Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead. Let His Word be a light that guides your path.
Psalm 9
Why do some people work so hard, to tear down the good reputation of others? If those who plot evil against others would redirect all their efforts toward making themselves better, the world would be a more decent place to live. Wicked people fail to realize, their actions only work against themselves. With every trap set to hinder someone, the wicked will always ensnare themselves in the end.
James 5:13-16
In a world of chaos and confusion, it can be hard, at times, to find things that bring joy to one’s heart. With the recent chaotic events including the U.S. Capitol building riot, the continued worldwide pandemic, and other news, people of all over the country are weighed down with a heavy heart. Aside from disheartening global events, many deal with daily personal struggles like sickness, depression, financial instability, and other issues. But, in the midst of all the chaos and confusion in the world, there are still things to give God thanks for.
While life is indeed hard for many, God has never stopped providing for His children. Those who remain in the earth and have fully committed themselves to following after righteousness, should not let the current state of the world weigh them down, because God has been beyond good to them. Believers should always acknowledge the fact that they have the precious gift of salvation. Without Jesus being the means by which our sins were forgiven, our living would be in vain. Aside from being delivered from sin, God allows us the liberty to study and meditate on His holy Word. I’m aware of those countries that make it hard for Saints to even receive Bibles, but for those who have the freedom to read it, should always be excited for the opportunity to do so. With how the world has been lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bibles were eventually taken away. For this reason, we should hide God’s Word in the depths of our hearts. This way, no man can ever take His Word away from us. Along with salvation and the Bible, Saints are deeply connected to the Holy Spirit of God. This Comforter is responsible for reminding the Christian of Jesus’ teachings, as well as guiding them along the righteous path.
Let’s recap. The world is literally falling apart, but the people of God can still rejoice in the fact that they are blessed in the midst of mess. God does bless His people with natural things, but never allow hard times to take your focus off your salvation, God’s Word, and the Holy Ghost. Learn to realize how blessed you really are.
Genesis 12:1-8
Everyone God created, has a purpose, and a plan to execute for their lives, but some are required to leave behind those things they hold dear, in order to fulfill special missions for God. One such person was, Abram. God selected this man, by whom to birth His chosen nation. God could have used any faithful man to carry out His purpose, but Abram was chosen to represent God’s kingdom in the earth. God knew, Abram would remain faithful and true to his calling, and willingly leave his family, so that God could establish him in another location. Sometimes, we have to also be willing to move, because God can do more from a different location, than where we are now.
God made promises to Abram, that show forth even today, but before Abram received God’s instructions, he had to first make a move. We often miss out on the things God has for us, because we get too comfortable in our ways. When serving God, there will come times when you have to be flexible, and willing to step out in faith.
Because of his obedience, God blessed Abram beyond his imagination, and God wants to do the same for us today. Are you holding on to things that have lost its value, while God is trying to replace it with something better? Take God at His word; when He tells you to move, don’t hesitate, because it could determine whether your future will be bright, or just the same old thing.
Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,
Ell
Isaiah 45:20-25
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). God takes delight in seeing His people working together in harmony. Not only does He take pleasure in seeing the Saints joined together, but He made it a standard for the body of Christ to make a habit of assembling together, as often as necessary. From the children of Israel in ancient times, to the new testament church, unity has always been God’s focal point. We also learn from the apostle Paul, as the end of time draws near, we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. The world is divided, and people have joined themselves to all types of false and unhealthy religions, so it’s essential that the children of God remain in good fellowship with one another, so that the glory of God can continue to be shed abroad through their lives.
God’s love extends far beyond human comprehension, but we are blessed to experience it on various levels in this life. Not only does God want His children to enjoy the benefits of His great love, but “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God desires that all people from every nation surrender their hearts to Him, because life without God, is no life at all.
There’s no one else like God, in heaven, or on earth. He alone holds all power in His hand, and sustains everything that’s been created. Who wouldn’t want to serve a God like Him? Men serve false gods, or idols that can do nothing to save them. They place their trust in the stars and astrology, or even in their money and possessions, but all that is vanity and powerless. God, the creator of all things, is everything good, and then some! Men accept invitations to balls, galas, and other functions the world deems worthwhile, but God invited all men to join His royal family, and place themselves in a position to live an eternity in the greatest event of all time! Have you accepted God’s invitation, or are there other things more important on your list of things to do?
Walk in love,
Ell
Romans 11:25-36
The cares of life can become so cluttered in our minds until we, at times, have to take a few steps back, and look at life from a bird’s eye view. Between working jobs where you get little to no recognition for all the sacrifices you make, to simply trying to live a godly life, it’s easy sometimes to lose focus of the bigger picture. Although believers have been saved from sin, by grace, through the blood of Jesus Christ, we still have to maintain balance in our natural and spiritual lives, until Christ returns. It’s important that those who claim to be born-again believers, keep their lives aligned with godliness at all times, because many who are lost in their sins need to see what a true follower of Christ looks like. Many know what the Bible entails, but they are more influenced by witnessing godliness with their own eyes.
Christians are to prove their salvation by the way they live. I often say, “you can make your mouth say anything, but your actions reveal what’s in the heart”. There are many in the world today who are blinded by the mysteries of godliness, due to their submission to the world’s standard of living. If only they would taste, and see that the Lord is mmm mmm goooood! The apostle Paul takes a moment to boast in the Lord, in this text, as he acknowledges the depth of the riches both of God’s wisdom, and knowledge. Men today think they’re so smart, and some are to certain extents, but man’s wisdom when compared to the wisdom of God is senseless. The God who extends the free gift of salvation to all peoples is in a league of His own. He is the full embodiment of love, His mercies endure forever, His grace is sufficient, the Heavens declare His glory, and the firmaments show His handiwork.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:7-10). The world needs to see the manifestation of changed lives through the believers. We are the ones who make God attractive, or an afterthought in the eyes of others. Live your life making sure you represent God well. Boast in His power, make His name glorious, so that others will be drawn to Him from the wonderful testimonies of our godly living.
Walk in love,
Ell
Luke 4:38-43
Not only did Christ preach the Good News to the nations, He in fact was the same Good News He proclaimed. Jesus preached forgiveness and salvation, and He was the means by which our sins were forgiven. He preached love, and that it should be exercised without condition, and He exemplified that same love in the countless experiences He had when healing all those who came, or were brought unto Him. Jesus proclaimed that He came to do the works His Father sent Him to do, including exposing satan for the deceiver he truly is. Even the demons Christ cast out who illegally took residence in innocent people, recognized, and proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. One thing we fail to realize about evil spirits is, they are intelligent, wise, and powerful beings who are capable of overtaking us, if we submit to their authority. They have the ability to possess people, and cause all manner of sickness and disease to invade a person’s body and mind. All the sickness and disease we see among people, are controlled by demon spirits, and these entities must be cast out in order to experience relief from them.
While proclaiming the Good News of God’s love to the world, we must also make others aware of the adversary who fights against God’s people. We meditate on the Scriptures not only to learn of God’s goodness, but also to study our enemy. Before a great orator delivers an eloquent, or skilled speech to an audience, he or she properly prepares themselves with the knowledge and understanding of the topics they’ll discuss. They’ve no doubt invested extensive hours in planning and preparation to ensure their words will inspire, and possibly bring change to their audience. Before the believer attempts to reach the world with God’s Word, they must be properly prepared to do so. We embarrass Heaven when we make efforts to represent godliness while unprepared. Even satan is well-versed in the Scriptures, and can recognize when we aren’t stable in our foundation. As you spread the goodness of God to those you’re blessed to meet, do it with boldness, confidence, and a smile on your face. Our time on earth is nearing its expiration date, so we should waste no time convincing others that salvation is free, and readily available.
Walk in love,
Ell
Ell's Daily Inspirations 