Separated From Society

Luke 17:11-19

During the days when Jesus walked the earth, many people suffered from various illnesses and diseases, most of which kept them bedridden or unable to carry out daily duties. The worst of those diseases (in my opinion) had to be leprosy, because this illness kept men and women separated from society. Those who were leprous, were required to stand afar off from people considered clean. Aside from facing bitter social rejection, and being treated as outcasts, lepers were required to leave their homes and families, and join with others infected with leprosy, on the outskirts of town. In addition, They were forbidden from having contact with people who did not have the disease, and they had to ring a bell and shout “unclean” if anyone approached them. They couldn’t even go to the market place, and were also forbidden from taking part in worship. The worst fact concerning leprosy was, there was no cure for the diseases back then, so all who suffered from it, could only look forward to a slow, painful, and shameful death.

Living with the horrible condition of leprosy, could not have been a pleasant experience, but our lesson’s text reveals ten who were lepers, and had a life-changing experience, after an encounter with Jesus. While passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee, Jesus entered a certain village, and was met by ten men, suffering from leprosy. Isn’t it interesting, how Jesus often found Himself among those who were sick or ill? I’m totally convinced, the Son of God knew to place Himself among the sick, so that the glory of the Father could be revealed to the suffering, and onlookers.

In a joint effort, the ten lepers cried with a loud voice and said, “Master, have mercy on us.” Rather than say, “Be healed”, or something of that nature, Jesus gave the men a simple command, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” If you’ve studied a little on the history of leprosy, you’ll know that the priests were ordained by God to consider someone to be clean or unclean, based on specifications mentioned in Leviticus chapter 13. But, Jesus told the men to show themselves to the priest, while they were yet leprous… an interesting command. Fortunately, as the men went, they were immediately cleansed. Although only one turned back to thank Jesus for his healing, all ten men, would no longer be labeled an outcast to society, but a welcomed citizen instead.

Dead Or Alive

Acts 4:32-5:11

When the Spirit of God can freely work through a believer, he or she will only seek to do things for the betterment of the church as a whole. For example, when a person truly loves God, their motivations are not only to care for their own needs, but to place the needs of others above their own. If God was willing to give His best to a sinful world, then believers should never hesitate to show sincere love to their fellow man.

Our text gives a wonderful example of how the early church prospered through unity, and togetherness. The texts reads, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common.” (vs. 32). Can you imagine the state of the church today, if all members shared the same heart, soul, and had all things in common? I believe the church would have a more powerful impact not only amongst the religious community, but around the whole world.

God takes delight in His people, when they do things according to His will, and He blesses them accordingly, but His anger is kindled toward those who appear to do works of righteousness, but have hidden motives that are fueled by pride and selfishness. While the majority of the early church cooperated in bringing all the proceeds from selling their possessions to the apostles, so that everyone could receive distribution according to their need, there were two who decided they would go against the church’s unified efforts, and keep some of the funds for themselves. Ananias and his wife Sapphira found out the hard way, what happens when a person deliberately lies to God. No matter how good things may seem amongst a prosperous church community, there will always be some who will refuse to maintain obedience. This odd couple refused to tell the truth about the total amount they received from selling their possessions. Knowing that their needs would be accounted for, they still stuck to their unwise plan. After being given a chance to reveal the truth, Ananias chose to lie, and dropped dead at the feet of the apostle Peter. Nearly three hours later, Sapphira walked into the church, and was also given a chance to confess the truth. Unfortunately, she chose to lie as well, and fell dead also at the apostle’s feet. The two were carried out of the church, and buried next to each other, which caused great fear to come upon the entire church.

What good is it, to lie to a God who knows all things? I mean, it’s just senseless, and unnecessary. Ananias and Sapphira could have avoided untimely deaths, by simply telling the truth. Besides, all their needs were already met in the first place. Be careful how you approach God, or those He entrusted to lead you. Always be honest in your communication, because while you may be able to convince man, you can never fool God. He’ll always reveal what’s in the heart, especially if it’s intended to hurt the church. God protects His own, and will do what’s necessary to keep them safe, even if He has to cause some to die.

One God

Ephesians 4:6-9

Contrary to popular belief, there’s only “One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (the body of Christ) (vs. 6). “In the beginning God…”, and there was none else except the “Word”, who was with God in the beginning. So, where did all these other “gods” come from? 1 Corinthians 8:5 reads, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)”, but this was in reference to how the heathen would use not only images, but the sun, moon, planets, stars, oceans, rivers, trees, and all other things in creation to serve as gods.

God stated plainly, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, yet men willing ignored that commandment, and placed senseless idols and graven images in place of the almighty God. There’s not a thing any idol or image can do to create life, sustain it, or enhance it in any way, so why do men neglect acknowledging the God of creation, and choose to worship something that was made by the Creator? This makes absolutely no sense, yet there are those who are hell-bent on keeping their faith, hope, and trust in a tree.

Modern-day gods have taken the form of things more subtle, including careers, people, and the mighty dollar. My, oh my, how so many have submitted themselves to the love of money, so much so, until they’ll do nearly anything to obtain it. While some are drawn away by their greed for cash, others get lost in their careers, while forgetting the importance of balancing self and family also. When we place anything above God, we become slaves to what those things represent. A job can’t restore your strength, but God can. Money can’t buy love, but God can give it freely. A tree can’t hug you, and transfer the positive energy you need to make it through another day, but God can place people in your life who can do that, and much more.

If there are things in your life you dedicate an excessive amount of time in, that takes away opportunities for you to get close to God, reconsider whether or not those things are even necessary for your life. If your job is keeping you from living holy, get another one. If the company you keep causes you to drift away from God’s ordinances, find new company. If your TV, cell phone, tablet, playstation controller, or other device gets more of your attention than God does, put it aside, and give God what He’s worth. Let nothing become a god in your life, and guard yourself from the subtlety of the world’s influence, that causes you to devote precious time into futile things.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

GO TEAM GO!!!

Colossians 1:3-8

Of all that goes into a winning sports program, one of the groups that usually goes unnoticed, yet contributes greatly to their team’s success is, the cheerleaders. According to wikipedia, cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called “cheerleaders”) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can also be performed to motivate sports teams, to entertain the audience, or for competition. Cheerleading routines typically range anywhere from one to three minutes, and combines variations of tumbling, dance, jumps, and stunts.

Cheerleaders don’t really get much respect, when compared to the athletes running on the field or court, but it’s always good to have someone in your corner rooting for your success, especially when the competition is intense, and overwhelming. One thing that offers certain benefits to the believer is, receiving encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ. Walking the path of righteousness isn’t always easy, and many are tempted to throw in the towel, but no matter how challenging the enemy makes things for the children of God, when they stand with and one mind, one focus, and one goal, they’ll always overcome any obstacle in their path.

Take time to encourage someone you love, and pour into them positive energy, that can help make their journey through life a little easier. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:23-25).

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

With One Accord

Acts 2:1-12

One of the most iconic moments in Bible history was, the day of Pentecost, recorded in the book of Acts. When the day of Pentecost was “fully come”, this was referencing the fiftieth day from the waving of the sheaf of the first-fruits. According to the book of Leviticus, Pentecost was one of the original eight feasts of the Lord, or holy convocations, which were to be proclaimed in their appropriate season. God appointed times for His people to gather and offer sacrifices and praises for all that He had done for them. This was important to keep the minds of the people focused on the source of their peace, prosperity, and protection.

Our text picks up a short while after the first business meeting of the church, and the election of the replacement disciple (Matthias). During this gathering of about 120 men, the Bible mentions all these men were in one place, and with one accord. In other words, none of the men gathered were lukewarm, shady, doubtful, unconcerned, nor uninterested in God’s affairs. Instead, they were all united in faith, love, and prayer. Can you pause for a moment, and imagine if this was the state of the church today. If every man and woman, who gathers together in the name of the Lord, were always sharing the same mind, will, and motivations, how do you think the earth would look today? Well, we have an absolutely amazing experience that takes place in the verses of our text.

Being of the same mind, and gathered together in unity, provoked the almighty God, to literally invade the space where the men were, and fill them with His Spirit, while unlocking the ability for them to speak a language they never spoke. This was done, so that all the nations of the earth that would also come to witness God’s power, could be ministered to in their native tongue. God knew, many would come together to join the ever-growing church, so He (in His infinite wisdom), was fully aware that those whom He called, needed to capable of reaching all who would show up. Unlike men, who think mostly in “the now”, God sees the end of a thing, and knows how to prepare His people to handle it, before it manifests.

Although the modern church seems to have lost its once renowned potency and effectiveness in the earth, the power of God is still readily available, to invade the lives of those who will gather together in one mind, one heart, and one Spirit. Never underestimate the power of unity, because doing so could prohibit you from reaching your full potential in God.

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

Ell

Sustain marital love and fidelity

1 Corinthians 7:1-11

People all over the world are stressed and depressed, because they feel that in their singleness, there’s no hope, or true happiness in life. Many feel that good living is a by-product of being joined in union with a spouse, but I’ve learned that being single is actually a blessing from the Lord. One reason I believe this way is, those who are unmarried can focus all their time on caring for the things of God, without being distracted by the things required by a husband or wife. Marriage is work, and demands extensive time, effort, patience, and a list of necessary things to keep it in good standing. Fortunately for single people, the weight of marriage is nonexistent, and all their attention can be directed toward God’s business, unhindered.

Although my feelings toward singleness attribute to a more focused approach to godliness, being married can present a couple that has the potential to wreak havoc to the forces of darkness. Marriage is the single-most beautiful institution ever established by God. When a man and woman become one, their union amplifies everything embodied into their very being. A perfect example of how powerful a married couple becomes when compared to being single is illustrated in the Dragon Ball anime series. Goku is the main character who has an undying passion for training, to become one of the greatest fighters ever. His unending desire to test his strength against the world’s strongest opponents is unmatched by anyone, and even though he may lose at times, his loses only strengthen his passion to work harder to prepare himself to win the next fight. On his own, Goku has become a force to be reckoned with, but when Goku merges with his counterpart Vegeta, their powers are elevated exponentially! The fused powers of each fighter far outweighs the strength of each fighter when standing alone, and this proves that when the two are united as one, their abilities supercede what they could produce from their own efforts. The longer Goku and Vegeta remain in fusion, the stronger they will be, but when the fusion reaches its time limit, they revert back to their original powers.

Marriage is work, and requires a lot to keep it going, but as long as the two partners remain joined together as one, the things God can do through them far outweigh what they could do if they were separated. While it’s true, those who are married care for the things of God, and things that are of the world, how they may please each other, mastering both elements can prove to yield some amazing results! God can use us whether we’re married or single, but the Bible clearly helps us understand, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 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. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Getting married, and staying married is crucial in today’s society. We live in a world where marriage is shunned for single living and fornication. Paul teaches that it’s good for a man not to touch a woman, and avoid premarital sexual relations, but if perhaps a man lacks the self-control over his sexual passions and appetites, then it’s better for him to marry. The reason for marriage is more than sex, and should be centered on fulfilling the will of God with your partner, and best friend, but to maintain a healthy and lasting marriage, husbands and wives must respect each other, in reference to sexual needs. Husbands have no power over their own bodies, nor do wives have power over theirs, but they both belong to each other, and neither has the authority to refuse what the other needs or demands in their relationship (within reason, of course). The best way to avoid threats of separation or divorce in marriage is for each partner to love and treat each other they same way they desire to be treated. Times are different now than they were back in the day, and people are being raised and taught different definitions of love. For this reason, it’s essential for the man and woman to study a person’s thoughts and beliefs on what love is, then assess whether or not it’s aligned with what the Bible teaches. Unhealthy marriages can be avoided, if only people would be patient, and ask the right questions before committing to each other.

To all the single people, my advice is opposite of the apostle Paul, as I wish that all were married, and living in the love of God, and of a spouse. To those who desire to be married, be sure and gain a strong understanding of what marriage is, according to Scripture, and measure your life with what the Word requires, before making a commitment to someone else. To those who are married, stay strong, and keep God first in your relationship. There will be seasons when it’ll be tough to balance caring for your spouse, as well as caring for the things of God, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, you’ll be led and strengthened to make the right choices in all your tough situations. “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4-6).

Walk in love,

Ell