Rolling Stone

Matthew 28:1-10

The stone that secured the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid, was not rolled away by the disciples, whom the chief priests and Pharisees assumed would steal the body away, but by an unexpected visitor from Heaven. The angel of the Lord removed the stone, so that others could see that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, as He boldly prophesied. History records that stones made to secure tombs were an average of a few tons, and while it was task rolling it into place to cover the opening, it was even more difficult to remove it. Fortunately, God sent an angelic being with powers beyond normal men, who entered earth’s atmosphere, causing a great earthquake, then easily rolled the stone away and sat on top of it, until the women who followed Jesus arrived. God knew the disciples and women who followed Jesus still didn’t believe, nor understand the words He spoke concerning His resurrection, so He had a plan to make certain all their doubts would be removed.

At The Cross

John 19:25-30

Even while bearing the weight of all the sins of men, a brutal scourging, and hanging from a cross, Jesus was still concerned about his family. Enduring pain and struggles are difficult by default, but God offers strength that can help a person maintain focus on those things we tend to shun away when we suffer, but are of vital importance.

In our text, Jesus was at the tail end of His time in the earth, and wanted to make sure His mom was taken care of. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother with eyes of eternity, and made certain she would be cared for, despite all that was taking place. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John), was also near the cross, and took on the responsibility of housing Mary. It’s good to know that at least one of the disciples stayed near Jesus, when all the others were away in hiding. Jesus also had brothers, so some may wonder why He didn’t leave his mother with them. Well, John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, and this was enough for Jesus to know that he was the perfect person to entrust with His mom.

The moment you need people most, is when they scurry away into hiding, but those who are bold enough to stand with you, even if it causes them to suffer, will not hesitate to be strength to you, until the end.

The Least Of Them

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (vs. 9). The apostle Paul expressed sincere humility as he penned those words many years ago, but God was able to change his heart, then work through him mightily, to help those he once despised.

Although Paul considered himself unworthy to be called an apostle, God focused only on what he could contribute after his conversion, rather than on his past mistakes. Oftentimes, believers are unable to focus on working toward a bright future in doing God’s will, because the weight of their past seems to hold them down, but God is merciful, and when He forgives, He doesn’t count our mistakes against us. Instead, He equips us to move forward, and begin to offer positive contributions to His kingdom. Paul could have easily allowed his horrible past to keep him from giving God his all, but when he submitted himself to the Spirit, he was then filled with God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance, that were necessary to override all human emotions and keep him from wallowing in the errors of his past.

Only through the power of God, can anyone overcome their past, and set themselves in a position to be filled with all of God’s goodness. While it’s not a sin to humble yourself when thinking on those things you once did that were unpleasing to God, don’t allow yourself to wallow in them, but use those moments to motivate yourself, to strive towards holiness continually.

“God can still use you, no matter how many scars you have.” – Ell

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.

Only Believe

John 8:21-30

“…if ye believe not that I am he (from above), ye shall die in your sins.” (vs. 24). “As he spake these words, many believed on him.” (vs. 30). What does it take to receive God’s gift of salvation? Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, and was sent by the Father to redeem mankind, will grant salvation to anyone. Everything Jesus did in the earth was first taught to Him by the Father, then carried out flawlessly to ensure a promised hope of eternal life with God, for all who believe. Securing a seat in heaven takes only belief, and a commitment to honor your confession with a holy, righteous, and selfless way of living.

Immortals

Revelations 21:1-7

Imagine abiding in a place, where the God of all creation resides: a place where there’s no possible way to die, nothing to make you cry, or ever feel any type of pain in your body. Can you actually conjure in your mind, no more pains? I know many who suffer, and some who’ve recently passed on who have endured physical pains, and I could only offer prayer and encouragement as support, but there’s coming a time, when God will dwell with His people in the newly renovated heaven and earth, and all things will be significantly different.

God said He will make all things new, including our bodies. When we pass from mortal to immortality, living will never be the same. On the earth, we are susceptible to all the negative things associated with sin, including hurt, pain shame, sickness, and death, but our eternal future with God is secure, and offers benefits the likes of which none have ever enjoyed in this present world.

I don’t know everything we’ll enjoy in the life to come, but I am fully aware that God will be there, Jesus will be there, and the Holy Ghost will be there also. There will be no more seas in the next life, but there will be a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. There will also be the tree of life in the middle of the street, and on each side of the river. The Bible mentions in Revelations 22:2, the tree of life will bare 12 types of fruit, and the leaves will be good for healing. That alone increases my joy for what God has in store for those who endure, and keep His name holy in the present world.

Living in the 21st century is far from a cakewalk, but the church must remain strong, because the harvest is still plentiful, and God desires that all men come to repentance. It’s cool to set goals and have desires to attain things in this life, but only what you do for the kingdom of God, will carry over into the next.

A Big Deal!

Luke 2:28-35

From the time Mary and Joseph received words from the angel Gabriel concerning the Son of God, to the prophetic words from the just and devout Simeon, Jesus’ earthly parents could only marvel at all that was being spoken of the child sent by God.

Jesus would soon be a big deal, not only to his family, but to the entire world. Even when Mary went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth to share the great news concerning God’s plan, John the Baptist leaped in her womb at the very salutation of Mary, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost at that moment. That’s intense! The shepherds who came to Bethlehem to see what God had made known to them with their very eyes, witnessed the child, then made known abroad all that was told to them by God, concerning Jesus. Mary pondered over those things which she had heard, as they were no doubt wonderful, yet possibly confusing at the same time.

When the days of purification were accomplished, Joseph and Mary brought the child to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. This is where Simeon would get his opportunity to see Jesus for himself. The Bible mentions, it was revealed to Simeon, by the Holy Ghost, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. After being led by the Spirit to go to the Temple (around the same time Joseph and Mary would arrive…God’s timing is impeccable!), Simeon finally saw the child, held him in his arms, and gave God thanks from his very soul. Just as Gabriel and the shepherds prophesied Jesus as a big deal, Simeon did the same. Joseph and Mary also marveled at the words the wise elder had spoken, in the same way they received the words of all the other prophecies.

Can you imagine being in the shoes of either Joseph or Mary? The hardest thing to overcome was the fact that Mary would be impregnated by the Holy Ghost. Coming to terms with that was literally impossible, without help directly from Heaven. But the young couple leaned unto the Lord’s understanding, and supported each other the entire time. In addition, hearing all the great prophecies from men of different backgrounds, also added pressure and encouragement to Joseph and Mary, as they would need all the support and strength available, to help them on this path.

Jesus was, and still is a big deal. Despite how men have negatively portrayed Him in the past, and still today, He fulfilled what was written of Him, all the way from the Old Testament, and will close out the latter prophesies soon, and very soon…

Don’t Forget

Luke 24:5-10

“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22). “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44). “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33).

On multiple occasions, Jesus warned His followers of the horrible things that were destined to happen to Him. He made mention that He would be rejected by those who were supposed to support Him, beaten, mocked, bruised, scourged, and even put to death. But, He never left out the most fascinating of all prophecy; He would rise again, after death!

Our text references the tail end of Jesus’ brief, yet impactful ministry, and also rings some very alarming bells. Following His death, Jesus was taken from the cross and placed in Joseph’s unused tomb. Days following the Savior’s death, the women who had followed Jesus and witnessed His burial, had prepared spices and ointments to use on the body of their loving teacher, while the disciples were keeping themselves out of sight. Ding! Ding! Ding! Helloooooo! Did these folk forget what Jesus had told them, time and time again? Apparently so. But, how could they be in the very presence of Jesus, witness miracles done by His hand, yet forget the most important message He ever told them; “and the third day, He shall rise again.” What purpose was there to prepare spices and ointments, if the Son of man would rise from the tomb? Why hide yourselves from those who were responsible for the death of Jesus, if you knew He would be dead only three days? The disciples and those who followed after Jesus weren’t distracted by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or any other media source, but were fully focused on the prophetic events that took place during their time. I can understand if they were with Jesus during the 21st century, when men are so easily beguiled, but there was hardly anything happening to take their focus off Jesus’ words (that’s just my opinion).

How could they so easily forget that Jesus would rise again? Maybe they thought it was a fairytale, or that Jesus meant something else, or they possibly just didn’t believe. For this reason, God already had a someone in place to remind the people, His Son was indeed raised from the dead. Do you believe what the Bible teaches, or do take in some parts, and disbelieve others? All verses of Scripture are interconnected, and the root of every text is Jesus. The Words of God were written for our instruction, whether we think they are fairytale or not, but despite what we believe, all Scripture will soon be fulfilled.

What Do You Believe?

John 11:38-45

Do you believe that God is really real? Do you believe that He existed for eternity? Do you believe that He spoke the entire universe into existence? Do you believe He made angels, cherubim, and seraphim to dwell in His holy habitation? Do you believe that He created the heaven, and the earth, and filled it with all kinds of amazing creatures? Do you believe that He made a man from the dust of the earth, and breathed into him the breath of life? Do you believe all the people who have ever existed came from the first man and woman? Do you believe that one of the holy cherub, rebelled against God in heaven, and was cast down to the earth? Do you believe a demon possessed serpent deceived one of Gods most coveted creations? Do you believe that sin and death became prevalent in the earth by man? Do you believe that from sin came sickness, disease, hatred, disobedience, dissention, division, malice, grief, headache, heartache, suffering, pain, shame, and countless other unfavorable things? Do you believe that God the Father loves you like CRAZY?! Do you believe that God proved His love by sending His perfect Son to the earth, to undo the mess caused by the first man? Do you believe that while on earth, Jesus healed sickness and disease, cast out demons from innocent souls, and raised some from the dead? Do you believe that the times we are living in today, were prophesied thousands of years ago? Do you believe that all those who died trusting in the Word of God, died in vain? Do you believe God is watching you as you suffer, yet endure during these times of great contention? Do you believe that despite how evil the world is, there are many who are standing strong in the Lord, and haven’t bowed down to idols? Do you believe the Bible is right? Do you believe there is any other way to God, except through His Son, Jesus? What do you believe?

All For His Glory

John 11:1-11

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Starring, Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Jesus, and the Disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Lazarus: (Moaning in pain and agony) Mmmmm… ugghhh… Martha…. Mary….

Martha: Lazarus! Lazarus! Oh no! Mary, his condition is getting worse!

Mary: God, if you’re listening, please help our ailing brother.

Martha: If Jesus was here, He would save our brother. Mary, let’s send word to Jesus that we desperately need His help.

Mary: Alright sister, I’ll make haste to do so. Lazarus, you hold on. I’m sending a messenger to find Jesus.

Lazarus: (Moaning goes from intense, to subtle, as Lazarus drifts into sleep) mmm…hmmm…Mar..

(Messenger arrives where Jesus is, and is met by the disciples)

Messenger: Excuse me. Pardon me, but is the healer here?

Disciples: If you’re referring to Jesus, yes. He is.

Messenger: If possible, could you bid Him to come, because I have an urgent message to deliver.

Disciples: Whatever you have to tell the Master, you can say to us.

Messenger: Well, if you insist. The message reads, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.”

(Jesus overhears the message)

Jesus: Worry not kind sir, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of man might be glorified thereby.”

Disciples: Oh, hello Master. We were just…

Jesus: It’s ok men. Tell them I will come soon (to the messenger).

Messenger: Thank you my Lord. I shall.

Disciples: Master, what’s going on? What was that all about? Do you know who the man was referring to?

Jesus: Prepare yourselves men, for in two days, we will journey again to Judea.

Disciples: Woah woah woah! Wait a minute. My Lord, a few weeks ago the Jews there sought to stone you. It’s too dangerous to return there now. Don’t you agree?

Jesus: Gentlemen, when you know the plan of the enemy, you can wisely plan around it.

Disciples: Oooooh, right. That makes so much sense. You are beyond man’s wisdom, my Lord

Jesus: Besides, you’ll soon see and understand my purpose in doing things the way I do, then youI’ll believe.

*The disciples often questioned the methods Jesus used in certain situations, and failed to see the spiritual significance behind it, but the longer they observed His works, the more they realized how amazing the power of God was, working through His Son. Oftentimes we see things in our own lives that may appear as dead, but God allows things to be put on hold, long enough for the world to assume it’s over, so that He can then restore life and purpose to that dead situation. In times when you don’t understand God’s plan, keep the faith, and watch how He works things out in your favor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Thanks for tuning in.