Traditions Of Men

Mark 7:1-8

Fighting the good fight of faith ain’t always easy, especially when there are always those who are content with finding fault in literally everything you do. As I approach the 40 year age mark, I’ve come to the conclusion, when a person receives God’s salvation, they are automatically assigned certain haters, who will make it their business to slander their name, no matter the cost.

Whether you do go, or not so good, your haters will make everything you do, seem as if it’s the end of the world, while at the same time, neglecting to correct the faults and issues in their own lives. This was an accurate account of the life of Jesus and those who followed after Him. Whether Jesus taught in synagogues, or in desert places, there would oftentimes be certain groups of Pharisees and scribes, who would investigate all that Jesus and His disciples did, in order to find fault in them. The sole purpose of those who hated Jesus was, to silence Him from speaking truth, but Jesus knew how to handle them in a way that actually should have change their hearts. Unfortunately, some had hearts of stone, and were too engulfed in themselves, until even the Son of God recognized when to let them be.

In our text, the Jews had a tradition that involved washing themselves in a proper way, before eating. Even after coming in from the market, the Jews would wash themselves accordingly, and only eat after they were considered clean. On a certain day, while performing their usual investigation, the scribes and Pharisees noticed some of Jesus’ disciples eating bread, without washing themselves beforehand, according to their tradition. As expected, these shallow-minded men were quick to bring their concern to Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus, “Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?” If these men truly knew God as He was taught from generation to generation from the days of Moses, until their present time, they would have understood that man’s traditions can never supercede God’s commands, and would have refrained from mentioning this issue altogether. But, Jesus knew the intent of the men’s hearts, and exposed their wickedness by using Scripture. Jesus mentioned how the prophet Isaiah spoke of the future, when men would honor God with their lips, but not from their hearts. The Son of God continued and spoke how men were prophesied to worship God in vain, and teach doctrines of man’s commandments, while ignoring the commandments of God. Obviously, Jesus was referring to the scribes and Pharisees before Him, and literally called them, hypocrites, for caring more about keeping traditions to look holy in the midst of others, rather than humbling themselves by honoring the commandments of the Lord.

Never allow yourself to get caught up in what men deem as proper living, especially if it’s not taught in Scripture. Learn to live, not by the experiences of others, instead, by aligning your life with what’s taught in the Word. This way, you’ll never be deceived into making the traditions of men, more honorable than the commandments of God.

Spring Cleaning!

2 Kings 22:14-23:30

Throughout the year, many who own homes or rent apartments, usually accumulate excessive amounts of clothing, tools and equipment, and most notably, dirt and grime. For this reason, “Spring Cleaning” was coined to represent a time when conducting a thorough cleaning of the home, or place of living should, take place. Usually, moms take charge of going through every area of the home, in an effort to get rid of things that have little to no value, then go to work on those areas until they are clean enough to her liking. Children are usually involved in this process, but not to the same extent as mothers.

Keeping things stored that add no value to your living situation, only take up space for things that actually can add value. In most cases of spring cleaning, junk is thrown out, and messy places are renewed to reveal their intended freshness. While living the Christian life, it’s easy to get attached to things that aren’t healthy for our souls, if we aren’t careful. For instance, if you check the hearts of the average believer, I’m almost certain you’ll find one or two items in their “inner man”, that are unhealthy for their spiritual development. Just as mom’s designate times to thoroughly clean their homes, the children of God should do the same to keep their hearts and minds clean, and unspotted from the world. It’s important to take moments during the day to examine whether the things in your life are adding to your growth in godliness, or if they represent something contrary to holy living.

Our text gives a great example of how the process of purifying our souls should be conducted. In the previous lesson, king Josiah heard the word of God for the first time, then was immediately convicted, and sought to make things right. This young man not only intended to turn the hearts of the people toward righteous living, but he literally cleaned out EVERYTHING that brought dishonor to the name of the Lord. Below is a brief list of some of the things Josiah was provoked to put into action:

-burned all vessels that were made for baal
-put down the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to baal, the sun, and to the moon, planets, and hosts of heaven
-burned all the wooden images in the house of the Lord, until they were like powder
-broke down the houses of the sodomites near the house of the Lord, where women wove decorations for the graven images
-defiled all high places where the priests burned incense
-removed horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, then burned the chariots of the sun with fire
-beat down and brake all altars made by the evil kings of Judah
-defiled all the abominations built by king Solomon -broke in pieces all the graven images, and filled their places with the bones of men

To what extent do you go, to keep your heart clean before the Lord?

Do Your Part

Romans 16

In a world where sin is prevalent in all societies, and hopelessness invades the hearts of many, love should always be seen among the body of Christ. Perilous times are indeed apparent, and many have lost their faith in God, but the church must continue to shine, despite the tragic state of the world, and be examples of holiness for others to witness.

Those who walk after the Spirit of God, and strive daily to live according to holiness, have a duty to love God, keep His commandments, and spread the Gospel to others. Since the fall of man, this world has never been the same. In fact, the state of the world worsens daily. Men have given in to evil desires and wicked schemes of the enemy, sickness and disease have claimed the lives of many, and others are anxious and confused, trying to find peace in these troubled lands. Fortunately, God is good, and His mercy endures forever. His love can still bring light and hope to those who believe in Him.

Saints of the past have endured more than we today could ever imagine, yet they kept their profession to holiness solid and consistent. Many great men and women took pride in representing godliness while in the midst of suffering and persecution, and God rewarded them for their faith. Today, there remains a remnant of believers, who have not given in to sin, nor the pressures of these last and evil days. For this reason, it’s very important for those who fight the “good fight”, to edify and encourage each other through it all. It’s not easy bearing the burdens of life alone, so the body of Christ must tend to each other’s needs. Learn to be strength to your fellow man, and not make them weak. Build up those who may be burdened down, and help them get back on their feet. Support those who put their lives on the line, so that others around the world can hear the Gospel message.

Everyone has a role to play in God’s plan, so be sure to do your part with all your heart. The world is becoming more difficult to endure, but trust and believe that God will keep His people protected, and sustain them according to His will.

Spirit, Soul, Body

2 Corinthians 13:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

Knowing that this world will soon experience a prophesied, yet abrupt end, why can’t we live and enjoy life any way we desire? If our bodies and minds will be made new in the newly renovated Heaven and earth, shouldn’t men be allowed to “do as they wilt” without judgment, until Christ returns? While men have the liberty to live according to their own wills and desires, living contrary to the holy God of Heaven comes with undesirable consequences. What the world considers fun or entertaining, God sees as vanity. Men find pleasure in self fulfillment, and accomplishing goals that have no eternal value, while God desires that we focus more on the fact that this world will soon fade away. For this reason, it’s wise to invest our time in doing things to help ourselves, and others solidify a safe and profitable forever after.

The biggest problem facing not only the world, but the church as well are, distractions. There are so many things that turn our attention away from what’s important to God. Oftentimes, we find our eyes glued to our cell phones or televisions so long, until hours pass by that could have been spent studying the Word, edifying a brother or sister, or spending time with an elderly person. Our current society is heavily centered around pride and self fulfillment, while God sees life from a different perspective.

Although we will leave these earthly bodies for new ones, we are still responsible for using them to bring glory to the name of the Lord. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24). The reason many in the church are drawn away from the things of God, and use their gifts and abilities for vain purposes is, they are more concerned with pleasing the men, rather than the God who created all things. When we place a man’s expectation of us over God’s, we will no doubt find ourselves far from God’s purpose for our lives. Whether we’re subject to a boss, professor, or even a ministry, no one’s agenda takes precedence over the Lord’s.

God created mankind in His image, and after His likeness, and He expects for us to imitate the character His Son portrayed in the earth. Rather then hate, we are to love. When people come against us with false accusations and lies, we’re to show them kindness. Even in times when we’re being persecuted, we are to pray for our persecutors, and desire that they commit their hearts to God. All we do in this earth should be aligned with righteousness and soul-winning, so God deserves all of you. It’s obvious we have to work, eat, rest, and do the normal human things, but at the end of each and every day, investing in the kingdom of God is the only way to make your life meaningful and purposeful while you yet live.

Many have passed away from the sickness caused by the lingering pandemic, and others have died from tragic events, but while you still have the breath of life flowing through your body, consider your ways, and seek first the kingdom of God the rest of your days.

Testify!

John 4:25-42

The world seeks for answers to problems only the power of God can resolve, and many trust in other sources that are unable to offer permanent solutions to their issues. It matters not a person’s background, ethnicity, skin color, or language, God reserved salvation for all who would believe. It is the will of God that all men come to repentance, and those who are in the body of Christ can help in inspiring others to believe in the only One who can save them, and give them power to overcome. The testimonies of the Saints are key in revealing to others how God operates and functions in their own lives. All men struggle and face times of difficulty, but knowing and seeing someone come out of a difficult situation, without losing themselves, gives hope and strength to others who may be going through hard times themselves. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He gives them wisdom and direction through His Spirit, to witness effectively to others, but once a person is drawn to God, they can then be filled with His goodness themselves, and be enlightened to a greater level of understanding of the ways of holiness.

You may think your life is meaningless, but God can use your experiences to encourage others. Just as the woman at the well convinced many to believe in Jesus, I’m certain you have the power of influence to do the same. Spread the word, that Jesus saves, and God has a plan for all who follow Him.

The Only Wise God

Isaiah 57:14-21

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9 KJV). The more I try to understand the intricacies and details of God the Father, the more my head hurts. I often quote Dr. Kent Hovind when he says,”if my little three pound brain could understand the Creator of all things, then He would not be worth worshiping”. Simply reading descriptions of the nature of the Creator and His dwelling place, makes me so excited to soon inhabit eternity with Him! The Lord our God is many wonderful things, including eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, in all places at all times, humble, just, righteous, consistent in love and judgment, and more! God inhabits eternity, and dwells in the high and holy place (with Christ), and His plan is to revive the spirit of those who walk in humility, and restore the hearts of those who’s were broken.

With the state in which the world is today, many, including Christians, have given up hope that God truly cares for those who suffer. But, know this; God never gives up on those He loves, those who walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. Even when we fall short, while trying to walk in the Spirit, God will pardon our iniquities, and restore us to a right place in Him. God sees our suffering and is fully aware that we need Him, but only in His perfect timing, will He step in to deliver His people.

We may not understand all that’s going on today, but focus your attention on being consistent in obeying God, because He made us, and He knows all about what we’re experiencing. In due time, the one whose name is Holy, will show Himself mighty in the lives of His children.

Conditioned To Endure

Isaiah 7:10-15

The average athlete trains hard, putting their bodies through extensive and repetitive training, so that when the time comes to compete in their event, they’ll be conditioned to perform accordingly. It’s easy to tell whether or not an athlete of a specific sport has trained or conditioned properly, by how long they last while performing, or the effort they put forth during an event. A boxer who’s legs get weak and shaky halfway during a fight, probably decided not to take his training seriously. Another example is, when a swimmer gives up halfway through a lap, because their conditioning wasn’t up to par.

Throughout the years, I’ve often stressed, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. The better we plan and prepare for what’s ahead of us, the better we’ll perform, when that time comes. This same fact holds true for the body of Christ. All our lives we train daily, showing love and kindness to others, shunning things that are evil, and resisting temptation when it comes, so that as the end-time prophecy continues to be fulfilled, we won’t cower nor fret, when times become more severe. God daily loads us with benefits, in order that we gird and guard ourselves against the evil one. In addition, every situation we overcome now, will increase our faith in God, and better prepare us to face what’s soon to come.

The world is suffering greatly because of sin, but the Bible plainly states that perilous times will indeed come, in the last days. Make it your business to grow daily in the knowledge of God, and ask for His wisdom to help you understand the times, and how you must conduct yourself, as these last days pass by. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“The way may seem hard, but you’ll endure, by the power of God.” – Ell

🎶 Walk In The Light… Beautiful Light 🎶

John 3:16-21

What is light? We see what it does, but what is it actually? Light exposes cockroaches in your kitchen, illuminates the midnight skies with starlight, expands and radiates in all directions like a lightbulb, bends around corners, and even carries energy and momentum. Light is an amazing source of awesomeness, and it has been a major benefit to mankind, since the beginning. In the natural sense, light is responsible for doing all these things, but on the spiritual level, light holds a more intense purpose. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, and is synonymous with knowledge. The knowledge of God (His Word) reveals the truth, and exposes the darkness found in sin and disobedience. The purpose of Christ coming to the earth was, so darkness could be revealed, and men could discover their desperate need for the light. Those who refuse and reject God’s light, willingly do evil, and hate the knowledge of His Word, so they get comfortable doing deeds in darkness, so the light won’t expose them. As children of God, we live in such a way, that our lives mirror that of Christ’s, so when the light shines over us, we welcome it, because our deeds are pure, holy, and acceptable unto God. Walk in the light, so that you can be a shining example of what holy living looks like, in these last and evil days.

“If God is love, then is the love you share with others godly?” – Ell

Wasted Time

Ephesians 5:8-16

Can you think for a moment, and calculate how much time you’ve wasted during your lifetime? I am probably guilty of squandering years worth of time during my days in the earth, and there’s nothing I can do to recover those precious seconds. Time, is the single, most valuable commodity God has given to man, and how we spend it, will determine our eternal destination. Unlike those of the world, who habitually invest their time in works of darkness, that always proves unfruitful, the children of God are to redeem, or make wise use of the time they’re blessed with, because the days are evil, and Christ is soon to return.

When we invest our time into things beneficial to kingdom business, our works will be acceptable to the Father, but when we join in fellowship with those who choose to walk in darkness, instead of the light, our works will profit nothing to secure an eternal future with God. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11-14 KJV).

“Time wasted can never be recovered.” – Ell

One God

Ephesians 4:6-9

Contrary to popular belief, there’s only “One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (the body of Christ) (vs. 6). “In the beginning God…”, and there was none else except the “Word”, who was with God in the beginning. So, where did all these other “gods” come from? 1 Corinthians 8:5 reads, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)”, but this was in reference to how the heathen would use not only images, but the sun, moon, planets, stars, oceans, rivers, trees, and all other things in creation to serve as gods.

God stated plainly, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, yet men willing ignored that commandment, and placed senseless idols and graven images in place of the almighty God. There’s not a thing any idol or image can do to create life, sustain it, or enhance it in any way, so why do men neglect acknowledging the God of creation, and choose to worship something that was made by the Creator? This makes absolutely no sense, yet there are those who are hell-bent on keeping their faith, hope, and trust in a tree.

Modern-day gods have taken the form of things more subtle, including careers, people, and the mighty dollar. My, oh my, how so many have submitted themselves to the love of money, so much so, until they’ll do nearly anything to obtain it. While some are drawn away by their greed for cash, others get lost in their careers, while forgetting the importance of balancing self and family also. When we place anything above God, we become slaves to what those things represent. A job can’t restore your strength, but God can. Money can’t buy love, but God can give it freely. A tree can’t hug you, and transfer the positive energy you need to make it through another day, but God can place people in your life who can do that, and much more.

If there are things in your life you dedicate an excessive amount of time in, that takes away opportunities for you to get close to God, reconsider whether or not those things are even necessary for your life. If your job is keeping you from living holy, get another one. If the company you keep causes you to drift away from God’s ordinances, find new company. If your TV, cell phone, tablet, playstation controller, or other device gets more of your attention than God does, put it aside, and give God what He’s worth. Let nothing become a god in your life, and guard yourself from the subtlety of the world’s influence, that causes you to devote precious time into futile things.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell