Tag: will

A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-8

To sacrifice, in a natural sense, is to give up something you want to keep, in order to get or do something else, or to help someone with a need. People make sacrifices daily, for purpose specific to their situations. From a biblical perspective, sacrificing originally involved killing clean, and unblemished animals, to offer as a means of atonement to God, for man’s sins. Sacrifices were also offered to acknowledge guilt, fellowship, and many other things.

The sole purpose of a sacrifice is, something has to be given up, permanently. Interesting, isn’t it? Based on this fact, how is the believer supposed to be a “living sacrifice”? Are they to walk around as a zombie, like in Walking Dead? No, not at all. Instead, being a living sacrifice involves giving up all things that are contrary to holiness. Our old man has desires that the flesh yearns to fulfill, but the new man puts to death, all those things God despises.

A living sacrifice is witnessed through the lives of those who are holy, and make godly living their standard. It’s common for a Saint to act like Christ did, while in the earth, maintaining all the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. During His time with His family and disciples, Jesus never conformed to worldly standards. In fact, He stressed vehemently the will of His Father to all who would listen.

To be like Christ, we must experience a total transformation, by first renewing our minds. If satan can trap the mind of a man, he can then easily overtake the soul and body. For this reason, it’s crucial that we guard our minds against all evil and wickedness, and not give in to the temptations that are daily set before us.

To prove God’s perfect will for our lives, we must maintain His holy standard, in all areas of our lives, remembering that we are the salt of the earth, and we were called to season, preserve, and irritate as God’s Spirit directs.

As you continue on your path, guard yourself against the attacks of the enemy, while keeping yourself unspotted from the world. Although we are in this world, we must not allow ourselves to become what it represents. Be that living sacrifice, that’s holy, and acceptable to God, all the days of your life.

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

Why Pray?

Luke 23:9-15

Why pray, when it seems like God isn’t listening? Why pray, when the world continues to deteriorate, before our very eyes? Why pray, when the enemy works diligently, to defame the reputation of the church, and those who were once strong in the faith, have taken sides with that wicked one? Why pray, when those we love battle for years with sickness and pain, never seeming to get better? Why pray, when our family, friends, and others suffer untimely deaths, regardless of our fervent petitions? Why pray, when evil, vile, and corrupt men continue to thrive, and live successful lives, while the members of Christ’s body struggle to live from paycheck to paycheck? Why pray, when social injustice, “systemic racism”, and all other forms of unethical treatment toward minorities, continues to reign in lands with “organized governments”? What’s the point of praying, when bad things continue to happen to good people? Well, I’d like to pass the mic to a great friend of mine, and allow Him a moment to share His thoughts on the aforementioned questions…

…”Why did I choose to leave Heaven, to come down to the earth? Why did I give up riches, royalty, position, and authority, in order to take on the form of a created, lower being? Why did I willingly endure hurt, shame, lies, abuse, threatenings, beatings, slander, hate, injustice, ridicule, being misunderstood, despised, abhorred, detested, loathed, scolded, battered, spit on, pierced in the side, whipped, and torture beyond belief, when I held the power to instantly vanquish all who rejected me? Why did I suffer, and lay down my life, so that those same men who disfigured my mortal body, could one day be forgiven, and receive the gift of salvation?” Okay Jesus, I’ll take it from here. Whew!

Have you considered lately, how intense the suffering of Jesus actually was, or have you read all the things the apostle Paul endured, while still writing books of the Bible? Life is tough, I won’t deny that, but we pray to God to acknowledge that He holds all power in Heaven, and in earth, and while He can step in and right all the wrongs in the earth, He must allow His will to be done. Sin caused nothing but chaos and destruction in the earth, but God will soon rectify all wrong, then purify His people for all eternity. We may have to suffer a while in this life, but don’t allow your struggles, to keep you from communicating with God. Our Father knows, and sees all that’s going on, but we should continue to pray that His will be done, even in times when we don’t understand what it actually is.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Like A Boss!!!

Numbers 3:11-13

Questions: Why did God create the heaven, and the earth? Why did God organize the sun, moon, stars, seas, land, trees, plants, and animals the way they are, even today? Why did God create a man? Why did God create a man in His image, after His likeness, and with the freedom to choose? Why did God put the man to sleep, then remove a rib from his body (the lower rib, which is capable of regeneration… cool, right?), and create a woman (man with a womb)? Why did God give the man dominion over the whole earth? Why did God kill an animal, in order to clothe the man and woman, after they had sinned (when they saw they were naked)? Why did God shorten the lifespan of man, after removing them from their godly habitation? Why did God continue to bless the man and woman, even after they willingly sinned in His sight? Why did God tell Noah to build an ark, when no man had ever seen rain? Why did God command Abraham to leave his country, kindred, and his father’s house, in order for his purpose to be initiated? Why did God tell Moses (even with his speech impediment), to confront Pharoah, and demand that he release the children of God from slavery? Why did God allow Joseph to suffer, rather than make his path to glory easy? Why did God allow Job to suffer greatly, while even losing his ten children? Why did God forgive king David, after getting a man killed, to cover up his affair with that same man’s wife? Why did God entrust king Solomon with more wisdom than any man who ever lived? Why did God speak so vividly through the prophets, trusting that they would deliver His words, just as He had spoken them? Why did God send His Son, to save a world that cares more for themselves, than His everlasting love? Why did God deposit His power into 12 “Average Joes”, and allow them to perform miracles by His Son’s name? Why did God allow His only begotten Son to be beaten, bruised, abused, tortured, shamed, embarrassed, speared, spit on, mocked, ridiculed, slandered, and disrespected publicly? Why did God provide a plan of salvation, so that all could have the opportunity and privilege to come to repentance? Why did God allow you to be born? What makes you so special, until God wanted you to exist in a time such as this? Have you ever considered, you are still here to help reveal the power and majesty of the everlasting God to men of this perverse generation? Have you wondered why those goals and dreams you’ve been trying to reach since graduating high school, have yet to be attained? Could it be, God has other plans in mind for your life? Why does God allow sin to run rampant in the earth? Why won’t He just empower all His people to zap away every demonic force forever? Why does God rain on the just, and the unjust? Why did God preserve His Word, all these years? Answer: Because He’s the Boss!!!

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

Ell

What Are You Preaching?

Ephesians 3:7-13

The purpose of proclaiming the Word of God is, to edify and build the faith of those who are in Christ Jesus. When the believer’s faith is strong enough to understand God’s will for their lives, they can then put their faith to work, by compelling others to come, and become partakers and fellow-heirs of the body of Christ. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God, then all who preach God’s Word, should seek only to strengthen the faith of those who receive their words.

The church was established to continue the representation of God’s holy way, from the time of the disciples, until now. It’s unfortunate how many churches have conformed more to worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the standards set by the early church. The original disciples, along with those who were commissioned to go out and preach the Gospel, were keen on delivering pure, and unadulterated words inspired by God. They were bold, effectual, and most important, they were humble.

Early church leaders suffered greatly for delivering the Gospel message, but the more they were persecuted, the harder they worked to win souls. The same can hardly be said about modern churches, as the preaching of the Gospel message has been altered to satisfy itching ears, instead of building the faith of believers. The apostle Paul set a prime example of how leaders should carry themselves among the body, and of all the things he was accused of in his past, Paul never allowed them to distract him from his purpose. The great apostle went so far as to consider himself “less than the least of all saints” (vs. 8). This was an expression of extreme humility, which kept Paul safe from allowing pride to settle in his heart.

Leaders today should live in such a way, that God gets all the glory from their lives, and they should seek none for themselves. The average preacher you see on TV nowadays, dresses better than movie stars, drives the most expensive vehicles, print their names and faces on all the material they sell, while preaching messages that are 2 percent God, and 98 percent hot garbage. God desires that all men come to repentance, but men who refuse to preach the truth, make it hard for those who are sincere in seeking a better life.

Judgment is coming to the house of God, but it saddens me to witness many being deceived, because of men and their lust for fame and fortune. To those who remain true to God’s Word, be encouraged, and don’t allow anything to keep you from falling short of God’s glory. Continue to preach the Word in season, and out of season. Be bold in your proclamations whether people want to hear it, or not. Always remember, God will hold you accountable for how you influence the minds and hearts of others. So, if your aim is to use the Bible to deceive for selfish gain, rather than edify the body of Christ, then you’re in line to receive very harsh judgment, from God Himself. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

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

Ell

Seeds Of Love

Matthew 26:47-52

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:7-9). These verses aren’t the basis of this lesson, but they tie in well with the Matthew Gospel account of Jesus’ final moments on the earth.

Not much is recorded in Scripture of the life Jesus lived prior to His 30’s, but it’s evident from how He conducted Himself during the three years of His ministry, His actions were only good, and acceptable in the sight of His Father. Jesus sowed good seed consistently, and desired only that the will of His Father be fulfilled through Himself. Every fruit associated with the attributes of the Holy Spirit, were on display in nearly ever occasion in Jesus’ life. When men despised Him, He showed love. When others lied, and attempted to slander His name, He continued to speak the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Even when His most trusted disciples were unable to help Him carry His burdens, Jesus dealt with them in the Spirit of meekness, and showered them with love, unconditional.

Our text picks up where Jesus took a few of His disciples with Him to pray, before Judas and the group of those who sought to kill him, prepared their assault. Being all God in a flesh body, Christ knew every detail of Judas’ evil plan, and was fully aware of where He needed to position Himself, so that the plan of God could be carried out. Rather than fight against His betrayer, Jesus called Judas friend. If that’s not a “WOW” moment, then I don’t know what to tell you. The first thing most people do when they are betrayed by a supposed friend is, entertain anger, that oftentimes turn into rage and thoughts of revenge. Unlike carnal men, Jesus saw the whole picture, and knew that although His enemies seemed to successfully subdue and make the Son of God look like the villain, He would rise with all power in just a few days.

All the good Jesus had sown throughout His life on the earth, would soon pay off big time before the eyes of all men. Even when Peter stepped in to defend the non-resistent Jesus, he was refrained from continuing his attacks, and learned in that moment,  “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” (vs. 52). When we choose violence as our method to solve unreasonable and unfair treatment, our end will yield the same judgment, but when we sow seeds of peace, love, and kindness, even to those who betray us, God will ensure that our end will render only good things.

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

Ell

Justified Conditions

Jeremiah 22:1-10

IF you obey the Word of God, THEN you will be blessed in this life, and the next. IF you live right, THEN you will be daily loaded with benefits. IF you love your neighbor as yourself, seek first God’s kingdom, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, THEN you will be granted unimaginable rewards when you enter into life eternal.

IF you disobey the Word of God, THEN you will not experience God’s love in its fullness. IF you choose to go after other gods, to serve them, THEN you will live in lack of the great things God had prepared for you. IF you hate your neighbor, and your enemies, place God’s business last on your agenda, curse those who curse you, do evil to them that hate you, and plot revenge on those which despitefully use and persecute you, THEN you will fail to inherit the beauty of the New Jerusalem.

God set conditions, not to cause His people to fall into temptation, but to allow them the opportunity to choose the path they deem worthy of walking. Many prefer to avoid the path of righteousness, because suffering, persecution, and all manner of evil awaits to make the way hard for the Saints. But, IF we trust God along our journey, THEN He’ll make sure to keep our feet firm, our faith focused, and our minds set on making it until the end. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

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

Ell

Never Let Go

Isaiah 42:1-9

The confidence, strength, and endurance that fueled Jesus, as He traversed that lonely road to the cross, was instilled into Him by God, the creator. Not only did God have full confidence, that His Son would be faithful to His mission, but the Lord Himself, guided Christ every step of the way. The very soul of God, was delighted in Jesus, so much that He put His spirit upon Him, to carry out life-changing tasks. Did I just menton, “the soul of God”? God indeed does have a soul, just like the people He created. He has feelings, emotions, and desires, similar to all other intelligent beings.

Throughout His temporary journey on the earth, Jesus knew, that with God leading Him, He would maintain confidence, and not fail His mission. All who are in Christ, have the assurance, that God will lead, and guide them in the ways they should go. Although we may have different missions, all believers strive to reach the same goal. God called us to proclaim His Word, and be examples of holiness and righteousness, so that those who are lost, can see light from their valleys of darkness.

Just as God was confident in Jesus, He also knows that you can be faithful to the end, as well. When your confidence is in God, and not in your own wisdom, you’ll be led on the righteous path, all the days of your life. Never let go of God’s hand.

Walk in love,

Ell

Proper Prayer Posture

Matthew 7:7-11

There are countless verses of Scripture in the Bible, that teach us how to receive answers for our prayers, from God. Whether we ask, seek, knock, fast, meditate, perform good deeds, worship, or praise, there’s a requirement that must first be met, in order for our prayers to reach God ears, and merit a legit response. God is holy, and demands that His children be holy as well. Just as a good parent seeks only good for their children, God cares for the church as a good Father should. But, in order to justly receive all God has stored up for us, we must be free from sin. Free, not in a sense that we’re perfect, or mistake-free, but free as in forgiven, born-again, and striving to do God’s will daily.

Oftentimes, men pray amiss, and seek things that will only please their selfish desires, but God blesses us, so that we can be a blessing to others, while bringing glory to His name as well. Even children born into wealthy families have rights to obtain an inheritance, but certain behaviors must still be maintained, in order to receive what’s due to them, at the appropriate time. The prophet Isaiah understood this when he wrote, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). When we live outside of the will of God, He’s not obligated to hear, nor answer anything we cry out to Him. This is similar to a parent being asked for a treat, from a child with consistent unruly behavior. A good parent understands, rewarding children for bad behavior is not a common standard, and could possibly encourage the child to continue in their unhealthy habits (although there are times when you can actually show kindness to a child who’s deserving of punishment, and shock them back into reality). When we learn to desire only those things that are pleasing to God, then He’ll be more inclined to listen to our requests, and bless us accordingly.

So, when you pray to God, what do you ask, and seek from Him. Do you make petitions for things to make your name great, and draw attention to your own plans, or do you desire things that will benefit yourself, and others, spiritually and naturally as well?

Walk in love,

Ell

Power In His Hand

(1 Chronicles 29:10-13)

Men who’s lifestyles are unaligned with the will of the Father, oftentime boast in their riches, accomplishments, pride, and vainglory. These persons seek only to build up their own names, and make them great in the earth. They attach their names to business, schools, and even churches. Pride can cause even the most elect, to succumb to pleasing self, rather than directing all attention to the Lord. This is what causes many to fall, because they grow accustomed to receiving attention and praise from the world, until they prefer the glory and honor that belongs to God.

Conversely, men who have joined in union with God, acknowledge the fact that He alone is worthy, and deserving of all glory, honor, and praise. Rather than bask in the spotlight, they turn the light in the direction of all the goodness of the Lord. Even king David understood the importance of giving God all the praise, as he took advantage of opportunities to share amongst great crowds of people, how awesome God is in His greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. The ancient king continued to express how men ought to take notice that all riches and honor are byproducts of God’s grace, and cannot be gained the right way, nor prove profitable, except by His hand. “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV).

God desires to make all men great, but only for the purposes of promoting His kingdom, His power, and His holy agenda. Be not deceived by the world, nor its many deceptions, but glory in the Lord, and seek only to make His name great.

Walk in love,

Ell

A house of prayer for all people

Isaiah 56:3-8

The earth is filled with people of varying beliefs, customs, and religious backgrounds. According to a few reliable sources I researched online, there are more than 4,000 religions worldwide! It’s amazing to see, how of the two original religions (Abel – service to God, and Cain – service to satan), such a great number have been established in the earth. The problem with having too many religions is, while only one is right (James 1:27), the others were undoubtedly birthed out of rebellion, disobedience, pride, and other negative reasons. God is always right, and His Word has withstood the times from the beginning, until now. Even as the people in ancient times struggled to resist the temptations of false doctrines and religions, we today must also guard against all teachings that are contrary to godliness.

Unlike most man-made religions where works alone (not always good works) validate one’s right standing in such beliefs, God desires first, that men submit to His righteous will, then good works will prove each man’s confession. Regardless of what a person believes willingly, or by force, the Lord is always ready to receive any man who seeks to follow His way. Just as God accepted strangers, eunuchs, and all who were outside of His chosen people, in our text, God awaits to bless anyone who freely surrenders their own will, for His. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell