“If God Be For Us…”

Romans 8:31-39

Without God, we are defeated, but with God, we are more than conquerors! Without God, we are separated from Christ, but with God, we are inseparable from Christ! Without God, all who come against us can bring us harm, but with God, all who come against us have no chance! Without God, we have no Savior, but with God, the Savior was given for all! Without God, we toil and labor in vain, but with God, our acts of faith are counted as righteousness! Without God, all are condemned, but with God, all have an opportunity to be redeemed! Without God, we are left without hope and alone, but with God, Christ maketh intercession for us! Without God, we can be carried away by tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword, but with God, we are covered from all that forms against us! Without God, we live in vain, but with God, we die daily for a greater purpose!

Seeing Is Believing

Mark 4:35-41

What could possibly be better than hearing about miracles and other unbelievable moments that took place in the lives of others? Any story you could ever hear, or read about, pales in comparison to actually witnessing a miraculous event with your own eyes. A miracle can be defined as, a wonderous event, that cannot be explained by scientific or natural laws. For this reason, many conclude, miracles are the workings of divine agencies, or higher powers.

In our text, large crowds had begin to follow Jesus, because they had heard of the miracles brought forth by His hands, and were intrigued by His teachings, through the parables. Jesus was wise enough to understand those who gathered around Him, so much that He didn’t speak in ways to confuse them. Instead, His parables were a way to challenge His listeners to seek diligently, the meaning of His words. Not only were the words Jesus spoke undoubtedly profound, but the works He performed were undeniably miraculous.

As the sun began to set, and evening approached, Jesus desired to pass over on the other side of the water, from the ship He taught from. So, the men who were with Jesus, sent the multitudes away, and they set sail toward the other side. While on their way across the sea, the Bible mentions a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the ship, until it was full of water. Picture yourself on a ship, in the middle of a devastating storm, with some of your coworkers, friends, and family members. How would you react in this situation? Now, picture yourself in this same storm, but substitute your family, friends, and coworkers with Jesus, the Son of God. How would you react then? The men on the ship began to lose themselves for, fear that they would die. Fortunately, they were wise enough to acknowledge Jesus on the ship, but only to share their faithless cries. I’m certain these men were eyewitnesses of the miracles Jesus performed earlier in the Gospel of Mark, and had grown in wisdom and understanding from His teachings, so how could they allow fear to so easily beset them, knowing the man they saw perform miracles was on the same ship as they were? In any case, Jesus recognized their lack of faith, rebuked the wind, and spoke peace to the sea. Wow, what a guy!

As if they weren’t already fascinated by the works of Jesus before, this miraculous event caused exceeding fear to come over the men. They then begin to say to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” I’ll answer that question for those faithless men. Jesus is a man, come to the earth from the third Heaven, sent by the Father, to save mankind from sin, and themselves.

God knew we would have storms in our lives, even to this day, and we can either cower in fear, as the men in our lesson did, or trust that Jesus cares for you, just as he did for the disciples on the ship, thousands of years ago. The men in our text spent countless moments with Jesus, yet they still underestimated Him. Don’t make the mistake of doubting what the power of God can do in your life. Instead, believe what you witnessed Him perform in your life, when He saved you from a miserable path of sin, cleaned you up, then set you on a path of righteousness, for His name’s sake.

“God still works miracles, but until He does again, keep the faith, and don’t fret when the storms of life beat upon your sailing ship.” – Ell

Love Your Enemies

Jonah

Has there ever been a time in your life, when you hoped (and even prayed) for God to allow someone to remain in wickedness, and never come to their rescue? It would have pleased you so much, to see the person you despised, die in the midst of their unhealthy lifestyle, and you wouldn’t have lost a second of sleep after. If God told you to go to that person, and tell them He would soon deliver them from their struggle, clean them up, and set them on a better path in life, would you hesitate to deliver His message? Despite the history you may have had with someone who probably rubbed you the wrong way, when God sends you, you must go, or negative and even life-threatening consequences could follow. This was the case with the prophet Jonah, in our text.

Jonah was receptive to God the Father, and could hear clearly when He brought words to him, but, when God gave a word to him that would help those he so dreadfully loathed, the once reliable prophet chose rather to hide himself from the presence of the Lord (as if he could), and set sail in the opposite direction. The story of Jonah is an interesting one, as it reveals how the heart of a man can change quickly, especially after a life and death encounter. The same heart that could change from stone to flesh, could also revert back to stone in a moment’s notice. Oh how fickle are the ways of man.

Jonah grew up hating the people of Ninevah, so much to the point he did not want God to show them mercy. While trying to run from God’s assignment, Jonah caused innocent men to lose their valuables, when throwing them overboard, as God allowed a great storm to disturb the sea, while he hid on a ship. Whether we notice it or not, when we resist God, we affect the lives of others, and cause harm to those who had nothing to do with our disobedience. Jonah revealed to the men, he was the cause of the storm, and knew that he must be thrown overboard, so the storm would cease.

Long story short, God prepared a great fish (whale) to swallow Jonah, and allow him a moment of reconsideration. Not only did Jonah change his thoughts while descending into the depths of the sea, some say he literally died, signifying the events of the coming Savior. In any case, Jonah was in no position to bargain with God, so he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving, God caused the whale to vomit him on dry land, then he turned a three day trip to Nineveh, into one day (not sure if he ran, or was on horseback).

So, Jonah finally fulfilled his mission, and did as God commanded him to. After bringing a life-saving word to the people of Ninevah, their reception of the message was taken very seriously. When the king of Ninevah heard the word, he proclaimed for all the people (and animals) to fast, and reverence the God of Heaven, seeking remission of their sins. Once again, when we refuse to obey the Lord, we could potentially cause whole cities to be destroyed. Knowing this, when God speaks to you (whether through the Holy Scriptures, or the spirit of your mind, by His Spirit) take heed, and don’t delay, because hesitation could be detrimental to yourself, and those you were sent to help.

The Comforter

Isaiah 40:1-5

How can one find peace, in the midst of a storm? Where do you go for direction, when wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of life? Who can give comfort, in situations that are uncomfortable? This present year is nearing its end, and many have struggled to crawl out of valleys, climb over mountains, and even stand firm during stormy seasons, since the year began, and of all the things lacking in life, trouble is far from being one of them. But, regardless of how tough this year has been, we who have made it this far, can have hope that God will reward us for our perseverance. Although the prophecy in this text was directed toward the people of Judah, the power of God continues to work in favor of those who love Him, and keep His commandments. God promised to bless those who obey Him, and knowing this should bring great joy to the believer, because “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). It is indeed hard, at times, to find comfort in the midst of suffering, but the love that comes from the Father, is strong enough to penetrate through our situation, and give us peace, as we go through whatever comes against us. Be strong, and trust in the power of the Lord, because if He was loving enough to deliver Judah from years of oppression and persecution, He’ll freely carry us safely out of this trying year, and into a promising new one.

“Look back on your past, only to push you into a better future.” – Ell

Through The Storm

Matthew 7:24-27

Seasons of hard times and struggles are guaranteed in life, besides death and taxes. Many who fail to accept this fact, and plan their lives accordingly, will no doubt fall victim to the consequences hard times bring. In a natural sense, the key to surviving any major storm is, having a solid foundation upon which a building intended to offer safety is constructed. If you were waiting out a storm in a building built on an established and proven foundation, the likelyhood of your survival would be great. But, if you waited out that same storm in a building founded on pretzel sticks, you’d probably soon be buried under everything that’ll undoubtedly fall on your head.

Enduring the storms of life is never an easy thing to do, especially when we place our hope in human efforts alone, but when our faith and trust rests in the hand of God, we’ll not only endure life’s struggles, but we’ll grow stronger from them. Hearing, and doing what God commanded in His Word, will solidify the grounds on which we stand, and the longer we stay true to God, the stronger and more solid our foundation will become. In the same way the proper mix of cement and water hardens over time, is how the faith of a Christian can become firm and unbreakable, the more time they spend doing the works of the Lord.

Avoid building your life on weak foundations, like two of the three little piggies, and imitate the third piggie, who built his house with a strong, solid, and durable foundation.

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

Ell

“O LORD our God You answered”

Psalm 99

As the devastating hurricane, Dorian, sweeps through the islands of the Bahamas, and slowly creeps toward the coasts of Florida, I can imagine many of the affected inhabitants are crying out to God for help. One of the worst storms to be in, is a hurricane, because the higher the category, the more devastation it’ll leave behind. I can remember hurricane Andrew doing damage in my community during the 90s. We prayed that God would move it away, and He did, but not before it had already caused great amounts of damage. When bad things happen, it’s natural that we seek God for help, but my question is, how are we living before those bad experiences come around? While it’s one thing to live a life that pleases God during the good and the bad, it’s sad when people only remember the name of the Lord when trouble comes. When God answers my prayers, it leaves a feeling of gratefulness, gratitude, and appreciation in my heart that’s like none other, and I usually humble myself more, rather than allow pride to settle in.

God is holy, awesome, powerful, great, and the list of His attributes goes on forever! He wants to bless, and do great things for His children, but we must first realize the times we’re living in. We are truly living in the last of the last days, and God wants us focused more on His plan of salvation, than accumulating worldly treasures. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). As the world continues to grow more wicked, and storms seem to develop at unusual times, we should focus our prayers on things that are more relevant to godliness, as opposed to our own selfishness.

God has been answering the prayers of His people since the ancient times, yet their requests weren’t selfish, but aligned with His will. Our prayers must be the same way, if we expect to get a response from God. While it seems that the people of the Bahamas lost everything from the storm, if their hearts are right with God, they really haven’t lost anything that can’t be restored unto them. Let’s continue to pray that God’s will be done, not only in America, but all around the world. Consider those who have life a little harder than you do, and develop more of an appreciation for all the prayers God already answered in your life.

Walk in love,

Ell

Hearing and doing

Matthew 7:24-29

If there’s one thing we’re certain to experience in this life, it’s inclement weather. It matters not your location or area you inhabit, all countries and lands around the globe stay prepared for threatening weather. There are different types of severe weather that vary, depending on latitude, altitude, topography, and atmospheric conditions. High winds, hail, excessive precipitation, and wildfires are forms and effects of severe weather, as are thunderstorms, downbursts, tornadoes, waterspouts, tropical cyclones, and extratropical cyclones. California is known for its devastating earthquakes, Asian countries are familiar with tsunamis, and down here in south Florida, we’ve become accustomed to hurricanes. The key to surviving such major storms is to plan, and prepare ahead, but preparation must be done properly, to increase your chances of safety and survival.

When a storm approaches, news anchors and meteorologists become the most popular people on television, as they keep viewers updated on the strength, and location of the storms. Those in the areas that could be affected by storms are advised to either evacuate, or secure their homes and property in such a way that they’ll sustain minimal to no damage during the storm. While many take heed to the advice and warning from the news, there are those who refuse to listen, and suffer great loss in the aftermath of the storms.

Jesus gave words of wisdom to all who came to be in His presence. His sermons centered around the topics of marriage and divorce, love, retaliation, alms giving, prayer, fasting, trusting in riches, double-mindedness, worry and anxiety, judging, unbelief, selfishness, false prophets, and many more. Hearing, and doing what Christ taught made the people wise in the Son of God’s eyes. They were even compared to a wise man who’s house was built on a solid foundation, and withstood the terrible storms that beat upon it. On the contrary, those who refused to hear and do what Christ taught were compared to a foolish man who’s house was destroyed by the rain and floods, because it was built on a weak and unstable foundation.

When the storms of life pass our way, being rooted in God’s Word is the only sure way we’ll be able to stand. Relying on finances or the influence of people can only take you so far, but doing what God says will keep you on a consistent path of prosperity. I often mention that there will be times and seasons of testing, but it’s only necessary to reveal how pure your faith is, and to give you an idea of how much you’ve matured in your walk with God. When you break easily under pressure, it shows that your faith needs more developing, and exams will be assigned to your life to help get you back on track. When we stand firm in the midst of trials and testing, God smiles on us, and rewards us according to our faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, but doing what you hear is what makes all the difference.

Walk in love,

Ell