during hurricane season, we would hear stories of how people had no problem leaving their doors unlocked, because those days weren’t as corrupt as they are now. Unfortunately, that ain’t happening in the average home today. Not only do families purchase top grade locks to put on their doors, but the “Ring” has become a popular addition in offering safety and security in most homes.

We are living in a time when it’s unsafe to leave your home unprotected, because robbers and thieves are prevalent in most societies. While there are laws and authorities in place to help guard against unruly individuals, this fact never really stops anyone from attempting to burglarize your home, if their mind is set on it.

In the same way we protect our homes by keeping all entryways locked and secured, so that thieves and robbers can’t break in, it’s IMPERATIVE for the body of Christ to keep their hearts, minds, and souls open to God, but closed to all things evil. In other words, when we leave any hint or thought of sin or wickedness in our heart or mind, these tiny entryways are more than enough room for evil spirits to enter in, and cause us to fall. This is why king Solomon taught us to keep our hearts with all diligence, and his father, king David, prayed for God to create a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within him. The devil and his minions wait patiently for opportunities to cause God’s people to sin, but if we guard ourselves daily from evil, he can only roar like a lion, but can’t touch the children of God.

Our text gives a very sad example of this valuable lesson. Of Jesus’ twelve disciples, one had allowed himself to be overtaken by evil. The whole time he was in the presence of Jesus, Judas had ample opportunity to turn from his secret evil ways. Unfortunately, he was too far gone, and had been comfortable allowing evil spirits to influence him. The Bible mentions it as such, “And after the sop satan entered into him” (vs. 27a). The devil literally invaded the mind of Judas, to the point at which all his actions were under evil control. The enemy has a knack of influencing a man just enough, until he brings much shame to himself, and those he loves. Then, the evil influences will leave (for a season). How sad… Judas walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, operated in the power Jesus gave him, yet even Jesus couldn’t convince him to change. Let that marinate for a moment…………… I’m speechless.

Never allow yourself to become frustrated or angry when people choose to ignore your warnings for them to change, because some are too far gone, and there’s nothing we can do to help them. These are the Scriptures that bring tears to my eyes. God offers salvation to all men, and requires nothing in return except total soul surrender, and an obedient lifestyle. Sadly, like Judas, many will refuse to accept God’s invitation, and find themselves in eternal damnation. Guard the doors of your heart, and seal all cracks in your mind, so that no evil may befall you, and cause you to sin.

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

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!!!

John 13:36-38; 18:15-18, 25-27

The one who stood strong, when others became weak… the one who boldly spoke out against unrighteousness… the one who was daring  and willing to walk on water… the one who was armed and ready to fight, to defend the life of his Master… of all the disciples who followed after Jesus, none compared to Simon Peter.

Peter had become one of three disciples considered to be part of the inner circle, but they were all endowed with the same power and authority. What separated Peter from the others was, his boldness in all situations. Peter wasn’t afraid to represent his Master, nor did he hesitate to speak out on behalf of the brethren.

Following after Jesus was just fine and dandy for Peter and the rest of the disciples, that is, until what Jesus had been warning them of, finally began to unfold. Due to the fact that many of the chief rulers during this time loved the praise of men more than the praise of God, the message Jesus preached would soon turn many against Him and His followers. While Peter spoke boldly during times of peace, when the grit finally hit the fan, he cowered in fear. How did the once zealous disciple lose his boldness in mere moments? Jesus knew Peter would break under pressure, and told him to his face, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice” (vs.38). I can picture Peter acting like a teenager after hearing these words, and saying within himself, “I don’t know what’s going on with Jesus, but He should know I’ll always have His back, and I’ll never deny Him”. Well, we know how that eventually played out. Peter did as Jesus had predicted, and was left to wallow in his shame.

Be careful not to think too highly of yourself, especially during troubling times, because there may come a moment when your words will be put to the test. Rather than talk a good game, let your living do the talking, and allow God to keep you humble, to avoid inevitable shame and embarrassment.

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

One God

Ephesians 4:6-9

Contrary to popular belief, there’s only “One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (the body of Christ) (vs. 6). “In the beginning God…”, and there was none else except the “Word”, who was with God in the beginning. So, where did all these other “gods” come from? 1 Corinthians 8:5 reads, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)”, but this was in reference to how the heathen would use not only images, but the sun, moon, planets, stars, oceans, rivers, trees, and all other things in creation to serve as gods.

God stated plainly, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, yet men willing ignored that commandment, and placed senseless idols and graven images in place of the almighty God. There’s not a thing any idol or image can do to create life, sustain it, or enhance it in any way, so why do men neglect acknowledging the God of creation, and choose to worship something that was made by the Creator? This makes absolutely no sense, yet there are those who are hell-bent on keeping their faith, hope, and trust in a tree.

Modern-day gods have taken the form of things more subtle, including careers, people, and the mighty dollar. My, oh my, how so many have submitted themselves to the love of money, so much so, until they’ll do nearly anything to obtain it. While some are drawn away by their greed for cash, others get lost in their careers, while forgetting the importance of balancing self and family also. When we place anything above God, we become slaves to what those things represent. A job can’t restore your strength, but God can. Money can’t buy love, but God can give it freely. A tree can’t hug you, and transfer the positive energy you need to make it through another day, but God can place people in your life who can do that, and much more.

If there are things in your life you dedicate an excessive amount of time in, that takes away opportunities for you to get close to God, reconsider whether or not those things are even necessary for your life. If your job is keeping you from living holy, get another one. If the company you keep causes you to drift away from God’s ordinances, find new company. If your TV, cell phone, tablet, playstation controller, or other device gets more of your attention than God does, put it aside, and give God what He’s worth. Let nothing become a god in your life, and guard yourself from the subtlety of the world’s influence, that causes you to devote precious time into futile things.

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

Faithful Servants

Genesis 43:20-25

In Scripture, servants were direct extensions of their masters. An example of this was evident in the previous lesson, where we read how Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, was indeed a man of faith, and righteous before the Lord. It’s very crucial (and beneficial for those who serve godly leaders) that men of God select those who are holy, full of the Spirit, righteous, and of good reputation to serve under their leadership. This is because, when God blesses the leader, those under his watch are blessed also. Also, leaders can expect humble and holy servants to adhere to, and obey their commands, without hesitation or contention. Servants who go against their master’s standards, cannot be trusted, thus must be removed and replaced immediately.

Remember when you were a kid, and you would select only the best kickers from a group of friends for your kickball team? You didn’t want anyone who was lazy or slow, but you desired the best of the bunch to represent your team. This is also true in the kingdom of God. While no man is perfect, we can all have prefect (mature and well-developed) faith. Eliezer was indeed a man after his master’s heart, and the man in our text served faithfully under Joseph also. After taking his once hard-hearted brothers through a brief season of rebuke and restoration, Joseph invited them all to join him in blessed reunion. Before the brothers were brought to Joseph’s presence, the steward of the house of Joseph met them at the door of the house. The steward was fully aware of Joseph’s plan for his brethren, and cared little about their explanation, but desired to fulfill his master’s plan to reunite him with his brothers. Although they were totally unaware what fate awaited them, Joseph’s brothers had many fears because of all the strange events they were experiencing. Fortunately, Joseph’s steward carried the spirit of his master, and showed hospitality to them all, including Simeon, whom they had kept in the house.

As a Christian, be mindful of those who work closely with you. We live in a world where Saints and sinners work closely together in most professions, but in the event God allows for you to manage or supervise fellow believers, be extremely grateful for the fact that you can not only work with other believers, but share with each other, the goodness of the Lord on a daily basis, as they operate in the same Spirit you walk in.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

Prayer Power!

Genesis 24:24-33

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b KJV). To translate this verse to 4th grade understanding, it would read, the sincere prayer of a man who truly loves God, will always result in extraordinary deeds. When we pray to God, in faith, believing that our desires are aligned with His will, He will bring into manifestation, our sincere petitions. The purpose of prayer isn’t so God can know what’s in our hearts, because He already knows our thoughts, even before we think them, but it’s to reveal to Him, that we indeed are submitted to His will, and desire to accomplish it through our daily living.

We don’t ask God for things in vain, rather our requests to God are for things that will advance His kingdom business in the earth. Whether we seek guidance for financial breakthrough, healing, or a spouse, all requests are made known unto God, in order that His will be done, through us, in the earth.

Our text gives a great example of answered prayer, and how sometimes, God allows instant manifestation. Following the death and burial of his wife, Sarah, Abraham gave instruction to the eldest servant of his house, to find a wife for his son, Issac. Abraham was very detailed in his request, and knew that God would come through for him, as He always did before. Being burdened with such a hard task, Eliezer did what any righteous man would do in his position; he prayed unto the Lord for help finding a wife for his master’s son. To make a long, yet beautiful story short, everything Eliezer prayed for, was answered in a matter of moments. God blessed Abraham, by way of Eliezer, and blew the mind of the servant with such a quick manifestation. It never takes God long to do anything, because He is literally timeless. If He wants to bless someone instantly, He can do just that, and if He decides that answering our prayers too soon may not be wise, then His delay will never become a denial.

God is truly amazing, and coming through as fast as He did for Eliezer, literally caused him to worship. How do you respond when God answers you quickly? Are you usually shocked and amazed like a deer staring into headlights, or do you fall to your knees, and lift your head and hands up in worship? No matter how big or small, make all your requests to God with passion, and sincere gratitude, because doing so proves to the Father how serious we are about what we desire from Him. But, always remember to pray according as He wills, because there are times when we pray for things we shouldn’t, then His Spirit will step in to make intercession on our behalf.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

Without Love

1 Corinthians 13

Can you imagine what this world would be like, if love was nonexistent? The state of this present world is far from ideal, but remove love from it, and this earth would instantly become unimaginably more dark and corrupt. Without love, nothing would make sense. Life would be lived for vain purposes, gifts would be used to no avail, and the feelings that come with pure acts of love, would never be enjoyed.

Without love, there’s no need to prophesy, preach, teach, admonish, rebuke, or speak with tongues. All is futile, when love is absent from the equation. Love is what makes our deeds and actions meaningful. When we do things in love, it becomes more than a simple act of giving, but an opportunity to spread the goodness of God to all. God is love, so what we do for others must be done with the intentions of pleasing Him, and not ourselves.

Our text vividly expresses the extent to which God’s love is portrayed. We learn from the scriptures, that love is patient, kind, humble, respectful, generous, courteous, compassionate, caring, solid, true, pure, understanding, selfless, giving, and durable. Love is the thread that combines every line of text in the Bible. It’s because of love, God sent His Son to the earth, to give man another chance to enjoy the benefits he willingly handed over to the enemy. Love keeps us strong, in times when we feel like giving up. Love motivates us to meet every challenge of life, head on. Love inspires us to commit our ways to the Lord, while ignoring all temptation that tries to distract us. Love gives us a reason for living, and helps us understand the real purpose of life. Love never fails, never gives up, and always makes us better. Live your life in love, knowing that the love you abide in, is very love of God Himself.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

Keep It Simple

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Doing ministry and works for the kingdom of God, are very noteworthy opportunities. God is the creator of all things, and working to fulfill His purpose is a great thing! I can remember as a child, I always wanted to go out on Saturday mornings, to help my dad and brothers mow lawns. I was always denied that privilege, because I was too small, and would probably hurt myself, or someone else. But, when the opportunity came to assist my dad with his side business, I jumped at the chance to finally contribute to bringing funds to our home. When we do works for the kingdom, it’s so that all members of the body of Christ can be blessed. There’s no secret to what Christians do, and all things are done for edification, and encouragement. For this reason, there should never be a time, when a preacher, teacher, prophet, or anyone who exercises their gift in the body, do so for self gain. Paul mentioned in our text, he can speak with tongues (multiple human languages) more than all of the Corinthian church members, but he would rather speak only five words the people could grasp and understand, rather than 10,000 words that would leave them beyond confused.

Never get so caught up in your spiritual gift, talent, or ability, until you lose focus on God’s purpose to help others, and not hinder them. Take pride in all the great things God has placed inside of you, and be careful not to abuse, misuse, or not use His gifts, but operate in them as they were purposed to be used.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

Be Healed!

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Of the many gifts given by God, and the diversities thereof, one that is desired by most people is, the gift of healing. Sickness and pain, and all other unfortunate bodily ailments, invade the lives of many, but healing is desired by all, in order to enjoy the benefits of healthy living. I believe, no man in his right mind desires to suffer sickness, and make attempts to avoid things that cause it. But, God in His never-changing state, can still manifest divine healing to anyone He desires to bless.

The ways of the Lord are far beyond what my 3 pound brain can fathom, so I have limited understanding why so many good people suffer, and deal with sickness and disease, but I’m also fully aware, God takes no pleasure in seeing His children suffer either. There’s reason and purpose behind all things taking place in the earth, and God is fully aware of them all, but if I could operate in the gift of healing, I would make wise use of the gift, and bring change to many hurting individuals. Not only would I heal bodily hurts and pains, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual pains. Around the world, many suffer from inward pains, and other forms of hurt that come through the heart. Physical pain hurts, but emotional suffering can at times, hurt a lot more. While there are no medicines that can heal the pains of the heart, only through the love of God, and His grace and mercy, can healing of the heart truly begin.

Take time today, to pray for those who you know are suffering any kind of sickness, disease, hurt, pain, or shame, and ask God to manifest healing in their lives. We may not operate in the gift of healing, but our fervent prayers can provoke God to send His healing manifestation to those we love and care about, all over the world.

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

GO TEAM GO!!!

Colossians 1:3-8

Of all that goes into a winning sports program, one of the groups that usually goes unnoticed, yet contributes greatly to their team’s success is, the cheerleaders. According to wikipedia, cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called “cheerleaders”) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can also be performed to motivate sports teams, to entertain the audience, or for competition. Cheerleading routines typically range anywhere from one to three minutes, and combines variations of tumbling, dance, jumps, and stunts.

Cheerleaders don’t really get much respect, when compared to the athletes running on the field or court, but it’s always good to have someone in your corner rooting for your success, especially when the competition is intense, and overwhelming. One thing that offers certain benefits to the believer is, receiving encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ. Walking the path of righteousness isn’t always easy, and many are tempted to throw in the towel, but no matter how challenging the enemy makes things for the children of God, when they stand with and one mind, one focus, and one goal, they’ll always overcome any obstacle in their path.

Take time to encourage someone you love, and pour into them positive energy, that can help make their journey through life a little easier. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:23-25).

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

Quack! Quack!

Philippians 2:1-11

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, more than likely, it’s probably a chicken. Don’t you agree? I’m only kidding… of course it’s a duck. It’s fairly easy for the average hunter to determine an animal by its tracks, sounds, and other things typical of its behavior. The actions and behaviors of an animal usually stem from their genetic makeup, and associated traits embedded into them, upon creation. Dogs bark, and chase their tails. Cats meow, and leave fur balls in random locations. Birds tweet, cows moo, alligators chomp, and monkeys swing from tree to tree. All these behaviors are expected from each associated animal, and rarely will you find either, behaving like something other than its own kind. Are you beginning to see where this lesson is going? If, not then I’ll get straight to the point.

All who are sons and daughters of God, are expected to behave in the earth, as Jesus did. This is because, the children of God are to operate with the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Jesus was the most selfless man to walk the face of the earth. He would daily empty Himself of His own desires, so that He could be filled with all that His Father planned for Him to do. Jesus is the Son of God, and His actions and behavior proved this fact on a consistent basis. God is love, and Jesus showed love to the weak, weary, and even His enemies. God is faithful, and we can find countless scriptures where Jesus always kept His word. God is holy, and Jesus built a strong reputation of shunning the world, while representing all things holy.

During His brief visit to the earth, Jesus came as God in the form of a man, but never deviated from His divine nature, or behavior. Do you call yourself Christian, child of God, believer, or disciple? If so, does your life and daily behavior typify what you claim to be?

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell