A Different Kind Of Love

Luke 6:27-36

What does love look like in 2020? In the days of the Old Testament, men and women would receive blessings from God for their obedience. The people of God in ancient times were purposed to stand in contrast to the fashions of the world. God often reveal His love in many ways, but mostly through giving His people victory in battle, providing for all their natural needs, and keeping them safe in their own lands.

God’s children were oftentimes separated from the world, and were consistent in keeping with godly gatherings and traditions. Fast forward to present day, and we see an entirely different world. Gone are the days of God’s people fighting against invading nations and giants, and being in the presence of God, who would reveal Himself in different forms. Today seems more challenging for the church to function as a collective group, as in times past, because we are now living in the midst of sinners on a regular basis. The children of God are exposed to sinful people on their jobs, in department stores, and nearly every place they dwell in the earth. It’s nearly impossible to avoid a sinful encounter, but despite the change in times, the church has even more opportunity to spread God’s love, even to those not engrafted into His family.

Back in the day, God would use one man or woman to speak on His behalf, but today, all members of the body of Christ are ambassadors of God. While we strive to build up and edify one another in the body, we must equally distribute that same love to our enemies. Rather than slaughter all those who opposed the God of Creation, as they did in the past, our duty today is to win our enemies to the Lord’s side. I don’t fully understand the purpose and reason behind the events of the past, but I do know, we have an assignment today, to show love, and not hate, to all men, especially those who despise and despitefully use us. Love is seen, when we can hug someone who purposely tried to harm us. Love is witnessed, when someone attempts to take something from us wrongfully, and we offer to give them more. The world will never understand the nature of God’s love, because it totally contradicts man’s logic, but it’s only through the love of God, can man truly find purpose in this life, and the next.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

What A Wonderful World

Genesis 41:34-36

What kind of world would this be, if men weren’t so hungry for material possessions? I grew up under the philosophy of, “sharing is caring”, so it was natural for me to always extend a helping hand to anyone who needed one, even during my adolescent stage. As I matured, I began to notice how people were very selfish, and preferred to keep all their goods to themselves, rather than share what they had with others, who had little to none.

When a man receives the love of God in his heart, then allows that same love to blossom in his life, he’ll see things different from the way average men perceive things. If you take a poll on everyone who’s net worth exceeds a million dollars, I can guarantee you, most of them are insecure about their wealth, and keep a tight grip on it, without giving hardly any away. God is all about togetherness, unity, and humility, but the world teaches the philosophy of “get all you can, and can all you get”.

🎵🎶 If e-ve-ry bo-dy, was like Jesus, what a won-der-ful world, this would be 🎶🎵 (song performed by the late, great, and unique Inez Black). I wish I could wake up tomorrow, and see that the world was changed dramatically. I would jump for joy to see that racism had finally ceased, taxes disappeared, and all men treated one another, the same way they would desire to be treated. Well, that’s only wishful thinking, because men in this world will continue to grow worse. But, the hope we have in Christ Jesus, who went away to prepare a wonderful place for the Saints, keeps us motivated to endure this world of evil, until our time in this earth comes to its end. While we wait, let’s strive to be kind to one another, serve the Lord with gladness, smile to brighten someone’s day, and extend a helping hand, to those who are in need, especially if they are your enemy.

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

Ell

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Have A Heart

Luke 11:5-13

Why are people so mean these days? Have you thought about that lately? I’m not too sure how things went on back in the olden days, but from my experiences growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, men showed a bit more respect for one another, than they do today. Fathers taught their sons proper work ethics, and how to be kind and courteous to women, and mothers would show their daughters the ways of womanhood. Far gone are the days of “yes sir”, and “no ma’am”, because children aren’t being taught to respect their elders. Instead, are youth are being groomed by Disney and Nickelodeon, rather than good old fashioned wisdom, and Bible teachings. Old cartoons usually conveyed chivalry by showing a man laying down his coat over water, so a woman’s feet wouldn’t get wet, or by young boys holding doors open for elderly women. Those virtues are hardly seen today, because men have become selfish, and more self-centered than ever before.

In my 38 years of journeying on this planet, I’ve learned, the farther men drift away from God, the more inclined they are to entertain immoral, and unethical behaviors, but the closer they remain to the Father, the more apt they are to show love and kindness by default. Jesus taught that friends are to always be there for each other, even if it comes at a cost. When you say love someone, there will ALWAYS come opportunities for that love to be proven. Our text gives a few examples of the proper way to handle friends in need, and the importance of showing kindness to those in desperate situations. If I’m hungry, and come to a friend in the wee hours of the night for food, is it right for them to shun me away saying, “it’s too late”, or give me a bag of rocks? Not at all. Instead, they should make it top priority to see that my need is met, especially if they have more than enough to spare. This is especially relevant for the body of Christ. No brother, or sister joined to God, should ever deny a fellow believer assistance (within reason, obviously). Even if you can’t personally assist someone, the least you can do is help point them in a direction where help can be rendered.

If you claim to have the love of God residing in your heart, it should ALWAYS show in your actions. Remember to treat all men the way you desire to be treated, and love them with the same love God shows you every day.

Walk in love,

Ell

Striking a fair balance

2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Good advice can go a long way, especially when the words are motivated by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul spoke to many churches during his time of ministry; preaching, teaching, admonishing, rebuking, and doing as he was instructed to do by God, so that the people would know, and live by the standard God approved of, and not the standard of men.

As a good leader, Paul cared sincerely for those he covered spiritually, and oftentimes shared thoughts from his heart (with God’s permission) to the churches. In our text, Paul thought it necessary to provoke the Corinthian church to consider sharing their possessions with those who had little, to nothing. It’s easy to say you love God with all your heart when you aren’t being challenged to prove it, but there are times when that same love needs to be put into action.

There are many leaders who have given advice to their followers, but only for reasons to benefit themselves, and not the needs of the people. On the contrary, Paul gave words that would be expedient, or profitable for the church, if they put into action what he advised. The grace of giving was not a commandment, but mentioned as an example of what the other churches were doing, to build and edify their communities.

For some strange reason, giving seems to be one of the hardest things to do amongst the body of Christ. Having the love of God inside of us, giving should in fact be one of most natural elements of our being. Perhaps some are hesitant to give, because they’ve struggled all their lives, and feel that giving will deplete their supply to the point they’ll fall into poverty again, or maybe some have entertained the spirit of selfishness too long, until it keeps them for maintaining the desire to put others before themselves. No matter the reason, if you give willingly, and cheerfully, God will return unto you overflowing blessings that will come by the hands of men. Be mindful of this though, refusing to bless others, keeps God’s hand from blessing you, because it is more blessed to give, than to receive (Acts 20:35). If God can give His only Son to save the world, then why can’t we willingly give a portion of our goods to help someone who is struggling? Selfishness is NOT an attribute or character of godliness, rather it’s a direct derivative of sinfulness. Were all men created equal? Not at all. But, those who were fortunate enough to have an abundant supply of resources, or even finances, should never hesitate to help a brother in need. I was blessed to meet a woman from Jamaica many moons ago, who has a heart so pure, I think it would rival that of king David. No matter what state she’s in, her willingness to help others never shuts down. She truly exemplifies what a heart after God’s own really is. I strive to follow her example, and the example Christ showed us in the Word, so that my giving won’t be in vain, and God will one day say to me, “well done”.

How would you feel if you lost everything, like the people who are suffering from the recent storm that literally demolished the islands of the Bahamas, and no government in the world, nor your own family or friends would offer a helping hand? You’d be broken beyond repair. My advice to the body of believers is, when God blesses you with increase, instead of storing all your goods away to be eaten by moths, or to become corrupted, share the wealth with the men and women who strive daily to live according to God’s Word, the same as you do.

Walk in love,

Ell

Balanced Needs

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Thirteen books of the Bible, or epistles have been attributed to the apostle Paul. He wrote more books than any other author in Scripture. His primary focus in each letter was to encourage, edify, strengthen, enlighten, and present the early churches as acceptable sacrifices to God. Paul walked in humility and total submission to God, and he aimed to inculate those same virtues into the body of believers. This week’s lessons have been centered on generous giving among the body of Christ. Today’s lesson sums up, and adds additional understanding of the purpose of giving with a willing and obedient heart.

Growing up in a home with six siblings, sharing wasn’t a popular thing, until I realized how my parents sacrificed so that we didn’t have to suffer, or lack any good thing. We all had the same needs, so dad and mom made sure to distribute provisions equally. No one got more than what was necessary, and none of us went to bed hungry, if my parents could help it. When one of us brought home increase, we all shared the blessing together.

The church in Corinth were blessed to receive valuable teachings concerning equality in giving, from the apostle Paul. In verse eight, he gave a powerful example of humility in the Bible, as he explained how Jesus gave up His riches, and became poor, so that through his poverty, we might be rich. Wait, Jesus was rich? Of course He was! John 1:1-3 reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” This same Jesus was with God from the beginning. He created the universe! I doubt anyone on the Forbes 500 list can match their stock to that. Jesus laid aside His Heavenly riches and took human form to redeem us. He died as man’s substitute, but now saves all those who believe.

God gave His Son, the Son gave His life, we receive new life through the death of the Son. No one is exempt from receiving all the benefits that come with living this new life, but it’s predicated on personal choice. Carrying the title of Christian means that you are openly professing to be Christ-like. Well, what was Christ like? He gave of Himself, willingly and obediently, as His Father commanded. He sought peace, and pursued it. He met the needs of all who came in want. No matter how many came to Jesus with an issue, everyone left healed, but some also left whole. He treated all men equally, including the Pharisees and Sadducees. Although they often received strict and straightforward discipline, it was only to expose their faults, in hopes of causing positive change.

As Christ did on earth, we are to continue in the same ways. We should be honest and fair in all charitable giving, especially to those who have more than enough. Never get too comfortable sitting on your wealth. Pray and ask God to guide you where and who to be a blessing to. We can take none of these early treasures with us when we die, so it only makes sense to strive to make the lives of others a little better. Treat everyone as equals, while being mindful of the temptation to show favor to the rich, over the poor. We were all created with a purpose, and working together helps make fulfilling that purpose worthwhile!

Seek peace,

Ell

Rehearse the deeds of the Lord

Psalm 78:1-8

Education is important, and also one of the foundations of a child’s success. From kindergarten to college, students are being taught loads of knowledge concerning the ways of life, and how to understand what it takes to maneuver effectively as an adult.

The tools and skills teachers pour into their students are vital, but the students are tasked with the responsibility of taking them in, and applying them to their daily lives.

God encourages education, but He also commanded the people of old to tell and retell the stories of His mighty acts in Israel’s history. Religious education was essential and required that God’s laws be passed on from parents to children. The purpose was to help each generation set their hope in God, and not forget the works He’s done. This, in turn, promoted discipline in studying God’s Word, and encouraged obedience in following His commandments.

The children of Israel rebelled against God, and refused to commit their hearts to Him. They also forgot about His miracles, made empty promises, and were ungrateful. What a shame. God did not want the coming generations to be as their fathers were.

Maybe there’s someone you know who needs an encouraging word. Tell them stories of how God has done great things in your life. Your testimony could be the one thing that saves them from making a life-threatening mistake, and could possibly win them over to the Lord’s side.

Instead of sharing the latest gossip, try sharing the goodness of our Father. You’ll be glad you did.

Seek peace,

Ell

David eats the Bread of Presence

1 Samuel 21: 1-6

Injustice can cause a man to act in ways that may seem beyond their approach. David was forced to leave all the things that mattered most to him, because Saul was jealous of the promise spoken to him to be the next king. David had left his best friend Jonathan, his wife and home, his relatives, friends, people of Israel, even his inheritance. He was left heartbroken and distraught. But it seemed as though having to separate from Jonathan hurt him the most.

While hiding away in hopes of seeing his friend one last time, Jonathan found the spot David told him to meet. These boys cried and wept sorely. They forgot about rank and titles and exhibited the purest brotherly love and affection I’ve ever heard of. It’s interesting to note how David first fled to priests and prophets, in order to receive guidance and advice. His next moves were critical, and he needed to be cautious with every decision he made. Unfortunately, while visiting the priest Ahimelech, David stepped out of character and deceived the priest in order to feed his starving flesh.

What David said and did was inexcusable, because he only lied to avoid any delay in his escape plan.

Monitor your actions during times when you’re hurt or going through a tough time. Trust God all the way through your process, and He’ll protect and keep you form those seeking to bring harm to you.

Seek peace,

Ell

Jesus brings salvation through suffering

Hebrew 2: 10-13

Why was Jesus chosen to be the sacrifice necessary to mend the relationship man once had with God? Isn’t God all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere at the same time? If so, then why didn’t He simply erase the devil, wipe the stain of sin off man’s record, so everyone could live happily ever after once more? For one thing , God made His most prized creation with a “will”.

All beings, human and angelic alike, share the power to make decisions based on knowledge and understanding. Animals of the land, air and sea, act upon instinct and impulse, but man has to ability to reason, discern, and react with wisdom.

When God completed creation, He rested. He didn’t take a nap and sip lemonade, but He ended His work. So when Adam sinned, God already had someone in mind who was suitable to be offered as a sacrifice. According to the divine wisdom, justice, and grace, Jesus was in fact the perfect candidate for the sacrifice of man’s redemption. Hell was made for satan and all his fallen followers, but God said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die…”

Jesus endured suffering so that we wouldn’t have to. So why does it seem as though suffering is all we do? The pain He took to the cross was in no way in comparison to our dealings. He experienced unimaginable pain, but worse than that, He felt separation from His Father for the first time in His existence.

He did all that for you…

Seek peace.

Ell.