Foolish Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     Many Jews thought the good news of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they thought he would be a conquering King, bringing signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, and how could a common criminal be a savior? Greeks also considered the gospel foolish, and did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods, and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory.
     The good news of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many people today. Our society worships power, influence, wealth, and other futile things. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
     The message of Christ’s death for sins also sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness, but Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death. He will save us from eternal death, and give us everlasting life, if we trust him as our savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life, but their attempts will not work. The foolish people, who simply accept Christ’s offer, are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

– Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1997-1998)

Wise Counsel

2 Timothy 4:9-18

Times have changed from the days of old, to now, when the young would glean wisdom and wise counsel from the elderly. It always amazes me, how a child can claim to know more than anyone who’s lived more than twice the years they’ve been alive. But, I digress, and allow all to get enough bumps and bruises necessary to force them to seek after wisdom. Wisdom is a coveted virtue, for anyone seeking a productive and blessed future. Unfortunately, the years of knowledge and counsel the younger generations need to be successful (in God’s eyes), are shunned away for the cares of the present world.

The apostle Paul proved to be one of the most influential of all godly men mentioned in Scripture. He was not only motivated by his humiliating and regretful past, but his drive to spread the goodness of the Gospel was fueled by the sincere love shown to him by Christ Himself. Paul’s 180 degree turn from darkness to light, was a miraculous event, but he would soon learn that the journey set before him would not be as smooth as he would hope. The apostle Paul was bold, and sure of that which he preached, and he never allowed any situation or circumstance to deter him from his mission. He was inspired by the Spirit of God in all he set his mind to do, even when establishing churches. God guided Paul’s hand, and gave him strength and wisdom on how to teach those who sought after righteousness.

Along his journey, Paul’s message wasn’t well received by everyone, especially those whom he assumed would offer their support. Demas, once a minister and fellow laborer with Paul, had surprisingly forsaken him. Paul mentioned that Demas “having loved this present world, departed unto Thessalonica.” (vs. 10). It’s easy to get over losing people who were never there for you, but being forsaken by someone who fought beside you, leaves a sting that is not easily relieved.

There were many others who stood against Paul during his ministry of preaching the Gospel, but God sustained him long enough to fulfill the will He set before him. Many of the valuable lessons Paul learned throughout his life, he made sure to pass them along to young Timothy. Paul knew, just as he faced ridicule and rejection from men of the “cloth”, Timothy should always be prepared for similar experiences.

Living a godly life will present the church with challenges and struggles, but it’s unfortunate when those struggles come by way of those who are supposed to be fighting alongside us. The Bible teaches that we are to pray for our enemies, but we should routinely set aside time to also pray earnestly and fervently for those who claim to be children of God.

“Despite how young or old you are, seek after wisdom, and allow the Spirit of God to give you understanding.” – Ell

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?

Joy Down In My Heart

3 John 1:1-4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4). Wow! What a feeling it must be, to have all your children living according to the righteousness of God, in this fallen and sin-sick world. Men and women today get overly excited and pumped up when their favorite sports team wins a game, or if their favorite actor wins a coveted award, but all the worldly things we get amped up for, pale in comparison to knowing that someone you love, has given their life to God. Do you remember the day when you gave your heart to God, and the warm, bubbly feeling you felt inside? It’s almost as if everything looked brand new from your eyes, and you developed a totally new take on life. Imagine how others feel, when they grow weary of living in shame and misery, then wisely submit to their intended purpose in God. While it’s nice to support a team or person of interest, when compared to living for God, all that stuff is counted as pure poo-poo. Take joy and delight in knowing that your eternity is safe and secure in God, because you made the choice to walk in truth, and shun those things that can do absolutely nothing to help you grow spiritually. Then, support those who have also committed their lives to God, and encourage them to stand firm, and fight well.

“Happiness fades, but joy lasts forever.” – 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

Be Healed!

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Of the many gifts given by God, and the diversities thereof, one that is desired by most people is, the gift of healing. Sickness and pain, and all other unfortunate bodily ailments, invade the lives of many, but healing is desired by all, in order to enjoy the benefits of healthy living. I believe, no man in his right mind desires to suffer sickness, and make attempts to avoid things that cause it. But, God in His never-changing state, can still manifest divine healing to anyone He desires to bless.

The ways of the Lord are far beyond what my 3 pound brain can fathom, so I have limited understanding why so many good people suffer, and deal with sickness and disease, but I’m also fully aware, God takes no pleasure in seeing His children suffer either. There’s reason and purpose behind all things taking place in the earth, and God is fully aware of them all, but if I could operate in the gift of healing, I would make wise use of the gift, and bring change to many hurting individuals. Not only would I heal bodily hurts and pains, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual pains. Around the world, many suffer from inward pains, and other forms of hurt that come through the heart. Physical pain hurts, but emotional suffering can at times, hurt a lot more. While there are no medicines that can heal the pains of the heart, only through the love of God, and His grace and mercy, can healing of the heart truly begin.

Take time today, to pray for those who you know are suffering any kind of sickness, disease, hurt, pain, or shame, and ask God to manifest healing in their lives. We may not operate in the gift of healing, but our fervent prayers can provoke God to send His healing manifestation to those we love and care about, all over the world.

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

Show Me Something!

James 2:14-26

Whenever I hear someone brag or boast about their skills, abilities, or accomplishments, I tend to back away from those types of conversations, and eventually maintain my distance from those persons altogether. Men who puff themselves up, are usually consumed with pride, and have little to no desire to walk in humility. Then, there are those who are capable of making others feel beyond special with their honeyed words, but they fail to contribute what’s necessary to see that those persons truly attain their desires. My siblings and I were raised to let our works speak for us, rather than toot our horns loudly to impress others. Talking means very little, especially when works aren’t attached to them. This applies heavily in the Christian faith. The Bible teaches, faith without works is dead, and I highly doubt it could get any more plain than that.

God judges us not by faith alone, but by the works, or lack thereof, associated with what we profess. You can tell any person you love them, or that they’ll make it through their struggles, but the sign that you truly believe what you say, would be revealed in the actions you take to make those words manifest. The Bible also equates dead faith with the human body without the spirit: it’s lifeless, and incapable of producing anything.

A wise woman taught me, “Talk is cheap! Show me something!” Those words ring loudly everytime I hear someone give advice, or offer wise counsel. Nowadays, people care less about what you say, and more about what you do. So, make sure if you’re bold enough to say something, be ready to back it up with your works. If you told God you love Him, and He’s first in your life, then how you live from now on, should reflect those very words that left your lips.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

The Unpopular Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been popular in the world. Since the days of the disciples, even now, men have chosen to go after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, rather than submit themselves to the authority of God. Knowing that the world will always reject the Word of God, presents problems for those who make attempts to deliver it. Jesus warned His disciples, as they went out to preach, they’d no doubt suffer persecution, because those who were actually supposed to support them, were only using religion to gain status, and relevance among men. The message of the Gospel goes against the selfish doctrines men set as the authority during the time of Christ. But, Christ knew it would not be easy for His disciples to be accepted, and forewarned them of their inevitable opposition.

Majority of biblical events happened for a certain people, and a particular time, but this text can be applied to our day, as there are stark similarities in how Jesus described the people back then, to how men are today. Men who preached the Bible according to God’s command, were never accepted by the wolves who lurked in assemblies, seeking only to make profit off the people of God. Despite how impactful the Spirit of God works through a man, it’ll never penetrate the heart of someone unwilling to repent. The message of the Gospel also caused divisions in families, because while some had a heart to follow after righteousness, others loved darkness, rather than light. Jesus continued to warn His disciples how they would be hated by the world, but for His name’s sake, and if they endured to the end, they would be saved.

A true messenger of God will not deliver words to make a person feel good. Instead, they’ll try hard to convince all who are gathered in their midst, that the Word of God is true, sin separates men from God, and salvation is mandatory, in order to see the Lord in peace. Out of all the words that spew from a man’s lips, if his intentions are focused more on profit and prosperity, rather than soul salvation, then he’s more likely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

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

Ell

Contrasting Lives

Proverbs 9

Saints and sinners live contrasting lives. On the one hand, sinners strive for long life in the earth, to accumulate large amounts of material resources, while aiming to live their best lives now. Conversely, Saints are blessed with long life, as they operate in wisdom, while preparing to live their best lives in the next life. The wisdom of God is the most essential element that guides the children of God, as they are led along the righteous path. It’s by God’s wisdom, believers are able to leave the ways of the simple, in favor of the truth. Many have died, even in God, for making foolish mistakes, because foolishness has the power to cause men to fall into sin. In addition, just one error, can open the door for all types of sinful habits.

It’s important that the children of God allow His wisdom to spearhead every decision they make. This is key to avoid veering too far off the path of the righteous, as well as having a greater possibility of an extended life. Many desire to live long, but why would God grant a person long life, if they have no intentions of living it to please Him? Without wisdom, we have no clue of what God expects from us, and this could cause us to develop unhealthy lifestyles. The text mentions how even foolish women are known to be clamorous (loud), simple, and lack knowledge (vs. 13). Not only does foolishness affect women, but foolish men are well-known for exhibiting acts of cruelty, shame, and dishonor as well. I often mention, these types of behaviors are expected from sinners, but Saints ought not be seen doing unseemly things.

God is real, and His wisdom is extremely effective, but we must be willing to receive it, and apply it in our lives accordingly. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

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

Ell

Because I’m Happy!

Psalm 1

Some people consider happiness to be a temporary state everyone experiences throughout their life, but I’ve learned that some temporal moments of happiness can actually last an eternity. While that may sound oxymoronic, allow me a brief moment to indulge you with an explanation.

Our text actually begins with the term, “happy”, as the original definition of “Blessed” is happiness (according to Strong’s Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon). So, rather than read, “Blessed is the man…”, we can read, “Happy” is the man…”. That’s rather interesting, as this supposed temporal state of being can be enjoyed and appreciated every day. When we develop a desire to yearn for, and appreciate the Word of God, we’ll gain a greater understanding of the value of His written Word. When a man values a thing, he literally gets joy and jitters whenever he’s exposed to, or thinks on it. This is similar to a man who falls for a woman, and the more he learns of her, the more excited he becomes to desire her even more.

God’s Word is the richest, and most relevant source of knowledge on the planet, but I fail to understand how men can know what’s in the Word, and willingly reject it. I’m happy every day, because God offered me His free gift of salvation. I’m happy every day, because all my sins (past, present, future) were washed away, by the blood of Jesus (this doesn’t give us a right to sin willfully, and abuse God’s grace). I’m happy every day, because I can freely read, and study the Bible, without being persecuted, as many are in other countries, even to this very day.

It’s because of my happiness in the law of the Lord, that I willingly choose not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scornful men. Instead, I prefer to meditate daily on God’s inspiring and fulfilling Scriptures, so that I can always be positioned to produce good fruit, the works of my hands will prosper, and I’ll forever operate in the favor of our heavenly Father.

Are you happy, knowing that you have been made the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus? If so, appreciate that state of being forever.

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

Ell