Prayer Power

Matthew 6:9-15

How do you pray, and after what manner do you model your prayers? Growing up in the 80’s, my siblings and I would often recite Psalm 23, Psalm 103, and the obvious Matthew 6:9-13. On most Saturdays, our mother would have Bible study with us, and teach us things from the Word of God. The more we would quote the Scriptures, the more they were cemented in our minds. This was an awesome thing she did, because it helped us to understand the Word at an early age, and taught us how to pray, and what to pray for.

Prayer is simply conversing with God, and although He may not respond in the conventional manner, His replies are usually manifested in some shape or form. God is a Spirit, and responds when we come to Him in spirit, and in truth, so approaching Him in the flesh, or with carnal motivations, is not the wise choice.

Jesus taught His disciples to first acknowledge God, for who He is, even before making a request. This is important to help us understand proper prayer posture, as well as how to keep God as the focal point of our petitions. Oftentimes, we come to God in our feelings, rambling things out of hurt, shame, or worry, causing us to pray amiss, but thankfully the Holy Spirit takes over when we struggle communicating with God, and cleans up our mumbo jumbo, so that He can have a more clear understanding of what we really mean.

In the same way healthy communication is vital in natural relationships, it’s even more important in our relationship with the Father. God is all, knows all, and sees all, so refusing to acknowledge His guidance and wisdom seems senseless. So, why don’t we pray more, and worry less? Could it be, we trust more in our own wisdom, or the wisdom of men, over the God who created EVERYTHING?! God desires that we come to Him, and seek first His instruction in all things. When we learn the value of prayer, we won’t use it only when things are going bad, but we’ll find great delight in simply enjoying moments of boasting in the God, who made all things.

Take more time out of your busy days and pray to God, and rather than blurt out selfish requests, brag on the goodness of our Father, and how He has blessed your life immensely already. God knows what we have need of, even before we ask. He also knows our thoughts, before we think them. How amazing is that?! So, as you continue to mature in godliness, be sure that prayer is always in your heart, and not only used as a last resort, because like a good parent, God would love to hear from His children, and shower them with all His blessings.

Walk in love,

Ell

Do You Love Me?

Isaiah 1:11-17

Would you accept gifts from someone who said they loved you, but was inconsiderate, full of sin, weighed down in iniquity, evil, corrupt, rebellious, and turned their back on you? Whether it was something you desired, or simply something seemingly valuable, would you find it difficult to refuse? Love has been abused since the beginning of time, when men claimed to love God, yet their lifestyles proved otherwise. Even today, many have a limited understanding of what love represents, and cater only to the feeling and emotional aspects of it. The definition of love is vast, yet understandable, but many fail to take time to delve into the core of its meaning.

God is love, and when the term is used, God must be at the root of its intended purpose. When I tell someone I love them, it’s not because I get butterflies in my tummy, or goosebumps on my skin, but I understand they are a precious creation, made by God, and deserve to be treated as Christ Himself. I’d be willing to make sacrifices, and assist as necessary to make their lives better, in an effort to prove that the love I spoke with my lips, was more than mere words alone. Love is action, and our works reveal whether our professed love is genuine, or counterfeit.

Our text reveals God’s feelings toward those who abuse love, and attempt to justify ill actions with gifts. Israel had rebelled against God, yet still believed He would accept their offerings and sacrifices. To their surprise, their sinful behavior kindled the Lord’s anger, to the point He refused to accept any gift, offering, sacrifice, feast, or anything that brought Him delight in the past. Unfortunately, their offerings were vain and unable to please God, so He commanded them to put away their evil doings, and rather than present vain offerings to Him, show genuine love to those around them instead.

When you use the word love, what are your intentions behind it? Is it a tool you use to manipulate others, in order to get what you want, or do you understand the true definition of God’s love?

Walk in love,

Ell

Take a Break

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Suffering is inevitable on the earth, and hard times lay on the path of all men. The wicked perish, and the good die young. We work to make a living, and strive to be consistent in our effort to maintain a balanced lifestyle. The God of Heaven and earth understands that life presents challenges that weigh on the strength of His people, so He doesn’t mind when we take time to enjoy the fruit of our labor.

Men and women work hard for companies who care more about their business, than the total health of those who keep their business producing, so every now and then, it’s alright to schedule moments to bask in the good of your labor. Many people take vacations to escape the routine of their everyday lives, while others find pleasure in staying close to home, to appreciate times of peace, rest, and relaxation.

It’s important for the believer to not only maintain a healthy spiritual balance, but to also keep their natural living in good standing as well. While there’s nothing wrong with taking time to enjoy the blessings of God from your consistent hard work, how you enjoy that time is what matters. God allows us times of peace and rest, but we should never become lax, and forget holy standards during our relaxation. The body of Christ is still obligated to maintain a righteous standard, even during times of rest. Some feel that drinking, smoking, and enjoying other worldly methods are necessary habits of down time, but we are to eat and drink things that are proper, and kept within the bounds of God’s law, and what’s best for our health.

As we enjoy God’s blessings, we are to be temperate, and stay within holy limitations. This way, our lives will remain pleasant to God, and we’ll continue to enjoy a wonderful experience in His divine glory.

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep On Striving

Matthew 3:13-17

It’s the year 2020, and you’ve had your share of life’s ups and downs over the years. Along your journey, you’ve crossed paths with people who have either inspired you to be better, or made you think twice about being in their company again. As the days progressed, you grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God, and made applying the teachings of Christ habitforming. The path you walked was not always easy, yet you continued to strive to do good, despite inevitable challenges. Up to this point in your life, can you truly say that God is pleased with the way you’ve lived? When your name is mentioned in Heaven, what assessment will God submit of how your life compares to what He expects?

God commissioned the church to love Him, and keep His commandments, and in doing these alone, you’ll develop a more clear understanding of what God expects from you, and how to carry it out. Just as John the Baptist, and Jesus were sent by God to “fulfill all righteousness” (complete what they were sent to do), the body of Christ also bears the responsibility of fulfilling their individual assignments as well. Before an adventurer sets off on any journey, he makes certain to gather the necessary tools and supplies, that’ll assist him throughout his endeavors. Of all the things the adventurer collects, the most important is his compass. Without knowing which direction he’s traveling, the adventurer would no doubt find himself in unfavorable territories, and possibly run out of supplies. When we attempt to navigate through life without God’s Word, we assume the same position as an adventurer, without his compass. Eventually, we’ll get lost, and desire the help of someone to guide us back on track.

It’s been said, there are many paths to God, but the one way to reach that final destination is through Jesus, the Son in whom God is well pleased. We all have a job to do while on this earth, and staying in the will of God, will ensure that job is completed. Just as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs players are preparing mentally, and physically for the Super Bowl on Sunday, the Saints of God should prepare themselves daily, to walk the path of righteousness, and strive to carry out their purpose, despite the distractions that are set to hinder them.

Let the recent death of Kobe Bryant serve as an example that tomorrow is indeed not promised to anyone, and our days are numbered, so spend your precious moments in this life trying to please God, and He’ll ensure that all your labor will not be in vain.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t Get Caught Up

Deuteronomy 8:11-20

Prospering in this life, is what most people strive for. Whether obtaining wealth by way of money, land, or other means, the average person longs to be in a position where suffering and struggling are non-existent. Prosperity is no doubt a blessing from God, that offers benefits all believers can enjoy, but there are two things men must be mindful of while reaping the harvest of God’s blessings. Temptation is a very dangerous thing, and when associated with prosperity, men usually get caught up in pride and self-exaltation, or develop the tendency to forget God in place of “things”. How would you feel, if you blessed someone with everything they desired, and rather than show gratitude, they moved on as if you did nothing for them? They didn’t even consider telling you “thank you”, but took your gifts, and bounced. The average person would have an inkling to snatch all their gifts back, because ungrateful people don’t deserve certain things. How do you think God feels, when He blesses us over and over, then we turn and give our time to all things except Him?

The children of Israel were issued a grave warning in our text. After receiving all good things from the Lord, they were warned not to forget Him. God knows the hearts of men, and their susceptibility to want to take the credit of others for themselves, so He made certain to inform them of the great consequences they would face, if they forgot the Lord, and walked after other gods. Obedience to God is the difference between blessings and curses, prosperity and poverty, and eternal salvation and eternal damnation. God gives us the ability to prosper, and we should always acknowledge Him no matter what season we experience. In times of plenty, God deserves our obedience. In times of trial and testing, we are still commanded to obey the Lord.

Although the warning in our text was given to the children of Israel in ancient times, God will not let the church of today, get by with giving what He deserves, to something or someone else. God promised to destroy Israel for their disobedience, and He’ll be certain to punish us as well.

The more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. The higher God takes you in this life, the lower you should bow before His presence. Walk in humility, to avoid falling into pride, and possibly allowing your blessings to cause you to forget God.

Walk in love,

Ell

I.O.U.

2 Chronicles 7:1-6

When rendering to God sacrifices of praise, offering, or thanksgiving, how much is enough? After considering all the things God has done, and is yet doing in your life, do you think it’s even possible to repay what He’s done for you? Is there any amount of money, burnt offering, or other gift you can offer to God, in exchange for one simple breath? By now, I’m certain you have a good idea of the answer to those questions. God is beyond awesome, and He does things for us, that no one else can do, so limiting our gratitude to Him is very unwise.

Scheduling time to pray, and reverence God, is essential to the body of Christ, and helps the believer maintain focused faith in God, and not on things of the world. In the same way unborn babies are connected to their mother’s placenta by an umbilical cord, where oxygenated blood and nutrients can be transferred to the baby, believers are tied to God through salvation (redemption), and prayer, with thanksgiving, are means by which God supplies the needs of His children.

When we pray, in faith, and not wavering or doubting, God hears us, and schedules our answer according to His timing. When king Solomon “had made an end of praying”, God responded instantly! Fire came down from Heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifice he had placed before the Lord. This was a sign that God was pleased with Solomon’s prayer and sacrifice, and deemed it acceptable. Solomon had done well in leading the construction of the Temple of God, and all the materials used to build the house of God calculated to an estimation of a few BILLION dollars! How much have you freely given in offerings during your lifetime? I doubt my contributions come close to what Solomon gave, but when you give from the heart, God accepts it, no matter the amount.

How much is enough when giving to God? Well, Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” In other words, God looks not on the amount of what you offer Him, but at the heart in which it’s given. We can’t pay God back for what He does for us with things, but we can offer holy and acceptable lifestyles to Him, which is our reasonable service.

Walk in love,

Ell

Conditional love

1 Kings 9:1-9

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Conditional Love”! Starring, the wisest man ever created, king Solomon, and the creator of all things, God the Father, Himself! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Solomon: (speaking to his workers) Alright men, you’ve done exceptionally well. After 20 long years, we finally finished building the house of the Lord, my house, and all the other things we thought would be pleasing to the Lord. All your hard work will not go in vain, and expect for God to work wonders in your lives, for how you dedicated yourselves to doing His work.

(Men return to their homes, and Solomon goes to his home to rest)

God: (speaking to him in a dream) Solomon.

Solomon: Hello Father. It’s nice of you to visit me again. Have you noticed that we finally finished building the temple, in honor of your name? It took a while, but I wanted it to be the most wonderful place in the world, just as my dad had envisioned it would be.

God: Yes I noticed, and I love it!

Solomon: I knew you would be pleased!

God: I also heard your prayers and supplications that you made before me. This house you built for me, I place my stamp of approval on it, and deem it holy.

Solomon: I am honored Father, and I submit myself the more to your will.

God: It is my desire to put my name forever in the temple, but there are certain conditions that must first be met.

Solomon: Conditions? What do you mean Father? Have I not already proven myself worthy to be called your son, as my father David before me?

God: You’re indeed an obedient one, but many have started out well, then fell short in the end. Fear not, I have all the confidence in you to uphold my standard throughout your reign.

Solomon: Coming from you, that means everything to me.

God: If you walk before me, as your father David walked, with integrity, and uprightness, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and also keep my statutes and judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom upon Israel forever, as I had also promised to your father David.

Solomon: You have my word. I will be obedient to your commands, and walk in integrity, as my father David did.

God: (nods His head)

God: But, if you, or your children turn from following me, and refuse to keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and go to serve and worship other gods, then all the “happy happy joy joy” will turn to cries of sorrow, because I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, cast this house you built for me out of my sight, and make Israel the talk of the town, for their disobedience.

Solomon: Father, I do not want that to come upon your people. I promise to do my best to keep your name holy, throughout the land.

God: We shall see Solomon. But, if the people forsake me, then all these things shall come upon them. I love you, and my people, but they must obey me, in order to receive the benefits of my unconditional love.

(Solomon continues to dream peacefully, after his visit from the Lord)

This concludes another episode of, “Conditional Love”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon’s request

1 Kings 3:5-14

Before taking on any major task or duty, proper preparation is essential to ensuring one’s success. For example, when firefighters receive a call of a burning building, they must be certain to bring all the necessary equipment to put out the flames. It wouldn’t be wise for the firefighters to bring gallons of ice cream, or butter to dispel the flames, instead, gallons of water would be more appropriate? In another example, teachers are advised to compose lesson plans, that will prove beneficial to their student’s academic success. The right lesson plan can be the difference between a child’s future success, or failure. One thing I’ve learned in life is, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and trusting in the Lord is the basis of all great thoughts, plans, and ideas.

Following the reign of the great king David, his son Solomon was chosen to rule in his stead. The children of Israel were a great people, not only in fame and prestige, but also in number. In Solomon’s own words, he mentioned, “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude” (vs. 8). Leading people, in general, is no easy assignment, so imagine trying to lead millions.

King David ruled successfully, because he allowed God to guide his hand, and from his example, Solomon learned the importance of submission to God. When presented by God, the opportunity to make any request, and He would grant it, Solomon surprisingly asked for wisdom. A more accurate description of Solomon’s request was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (vs. 9a). Solomon could have asked for money, fame, slaughter of his enemies, or anything else, and God would have granted it, but his heart was set on doing the work of the Lord, so his desires were in line with God’s will. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him the wisdom he desired, but also added riches, honor, fame, and conditional long life (if he walked in the ways of the Lord, and kept His statutes and commandments as David did).

If God asked you to make a request for anything, what would it be? Be honest. Would you ask for those things money can’t buy like wisdom, understanding, favor, or knowledge, or would you be so consumed in life’s affairs, until you’d seek pleasures of this would, that eventually fade away? I’ll be honest, I’d consider asking God for super powers like the ability to fly, breath under water, ability to touch people and instantly heal them, or X-ray vision (so I can see who’s responsible for always holding up the elevators at work…gets me so ANGRY!!!), but after pondering for a moment, I’d probably ask for something with a bit more spiritual significance, as Solomon did.

Seek to be wise in God’s eyes, and consider those things that are relevant to His will. As you plan and prepare for your daily duties, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He’ll guide you on the path of success. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

Walk in love,

Ell

No room for pride

Ephesians 4:1-8, 11-16

As I often write concerning the importance of unity amongst the body of believers, I find it necessary to always reference the similarities of the human body as well. Every part of the physical body, from the smallest detail, to the most prominent, is important. Without feet, the body would experience great difficulty moving from place to place. Without hands and arms, we would have issues working diligently to earn our keep. Our eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, were all uniquely designed to make God’s most wonderful creation a masterpiece! Even eyelashes were designed to protect the eyes from small particles such as dust, sand, or debris from entering and harming the eye. Contrary to the belief of evolutionists, every part of the human body, was, and is necessary, in order to perform as God designed it to.

The church of the living God, consists of one body with many members, that operate under the leading of one Spirit. Every person born again into the body of Christ, is important. It matters not one’s age, ethnicity, our background, because when a person gives their heart to God, they instantly become a shining light in Christ’s body.

When we become followers of God, He bestows gifts to us, that we are expected to make wise use of, as we edify each other, and build up His kingdom. Although gifts vary in their operation, all are intended to be used solely for the purposes of godliness. God is wise beyond any imagination of man, and He desires that we grow in wisdom as well. He also gave some certain positions, from which the body could be perfected, and the work of ministry increased.

The purpose of church meetings, Bible study, and all the things men do to promote the Gospel is, to help believers reach a level of maturity, where they grow to the point where men can’t deceive them with “every wind of doctrine”. This is why unity is so vital, and the church should always be on one accord in their beliefs. In the same way we feed our natural bodies, and exercise to develop strong muscles, we are to also build our spiritual muscles as well, by meditating on God’s Word, praying without ceasing, and taking time to fast, so that we can tune out our natural desires, and focus solely on spiritual ones.

Each member of the body of Christ, must take pride in what God has called them to do. Whether you were called to teach, preach, or simply be a supporter of a ministry, “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (vs. 1). Walk in humility, and learn to appreciate the diversity of God’s gifts in others, so that you’ll never get jealous, or grow envious of how God works through your brothers and sisters. You are special to God, and unique in your own way, so learn to love yourself, and who God made you to be, and continue maturing in all things that are pleasing to the Father.

Walk in love,

Ell