Don’t Forget

Luke 24:5-10

“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22). “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44). “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33).

On multiple occasions, Jesus warned His followers of the horrible things that were destined to happen to Him. He made mention that He would be rejected by those who were supposed to support Him, beaten, mocked, bruised, scourged, and even put to death. But, He never left out the most fascinating of all prophecy; He would rise again, after death!

Our text references the tail end of Jesus’ brief, yet impactful ministry, and also rings some very alarming bells. Following His death, Jesus was taken from the cross and placed in Joseph’s unused tomb. Days following the Savior’s death, the women who had followed Jesus and witnessed His burial, had prepared spices and ointments to use on the body of their loving teacher, while the disciples were keeping themselves out of sight. Ding! Ding! Ding! Helloooooo! Did these folk forget what Jesus had told them, time and time again? Apparently so. But, how could they be in the very presence of Jesus, witness miracles done by His hand, yet forget the most important message He ever told them; “and the third day, He shall rise again.” What purpose was there to prepare spices and ointments, if the Son of man would rise from the tomb? Why hide yourselves from those who were responsible for the death of Jesus, if you knew He would be dead only three days? The disciples and those who followed after Jesus weren’t distracted by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or any other media source, but were fully focused on the prophetic events that took place during their time. I can understand if they were with Jesus during the 21st century, when men are so easily beguiled, but there was hardly anything happening to take their focus off Jesus’ words (that’s just my opinion).

How could they so easily forget that Jesus would rise again? Maybe they thought it was a fairytale, or that Jesus meant something else, or they possibly just didn’t believe. For this reason, God already had a someone in place to remind the people, His Son was indeed raised from the dead. Do you believe what the Bible teaches, or do take in some parts, and disbelieve others? All verses of Scripture are interconnected, and the root of every text is Jesus. The Words of God were written for our instruction, whether we think they are fairytale or not, but despite what we believe, all Scripture will soon be fulfilled.

Remember Me?

Deuteronomy 8:1-11

What is prayer? Prayer is rendering to God sincere words of worship, praise, thanks, or petition. Why do men pray? Men pray for various reasons, but most importantly, to God in their hearts and minds. How can a person forget God, who is the great “I AM”, and creator of all things? To forget is to fail to remember, inadvertently neglect to do, bring, or mention something, and to put out of one’s mind, or cease to think of or consider. In this lesson, I’d like to focus on the latter description of the aforementioned term.

When God blesses His people, it’s only fitting that they return praise and thanks to Him for all He does, but history has its share of instances, when men allowed their success to supercede the source of their blessings. God loves to bless, and He is ready and willing to bestow good things to those who obey His commands. Unfortunately, men are susceptible to allowing all their good, to cloud their focus on the purpose for being blessed, which causes them to develop a bad habit of putting God out of their minds. For example, after God miraculously brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea, and on dry land, they were soon after found murmuring and complaining. Even after wandering through the wilderness 40 years, while God kept them fed, protected, and their clothes never got worn, the people were still found being ungrateful.

Men ought to always pray, not only because of how great God is, but so that we can keep Him first in our hearts. Be mindful to always keep consistent communication with the Father. Thank Him for waking you up, bless His name for giving you salvation, praise Him for the strength He gives to move as you do, and honor Him for every breath you breath, and wholesome thought you think. When you find yourself getting close to brink of complaining, consider all the things God has done, is doing, and will do for you, then let praise and thanks flow from your lips in humble submission to His unmatched love.

Joy Down In My Heart

3 John 1:1-4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4). Wow! What a feeling it must be, to have all your children living according to the righteousness of God, in this fallen and sin-sick world. Men and women today get overly excited and pumped up when their favorite sports team wins a game, or if their favorite actor wins a coveted award, but all the worldly things we get amped up for, pale in comparison to knowing that someone you love, has given their life to God. Do you remember the day when you gave your heart to God, and the warm, bubbly feeling you felt inside? It’s almost as if everything looked brand new from your eyes, and you developed a totally new take on life. Imagine how others feel, when they grow weary of living in shame and misery, then wisely submit to their intended purpose in God. While it’s nice to support a team or person of interest, when compared to living for God, all that stuff is counted as pure poo-poo. Take joy and delight in knowing that your eternity is safe and secure in God, because you made the choice to walk in truth, and shun those things that can do absolutely nothing to help you grow spiritually. Then, support those who have also committed their lives to God, and encourage them to stand firm, and fight well.

“Happiness fades, but joy lasts forever.” – Ell

Vain Labor

1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

Hard labor was one of the direct punishments rendered to man, after falling to sin, in the Garden of Eden. It’s because of Adam, all men must work to earn a living, and maintain a balanced supply of necessary resources for themselves, and their family for survival. Working isn’t inherently evil, but things were a lot easier before sin interrupted the flow of things in the earth.

Today, men and women work tirelessly, to earn a steady income, so they their lifestyles can be maintained. While some work hard, and use their earnings to take care of necessities, there are those who invest countless hours of labor, only to spoil their goods on frivolous things. If all the money that was wasted on drugs, alcohol, strip clubs, and all other ungodly things was redistributed to help those in need, this world would be in much better shape than it is today.

Those who appreciate the time and effort they invest in working, tend to have a great appreciation for their wages, so that only what’s necessary, is what they perfer to spend their money on. It’s a very bad feeling to know that the money you worked so hard to gain, was wasted on things that have no value or relevance. The apostle Paul shared similar sentiments, when he showed great concern for the Thessalonian church. While visiting them on one of his journeys, he informed the church of his inevitable suffering and persecution. While they may have heard Paul’s words, they were probably uncertain of how those things would actually manifest. In any case, Paul’s prophetic words were manifested indeed, so much until he was unable to return to the church at Thessalonica, to check whether or not “the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain” (vs. 5b).

Paul wanted to be assured that the people he had ministered to were still strong in their faith, even during his absence. This is also similar to a parent, who invests years of hard labor, raising and caring for their children. They expect for their children to be obedient, and abide by the words they teach, but that’s not always the case. Thankfully, Paul received word from Timothy, the Thessalonian church was indeed standing strong in godliness. Also, their faith and love for God was still held in high regard, and they had “good remembrance” of the men of God always. Paul’s heart was pleased to know that his labor in preaching the Gospel was not in vain.

In our lives today, we may not see the fruit of our labor instantly, but with prayer, fasting, and patience, many of those whom we introduced the message of the Gospel to, will flourish, and begin to have an impact in the kingdom of God soon enough.

“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

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

1 Kings 4:29-34

When you finally transition from this life to the next, what do you think people will remember most about you? All the men and women in the Bible, who lived by God’s example, are long dead, but they are still referenced today by their noteworthy lifestyles. Abraham will always be remembered as the father of faith, while Jacob proved that God could use someone, who once took pride in deceiving others, and change the heart of that same person, causing them to take delight in steering men from being deceived. Joseph was a man who endured unparalleled levels of injustice (by the hands of his brothers, and others) and was elevated to heights he would have never reached on his own. Moses grew up in the house of the Pharoah, and was possibly on his was to soon rule, or hold a position of great authority, but he sacrificed fame, riches, and glory, in order to promote the will of God instead. Balaam was widely know for his effective blessings and curses, but when he disobeyed God’s command, not to go with the princes of Moab, God allowed a donkey to speak, and warn him of the angel of the Lord, who was prepared to slay him for his disobedience. This miraculous event quickly changed the heart of Balaam, and set him right to walk in obedience to God, to bless Israel, and not curse them. Joshua was Moses’ assistant, and eventual successor, and He was one of two faithful men, unafraid to take over the land of Canaan. His effective leadership was the product of good preparation, and continuous encouragement. Rahab was a young lady, known to give up her goods, for the right price, but her act of protecting God’s people during their spy mission, caused her to be listed in the Bible’s Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11). This is proof that God can still use us to do great things, regardless of how dirty our past is.

Other great men and women including Deborah, Esther, Samuel, king David, all the prophets, and king Solomon, will forever be known for their unyielding dedication to the service of God, and caring for the needs of His people. I present the question again: When your time on this earth runs out, will you be remembered as someone who was full of evil, lies, deceit, and other vices, or will your name run through the hearts and minds of others, and cause them to smile, and take great delight in knowing you touched their lives in a good way?

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

Ell

Reverence God, Love Thy Neighbor, Bless The Poor

Esther 9:18-23, 29-32

Remembering, and celebrating the good things God does for us, is actually promoted by Biblical text. The modern church holds gatherings, showing appreciation for leaders, and …(I can’t think of much more than that lol). Seldom do churches celebrate each other, as it was in Scripture, because men and women who lead, are viewed as gods. But, our God is pleased when we gather to honor Him, for giving us victory in all our circumstances, as well as when we bless other believers (and there poor), from the same platform. Celebrations should never be self-centered, nor focused on one individual, no matter the title he bears.

The people of God in ancient times, always acknowledged God, as their focus of gathering, on all occasions. The fact that man can do nothing on his own strength to combat evil, is reason enough to reverence God, who has all power and authority over the enemy. The body of Christ should focus more on appreciating each other, in edification and encouragement. Not one member is more important than the other, and once we come to this understanding, we’ll be better prepared to care for the lost and needy. Think back over your life, and give God praise for all the victories He won, on your behalf.

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

Ell

God’s saving deeds

Psalm 105:1-15

The past few lessons, I’ve expounded on the importance of giving praise to God, but how does one truly render praise, to a God who is beyond amazing? Growing up in a pentecostal background, I’ve been accustomed to seeing men and women praise God with loud, and hyped expressions, but the more I matured in the Word, I realized that praise can be offered in a number of ways. While crying out to God, and reverencing His name with exuberance is in no way shunned by the Father, there are times when praise can be as simple as remembering some of the many things God has delivered us from, and simply bowing our heads.

When thinking back on the goodness of God, some are inclined to sing, others call upon the name of the Lord, and many make known His deeds among fellow believers. How exciting it is, to think on those times when we were stuck between a mountain, and a hard place, then God miraculously delivered us! In the same way the man who was lame from his mother’s womb, was miraculously healed at the hands of Peter, sprung up, and begin walking, leaping and praising God for his healing, it should never be a problem for us to do the same, when God brings a great change in our lives.

There are times when we allow the struggles of life to cloud our thoughts until we forget some of the things God does for us, but the Father never forgets, and watches to see how we respond to His goodness, in the midst of suffering and pain. Do you appreciate what God does for you? Are you overwhelmed with things in your life, that you fail to notice the blessings God has placed right in front of your eyes? Stop swimming in the pool of frustration, and float above all your cares and worries, so you can see all the many blessings God has prepared for you.

Walk in love,

Ell

The original Passover celebration

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Keeping the Passover was commanded by God, so that the children of Israel would always remember the night God delivered them out of Egyptian oppression. Not only was it commanded so they’d never forget God’s unmerited grace, but also that their children, and children’s children would know what God did for His people, throughout all their generations. There would come times when the children of Israel would become faint of heart at the sign of opposition or temptation, but what God did for them in Egypt was intended to remind them that if He was able to miraculously deliver them then, He could do even greater works through them after.

In our lives, we celebrate events like weddings, birthdays, the birth of children, the revealing of the sex of a child (still scratching my head on that one), graduations, promotions, etc., but how often do we commemorate spiritual moments? For instance, as a child, I used to hear the seasoned saints often mention the actual time, date, and place they gave their hearts to God. I didn’t pay much attention to this until I got older, and realized that it was indeed helpful to think back on the time God saved you, for encouragement, enrichment, and motivational purposes. Hearing how God sustained the older believers for soooo long, encouraged me to continue walking in holiness; striving to endure to the end, as they did.

God does so many things for us that we often forget to thank Him for including breath, health, and provision. Although we may not thank God enough for what He does in our lives, we should at least have a few dates set where we stop, and give God glorious praise for things and situations He delivered us from. I’ve heard stories of some who were under the influence of certain bad habits for years, that could have even costed them their lives, but God delivered them from their addictions, and allowed them time to enjoy physical and mental health once again. Others I’ve heard were living in oppression in their own houses, being abused verbally, physically and mentally, but God stepped in right on time to save them, before they lost their lives.

Take time now to think on all the good things God did specifically for you, write them down, and as you wipe the tears from your eyes in thanks and appreciation, make a vow to never let a day go by without praising Him for what He does for you on a daily basis. Then, encourage others to do the same, so that the body of Christ can keep a mindset of gratefulness and appreciation for the One who loves and cares for us the most.

Walk in love,

Ell