Tag: Loyal

Before You Commit…

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

“Before you commit, know who you’re with.” – Ell

Faithful Women

Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:10-18

As a non-Jew recording the words and works of Jesus’ life, Luke demonstrates a special sensitivity to other “outsiders” with whom Jesus came into contact. For instance, Luke records five events involving women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. In first-century Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens and had few of the rights men had. But Jesus crossed those barriers, and Luke showed the special care Jesus had for women. Jesus treated all people the with equal respect (Life Application Study Bible). The women mentioned in our text, proved their loyalty to Jesus, after being healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Not only were the aforementioned women loyal to Jesus, but Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza (Herod’s steward), and Suzanna were few among many, who consistently supported the ministry of Jesus financially. Mary Magdalene was healed by the hand of Jesus, supported His ministry, was by His side all the way to the cross, and after His resurrection. Her loyalty was proven to be as solid as the love Jesus had shown to her and others, and she serves as a great example of how all who follow after Christ should live.

“Never judge what you don’t understand, because it could be an integral part of God’s divine plan.” – Ell

The Trials Of Faith

Job 42:10-17

When you suffer in life, do you automatically think it’s the direct result of some hidden act of sin you’ve possibly committed? Although sin does allow for bad things to happen to the believer, there are also moments when God will schedule a season of suffering for His children, as a means of testing the level of faith they have in Him. Serving God is a beautiful thing, but when our hearts are fixed on fulfilling His purpose in the earth, we are sure to ruffle the feathers of those who oppose righteous living.

Job experienced God’s scheduled season of suffering first-hand, yet proved to God, his confused wife, and misguided friends, that no matter what comes against him, nothing has the power or ability to turn him away from the Father. Through all the terrible things Job experienced, including the death of his ten children, losing all his famed wealth, and being stricken with a physical illness seemingly beyond healing, not once did this man sin against God.

One of the iconic verses in the book of Job is, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (42:10). How often do we cry, moan, and complain to everyone, during hard times, when God only wants to prove to satan, that our faith in Him will remain strong, despite spiritual and physical attacks. Regardless of the occasional hardships we are certain to encounter, we must not forget, we are still beyond blessed! God loads us daily with benefits including, life, health, and the freedom to read and study His Word. When bad things happen, rather than get worked up and full of worry, see your situation as an opportunity to show the enemy his efforts to turn you away from God, will be futile. And, when you stand in the midst of your attacks, while praying for those who misjudge your faith, God will turn your situation around, then bless you with more faith, strength, peace, joy, and love than you had before. Stay blessed Saints.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Apostles are fools for Christ

1 Corinthians 4:8-13

Throughout my life, I’ve often wondered why do Christians suffer. All people, no matter their race or cultural background, experience moments of trial or suffering, but it seems as though those who follow after Christ are dealt extra levels of suffering and persecution. As a child, I believed that God reigned supreme, and those who believed in Him would never suffer, because He would protect them from all evil. As I grew older, I realized that suffering for the sake of righteousness is a part of the believer’s growing process. I’ve yet to meet someone who enjoys suffering and persecution, but when we experience extreme levels of hard times for Christ’s sake, our reward will far outweigh our suffering.

The men who followed closely after Christ experienced persecution on levels many of us would have thrown in the towel, but they endured, because they knew that their reward would be greater on the other side. Only by the grace of God, can men and women suffer persecution, without retaliating. Carnal men seek revenge, but those who love God, endure until the end. One man, who in my opinion suffered more than anyone in history aside from Christ, was the apostle Paul. He went from persecuting the church, to receiving the same treatment (if not worse) after surrendering his heart to Christ. On five occasions Paul received 39 lashes from the Jews. He was beaten down with rods three times. He was stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and even was adrift at sea for a day. These examples alone outweigh all the trouble I’ve experienced in my entire lifetime, but his suffering got worse! During his missionary journeys, Paul suffered many perils in the seas, he was robbed countless times, and his own men turned against him when he needed them most. He experienced moments of weariness, pain, hunger, thirst, extreme cold, and nakedness, yet Paul endured all of it, because his strength came from the Lord.

The men of God in Scripture were made spectacles to the world, persecuted, beaten violently, abused, and some had no place to stay, but they suffered it willingly. As I look at the state of the church today, we have gotten soft. We cry and whine at the first sign of opposition, or resentment. We worry more about paying a bill, than the lost souls we pass by daily. We fight and bicker among ourselves so much, until satan doesn’t have to bother us as much as he desires. If the apostles of the past could see what the church has become, they’d be ashamed. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I did make a promise to myself to strive to be better, not only for me, but for everyone I’m blessed to come in contact with. When you’re in Christ, hard times are just a sign that you are in the right position. Persecution also reminds the saints that this world is not our home, and we must be mindful not to get too attached to worldly treasures. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

If Christ came to visit you today, would He be proud of how you lived thus far? What are some areas in your life that could use some fine tuning? Get yourself rooted, and grounded in God again, and allow His strength to keep you in all your encounters. Be strong, be vigilant, be bold, and stand firm in the faith. Storms will come, and winds will blow, but those who are rooted in God, will never be moved.

Walk in love,

Ell