Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!!!

John 13:36-38; 18:15-18, 25-27

The one who stood strong, when others became weak… the one who boldly spoke out against unrighteousness… the one who was daring and willing to walk on water… the one who was armed and ready to fight, to defend the life of his Master… of all the disciples who followed after Jesus, none compared to Simon Peter.

Peter had become one of three disciples considered to be part of the inner circle, but they were all endowed with the same power and authority. What separated Peter from the others was, his boldness in all situations. Peter wasn’t afraid to represent his Master, nor did he hesitate to speak out on behalf of the brethren.

Following after Jesus was just fine and dandy for Peter and the rest of the disciples, that is, until what Jesus had been warning them of, finally began to unfold. Due to the fact that many of the chief rulers during this time loved the praise of men more than the praise of God, the message Jesus preached would soon turn many against Him and His followers. While Peter spoke boldly during times of peace, when the grit finally hit the fan, he cowered in fear. How did the once zealous disciple lose his boldness in mere moments? Jesus knew Peter would break under pressure, and told him to his face, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice” (vs.38). I can picture Peter acting like a teenager after hearing these words, and saying within himself, “I don’t know what’s going on with Jesus, but He should know I’ll always have His back, and I’ll never deny Him”. Well, we know how that eventually played out. Peter did as Jesus had predicted, and was left to wallow in his shame.

Be careful not to think too highly of yourself, especially during troubling times, because there may come a moment when your words will be put to the test. Rather than talk a good game, let your living do the talking, and allow God to keep you humble, to avoid inevitable shame and embarrassment.

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

Seeds Of Love

Matthew 26:47-52

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:7-9). These verses aren’t the basis of this lesson, but they tie in well with the Matthew Gospel account of Jesus’ final moments on the earth.

Not much is recorded in Scripture of the life Jesus lived prior to His 30’s, but it’s evident from how He conducted Himself during the three years of His ministry, His actions were only good, and acceptable in the sight of His Father. Jesus sowed good seed consistently, and desired only that the will of His Father be fulfilled through Himself. Every fruit associated with the attributes of the Holy Spirit, were on display in nearly ever occasion in Jesus’ life. When men despised Him, He showed love. When others lied, and attempted to slander His name, He continued to speak the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Even when His most trusted disciples were unable to help Him carry His burdens, Jesus dealt with them in the Spirit of meekness, and showered them with love, unconditional.

Our text picks up where Jesus took a few of His disciples with Him to pray, before Judas and the group of those who sought to kill him, prepared their assault. Being all God in a flesh body, Christ knew every detail of Judas’ evil plan, and was fully aware of where He needed to position Himself, so that the plan of God could be carried out. Rather than fight against His betrayer, Jesus called Judas friend. If that’s not a “WOW” moment, then I don’t know what to tell you. The first thing most people do when they are betrayed by a supposed friend is, entertain anger, that oftentimes turn into rage and thoughts of revenge. Unlike carnal men, Jesus saw the whole picture, and knew that although His enemies seemed to successfully subdue and make the Son of God look like the villain, He would rise with all power in just a few days.

All the good Jesus had sown throughout His life on the earth, would soon pay off big time before the eyes of all men. Even when Peter stepped in to defend the non-resistent Jesus, he was refrained from continuing his attacks, and learned in that moment, “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” (vs. 52). When we choose violence as our method to solve unreasonable and unfair treatment, our end will yield the same judgment, but when we sow seeds of peace, love, and kindness, even to those who betray us, God will ensure that our end will render only good things.

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

Ell

A Powerful Church

Acts 5:27-32

All aboard!!! Welcome aboard the Train of the Past, Present, and Future! As we embark upon our journey, we’ll travel back a few thousand years, to witness the powerful effects, the early church had in the earth, after Jesus ascended to His Father. Buckle up, and prepare your minds to be blown away! (Choo choo…chooka chooka…choo choo).

We are now passing through the streets of 2020, and if you look out your window, you’ll notice churches are either closing, empty, or under government control. Watered down mega churches are exploited and publicized over the small churches, that are full of the power of the Holy Ghost. Unfortunately, there’s not much power residing in the House of Prayer, as there was in times before. On your left, you’ll notice those leaders are afraid to teach the truth, for fear of losing membership, or their government assistance. The churches to our right, have even been infiltrated with worldly habits including attire, music, and false doctrines.

Well, let’s zoom past this present mess of sorts, and head to the days of the apostles, when they were bold, and brave in speaking the truth of the Gospel, despite inevitable opposition.

Wakey wakey sleepy travelers, for we have arrived at our destination. Oh my, look to your right, and you’ll see Peter, and the other apostles, gathered together in Solomon’s porch, witnessing, and healing all in attendance. One moment please…(Mr train operator, can you please move the train to a more distant location? There are so many people coming, and gathering around the apostles, until we won’t have room to leave). Ladies and gents, the Word of God is being preached so effectively, until multitudes of men and women are believing on the name of the Lord! This is amazing! No one is asking for offerings, reading announcements, or doing anything except showing forth the power of God.

Now, the atmosphere of faith is growing even greater, as sick folk are being brought and laid in the streets. Wait a minute… waaaaaiit a minute! Are you people seeing this?!?! I think I’m going crazy! Excuse me sir, did you see that woman get healed, just by being in the shadow of the apostle Peter? How is that possible? I’m seeing it with my eyes, yet I still can’t believe it’s actually happening! Forgive my excitement folks, as I am totally standing in awe of this amazing power being revealed before our eyes.

This early church was totally committed to God, and their works prove it. Oh boy, look over there… some men are coming, and they don’t look happy about the apostle’s good works. This is interesting; the high priest looks filled with indignation, as if he’s going to arrest them! Oh nooooo! They’re forcing them to the ground, and binding them in chains! (No ma’am, we can’t go out there and help, or we’ll change the future, by interfering with the past). I think they’re taking them to prison. That’s no fair. Hey driver, follow those horses!! (Choo choo…chooka chooka….choo choo).

I must say folks, that was rather unexpected. You’d think the priests would be happy to see men and women get healed, and come to God, but I guess the things we experience in 2020, took place back then also.

We’ll have to wait outside this prison, and hope the apostles get released soon. (Approx. 7 hours later). We’ll, I guess we should head back to our time, because it’s getting late, and I’m not sure it’s safe to hang around too long. I hope you guys learned a few lessons.. wait, what’s this?! There’s a man dressed in white, and he’s opening the gates of the prison… the apostles are fleeing! Oh my word, people are you seeing this miracle?! The angel of the Lord set the apostles free, so that they could continue preaching, and teaching those things the Sadducees so ignorantly reject.

Alright, that puts a more positive stamp on our trip. We’ll head back now, and soak in all we’ve witnessed today. Hopefully, each of you can return to your local churches (after this virus season passes by), and convince your fellow brothers and sisters to hold fast to the faith, regardless of inevitable circumstances and opposition. God will give you the strength and strategy you need, to be effective witnesses, in these last days. Thanks for traveling on the Train of the Past, Present, and Future, and I pray y’all have a blessed life!

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

Ell

Where Did He Go?

Mark 16:1-8

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Where Did He Go?!” Starring, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Mary Magdalene: (Knock! Knock!) Hey Mary, are you ready? We brought all the sweet spices you asked for, to anoint the body of our dear Jesus.

Mary Mother of James: Good morning ladies. I’ll be out in just a moment.

Salome: Hey, do you think we got the right spices?

Mary Magdalene: Yes Salome, I’m certain. I’m just really nervous about this entire situation.

Salome: What are you nervous about?

Mary Magdalene: Well, you know…Jesus being severely beaten, for only doing what was right, and not one of His disciples did anything to help Him.

Salome: I’m still baffled about that one as well. Maybe they were afraid of being hung on a cross as well. In any case, Jesus said He would be resurrected in three days, so why are we even going to the tomb.

Mary Mother of James: Ok girls, I’m ready. Let’s go now while the sun yet rises. What were you two discussing.

Salome: We were wondering…

Mary Magdalene: Oh nothing Mary! Salome shhh…

Mary Mother of James: I’ve been thinking ladies, we are not strong enough to roll away the heavy stone, blocking the sepulchre. How will we reach His body?

Mary Magdalene: That’s a good question.

(The women approach the tomb)

Salome: Mary! Mary! Look! The stone has been rolled away!

Mary Mother of James: This is very unusual, but let’s go see inside.

(The women scream, surprised to see a man sitting, and clothed in a long, white garment)

Mystery Man: Woah woah! Calm down ladies. I know who you’re looking for, but He’s not here. It may sound hard to believe, but Jesus, who was crucified, has risen. Look at the place where He was laid.

Mary Mother of James: Oh my goodness! It was true. Everything He told us, was true.

Mary Magdalene: He has risen, just as He said He would.

Salome: (Speechless)

Mystery Man: Yes, all His words were truth. By the way, He wanted me to leave you ladies a message. On your way back, tell all His disciples, and Peter, He’ll meet them in Galilee, as He told you (Mark 14:28)… just in case you forgot.

(The women went out quickly, fled, were amazed/in shock, and speechless)

Mary Mother of James: (Speechless)

Mary Magdalene: (Speechless)

Salome: (Speechless)

Why was it so hard for those who followed Jesus, to believe that what He said, was true. Had the women believed He would rise in three days, they wouldn’t have prepared spices to anoint His body. Had the disciples believed, they probably wouldn’t have cowered in fear.

This miraculous moment took place thousands of years ago, but Jesus also said He would soon return to the earth, to gather His people. Will you be like the disciples, and faithful women, who heard the words of Jesus, yet didn’t believe? Or, will you take Christ at His word, and prepare yourselves to meet Him in the air? There won’t be a second chance after His second coming.

Walk in love,

Ell

This is My Son; listen to Him

Luke 9:28-36

The story of Jesus, and His transfiguration on a mountain, is a very familiar one, and full of valuable details; some of which go unnoticed by the casual Bible reader. But, the more you study this text, the greater understanding you’ll develop of Christ’s purpose on the earth.

God sent His Son to the earth, to redeem man back unto Himself. This act alone proves the value and worth of man, and should inspire all to appreciate God more. There was no other way by which man could be rejoined with God, except a perfect sacrifice was offered. Jesus, was the sacrifice that atoned for the sins of all men. Before Jesus accomplished “his decease” at Jerusalem, He would often take time to pray alone. Knowing the task at hand would be gruesome and impossible to accomplish on human strength alone, Jesus wisely took time often, to talk with His Father, to gather strength and courage to follow through until the end. Yes, Jesus was God in the flesh, but that same flesh was just as ours; susceptible to feelings, pain, and other intense emotions. I cut one of my fingers at work a few years ago, and I literally felt as if I was dying, but I can’t begin to imagine the pain Jesus felt as He was beaten, stabbed, and tortured beyond belief.

In our text, Jesus took a few of His disciples into a mountain with Him, to pray, but they fell asleep, while He continued with His purpose. When the men had finally awoken, they saw Jesus, standing with Moses, and Elijah. Unaware of their conversation (Jesus and the ancient prophets spoke of His “decease”, or the time of His death), Peter felt honored to be in such a presence, then offered to erect tabernacles for the three anointed men. While men care more for carnal things, God cares more for souls. Rather than entertain Peter’s request, God simply commanded the men to hear the words of Jesus, and obviously obey them. God’s words confirmed what Jesus had previously told the disciples moments prior when He said, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels” (vs. 26).

When we study and obey the words Christ spoke, we’ll gain a better understanding of our purpose in this life, strength to endure daily, wisdom to know and discern good from evil, and the courage necessary to be bold in this evil and perverse generation. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:23-24).

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus betrayed and arrested

Mark 14:43-50

Have you ever been arrested for a false accusation? I’m certain most of us haven’t, but the mere thought of being accused, arrested, and punished for a crime you didn’t commit can cause all sorts of feelings and emotions to run through the mind, from fear and confusion, to anger and rage. Living outside of the standards of holiness, can cause men to act in ways that are unpleasant, and exhibit inhumane behavior to innocent people. In the words of Bishop Earl Carter, “sin makes you stupid.” This is 100 percent accurate, as the purpose of sin is to turn men away from God, and follow paths of evil and wickedness.

Judas, one of the original 12 disciples, was never fully sold on Jesus and His ministry. This is true based on his pattern of selfish behavior and motives as he and the eleven apostles followed Jesus during His ministry. Although Judas was continuously doing things undercover that may have been hidden from his brethren, Jesus was fully aware of all his wicked actions, no matter how cunning he was. I often wonder why Jesus didn’t replace Judas from the beginning, or even leave him out of the original selection process when gathering disciples altogether, but in the words of Jesus Himself, “but the scriptures must be fulfilled” (vs. 49). God has His reasons for doing things certain ways, and it’s unwise to question His authority, but there are many lessons that can be learned from the lives of Jesus and the disciples, even though one betrayed Him.

In this lesson’s text, the final chapter of the life of our Savior had began to unfold, as the betrayal of Judas was brought into full manifestation. After an agonizing moment in the garden of Gethsemane, and being left to find strength in the only One He could trust, because His disciples were too sleepy to offer any sense of encouragement, Jesus woke up the heavy-eyed disciples and exchanged words with them. As He spoke, Judas, along with a gang of men composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, surrounded Jesus and His disciples, carrying swords and staves (wooden clubs and other weapons). One thing that’s interesting to note is, the men who sought to kill Jesus didn’t even know what He looked like. How can you seek to murder someone whom you can’t even recognize? Judas told the men that the one he kisses, “the same is he; take him, and lead him away safely” (vs. 44). Had they known who they had come to take, there would be no need for a sign of identification. As I mentioned, sin makes you stupid. In any case, after the kiss of betrayal, the men took hold of Jesus and attempted to take Him away, but He presented them with a thought-provoking question, as He often does. Jesus asked the men, “Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves to take me?” (vs. 48). Jesus continued to remind them how He would teach daily in the temple with them, but they didn’t take him then. I guess they felt better doing their dirt outside the sacred walls, than within them…smh. The level of humility Jesus portrayed was unlike any other, in that He could have easily called down legions of angels to rid Him of all those who opposed His ministry, but because of His unending love for you and I, He endured unimaginable torture, pain, and persecution, so that we could be saved from the judgment of sin, and one day live in eternal glory with the Father, and the Son.

Walk in love,

Ell

Mary meets Jesus outside the tomb

John 20:11-18

Have you ever heard of a grave or tomb being used twice? Well, neither have I. When a person dies, where their body is laid, is usually where it will be forever, but the tomb where the body of Jesus was placed would only occupy the space for three days, then it could be reused by whomever desired it.

Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus had to rush and bury Jesus’ body before the special Sabbath began at sunset Wednesday to sunset Thursday. They were unable to complete the anointing process of His body due to the coming of the sabbath, so they wrapped the body in linen clothes with spices, as the Jews typically prepared bodies for burial. Days later, Mary, and the other Mary (as the text reads), came early in the morning while it was still dark, to the tomb. Matthew’s account goes in-depth, and reveals that as the women approached the tomb, there was a great earthquake, as the angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. The appearance of the angel was so fascinating, until it scared the keepers of the tomb nearly to death. The women were reassured that Jesus had risen, as He said, and showed them where His body was laid. In John’s book, we read where Jesus told Mary not to touch Him, because He had not yet ascended to His Father, but the book of Matthew shows us where He had returned from His post resurrection ministry, and allowed the women to worship at His feet. Jesus told the women to not be afraid, and instructed them to go tell His brethren to meet Him in Galilee. Jesus no doubt used this endearing term to let His disciples know that He would not hold a grudge against them for their past behaviors and unbelief, because all their past was forgiven and forgotten forever.

This same redemption is readily available to all who accept Christ into their hearts today. Jesus’ death and resurrection was a plan set by God that satan didn’t see coming. While Satan was certainly more brilliant than any human on Earth, he isn’t omniscient or omnipresent, and totally missed what Jesus was planning to do. Salvation is what redeems men back to God, and the enemy hates it. Let’s try celebrating this Easter season different, by excluding all the bunnies and baskets of sweet treats, and focus on the true meaning of the day. Just as Mary and the others were overjoyed at the sight of the resurrected Savior, we too should give glory, honor, and praise to the One who died, was buried, and arose so that we could be relevant again in the eyes of the Creator.

Walk in love,

Ell