A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-8

To sacrifice, in a natural sense, is to give up something you want to keep, in order to get or do something else, or to help someone with a need. People make sacrifices daily, for purpose specific to their situations. From a biblical perspective, sacrificing originally involved killing clean, and unblemished animals, to offer as a means of atonement to God, for man’s sins. Sacrifices were also offered to acknowledge guilt, fellowship, and many other things.

The sole purpose of a sacrifice is, something has to be given up, permanently. Interesting, isn’t it? Based on this fact, how is the believer supposed to be a “living sacrifice”? Are they to walk around as a zombie, like in Walking Dead? No, not at all. Instead, being a living sacrifice involves giving up all things that are contrary to holiness. Our old man has desires that the flesh yearns to fulfill, but the new man puts to death, all those things God despises.

A living sacrifice is witnessed through the lives of those who are holy, and make godly living their standard. It’s common for a Saint to act like Christ did, while in the earth, maintaining all the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. During His time with His family and disciples, Jesus never conformed to worldly standards. In fact, He stressed vehemently the will of His Father to all who would listen.

To be like Christ, we must experience a total transformation, by first renewing our minds. If satan can trap the mind of a man, he can then easily overtake the soul and body. For this reason, it’s crucial that we guard our minds against all evil and wickedness, and not give in to the temptations that are daily set before us.

To prove God’s perfect will for our lives, we must maintain His holy standard, in all areas of our lives, remembering that we are the salt of the earth, and we were called to season, preserve, and irritate as God’s Spirit directs.

As you continue on your path, guard yourself against the attacks of the enemy, while keeping yourself unspotted from the world. Although we are in this world, we must not allow ourselves to become what it represents. Be that living sacrifice, that’s holy, and acceptable to God, all the days of your life.

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

Treat All Men The Same

1 Samuel 30:21-25

Our lesson’s text gives two very good examples of treating all men fairly. I’ve mentioned in the previous lessons, the importance of showing love to everyone, because this is the very nature of Christ. God uses men in different ways, and for various purposes, so it’s important that we always treat men with love and kindness, despite who they are. The first example in our text took place when the Amalekites cruelly left an Egyptian slave in a field to die. The man had taken sick, and was left alone in his state of suffering and misery. Fortunately, David’s men found the slave, brought him to the king, and nursed him back to health. The man was key in assisting David in overcoming the wicked Amalekites. While the slave was left to die, God used him to lead David and his men to victory. David and his men showed kindness to the feeble stranger, and in return, he was kind enough to lead them to their enemy. As I’ve stated earlier, be mindful how you treat those you meet, because you never know how God will use them to help you, or haunt you.

The second example of showing kindness to all men can be found in the latter verses of the same chapter. In this instance, David and his men had returned to their camping spot, with all the spoils from the Amalekites, including their wives and children who had been taken captive. Earlier during the pursuit of the enemy, some of David’s men had grown weary, and couldn’t press on, so they were assigned the duty of holding up by the brook Besor, to guard their supplies and munitions of sort. After returning, “all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David”, felt that those who stayed behind were not worthy to receive any of the spoils. Wait a minute…so David fought with wicked men in his army? That’s what it looks like, doesn’t it? Well, I’ll dive into that in another lesson. Anyhoo, the men who fought against the enemy, disapproved of the men who stayed behind of receiving any of the spoils, but king David made a statute and ordinance for Israel, that all men who participate in any function of battle, whether it be front line, or stay behind, will all share the spoils together.

Fighting a war or battle takes more than armed soldiers, but a good military makes wise use of various support systems. In addition, churches and other organizations couldn’t function without secretaries, trainers, administrators, and other positions that usually go unnoticed. Stop hating on people who get blessed for presumably not putting in as much effort as you may be contributing, because all aspects and functions of any group or organization are important for its overall success.

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

Because He Cares

John 4:1-15

Have you considered lately, how special you are to God? The Lord loves you so much, that He daily loads you with benefits, keeps you filled with His Spirit, and protects you from seen, and unseen danger every day. That’s enough to lift your head to the sky and say, “Lord, I Thank You!” God made every man and woman unique, yet He loves them all the same. What the Father will do for one, He’ll also do for the other, because He is no respecter of persons. There’s no matter too great, or small, that God won’t take time to help us get through it. Like a loving father who cares for his children, God makes sure that the body of Christ is properly cared for, on a daily basis. Even during moments when God has to remove all our distractions, so that He can have our full attention, this proves that He is not too sovereign, until He can’t have private moments with His children. A good father listens to his children, and allows them to build faith and trust in their credibility. To the believer, there’s no one more credible than the One who created all things, and sustains His creation without assistance. Saints have the liberty to come to God anytime, anywhere, and with any issue, and He’ll always provide some means of understanding of how to handle the problems we face in life. Learn to appreciate God, not because of what He does for us, but just for who He is.

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

Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19

What are you thankful for? Think for a moment, of all the experiences you’ve had thus far in life; all the good, bad, and even ugly ones. After all the struggles, hard times, and suffering, how did you respond, when God finally healed you from a sickness or disease, made your crooked places straight, or kept you safe in troublesome times? What joy it brings to one’s soul, when God steps into an unfavorable situation, and makes things work for your good! Even though many of us presently suffer, and go through trials, knowing that God can, and will deliver us, should be enough to keep us moving forward. Never take for granted, the blessings of the Lord, because doing so proves what’s really in one’s heart.

God loves our praise, not only after He blesses us, but when we do it willingly, and consistently. Our text gives an example of one who was conscious enough to acknowledge the One responsible for delivering him from an extremely unfavorable situation. According to Christianity.com, Leprosy was the scourge of the ancient world. Nothing evoked more fear, more dread, or more revulsion than the sight of these walking dead. That is what a leper was called, a walking dead man. The smell of his decaying flesh would announce his coming long before the tattered scraps of his clothing would be seen, or his raspy “Unclean! Unclean!” announcement he was required to declare, could be heard. The stumbling shuffle of toeless feet, the wandering of sightless eyes and the moan of a cheek less mouth, all pointed to Leprosy, this unseen attacker that slowly destroyed human bodies, and made the individual an untouchable to society.

Can you imagine being in a position where everyone who looks at you, considers you “dead” to society? I haven’t had an experience like the ten lepers in our text, but I’m certain when Jesus came to town, they were all prepared to throw out a lifeline for an immediate miracle.

After the ten lepers heard Jesus was in town they met Him at a distance, then lifted up their voices together and cried out for mercy. What a scene that must have been! Ten men, shunned from society, yet banned together by their shared struggle, were able to come to Jesus in unity, to seek deliverance. It’s amazing how healthy church folk can’t even get along to unite in prayer, let alone seek God for a miracle. But, these men were tired of their situation, and desired to be healed of their horrible disease.

Jesus, spoke a word, the men obeyed, and were instantly healed. Wow! Of all the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned to give Jesus an “I Can’t Believe What Just Happened Praise”! Why didn’t all the men return to thank Jesus for doing something in their lives that no one else could have done? That one, humble Samaritan, one who was considered a half-breed, and shunned by other nations, was grateful for his life-changing experience, and would not take another step forward, until he gave thanks to Jesus. How will you respond when God finally delivers you?

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

“I Surrender All”

Mark 12:28-34

The first of all the commandments requires total surrender of all aspects of man, to the supremacy and sovereignty of the almighty God. When asked by a scribe, “Which is the first commandment of all?”, Jesus plainly stated, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:” (vs. 30). If a man did just what Jesus mentioned, there would be little, to no room for that man to error, or turn away from God.

There are many who pour all their strength into their jobs or careers, so much until they have little energy to bathe and eat when they get home (maybe I’m included in that bunch, or maybe not…I won’t tell). There are also people who devote their minds to science and research, that takes hours upon hours of their lives away, as they barely even scratch the surface of what they aim to discover. Then, there are those who literally give their souls to a mate, and can do nothing else, except daydream about that person, night and day. The last group of individuals can be found devoting their hearts to special causes and charities, so much that they desire only to meet the needs of those things they support, while neglecting to allocate time for other important things.

Could you imagine, if the church as a whole, loved the Lord with ALL their heart, soul, mind, and strength? What would the body of Christ look like today, if all members were totally committed to kingdom business? What if all preachers preached the unadulterated proclamations of Scripture, without defiling it to please itching ears? What if teachers taught the words of Jesus, so that men could gain a better understanding of their purpose in the earth? What if gossip, lying, cheating, and all other wicked vices were non-existent among those who claim to be followers of Christ? If all God’s people truly obeyed the first of all the commandments, then I’m apt to believe many who are lost today, would surrender their lives to God, because the church would have a much greater impact in the earth, if all members were totally in love with Lord.

It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

“No Fear In Love”

(1 John 4:16-21

Do you fear the “Day of Judgment”? Are unsure, whether or not you are living a life that pleases the almighty God? Are you keeping the commandments written in Scripture to love God, love your brother, and your enemies? Do you find it hard to give to others, during their times of need? When people hurt and offend you, can you easily forgive them, and continue loving them according to God’s standard? When was the last time you visited the sick, widows, or the fatherless? Have you considered praying for those in prisons, hospitals, or even governments? Does most of the time spent during your day, revolve only around your needs, wants, and desires? Is prayer and fasting (according to Bible), a balanced part of your spiritual life?

One day real soon, this world will pass, and only what you’ve done for God, will last. So, consider your ways, dwell in love, and allow God to dwell in you. This way, you can be prepared to have boldness in the “Day of Judgment”, while overcoming the world until that day arrives.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

Open Thine Hand

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Throughout the Old Testament, there are hundreds of laws and commands God’s people were instructed to live by. Aside from the well-known ten commandments, God issued a number of other laws the people were to also consider, and obey. Although Jesus came to fulfill the law, there are still some practices the church can benefit from, even today. For example, tithing is no longer a mandatory law or command from priests, according to Malachi chapter 3, but the practice of tithing can still offer great benefits to the church as a whole, also to the individual who continues this practice. God loves a cheerful giver, so when we invest in God’s business, He’ll no doubt bless the works of our hands. It’s unfortunate that the modern church has become a business, but the body should never hesitate to give, so the needs of the church can still be met.

Another command given by God to His people was concerning lending money. In a society where selfishness and pride abide, it’s rare to find one willing to give to anyone in need, but God commanded His people to never harden their hearts, nor shut thine hand from anyone in the body who has a need. In times of selfishness, many forget that God was the source, and supplier of their increase, so holding on to what God gave is a big NO-NO! God blesses us, so that we can be a blessing to others, and holding back from helping someone in need is indeed sinful.

Knowing there will ALWAYS be people in the body of Christ who will have some type of need, should keep the church conscious, and motivated to always be ready to assist, when the opportunity presents itself. There are people who strongly believe, others are poor because of a fault or sin they possibly committed, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, God allows things to happen to some, in order to monitor the reaction of those who can help. In addition, we should refrain from making excuses on why we should withhold our blessings from those we feel don’t deserve them. If God was willing to give us His Son, while we were yet in a miserable state, we should not hold back from giving to the poor, in their time of need.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

A Different Kind Of Love

Luke 6:27-36

What does love look like in 2020? In the days of the Old Testament, men and women would receive blessings from God for their obedience. The people of God in ancient times were purposed to stand in contrast to the fashions of the world. God often reveal His love in many ways, but mostly through giving His people victory in battle, providing for all their natural needs, and keeping them safe in their own lands.

God’s children were oftentimes separated from the world, and were consistent in keeping with godly gatherings and traditions. Fast forward to present day, and we see an entirely different world. Gone are the days of God’s people fighting against invading nations and giants, and being in the presence of God, who would reveal Himself in different forms. Today seems more challenging for the church to function as a collective group, as in times past, because we are now living in the midst of sinners on a regular basis. The children of God are exposed to sinful people on their jobs, in department stores, and nearly every place they dwell in the earth. It’s nearly impossible to avoid a sinful encounter, but despite the change in times, the church has even more opportunity to spread God’s love, even to those not engrafted into His family.

Back in the day, God would use one man or woman to speak on His behalf, but today, all members of the body of Christ are ambassadors of God. While we strive to build up and edify one another in the body, we must equally distribute that same love to our enemies. Rather than slaughter all those who opposed the God of Creation, as they did in the past, our duty today is to win our enemies to the Lord’s side. I don’t fully understand the purpose and reason behind the events of the past, but I do know, we have an assignment today, to show love, and not hate, to all men, especially those who despise and despitefully use us. Love is seen, when we can hug someone who purposely tried to harm us. Love is witnessed, when someone attempts to take something from us wrongfully, and we offer to give them more. The world will never understand the nature of God’s love, because it totally contradicts man’s logic, but it’s only through the love of God, can man truly find purpose in this life, and the next.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

Are You Hungry?

Matthew 5:1-12

If men desired God the way they hunger and thirst after natural food, they would eventually become overwhelmed (in a positive way) with all the great knowledge and godly wisdom that comes from above. I notice how people strive to eat healthy, paying close attention to the details in what they consume, and many different “health” diets are available for all who desire a change in their eating habits. While food for the body is essential for growth and development, food for the soul is of vital importance also.

We learn from the Scriptures, Old and New, “man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Spiritual food helps our inner man grow in godliness, and allows us to gain greater understanding of the way of holiness. In the same way food must be consumed then digested, the Word of God must not only be read, but meditated on, day and night.

Some people read a few positive and uplifting Bible verses here and there, then expect to understand what God expects from them. This is equivalent to having a McDonald’s diet, and hoping to eventually develop into an Olympic body type. Yeah… that ain’t happening. Discipline is required not only in food consumption, but also with Bible learning. We must take God’s Word serious, and seek to grow daily from it. Meditation is not a five minute thing, but it can often become hours of careful and intense study, in order to fully understand even one verse of Scripture.

In all, the Bible is literally our spiritual buffet, and all we need to survive in the spirit realm, is enclosed in that holy book. Read God’s Word, meditate on it, and allow your spirit to be fed daily.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell

A Godly Man

Psalm 128

To fear God is, to reverence, honor, and respect Him simply for who He is. When a man has the fear of God in His heart, he’ll always be mindful of his actions, and conduct himself in ways that are befitting of a Saint. Godly men are blessed, not because of their mere profession, but because they imitate holiness consistently in their walk, talk, and even their thoughts. God can freely bless those who abide in Him, because they’ll more than likely represent Him well, and not bring shame to his holy name, but those who fail to recognize the power and authority of the God of Heaven and earth, will never enjoy the full benefits His love can offer.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell