Huddle Up!

Acts 5:12-16

One of the hardest things to do on this planet is, get a group of people to agree on the same ideals, required to reach a unified goal. Many sports teams fail to win the coveted championship trophy, because certain members of their team aren’t in sync with the coach’s gameplan. We often see how certain individuals act out of character, when their team is on the verge of winning a game, thus causing them to suffer a loss. Even when playing a game of tug-of-war, if all members on a team aren’t working collectively as a group, they’ll easily be pulled over to the other side. Teamwork really does make the dream work, especially when all who are joined together share the same mindset, and one goal. This same concept can be applied to an individual, and their body. When the natural body is healthy, one can easily accomplish those things the mind is set to achieve. Unity is the key ingredient to any collective group, seeking to achieve success.

In our text, the apostles of Jesus were responsible for doing many signs and wonders among the people of the early church. Their miraculous manifestations would not have been made possible if confusion and ill will was among them, but their minds were set on being obedient to God, and fulfilling His command to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The body of Christ consists of many members, all who may be affiliated with different denominations, but if all have their minds and hearts set on fulfilling God’s will, then God can do great things through His people, no matter who they are affiliated with. The truth will indeed stand forever, so when the church collectively spreads the truth of the Gospel to all men, God will reveal His awesome power through all who are of one accord.

“Unity is what makes success a reality.” – Ell

GO TEAM GO!!!

Colossians 1:3-8

Of all that goes into a winning sports program, one of the groups that usually goes unnoticed, yet contributes greatly to their team’s success is, the cheerleaders. According to wikipedia, cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called “cheerleaders”) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can also be performed to motivate sports teams, to entertain the audience, or for competition. Cheerleading routines typically range anywhere from one to three minutes, and combines variations of tumbling, dance, jumps, and stunts.

Cheerleaders don’t really get much respect, when compared to the athletes running on the field or court, but it’s always good to have someone in your corner rooting for your success, especially when the competition is intense, and overwhelming. One thing that offers certain benefits to the believer is, receiving encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ. Walking the path of righteousness isn’t always easy, and many are tempted to throw in the towel, but no matter how challenging the enemy makes things for the children of God, when they stand with and one mind, one focus, and one goal, they’ll always overcome any obstacle in their path.

Take time to encourage someone you love, and pour into them positive energy, that can help make their journey through life a little easier. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:23-25).

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

With One Accord

Acts 2:1-12

One of the most iconic moments in Bible history was, the day of Pentecost, recorded in the book of Acts. When the day of Pentecost was “fully come”, this was referencing the fiftieth day from the waving of the sheaf of the first-fruits. According to the book of Leviticus, Pentecost was one of the original eight feasts of the Lord, or holy convocations, which were to be proclaimed in their appropriate season. God appointed times for His people to gather and offer sacrifices and praises for all that He had done for them. This was important to keep the minds of the people focused on the source of their peace, prosperity, and protection.

Our text picks up a short while after the first business meeting of the church, and the election of the replacement disciple (Matthias). During this gathering of about 120 men, the Bible mentions all these men were in one place, and with one accord. In other words, none of the men gathered were lukewarm, shady, doubtful, unconcerned, nor uninterested in God’s affairs. Instead, they were all united in faith, love, and prayer. Can you pause for a moment, and imagine if this was the state of the church today. If every man and woman, who gathers together in the name of the Lord, were always sharing the same mind, will, and motivations, how do you think the earth would look today? Well, we have an absolutely amazing experience that takes place in the verses of our text.

Being of the same mind, and gathered together in unity, provoked the almighty God, to literally invade the space where the men were, and fill them with His Spirit, while unlocking the ability for them to speak a language they never spoke. This was done, so that all the nations of the earth that would also come to witness God’s power, could be ministered to in their native tongue. God knew, many would come together to join the ever-growing church, so He (in His infinite wisdom), was fully aware that those whom He called, needed to capable of reaching all who would show up. Unlike men, who think mostly in “the now”, God sees the end of a thing, and knows how to prepare His people to handle it, before it manifests.

Although the modern church seems to have lost its once renowned potency and effectiveness in the earth, the power of God is still readily available, to invade the lives of those who will gather together in one mind, one heart, and one Spirit. Never underestimate the power of unity, because doing so could prohibit you from reaching your full potential in God.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

Genuine love for each other

Romans 12:9-15

The human body is a unique composition of systems and parts that all act independently of one another, but are unified to accomplish the same goal. From heads, shoulders, knees and toes, to arteries and cells, God created an amazing thing when He formed man from the dust and clay of the earth. Our brain alone makes the most advanced computers look like mere childsplay. Although the human body is capable of doing many things like self-healing, processing loads of information in moments, and exhibiting exceptional physical ability, none of those awesome things can work without the presence of blood. Blood is the single most important component of the body. Blood has a number of functions that are central to survival, including supplying oxygen to cells and tissues, providing essential nutrients to cells, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose, removing waste materials, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid, protecting the body from infection and foreign bodies through the white blood cells, transporting hormones from one part of the body to another, and transmitting messages, and completing important processes. Another important function of the blood is, its protective action against disease. White blood cells defend the body against infections, foreign materials, and abnormal cells. Without blood keeping the body primed and functioning, we would all be a big pile of lifeless bodies.

Just as the natural body is 100 percent dependent upon blood to function, the body of Christ would be useless and ineffective if love is absent from its members. The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, all having unique gifts, talents, and abilities granted by God. Some are profound and impactful teachers, while others make an impact with their helps or healing. No matter what gift a believer has been blessed with, he can only function properly in it when operating in love. We’ve been commanded to love our neighbors, our enemies, and those who treat us unfairly, but we must not forget to always extend genuine love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, believers make up the body, and it’s critical to the effectiveness of our faith and profession that we treat each other with the love of God. It’s evident that we are living in the last and evil days, and wickedness is spreading even in churches, but that doesn’t excuse Christians from continuing to love each other.

As children of God, we are to let love be without dissimulation. That simply means we are to never mask or disguise our love toward others, but should always present the real thing. There are people who actually cover ill motives and intentions with the word, love. For example, a young boy will tell a gullible girl he loves her, and all that mushy gushy stuff, but only for the chance to take advantage of her sexually. Or, how many modern-day preachers will convince an audience the only way to prove their love for God is in how much money they put in the offering basket. That’s not love at all, but deception.

Saints are to be kindly affectioned to one another, and be sensitive so as not to pass judgment on men, but to help them when necessary. When we love others, we are rendering our due service to the Lord, and God honors our deeds because we do them to give glory to His name, and not to our own. It matters not who lacks the true understanding of what love really is, but what does matter is how you live in such a way that love is seen by others through your deeds and actions.

Walk in love,

Ell