I Wish…

1 Kings 3:5-14

One of my favorite childhood movies is, Aladdin. Aside from the fact that I had the biggest crush on princess Jasmine, the good ole “Street Rat” turned out to be prince material after all, which made for a heartfelt story. The part of the movie I desired to be in most was, the scene when Aladdin found the magic lamp. Oh, how I wanted so badly to find a magic lamp, and make three wishes. The first wish would have been to have the ability to fly, even into outer space. The second wish would’ve been to have an endless supply of skittles and now-and-laters. For the final wish, I would have asked the genie for a time machine, so I could travel back and forth from the past and to the future, at will. Now, don’t judge me, I was only a kid, but I had a rather unique and vivid imagination.

Being offered the opportunity to be granted anything your heart desires, would be an amazing thing, and I’m certain the average person would request something that would satisfy their selfish desires, but our text proves that not all men seek only to fulfill selfish desires, but place others above themselves. While asleep one night in Gibeon, the LORD appeared to king Solomon in a dream. In this dream, God asked Solomon to make any request, and He’ll grant it unto him. If the young king was asked that same question while living in the 21st century, I’m apt to believe that his request may have been altered, just a little bit (I’m only kidding… maybe not lol). In any case, the text tells us that Solomon’s speech pleased the Lord. So, this begs the question, what exactly did he ask for? Did the young king ask for wealth, long life, or even the destruction of his enemies? Did he desire perfect health, peace on earth, or perfect weather forever? Solomon realized the position he took on from his father was not easy to fill, so he asked God for wisdom, to judge the people, and discern between good and bad. What a guy! Just like his daddy! God was so pleased with Solomon’s request, not only did He grant him wisdom that would never be equaled, but He added riches, honor, and long life, if he walked in His ways, as his father David did. What a dream!

If God asked the same to you, what would you request?

Scepter Of Righteousness

Hebrews 1:6-9

Jesus:
– Appointed heir of all things
– Made the worlds
– Brightness of God’s glory
– Express image of God’s person
– Upholds all things by the word of His power
– By Himself, purged all sins
– Sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high
– Made so much better than the angels
– Obtained a more excellent name than angels
– Only begotten Son of God
– His throne is for ever and ever
– His kingdom is righteousness
– Loves righteousness, and hates iniquity
– Anointed by God, with the oil of gladness

Of all the things we are grateful for, which of them compare to the Savior of mankind? Jesus is the best thing, that anyone could ever dream or hope for. In a world, where religion is tainted, and men strive to find true meaning in life, God provided the only thing, whereby men can grow in knowledge and understanding of what life is all about. Jesus has existed from the beginning, and will reign supreme for eternity, and His love for man is what gives us hope for a bright, and secure future. In those moments when you feel like your faith isn’t strong, and your living is in vain, review the list of the characteristics of Jesus, then the joy of His salvation will be restored unto you.

“What’s better than living your best life now? Living with the best for eternity.” – Ell

We’re All The Same

James 2:1-13

In His most shameful moment, while hanging from a cross, Jesus showed no partiality toward the thief hanging next to Him, and loved the man as Himself. Despite being battered and beaten beyond belief, the Son of God didn’t allow His suffering to change His obedience to the commandment to love. The irony in this story, as compared to the modern church is, many people who are healthy, and temporarily free from suffering, choose to show favoritism to those who are wealthy, and shun those who are poor and needy. The church was commanded to love their neighbors as themselves in all situations, but it’s sad how the rich receive favorable treatment in church assemblies, while those who aren’t as financially well off tend to go unnoticed. Every member of the body of Christ has equal responsibility to build and edify one another in the Spirit of meekness, but showing favoritism totally goes against that command. The text teaches, those who show partiality are considered judges of evil thoughts. This should not be found among anyone who claims the love of God abides in them. Rather than seek to render special treatment to men and women who are rich and famous, set your desires on treating all men as if they were Christ Himself.

“Treat me the same way you want me to treat you.” – Ell

Lawbreakers

Matthew 12:1-8

In most societies, laws were established to keep order, and control over all who inhabit governed lands. There are laws against driving too fast on the highways, as well as regulations in financial markets. Following the rules will usually keep a person free from unnecessary punishment or judgment, but is there ever a time when laws can be broken, without a person being judged for doing so? Is it lawful for an ambulance carrying an injured passenger to the hospital, to go over the speed limit, so that the wounded person can receive immediate treatment? Or, is it wrong for an anxious husband to run a few red lights and stops signs, so that he can hurriedly get his expecting wife to the hospital? While laws are intended to serve their purpose, there are times when the rules can be bent for the purpose of an individual’s wellbeing.

In our text, Jesus and His disciples were criticized for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath. I’m almost certain, Jesus knew the annoying Pharisees were spying on Him, and He purposely led the hungry disciples through the corn fields. Sometimes, God will allow things to happen in your life, to prove what’s in the hearts of your haters. The Pharisees told Jesus, “Aren’t you aware of your disciples breaking the law?” In all His wisdom, Jesus reminded the wicked Pharisees of two instances in Scripture where men violated the sabbath, for necessary purposes. David’s need for sustenance was more important than the legal technicalities of the law, and even the priests of the past had once profane the Sabbath, when doing work by performing sacrifices and conducting services for worship.

The Pharisees in our text were so concerned about religious rituals, they missed the whole purpose, which is to bring people to God. Jesus is greater than rituals, and more people can be brought to God through Him, than following laws. The Pharisees had lost the spirit of the law, and only desired that men obey their interpretation of it. Be watchful and prayerful as you dedicate yourself to a ministry. While the doctrine of Christ is enough on its own, men have selfishly implemented their own laws and doctrines, that have caused many to error. Measure your obedience by the Word of God, and not by the flawed doctrines of men.

“The Word of God is enough on its own, there’s no need to add anything else to it.” – Ell

Dead Or Alive

Acts 4:32-5:11

When the Spirit of God can freely work through a believer, he or she will only seek to do things for the betterment of the church as a whole. For example, when a person truly loves God, their motivations are not only to care for their own needs, but to place the needs of others above their own. If God was willing to give His best to a sinful world, then believers should never hesitate to show sincere love to their fellow man.

Our text gives a wonderful example of how the early church prospered through unity, and togetherness. The texts reads, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common.” (vs. 32). Can you imagine the state of the church today, if all members shared the same heart, soul, and had all things in common? I believe the church would have a more powerful impact not only amongst the religious community, but around the whole world.

God takes delight in His people, when they do things according to His will, and He blesses them accordingly, but His anger is kindled toward those who appear to do works of righteousness, but have hidden motives that are fueled by pride and selfishness. While the majority of the early church cooperated in bringing all the proceeds from selling their possessions to the apostles, so that everyone could receive distribution according to their need, there were two who decided they would go against the church’s unified efforts, and keep some of the funds for themselves. Ananias and his wife Sapphira found out the hard way, what happens when a person deliberately lies to God. No matter how good things may seem amongst a prosperous church community, there will always be some who will refuse to maintain obedience. This odd couple refused to tell the truth about the total amount they received from selling their possessions. Knowing that their needs would be accounted for, they still stuck to their unwise plan. After being given a chance to reveal the truth, Ananias chose to lie, and dropped dead at the feet of the apostle Peter. Nearly three hours later, Sapphira walked into the church, and was also given a chance to confess the truth. Unfortunately, she chose to lie as well, and fell dead also at the apostle’s feet. The two were carried out of the church, and buried next to each other, which caused great fear to come upon the entire church.

What good is it, to lie to a God who knows all things? I mean, it’s just senseless, and unnecessary. Ananias and Sapphira could have avoided untimely deaths, by simply telling the truth. Besides, all their needs were already met in the first place. Be careful how you approach God, or those He entrusted to lead you. Always be honest in your communication, because while you may be able to convince man, you can never fool God. He’ll always reveal what’s in the heart, especially if it’s intended to hurt the church. God protects His own, and will do what’s necessary to keep them safe, even if He has to cause some to die.

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

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

By Who’s Authority

John 15:4-17

By who’s authority do you pray? By who’s authority do you believe? By who’s authority do you preach, teach, and perform works in the earth? When we abide in the Father, and His words abide in us, we are granted access to do things in the earth, with His full authority and permission. By God’s authority, we are privileged to love each other, as He showed love to the Son. All the words God spoke to Jesus, He in turn, gave them to His disciples. Doing this left the disciples in a position to keep His words, live by them, and love each other through them.

God’s authority trumps all other influences in the earth, that fight hard to take man’s attention away from holiness, but if we fall weak and give in to tempting influences, the works we do will be supported by another authority. The devil is powerless against the forces of good, but his wicked devices can have a real effect on God’s people, but only if they submit to his advances. Thanks be to God, for the fellowship of the Saints! The church, or body of believers, is a strong, single unit, that when all members work together, the devil can do nothing to stop their progress.

We are friends with Christ, and no more servants, because a servant knows not the things his lord does. But, Jesus called us friends, and has chosen and ordained us to perform continuous good works in the earth. As long as we stay connected to God, and show real love to one another, our prayers and requests will be manifested in our lives, and God will be pleased with our unyielding obedience.

“It’s easier to deliver the Gospel of Christ to others when your life pleases God.” – Ell

Who Is Jesus?

John 10:11-18

I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep…As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father…I lay down my life for the sheep…other sheep I have, I must bring…I lay down my life, that I may take it again…No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself…I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…

Jesus is amazing! His love for the Father, extended to those who were committed to His charge. Jesus lived a selfless life, and never hesitated to express His love to anyone. Whether it was through teaching, healing, or rebuking, Jesus was responsible for changing the lives of countless men and women throughout the Scriptures. From the beginning of His ministry, until the end, Jesus held true to His Father’s will; never wavering to the left, nor the right, despite the many temptations presented to Him (some by satan himself).

Jesus is the savior of all mankind, and held the power to literally lay down His life, then take it again, so that salvation could be brought to all who would be willing to receive it. The life of Jesus was literally love in action. His words, works, and behavior were all mirror images of the character of God, and gave a vivid understanding of who God is, but in the form of a man. Just as God is, Jesus was patient, kind, merciful, generous, selfless, meek, compassionate, and all the other fruit of the Spirit found in the very nature of the Creator.

I love Jesus, because without Him, I would be drifting away into utter darkness. I am so glad, He came for me, died for my sins, arose to take victory from the grave, and the sting from death, so that I can have an invitation to spend eternity with Him in peace. This is who Jesus is to me. Who is He to you?

“What do you and God have in common?” – Ell

Promise Of Power

John 14:8-14

What is greater than healing someone who was sick? What could be greater than turning water into wine? What’s greater than walking on water? What’s greater than speaking a word, and causing a man to rise from the grave? What was greater than feeding 5,000 men (not including women and children) with two fish, and five loaves of bread? What greater works can we do today, than the list of awesome works I mentioned that Jesus performed thousands of years ago?

God wrapped Himself in flesh (Jesus), and came to the earth to redeem man back to himself, but while in the earth, His works were limited to a single vessel (Jesus), a single location, and the technology of that time. Jesus did some amazing things during His time with man, and His works continue to resonate during this 21st century, but what did He mean when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (vs. 12). Where Jesus was limited to a certain place, He now lives in all those who have surrendered themselves to God, and can literally be expressed all over the world, at the same time, through countless believers. Could this be an example of greater works? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus raised men from the dead, and this was definitely amazing, but we have His power of influence to awaken men from their dead state of living. Could this also be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus was limited to the technology of His time, and worked accordingly with it, but we have access to all sorts of high tech gadgets, that allow us to reach as many as we can with the Gospel message, in a matter of seconds. Could this be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not.

The Saints of God have the Holy Spirit literally influencing their every move (if they have submitted themselves to Him) and need not follow the man Jesus, as the disciples did, but can carry Him everywhere they go, inside their hearts, to do those things they’ve been empowered to do. This is just awesome in itself! Each believer can operate in the same power as Jesus did, to perform the same miracles He performed, and greater, if the situation demands it.

I’m only limited to what I’ve experienced, and what the news chooses to share with the world, but I am totally convinced, there are men on this planet, who have performed miraculous works, in the name of Jesus. There may not be apostles as there were in the time of Christ, who did those things Jesus did, but we have the same power flowing through us, that walked with the disciples, and we too can be used to do great works, even during these troublesome days.

Don’t limit yourself to the opinions of others, nor by the evil in the land, because God still reigns supreme, and you have His authority to represent His awesomeness, as Jesus did, in your lifetime.

“What do you and God have in common? – Ell