Nothing But The Truth

Ezekiel 33:1-9

Proclaiming the Word of God, is what all disciples of Christ have been commissioned to do on the earth, but preaching from a position of authority, brings a different level of responsibility, the average believer isn’t bound to. Many were called by God, to do great things in His kingdom, but few were chosen to carry out special assignments. Men who desired to be leaders in the church, were given instruction to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 2:4 KJV).

Those God called to lead others, are to be bold, direct, and honest when delivering His Word to the people. In the same way Ezekiel, the watchman, was commanded by God, to warn men to turn from their evil ways, leaders today are tasked with the same command. It’s never wise to withhold rebuke from those who need it, because it could ultimately save their lives, but refusing to give warning to those in sin, could cause men to die without salvation, causing their blood to forever be on your hands. This is why I don’t understand why men are so eager to become pastors, or church leaders, because such positions require much responsibility. The souls of the people are what matter to God, and if any leader teaches doctrine contrary to what’s in God’s Word, he’ll be in danger of harsh punishment. When a man truly loves God, he’ll do all within his power, to take care of God’s people.

If you’re in a position of authority in your local church, or other organization, do you give the people the whole truth of God’s Word, or do you withhold the harsh truth, in order to appease their itching ears?

Walk in love,

Ell

The Longsuffering Father

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 12-14

Patience is like time; it eventually runs out – Ell Banks. The modern-day “earthling”, including men, women, and children, have developed extremely low levels of patience. We gripe and moan at 45 second red lights, and throw fits when the drive-through lane becomes the lazy river. The people of today have been deemed, the microwave society, because they desire that all things come quickly, so they won’t have to wait long for them.

Our impatience usually causes us to suffer, at times, by way of car accidents, burning our tongues from eating hot foods, or disciplining our children too soon, without questioning their seemingly unacceptable behavior (felt the need to throw that curve ball in there for all the parents).

Patience is a virtue, and was implemented by God, for good reason. Imagine working with an impatient farmer, who randomly throws seed all over there place, instead of properly placing them accordingly, in the soil. Rather than wait for seed time and harvest to run their course, he would pluck everything up too early, causing wasted time, and resources.

Patience also keeps us safe from dangers we see, and those we don’t. There were moments when I would feel the Spirit of God, nudging me to slow down, while even driving the speed limit. Had I not listened to the Holy Ghost, I would have crashed into an elderly man, who ran a red light, and was positioned to ram directly into my car. Rather than curse, scream, and honk the horn at grandpa, I prayed a prayer of thanks to God, for keeping me safe from an accident, and sparing the life of someone’s father, brother, or friend.

God has been patient with man for a very long time, and according to Scripture, His patience will soon run out for the wicked, and those who claim His name, yet shun His righteousness. Man has been given the unadulterated Word of God, countless personal testimonies, and the best free gift anyone could claim, salvation. We have also been given ample time to receive God’s Word, taste to see how good it is, digest it, and compare it to what the world offers. Those who are truly honest with themselves know, that God is real, His Word is true, and the world can do nothing to save them, yet they still must make the choice to claim salvation, before the patience of the Lord runs out.

Walk in love,

Ell

All Puffed Up!

Isaiah 10:12-14

“By the strength of my hand I have done it…” (vs. 13a). Can you recall a time, when you puffed yourself up, to gain praise from men, then God quickly humbled you, before your head swelled too big to pop? I can think of multiple examples from my own experiences, when God politely humbled me, to prevent me from humiliating myself.

Pride sucks, because it reveals that your true intentions are to take the glory that belongs to God, all for yourself. Some truly believe, that because they have the ability to do a thing, it’s justified, by default, simply because they can do it, but according Colossians 3:23, everything we do on this earth, we are to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. I’ll give you 37 seconds, to think of one thing you can accomplish, without God’s help (playing the Jeopardy tune in the background). Have you thought of something yet? Probably not, because there’s not one thing man can do, except God allow it. For example, if God borrowed the breath He breathed into you for a few days, what would happen to your physical body? Yeah, now you’re beginning to see my point.

God created man with amazing skills, talents and special abilities, that are all to be used to fulfill His purposes in the earth, but when we start to toot our own horns for things God was responsible for, there will always come a season of “straightening”. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 KJV).

God is fixed on getting the best out of His children, and causing their light to shine bright amongst men, but seeking to outshine the God of all creation, places one in the same category as satan, when he was in heaven. When we value and appreciate who we are in God, we’ll spend less time focusing on self, and more time contemplating how to make others better.

Walk in love,

Ell

Wealthy Condemnation

Habbakkuk 1:15-17

Why does it seem, that the wicked prosper, and the righteous experience continual suffering? I’d first like to clarify, that having an abundance of wealth or material things, isn’t equivalent to prosperity. There are men and women all over the world, who have more than enough wealth than they can spend in a lifetime, but just because they don’t lack material possessions, doesn’t mean their lives are free from problems. The average rich person is miserable, yet many keep their feelings inside, and hide them from the outside world. It’s one thing to have more than enough while harboring uneasy feelings, but it’s better when you have, and understand that with God, your possessions can be used to build His kingdom. In God’s eyes, prosperity involves more spiritual success, than natural.

The church suffers, because Christ suffered. It’s that simple. Jesus experienced a life, that no man or woman could ever imitate. He lived sinless, avoided all temptation, and yet, the world hated Him the more. Just as men hated Jesus, they will not withhold their hatred from the body of Christ today. Even as satan makes men appear to be prosperous, with their fine living, many fail to realize, God cares nothing about stuff, and more about souls. Many allow their wealth to change their attitude toward their fellow man, causing them to look down upon those seemingly not “on their level”. Even in the church, iniquity abounds, as members oftentime make attempts to devour their own people, for the love of money. This is just sad. Think on this for a moment, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17). God will no doubt deal with those in the church, who are failing to keep reverence in His house, but imagine the judgment coming to those who willingly refuse to acknowledge that God is the creator of all things, and Christ is the way, by which our sins are forgiven.

God will bless His people in this present life, and allow them to enjoy the wonders His love provides, but suffering is a package deal with living for Christ. Unfortunately, to those living in sin, yet feel safe and secure by their wealth and possessions, their temporary pleasure will bring eternal consequences, if they don’t change before time is up.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Sovereign Creator

Habakkuk 1:5-11

Throughout all the world, including the heavens and the earth, there’s not one who compares to the God of all creation. God’s omnipotent power has been recorded doing things no man, angel, or demon could ever do! Aside from speaking all things into existence, God holds the power to control creation, as He sees fit. A great example is given in our text, of the sovereignty of the God over all creation. God created man with the power to choose his or her own path in life, but He’s in full support of His agenda, over the enemy’s.

When the people God chose to carry His name throughout the earth, decided that they would find more pleasure in doing things contrary to what they were created for, God would raise up other nations, to sort of whip His people back in shape. There’s nothing like a swift kick in the pants, to help someone regain focus. Discipline is always good, especially when it’s intent is to bring someone from darkness, to light. When we claim to love God, but live contrary to holiness, our actions bring shame and embarrassment to His holy name. In turn, we force the hand of God to bring chastisement in our lives, in hopes that we’ll turn away from wickedness, and back to righteousness. I’m certain God gets no pleasure from allowing His children to suffer, but if a little affliction can save them from eternal suffering, then it’s worth it.

God has plans for all His people, and His thoughts toward us are good, and not evil. But, when we choose to make plans outside of God’s will, He’ll allow things to happen, to whip us back into shape.

Walk in love,

Ell

“A Hard Head Makes For A Soft Behind”

Jeremiah 5:14-19

There are millions of people walking the earth, living according to their own way. They have little to no regard for God, nor for the consequences of their sinful living. They spend entire lifetimes accumulating wealth and increase, solely for the purpose of making their own names great, while refusing to take into account, the implications of their eternity. These behaviors aren’t something that sprung up recently, but men have disregarded God throughout the Bible.

Our text picks up where the prophet Jeremiah recorded events of God’s people, literally rebelling against His authority. Those who were at one time “fed to the full”, forsook the God who provided for them. Things were so bad in Jerusalem, until God said, if only one man was found, who stood for righteousness, He would withhold judgment. That’s so sad. Amongst a people chosen by God, not one was bold enough to speak out against wickedness?

If God visited your home today, how many righteous people would He find? Would He be surprised to see, that the ones who attend church services regularly, play praise and worship music in their cars to and from work, and fast once a week, are living more wicked than the world? Or, would He be so pleased with your living, until He’d stay for a while, and enjoy your company? God planned to execute judgment on those who willingly forsook His authority, but promised to leave a remnant. The Lord is forever merciful, and although His judgments are sure, they only come upon those who’s “faces are harder than a rock, and refuse to return” to right standing in godliness. Are you a hardhead concerning the things of God? If so, you may want to reconsider your ways, because harsh judgment will be knocking on your door soon.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Name Of The Lord

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?” (Judges 13:18 KJV). In all the years I’ve studied the Scriptures, I’ve never understood, “the name of the Lord”, as I just discovered five minutes ago (I guess I’m a late bloomer). There are scholars and historians, who debate over what God’s actual name is, and invest years of research, trying to discover it. But, I’ve gained a greater understanding of where our focus, in God’s name, should be directed.

In the same way children are to reverence and respect their parents, by calling them father and mother, or mom and dad, Christians are to acknowledge God, not by an actual name, but who He actually is. God is our Father, who resides in Heaven, and we are to do as Moses did in our text, and “publish the name of the Lord…” (vs. 3). To publish can also mean to proclaim, or make known. When making mention of “the name of the Lord”, we should actually proclaim who, and what God represents. One verse reads, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The prophet Isaiah understood the relevance in God’s power and authority, rather than trying to figure out what His name was when he wrote, “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8).

When men hear “the name of the Lord”, God, Lord, and all the other terms in Scripture that represent the Father, it’s more important that they gain an understanding of who God is, what He represents, and how powerful and unmatched His authority is. The same applies to us, when we acknowledge our parents. I don’t make it a habit of calling my mom and dad by their first names, because it’s been looked upon as a sign of disrespect. Instead, I acknowledge them by who they are, and respect what their roles represent.

God isn’t moved by men who make attempts to learn His actual name, because it means nothing, if they don’t know what the name truly stands for. Rather than spending time trying to figure out what “the name of the Lord” is, redirect your attention to all the amazing things God stands for, as well as what He expects from those who love Him. Respect God’s position as Father, and stay in your lane, as His child, walking in obedience to His commands.

(Exodus 3:13-15 KJV) “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

(Jeremiah 16:21 KJV) “Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.”

Unfaithful Friends

Job 19:1-7

In the midst of multiple horrendous and heartbreaking attacks from satan, the faithful Job was totally unaware of the initial conversation between God and the devil, that led to the unbearable events the Lord’s faithful servant was unwillingly forced to endure. The devil wanted to prove to God, that if He were to remove the hedge of protection from around Job, he would certainly turn against Him. By now, many should know how this amazing story eventually turned out, but if not, feel free to read the entire book of Job, for more in- depth understanding.

During his suffering, Job’s grief was amplified, when his homies felt the need to “vex his soul”. While it was one thing trying to understand losing literally everything, including his children, and his wife’s sanity, Job was troubled the more, listening to his friends constantly try to convince him that he was wicked, and his troubles were of his own doing.

One of the most powerful virtues of God’s Spirit is, discernment (the ability to see, perceive, and distinguish the meaning of things, even without complete understanding). Apparently, Job’s friends lacked this virtue, because had they been in tune to God’s plan, rather than scold and ridicule the humble servant, they would have offered words of comfort and encouragement instead. Imagine watching your whole life fall apart in literal seconds, then having to hear that everything was your fault, from those who you considered your closest friends.

Many in situations as this one, tend to isolate themselves, for fear of being hurt the more, even when being approached by those with good intentions. Job could not understand why his friends were breaking him in pieces with their words, but he should have been more concerned with the fact that he had not sinned, nor did anything to cause his pain, and shame. As humans, we often forget the obvious, when life dumps loads of weight on our shoulders. Those things that should be easy to understand, become hard, and cause us to stress, and lose focus.

There will be experiences in our lives, where God will allow the enemy to come against us; not to defeat us or keep us bound, but to reveal how focused our faith is in God. Job’s encounters were so severe, until he almost gave in to the pressure, but in the end, he endured, and God blessed him with more in the end, than he had before his suffering. Blessings are given by default, to those who are in God, but to those who endure intense trials and attacks from the devil, God will reward you with intense blessings in the end.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Big Breakup!

Amos 5:18-24

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “The Big Breakup”! Starring, The Disgruntled Wife, and The Unjust Husband! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the juicy details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Disgruntled Wife: (Screaming) Ahhhhh! I can’t take this anymore.

Unjust Husband: You can’t take what? All you do is whine, moan, and complain. Why can’t you be like your sister, and do what her husband tells her, without giving him lip?

Disgruntled Wife: Are you serious?! You don’t deserve anything good from me anymore. Since we got married, I’ve done EVERYTHING for you…EVERY BLEEP BLEEP THING!!! And, I never complained. You showed me kindness, and acted like you cared in the beginning, but you’ve finally revealed who you really are.

Unjust Husband: You know I care, and will always loooove you. Go look in your closet, and count all the beautiful dresses I just bought for you. Or, look at all the fine jewelry I got you for our ten year anniversary. I take you out to eat at least twice a week, so you don’t have to always cook, and I pay ALL the bills. You live in this big house, with no worries. So, what are you still complaining about?

Disgruntled Wife: SMH… you know what? You’re an interesting character. You say you do all these things because “you loooove me”, but answer these questions for me please. Number one, where do you go after work? Number two, what’s the name of the woman you meet up with? Number three, do you buy me things to keep me distracted? Number four, when you say you love me, is it according to the same love God gives? Number five, why do you seek other women for pleasure, when I give you all you need? Number six, why did you marry me, knowing you wouldn’t remain faithful? Number seven, why…

Unjust Husband: Alright alright alright! I don’t want to hear this.

Disgruntled Wife: It’s the truth. I work, cook, clean, do all these things for you consistently, yet you feel the need to go outside of our union to find pleasure. Am I not enough?

Unjust Husband: ….

Disgruntled Wife: See, you can’t even say nothing. You know what, I’m leaving! I’ve given you way too many chances to change, but you’re comfortable in your unfaithful ways.

Unjust Husband: Yeah right, you ain’t going nowhere. Besides, you are a Christian, you don’t believe in divorce. So, take all that somewhere else.

Disgruntled Wife: Because I love God, you don’t think I can leave your sorry bleep bleep? Listen, did you know, Christ is married to the church, and one day He’ll come to take His bride (the church)? But, if He comes and finds your lamp not lit, you’ll be left behind forever.

Unjust Husband: There you go with all that Bible talk. I don’t care about all those make-believe stories some ancient writers wrote. I’m not afraid of God, nor am I afraid of you. So go sit down somewhere.

Disgruntled Wife: See, that’s where you’re wrong. The same way God can separate Himself from an unjust people, is what I’ll give to you. I love you, and always will, but I must leave you forever.

Unjust Husband: Bla bla bla….bla bla…….oh wait, and BLAAAAA!

Disgruntled Wife: I wash my hands of this, and leave you to your judgment. Goodbye!

This concludes another episode of, “The Big Breakup”! Thanks for tuning in.

This lesson was intended to portray the message in our text. There are some who were in God’s hands of protection, but willingly left it for worldly pleasures. They held traditional feasts, assemblies, gave burnt offerings, and sang songs, but God would not accept any of their sacrifices, while sin ruled their hearts. God provided all their needs, but they constantly went after other things. Knowing they’d never return to the Father, judgment was set for all who permanently sided with evil, rather than cling to the light of God’s goodness. Woe unto everyone, who refuses God’s free gift of salvation!

Walk in love,

Ell

My First Love

Hosea 2:14-23

“Hindsight is always 20/20”, and people usually see situations more clear, after experiencing them first-hand. These sayings are especially true in circumstances where some have failed to appreciate the kindness and generosity of others, until that person removed themselves from their company. A similar saying that applies to this is, “you don’t know what you got, till you lose it”.

Living as a Christian, in these days, is extremely challenging, as men often take our kindness for weakness, but the moment their lives take a turn for the worse, they remember those who once showed them compassion, eventually seeking them for comfort. God dealt with this continually from the children of Israel, during the time when they willingly entertained evil influences, and ignored His chastening. They failed to appreciate all that God was gracefully providing for them, and chose to find pleasure in things the Father despised. This situation happens in many homes across the country, as parents work tirelessly to provide for their children, then witness their lack of appreciation, and resistance to abide by their teachings. It would break my heart, to see the son or daughter I raised and provided for, turn their face away from me, and connect with those who operate under standards contrary to what was established in my home. Children today, are easily distracted by the many influences of the world, so it’s vital that parents establish solid Bible standards as early as possible, to train their kids to recognize truth from lies, at an early age.

God loved Israel, but hated their sins, yet He promised to give them bountiful blessings, as soon as they grew weary from their sinful living, and remembered how good they had it, before they left their first love. God’s love isn’t fickle and frail as the love portrayed by the world, but He offers love unconditional, and reserves blessings for those who remain true to His Word.

Have you left God’s love for someone else’s? If so, do you finally see the difference in the love offered by the Father, compared to that of carnal men? Turn away from all those things that do nothing to help you grow spiritually, and return to your first love. Let God prove to you, that what he offers, can bless your life now, and throughout eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell