Are You Religious?

Deuteronomy 24:17-22

What is religion? Is it clothing ourselves in fine apparel, and speaking soothing words to please itching ears? Could religion be going to church consistently; singing, shouting, and giving offerings to God? Perhaps religion is claiming a title like Christian, but not necessarily fulfilling what the title means; only wearing the title to prove you are religious in the eyes of others. Hmmmm… lemme think; what else could religion be…? Ohhhh I got it! Maybe religion is exercising gifts like speaking in tongues, or prophesying. That’s it, isn’t it? Despite what the world has surmised religion to be, it is far from the previous examples I listed.

Religion is not a title, nor any act of selfishness. Instead, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27 KJV). Religion is not a title, but good works, coupled with consistent holy living. While no man is good, except the Father, God allows us the opportunity to share His love with others by exhibiting acts of compassion, kindness, and selflessness. Many say they love God, and are “religious”, yet rarely would they stop to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Life is tough for everyone, more so for strangers, widows, and those who have no father. Special attention is required for such persons, and those who are in Christ should always be ready to assist them at a moment’s notice.

In our text, God established laws, by which His people were to adhere to, concerning caring for the needs of the less fortunate. The people were required to gather enough resources for themselves and their family, then leave the leftovers to passersby who may not be capable of providing for themselves. This act is love at it’s best! When you show someone compassion, and tend to their need (without seeking glory for yourself) not only does the person you helped have a better life, but God will bless you in return. The phrase, “it’s a blessing to be a blessing” stems from this truth.

Oftentimes, those who have great needs are shunned away by men who can easily satisfy their deficit, but pride and arrogance consumes them to the point they only show concern for their own needs, rather than those who suffer lack. Prove your religion, not by spewing vain words or claiming titles, but by performing consistent good works, then God will make sure your cup will always run over, and never run dry.

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

Ell

The Whole Truth

Jeremiah 38:14-18

God knows all things, whereas men only see things in part. The Lord knows the end from the beginning, while man can only make assumptions based on limited knowledge. From those truths, I’d like to pose a question: Who do you trust more with your life, God, or man? When God spoke to, and through men in Scripture, His purpose was to direct them toward the most favorable path. God spoke to men like Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua, and gave them words of inspiration and direction, that would only prove effective, if the people were willing to obey. When the people chose to obey, God blessed them richly and abundantly, but when they refused, they forced God’s hand to bring judgment upon them.

Our text gives a vivid example of such a lesson, when God gave word to the prophet Jeremiah, to advise king Zedekiah to surrender to Babylon, so that the city would not be burned, and he and his family would live. It’s not an easy thing to surrender to an enemy without putting forth a fight, but God knew that if king Zedekiah had confronted Babylon, he would have been slaughtered. As I afore mentioned, God knows all things, and He gave fair warning to the king, in order to preserve his life, and the lives of his people.

Do you listen, and take heed when God gives you warning, or do you have a tendency of following your own judgment? God can see beyond our thoughts and imaginations, and He left instructions (through the lives of biblical prophets and others in Scripture) that if followed, will keep us on the favorable path. God desires that all men come to repentance, and has no pleasure in seeing them perish, but the choice is ours; to take heed to His words and prosper, or ignore them and perish.

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

Ell

Read The Instructions

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

For the past few weeks, I’ve been helping family and friends assemble furniture, and other items at their request. When you purchase an item, the picture on the cover of the package, shows the item fully assembled properly, but when you open the box and pour everything out, it looks nothing like the finished product. While some try to be macho, and put together things by head knowledge alone, I on the other hand, prefer to follow the step-by-step instructions. There are times when following the instructions can seemingly lead you into temporary binds, but if you go back a few pages, or even turn the paper upside down, 99 percent of the time, you’ll find your mistake. The designer of such products, is fully aware that if he doesn’t include detailed instructions, those who purchase his items will more than likely give negative reports to customer service.

My blog theme reads, “Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead.” Trying to make it through life without proper guidance, is like those who refuse to read and follow the instructions, packaged with furniture items. God inspired men to write the scriptures, so that we could have the basic instructions on how to live, until Christ returns. In the same way God left His people with the choice to either choose life, or death, we too must decide whether or not we will live for God, or die in sin.

The more we read and study Scripture, the better we can keep ourselves together, but living without godly wisdom and knowledge will always lead to errors and mistakes. Read, and follow God’s instructions; this way, all parts of your life will fit together properly.

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

Ell

Wait For It…

Jeremiah 27:1-11

Words of prophecy, can oftentimes be compared to seed time, and harvest. After seeds are planted into the ground, the most important element in the germination process is, time. Once a seed is buried, it can be easily be forgotten, as time passes, but the moment a bud begins to rise from the soil, it makes its presence known, and fulfills the purpose for which it was planted.

Many words were prophesied throughout the Scriptures, and some of those prophecies have already come to pass, whereas others are still awaiting fulfillment. In the book of Genesis, God looked upon the earth, and was ashamed of how corrupt it had become, so God told Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” Although God spoke those words, He didn’t execute them until many years after. Our text gives another example, when the Word of the Lord came unto the prophet Jeremiah, and spoke concerning yokes being put upon certain nations, but this prophecy was not made known until 20 years after Jeremiah received it.

God’s Words were never spoken in vain, nor will they ever return void. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). Hold fast to the promises of God, and never think He’s forgotten about you. Sometimes, things must play put accordingly, until the appropriate time, for God’s Word to manifest.

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

Ell

Jealous Emotions

Zechariah 8:1-8, 11-17

The more I continue to study the scriptures, the more I recognize the emotions of God, when dealing with His chosen people. Men were created like God, in the sense that we are emotional toward those things we hold dear, and tend to express our feelings in ways that compliment our thoughts concerning our loved one’s behavior. We serve a God who oftentimes became jealous of the fact that the very people He selected to use and bless in the earth, would turn their attention to false gods and idols, who could do nothing for them except condemn them to eternal damnation. God would allow the people to wallow in their rebellious state for a season, but still had plans to use them, once they recognized the errors in their ways.

Think of a time when your child, or someone close to you, decided that your genuine love wasn’t good enough for them, so they began to find pleasure in things or people that seemed good at first, but caused them much pain and shame in the end. It hurts to see those we love, reject us for unhealthy associations, but like God, our love isn’t based on conditions, and we’re always awaiting with open arms, for them to come to their senses, and return.

In our text, God revealed that He had great jealousy for Zion, and even considered punishing them, for the sins their forefathers committed. Woah, that’s intense! Have you ever been so frustrated with one of your children, until you didn’t want to see any of them until your thoughts of wrath and butt whooping subsided? God is jealous of you, even now, and He wants all your attention to be directed toward Him, so why not give the One who created you, all your praise? Why not bless the God who puts breath and life in your body, every day? Why not serve the God who made you with purpose, and has prepared an eternal reservation with Himself, in glory? What is so important and valuable in this life, that you willingly place them ahead of God? Consider what those things are, and either smash them to pieces, or recalculate how much time you invest in them, and make certain God is your priority.

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

Ell

Do Your Job

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

Respect among the body of believers, goes a long way to ensuring unity, and effectiveness from all members working together. While striving to please God with our lives, the apostle Paul helps us understand how important it is to recognize those who have been placed in leadership positions, and the great task that comes with walking in their shoes. Many leaders don’t get the respect they deserve, because laymen tend to think life comes easy for them. On the contrary, real leaders face challenges more often than many are aware of. It’s a tough task to lead people, who all have different ideas and opinions on how the job should be done, but when a man is led by God, his steps are ordered in a way where the people will benefit naturally, and spiritually, if they follow who God placed over them.

Rather than focus on whether or not a leader is doing everything right, members of the body of Christ should be more concerned about the basics of Christianity mentioned in the text. Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica, to show love to those who are over them, as well as keep peace among themselves, warn those who tend to get a little out of hand, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. Just as our leaders have great responsibilities to maintain, we must also do our part to maintain a holy standard of living. Do you comfort those who are down in the dumps, and need a shoulder to lean on? Are you patient during stressful and uncomfortable situations? Do you keep peace with those who fight alongside you in the faith? Can you find something to be thankful for, in every circumstance you experience in life? I admonish everyone to spend more time in prayer, and ask God to strengthen your faith, fine tune your focus, and help you diligently carry out the duties Christians are to boldly exhibit on a daily basis.

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

Overcome Evil With God

Esther 7:1-10

“When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:12 -15 KJV). God protects those He loves; who diligently seek after Him, and keep His commandments. In the same way a father guards his children from robbers and thugs, or a lion protects its cubs from hungry predators, God will always clear the path of those who are purpose-driven, and seek only to fulfill His will for their lives.

While it’s not laid out in plain text what every man is supposed to do in the earth, the basic instructions written in Scripture, are fairly simple to grasp. We learn in the book of Ecclesiastes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13). Those who are fulfilling the whole duty commanded by God, will receive His divine protection and provision, while traversing their journey. Proof of this is evident throughout the Bible, but more specifically in our recent lessons concerning Mordecai and Esther. Despite the overwhelming obstacle set before them in the form of the wicked Haman, God imparted heavenly wisdom into the hearts and minds of Mordecai and Esther, that allowed them to devise a plan to destroy the enemy’s evil plot. With careful planning, patience, and fasting, the trap Haman set for Mordecai, was turned around against his own self. This is how God works through us today. While some are under the impression, God is like superman, who will swoop down from the skies, and rescue those in need (as they believed Jesus would do when He entered Jerusalem), through His Spirit, God imparts wisdom into us, that helps us plan, and develop strategies that will allow us to overcome the plans of evil.

The body of Christ has a job to do, and that’s for each member to carry out their individual assignments, until the end. Whether you are skilled in teaching, preaching, arts and crafts, or any other area, ask God to give you wisdom from Heaven, to aid you, as you use your gift, talent, or special ability, to win souls for the kingdom.

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

Ell

Rotten Apples

Esther 5:9-14

Have you heard the phrase, “one bad apple spoils the barrel”? This quote simply implies, if you hang around trash long enough, you’ll eventually wear the stench of it. Typically, the people you spend time with, are more than likely influencing your behavior, whether negatively, or in a positive way. In the case of the bad apple, there could be fifty, to a hundred pristine and healthy apples in a barrel, but one could be internally infested with worms and germs, that could eventually transfer to the good apples. Unless they are separated with haste, all the good apples could become rotten in a matter of moments.

Corruption has a tendency to spread, and cares not for who or what it infects, because the root of all corruption is sin. In our text, Haman continued his plight, to terminate Mordecai, and all the Jews. This man was full of corruption, and found pleasure only in material possessions, and the praise and glory of men. A prideful heart, is incapable of harboring feelings of compassion, sympathy, and empathy, thus causing one to ignore the values required to love thy neighbor as thyself.

Haman was so wicked, until his evil influence infiltrated the hearts of those in his home as well. The wife and friends of Haman advised that he build a gallows, from which Mordecai would be hung. This idea pleased the unjust man, and further blinded him from the path of self destruction ahead.

When men plot evil against the children of God, we ought not avenge ourselves, because we can only see so far in the spirit, whereas God can see the whole picture. “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people” (Hebrews 10:30). Mind your company, and remove yourself from those who are contaminated with corruption.

Walk in love,

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