Vain Labor

1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

Hard labor was one of the direct punishments rendered to man, after falling to sin, in the Garden of Eden. It’s because of Adam, all men must work to earn a living, and maintain a balanced supply of necessary resources for themselves, and their family for survival. Working isn’t inherently evil, but things were a lot easier before sin interrupted the flow of things in the earth.

Today, men and women work tirelessly, to earn a steady income, so they their lifestyles can be maintained. While some work hard, and use their earnings to take care of necessities, there are those who invest countless hours of labor, only to spoil their goods on frivolous things. If all the money that was wasted on drugs, alcohol, strip clubs, and all other ungodly things was redistributed to help those in need, this world would be in much better shape than it is today.

Those who appreciate the time and effort they invest in working, tend to have a great appreciation for their wages, so that only what’s necessary, is what they perfer to spend their money on. It’s a very bad feeling to know that the money you worked so hard to gain, was wasted on things that have no value or relevance. The apostle Paul shared similar sentiments, when he showed great concern for the Thessalonian church. While visiting them on one of his journeys, he informed the church of his inevitable suffering and persecution. While they may have heard Paul’s words, they were probably uncertain of how those things would actually manifest. In any case, Paul’s prophetic words were manifested indeed, so much until he was unable to return to the church at Thessalonica, to check whether or not “the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain” (vs. 5b).

Paul wanted to be assured that the people he had ministered to were still strong in their faith, even during his absence. This is also similar to a parent, who invests years of hard labor, raising and caring for their children. They expect for their children to be obedient, and abide by the words they teach, but that’s not always the case. Thankfully, Paul received word from Timothy, the Thessalonian church was indeed standing strong in godliness. Also, their faith and love for God was still held in high regard, and they had “good remembrance” of the men of God always. Paul’s heart was pleased to know that his labor in preaching the Gospel was not in vain.

In our lives today, we may not see the fruit of our labor instantly, but with prayer, fasting, and patience, many of those whom we introduced the message of the Gospel to, will flourish, and begin to have an impact in the kingdom of God soon enough.

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

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Transparency

Acts 7:9-15

When I wake up in the morning, and open my eyes to see the new day, God is with me. As I turn over in bed, regaining feeling in my numb legs and arms, God is with me. When I gather enough strength to plant my feet on the floor, and slowly rise upright, God is with me. As I wash, then gird myself for the day ahead, God is with me. When I think of what the day will bring, God is with me. As I travel on the dangerous highways, going to and fro, God is with me. When I spend all day, pushing to make it through another day of hard labor, God is with me. As I deal with the pressures of life that come by way of those who are evil, wicked, or even my foes, God is with me. When I try to smile, stay positive, and keep a straight face, to hide the hurt, pain, and shame inside me, God is with me. As I give strength to others, when I require strength for myself, God is with me. When those who i thought were for me, turn against me, God is with me. When my body goes through seasons of sickness and pain, God is with me. When those I love, lose their lives, God is with me. When those I don’t know perish, and my heart still feels pain, God is with me. When the enemy attempts to knock me off track, God is with me. As I sit and write this tonight, exhausted from another long day of work, God is with me. When I consider, I am still alive, healthy, and have a sound mind, it’s because God is with me. I love the Lord, indeed I do. It’s because of Him, I can not, and will not give up. I am thankful for all who strive to live holy, in an unholy society; to all who are committed to staying true to God’s will. Be strong, be vigilant, stay faithful, because God is with you.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Do Your Job

Genesis 37:12-17

What role do you play in God’s divine plan? Were you called to preach, teach, or prophesy? Or, are you more inclined to work behind the scenes, doing things that help many, while refusing recognition? All members of the body of Christ play a major part in fulfilling God’s overall plan for this present earth. Whether your duties require hard physical labor, or other approaches, the end goal for all believers is to see God in peace, but along our journey to Heaven, we are urged to influence others to join us on the righteous path.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Have Mercy On Me!

Matthew 18:23-35

The body of Christ is, by default, subject to the authority of the almighty God. The God who created the heaven and the earth, is the supreme ruler, and all who are under His supremacy, have been tasked with maintaining certain duties and standards that befit His expectations. For instance, the Bible teaches that God is love, so those who claim to be His children should find it comely to walk according to the standard of God’s love also. The God of all creation is also patient, kind, and full of mercy, and these same character traits should be consistently seen amongst those who serve under Him.

It’s interesting to note, God not only expects His people to align themselves with His Word, but He continually monitors how each and every believer conducts themselves, in every situation and circumstance they face. It’s amazing how we soon forget the mercy that was shown unto us, when we are met with the challenge to be merciful to someone else. Our text displays this instance vividly in the parable Jesus presented to those following after Him. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a king, who takes account of how his servants handle the talents he bestows to them. Apparently, those who served the king were expected to use what they were given, and multiply it, to prove their loyalty and dedication to his cause. One servant obviously mishandled what he was given, and owed a great debt to the king. Thankfully, the king had mercy on the servant, and removed his judgment to have him and all his family sold, and he was not expected to pay the debt. Wow! If you owed someone a whole lot of money, and faced years in prison, how would you conduct yourself, after finding out all charges were dropped, and you didn’t have to pay back anything?

You’d think anyone granted a blessing of that magnitude would forever be grateful, and use caution when dealing with others, but some people never learn. Moments after being relieved of his great debt, the servant ran into someone who owed him a few dollars. Now, from what was mentioned previously, it would seem obvious how this situation should turn out, but I’ve learned that the obvious isn’t always obvious lol. Rather than extend mercy toward the one who owed only a few dollars, the delusional servant ironically took the man by the throat, and demanded payment immediately! Be careful how you treat others, because in those moments you don’t think anyone’s watching you… there’s someone watching you lol. Someone close to the two servants saw the uncomfortable scene take place, then reported the story to the king. The servant who was granted mercy beyond measure, failed to render that same mercy to someone else who desired it. Thus, judgment was returned to him, but worse than before.

Be careful how you treat those who seek mercy from you, because if you think back long and hard enough, you’ll remember those moments when you needed mercy too.

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

Ell

Work Work, Sweat Sweat!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

In the beginning, God made everything beautiful! All the inhabitants of the earth, were masterfully created by the everlasting Father Himself. The earth was originally made in a self-sustaining state, so that man could enjoy it forever, without working to maintain it. Unfortunately, that pretty picture didn’t last too long, after the man gave in to deception, and sinned against God.

From the time of Adam and Eve’s eviction from the Garden of Eden, to now, men are required to work, in order to maintain a living in the earth. Work can be a hassle at times, but our reward comes in the form of a paycheck. With that paycheck, we are then able to accommodate a decent living (in most cases). The Bible teaches, if a man doesn’t work, then he doesn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words, lazy people will suffer, because their lack of consistent work, won’t grant them the resources they need to survive.

Although Adam messed things up for all of us, God honors our work ethics, and endorses the command for us to enjoy the fruit of our labor. I know…I know… life sucks, people are wicked, the government is evil, the world is coming to an abrupt end, so why should I focus on being consistent on a job that’ll eventually fade away into nonexistence? Surprisingly, the wisest man who ever lived felt this same way. King Solomon had a moment when he hated life! Can you believe that? In his own words, he said, “Therefore, I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Proverbs 2:17). I’m not certain whether or not the great king was going through mid-life crisis, but he literally pondered the reasoning behind working for vain things, when everything he worked for would be left for others to enjoy.

We all go through those moments, when we are tired of the cycles of life, but God never gets tired of seeing His children prosper. Whether they be at work, school or university, or taking the message of His Gospel around the world, the people of God can honor Him in whatever capacity of life they find themselves. While we all have to work, let’s do it considering the fact that we will get paid (lol), but most importantly, God can use us on our jobs, or wherever we are, to influence others to get closer to Him. Take pride in what you do to earn a living, and treat yourself from time to time. God knows the struggle is real, but He also knows you can handle it.

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

Ell

Selfless Consideration

Romans 15:1-6

In our society, working together is promoted in all areas of business, education, and entertainment. Businesses thrive on increase and productivity, but their success can only go as far as their unified organization allows them to. Teachers work hard to ensure that their students learn and develop the skills required to advance to the next grade level. When done for the right purpose and with right intentions, teachers can impact the lives of their students far beyond their initial expectations. Without unity and togetherness, it would be unwise for any team, of any sport, to attempt to challenge an opponent, because their lack of teamwork would weigh heavily against them, causing them to suffer a great and embarrassing loss. From these examples, it’s safe to presume that working together as a single unit, will always produce better results, than operating from a system of dysfunction.

While teamwork involves all members working together toward a common goal, each individual must exhibit behaviors of humility, compassion, and understanding, in order for the “team” to “work” effectively. In our text, the apostle Paul helps Roman believers grasp a better better understanding of the importance of unity, amongst the body of Christ. Although each member of the body performs different functions, not one area holds more importance than another. The Bible does teach that we are to honor our leaders, and give them respect, but we must not consider our own callings irrelevant, in comparison to theirs.

The church is at its best, when all members perform their duties with all their heart, aiming to give God glory from their lives. Unfortunately, times will arise when those who are weak in faith, may tend to get weighed down by the heaviness of life’s struggles. During these critical moments, those who are strong in the Lord, ought to make haste to cover, protect, edify, and restore those who may fall, because at any moment the enemy could come and sift them as wheat. The Bible doesn’t teach us to be “people pleasers”, but we are commanded to live to please others. In pleasing others, we make ourselves available to lift them up during times when they feel down, supply their needs during seasons of lack, or simply loaning an ear or shoulder for someone to cry on, giving them hope that they’re not alone in the fight of faith.

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

Ell

Fatherly Love

Hosea 11:1-2, 7-10, 12:1-2, 6-14

Children born into this world are sweet and innocent bundles of joy, that at the very sight of them, brings indescribable happiness to the strong mothers who endure intense labor pains to birth them. Parents are tasked with the responsibility of caring for literally 100 percent of a baby’s needs, but as the child grows, and learns to do certain things on their own, this is helpful in relieving certain duties from the parent.

In their early stages of development, children are unaware of the strenuous labor it takes to raise them, but the joy of a good parent comes from seeing their hard work pay off in the life of a respectful, and disciplined child. Unfortunately, every family doesn’t get the opportunity to share a “Huxtable” experience. Oftentimes, children reach a point when they feel that they can do better traversing through life on their own wisdom, while disregarding the teachings, sacrifices, and foundation they were blessed to have in their home. Those who walk the path of their own wisdom and understanding, usually end up in places and situations that aren’t favorable, but no matter how far away some may stray, they can always rely on their parents bailing them out of their messes.

Why do some parents willingly go above and beyond, for children who deserve the worst punishment? Well, there comes a time in the life of a parent, when the love they render to their children, cannot be described. This same love stems from God above, and was put on display throughout the Scriptures. God showered fatherly love over His people without hesitation, and made certain they were properly cared for, even when they were unable to provide for themselves. Time and time again, God’s people would continue the cycle of rebellion and disobedience, only to return to a loving God, ready and willing to forgive all their sins.

Why didn’t God execute the fierceness of His anger, and destroy the people He chose as His own? Verse nine of our text gives the answer to that question where it reads, “for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee:” God is AWESOME! He can do as it He pleases Him. He blesses whom He chooses to bless, and brings judgment on whom He sees fit. Although I don’t understand all the ways of the Lord (and I doubt I will ever be able to fit all of God’s awesomeness into my tiny 3 pound brain lol) I’m grateful He has power and authority over all things.

I strive daily to live according to righteousness, and God takes note of my good deeds, but there are times when I drift away from God’s presence, and when I come to my senses to return, He’s always waiting for me with His arms wide open. It’s time that the church learn to appreciate God more, not only for what He does for us, but mostly for what He doesn’t do to us. We deserve to be punished severely for our sin, but Christ made it possible for us to be able to come to our Father, and receive a love like no other (I’m literally reaching up toward Heaven, trying to give God a hug lol). Be blessed Saints.

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

Ell

Do Your Job

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

Respect among the body of believers, goes a long way to ensuring unity, and effectiveness from all members working together. While striving to please God with our lives, the apostle Paul helps us understand how important it is to recognize those who have been placed in leadership positions, and the great task that comes with walking in their shoes. Many leaders don’t get the respect they deserve, because laymen tend to think life comes easy for them. On the contrary, real leaders face challenges more often than many are aware of. It’s a tough task to lead people, who all have different ideas and opinions on how the job should be done, but when a man is led by God, his steps are ordered in a way where the people will benefit naturally, and spiritually, if they follow who God placed over them.

Rather than focus on whether or not a leader is doing everything right, members of the body of Christ should be more concerned about the basics of Christianity mentioned in the text. Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica, to show love to those who are over them, as well as keep peace among themselves, warn those who tend to get a little out of hand, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. Just as our leaders have great responsibilities to maintain, we must also do our part to maintain a holy standard of living. Do you comfort those who are down in the dumps, and need a shoulder to lean on? Are you patient during stressful and uncomfortable situations? Do you keep peace with those who fight alongside you in the faith? Can you find something to be thankful for, in every circumstance you experience in life? I admonish everyone to spend more time in prayer, and ask God to strengthen your faith, fine tune your focus, and help you diligently carry out the duties Christians are to boldly exhibit on a daily basis.

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

Ell

The Redeemed

Isaiah 62:5-12

Upholding righteous standards, while living in a sinful world, isn’t always easy to accomplish, because the children of God face daily struggles and temptations, that are set to distract them from walking the path of righteousness. Fortunately, God has allowed His Spirit to dwell in His children, to provide comfort in uncomfortable situations, wisdom beyond human intellect, and remembrance of the teachings of Christ’s doctrine. God has also set men in place (although many have fallen away from the faith), to build up, encourage, edify, and strengthen the faith of all who are in Christ Jesus.

While the world continues on its downward spiral toward destruction, Christ’s disciples are to keep unity amongst themselves. As the redeemed of the Lord, Christians have a responsibility to express their affinity to God, through their living. When all members of Christ’s body are unified in their approach to soul winning, God empowers them to cause significant change, wherever they go. Times truly have changed since the days of the early disciples, but the power of God remains potent, and can still prove effective, if we make wise use of it.

We have been mandated to occupy, or work until Christ returns, so Christians should always be seen doing something for God’s kingdom. In John 9:4, Christ said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” The works we do are not to benefit ourselves only, but to help others see the goodness of the Lord. Many are occupying their time, concerning themselves with frivolous worldly matters, when they should be more focused on where they’ll spend eternity.

The church must do a better job keeping themselves holy in the sight of God, so that their witnessing to others will have the right impact, and can yield positive results. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2).

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

Ell