Tag: need

At The Cross

John 19:25-30

Even while bearing the weight of all the sins of men, a brutal scourging, and hanging from a cross, Jesus was still concerned about his family. Enduring pain and struggles are difficult by default, but God offers strength that can help a person maintain focus on those things we tend to shun away when we suffer, but are of vital importance.

In our text, Jesus was at the tail end of His time in the earth, and wanted to make sure His mom was taken care of. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother with eyes of eternity, and made certain she would be cared for, despite all that was taking place. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John), was also near the cross, and took on the responsibility of housing Mary. It’s good to know that at least one of the disciples stayed near Jesus, when all the others were away in hiding. Jesus also had brothers,  so some may wonder why He didn’t leave his mother with them. Well, John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, and this was enough for Jesus to know that he was the perfect person to entrust with His mom.

The moment you need people most, is when they scurry away into hiding, but those who are bold enough to stand with you, even if it causes them to suffer, will not hesitate to be strength to you, until the end.

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

Who Is My Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37

God is love, and His love extends far beyond human comprehension, but the understanding we gain from how the Scriptures define what love is, is vital for all Saints to grasp and apply in their daily living. There are innumerable aspects to God’s love, some of which include compassion, mercy, grace, kindness, humility and many more, and all of them can be exercised by those who truly walk according to holiness. All who are in Christ Jesus, should be readily available to express the love of God in all situations, especially in times when others have great needs. We should not show favor to some, while disregarding others, because we were called to win the lost, and edify our brothers. In other words, we can’t refuse help to those who aren’t joined to the church, and we must not turn our faces from our brothers or sisters, who reach out for a helping hand. God truly loves everyone, and expects His people to distribute His love to all who have need of it.

Most of us know the story of the “Good Samaritan”, so I won’t delve too deep into it, but this story helps us understand, despite the title we wear, or position we hold, we should never allow those to keep us from helping someone in need. If Jesus could leave Heaven, and come to earth to save us, then we should never miss an opportunity to lend a hand to anyone, whether they be saved, or lost. In the Bible, the Samaritans were considered half-breeds, and were shunned by many, but when the certain Samaritan in our text saw a man battered, bruised, and near death, he had compassion on him, took care of his wounds, and carried him to safety. The priest and levite should have been ashamed of not representing God’s love in the time of need, and we should also be mindful not to allow our status, title, or the opinions of others, to keep us from showing love to all men, no matter their ethnicity, background, or the color of their skin.

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

One Source

Genesis 41:53-57

Trying to prosper in this life while navigating on your own judgment and intellect, will always lead you to an unfruitful end. There’s nothing inherently good in the earth (especially these days) except for those things we have need of to remain alive. Food, clothing, shelter, and good health are most important among all things we can accumulate, and without them, living could easily become a hard thing to do.

God gives those who trust in Him, wisdom required to navigate in the earth. The Lord knows all, and sees the end from the beginning. God knows when seasons will change, whether in nature, or in our own lives. He keeps His children clothed, fed, and protected, during all seasons, and desires that they always be prepared to extend provisions to others as well. It’s hard to convince someone, the God we serve is full of grace, and can supply all our needs, when we’re broke and struggling, but God can and will provide for those who diligently seek Him, and desire to do only what’s pleasing in His sight.

As we continue delving into the story of Joseph, we find where the seven years of plenty had come to an end, and famine took precedence in all civilized lands that surrounded Egypt. Because of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dream, God allowed Egypt the opportunity to prepare well, before the time of dearth invaded the lands. It’s uncertain whether or not the other lands got wind of the prophetic words of Joseph, but the Bible noted, “And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn; because the famine was so sore in all lands” (vs. 57).

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can be certain of who holds tomorrow. God will supply all our “need”, according to His riches in glory, and He expects His people to be ready and willing to help those who are in lack. Giving is God’s modus operandi, and it should be engrained in the minds of all Saints, to operate the same. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). God is the source of all good things, and we can always come to Him to receive those things we have need of.

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

Ell

Stay On Track

Psalm 119:169-176

During my early years of life, I always found trains to be a fascinating means of transport. Watching those intricate machines glide across the tracks while waiting in the back seat of my parent’s car, was always a thrill to witness. I would often get scolded by my grandmother, because whenever I would ride with her while going over a train track, I always felt the need to add a few extra bounces in the van, even after we had rumbled over the tracks.

Trains have one mission, and that’s to get its cargo from point A, to point B. While technology has made for more efficient transportation, there are rare occasions when a train will get derailed from its track. As strange as it may seem, dealing trains is rather easy. In fact, the most common way is to drive it too fast for the rail position. The wheels can ride up the side of a rail on a curve at high speed, and if the alignment is too wide or narrow it will cause the train to dip, and rise up off the rails. That’s a scary thing to witness. The process of placing a derailed train back on its track is rather tedious, and requires hard labor, but once the train is placed back into its proper position, it can then proceed to carry out its assigned duties.

The church can be compared to a train. While the train is set on a track, and assigned to carry resources from place to place, believers are also positioned in God’s will, to carry His message of the Gospel from heart to heart. Oftentimes, a believer will veer off track, and end up in places and positions God didn’t intend for them to be in. But, getting back on track with God, requires one to first realize they are out of position, then cry out to Him for His salvation. It’s unfortunate how many only consider God’s grace, after they’ve fallen, rather than cling to it before a fall, in order to remain on track.

Never allow yourself to stray away from God’s leading, and commit to doing His will, so that you’ll always be in the right position to fulfill your mission. Remain consistent in God’s Word, stay on track, and choo choo nonstop, until you reach your final destination.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

What About The Children?

Luke 11:9-13

If you’re a parent, and your child asked for something to eat, would you give them a bowl of rocks? Any sound-minded father or mother would respond to that question with an absolute NO! How could any parent refuse to give their little one the things they have need of? In my most honest opinion, it’s borderline criminal for anyone to see a child in need, and refuse to help, especially if they have more than enough to supply. Children are feeble, and underdeveloped, so ensuring they are well-fed, and properly cared for should be top priority on every mom and dad’s to-do list.

Taking care of those you love should feel more like an opportunity to bless and provide, rather than a hard task or duty. When God blesses His children, He always does it out of love, and what He gives is best for their lives. God knows what His children have need of before they even ask or think it, and He’s built a reputation for giving His people what they need, more than what they ask for amiss. God is a great Father, and always provides the best for His children, and He desires that we do the same for ours. Learn to love your children the way God loves you, and always be ready and willing to give them what they need, so that they’ll be able to grow and develop healthy, in a natural and spiritual way.

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

Ell

Peaceful Impression

John 14:25-31

What impression do you leave on others, when you’re absent from their presence? As a child of God, do people recognize you as one who exhibits the character traits Jesus portrayed while He roamed the earth? Since you’ve become engrafted into God’s royal family, have you fully understood what He expects of you? These are questions every person who claims to be filled with God’s Spirit, should easily respond to.

When Jesus left to be with His Father, He knew the church would need much help to withstand the evil days, so rather than leave us to fend for ourselves against the forces of darkness, He prayed to the Father, who then sent the Comforter (Holy Ghost) to be another heavenly representative, to teach us all things, and bring to remembrance, the words of Christ (among many other things).

Before Jesus left the scene, He gave the gift of peace to His disciples. Of all the amazing virtues in Christ’s arsenal, why would peace be favored among them all? Consider the state of the world today. What is most needed besides the obvious (money, food, shelter, healthcare)? You got it! Peace. Despite how many people try to beautify societal constructs, this world is functioning from a chaotic state. Peace is needed all over the world, and in every country, you’ll find similar patterns of wickedness in governments, business, and other means by which the less fortunate are taken advantage of. The law-abiding citizens need peace, in order to maintain stability, amongst corrupt leadership. Peace is needed in our homes, so that fathers and mothers can properly raise their children to love and respect God. Even in homes where the mother or father is absent, more peace is required to keep that single parent strong and determined to keep their family together. Peace is most definitely needed in the hearts of those nearing the edge of their sanity; those who feel that life has dealt them an unfair hand.

As a believer, it’s your duty to strive to live peaceably with all men, knowing that the times are hard, not only on the church, but on the world as well. If we are to win the world to Christ, we must first understand that peace should go before us in all our encounters.

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

Ell

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Matthew 25:41-46

Up to this point in your life, how have you treated those who were hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned? It may take a few moments for you to think on all those situations, but according to Jesus, the church should pay close attention to those struggling in these areas, and waste no time, attending to their needs. While it is true, we were made the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21, we are to prove our allegiance to the Father through our works. How we treat others, reveals the secrets of our heart toward God. When a man loves God beyond words alone, he makes it his business to help those in need, on a daily basis. Whether it be lending a listening ear to someone dealing with a struggle, providing food for the hungry, or telling a lost soul about Jesus, the body of Christ should always be found doing something, to make the lives of others better.

There are those who bark and rant that they love God, and can even quote Scriptures easily, but they only do it for show, and have no real intentions to get their hands dirty in the field. God has rewards awaiting those who fulfill His love command, as well as for those who willingly refuse. The righteous have no problem taking time to relieve people of the pressures life presents to them, including children, whereas the unrighteous can turn their face away from a hungry child, with no remorse at all. Always be mindful of how you treat people today, because it’ll ultimately determine where you will spend eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell