A Right Spirit

Genesis 44:1-13

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ), has done something that required God’s gift of salvation. In fact, simply being born of man’s sinful seed, makes a person sinful by default, and primed for iniquity. But, thanks be to God, for His grace, mercy, and righteousness, we can all be redeemed, and forgiven from our faults.

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and showing consistent signs of repentance through one’s lifestyle proves to others, that one indeed has received a right spirit. Many make mistakes, then verbally admit they have changed from the error of their ways, but the real proof of one’s changed heart can be witnessed through how they live on a consistent basis.

God cares for all men, more so for those who diligently seek Him, but He will present opportunities for His people to prove that what they profess is actually truth. An example of this can be seen in the way Joseph tried and tested the hearts of his brethren. While he could have simply greeted his brothers, and told them all that he had gone through, Joseph decided to first make sure his kin folk weren’t still up to evil deeds. God desires to bless all His children greatly, but He will never spoil His gifts on those who will abuse, misuse, or defile His great blessings.

Joseph’s plan was very successful in revealing that the hearts of his brothers were indeed changed, and this was proven by the renting of their clothes, which was the ultimate sign of genuine honesty, sincerity, and deep mourning. Sin has the ability to cause years of hurt, pain, and shame, but forgiveness, coupled with a changed lifestyle, can bring about restoration that can reunite even the most difficult relationships.

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

Ell

Hard Proof

Genesis 22:9-19

In the life of every child of God, there will come a season when the faith they claim to have in Him, will be tested. Throughout the Bible, you can read about the lives of men and women from the Old, and New Testaments, who proved their allegiance to the Father, through their lifestyles. Abraham proved that he feared God, by not withholding his only son from Him. When commanded by God to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice, the “father of faith” did not hesitate to do as the Lord had spoken. King David made a few MAJOR mistakes during his reign as ruler of Israel, but he never allowed his errors, nor his fame and fortune to cause him to turn away from the God who supplied all his needs. Of all those in Scripture, who were selfless, and willingly sacrificed all, so that the will of God could be accomplished, none can compare to Jesus, who gave His very life, so mankind could be redeemed.

Abraham, king David, and Jesus Christ, all knew that their lives only had purpose, when lived fulfilling the will of God. Even when faced with opportunities to turn away from God’s seemingly hard instructions, in favor of taking a more uncomplicated route, these great men allowed God’s will and purpose to supercede all else that would have eventually caused major issues in their personal lives, and in God’s divine order of things. But, God knows who He can trust, and has confidence in them to not rob Him of His glory.

Can God trust you with hard instructions? Are there things in your life so valuable, that you wouldn’t give them up, so that God’s will could be accomplished through your life? Would you be willing to sacrifice time, money, or even disassociate yourself from those you love, in order to fulfill God’s will? These may be hard questions to answer, but in this life, the only things that matter, are what God says matters. If you place anything in this earth before God, then I hate to tell you but, your love for God is superficial. While your profession of love to God may appear true, after further examination, that love will never be revealed.

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

Ell

I Believe!

Zephaniah 3:8-13

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”. (Matt 24:35). “For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18). Without being forced to believe in, or submit to God’s Word, I made a choice to follow God, based on my own judgment. In many cultures, children are forced to believe in things, without being given a choice to weigh whether or not what they are being pressured into, is profitable for their health, well-being, and future. I grew up in a Christian home, but chose to find out the truth about God for myself, outside of what was poured into me from my youth. From 22 years of study,  meditation, and research, I am totally convinced, God is real, and every word of Scripture is truth. In fact, proof of God’s Word has already been revealed during our time, through manifested prophecies. Some can be found in the following scriptures:

Matthew 24:6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

2 Timothy 3:1-7 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Peter 3:3-4 “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Although there are many, who refuse to believe the Bible is true, and its words are being revealed daily, all things will play out accordingly, then those who remain in sin and ignorance, will be in for a rude awakening. Contrary to what’s being taught in modern times, there’s only one way to God, and that’s through Jesus. Christ sacrificed His perfect life for our imperfections, so that we could have the opportunity to spend eternity with the Father of all creation. Rest assured, the last days are upon us, and no matter what you believe, there are only two choices; either there is a God, or there isn’t. If there isn’t, then we’re all living for nothing, without proof of the origin of our existence, nor a reason to anticipate a purposeful end. If there is a God, then we all better line up, and do as He says, because He knows everything, and our hope in Him will not bring us to shame.

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

Ell

Love one another

Romans 13:8-10

This lesson is directed toward all who claim to be Christians, disciples, or children of God. The intent of this message is to validate, or determine whether the love that abides in your heart is genuine, God-like love, or just a form of God’s intended love, without the proof of works as evidence.

Love is many things, and can be observed from multiple perspectives, but however an individual chooses to describe what love is, they cannot deviate from its source, God. God is love, literally! He is a Spirit, that is the complete embodiment of love, righteousness, power, and all things relevant to godliness. Every act, whether mighty, or seemingly insignificant, God performed was done through the eyes of love. Even in His judgment, He withholds punishment for a time, so that men can be graced with the opportunity to repent, but some are completely “souled” out to sin, and have enlisted themselves on God’s naughty list.

The biblical and descriptive definition of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13, but love is evident throughout every book of the Bible. Believers were commanded to love, and to do it consistently. There’s never a justifiable moment when a child of God is permitted not to love someone, because love is what comes naturally from their behavior. God is love, love is God, God is in the hearts of His people, so His people should never have trouble loving others. Sounds simple, yet many who claim to be Christians have the most unruly behavior in the world. The one place the world seeks to find help and hope, is the very place that needs help as well. It’s almost a joke these days to share with others you attend church, and/or are a Christian, because the world has witnessed too many bad examples of churches, and disobedient members. When people come to a church looking for help, their business shouldn’t be spread across the community. Instead, everyone should be treated as they desire to be treated themselves.

Real love gives, without seeking anything in return, protects, without seeking anything in return, respects without seeking anything in return, and obeys because it’s right. In order to be effective in loving others, we must first love ourselves. Many problems that stem from churches and other religious communities is, those who are members have issues forgiving themselves, thus are unable to forgive others. The world needs to see real love in action again. Churches, and all who are committed to God, have a duty to spread love across the globe, without hesitation. Christians owe it to each other to love, and are bound by commandment to do so. When love reigns in the hearts of God’s people, gossip will cease, drama will fade away, fighting will come to a halt, and broken relationships will be mended, so that the body of Christ can continue to grow and develop in faith, hope, and love.

Walk in love,

Ell