Tag: Turn

Love And Kindness

Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Do you have to always be kind to mean people? Are you to consistently show love to those who hate you? Does “turning the other cheek” offer any real benefits? Well, to those who are in Christ Jesus, these behaviors are the norm. In addition, claiming to be a child of God comes with an expected way of living. When worldly folk encounter compromising situations, it’s common for them to behave unseemly. On the contrary, when a child of God is met with a challenging circumstance, they are expected to be “Christ-like” in their approach. It’s never easy doing good to those who intentionally mean to do you harm, but when a man or woman has the right Spirit, they’ll be able to maintain godly character in any situation or circumstance.

“Be kind, you can’t rewind time”.

-Ell

Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time.  Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

It Ain’t My Fault

Jeremiah 31:27-30

In our text, the people of God tried to blame His judgment on them, based on the sins of their fathers. Although one person’s sin does indeed affect the lives of others, according to Scripture, everyone is still held responsible for the sin in their own lives. Be mindful of those you keep company with, and monitor their actions, because their errors and mistakes could possibly affect your life, as well as their own. Also, be certain not to blame others for sin’s you committed, and simply own them. Confess your faults to the Lord, turn away from the mistakes of your past, and allow God to continue working through you progressively.

“Dwell not on the sins of yesterday, rather focus on present-day redemption.” – Ell

Turn It Up!!!

1 Peter 4:7-11

During my adolescent period of development, I would often hear the elderly Saints say, “be careful how you treat people, because everything you do is being recorded”. When I first heard those words, I assumed they meant the government was secretly infiltrating the privacy of mankind (well, we know that to be certain in the 21st century), but they were referring to Revelation 20:12, which reads, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” What we do in the earth will someday be weighed by God, and the works we perform today, will determine where we will spend eternity.

Knowing that this present state of the world is nearing its end, it’s high time that the church increase their desire to please God. Believers are slowly falling by the wayside, and those who remain loyal to the Father, are losing their passion for soul-winning, and edification of the body. One of the main reasons many have lost their zeal for love is, suffering and persecution weighs heavy on their shoulders. When we struggle to make ends meet, or even stay healthy, it plays with our minds, to the point we consider throwing in the towel. But, God gives us strength and wisdom daily, to push past the pain, and endure those seasons of trials.

The church today must continue to show love to the world, and each other, because our struggles aren’t as intense as they were to the disciples, or the early church, but despite the fact that we do face hard times, we must continue in real love, while doing things from the heart, not from obligation alone. It’s one thing to tell someone you love them, but it makes a greater difference when you show your love with actions instead.

It’s time for the body of Christ to consistently walk in humility, spread unconditional love to all, show hospitality without murmuring or complaining, speak only the words that were inspired by God, minister according to the ability God instilled in you, and do all else with the mindset that God is deserving of all glory. Doing our part will represent the church, as God intended in these last days. Many of us exercise with great intensity, perform duties at work beyond what’s expected, or give all of ourselves to those things we have a passion for, but when will we realize how important it is, to give all of ourselves to the purposes of God?

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Forgive And Forget?

Philemon 8-21

Do you believe in forgiveness? Better yet, do you possess a knowledgeable understanding of what forgiveness truly is? Forgiveness is a term that’s understood in parts. For example, when a man commits a sin, he must first be aware that his action was indeed wrong, and demands justification, so that he won’t be bound by his error the rest of his life. After realizing that you’ve fallen short of God’s glory, and are wise enough to know that only the blood of Jesus has the power to cover a multitude of faults, you must then ask to be forgiven, believe that you are forgiven, then live as if you are free from the sin that once held you captive.

Every man has sinned at some point in their lifetime, and needed to be forgiven, so it’s important that we treat all men fairly, even though their past, or present faults may linger in our minds for a season or two. God never stopped loving us, despite all the ungodly things we did willingly in His sight. Instead, He continued to shower us with life, health, love, and protection, even while we wallowed in our iniquities. When we get to the point where we start judging men for their faults, after they’ve been forgiven, we are in danger of receiving a lesson in humility from God the Father.

Throughout the New Testament, the apostle Paul had been a great role model for many young men seeking to walk after the Spirit. One man, in particular, was Philemon. Paul had found Philemon to be a man of kindness, love, and compassion, who was sincere in his walk with God, and had committed himself to the call of the Lord. Paul trusted that Philemon was mature enough to teach the Word of God to those under His watch, so he sent a young man to serve under him, and offer assistance wherever it was needed. Some time after serving under Philemon’s watch, something happened which caused young Onesimus to run away. This act undoubtedly left a bad vibe with Paul’s disciple, and caused him to wonder what could have caused this to happen. A while after his act of neglect and rebellion, Onesimus found his way back to Paul, who took the time to rebuild the faith and hope of the once reliable lad. Paul refused to hold a grudge against Onesimus, because of his act, but chose to edify him instead, so that he could be better prepared in his service to Philemon. Yes, Paul sent the runaway back to the place he fled from.

The average person would turn their faces from one who had abandoned them, but Paul knew that Onesimus was now ready to minister with Philemon, not as a servant, but as a beloved brother. Do you hold grudges against those who’ve made mistakes, or caused you grief at some point in your life? Are you able to forgive, and eventually forget about the errors of those who have wronged you? Use this lesson as an example to motivate you to be strength to those who may have fallen in sin, because at any moment (when you least expect), you could fall too.

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

Ell

“I’m Doing This Because I Love You…”

Zephaniah 3:1-7

Parents typically deal with the neighbor’s kids with love and respect, even in times of misunderstandings and misfortunes. This is because they prefer to maintain unity in their community, while choosing peaceful resolutions, over senseless bickering. On the other hand, parents deal with their own children according to a different standard.

The ideal situation is, where children obey their parents, in the Lord, because it’s right, but kids aren’t always that shining light they were raised to be. For this reason, chastisement is implemented, during moments when children stray too far from their home teachings. While executing harsh discipline hardly ever feels good to the parent or child, the purpose is to remind the young one of the importance of obedience, because failing to listen, and do as they are told, could lead to regrettable issues down the road.

Isn’t it amazing, how a child can be totally convinced, they know more than their parent? I saw a child once being scolded by his mother, and all he kept saying was, “I know, I know mom”. Well, if he knew, he wouldn’t have done what he did. This is the same issue God is having with His people. Those who are willingly ignorant of the truth, will receive their just reward, but the children of God who stray, will be chastised, until they turn away from those things that so easily beset them. God loves everyone, but is especially more strict with His own children. This is because, the Lord is fully aware of what’s soon to come in the earth, and He doesn’t want His people to be left in shame and misery.

Everyone has a choice to choose life, or death. After a moment of discipline, a child can choose to straighten up, and walk right, or turn back to those things that caused them to get in trouble. Children obey your parents, in the Lord, and Christians, obey the Lord, that it may be well with thee, and you will live a long prosperous life in the earth.

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

Ell

Road To Damascus

Acts 9:1-9

Why do men reject the things they need, in place of things that cause harm to their spiritual and physical health? Many prefer to consume fast food, rather than fruits and vegetables, as their main source of consumption, while others run to hear lies and gossip, rather than truth, and sound doctrine, to satisfy their itching ears. Men seem to kill without cause, and move on, with no regrets. We live in a time where evil is promoted, and good is viewed as unpopular. One reason most people reject what’s healthy and true is, because they feel the need to satisfy their own desires, instead of submitting to the rules and standards set in place, by God. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are required to maintain a healthy spiritual, and natural diet. When our desires are aligned with God’s, we will consistently make right choices, but when we submit to the will of man, we tend to do things contrary to what God created us for.

In our text, Saul was preparing to continue his onslaught against the disciples of the Lord. Saul was no doubt, a very wise man, well-educated, and actually well-versed in spiritual concepts. Saul knew to do right, but chose to acknowledge the opposite. Why? When a man knows to do right, but doesn’t, this is sin. Saul not only hated the believers of Christ, but he gained more pleasure putting them in chains, and graves.

Being deemed the chief persecutor of Christians, Saul was free to approach those in authority, who would assist him in his wicked ploys. To his surprise, God had other intentions for the bold and determined persecutor. On his way to do more harm to innocent disciples, Saul was met by Jesus, who’s very presence of light, brought him to ground. When the presence of God shows up, all things evil must submit. After a brief conversation between Christ and Saul, the once flamboyant persecutor of the church, had a sudden change of heart. Without hesitation, the temporarily blinded Saul, was led by his men to the place where Jesus instructed him to go, in order to receive further direction.

This story is significant in a number of ways, but it’s interesting to note how, a man can be so caught up into his own will, until God can still penetrate his heart, with the right experience. Everyone was created in God’s image, and after His likeness, so we all have the capability of submitting to His way. Unfortunately, many allow temptation to change their hearts, so much until they turn away from even common sense, at times. But, no matter how far away we stray from doing what’s right, God can always reach us, and reel us back into His arms of safety.

Walk in love,

Ell

Moses intercedes for God’s people

Numbers 14:13-20

The more I study and meditate on the Scriptures, the more I try to understand the mind of God. When the apostle Paul admonished the Philippian church to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”, what exactly was he referring to? God is a spirit, but has character and emotions just as we do. We were all made in His image, and after His likeness, so it only makes sense that He exhibit familiar emotions as we do. Unlike humans who are frail, unforgiving, and oftentimes hold grudges, God responds instantly to repentance. Even during moments when God’s anger is kindled toward disobedience, sincere and humble repentance is all it takes to turn God’s wrath away.

A prime example of such a situation took place in our text, where Moses stood between the rebellious and disobedient Israelites, and God, who threatened to destroy the entire nation. In the past, God dealt with His chosen vessels privately, and used them to speak to the masses, and Moses was the mouthpiece He used to reach the nation of Israel.

After days of watching the people He chose live contrary to His will, God asked Moses, “How long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” How could the people who freely received the blessings of God, turn their faces against Him so willingly? This was a sign of great disrespect, and lack of appreciation. In His anger, God offered to do away with the stiffnecked people altogether, then make a greater nation, who would be more mightier than the former. Ironically, the same way Adam protected Eve by also eating of the forbidden fruit, in order to share her punishment (or God probably would have wiped her out and made a new woman, if Adam hadn’t eaten the fruit as well… subject for another lesson), Moses felt the need to protect the unfaithful children of Israel. I find myself questioning whether or not Moses thought long enough on the proposal God offered. The Creator of the world offered to give him something far greater than what he already had, yet he refused. How would you respond, if God offered to give you a new spouse, job, car, house, or anything you held on to that wasn’t producing? Please don’t answer that aloud, especially if you’re reading this while sitting next to the something you wish was replaced lol.

Anyhoo, If I was standing in the shoes of Moses, I probably would have allowed God to implement His plan B, despite the possibility of the other nations claiming that God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. If God offers something better, who am I to keep His hand from delivering it? Well, Moses stayed God’s hand from bringing His wrath on the disobedient Israelites, when he prayed for them, and asked God to pardon their iniquity. Immediately, after Moses finished praying, God pardoned the sins of the people.

There are many who teach false doctrines that God is all wrath, and no love, but according to this text, we see that God is quick to forgive, and pardon man’s sins. In his prayer, Moses acknowledged that the Lord is longsuffering (patient), great in mercy, forgives iniquity and transgression, and by no means clears the guilty (so long as they choose to remain in that state). When we make our requests known unto God, aside from seeking remission from our sins, we should also remind Him of who He is, and how He showed mercy on us before. Prayer is more than asking for a thing, it also involves giving honor and reverence to God, because He alone deserves such recognition. If God saved the lives of millions because of one man’s prayer, think of what He can do in your life, when you totally submit to following His will.

Walk in love,

Ell