Examine yourselves in your faith living

2 Corinthians 13:1-11

Are you fully committed to living your life for God? If so, how can you tell? Better yet, how can others tell, whether or not you are a true follower of Christ? Are your words pure, and holy? Do you love and treat others the same way you prefer to be loved and treated? With the exception of church services, how much time do you personally devote to meditating on God’s Word daily? Babes in Christ are expected to make minor mistakes, as they adjust to living the life of the “new man”, but there comes a time when seasoned saints should perform an occasional self-examination, to determine whether they are still “in the faith”, or need to make major or minor adjustments to get themselves back on track with God’s business.

Similar to how men and women are strongly advised to get annual physical checkups, to receive an overall assessment of their health, the apostle Paul admonished the church in Corinth to examine themselves, so that they’ll have a full understanding of where they are in God. Obeying God is as simple as loving Him, keeping His commandments, and avoiding evil, but just like many who suffer with failing health, because they refuse to follow the doctor’s orders, countless church folk fall into sin, because they refuse to follow God’s simple commands.

Oftentimes, believers have a tendency of becoming stagnant in their faith development, but Paul encouraged the church to be perfect, or mature in all areas of their lives, knowing “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13-15).

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus heralds the centurion’s faith

Luke 7:1-10

The older I get, the more I see the values of men change. Gone are the days when character meant something; when men praised each other more for rendering acts of kindness, rather than selfish accomplishments. Men today take more pride in flaunting their muscles, money, and influence, rather than allow their godly attributes like faith and love, to speak on their behalf. God is never impressed by things that bring glory to ourselves, but He takes pleasure in watching us work our faith, so that He can get glory out of our lives.

In our text, Jesus was impressed by a man who had greater faith than anyone in all Israel. How honorable it is to be considered one who has the greatest level of faith, than everyone in your country! Even during Bible days, men were known by their wealth and prestige, yet rarely were men praised for their good name. The man responsible for grabbing Jesus’ attention was a centurion, who had a servant suffering from a near-death illness, and was in need of a miraculous healing. Jesus had a knack of always being in the right place, at the right time (the omnipresent power of God probably led Him where He needed to be), and met the needs of all who came to Him in faith.

A centurion was a Roman military leader who commanded up to 100 soldiers. Unlike many who take pride in their positions of power, the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. He also felt unworthy to come where Jesus was. There first step in receiving a miracle from God is, keeping oneself in the state of humility, realizing that the Lord is more likely to bless those who reverence His power and authority, over those who boast in their own. Jesus moved at the words of the faithful centurion, and sent healing where his servant was. 🎵🎶 Faith, faith, faith, just a little more faith 🎶🎵

Walk in love,

Ell

Prophetic examples of faithfulness

Luke 4:24-30

Throughout the Bible, prophets of God were known to expose wickedness in the hearts of men, warn others of coming judgment for failure to repent, and predict inevitable events that would eventually take place. Rarely were prophets accepted by the public, because they often challenged men to change their hearts from haughty, to humble. One of the scariest things to do is, ignore a prophet’s warning, because God usually sends them moments before bringing judgment. Of all the prophets who ever lived, Jesus was no doubt the greatest of them all (for obvious reasons). Where the prophets of old, such as Elijah and Elisha, exhibited faithfulness to God in great ways, Jesus took faithfulness to another level.

The irony in prophecy is, those you seek to save, often reject your words of positive influence, and make attempts to get you as far away from them as possible. This took place vividly in our lesson’s text, as Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, to teach, and to prophesy. When Jesus taught from the Scriptures, His gracious words filled the people’s minds with amazement, but that glory was short lived, as the hearts of the congregation changed when Jesus began to reference the days of Elijah and Elisha, when God blessed one heathen for sustaining Elijah during the famine, and healing the other by the words of Elisha. Apparently, the people of Nazareth despised the heathens, and refused to appreciate the words Jesus spoke, so they gathered together, and drove Him out of His own town. The evil in their hearts was exposed the more, when they went so far as to make an attempt to push Jesus over a cliff! Are you kidding me? They tried to push JESUS over a cliff? Lol, wow! What disrespect this was to Mary and Joseph as well; their own neighbors, trying to kill their son for telling simple truths?

The heart of a man is always revealed when the light exposes their hidden motives. Don’t get angry when God sends someone to help bring you back into right standing with Him. Warning always comes before a fall, so take heed when you’re given warning to tighten up, and get back on track. Also, learn to appreciate those who are faithful to God, and their calling, and aren’t ashamed to perform the works He called them to do, because many who started out well, have given up, or given in to life’s pressure.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t doubt; Trust God’s promises

Numbers 13:1-2, 17, 25-28; 14:1-2, 5-10

Knowing God the way I do today, allows me to see things in Scripture differently than I did when I first began to meditate on the Word. When I use to read about the children of Israel, I had a slight case of envy for them, being that they were God’s chosen nation, set apart to establish His kingdom in the earth, and to be the line by which Christ was to come through. Unfortunately, the more you read about the ancient Israelites, the more disgust I’m certain you’ll develop for their consistent disobedient behavior, as I have as well.

God literally proved Himself, His amazing power, and sufficient grace and mercy to His people on multiple occasions, yet those miraculous acts weren’t enough to convince the privileged Israelites to commit their trust totally to Him. When they complained about being in bondage, and suffering persecution, God delivered them with a mighty hand. When they cried as they stood facing the Red Sea, while being pursued by a bloodthirsty Pharoah and his army, God parted the sea, allowed His people to cross over on dry land, then closed the waters to drown Israel’s pursuers. As the people roamed the wilderness, following God’s path to the Promise Land, their complaints reached elevated heights, as they assumed God brought them out of Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. So, God miraculously provided food for them, day and night. God provided top-notch protection for the people as He allowed pillars of cloud and fire to go ahead of them by day, and night as well. Out of all these things the Lord did for the children of Israel, they were nowhere close to being sold on His promise of Canaan, especially following the evil report of Giants and fortified buildings in the land.

I’m having trouble understanding the logic and reasoning of the people, because they saw God’s handiwork before their very eyes, yet when facing giants, they cowered in fear. God told them time and time again, the land was theirs, even though someone else attended to it until they arrived (which was actually a good thing). They were also promised God’s personal protection to aid them in taking what was rightfully theirs. But……some people…..no matter what you say, or do to convince them that their victory is indeed assured, they’ll prefer to hold on to their own fear, rather than confide in someone who’s already proven they can take care of them.

Things got even worse when the people threatened to stone the very men who led them, and had faith in God to deliver the land into their hands. While Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people, no doubt as a sign of “what do I do now, these people are hopeless”, Joshua and Caleb became angry, tore their clothes, then reminded the people that with God, there is nothing to fear. If God hadn’t stepped in to protect His men, that mob of cowards would have probably stoned them to death.

Fear can cause us to make unwise decisions. The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, rather than doubt God and react out of fear, pray to Him, and ask for wisdom to make the right choices, and courage to see the process through. God wants the best for you, but you must trust that His word is true, despite what comes against you.

Walk in love,

Ell

Partners from the beginning

Genesis 2:18-24

A few lessons ago, I noted contrasting opinions between myself, and the apostle Paul, where he mentioned, “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that” (1 Corinthians 7:7). Paul’s reasoning behind his desire that all be single, wasn’t based on selfishness, but so that men and women could focus all of their attention on God, as he did, without balancing the challenges and concerns involved with marriage as well. Marriage is a beautiful thing, but can become a distraction when the husband and wife are unable to maintain a godly focus. God instituted marriage, and it should be carried out the way He designed it, and I strongly believe that everyone should desire to experience it, but only for the right reasons.

When God took one of the ribs from Adam, and skillfully formed the woman, He made certain to take her from his side, so that she could be equal with him, from under his arm, to be protected by him, and from near his heart, so that she could be loved by him. Knowing this, the woman should never feel that she’s beneath the man, nor regard herself as inferior, but should carry herself as the “help” God created to “meet” the needs of her husband.

Establishing a solid foundation, and working together, are two key elements required to make a marriage work. One reason I’ve learned why many marriages fail is, the foundations were built on feelings and emotions, rather than planning and logical reasoning. When a man makes up in his mind that he’s prepared to marry a woman, he should first have a job. What woman in her right mind would give up all her single liberties to a man who is unable to support her? In my most humble opinion, that’s borderline insanity! It’s obvious that God should be at the forefront of a woman’s desires in a man, but having consistent income is far more attractive than biceps and a six-pack.

In the beginning of any relationship, the courting process is super important. Adam and Eve were an exception, as they were the only two humans in existence, and I’m convinced Adam was created with unlimited knowledge, based on his reference to a man leaving his father and mother. If Eve and himself were the only humans created, then how could Adam possibly have any understanding of family, except it had already been embedded in his system? That’s information for another lesson. In any case, having knowledge and reverence for God will help in choosing a wife suitable to the man. After God made Adam, He immediately put Him to work, then taught him the Word. The man seeking a wife should follow this example, by studying and meditating on the Word of God, and being in a position to financially support a wife. According to Scripture, the man is responsible for teaching the Word of God to his wife. No, I didn’t stutter. Rarely do men follow this example, as we see more women doing the teaching these days, but God’s order was designed where men are to teach the Word in their homes.

Can you see how out of order this world has become? Roles have been reversed, and families are dysfunctional, but all could be avoided if God’s order is implemented in every marriage. As you prepare your mind, heart, and social position to be a husband or wife, don’t forget to check what God expects from you as well. Marriage indeed is a beautiful institution, and I pray yours gains God’s favor from now, until eternity!

Walk in love,

Ell

Husbands and wives, joint heirs

1 Peter 3:1-9

Christians are commanded by God to submit themselves to every ordinance of man, as well as to every person who has any authority in government, who cooperate in efforts to promote righteousness, over lawlessness. This is important, because there are some who are under the impression that they are not to abide by laws and rules set by men who are ungodly. On the contrary, God supports justice, because human government is of His own doing, and if any man or woman seeks to do that which is right, we are to support them, just as His people did in ancient times. In addition, our cooperation also puts to silence those who shun Christianity, and proves that believers aren’t as haughty as they are falsely accused to be.

Following the previous example, servants are commanded to be subject to their masters; showing respect to those who are good, and to those who are hard to please. It’s difficult, at times, to submit to bosses who are stubborn, pig-headed, arrogant, disgusting, displeasing, high-minded, haughty, disrespectful, discourteous, rude, impolite, uncivil, ill-mannered, ungracious, irreverent, inconsiderate, insolent, impudent, impertinent, cheeky, flippant, insubordinate, churlish, contemptuous, disdainful, derisive, scornful, disparaging, insulting, and abusive (did I miss anything lol). We earn God’s acceptance as heirs to His kingdom, and joint-heirs with Christ, when we uphold His righteous standard in the midst of our suffering and injustice, because persecution and hard times come as a package deal when we submit our lives to God.

Submission is not limited to governments, authorities, and bosses, but it extends even into our homes. According to Scripture (and contrary to societal belief), wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. I can hear all the wives murmuring, “I ain’t nobody’s slave”, lol. Well, the Bible’s definition of submission does not involve one being used, abused, nor taken advantage of. Instead, submitting as God commands is the greatest sign of true commitment. Women have to first separate the idea of slavery, from the word submit, in order to understand how in-depth their role is, as a wife. Wives are to be “discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:5). Wives are to understand, and reverence their husbands as the head, just as Christ is the head of the church. The problem some women face in marriage is, they get hooked on the “new age” equality teachings, that alter their understanding of what God expects from them. Yes, the husband and wife are one in body, soul, mind, and spirit, but there’s an order in the family that has been ignored for ages, that has caused all kinds of issues between married couples.

Another issue plaguing women submitting is, the need to focus more on their outward appearance, hoping that their looks will keep their husband’s interest high. While looks play a part in any relationship, it shouldn’t be the focal point. Women of old adorned themselves with the Word of God; making sure that their inward man was right in the eyes of God, so that they would be properly positioned to assist their husbands as God saw fit. The Bible mentions that obtaining a meek and quiet spirit holds more value than anything a woman could do to enhance her physical appearance, so rather than spend unnecessary funds on expensive clothes, makeup, and jewelry, the wife should spend more time keeping her heart pure, and right with God.

To the wife who’s joined to an unbelieving husband, her obedience in all things is based upon him loving his wife, as Christ loves the church. In other words, if she’s ordered to do something outside of the will of God, then she’s not obligated to follow that order. Is this grounds for a divorce? According to the text, no, because even though the unsaved husband refuses to hear preaching of the gospel, he will be exposed to the chaste behavior of his born-again wife. For this reason, it’s vital that the believing wife strive to conduct herself in charity and chastity, showing reverence to the husband, in hopes that he would be won over by her godly example.

Submissive wives are beautiful in the eyes of God, and essential to the success and wellbeing of their husbands. Never feel that you are of lesser value based on your role as a wife, because when God made you from the man’s rib, He constructed the perfect creature, capable of doing amazing things!

Walk in love,

Ell

Naomi loses her husband and sons

Ruth 1:1-5

Throughout life, there will always be certain things that are beyond our control. The serenity prayer helps us understand this truth also, as it’s words mention, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His Will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever and ever in the next. Amen.” When life feels out of control, it’s easy to try to control everything and everyone around us, but some of us do the opposite, and just throw our hands up while giving up on the situation altogether. Accepting and submitting to God’s plan for your life is the only sure way to find peace in situations you’re unable to change or control. We may not always understand God’s plan, but we can let go of trying to manipulate events and people, and let God work through us.

In our lesson text, Naomi was faced with a situation that could either cause her to break down and give up, or push her to be better. During a famine that was taking place in their land, Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) took his wife and two sons on a journey to look for more sustainable lands in the country of Moab. For reasons not mentioned in Scripture, Elimelech died. This was very significant, as the husband was the sole provider of the family during these days, and losing a husband could cause major problems for a widow trying to provide for two sons on her own. To make matters worse on the heartbroken widow, during their time in Moab, Naomi’s two sons died as well. Some speculate that their deaths were the result of transgressing the law in marrying foreign women, but this is unlikely, unless they were convinced to follow idolatry with the Moabites as well. In any case, within the span of ten years, this faithful woman lost all her means of support, including her husband and two sons.

Let’s further examine this situation, because as you read a bit deeper into the text, we find where Naomi, like many today, thought God was punishing her for something she probably had done, but if you look at the bigger picture, famines, wars, and the like are not personal curses, or they would only affect the person involved. These types of judgments show no respect of persons at all, affecting the wicked, as well as the righteous. When God finds it necessary to punish the wicked, sometimes the righteous suffer along with them as well. We live in a time where judgment is coming down on the wicked, yet the good hearted and kind people are struggling as well. It almost seems unfair that the good must suffer at the expense of evil men’s deeds, but we were graced to have faith and power through God’s Spirit to help us endure, until our change comes.

Naomi seemingly lost everything, but her faith in God kept her standing, and provided the opportunity for her to be blessed abundantly in the end. The end of a matter with God is ALWAYS good, and if it’s not good, then it’s not the end of the matter. Keep living, and watch God work! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Walk in love,

Ell

Filled with grace

Acts 6:8-15

When a man knows who he is on the inside, it matters not what others do to try and defame his reputation, because his works will always defend his character. Aside from the twelve apostles who were chosen by Jesus, one of the most notable, and awe-inspiring men in Scripture is Stephen. Of the seven men chosen by the twelve apostles in the early church to attend to the tables where collections were received, and distributions to the people were rendered, Stephen was recorded as having contributed to the edification of the church body in major ways. He was a man full of faith, full of the Holy Ghost and power, and did great wonders and miracles among the people. This is interesting in that it reveals and confirms the truth of the promises and signs for all believers, not only apostles.

The more organized the early church became, the more the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied. What’s surprising is, even the priests were obedient to the faith. Many of these men were bitter enemies of Christ, yet they were also converted. This proved how powerful the gathering of the Saints was, and what a great miracle it was as well.

In all the good the early church brought forth, it wasn’t a surprise to discover that there were some who were motivated to stir up controversy. During the days of the early church’s prosperity and unhindered influence, there arose different groups of heretics, who sought only to silence the voices of God’s chosen vessels. These men even made attempts to hinder Stephen, as he continued to prosper in the works of the Lord, but they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Being full of the Holy Ghost, Stephen no doubt spoke truths that pricked the hearts of those who intended to block his purpose, thus causing them to falsely accuse him of speaking blasphemy against God. How low can you go, to lie and attempt to bring down a man who only does things good in the sight of God, and men? I’m convinced, along with sin, money has the power to make people stupid. These wicked men suborned others (make false charges; swear to do underhand work for money) and set up false witnesses to lie against Stephen, but no matter how far they went to falsely accuse him of wrongdoing, he yet appeared before the people as an angel, because God’s glory shined through his face to convince them that the words he spoke were true.

Being filled with God’s grace, believers today have the same power as Stephen did, to stand strong in the midst of persecution. Oftentimes we shy away from situations that could present potential conflict toward others, but when we spread God’s Word, it doesn’t matter who gets offended, as long as we do as God wills us to. When we stand firm on God’s Word, it’s then His duty to take care of us. Never fear the threats or other hostile actions men bring against you. Instead, trust that the God in you will show up and show out before all those who seek to bring you down.

Walk in love,

Ell

The purpose of the Law

Galatians 3:19-29

This lesson stems from the previous one, and furthers our understanding of the law. Men who continue to abide by the law (of Scripture) have positioned themselves under a heavy burden, because the law was added because of man’s transgression, but only enforced until Christ came and fulfilled it. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them” (Galatians 3:10-12). If one chooses to continue in the law, then he must practice all the things it consists of. This not only includes the ten commandments, but all the rituals, feasts, sacrifices, and all things written in the book of the law. In addition to this fact, no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God, because the just shall live by faith, and the law is not faith. But to those who are still convinced that they should keep the law, are required to do, and live in all things written in it.

I’m grateful that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, so that we could be promised the blessing of Abraham as well. All blessings, including the Spirit baptism come through redemption and atonement. Believers are free to live in love, and are not bound by laws and traditions. Just because we are at liberty to love, we are not to abuse that privilege and participate in things contrary to holiness. The apostle Paul helps the church understand how we are to operate under the New Covenant of love when he wrote to the Roman believers, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9-21).

Walk in love,

Ell

The value of the Law

Romans 7:7-12

The purpose of laws is to set boundaries and limits in place, in order to uphold, or keep certain standards set by the law giver. Man makes laws to govern how towns, cities, states, and countries should function and what to abide by. There are thousands of laws the U.S. Congress has set in place, that Americans are to adhere to. As times change, laws are changed and updated as well. There are about 20,000 laws just governing the use and ownership of guns. Can you imagine attempting to learn and remember the gun laws alone? You’d wreck your brain. Laws in themselves aren’t bad, but their intent is to expose, and reveal unjust and unruly acts that should be avoided to maintain a certain code of behavior or ethics.

Before Jesus fulfilled His earthly assignment, God set laws in place for His people to follow. Back then, men were living in sin, and weren’t aware of it until the law revealed God’s perspective on their behavior and actions. The apostle Paul added that he never knew sin, until the law made it known to him. In his own words, Paul stated, “for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet”. (vs. 7). When Jesus died, and fulfilled the law, we were delivered from it as well, and were then able to serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. In other words, the law reflected the Gospel, and could only be fulfilled by the Gospel, but we now serve God alone, and not a looooooong list of rules in the old literal sense of forms and rituals. We now live in the true spiritual meaning of love and obedience.

Living for God, under the law, was like going to school and trying to remember all the lessons you studied before the exam was presented. This wasn’t living, but merely surviving. Under the New Covenant, Jesus did what man was unable to do; fulfill all the law. Instead of trying to learn and remember a whole list of rules and laws, we need only to operate in love, and God will always give us what we need to pass our exams. When we live and allow God’s Spirit to direct our paths, we will automatically be equipped to properly handle ourselves in any and every situation we face. God will not tempt, nor lead us to sin, but He’ll make us aware of its presence, and show us how to avoid it. Sin has the power to control and manipulate us into doing all sorts of evil things, but through the power of God, we can expose evil, and overcome every obstacle the enemy places in our path.

Don’t allow yourselves to become slaves to sin, but yield yourselves to God, and let His love guide you along the path that leads to life everlasting. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1-2). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Walk in love,

Ell