Divine Connection

Acts 8:26-35

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). God cares for all men, whether they do evil, or good. In fact, one of God’s most amazing and unappreciated characteristics is, His patience. Oftentimes, men take for granted, the time God grants them in the earth, but soon that time will expire.

King Solomon helps us understand, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3). God wants all men to submit themselves to His will and authority, so they can reap the best benefits of this life, and the next. Unfortunately, the world has become so corrupt to the point men, women, and children alike, are dying at unfathomable rates. Many pass away too soon, before they can even begin to enjoy the benefits that come with living a saved life. God the Father sees all, knows all, and desires that all come to Him, before their time is cut short. For this reason, the Spirit of God works through those who are attuned to His will, and joins them with others who diligently seek the truth of God’s Word. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, so all who have a strong desire to known Him, will indeed discover the depths of His unparalleled love, grace, and mercy.

Our text introduces a certain man; one who was of great authority, and served under queen Candace of the Ethiopians, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. While it may seem strange for an Ethiopian eunuch to seek worship in Jerusalem, tradition tells that king Solomon taught his religion to the queen of Sheba, who established it among her people. So it was only right for the man to travel to give honor to the God of the great king Solomon. As the man sat in his chariot, he struggled to understand the readings of the prophet Isaiah. It’s evident he had a desire for godliness, but couldn’t grasp its concepts. This was the perfect opportunity for God to connect a man seeking the truth, with another who understood and lived the truth.

During this time, persecution of the church had elevated to astounding rates (spearheaded by Saul, who had recently ordered the death of Stephen), yet the apostles and disciples of Christ continued to branch out to spread the Gospel to different lands. While watching the Ethiopian man from Heaven, struggling to understand the Word, God sent an angel to Philip, instructing him to get up, and go to Gaza. Not knowing the reason for the urgent request, Philip arose and did as he was instructed. When he arrived, the Spirit told Philip to join himself to the same chariot which the Ethiopian man sat upon. I’m certain God was smiling, as He observed the willing and obedient servant, approaching the chariot of someone seeking to know and abide by the truth. After Philip literally ran to meet the man, the Bible says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (vs. 35).

God knows what we have need of, and He always has someone in place, to assist in whatever way possible. The Ethiopian man may have left his estate with questions, but I’m certain he arrived back home with more than he expected. Trust God to help you find answers to questions you may have concerning His Word, or life in general. When you seek God with all your heart, He’ll always send someone to help you gain a better understanding of those hard things you are unable to grasp.

Like A Boss!!!

Numbers 3:11-13

Questions: Why did God create the heaven, and the earth? Why did God organize the sun, moon, stars, seas, land, trees, plants, and animals the way they are, even today? Why did God create a man? Why did God create a man in His image, after His likeness, and with the freedom to choose? Why did God put the man to sleep, then remove a rib from his body (the lower rib, which is capable of regeneration… cool, right?), and create a woman (man with a womb)? Why did God give the man dominion over the whole earth? Why did God kill an animal, in order to clothe the man and woman, after they had sinned (when they saw they were naked)? Why did God shorten the lifespan of man, after removing them from their godly habitation? Why did God continue to bless the man and woman, even after they willingly sinned in His sight? Why did God tell Noah to build an ark, when no man had ever seen rain? Why did God command Abraham to leave his country, kindred, and his father’s house, in order for his purpose to be initiated? Why did God tell Moses (even with his speech impediment), to confront Pharoah, and demand that he release the children of God from slavery? Why did God allow Joseph to suffer, rather than make his path to glory easy? Why did God allow Job to suffer greatly, while even losing his ten children? Why did God forgive king David, after getting a man killed, to cover up his affair with that same man’s wife? Why did God entrust king Solomon with more wisdom than any man who ever lived? Why did God speak so vividly through the prophets, trusting that they would deliver His words, just as He had spoken them? Why did God send His Son, to save a world that cares more for themselves, than His everlasting love? Why did God deposit His power into 12 “Average Joes”, and allow them to perform miracles by His Son’s name? Why did God allow His only begotten Son to be beaten, bruised, abused, tortured, shamed, embarrassed, speared, spit on, mocked, ridiculed, slandered, and disrespected publicly? Why did God provide a plan of salvation, so that all could have the opportunity and privilege to come to repentance? Why did God allow you to be born? What makes you so special, until God wanted you to exist in a time such as this? Have you ever considered, you are still here to help reveal the power and majesty of the everlasting God to men of this perverse generation? Have you wondered why those goals and dreams you’ve been trying to reach since graduating high school, have yet to be attained? Could it be, God has other plans in mind for your life? Why does God allow sin to run rampant in the earth? Why won’t He just empower all His people to zap away every demonic force forever? Why does God rain on the just, and the unjust? Why did God preserve His Word, all these years? Answer: Because He’s the Boss!!!

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

Ell

Give God time

2 Chronicles 7:8-11

Super Bowl LIV (54), also known as, “The Big Game”, is only a few days away, and millions around the world are planning to celebrate their team’s victory to the fullest. Avid fans of both genders, go all out, to show support of the team they love, and root for them without restraint. Men, women, and children alike, will gather around big screens on that most anticipated day, to gaze attentively, as grown men wearing tights, fight over a pig-skinned ball, for over 3 hours. What’s also shocking is the fact that due to the increasing amounts of states legalizing sports gambling, billions of dollars will be wagered on the Big Game, legally, and illegally.

While celebrations have become a normality in our society, it’s origin was intended to be focused solely on showing gratitude and appreciation to God, and all His goodness. Birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, sporting events, and other things have become the focus of what the average American celebrates, but how much better would it be to focus all our energy on celebrating the only One who’s actually deserving of it? Society has shaped and shifted our minds into believing that many frivolous things are deserving of celebrations, but in God’s eyes, it’s all a waste of time. When all of our energy is directed toward God, we would spend less time wasting our emotions on events that have absolutely no spiritual relevance, and more time investing into our eternal prosperity.

Our text mentions the time when king Solomon, and the entire congregation of Israel kept the dedication of the altar, and the feast for seven days. For an entire week, the people rejoiced in the memories of God’s goodness during the reign of king David, and Solomon as well. I posed the question in the previous lesson, “how much is enough, when rendering praise and thanksgiving to God”? According to this text, enough is whatever one’s heart desires.

It’s easy for the believer to get distracted when their focus isn’t totally on God, because all that the world offers seems pleasant to the flesh, and oftentimes beguiles men to fall into temptation. Take a moment and think about all the things you set aside time to celebrate. Do any of those things bring glory to the name of the Lord? If so, then party on! If not, then you may want to reconsider what to invest your time in. Life is short, and tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone, so spend more time doing things that please God, so that He can spend more time blessing your life in return.

Walk in love,

Ell

Conditional love

1 Kings 9:1-9

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Conditional Love”! Starring, the wisest man ever created, king Solomon, and the creator of all things, God the Father, Himself! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Solomon: (speaking to his workers) Alright men, you’ve done exceptionally well. After 20 long years, we finally finished building the house of the Lord, my house, and all the other things we thought would be pleasing to the Lord. All your hard work will not go in vain, and expect for God to work wonders in your lives, for how you dedicated yourselves to doing His work.

(Men return to their homes, and Solomon goes to his home to rest)

God: (speaking to him in a dream) Solomon.

Solomon: Hello Father. It’s nice of you to visit me again. Have you noticed that we finally finished building the temple, in honor of your name? It took a while, but I wanted it to be the most wonderful place in the world, just as my dad had envisioned it would be.

God: Yes I noticed, and I love it!

Solomon: I knew you would be pleased!

God: I also heard your prayers and supplications that you made before me. This house you built for me, I place my stamp of approval on it, and deem it holy.

Solomon: I am honored Father, and I submit myself the more to your will.

God: It is my desire to put my name forever in the temple, but there are certain conditions that must first be met.

Solomon: Conditions? What do you mean Father? Have I not already proven myself worthy to be called your son, as my father David before me?

God: You’re indeed an obedient one, but many have started out well, then fell short in the end. Fear not, I have all the confidence in you to uphold my standard throughout your reign.

Solomon: Coming from you, that means everything to me.

God: If you walk before me, as your father David walked, with integrity, and uprightness, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and also keep my statutes and judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom upon Israel forever, as I had also promised to your father David.

Solomon: You have my word. I will be obedient to your commands, and walk in integrity, as my father David did.

God: (nods His head)

God: But, if you, or your children turn from following me, and refuse to keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and go to serve and worship other gods, then all the “happy happy joy joy” will turn to cries of sorrow, because I will remove Israel from the land I have given them, cast this house you built for me out of my sight, and make Israel the talk of the town, for their disobedience.

Solomon: Father, I do not want that to come upon your people. I promise to do my best to keep your name holy, throughout the land.

God: We shall see Solomon. But, if the people forsake me, then all these things shall come upon them. I love you, and my people, but they must obey me, in order to receive the benefits of my unconditional love.

(Solomon continues to dream peacefully, after his visit from the Lord)

This concludes another episode of, “Conditional Love”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon’s request

1 Kings 3:5-14

Before taking on any major task or duty, proper preparation is essential to ensuring one’s success. For example, when firefighters receive a call of a burning building, they must be certain to bring all the necessary equipment to put out the flames. It wouldn’t be wise for the firefighters to bring gallons of ice cream, or butter to dispel the flames, instead, gallons of water would be more appropriate? In another example, teachers are advised to compose lesson plans, that will prove beneficial to their student’s academic success. The right lesson plan can be the difference between a child’s future success, or failure. One thing I’ve learned in life is, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and trusting in the Lord is the basis of all great thoughts, plans, and ideas.

Following the reign of the great king David, his son Solomon was chosen to rule in his stead. The children of Israel were a great people, not only in fame and prestige, but also in number. In Solomon’s own words, he mentioned, “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude” (vs. 8). Leading people, in general, is no easy assignment, so imagine trying to lead millions.

King David ruled successfully, because he allowed God to guide his hand, and from his example, Solomon learned the importance of submission to God. When presented by God, the opportunity to make any request, and He would grant it, Solomon surprisingly asked for wisdom. A more accurate description of Solomon’s request was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (vs. 9a). Solomon could have asked for money, fame, slaughter of his enemies, or anything else, and God would have granted it, but his heart was set on doing the work of the Lord, so his desires were in line with God’s will. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him the wisdom he desired, but also added riches, honor, fame, and conditional long life (if he walked in the ways of the Lord, and kept His statutes and commandments as David did).

If God asked you to make a request for anything, what would it be? Be honest. Would you ask for those things money can’t buy like wisdom, understanding, favor, or knowledge, or would you be so consumed in life’s affairs, until you’d seek pleasures of this would, that eventually fade away? I’ll be honest, I’d consider asking God for super powers like the ability to fly, breath under water, ability to touch people and instantly heal them, or X-ray vision (so I can see who’s responsible for always holding up the elevators at work…gets me so ANGRY!!!), but after pondering for a moment, I’d probably ask for something with a bit more spiritual significance, as Solomon did.

Seek to be wise in God’s eyes, and consider those things that are relevant to His will. As you plan and prepare for your daily duties, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He’ll guide you on the path of success. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Keep your house clean

1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53

The time of year when many people put forth great effort to tidy up their homes is during springtime. Throughout the year, we find ourselves accumulating and storing up things that tend to pile up in our closets, garages, or under our beds. Most of what we store could either be given away to someone in need, or thrown in the garbage. A clean house, is a healthy one, and makes a home worth inhabiting. Not only do we benefit from keeping our houses clean, but they become attractive to those who desire to visit our homes. Can you recall a time when you received a last minute notice that you would be having company, but you knew your house was like a jungle inside? No matter how much you tried to clean and put things away, there wasn’t enough time to set things in proper order. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected guests, or just to keep a healthy home, scheduling regular deep cleanings is always the wise choice.

When God knocks on the door of your heart, what will He find inside? Do you keep your heart clean daily, and avoid storing up things that can cause harm to your spiritual house? How often do you perform deep cleanings of your heart, mind, and soul? Maintaining a clean heart is essential in walking effectively in godliness. Even when we pray, God hears the petitions of those who’s hearts are pure, and motives set on pleasing Him. When you interact with others, you’ll have more positive experiences when your words and actions flow from a clean heart. On the contrary, when we harbor negative vibes on the inside, our behavior may tend to offend, or make others uneasy, while in their presence.

God stands at the ready to answer our prayers, but until our hearts are clean, He’ll turn a deaf ear to our requests. When king Solomon prayed to God for continued blessings over Israel, His requests were granted, because he came to God in the right posture, and position. When we approach God, we must also come correct, if we expect to have our desires granted as well. Don’t allow things that are unhealthy to your spirituality to accumulate in your heart. Instead, take time daily, and ask God to purge you of anything in your heart and mind, that would keep you from obtaining your blessings. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s”. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

Walk in love,

Ell

Plea for God’s steadfast love

2 Chronicles 6:40-42

“Choo Choo trains” (as I called them during my childhood) are wonderful means of transportation, that have provided services since the early 1800s. Trains come in a variety of types, and serve a number of beneficial purposes, but before trains can be of any use, tracks must first be laid, so that the various trains can reach their intended destinations, and serve their desired purposes. Without tracks set in place, a train could not properly travel anywhere, and would more than likely cause more damage and destruction, than good. On the contrary, when trains are set in motion, and following the right path, nothing can stop them from reaching their destination, especially once they have picked up momentum.

I mentioned the example of trains, to draw similarities with the importance of prayer, and how it can affect the life of believers. In the same way trains require tracks to serve any purpose, the believer cannot be effective, except their lives be aligned with the will of God. God’s will is the track all believers must follow, in order to be effective in their calling. Just as a train traveling off its tracks would be a definite disaster, a child of God living outside the realm of godliness, would no doubt set themselves up for a world of shame and misery.

While God’s will is the believer’s train track, His steadfast love sets the destination. All members of the body of Christ, are precious cargo, carrying the message of salvation around the world, and effective prayer is mandatory to ensure their witness will be effective. In prayer, requests are made known to God, in hopes that He’ll respond in our favor, but what we pray for must also be aligned with what He desires for us.

Solomon did a great thing in building God’s temple, but he recognized the importance of keeping His presence of love there as well. Are your prayers to God motivated by love? Do you make requests only to satisfy selfish desires? If you’ve veered off track in your walk with God, pray that His steadfast love directs you safely back to your proper place in Him, so that you can continue choo choo’n, and spreading the message of His saving Gospel.

Walk in love,

Ell

David orients builders about the temple construction

1 Chronicles 22:14-19

When God created man, He made him good, and very good. After the image of God, and in His likeness, was man made. Based on the evidence in Scripture, it’s hinted that man was originally created to live forever, in the presence of God, but when satan caused man to sin, the man, woman, and serpent, were all cursed in the earth, introducing elements of life man and woman were not intended to partake of. The apparent curse of the woman continues today, as the average female is reminded monthly of Eve’s big mistake, but unlike the woman, who’s punishment came from within the body, the man was forced into hard labor, until he returns to the dust of the earth. God intended for life to be lived carefree, and in total submission to His way, but things took a turn for the worse, when God’s greatest creation willingly chose to do the opposite of what He commanded.

From the days of Adam until now, men continue to endure hard labor, in order to maintain balanced lifestyles. Our days are filled with constant hardships, sufferings and trials, but we must endure, so that we can support ourselves, and family consistently. Although work can become a hassle, proper planning, and preparation can help alleviate the stress work commonly produces. For example, I’m an engineer, and when I don’t have the proper tools and supplies necessary to complete a job, it causes lots of stress, but when all things are in supply, and readily available, it makes the day better for myself, and all those who’s issues and concerns I am able to resolve.

King David also understood how important it was to plan properly before starting a job. It’s estimated that David invested over 3 billion dollars worth of supplies and resources to build the temple of God. More than likely, majority of what David gathered came from years of accumulating spoils of war, and other methods. More than obtaining the necessary supplies required to complete the temple, David was also aware of the fact that God needed to be at the forefront of one’s motivation, to ensure that all work would be done decent, and in order.

After gathering the abundance of supplies, David encouraged Solomon to build God’s temple, and use the resources he accumulated for him, then add to them accordingly. David also mentioned to his son, “Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed” (vs. 12-13). In the same way God encourages His people, by reassuring their victory through the Word, and multiple examples of men and women in Scripture who were faithful until the end, David made Solomon even more confident in fulfilling his assignment, by mentioning the innumerable amount of skilled workers ready to assist at a moment’s notice. How encouraging it is, to be tasked with an extremely challenging assignment, but having an army of helpers standing at the ready to offer assistance! David literally went “all out” to ensure that his son had everything he needed to make God’s temple magnificent!

As you continue to walk in obedience to God, be sure to take advantage of all opportunities to edify your brothers, and sisters in Christ. There will be times, when you’ll meet some who have dreams and desires, but lack the resources to bring them to pass. But, you can be the one to make a difference in the life of those who seek to do great things, and may need a little push to get started. You may not have the wealth and material resources to assist, but your words of edification, and encouragement can be just what someone needs to be great in the kingdom of God.

Walk in love,

Ell

David selects materials for temple

1 Chronicles 22:2-5

Before king David died, he spent his latter years solely on preparing the materials to make the house of the Lord “…exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries” (vs. 5). This was one of the greatest acts of humility recorded in Scripture, as David willingly sacrificed years of hard labor, preparing abundantly, so that his son could fulfill the dream he once had for himself. God can do great things through people who live selflessly, and seek only to bring glory to His name. Are you living to make your name more famous than God’s, or are you walking in humility, and allowing the name of the Lord to be magnified, and glorified through your life?

Times have changed drastically from the reign of king David till now, as men don’t live as long as they did back then. In the past, men lived full lives, and made preparations for their children before they passed, but people die so young nowadays, until generations are cut off, before they even begin. Where David had time to live a full life for himself, and make plans for his offspring, we are blessed if we make it past 40 these days. Knowing that the lifespan of man has been cut awfully short (evidence of Bible prophecy fulfilled), should motivate everyone to strive to live great lives everyday. There’s no time to waste, participating in things that have little, to no eternal value, because time spent in this life can never be recovered. Whether you’re young, or seasoned, it’s imperative that you plan for your eternal future, today. While it’s good to invest in the lives of your family and friends, it’s more important for you to ensure your walk with God is on point, because we all have to stand before God one day, and give an account for how we spent every literal second, of every day on this earth.

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14, KJV)

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36, KJV)

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world . . . Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:31-34, 41, KJV)

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.‭ For it is written, ‭As‭ I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.‭ So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.‭” (Romans 14:10-12, KJV)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon to build the temple

1 Chronicles 28:2-10

Have I mentioned lately how AWESOME the God of all creation is? I may have, once, or a thousand times 😊. God is good, and His mercy endures forever! He does all things decently, and in order. His standards are holiness, righteousness, and peace, and He expects all things done in His name to exude the same standard. Whether we minister, prophesy, sing, or exercise any other gift, it should always be done according to a holy standard, and with a perfect heart. While it may be hard, at times, to determine whether a man or woman renders a service to you with good intentions, God “searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts”. God knows when a man’s heart is really into what they do for Him, or if they’re doing it just because.

Continuing from the previous lesson, king David’s first charge to his son, Solomon, is revealed in this text. David was in no way shy about sharing to others his intentions to build a temple to house the ark of the convent. Although God appreciated the idea, He preferred it be done by one who had no blood on his hands. King David had an extensive history of experiences with God, and His amazing power, so he understood what it took to remain in God’s good grace, and desired to teach it to his son. In his own words, David said, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it” (vs. 9-10).

Any thought that comes to the mind, that will make God look good, He’s always in support of it. How often do you think of doing things where God’s name would be magnified? Are you too consumed into making your name great, until you fail to realize that all glory truly belongs to God? Practice putting more effort into building up God’s kingdom, and making His goodness known to those around you. Doing this will guarantee that God will shower you with favor, as long as you continue to seek Him, and not forsake Him.

Walk in love,

Ell