Why Pray?

Luke 23:9-15

Why pray, when it seems like God isn’t listening? Why pray, when the world continues to deteriorate, before our very eyes? Why pray, when the enemy works diligently, to defame the reputation of the church, and those who were once strong in the faith, have taken sides with that wicked one? Why pray, when those we love battle for years with sickness and pain, never seeming to get better? Why pray, when our family, friends, and others suffer untimely deaths, regardless of our fervent petitions? Why pray, when evil, vile, and corrupt men continue to thrive, and live successful lives, while the members of Christ’s body struggle to live from paycheck to paycheck? Why pray, when social injustice, “systemic racism”, and all other forms of unethical treatment toward minorities, continues to reign in lands with “organized governments”? What’s the point of praying, when bad things continue to happen to good people? Well, I’d like to pass the mic to a great friend of mine, and allow Him a moment to share His thoughts on the aforementioned questions…

…”Why did I choose to leave Heaven, to come down to the earth? Why did I give up riches, royalty, position, and authority, in order to take on the form of a created, lower being? Why did I willingly endure hurt, shame, lies, abuse, threatenings, beatings, slander, hate, injustice, ridicule, being misunderstood, despised, abhorred, detested, loathed, scolded, battered, spit on, pierced in the side, whipped, and torture beyond belief, when I held the power to instantly vanquish all who rejected me? Why did I suffer, and lay down my life, so that those same men who disfigured my mortal body, could one day be forgiven, and receive the gift of salvation?” Okay Jesus, I’ll take it from here. Whew!

Have you considered lately, how intense the suffering of Jesus actually was, or have you read all the things the apostle Paul endured, while still writing books of the Bible? Life is tough, I won’t deny that, but we pray to God to acknowledge that He holds all power in Heaven, and in earth, and while He can step in and right all the wrongs in the earth, He must allow His will to be done. Sin caused nothing but chaos and destruction in the earth, but God will soon rectify all wrong, then purify His people for all eternity. We may have to suffer a while in this life, but don’t allow your struggles, to keep you from communicating with God. Our Father knows, and sees all that’s going on, but we should continue to pray that His will be done, even in times when we don’t understand what it actually is.

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

Ell

Reel ‘Em In!

Genesis 41:14-24

Living as a Christian in 2020, has become far from easy. While we strive to live holy, and keep evil communication from our lips, the world continues to strive against us, forcing us to prove what’s truly in our hearts. Based on this fact, it’s important for those who are engrafted into the family of God, to remain mindful of how they conduct themselves, while in the company of unbelievers. It’s easy to conform to the ways of men, so that we could blend in with their company, but God requires the Saints to shine their lights in all places, all situations, and among all people. This is very crucial, because God can use us to draw others to Himself, if we aren’t afraid to be different from the world. It’s hard to catch a fish when your bait looks exactly like it, but when you secure an attractive lure to your hook, you’ll begin to attract all types of fish to your line. Is your life attracting men to the Lord, or do people lose interest in God, from the way you live?

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

Ell

Transparency

Acts 7:9-15

When I wake up in the morning, and open my eyes to see the new day, God is with me. As I turn over in bed, regaining feeling in my numb legs and arms, God is with me. When I gather enough strength to plant my feet on the floor, and slowly rise upright, God is with me. As I wash, then gird myself for the day ahead, God is with me. When I think of what the day will bring, God is with me. As I travel on the dangerous highways, going to and fro, God is with me. When I spend all day, pushing to make it through another day of hard labor, God is with me. As I deal with the pressures of life that come by way of those who are evil, wicked, or even my foes, God is with me. When I try to smile, stay positive, and keep a straight face, to hide the hurt, pain, and shame inside me, God is with me. As I give strength to others, when I require strength for myself, God is with me. When those who i thought were for me, turn against me, God is with me. When my body goes through seasons of sickness and pain, God is with me. When those I love, lose their lives, God is with me. When those I don’t know perish, and my heart still feels pain, God is with me. When the enemy attempts to knock me off track, God is with me. As I sit and write this tonight, exhausted from another long day of work, God is with me. When I consider, I am still alive, healthy, and have a sound mind, it’s because God is with me. I love the Lord, indeed I do. It’s because of Him, I can not, and will not give up. I am thankful for all who strive to live holy, in an unholy society; to all who are committed to staying true to God’s will. Be strong, be vigilant, stay faithful, because God is with you.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Favor For The Dreamer

Genesis 37:29-36

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs many people will experience in life is, parenting. While raising children (especially in this time) should be taken seriously, and with the proper precautions, one of the most unwise things to do is, show favor to one child, over all the others. Favoritism is good when it involves things like selecting foods you prefer, or the color you want to paint your house, but when dad and mom show more love for Cinnamon, while treating Nutmeg and Cashew like the neighbor’s kids, then those seeds will eventually come back to haunt them.

A great example of this can be found early in Scripture, in the lives of Jacob, and his sons. The average Bible reader should have already been exposed to this inspiring story, but if you haven’t, then you can read it in less than an hour (Genesis chapters 37-45). The text reveals, “Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age” (vs. 3a). Some history records that Jacob was over 90 years old when Joseph was born, and after the death of Rachel, little Joseph became his father’s special helper in being the agent between him and his brothers.

Unfortunately, the other brothers strongly disliked the relationship between their father, and little Joseph. Usually, when a mob of angry people have ill feelings toward someone, they tend to devise a plan to destroy their credibility. This was precisely the case with Jacobs sons. When Jacob had sent Joseph to check on his brothers one day (who were supposed to be feeding the flock in Shechem, but took a stroll to Dothan), they saw him from afar, and instantly plotted to slay him. Aside from labeling him, the dreamer, the brothers decided they’d kill him, then throw him in a pit. If it had not been for Reuben, who convinced the others to spare Joseph’s life, and only throw him in a pit, the little dreamer would have left the earth without fulfilling his promised assignment.

It’s amazing how people can hate you for things you had nothing to do with. Some people were blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities, that others dream to have, but rather than appreciate their gifts, they plot to hinder them from exercising them. Never allow jealousy, hatred, envy, nor strife to invade your mind, simply because God shows someone favor. Whether it be a brother, sister, friend, or even someone you aren’t too fond of, value, appreciate, and respect those who God uses in great ways.

Jacob suffered heartache for years, thinking that his son had been killed, but in the end, the love he had for Joseph was restored. Parents, be careful how you treat your children, because one day they’ll grow up, and act upon all you said and done to, and for them. Also, be certain to raise all of them in the fear of God, and teach them the value of love and respect for others.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Best Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

During Christmas time, millions of dollars are spent on various items, that are shared as gifts amongst family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Although the reason for the Christmas celebration is to acknowledge the birth of Jesus, American society has turned the season into a gift-giving frenzy. Children and adults alike, expect to receive good things from those who love them, and they render the same in return. While gifts offered to the receiver offer little benefit to others, the best gifts are those that can bless multiple people.

This same concept can be seen in the foundation of the early church. The apostle Paul taught the Corinthian believers the importance of the various functions in the church. Although the people were considered one body, they all had different functions. God organized the church in a way that all members can contribute, and exercise their gifts, without feeling as if their lives are meaningless. Paul was also detailed in dissecting the various functions in the church, and stressed that the people should covet earnestly the “best gifts”. The best of anything, is usually something that can help more than one person. In the case of the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul desired that the members seek to exercise gifts that will benefit not only themselves, but also bring edification to the entire body of Christ.

It’s easy to covet those gifts that may seem to bring attention to oneself, but as children of God, we are commanded to walk in humility, while keeping our focus on peace, love, and unity amongst the body.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Stay On Track

Psalm 119:169-176

During my early years of life, I always found trains to be a fascinating means of transport. Watching those intricate machines glide across the tracks while waiting in the back seat of my parent’s car, was always a thrill to witness. I would often get scolded by my grandmother, because whenever I would ride with her while going over a train track, I always felt the need to add a few extra bounces in the van, even after we had rumbled over the tracks.

Trains have one mission, and that’s to get its cargo from point A, to point B. While technology has made for more efficient transportation, there are rare occasions when a train will get derailed from its track. As strange as it may seem, dealing trains is rather easy. In fact, the most common way is to drive it too fast for the rail position. The wheels can ride up the side of a rail on a curve at high speed, and if the alignment is too wide or narrow it will cause the train to dip, and rise up off the rails. That’s a scary thing to witness. The process of placing a derailed train back on its track is rather tedious, and requires hard labor, but once the train is placed back into its proper position, it can then proceed to carry out its assigned duties.

The church can be compared to a train. While the train is set on a track, and assigned to carry resources from place to place, believers are also positioned in God’s will, to carry His message of the Gospel from heart to heart. Oftentimes, a believer will veer off track, and end up in places and positions God didn’t intend for them to be in. But, getting back on track with God, requires one to first realize they are out of position, then cry out to Him for His salvation. It’s unfortunate how many only consider God’s grace, after they’ve fallen, rather than cling to it before a fall, in order to remain on track.

Never allow yourself to stray away from God’s leading, and commit to doing His will, so that you’ll always be in the right position to fulfill your mission. Remain consistent in God’s Word, stay on track, and choo choo nonstop, until you reach your final destination.

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

Ell

Meek And Gentle

Titus 3:1-2, 8-11

Whether it’s observed and appreciated or not, the good works performed daily by the church, actually benefit those who are unbelievers. Exchanging love for hate, or good for evil, works to the advantage of those who still have time to submit themselves to the authority of God. The Bible mentions in Matthew 19:17, “there is none good but one, that is, God:”, but Christians can in fact perform good works. That’s not a statement to cause confusion, but a simple truth.

Believers are found doing good because, their good fruit resemble their repentant hearts. Every member of the body of Christ “should” be ready to only say, and do things that are pleasing to the Father. God is pleased when His people speak kind of others, and not evil. Have you been guilty of speaking things that aren’t positive, nor beneficial of someone you know, or may not know? If so, what caused you to say such things? If the love of God rests, rules, and abides in your heart, then you should always be nudged by His Spirit, to monitor what you say about others.

God’s love also allows for the church to operate in the spirit of meekness, “unto all men”. There should be such a desire in you to be like Christ, until you’ll look forward to responding to all men in love. While that may sound far fetched or fairytale, when a person truly understands the purpose of life, they’ll see the real value in the soul of a man, that will provoke them to want to help make their lives better, rather than worse.

The church is unpopular to the world, because they have love for God, while the world hates Him. But, I advise all those who remain true to God’s Word, to continue producing works that are pleasing to God, profitable to men, and encouraging to yourself.

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

Ell

Fading Flowers

Isaiah 40:1-8

Unlike the average man, my stance on buying a girl flowers differs from most of them. While I understand the significance of presenting beautiful flowers to a deserving woman, I’ve always held the belief that flowers eventually fade away, so why not get a gal something that last a bit longer, and has more relevance like gas money, or gifts cards to a spa or clothing store. While my popularity with the ladies may not have been ideal, at least when I gave gifts, they lasted a while, and actually made a difference in someone’s life.

As time continues to pass, all things in the earth are steadily fading away; from flowers and trees, to birds and bees. But, there’s one thing that has never faded, nor lost value since it was presented to the world. The Word of God has withstood the times, since the beginning. We also learn from the Scriptures, “In the beginning was the Word”, and today that same Word still stands strong. Throughout each day, men place their trust in things that will inevitably cease to exist, while at the same time, neglecting the only thing that will literally last through all eternity.

God gave the Word, so that men could learn of Him, consider their unhealthy lifestyles, then commit to changing in favor of His way of living. According to the great Dr Kent Hovind, the Bible is simply “Basic Instructions Before Leaving the Earth”. God made the world good, and very good, and He could have made it any other way, but what we see every day, is the awesomeness of His handiwork. While He’s aware that the beauty of this present world is fading, He has His concerns set on the souls of men.

Allow God’s everlasting and life-changing Word to penetrate deep into your heart, so that all He desires for you can be accomplished in the life you live for Him.

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

Ell

The Only Way

John 14:1-14

Throughout my journey on this decaying planet, I’ve witnessed many (Christians and non-believers) who harbored major concerns about life after death. I must admit, it can get a bit frightening at times, spending too much time thinking about never existing in this realm after death, but when you know what to expect in the next life, the worry and fear of the once unknown, will disappear in mere moments.

Those who are in Christ Jesus, can expect unimaginable blessings, and great inheritance in the life to come. In our text, Jesus comforted His troubled disciples by reminding them that He would soon leave the earth, but during His time away, He would prepare a place where they could abide with Him forever. There’s been much speculation, along with varying interpretations on the descriptions of Heaven mentioned by Christ, but whether we’ll live in actual mansions, or not, I just want to be there.

It’s unfortunate that after all the teachings and miracles performed by Jesus, His disciples still had their doubts about His sovereignty. Their doubts weren’t developed from disrespect, but I can only imagine that their finite minds and limited understanding caused them to not fully understand what Jesus continually presented to them. Jesus knew how to handle His followers, but stressed more than anything, He is the only way to the Father. The words Jesus spoke, were not His own. The works Jesus performed, were not His own. The miracles Jesus manifested, were not by His own doing. The reason Jesus was able to do those things which were beyond human comprehension was, because He was in the Father, and the Father in Him. For this reason, Jesus told His disciples, when they believe in Him, they are also believing in God. But, if perhaps they fail to believe this obvious truth, Jesus humbly expressed, “or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (vs. 11b). In other words, “if you’re simply too naive to hear and understand the truth of my words, then base the truth on the miraculous works you’ve witnessed with your own eyes” (Elliott’s translation).

One day soon, we’ll all see death, but the thought of that day doesn’t have to bring fear and worry in our hearts. In fact, the Bible reads in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”. When a Saint dies, God is excited, because they can then see those things that were only read in the Scriptures.

As you continue your journey on this side of Heaven, keep your chin up, and consider all those amazing things that await you in the next life. We have trained our eyes, minds, and hearts to only concern ourselves with the cares of this world, but meditate more on what God has prepared for us in Heaven, then you’ll be able to live a more bold and dedicated life on this earth.

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

Ell

Real Love

John 14:18-24

If God is something, then that which God is, should be reverenced, respected, and imitated. The Bible declares throughout the scriptures (but more directly in 1 John 4:8), God is love. Allow your mind to ponder on that for a brief moment. If God is love, then that can aslo be translated, love is God. All your life, you’ve been under the impression that love is emotions, googly eyes, butterflies in your tummy, and all those attributes that are associated with things you like, but once you realize the true extent of what love really is, you’ll see life from a totally different perspective.

The true essence of love extends far beyond human emotions, and can be seen in action throughout history. God’s love is unlike that which the world operates in, because the love offered by the world is conditional, and usually comes with a price. Conversely, the love of the Father is unconditional, and is freely given to all men. The world abuses, misuses, and disrespects what real love stands for, but God continues to shower His endless love over all mankind. “For God so loved the world He gave…” (John 3:16a).

Love is comprised of a host of virtues including (but not limited to) sacrifice, patience, obedience, action, understanding, trust, commitment, and most importantly, humility. It’s because of God’s love, men can be saved from the eternal penalty of their sins. It’s because of God’s love, we can have a right to the tree of life we had lost access to, from Adam’s big mistake. It’s because of God’s love, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. It’s because of God’s love, I can have hope for a brighter tomorrow. It’s because of God’s love, the church can stand strong in the time of trouble, because the Holy Spirit will keep us encouraged. It’s because of God’s love, we who remain alive today, have opportunities to continue spreading the message of God’s life-changing Gospel.

When in sin, let love in, and allow it to make you all over again. God loves you, and I do too!

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

Ell