WE’RE NUMBER ONE!

Isaiah 42:10-17

Fanatics of all sports, rave, root, and cheer, as they watch their favorite teams compete for victory. Whether their team’s probability of success is high, or low, fans typically express their unyielding support regardless. While sports team’s can’t guarantee their fans certain victory, the body of Christ can rest assured, the battle against evil, is already won! The praise, glory, and honor believers render to God, is never in vain, and actually pleases the Lord. The Scripture teaches that God inhabits, or takes residence in the praises of His people. When we offer pure praise and worship to the Father, He in turn shows His appreciation by daily loading us with benefits. How many times has your favorite sport team done anything for you, without a price tag attached to it? Unlike teams, that have a possibility to win, or lose, God is undefeated, and He never charges us for anything. His salvation, love, joy, peace, and mercy are all free of charge. The next time you prepare to lose your voice for the Dolphins, Eagles, or Patriots, reconsider screaming those cheers toward Heaven.

Walk in love,

Ell

Faith Makes The Difference

Hebrews 11:29-35

What keeps you holding yourself together, when storms invade your life? How do you maintain composure, when everything around you seems to fall apart? How do you continue pushing forward, when tests, trials, and trouble press hard against you? What motivates you to get out of bed, in spite of global terror, and pursue peace in the midst of it? Why do you smile in the face of danger? Why haven’t you given up on your hopes and dreams, when they seem unreachable? Why aren’t you phased by the corruption in our governments? Who, or what keeps you standing?

Throughout history, men and women of God, have achieved the unachievable, attained the unattainable, and accomplished things that seemed to be impossible, all by faith. By faith, the children of God can do ANYTHING! The Bible has numerous examples of men who were heavily underestimated by the world, yet did great things through faith, in the power of God. The text mentions the faith Rahab had, in God’s deliverance, Gideon in miraculous victory, Barak in triumph, Samson in supernatural strength, Jephthah in boldness, David in God’s reliability, and Samuel in God’s integrity.

God has ALL power, and He loves to express His unmatched authority through His people. This is one reason why we were created in His very own image, and after His likeness, so that we can also experience the glory of His awesome power for ourselves.

Now, is not a time for panic, even though the media amplifies fear. Instead, we should have faith in the power of God to first, keep His people safe, so that we can be used by Him, to do great things during these troubled times. Now, is also a great time, for the Saints of God to shine bright, and reveal to the world, the power of our everlasting Father! Have faith in God, and never give in to the pressures of this world.

Walk in love,

Ell

Nothing But The Truth

Ezekiel 33:1-9

Proclaiming the Word of God, is what all disciples of Christ have been commissioned to do on the earth, but preaching from a position of authority, brings a different level of responsibility, the average believer isn’t bound to. Many were called by God, to do great things in His kingdom, but few were chosen to carry out special assignments. Men who desired to be leaders in the church, were given instruction to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 2:4 KJV).

Those God called to lead others, are to be bold, direct, and honest when delivering His Word to the people. In the same way Ezekiel, the watchman, was commanded by God, to warn men to turn from their evil ways, leaders today are tasked with the same command. It’s never wise to withhold rebuke from those who need it, because it could ultimately save their lives, but refusing to give warning to those in sin, could cause men to die without salvation, causing their blood to forever be on your hands. This is why I don’t understand why men are so eager to become pastors, or church leaders, because such positions require much responsibility. The souls of the people are what matter to God, and if any leader teaches doctrine contrary to what’s in God’s Word, he’ll be in danger of harsh punishment. When a man truly loves God, he’ll do all within his power, to take care of God’s people.

If you’re in a position of authority in your local church, or other organization, do you give the people the whole truth of God’s Word, or do you withhold the harsh truth, in order to appease their itching ears?

Walk in love,

Ell

Wealthy Condemnation

Habbakkuk 1:15-17

Why does it seem, that the wicked prosper, and the righteous experience continual suffering? I’d first like to clarify, that having an abundance of wealth or material things, isn’t equivalent to prosperity. There are men and women all over the world, who have more than enough wealth than they can spend in a lifetime, but just because they don’t lack material possessions, doesn’t mean their lives are free from problems. The average rich person is miserable, yet many keep their feelings inside, and hide them from the outside world. It’s one thing to have more than enough while harboring uneasy feelings, but it’s better when you have, and understand that with God, your possessions can be used to build His kingdom. In God’s eyes, prosperity involves more spiritual success, than natural.

The church suffers, because Christ suffered. It’s that simple. Jesus experienced a life, that no man or woman could ever imitate. He lived sinless, avoided all temptation, and yet, the world hated Him the more. Just as men hated Jesus, they will not withhold their hatred from the body of Christ today. Even as satan makes men appear to be prosperous, with their fine living, many fail to realize, God cares nothing about stuff, and more about souls. Many allow their wealth to change their attitude toward their fellow man, causing them to look down upon those seemingly not “on their level”. Even in the church, iniquity abounds, as members oftentime make attempts to devour their own people, for the love of money. This is just sad. Think on this for a moment, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17). God will no doubt deal with those in the church, who are failing to keep reverence in His house, but imagine the judgment coming to those who willingly refuse to acknowledge that God is the creator of all things, and Christ is the way, by which our sins are forgiven.

God will bless His people in this present life, and allow them to enjoy the wonders His love provides, but suffering is a package deal with living for Christ. Unfortunately, to those living in sin, yet feel safe and secure by their wealth and possessions, their temporary pleasure will bring eternal consequences, if they don’t change before time is up.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Name Of The Lord

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?” (Judges 13:18 KJV). In all the years I’ve studied the Scriptures, I’ve never understood, “the name of the Lord”, as I just discovered five minutes ago (I guess I’m a late bloomer). There are scholars and historians, who debate over what God’s actual name is, and invest years of research, trying to discover it. But, I’ve gained a greater understanding of where our focus, in God’s name, should be directed.

In the same way children are to reverence and respect their parents, by calling them father and mother, or mom and dad, Christians are to acknowledge God, not by an actual name, but who He actually is. God is our Father, who resides in Heaven, and we are to do as Moses did in our text, and “publish the name of the Lord…” (vs. 3). To publish can also mean to proclaim, or make known. When making mention of “the name of the Lord”, we should actually proclaim who, and what God represents. One verse reads, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The prophet Isaiah understood the relevance in God’s power and authority, rather than trying to figure out what His name was when he wrote, “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8).

When men hear “the name of the Lord”, God, Lord, and all the other terms in Scripture that represent the Father, it’s more important that they gain an understanding of who God is, what He represents, and how powerful and unmatched His authority is. The same applies to us, when we acknowledge our parents. I don’t make it a habit of calling my mom and dad by their first names, because it’s been looked upon as a sign of disrespect. Instead, I acknowledge them by who they are, and respect what their roles represent.

God isn’t moved by men who make attempts to learn His actual name, because it means nothing, if they don’t know what the name truly stands for. Rather than spending time trying to figure out what “the name of the Lord” is, redirect your attention to all the amazing things God stands for, as well as what He expects from those who love Him. Respect God’s position as Father, and stay in your lane, as His child, walking in obedience to His commands.

(Exodus 3:13-15 KJV) “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

(Jeremiah 16:21 KJV) “Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.”

Welcome the stranger

2 Chronicles 6:32-33

The modern-day church has become something God never intended it to be. In Scripture, the church (an established people, with ideals and government based solely on godliness) was set in place, so that the name of the Lord could be magnified through His people. While it’s true, God can make Himself known to the entire world without the help of man, it’s so cool that He allows His awesome glory to shine through us as well! In any case, the church was established to accomplish only those things that please the Lord, and to give the body of Christ a place to gather, for moments of edification, sharing of testimonies, and glorification of the name of the almighty God.

The glory churches once held in the past, has faded away, because men seek to become leaders, or attend church for the wrong reasons. Some are interested in gaining positions in churches, solely to get wealthy, whereas others only attended services out of habit. Promoting God has been replaced with selfish men, seeking only to promote their own agendas, and convince the people to believe in their opinions, more than the Word of the Lord.

In my younger days (not too many moons ago) church use to be a place, where service would oftentimes become so intense, until strangers would hear God being glorified from outside, and peek inside our church out of curiosity, too see what was going on. My pastor, during those days, would invite all who came in, to join our services. No one was a stranger after entering the house of the Lord. Some who came out of curiosity, would even leave healed, delivered, or set free from issues they could have carried the rest of their lives, had they continued to walk pass the church, and not come in. Our church wasn’t the only place God performed miracles, but we gave Him the glory due to His name, and He in turn, showered us with His wondrous works.

King Solomon acknowledged that even those who weren’t of the people of Israel, deserved to have their prayers answered by God, so that they would gain a greater appreciation for the Father, in the same way His people did as well. God loves everyone, and has no respect for one nation over another. His will is that all come to repentance, so that they can enjoy the opportunity to fulfill their calling on this earth, and reap the rewards eternally in the next life.

Be mindful of how you treat strangers, because God loves them, the same as He loves you. Never feel as if you are more deserving of the things of God, because you may be well-versed in Scripture, or have an amazing gift. God can use anyone for His glory, so “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Ark brought to the temple

2 Chronicles 5:2-7

When all the work that went into constructing God’s amazing temple was finally finished, king Solomon was then able to add the final piece, to amplify its magnificence. The ark of the covenant was brought up from Zion, and carried to its proper place, in the temple, by the Levite priests. The Levites were the only men allowed by God to carry the ark from place to place.

Along with the remarkable silver and gold pieces, fine linen, altar of brass, and molten sea that made God’s temple unique in many aspects, the ark of the Lord was indeed, the most relevant construct in the temple. As I read this passage of Scripture, I can’t help but place myself in this time, to try and picture, with my own eyes, the elegance and majesty of such an incredible building! I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some very impressive buildings, including churches, in my lifetime, but none compare to what king David, and king Solomon were able to put together for the glory of God.

The temple of God was garnished with pure gold, overlaid with precious stones in various areas, adorned with golden cherubim, sculptures of oxen, golden lavers, candlesticks, tables, and basons of gold as well. Those are a few of the major decorations of the temple of God, but my words alone, can’t portray how beautiful this place actually was.

God takes great delight in nice things, but only when those things are intended to bring glory to His name. There’s not one thing man can do on his own (except make a choice; even then, he needs life to do that as well), so all things that are built, or constructed, should always be dedicated to God. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him“(Col 3:17 KJV).

Men build massive buildings, houses, and other things that leave some gazing in awe, but what’s the purpose of doing something great, and not having God’s approval for it? If you have the opportunity to contribute to a structure or building that’s being dedicated to God, do it willingly, and wholeheartedly, knowing that God is well-deserving of all good things.

Walk in love,

Ell

Heavenly vision of the ark

Revelation 11:15-19

Witnessing the presence of God, first-hand, back in Bible times, must have been breathtaking experiences. From seeing God’s glory from a perpetual burning bush, and observing it, as God literally passed in front of Moses in another instance, nothing has yet to compare to the matchless glory the presence of God brings to any environment or atmosphere. Along with experiencing God’s presence, I’m also convinced that simply hearing His voice caused many to develop goosebumps as well.

In Scripture, God was also unique, as He allowed His presence to inhabit the form of pillars of a cloud, and of fire. Imagine watching your children walk to school with a beautiful cloud surrounding and protecting them from all manner of evil. It would appear strange today, yet still extremely effective. When I first began to study God’s Word, I found it hard to believe that His powerful, and awe-inspiring presence could actually reside in a feeble human heart, but as I grew and matured in the Word, I quickly realized, we can abide in God and His very Word can abide in us. This is evident during those moments when we feel a certain way about something particular. For example, there were times when I was about to make a decision concerning something, then I would immediately feel a presence come over me, nudging me to do the opposite of what I had originally intended to do. God may not appear in clouds, burning bushes, or even dreams, as He did in the past, but I believe we today, have it much better than they did in the past, because He lives inside of us.

Even as God’s presence was housed in the ark of the covenant in the Old Testament, and the original ark was seen in a vision by John in the New Testament, God’s presence is amazing wherever it abides! It’s time that you come to the realization, God is awesome, He lives in you, which in turn, makes you awesome! The very Creator of all things loved you enough to pattern you after Himself. If you think that’s something, you have the ability to house His very presence, and change atmospheres everywhere you go, just as He did through men in the past.

As you occupy until Christ returns, take advantage of all the opportunities God has presented you, to make His name great! Whether it be in the form of encouragement, or exercising any other gift, allow God’s presence to lead and guide all your actions, and “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:15-17)

Walk in love

Ell

John the Baptist born to Elisabeth

Luke 1:57-66

John the Baptist is an icon of the holy Scriptures. His life exemplified what true holiness really is, and he was the ordained forerunner of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ. John’s entire time on the earth, was spent sharing the goodness of the Lord, and striving to convince men that salvation was a priority. The great “baptizer”, John, would not have become the man he was, had he not been covered by strong, godly parents. Elisabeth, the cousin of Mary, and her husband, Zacharias the priest, were devout followers of God. According to the Bible, they were both righteous before God, and were blameless in walking according to all the commandments, and ordinances of the Lord. That’s an amazing testimony! Can it be said that you lived blameless before the Lord in your lifetime? I strive to daily, but…I’m still a work in progress lol.

To all who have small children, please, and pretty please, train them up in the fear of the Lord. Everyone has purpose, and reason for being alive, especially our babies. Parents are to be the primary examples of what holiness looks like, and their children should trust them enough, until their words settle in their hearts. Real love begins in the home, and if you love your children, you’ll prove it by living according to God’s way. Your example, and guidance, will help catapult them into their calling, while allowing God to work through them, even at a young age.

Walk in love,

Ell

Be an example of faith

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10

When you walk in a room of fellow believers, or join in the presence of any group of people who are familiar with you, what’s the impression they get when they see you coming? Do the words you profess concerning holiness and righteousness, align with the works you perform on a daily basis? Or, do you say one thing with your lips, but act differently in the absence of those who can rebuke you, and bring you back into right standing with God? Everyone who claims to be born-again of the Spirit, are required to be examples of what godliness is. Every thought, idea, imagination, or spoken word, should all be brought under the subjection of the Holy Ghost. Although we may have made a confession to follow after Christ, we are unable to do it effectively without being led of His Spirit. Even when we pray to God, we require the assistance of His Spirit, to help make sense of the words we attempt to deliver to Him. “Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

Seasoned Christians are to be model servants, or examples of how to conduct themselves in a world full of sin, so that others can see what’s expected of them from God as well. In addition, the world needs to see real Saints, especially in such a time as this, because perilous times are already here, and will be amplified as the days go by. Just as the apostles in Scripture were bold, honest, pure, and unaffected by the intense contention they faced, we must also stand firm on God’s Word, knowing that if many before us were faithful until the end, we can endure the conflict that will soon come against us as well.

A proven way to remain stable in your walk with God is, to treat all men as if they were Christ. Also, change the perception you have of people, even though some may be hard to understand, and allow God’s Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions, as you interact with others. Like Paul and the other apostles, we should acknowledge God in all our ways, whether the matter seem small, or great. We too can be bold in the face of contention, true and honest in our exhortation, submissive to God who trusted us with the Gospel, gentle with others, as a mother who nurses a child, and affectionate to others who also labor endlessly in the works of the Lord. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Walk in love,

Ell