No people like our people

2 Samuel 7:23-29

In the beginning, God put His great and mighty works on full display, when He spoke all things into existence. From light being separated from darkness, to spreading various animals across vast lands, God’s incredible power has brought forth things beyond what created beings can only begin to fathom. Rather than bask in the glory of His goodness alone, God chose a people, from whom He could work through, to set the example of what His will was for all creation. Israel was God’s chosen people, and during the reign of king David, God performed many marvelous things for, and through them. No other nation could compare to Israel, because God chose them to be the beacon of light and hope, to guide all other nations to Himself. Although the children of Israel veered off to the left a few times, God never stopped loving, nor providing for them, because He promised to be their God forever. As long as Israel did according to the commandments of the Lord, their lives were set.

Believers today are in the same position, where God is ready, and willing to be everything for them, but they must first commit to His agenda. When our ways please the Lord, He grants us access to heavenly treasures, and other resources that are unattainable by those who walk contrary to the Word. Christians aren’t considered better than anyone else, they are simply rewarded accordingly for their obedience. The body of Christ is a massive unit of members working together to edify God’s kingdom. Each member has specific duties to maintain, that effect all other members as well. Similar to the workings of the different systems in the human body, believers work together to maintain a healthy, single unit called, the church. The church is special for many reasons, but most importantly, is the fact that it’s the bride of Christ.

All who are joined together in the body of Christ should be proud of who they represent, because standing with the people of God is always a better choice than walking with those who abide in unrighteousness.

Walk in love,

Ell

Elkanah attends the yearly sacrifice

1 Samuel 1:21-23

In a marriage, it’s of great importance that both partners establish a healthy rapport between each other, early on. To add to this, communication, and understanding should be at the forefront of any successful relationship.

Elkanah and Hannah were a blessed couple, who put God first before all else, and from their faithfulness, God provided for them abundantly. Even after suffering through years of shame and barrenness, God eventually answered the prayer of Hannah to bring forth a child. When we pray, the purpose behind our words should be to bring glory to the name of the Lord. This is because, if we want God to give us His blessings, it should be for something He’d approve of, and not for selfish reasons. Hannah prayed to God, and made a vow that reads, “O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs. 11). That’s a powerful thing to pray. She had been barren all her life, ridiculed, taunted, and verbally abused, then asked God to give her a child, only to give it back to Him. What a rare breed of woman, to have the understanding that only in God, can a child be used to their full extent. Parents have children today and get them involved in so many things that have little, or nothing to do with godliness, then wonder later on, why they can’t keep them from climbing on walls, and acting like Power Rangers. My advice to all those planning to have children someday (or already have them) is, dedicate your kids back to God, and allow Him to use them in a way that fulfills His purpose.

After having the baby, and nursing him, Elkanah was preparing to take his family to Shiloh, to offer unto the Lord his yearly sacrifice. His intentions were to bring both his wives, and all their children on the journey, but Hannah asked if she could remain home with little Samuel, so that she could wean him, then later on, bring him before the Lord, and leave him there as she had previously promised. Elkanah was consecrated to God enough to allow his wife to fulfill her vow, because he could have legally canceled her request, but discerned that it was necessary to leave her be. How many times have you promised someone something, then actually followed through when the time of fulfillment had come? Are you one of those persons who makes promises, just to get what you want, then forget about the one who blessed you, or are you mature enough to follow-through with your words? Hannah made a promise to God, and made sure to follow-through, because she was overly grateful just to bring forth a child, and realized that God would indeed use her child to do great things in the earth.

Walk in love,

Ell

“O LORD our God You answered”

Psalm 99

As the devastating hurricane, Dorian, sweeps through the islands of the Bahamas, and slowly creeps toward the coasts of Florida, I can imagine many of the affected inhabitants are crying out to God for help. One of the worst storms to be in, is a hurricane, because the higher the category, the more devastation it’ll leave behind. I can remember hurricane Andrew doing damage in my community during the 90s. We prayed that God would move it away, and He did, but not before it had already caused great amounts of damage. When bad things happen, it’s natural that we seek God for help, but my question is, how are we living before those bad experiences come around? While it’s one thing to live a life that pleases God during the good and the bad, it’s sad when people only remember the name of the Lord when trouble comes. When God answers my prayers, it leaves a feeling of gratefulness, gratitude, and appreciation in my heart that’s like none other, and I usually humble myself more, rather than allow pride to settle in.

God is holy, awesome, powerful, great, and the list of His attributes goes on forever! He wants to bless, and do great things for His children, but we must first realize the times we’re living in. We are truly living in the last of the last days, and God wants us focused more on His plan of salvation, than accumulating worldly treasures. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). As the world continues to grow more wicked, and storms seem to develop at unusual times, we should focus our prayers on things that are more relevant to godliness, as opposed to our own selfishness.

God has been answering the prayers of His people since the ancient times, yet their requests weren’t selfish, but aligned with His will. Our prayers must be the same way, if we expect to get a response from God. While it seems that the people of the Bahamas lost everything from the storm, if their hearts are right with God, they really haven’t lost anything that can’t be restored unto them. Let’s continue to pray that God’s will be done, not only in America, but all around the world. Consider those who have life a little harder than you do, and develop more of an appreciation for all the prayers God already answered in your life.

Walk in love,

Ell

A covenant to marry

Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Starring, three of the most honorable and humble characters in Scripture; Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Naomi: Ruth, my loyal and faithful daughter, you’ve been with me all this time; showing support, and helping me in more ways than I can imagine. Ever since we lost our husbands and left Moab, not once did you do anything to offend, or disrespect me. Many years have passed, and I’ve grown old, but you’re still young and vibrant! I think it’s about time that I return the favor by helping you find a husband. As a matter of fact, the maidens you were gleaning with the other day, weren’t they working for my cousin Boaz?

Ruth: Umm…I think so mother.

Naomi: Girl that boy is rich! Not only is he rich, but he’s also righteous! Rich and righteous…now you can’t go wrong with that babygirl.

Ruth: Yes mother, but…umm…

Naomi: What is it girl, let it out!

Ruth: Well, if he’s our cousin, is it lawful for us to marry? And I don’t want him just for his wealth. I want to be a wife who pleases God, then in turn, can please my husband.

Naomi: Of course it’s lawful. In fact, your closest of kin is entitled to the opportunity to take you as his wife, and give you children, since your husband died without giving you any. Later on in the future, most countries will forbid the marrying of relatives, but some will still practice it. Don’t ask me how I know 😉.

Ruth: Alright mother. I will trust your words, and follow whatever advice you can offer. But what if he doesn’t like me, or think I’m not attractive enough?

Naomi: Child please! You’re one of the most beautiful, and desirable women God has ever created. If he doesn’t fall for you, then something is wrong in his brain.

Ruth: (LOL)

Naomi: Alright, listen up. Here’s what I want you to do. Take a good, long shower, freshen yourself with your best perfume, then dress up in something modest, yet appealing. Then, I want you to go to a certain place where he usually rests, hide out for a few, then wait for him to fall asleep. After he’s snoozing good, go to him, uncover his feet, then lay down. When he gets up, he’ll tell you what you should do from there.

Ruth: Uhhh….umm… you’re joking, right?

Naomi: No time for games honey.

Ruth: So, you want me to hide in a man’s house, wait until he falls asleep, then lay near him until he wakes up?

Naomi: Precisely!

Naomi: Alright mother. I trust you. At your word, I will do it.

(Tradition says that women of the East, when going to be with their lawful husbands would, through modesty, and in token of subjection to them, go to the foot of the bed, gently raise the covers, and creep under them up to their place. In the case of Ruth, she was instructed to only uncover the feet of Boaz and lie down there until he should discover her presence, then tell her what to do. Naomi evidently knew that Boaz was a man with good moral character, which is why she could safely advise this.)

*Ruth follows Naomi’s plan to the letter, and now rests at the feet of the snoozing Boaz.

Boaz: Zzz…zzz…zzz…zzz…mmm..whaa… wha… what’s going on? (Rolls over) Is someone there? (Feels something at his feet, then looks up with sleepy eyes) Ohhh sugga snaps! Who whaa what..what are you doing….who the…what are you doing here?

Ruth: Please don’t be alarmed, forgive me if I’ve violated your personal space. I am Ruth, your handmaid. If you would be so kind, spread your skirt over me, for we are near relatives.

(Spreading the skirt over a woman was a symbol of taking her under one’s protection, and entering into marriage with her. (Sounds like my kind of wedding; private, simple, cheap, and already at the honeymoon).

Boaz: Ohhhh, it’s you! Hey beautiful! How are you? Did Naomi put you up to this?

Ruth: Yes, she wants a better life for me, and suggested that you and I would be a good match.

Boaz: Sigh… you are a beautiful and blessed woman, whom God favors, because you have shown more kindness to me since we met. I know I’m at fault for not following through with the kinsman redemption duty, and I’m grateful that you, and my cousin have reminded me to act on it. I give you my word, that I’ll take care of this today. As a matter of fact, take these six measures of barely, and give it to Naomi. I’ll get back with you when things are settled.

Ruth: God bless you for your kindness, and extreme generosity. I promise to be the wife you need, to help meet all your needs, and fulfill God’s will for your life.

Boaz: See, now you’re trying to make me blush. You better get your beautiful self outta here before I have to repent…

Ruth: (Smiles) You’re so crazy boy…

Boaz: Crazy about you boo…

*Ruth returns to Naomi to tell her the good news.

Ruth: Hello mother!

Naomi: Is that you, Ruth?

Ruth: Yes ma’am, it’s me.

Naomi: Well… I’m listening. How’d it go?

Ruth: It went well mother.

Naomi: Well, geesh! Where’s all the excitement?

Ruth: Mother, I’m overjoyed! I just don’t know…I mean… well, this is like a dream come true. It feels like I’m floating in the clouds. Boaz is sooooo fine, and sooooo sweet…. and I saw his feet. His toes weren’t ugly. That’s a major plus!

Naomi: Girl, I know what you mean.

Ruth: Here, he told me to give you this, as a gift.

Naomi: (Receives the measures of barley) That boy is a true God-send. They don’t make them like him anymore. Hang out here with me for a while. From the way you explained things, I’m certain Boaz won’t rest until he takes care of this matter today.

Ruth: (Smiles, and blushes)

This concludes another episode of, “Why Did I Get Married”! Thanks for tuning in.

Walk in love,

Ell

David and Jonathan separate in peace

1 Samuel 20:35-42

After doing all he could to protect his friend from being discovered by the raging king, Jonathan could no longer allow David to remain in the vicinity of the king’s palace. Saul’s mind was undeniably fixed on removing the son of Jesse from off the face of the earth, and he wouldn’t allow anyone, or anything to stop him from accomplishing this.

Following his last near-death experience by the hand of Saul and his javelin, David ran off and hid himself in a field, near the stone of Ezel, which means departure. How fitting the name of this rock, as David would soon be departing from the presence of his dear friend, and crazy father-in-law. All this was taking place during the days prior to the new moon. Hebrews offered sacrifices and held feasts on days of new moons. At such feasts, certain seats were reserved for special people, and David held a seat in the king’s court. Saul no doubt expected David to be at the feast, and his presence there would offer more opportunity for the king to try and take his life. But David was no fool, and remained in his hiding spot, until Jonathan came to him to deliver the news of his father’s intentions, and whether it would be safe for him to remain there, or if he was to leave the premises (this was according to the plan they had previously established in verses 18-23).

While the feast convened, Saul noticed that David hadn’t shown up for two days, then inquired of Jonathan what was going on. After explaining to his father how he had given David permission to spend time with his family during the new moon (not only did the king hold a feast, but families also offered sacrifices and feasted together during this time, even though David didn’t return to his family), Saul’s anger grow completely out of control, as he turned against his own son, and attempted to take his life by throwing the same javelin toward him, that he used against David. The wicked king’s heart was set on keeping the royal mantle in his family line, and believed that as long as David lived, he would be a threat to Jonathan’s future reign. Just because a father’s rule is tied to wickedness and corruption, doesn’t mean his son has to follow in his footsteps. Jonathan had a mind of his own, and was fully aware, and respectful of the purpose God had for His servant David, so he stood firmly against the ill will of his earthly father, in place of the divine will of his heavenly Father.

As David slowly emerged from his hiding spot, knowing that it was purposed for him to flee, he and Jonathan embraced each other, and wept sincere tears, as this would be the time of their separation. Evil people always make life harder on those with intentions only to do good. Because of Saul’s godless heart, the friendship between two of God’s most faithful, loyal, and bold soldiers had no choice but to separate themselves from each other, to avoid the bloodshed of an innocent man. Although this was only the beginning of David’s season of running, ducking, and hiding, the help Jonathan willingly offered David was of great importance, and help set David on his path to greatness!

Walk in love,

Ell

Asking and receiving fairly

Matthew 7:7-14

Does prayer really work? When we ask God for things, seek His wise counsel for answers, and knock on doors we need opened, how can we know for sure, God hears us, and will respond accordingly? Those are very legit questions, and I’m glad you asked. As the children of God, we have certain rights and privileges unbelievers can never obtain. It is the will of God that His people prosper, so all they are required to do in order to receive what they need to succeed is, simply ask for them, in faith, believing. The number one reason prayer isn’t answered for the Christian is, unbelief. Verse seven of our text tells us that we need only to ask, seek, and knock, then God will respond. The first letters of each of those words spell, ASK, so it’s obvious that God wants us to make a request, in order to get what we want. God is like a father to a child, who knows what his child needs, but desires that the child understand that what they need is necessary, and in accordance with their father’s will.

Praying according to the will of God, will always net you a positive gain, because your desires will be in line with what He already desires for you. On the other hand, praying amiss, or for selfish and unprofitable reasons, will get your request sent quickly to God’s heavenly shredder. Christians who’ve experienced seasons of trials and testing, are fully aware that there are times when our requests are delayed while God is testing our faith and patience, removing phony people who could potentially leech off our blessings, or because the devil is actually fighting against what we prayed for, as in the case with the prophet Daniel. Daniel prayed to God for a thing, and God heard and answered Him immediately after he had finished praying, but his answer was held up for three weeks, as the angel who was assigned to deliver Daniel’s blessing was hindered by the devil, who fought to keep the blessing from reaching him. We’re living in a world of natural, and spiritual warfare, so it’s imperative that we don’t faint, nor lose heart while waiting for God to answer our prayers, because He knows our suffering, and will NEVER allow our faith in Him to be in vain.

When your prayers to God are finally answered, how do you carry yourself after? Do you flaunt and walk with your nose to the sky in arrogance, or do you remain humble, and show God your appreciation by continuing to walk in love? When we have what we need from God, it is still our duty to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated. There are countless individuals who seem to have things all together, and in order, but fail to show love and kindness to those still struggling. I remain baffled at those rich and famous preachers and “profits”, who live lavishly, while their members struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The “Golden Rule” teaches us to do unto others, as we would have them do unto us (vs. 12). How can a blessed man, who claims to love God with all his heart, see someone struggling, but refuse to lend a helping hand. Even in moments when we have not the means to provide for someone’s need, we can follow Peter’s example, and offer a word of prayer, that can do more for a person’s life than silver and gold ever could. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). Does prayer work? Of course it does, when done with the right heart, right intentions, and right faith.

Walk in love,

Ell

The unbreakable marital bond

Mark 10:2-9

Being married can be a beautiful experience, because it allows the chance for a man and woman to be joined by God as one flesh, and one union. In the beginning, God instituted marriage between a man and woman, so that the man would not suffer being alone, the couple could replenish the earth with little rascals, and many other reasons I’ll one day experience for myself. The union between male and female was intended to be permanent, and each partner was expected to love, honor, and respect one another without conditions. When partners take seriously their vows and roles in marriage, there’s absolutely nothing that can sever their connection. Unfortunately, many marriages have ended in divorce for reasons including infidelity, money, lack of communication, unrealistic expectations, lack of intimacy, lack of equality, and many more. I’m beginning to sound like a marriage counselor, hmm…

In our text we find where the Pharisees were still up to no good, as they made another attempt to try and tempt Jesus. They asked, with ill intentions, whether it was lawful for a man to “put away” his wife. During this time, there was a great controversy about divorce and remarriage. It was known as, the Hillel-Shammai dispute. Hillel taught that a man could divorce his wife for any cause whatsoever. Shammai believed that a man could not divorce for every cause, except for fornication and adultry. The question posed to Jesus was not the right to remarry, but only the right to divorce. The simple-minded Pharisees wanted to know which side of the controversy Jesus was on, and their strategy was to make Jesus unpopular to the masses, or even be killed by Herod, like his cousin John the Baptist. Typical of Jesus, He threw a curve ball, or provided an unexpected response the men could not speak against, when He brought to their attention Moses’ thoughts on divorce. Jesus didn’t say that Moses was out of the divine will in making a law of divorce, but that it was because of the hardness of their hearts, that such a law was permitted by God, although it wasn’t His will from the beginning.

“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (vs. 6-9).

Walk in love,

Ell

Living wisely

Colossians 4:1-6

When people hear the words that flow from your lips, what impression are they left with in their minds? Do you often speak words that are pure, true, and holy, that leave others yearning to engage in future conversations with you, or are your words sharp, piercing, and full of gossip, that cause men to turn away when they see you coming? The body of Christ should make it a priority to always use wisdom in their communication, and speak with grace, seasoned with salt, or answers that will oppose sin and preserve the truth of God’s Word. As Christians, our words should be Christian (Christ-like), holy, wise, respectful, courteous, and desirable. More important than speaking wise words, believers are to portray wisdom in all their actions as well. Imagine how many mistakes you could have avoided in life, by simply seeking wise counsel before making certain choices. God is always available to give us His wisdom whenever we ask, and I’m convinced He knows quite a bit more than we do.

James helps us understand, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (1:5). King Solomon also taught “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The life we live on this earth is meant to mirror the same life Jesus lived while in His earthly body. Although we may not be direct descendants of the holy Trinity, we have been engrafted into the same royal bloodline of Christ. Men witnessed how Jesus carried Himself on a daily basis. The words He used were holy, pure, and edifying. His actions were in line with the same will that His Father sent Him to fulfill. Not once did He deviate from His assignment, and many benefited from His unending love and grace. We too have an assignment to carry out, and all eyes are watching as we attempt to fulfill it. Our lives are intended to leave a positive impact on the saved, and the unsaved. At no point should a believer become a hindrance or stumbling block to anyone lost, or seeking a better life. Just as Jesus did, we should continue in the works of healing, prophecy, preaching, teaching, and edifying fellow Christians.

The sole purpose of our time on this earth is to obey God, and keep His commandments. In doing so, our actions will be aligned with God’s will, we will treat all men with love and respect, and we will live with very limited mistakes, because the wisdom from God will guide our thoughts and actions.

Walk in love,

Ell

Life with Christ in the world

John 17:14-19

Jesus walked the earth for 33 years without giving in to sin or temptation. Some say since He was God in the flesh, it wasn’t a challenge to be tempted or deceived by the devil. But Jesus, like men, had to make a choice to obey His Father, or submit to satan. Yes, He was and is all God, but in the earth realm, He was susceptible to sin. For example, while agonizing in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked God, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Jesus had a choice to give the load back to God and save Himself, or push pass His pain so all men could be saved. I’m so glad He chose to save me. I mentioned this moment to give readers a unique perspective of the mind of Christ.

When God sent His Son to the earth, He entrusted Him to take care of His people. One day, Jesus had a conversation with His Father and told Him how the world hated His children, after He had delivered to them His word. This hatred was birthed from being disconnected from God, and affixed with evil. The world hates Christians, because they operate under godly principles, that expose the sin that they themselves remain in. Jesus said, “the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” All things become new when we accept Christ as our Savior. The world won’t understand this, because they know not God, and are unable to hear His voice. Jesus said in John chapter 10, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

It’s impossible to be of the world, and save the world at the same time. In order to be effective witnesses of Christ, we must be sanctified. In His conversation with God, Jesus asked Him to sanctify His people through His word, which is truth. Sanctification primarily involves separation from a profane to a sacred use, or to consecrate oneself wholly to God and His purpose. Jesus had the power to sanctify Himself unto God to do His will, even unto death. We are sanctified through the word, to go into the world and be effective in the works of the Lord. But it’s a dangerous thing to go out into the world unprepared, because the enemy awaits patiently as a serpent waits for immature animals to crawl out from their nests, to devour them at a moments notice.

Jesus sent us into the world to win the lost, but not to get swallowed in it. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” As believers, we can’t say we love God, but live in ways contrary to His word. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and we have a duty to carry out His commands, despite facing possible persecution. The world needs Christ. The world needs hope. The world needs love. The world needs deliverance. Be the voice God can trust to speak His word to the world, and use your influence to divert many from falling into temptation.

Seek peace,

Ell

Keep insisting until justice comes

Luke18:1-8

How often do you find yourself giving up from praying for things when it seems as if the answer is taking too long to come? When’s the last time you prayed for the seemingly unchanging corrupt government of your country? I’ve been praying for American government officials for years, but it seems like they’re getting worse.

When we pray, we expect to get a response, whether it comes speedily, or not as soon as we’d hope. But the key to praying is, it must be done in faith, and always aligned with God’s will. God is not obligated to grant any requests that violate His will and standard, so if your prayers are swelled with evil intent or selfishness, then you may as well delete that tape and start over. We pray not to gain an advantage over others, or to prosper only in material things, but to give reverence to God, and ensure our wills match His own.

In this text, the widow who demanded justice proved that it can be attained, so long as you persist in taking it. When we use the proper means of prayer, even unjust men will deliver justice to the children of God. How much more will God bless those who cry out to him?

God doesn’t dangle blessings over our heads to see how bad we want them, like children tease pets. Instead, His thoughts are not like ours, in that the time between the prayer and the blessing, He proves your patience, builds your faith, and exposes all those who are either for you, or don’t want to see you blessed.

Consider Hannah, for instance. She was a young woman who longed to bare children, but God “shut up” her womb. In causing a delay in her motherhood, it was revealed that Hannah’s husband truly loved her, despite being looked down upon as being barren, and it revealed the ungodly nature of Peninnah (the other wife) and how she provoked Hannah and possibly gloated over her many children.

Even in prayer, the prophet of God assumed she was drunk as she whispered words of reverence to Him. But when the blessing finally came, Hannah didn’t allow the delay, nor her unfavorable circumstances to change who she was in God.

Be faithful and consistent in prayer. While waiting for God to release your blessings, be sure to maintain a healthy godly lifestyle. Just because your answer may be delayed, doesn’t give you the right to quit, nor give up. Stand strong in your faith, and trust that God knows exactly what you need, and when you need it.

Seek peace,

Ell