Category: Faith (Page 6 of 9)

Incognito Christianity.

January 1, 2022 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body. And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds” –John 19:38-39.

As children of God, we are called—chosen in Christ Jesus, to live out loud. To openly, and with unabashed boldness, share the Treasure we have been given with everyone we meet—no matter what happens. They’ll be no hiding our Light under some bushel, no selective sharing for us. No shying away—eyes averted. Instead, we must love our neighbor as ourselves—not because we feel like it, not because it’s safe or comfortable, but because God has commanded us to love them. To take what we have been freely given and, breaking off a piece, share it with everyone we meet—loaves and fishes. Whether they eat it—or not, like us for sharing His Truth—or not, whether they accept or respect us—we do it anyway. Whether we are persecuted or welcomed as brothers, beaten, lose our jobs or homes, lose our place among family, beloved friends, and colleagues. When we don’t understand for ourselves why God is asking us to share His Truth with a particular person or group. As those who profess to have been crucified with Christ, we must live fear-free and brightly—especially as the days grow darker, even unto our death. We must not be hearers of His Word—a mere depository; instead, we must be doers—conduits, streams, basins of His Love being poured out on a lost and dying world. Living out His Truth, our Truth, one sacrificial step at a time.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” –Matthew 5:14-16.

Allow me to pause for a moment to clarify: Are there times when Christians must live incognito, yes. Wisdom dictates they must. Yet in the end, faced with whatever circumstance they may find themselves. Even if it’s their martyrdom, they choose death over denying their Lord—each of the Apostles and countless other brothers and sisters are my witnesses. Living incognito is momentary at best. Living boldly for our God is a choice each Blood bought believer must make for themselves.

And so what is this Treasure we’ve so graciously been afforded? This unfathomable gift?

By no means is it a “some-thing.” Instead, He is the Third Person of the Trinity. God’s most Holy Spirit, living in us. Our Father has chosen to take up residency in His children. Emmanuel, God with us.

Philip, the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons chosen to faithfully serve the church in Jerusalem—Acts 6:5, coveted this Treasure. He chose to live in noonday-like obedience to the Holy One who lived inside of Him. And so he shared his Treasure with many. One of these was an Ethiopian eunuch whose chariot had broken down on the side of a road leading from Jerusalem into Gaza. But he was no palace guard, or one chosen to watch over a king’s harem. This eunuch was the treasurer of Candance, Queen of Ethiopia—a man of pedigree and position. This eunuch had far-reaching influence. Not that God is at all interested in this eunuch’s position or pedigree; after all, a quick scroll through the pedigree of the Fathers of The Faith drives home the point that God appears to care little for such things. And our listening in on a conversation between God and the Prophet Samuel confirms this. It serves to remove all doubt as to what, in part, God does consider essential. And it has little to do with our positions or pedigree—save any access perhaps said position or pedigree may afford us—in this case, having access to a queen, her court, and an entirely new people group. Listen to God’s heart on this matter. To what He describes to the prophet Samuel as being vital: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart” –1 Samuel 16:7.

When the Lord saw the heart of this eunuch, a man hungering to know Him, He knew this man could be entrusted to serve His plan and purpose. And what was that plan? Same as it is today— Go into all the world and spread His Truth—further the reach of the Gospel message. Our God does not change. “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” –Mark 16:15. Part of this same plan is to be light and salt to a dark and dying world. To pick up the proverbial ball he’d just been handed and to run, full out, until he had passed it along to “whosoever” was willing to catch it, then, running full out in-kind—hand it off. Rinse, repeat. Rinse, repeat. And God used Phillip’s faithful obedience, allowing his light ” to shine before men,” to lead this eunuch to salvation and baptism. –Acts 8:26-39.

“With the faithful You show Yourself faithful; With the blameless You prove Yourself blameless…” –Psalm 18:25.

Unlike Joseph of Arimathaea or Nicodemus, even Philip, each Jews, Scripture does not clarify this eunuch’s faith—some scholars believe this to be intentional. Had this eunuch been a proselyte Jew? (a newcomer to Israel, a sojourner in the land, or a new convert to Judaism, perhaps)? Or was he a God-fearer? (A gentile who observed certain Jewish customs and rites yet did not convert to Judaism). God-fearer or Proselyte? We’ll never know for sure, at least not this side of eternity. Yet the one clue scripture does afford us is this: this eunuch had come to Jerusalem to worship the One, True, God. What we can say for sure, whether God-fearer or Proselyte, his heart hungered to know more of the Living God. To full out follow God’s Word and ways. How can I say this with such certitude? Because Scripture tells me so. Read for yourself the full of account of this eunuch’s story, of his holy hunger, and passionate pursuit of Godly living in Acts 8:26-40.

“The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”—Acts 8:34-36.

By now I suppose you may be asking yourself, “What do an Ethiopian Eunuch and Philip, an Evangelist, have to do with Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus, or today’s scripture?”

My simple answer: Everything! As believers in Jesus Christ, each of these men’s lives speaks volumes of everyday believers’ choices. Shine our Light, or hide it, live out loud for Christ, or incognito? This decision, as much ours to make as it was each of theirs. Hence, I believe why John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may have shined His Light on these two men. Object lessons in living with the consequences of our choices. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other” –Revelation 3:15!

To elaborate a bit: Joseph of Arimathea, who knowingly showed his defense of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (a group of pious leaders) who, like Nicodemus, was a secret, “under-the-cover-of-night” follower of Christ did, however, boldly showed His connection to Jesus, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, His Messiah, yet sadly, only after Jesus had been crucified. –Luke 23:50-51; Matthew 27:57; John 19:38.

And Nicodemus, the “Billy Graham” of first-century Jerusalem. A Pharisee of impeccable pedigree lauded for his scholarly knowledge; he too came to Christ hidden safely under the shielding cloak of night to have his many questions answered. And even though something deep within both these men was straining against their self-imposed control, threatening to erupt. Still, after having their every question answered, their curiosity assuaged. Even after Nicodemus proclaimed that Jesus had to have been sent by God, each man gets up and, cloaked by that same night sky, walks away. Lights each—yet hidden under baskets. Scripture doesn’t tell us what happens to these men once Jesus’ body was entombed. Their story shut up, sealed away, with the One they dared not live flat out for. Dared not lay down their life, family, position, and possessions, their status, and following. They dared not shine too brightly, lest others judge them, finding them wanting, shunning them. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea showed seemingly little desire to flat out follow Jesus, to serve and obey Him, unlike this simple Ethiopian eunuch.

Both the eunuch and Philip were unashamed in their desire not only to obey God but to live out what each knew and had experienced of God—openly, wholeheartedly, joy-fully. These were no incognito Christians. Are you?

Friend If you’ve yet to meet this Jesus I’ve spoken of today; I pray you do not close this teaching without asking Him to show Himself to you. He did it for the Ethiopian eunuch, for me and countless others, won’t you ask Him to come and live in you as well? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” –John 3:16-18.

Be Still.

September 11, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

Life is filled with cycles of mountain top highs and valley lows. It’s just a fact of life that we can’t escape. We do great, and then a problem comes, and we’re out for the count in a valley again. Then we overcome the problem and climb our way back to the beautiful views of the mountaintop where life is good. The cycle repeats itself repeatedly; it’s just a matter of time. I have learned not to get too comfortable on the mountaintop. I get premonitions, of sorts, when I’m about to approach a valley. It’s a strange feeling. It’s just a “knowing” that something’s coming. I couldn’t tell you what, but it’s that feeling of impending doom.

I recently got this premonition, and within weeks I found myself in the valley, and as I’m sitting here, I’m asking the Lord what I could share with you at a time like this. His gentle whisper just said, “you need only be still.” These beautiful words directly from Exodus 14:14 were brought to my memory, and I knew there must be more people who need to “be still.” I have this image in my mind of sitting in a boat, holding on for dear life as a storm rage around me. I sit, eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that He is my only hope. As I have this mental image, I remember a similar story in the Bible where Jesus was actually in a storm that could have claimed the disciples’ lives in the boat.

“… He said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!'” — Mark 4:35-41

You must understand something here: Jesus had just finished teaching the crowd about the Kingdom of Heaven. He was telling parables of growing in the word of God, He spoke of shining our light of salvation to expose what’s hidden in darkness, and, encouraging them, He spoke of the Kingdom of God in us that grows as we exercise our mustard seed faith.

He spoke in parables that not everyone understood, but His disciples had VIP access to His teachings to understand them fully. They had explanations that the crowd didn’t get. “When he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” — Mark 4:34. This same Jesus who taught that faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20) is the one who calmed the storm. I imagine that the disciples would proudly walk by Jesus as He taught these jaw-dropping sermons and did miraculous signs and wonders, but when it came down to it, the disciples didn’t have the words that Jesus spoke in their hearts. They knew in their heads that they needed to have faith, but the heart connection could only come through the trial.

I don’t know about you, but it’s easy to find opinions on everything nowadays for me. We live in a world where you can get someone’s thoughts quickly. The voices of others begin to consume our thoughts, becoming our point of reference. We know what the Bible says, but we tend to rely on what people say instead. It’s easy to say things like, “God is enough for me.” We know that; we believe it. But what happens when things start to get stripped away from us? Does panic set in? Do we resort to fear? Anxiety? Worry? Or do we remember His words and stand firm on His promises?

“God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” —Psalm 46:1.

“The Lord is my shield; my rock; my deliverer; my defender” —Psalm 18.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” — Psalm 23.

What do you resort to when the storm comes?

In this story, right before Jesus and His disciples were caught in this storm, Jesus told them to go to the other side of the lake where they were at. Without hesitation, the disciples brought the boat through the lake, knowing their destination. They didn’t stop to prepare for the possibility of inclement weather. They just went. When there is no threat, it’s easy to choose obedience to Jesus. Had they known the storm was awaiting them in the middle of their journey, maybe they wouldn’t have set off. You see, Jesus wasn’t surprised by the storm. He rested through it. He knew the authority that the Father had given Him to command the elements, so He wasn’t worried. The disciples, on the other hand, went from bringing Jesus over without hesitation to complete despair. They literally thought they were about to die. They KNEW that faith could move mountains and that faith could heal the sick, but when the moment came to rest in their revelation of Jesus, they resorted to panic. I honestly don’t blame them because that seems like a very human thing to do. But what if Jesus was testing them or teaching them a lesson, knowing what lay ahead?

Suddenly, we see Jesus almost aggravated that they’re afraid. He says, “why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” —v. 40. I believe Jesus is making a point here. While we can often feel the emotion of fear, we are not to be fearful, allowing the fear to overtake us. Fear and faith cannot coexist. You either have one or the other. The storm doesn’t worry you if you have faith because you know that God will deliver you. If you are afraid, then the storm will overwhelm you because you believe that the power in the waves is stronger than Jesus. Jesus’ authority in commanding the storm to cease amazed them, causing them to wonder who He is. Again, they KNEW in their minds WHO Jesus was. But the knowledge had not yet made its way to their hearts.

As I look at the world around us, I feel like the disciples in the boat. The world seems to be in chaos, but I sense that Jesus is in the boat. He didn’t tell us to go without Him; instead, as with the disciples, He is right here with us. We have an opportunity to respond to trouble with faith, not fear, as the disciples did. While it is easy to believe the words of panic from the world, it is crucial to put our faith in and believe the words of stability found in God’s Word instead. In this season of uncertainty, I am reminded of Exodus 14:14, which reads, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”

Be still. The exact words that Jesus violently commanded the waves are the words that God used to comfort the Israelites in Exodus as they were running from their oppressors. In a time where the only logical thing to do is to run or to fight, God tells them to be still. I sense that same calling in these times as we see so much quandary around us. If I could encourage you today in whatever you’re going through, it’s this: have faith and be still. Replace the echoing voices in your mind of worry that come from the world with promises from the word of God. Read your Bible and hide its precious Words in your heart. It is there where the renewing of the mind takes place. There is where your mustard seed faith is strengthened, and standing on His words becomes second nature. If you don’t know Jesus as the one who calms your storms, I invite you to ask Him in today. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, for He is faithful and to do so. He will command the unsteadiness in your heart to be still and will bring into alignment every maligned thing.

Be encouraged. God bless you!

Living Prepared.

August 28, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut” –Matthew 25:4-5;10.

Preparedness: the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action; the quality or state of being prepared.

Staring out my window that morning, this is what I heard in my spirit: In the days to come, there will be no time to get ready; you must “be ready. On the tail of those two words came Matthew 25 and 2 Timothy 4. “Show me, Lord.” I opened my Bible and began reading. Now to say that no two words had ever reached their hand that far inside of me would be a lie; God had certainly done this before. Reached within me, pulling me out of myself somehow and to Him. But one never quite gets used to God “suddenly” speaking with us, do we? At least, I pray we shouldn’t. It has been my experience that when God speaks in this “suddenly” way, I need to give His Words my full attention. Firstly, because God is talking to me; secondly, experience reminds me something is about to happen/shift/manifest or change entirely. And that is what I shared with the church last Sunday.

A week has passed since that “be ready” Word was given to me, and this I know, I need to sit with His Word awhile longer as He continues to unfold its layers for me. Also, that a Word given in season is seldom for my ears only; sure, it first pours through me. Cleansing, realigning, correcting, convicting me, as only God’s Word can. Yet its other purpose, another reason it’s been entrusted to me, is to share it with you and you and that group of people gathered over there, like some warm, delectable tear-away loaf. Offering “whosoever will ” the opportunity to reach out and break off a piece for themselves. Allowing all of God’s goodness to do within them what only His Words can.

My foundation laid then; we’ll delve in today by looking into the first Scripture that dropped in my spirit, Matthew Chapter 25. Into our need as believers and those yet to believe for self-examination. And we’ll conclude next week by unpacking 2 Timothy 4 and our responsibility as believers towards those who have yet to receive God’s Word. I say “yet believer/s” because Scripture assures us that no one has drifted so far from God that He cannot draw them back to Himself. No one is too sin-full for God. “He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us” –Acts 17:27.

As I read Matthew 25, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins caught my attention. Reading through these thirteen verses, I knew I was precisely where the Holy Spirit wanted me to be. “The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut” –Matthew 25:4-5;10. I understood these verses were speaking to the state of our relationship—or lack thereof, with Jesus. As I read, I immediately grasped Holy Spirit’s Words “Be Ready” to mean the one thing that separated these wise and foolish virgins had been their state of readiness. Sure, all ten had closed their eyes in the natural. Weariness had set in. The lateness of the hour had caught up with them all. I can relate, can’t you? Yet the five wise virgins had come prepared. Having with them everything they’d need to keep their lamps lit in the event the bridegroom was somehow delayed.

And so, the moment the Shofar blew, announcing the bridegroom’s arrival, the extra jar of oil they’d carried along with them was at the ready. Trimming their lamp’s wick, these five wise virgins were up on their feet, lamps ablaze, and following close behind the bridegroom the moment he appeared. These wise virgins represent those who sit daily at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His Word, His presence—filling up their lamps and their jars both. They always want more and more of Him. Offering up their bodies, living sacrifices, pouring out their very lives to Him again and again, their honor. Hearts postured before their Bridegroom as John the Baptist’s once was, in humility and deference, in love. “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” –John 3:30. And yet, like John, while these wise ones wait and keep watch, they are not idle; they continue to work while it is still day, putting hands and feet to their faith if you will, “He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was stranger and you took Me in” –Matthew 25:34.

These five wise ones represent those who know, in the very marrow of their bones, in their heart of hearts, as Peter did, as John did, only Jesus matters in this life. His will and plan—no distractions. In this world, there’s only Jesus and service to Him. Pointing everyone they know to Him. Living flat out, sold out, forsaking all else for Him—”no turning back” as the song so aptly directs us. “Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]” –John 6:68.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” –Matthew 28:19-20.

Sadly, the five foolish virgins in our parable knew only enough of Jesus, gave only enough of themselves to Jesus and to those around them to keep the meager, barely alive flame on their wick, burning. Maybe it was distractions that overtook them? Selfishness, laziness, the cares of this world, or pride, perhaps? It could be they were so chuck full of religion—of knowing their Bible inside and out, there was no room left within to nurture a passionate and lasting relationship with its Author? They had no reserve from which to pour, no Resource to store from no ember to fan into flame. They had nothing available to them to burn when what little fire they did possess was dying out. These foolish virgins are much like that soil described by Jesus in Mark, Chapter 4. “But they don’t develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the Word, they immediately fall [from faith]” –Mark 4:17.

One commentator expresses it this way: Jesus explains that the ground represents a shallow person who quickly accepts the gospel and seems to grow in faith very quickly. But their character is weak. They can’t absorb the spiritual truths they need to grow in faith. And so they “fall away.” To “fall away” doesn’t just mean to reject the gospel; it means to return to a life of sin. The parable of the bridesmaids serves as a call to self-examination. Are our priorities aligned with God’s priorities, or are we so distracted with secondary concerns that we risk missing what is most important — Jesus. And our living for Him?

And to these foolish ones who have neither time nor inclination to prepare for or pursue Jesus now, He speaks in such a way that makes the very blood of the wise run cold: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord …’ Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers” –Matthew 7: 21-23.

I thank God for His unfathomable mercy. Knowing, trusting, that while there is still breath in our lungs, there is hope. Why am I thankful? Because of family members and some friends who have yet to accept Jesus as Lord—because of you too, friend, if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Please, if this is you, don’t allow another moment to pass before asking Jesus to come into your heart. Repent of your sins, we all have them, and let Jesus do what only He can. Wash you completely clean of everything you’ve ever done, filling your lamp and jar to overflowing by placing His Holy Spirit within you, your assurance that you’ll not run out of oil. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” –Matthew 25:13.

Face it, Afraid.

August 14, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

I found myself on the shoreline of the most beautiful beach I’d ever seen; one might call it by happy accident. With only one way in and one way out, you’d never know this beautiful beach was even there except fate lead you, as it did me, and, once discovered, it was truly a sight to behold. Encircling the steep shoreline were cliffs that hold back an ocean that seemed to come alive as the wonder of what lies beneath its surface beckons onlookers. Copper sand sifted between my toes while my curiosity led me down the steep coastline that continued to descend rapidly into the water, a swimmer’s dream. With its splintered walls and four decaying posts, a hut stood not too far in front of me. It served as a resting spot for tired surfers and swimmers. “There is no way that thing is safe,” I thought as I observed the veteran swimmers hop up onto its deck. I could sense the power of the ocean as its banks tried their best to hold all that power back just long enough for me to be able to absorb the beauty before me. But the feeble ability of the shoreline proved no match for the powerful might of the ocean. So, its efforts at holding back the more sea didn’t last awfully long.

The receding water was the ocean’s way of communicating that trouble was on the way, or so I thought. I sensed impending doom. A tsunami-type wave was approaching. Panicking, I RAN to try and get everyone to safety. To hurry them out towards the only tiny opening available for everyone to escape through. This once beautiful oasis quickly became my nightmare. And yet, no one else seemed phased by this enormous wave that was mounting up higher now than my eyes could see over. Then, just as that terrifying wave crashed, I woke up, heart pounding, gasping for air!

In my dreams, I found myself on this beach several more times. Each time I wondered what my being there meant. On one such night, I pushed the limits of my fear and feelings of doom and just stood on the shoreline. And this time, like everyone else in the dream, I didn’t move when the wave finally came. Yet the anxiety that stood with me in my dream felt as powerful as that tsunami-wave had looked, and it told me it had come to take me away. And just as I braced for its crash, nothing. Nothing happened to me. The wave crashed, and it didn’t take me out. It didn’t destroy the hut, and everyone else just continued with their day.

The once anxiety-inducing tsunami, which had become a regular occurrence in my dreams, lost its power once I faced it afraid.

I’ve shared this dream in-depth with you because it marked me. Since I was a child, I have found comfort in the Bible stories of Joseph of Samuel. If you read their stories, the former proves that God can speak to us in dreams, and the latter proves that His voice is not partial to adults. Yes, even children can hear His voice, just as young Samuel did in the Old Testament. Like Joseph, I believe God was teaching me something about bravery in my dream.

Anxiety can often feel as real, terrifying, and overwhelming, inescapable, and larger than life, as that wave in my dream felt to me. But alas, God is not surprised by our anxiety or stress. He is aware of this very human condition and gives us guidance on how to handle it—with Him. In Joshua, we find a young man who has suddenly been raised to power in the wake of his predecessor, Moses, death. God is about to lead His people (the Israelites) into the land He promised to them. But before Joshua can get his men ready for battle, the Lord God gives him explicit instructions and a directive: Be “strong and courageous.” In fact, God gives Joshua this same directive three times within Joshua, Chapter One. God knew that this would be a high anxiety situation for him. Any human heading into battle, weighing victory or defeat, would be anxious imagining what lies ahead.

I imagine God knew Joshua’s mental state of mind required one of the greatest pep talks we see in the Old Testament. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” -Joshua 1:7-9.

Culture tells us that we can’t help feeling anxious. We can’t do anything to help with our anxious thoughts. It tells us that we can’t control what we think or feel. But this verse says otherwise. Within it, God instructs Joshua to go against his anxious thoughts and feelings and choose strength and courage instead!

Now, I’m not saying we’ll never have moments of fear or anxiety, but I am saying this: God will always give us the power not to have live-in, stay stuck in our anxiety. Through His Word, He gives us the tools not to allow our emotions to cripple us. Instead, He empowers us to face our fears with courage and strength. It’s as if this passage is our “how-to” on living courageously.

Obedience is at the helm of God’s instruction.

After telling Joshua to be strong and courageous, the next thing God tells Joshua is to “obey all the law Moses gave” (v. 7). Remember, before his death, Moses, one of the most important prophets of all time, was Joshua’s mentor. The laws that Moses passed on were given to him directly from God himself. So when God tells Joshua to obey Moses’ law, God is, in fact, telling Joshua to obey His law. There is order. God didn’t give Joshua a new set of laws; He told him to honor what had already been set before him. Furthermore, God tells Joshua not to “turn to the left or the right” (v. 7), speaking of having a singular focus. If Joshua had allowed the many voices that I’m sure were clamoring for his attention to distract him, he wouldn’t have been able to fix his focus on God and was He was speaking to him. So what is the takeaway? First, we must obey the Word of the Lord. Not looking to the right or left, we must focus solely on Him, honoring His commands.

The next thing outlined in this passage; we find in verse 8. God reiterates His first point: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” In this world riddled with distraction, it is easy to forget what the Truth is. We hear numerous self-affirmations, motivational speakers’ thoughts and ideas, and good vibes sayings, and we almost believe those things to be the truth. Yet so much of what the world says is true does not align with God’s perfect Truth. To give one example, how many times do we hear, “do what makes you feel good?” But the Bible says this regarding the world’s truth: “the heart is deceitful above all things” -Jeremiah 17:9. This Truth is just one of the many such examples found in Scripture concerning our feelings. Yet, in this one verse, we learn that although something may “feel good,” that doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do. Truth is found only in God’s Word. So if you are searching for The Truth, not others’ opinions or some feel-good message, spend time learning the Truth found in the Word of God. Listen to Godly podcasts and read books that will help you to grow in your faith.

Spend time in prayer. It is there, and only there, where God promises you will be prosperous and successful.

Finally, God seals this segment by promising Joshua His presence. He’s not giving Joshua an ultimatum in it by saying, “only if you’re not afraid, will I be with you,” or “don’t be afraid, or else I won’t be with you.” I understand this instead to be a comforting saying, “I’m with you; therefore, you have nothing to be afraid of.”

When I was younger, the house I lived in with my parents was located within the woods. I was so afraid of the dark. I would not go outside by myself under any circumstance. Yet, whenever my dad was with me, my story changed. I had nothing to be afraid of if dad were with me because I knew he would take care of anything that might attack or harm me. I think this is the same sense of security that God was trying to instill in Joshua. God gives Joshua his instructions, and then God rewards Joshua’s obedience with His presence. A presence that did not and does not fail—any of us.

Maybe you’re in a place where you feel you can’t face the waves of anxiety that are coming at you in life. Yet if you’d dare to stand on the shore and allow yourself the experience that the wave won’t kill you, after all, you’d find that fear truly doesn’t have to own you. Maybe you’re like Joshua, and you need to be reminded several times over to be strong and courageous in your present circumstance? Whatever it is, the apostle Paul reminds you to “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” -Philippians 4:6.

So if you’re anxious or fearful today, I encourage you to respond to your fear with prayer. Respond by reading and meditating on the Word of God. Start by surrendering your heart, whether for the first or the hundredth time and humble yourself before God. Repent of your sins. Ask God for His forgiveness and that He leads you in His ways. Pray these verses to God. And as you dedicate time to learn His Word and commands, He will bless and prosper your faith. I pray your heart’s desire is for God to be with you all the days of your life. I pray that you find the courage to face your wave and fulfill the God-given purpose you were created to, even if it means you do it afraid.

And, if you have not yet asked Jesus into your heart and life as Lord and Savior, please “be strong and courageous ” and do it now. The same promises God made Joshua can be yours today. Why wait another day?

Because You Believe In Jesus, That’s Why.

August 7, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” –Revelation 12:17.

Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do now? How am I supposed to deal with this? Where is God in all of this? This ____ is all too much!

Sound familiar?

Today, so many said believers are peppered with fear—others are just plain paralyzed by it. Their lives suspended somehow for years or moments, mere microcosms, some shell of what they were only a brief time ago. They are, undoubtedly, a far cry off now from what they were created to be—fear-less. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” –Joshua 1:9.

There are approximately 365 “fear-not” statements found in the Bible. It would be an understatement then to say that the “cares of this world” have seemingly seized so many believers in its Boa-like vice, despite these many commands. Methodically, persistently, thoroughly squeezing hope and life out of them instead, one precious breath at a time. “Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” –Isaiah 35:4.

And yet, is it possible that this season of storms, “this current darkness,” is purposefully blowing open the proverbial curtains of our professed faith? Revealing to us, and, by default, those around us, the true resoluteness of said faith? The condition of our foundations, if you will? What our spiritual houses are actually built upon? Because storms will do that to us, you know. Reveal what is or, conversely, is not in us. Scripture backs up my personal, “yes, I absolutely believe this to be Truth!” Why? “…There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” –1 Peter 1:6-7.

So what sustains us then, upholds us—Who and what anchors us during the storms?

Jesus makes plain that to have victory over the storm, to be left standing and thriving in its aftermath, we must be found standing on a firm foundation before the storm hits; listen: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” –Matthew 7:24-27.

Notice, friends, that both houses stood akin in appearance—until the storm hit, that is.

As I stated earlier: storms will do that to us. Reveal what is or, conversely, is not in us. Now I assure you I’m not saying this to condemn anyone; instead, to strongly encourage each of us to check our basements for leaks! And know, I’m starting with my own! And, also, to thank God for the time, mercy, and mortar, He’s given us to get any cracks we may find sealed up. Anything out of balance, wobbly or wonky, made straight with God while it is still today. “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5.

At times, friends, the enemy of our soul, strikes with his persistent Boa-like constriction. I say at times because there are also instances where his attack is lion-like. Brutal, bloody, and sudden. Darting, swift, and deadly, his victim thoroughly stunned and left for dead before they quite literally know or have had time to process what just hit them. I know many of you can relate to what I’m saying. Perhaps, like me, like many of us, you’ve also been walking through just such a season? One in which our enemy is attacking you or someone you love in his lion-like way? Maybe he is attacking both of you simultaneously? Perhaps his attack was aimed at a dear friend, a brother or sister in Christ, your child, or a family member? Or maybe his attack has been more subtle in your season? Less lion-like and more boa-esque? Methodical, persistent, vice-like.

Either way, today’s Scripture, and many others like it testify to this one Truth: our enemy’s hatred for God and all those who are called by His name.

It should never come as a surprise to those who believe in Jesus Christ when His enemy, our enemy, does what his very nature demands he do: kill, steal, and destroy. That would be akin to being taken by surprise when Jesus answers your prayers! Each of them, Jesus, or Satan, can only do what their very natures compels and demand them to do. Jesus made this painstakingly clear concerning both Himself and our adversary in John, Chapter 10. I encourage you to read this entire chapter for yourself because, in John 10 verse 10, Jesus lays plain our enemy’s character for us; listen: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Within this chapter, Jesus goes on to make His own character plain as well. Also, Jesus leaves no doubt as to Satan’s singular, fixed mission. He wants you dead!

The Apostle Peter reminds us too of Satan’s hate-full, singular purpose: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” –1 Peter 5:8.

This ongoing onslaught from our enemy is, currently, has been, throughout its history, and will always be, Israel’s plight—until that is, that instant Messiah Jesus returns and saves His first-born son. Take to heart Peter’s words then and, “Stay alert!” Because it only follows, fellow believers, since you and I have been grafted into this Olive tree, we’ll also experience persecution, hatred, and attacks of various types. Until that is, we’re either raptured to meet Him in the clouds (my heart’s desire and great hope) or until our mortal tent is folded and our then eyes open in eternity to see Jesus face-to-face. “If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you” –Romans 11:16-18.

So then, in answer to the “why is this happening” question posed by so many believers today, said plainly, all that’s happening right now must happen. It’s been foretold. It must come to pass. Everything and more that you see playing out on the evening news, every news report you hear from around the globe, all of it must happen. Yet nothing, not one thing, is going on in this world that is catching God by surprise. Some of us, yes. God, never. It all ties in, somehow, to His ultimate plan for humankind. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” –Isaiah 55:8-9.

Yet as Christians, we are only walking through this current darkness, this valley of death—our final purging perhaps, while it all plays itself out. God has spoken, and His Word cannot return to Him void. Remember, child of God, that so long as you are still in this world, the prince of this world can do nothing other than what his character demands of him to do: kill, steal, and destroy. But God!

If you are sealed in Christ Jesus, however, have been purchased by His Blood, are His child, “fear not,” Be strong and courageous. Remembering not only who you are but to Whom you belong!

Take to heart, drink deeply, the Words of Life and hope and strength Jesus whispers into the very marrow of your bones—His Life-giving promise to you. Fortifying you, making sure your every step as pass-through this valley of purging, of purifying. Your Good Shephard leading and guiding your way. Hear and wrap your every momentary trembling in these Words of comfort and assurance, straightening your spine then, start thanking your Lord in advance. Proclaiming your victory even now! “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you” –Isaiah 41:13.

And dear friend, if you have yet to ask Jesus, whose promise is to never leave you nor forsake you, into your heart as Lord of all, do I right now, please. I know you can see how dark this world is becoming. So please, don’t wait. Jesus is calling you to Himself. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” –Revelation 3:20-21.

That’s It. One More Step Now.

July 31, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]” –Hebrews 10:23.

A brief recap: Back in January of this year, our church entered a 21-day corporate fast. Our pastors chose several leaders to oversee online mid-week prayer groups to encourage those who would join us in this fast. I had the great privilege of being selected as one of those leaders. I share this tidbit of history only to offer you a glimpse into some understanding of the heart and genesis of this teaching. And because last night was our final night of gathering as said prayer group.

In this season, at least, it was our final night to link arms, storming the gates of heaven, lifting up the needs and requests of the Body, covering our pastors and leaders, our teams, families, and encouraging each other to keep on going. To keep pressing into all that God has for us, come what may. Regardless of the times, the persecution, the rejection, the naysayers, or ridicule that comes our way, resulting from our faith in Jesus. To say that our hearts have been knit together in Christ as a result of these many months of praying and pressing in would be an understatement.

This teaching is the full version of the bite-sized bit of reminding and encouragement the Lord had me share with my church family on our last bitter-sweet night together. So, now that you’re all caught up, we can jump right in!

I pray this teaching blesses and encourages you.

What I was given to share with the group came out of John 17. As I said, Jesus’ “Farewell Prayer.” His High Priestly Prayer: what He prayed for the friends who had walked alongside Him during His earthy ministry—and, what He prayed for us, His Church. Those of us He has called to leave our proverbial nets behind us, pick up our cross and follow Him—as decidedly as Peter, Andrew, James, and John once did.

But before I get into the thick of this message, you may be asking why I used Hebrews as the Scripture verse if this teaching was taken from John 17? My answer? This verse in Hebrews is a confirmation. A witness to what Jesus prayed in John 17. It reminds us, fortifies within us, points us towards the surety and hope found within Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. In essence, it’s another layer of Truth and hope.

Jesus’ prayer exposes some of what is hidden within His heart sometime before He broke bread with His friends, one last time; before He would take Peter, James and John, the sons of thunder, with Him to pray in Gethsemane’s Garden, one final time. Before, Jesus was beaten beyond recognition and unjustly condemned to die a criminal’s death having been nailed to a tree.

With its rich tones of unplumbed and eternal reverence, deep, abiding love, and a submissive foreknowledge, Jesus lifts His prayer, this confirmation, this eternal Truth, His request up before our Father. An aside: I wonder if Jesus had prayed this prayer, or something like it, on one of the many occasions when He would go off to some quiet place to pray and spend time with the Father? But that rabbit hole is for another day.

The heartbeat of this High Priestly prayer is Jesus’ Pure, sacrificial Love. Jesus is God’s guarantee to us that what binds us to Him can never be broken. “…Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” –Revelation 5:2-5.

This prayer is saturated in encouragement, full of promise and hope. And who doesn’t need the hope only Jesus offers to just pour over them, their family and ministry, their every dry and trembling place right now!

This prayer drips earnestly off Jesus’ tongue, drops lovingly, intentionally, into our parched places—breaking open the dry and barren places in our hearts. New hope then, a renewed exuberance is restored, made fresh. Bursting forth from us as sure and readily as closed-up bud’s spring open after the rains.

In His Sovereignty, Christ knows not only what we need but precisely when and where we need it.

So, as you read this, be re-minded that this same High Priest is interceding for you still—and always. And, be re-minded too, of the Life-giving, Resurrecting, Transforming Power of the Holy One who has taken up residence within your fragile, human frame—if, you have made Jesus the Lord of your life.

Hear and be encouraged then by what “Thus says the Lord” concerning you.

In John 17:6, we hear Jesus re-minding us that we have always been His. In Him, even as He is in the Father. “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word.”

You were in Jesus as He stood over the dark void speaking suns and moons, plants, and planets into existence. As He separated one thing from another, you and I were in Him. A mystery far too great for this writer’s finite mind to take in. Yet how grateful I am to serve a God I cannot fully take in! We hear Paul echoing this Truth back to us in Ephesians 1:4-5. Listen: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

And in verse 12, Jesus re-minds us that we are protected and guarded in Him—by Him. Nothing can come to us, no accident or harm, no sickness, or loss, no “painful” thing, can touch our lives without Jesus’ permission. “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said” –Job 2:10.

This is a hard Truth. But it is Truth, nevertheless. “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger” –Job 1:9-12.

Because you belong to the Living God, you will suffer in this world. Jesus Himself assured us of this. But He also re-mind us to have courage, stand firm, rejoice, be strong, and courageous when all manner of evil comes against us because you are His; He has overcome this world. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” –John 16:33.

We also hear Jesus re-mind us that we have been chosen and created to live holy lives. “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth” –John 17:17-18. Once again, Paul echoes this same Truth in 2 Corinthians 7:1. “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

To say the world we live in is divided would be a gross understatement. Yet in verse 21, we hear Jesus re-mind His children to live in unity—in oneness. We are God’s living Epistles. What kind of a message would we share with a lost and dying world if we act as disjointed and divided as it does? Hear Jesus’ heart for us: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” And I’ll turn to Paul yet again to help solidify this Truth in our hearts, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” –Romans 14:19.

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul tells us that now we see in part, but soon and very soon, we’ll see fully and clearly. “Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” We have Jesus’ assurance that those who are His will one day be with Him eternally. Jesus wants us for Himself. We are His Bride. He bought and paid for us with His Spotless Blood. “Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” –verse 24.

This is your destiny, Beloved of God. To be where Jesus is, with Him, singing His praise, drinking in His beauty, His Majesty, eternally.

It’s getting darker by the day, friends. The Restrainer is pulling His hand back. Rejection and persecution are amping up in ways we’ve not witnessed in our lifetime. Church doors are closing daily, and the chaotic, confusing messages of the world are getting louder and louder. Wars and rumors of wars. Gender confusion. Plagues and masks, fear and isolation. Economic instability and social unrest—it all sounds like something out of a bad novel. Yet Jesus re-minds us in His Word not to be surprised by all these things we’re witnessing. Not to lose hope because of what we see happening around us. These things must happen. Instead, look up! Take courage and rejoice because your redemption, your long-awaited desire to see Jesus face-to-face, is about to be fulfilled!

Keep your lamps filled, child of God!

But until then, brothers and sisters, until He comes for us, keep loving each other—your neighbor as yourself. And don’t stop showing hospitality to those around you—give and give and give some more; you can never out-give God. Pray—always, for your loved ones, for that one in prison, and those behind bars. Pray for the one the Holy Spirit is calling in these final hours and minutes. Pray for yourself. Repent of your sins and turn to the only one who can save you. Jesus Christ. Eternity is a long time to have gotten it all wrong. So if you have yet to ask this Jesus into your heart and life as Lord and Savior, allow me to share this final reminder with you. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”—John 14:6.

Please, ask Jesus into your heart today. We are not promised tomorrow. This is not a scare tactic, friend; it is the Truth spoken in love. Listen! You who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this city and stay a year and make money.” You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? It is like fog. You see it and soon it is gone” –James 4:13-14.

Do Everything In Love.

July 24, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Let everything you do be done in love (motivated and inspired by God’s love for us).” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Last week, while alone in my room, my laptop opened to a blank Microsoft Word page; I asked the Holy Spirit to direct me on what I should write for this blog. Immediately after praying, the Holy Spirit’s gentle response to me was, “Do everything in love….”

I smiled in thankfulness at the Holy Spirit’s prompt response and was consumed with peace by His short yet profound statement. Aware that the Holy Spirit’s response was a bible verse, I opened my Bible to 1 Corinthians. Instantly, my eyes were drawn to the verse, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be Courageous. Be Strong. And do everything in love” –1 Corinthians 16: 13-14. Heart racing now, I wanted to understand 1 Corinthians more fully and why its writer, the Apostle Paul, felt led to share these particular words with the church in Corinth? “Do everything in love.”

So as not to bore you then, I’ll attempt to answer in cliff notes summary style.

Paul founded the church in Corinth, and a few years later, after leaving the church, he received upsetting reports about the Corinthian church. Some of these troubling reports included sexual immorality, division, improper use of spiritual gifts, and pride. 1 Corinthians is the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. In part, this letter’s intention is Paul’s bid at recentering, unifying, and redirecting those who had either strayed or had blatantly sinned—turning them back then towards the pure gospel message he had shared with them. He bundled his letter in loving correction and warning both. Yet, it was love that had motivated Paul to bring this correction to this early church. His focus and solution to the divisive and blatant sin issues found in the Corinth church were grounded in love.

Firstly, and foremost, Paul wanted them each to live righteously out of love for Jesus Christ. Live as Christ has commanded all His children to live. Holy, as He is holy. Then, flowing from their love for Christ, brotherly love, one for another. Otherwise, their professed faith would be thin, cold, and hollow. A mere shell or show. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing” –1 Corinthians 13: 1-3.

What Truth is Paul unfolding in this verse?

In part, Paul’s expressing that although you may be spiritually gifted, operate in the prophetic, possess great faith, knowledge, or speak in the languages of men and angels. Without love, you will miss the pure mark of faithfully and genuinely serving both God and man. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” –1 Corinthians 13:13. In Romans, Paul says this concerning our demonstrating brotherly love. “Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other” –Romans 12:10. And in Ephesians, Paul shared this regarding the same brotherly love: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” –Ephesians 4:2. So, in essence, then, without the powerful, motivating, and equipping force of love, spiritual gifts are hollow and perhaps, of little worth.

Now you may be asking yourself, “Why love?” What’s so important about love or loving? Above all, God is Love. And sharing this Truth of God’s great love for us was the motivation behind almost everything Paul did and taught and spoke of in every church he visited and in every letter he wrote. His heart, his purpose, and his calling were to point us towards the love of God. So, let’s pivot here and look at God’s love for us more closely. Love is God’s divine well. His unplumbed Life-source. The very ecosystem in which we Christians grow and thrive. After washing His disciple’s feet, Jesus instructed His disciples in a selfless new command concerning this deep need for love—our need to do all things in love. “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” –John 13:34-35.

According to Jesus, the way in which His children demonstrate and operate in love ought to distinguish us—from the world.

Now one of the things I love about Jesus is that He didn’t just preach about love; He demonstrated it. Demonstrates it still. Jesus modeled the mark we ought to be stretching to reach throughout our Christian walk. Jesus showed His love for us in so many ways. Moving with compassion, He fed the hungry, “Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way” –Matthew 15:32. Via this same compassion, He taught the lost about the Kingdom of God, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” –Mark 6:34.

In His well-known interaction with the woman at the well, Jesus demonstrated that His pure, fiery, limitless love transcends one’s station, gender, social customs, and culture. Surely Jesus knew of this woman’s lifestyle and history, yet never once did He condemn her. Instead, He spoke the Truth in love, telling her, her whole life’s story. Grace met her where she was and then filled her afresh with Living water. Jesus washed her in His Word. His Love made her a new creation. “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” –John 4: 13-14. And by far God’s greatest demonstration of Love, His matchless, sacrificial love was demonstrated through His giving us His only Begotten Son, Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” –John 3:16.

I literally could go on and on about the countless wonder-full works of God. Telling of the ways, He demonstrates His loving nature towards humanity. He is the perfect example of ” do everything in love.” So join me next time when I’ll conclude this teaching with some practical ways, we as believers, and those desiring to be, can do “everything in love.”

And if you’ve yet to experience this great love God has for you, I invite you to ask Him to open it up to you now, today, so that you can and will know the pure and endless love of the only God who died that you might have life eternal! “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death” –1 John 3:14.

Unmatched Favor.

July 10, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” -James 5:16b

Someone recently shared this verse with me, and it struck me like a bolt of lightning, lighting up my core. The word prayer is one of those words that, to the average person, can be a term that’s just thrown around like any other sentiment. Someone saying “I’ll pray for you” is often a straightforward response to a difficult situation. Yet, some people use the word prayer in conjunction with their “thoughts” as if they’re the same. Prayer, however, is a most powerful weapon to Christians. It is as real as the blog you’re reading right now. It’s as pure and necessary as the air you breathe in, yet potent enough to elicit a response from a very real God who has the power to change those things you desire to see changed. The whole verse reads as follows: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” -James 5:16.

By enabling us to pray to Him, God has given us such a powerful tool to use in the simple act of communicating with Him.

Today’s verse doesn’t say that the thoughts of a person are powerful and effective. It also doesn’t say that the prayers of just any person are powerful and effective. It does say: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Effective: successful in producing a desired or intended result. (The Oxford Dictionary)

I often think about praying for someone or something and then forget to do it; I’m confident that others can relate to this. Lately, however, I have been feeling challenged in this area.

Thinking about praying and actually praying are two totally different things, much like thinking about going to the market and actually going to the market are two different things, yielding two hugely different results. Thinking about praying is like talking to yourself about any given situation. On your own, you don’t have the power to see the impossible come to pass. However, partnering with God through prayer plugging into your power source; that’s when you see miracles happen, answers falling like rain. We see countless times in scripture this practice of others asking God a thing in prayer, in faith, believing that if it is in accordance with His will, it will be done for them, and then they receive it. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” -1 John 5:14.

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” -John 14:14.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” -Matthew 7:7-8

“You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.” -Job 22:27.

So yes, while prayer is a place of receiving from the Lord, it’s also the place where we commune with Him, draw near to Him. “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” -Psalm 145:18.

Have you ever met someone who seems to get every prayer they pray answered? For me, I witnessed someone like this a few years ago. She was a personal mentor of mine and was an avid prayer warrior. She was so confident in God that she prayed and believed in EVERYTHING. Let me tell you, things I never even thought to pray for; things that seemed to be part of everyday life, she would respond to them in prayer. Many things she prayed for came to pass.

So, what caused this woman to find such favor with God? What empowered her prayers, rendering them effective?

As I read and reread James 5:16, I remembered her. That mentor I had so many years ago whose prayers seemed to shake heaven and earth, and I wondered about this kind of person. What makes their prayers so potent? How does “how they pray,” their heart posture—differ from yours and mine? After all, doesn’t God love the whole world? Does He not love us all the same? The answer to this, I believe, is found right in James 5:16. God hears and answers the prayer of a righteous person. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” –1 Peter 3:12.

Righteousness, in the eyes of God, does not happen overnight. Yes, we are saved in a moment, but then there’s the lifelong process of kicking old habits and renewing our minds that can only happen in the presence of God. Having both a consistent prayer life and walk with the Lord enable us, strengthens us to live a righteous life. God makes us new in His presence. We begin to reflect the glory of the Lord as the result of His calling us as His righteous ones. The reality of His presence in us, as we make our hearts His home, becomes visible—tangible in our lives, making its way out of us. His Light in us, pouring out now. And we begin to see Him answering our prayers in ways we never thought possible.

As we draw nearer to God, our prayers become ever more effective, taking on the power that can only come from on High. God’s favor cloaks us, and we begin to walk with a peace that surpasses our understanding.

Yet with this newfound power for answered prayer, a caveat. Scripture makes clear, and I believe, the Lord is not interested in prayers bred from selfish motives. He knows your heart. I don’t know that God will grant you a Ferrari just because you want to live in luxury, but I do know that if your prayer springs from a place of wanting to further the kingdom of God, of making God known, He will listen. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures… “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” … “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” -James 4:3, 6, & 10.

God responds to a humble heart. A heart that places others before themselves, a heart that seeks to honor Him above themselves. Humility moves God.

Abiding in the shelter of the Lord, obeying Him, is one way to find favor in God’s eyes. He wants your whole heart, your undivided attention, not just your passing thoughts or your spare time. I pray you find the blessing of the Lord as you seek to know Him more. And, if you have yet to invite Jesus into your heart and life, I invite you to do that today. I pray you’ll pursue knowing God. and His purpose and plan for your life. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” –Romans 10:9-10.

Living In The End Times.

July 3, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” –Matthew 24:6.

Are we living in the end times? Have current events signaled a push closer to the second coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ?

Worldwide, and within the Christian community, surely, these questions are being asked now, more than at any other time in recent history. One cause: the swiftness with which global events are moving, causing even some of those who are not followers of Jesus Christ to question their lingering unbelief and skepticism. Questions once thought unrealistic seem somehow less farfetched, worthy of a closer look. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many unanticipated shifts in life as we knew it, especially within our workplaces, homes, and our connections to friends and loved ones. Sadly, church attendance declined due to many churches having closed their doors—social gathering restrictions having played some part in this. Yet, one positive that did emerge is how many people bought a bible. Several news outlets shared that Bible publishers noticed a spike in Bible sales during the pandemic. They attributed this is to people seeking comfort—searching for peace, hope, and healing, in a Savior that is close to the suffering and broken-hearted; amid chaos and uncertainty, they longed to find meaning and experience a connection with God.

Unquestionably, this past year was a season plagued by spirits of fear, division, confusion, distrust, and lawlessness. Added to this were the unprecedented political tensions; it was evident something within our world had shifted; indeed, an awakening of some sorts, felt by almost everyone.

Circling back to the original question – are we living in the end times? My opinion? Yes, we are. Scripturally speaking, we have been since Jesus ascended back to the Father. And, yet, while we certainly shouldn’t attempt to predict the day of His return nor interpret every earthquake or other natural disaster as signs of the end, physical and political evidence nevertheless continues to point towards the fulfillment of many of the end-time prophecies. For instance, one that jumps to mind tells us this: “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…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” –2 Timothy 3:1-5.

We’re there, people! We’re living in that age where being “lovers of self” is witnessed daily in the barrage of self-portraits, coined “selfies,” being splashed across most social media platforms. Their purpose? Self-validation perhaps? Empowerment? Insecurity assuaged by/ grounded in likes and followers, maybe? We’re indeed living in an age where those who “blaspheme” what God calls holy and seemingly take pride in or promote the very pleasures that mock and grieve the heart of God. We’re living in that age where the objective, solid, immovable Truth of the Word of God has become subjective somehow, second to how a person feels, their perspectives, and opinions. The Bible clearly foretold of this generation, listen: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” –2 Timothy 4:3-4.

In one sense, we see these things arise due to New Age followers—those who promote many gods and the paths to them, themselves included. In a considerable number of people rebelling against God. Evidenced in a society that has all but thrown God, and His commandments, out of the public square. It’s challenging for some of us to grapple with the notion that we live in such a critical time in history, more so as the days grow darker and evil seemingly prevails. Yet the question I continue to ask myself is this:

“As a Christian, how does Jesus command me to live my life in the face of those who so vehemently oppose my Christian values?”

I ask this question with great seriousness as many in the world continue to voice their dislike/dare I say, disdain of Christians and Christian values. Values such as marriage being solely between one man and one woman. The sanctity of the unborn human life, or sexual purity before marriage, to mention but a few. Or that God created us male and female, period. In such a world, then, is it any wonder that God’s transformative, powerful Word, His Truth, is somehow heard or wrongly carries with it the sting of hate speech? Yet concerning our remaining faithful to God’s Word, regardless of the social climate in which we might find ourselves, the Bible reminds us of this powerful Truth. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they would persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they would obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” –John 15: 18-21.

Jesus makes it starkly plain that as His followers, we’ll be hated. Equally, however, the Bible also makes clear how we are to live while we wait. How we must respond to those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And the signs we must watch for that will signal Jesus’ return for His Church.

Over the past two years, I’ve experienced some uncomfortable and tense conversations with close friends, family, and work colleagues who have either questioned or attacked my Christian faith. I reminded them that while Christian values may seem countercultural to those who don’t share them, the Word of God is nevertheless solid, unchanging, and Truth-full regarding these values. I also reminded them of another Truth found in Scripture, my Truth: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” –Galatians 2:20. Moreover, while my faith demands that I defend and live out the Truth of Christ, my Savior, I’m also called to model Jesus—how He loved, lived, and served others.

That said, I’ll share two biblical Truths that may help us as believers live with and respond to those who may not believe or live their lives as we do: Firstly, we must Love the unbeliever. When I was an unbeliever, I didn’t see much of an issue with fornicating, getting drunk, and cursing here and there. I was once lost in the crowds, helpless without a shepherd, and it was Jesus that saved me from my distress, brought me out of darkness, and broke me free from the chains that had me bound. I, too, falsely believed that I would be right with God if I treated others well. After all, I was a good person, yet the Bible says, “There is none good but One, that is, God” –Mark 10:18. And after accepting Jesus Christ into my life, I soon discovered that one of the devil’s biggest lies is that following Christ is synonymous with missing out on what others are doing “out in the world.” When in fact, it was indeed my encounter and experience of God’s Love for me that had awakened my heart and opened my eyes to see that I was being deceived.

Therefore, we must…

1). Pray for those who have yet to accept Jesus into their hearts. On the cross, “Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” –Luke 23:34. Similarly, Jesus prayed for those who persecuted Him; as followers of Jesus Christ, we must do the same. Again, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” –Matthew 5: 43-48. Praying for someone you’d instead retaliate against is easier said than done, yet the Holy Spirit reminds us of and empowers us to love them. Why Love? Because only God’s Love is powerful enough to transform the hearts and minds of those who hate us.

2). We must be mindful that unbelievers need a Pure Love only Jesus can offer; God uses us certainly, but only His Love rescues a soul from sin and death. It should never surprise us, then, that sinners will sin. We need only remember how we lived before Christ came into our lives. Remember that the Bible reminds us: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” –2 Corinthians 4:4. Their hearts have yet to be softened to the things of God. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” –Romans 3:18. They are blind. As followers of Christ, we ought to pray that they begin to have a distaste for the things of this world. Pray that they start to see their need for a Savior. That, as it says in Ezekiel 36:26, “their hearts of stone are replaced with a heart of flesh.” Yet being ever mindful of the Truth found in Ephesians 6:12. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood because it’s against spiritual forces and the power of evil.”

Friends, the Bible says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” –Matthew 24:12.

The spiritual temperature of many has grown cold. As believers, however, we ought to be burning hot. “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” –Luke 24:32. We should be burning hot for the things of Jesus, interceding for others, overcoming evil with good, and sharing the good news with the lost; John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” Those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior will remain under the Lord’s wrath.” As Christians, regardless of how the world grows in their distaste or hostility concerning biblical values, we ought to be the most hope-filled and joyous people around because we know how the story ends – God wins! Rather than living in fear or outrage, we ought to love others with all we have in us and seek every opportunity to be kind. The Apostle Paul shares this reminder: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… encourage one another and build each other up… Be kind to one another” –Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:32.

The end is swiftly advancing. Yet the fantastic news is that you still have time to choose eternal life, to choose Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. You can do nothing to earn His grace; Jesus has paid the price for you. “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” –Romans 3:24.

God desires to have a relationship with you, personally. All you must do is accept, by faith, the gift of God’s grace. I hope and pray that together, we’ll be ready for the Lord’s return, which will come soon and very soon! “But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect” –Matthew 24:43-44.

The Art Of Waiting…

May 15, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

She sat at her windowsill, wide-eyed and waiting for her first guest to appear down the driveway for the celebration. Her mother was in the kitchen preparing for the festivities, pleading with her to help get the house to look presentable for the party. Still, the anticipation of having her favorite people in one place with gifts just for her was too much! How could she just set the table or sweep the floor? She needed to watch and wait patiently, wondering if anything she had hoped for would be in one of their presents? Her heart skipped a beat with every car that passed the house. Between the mundane preparations and her wandering eyes, she dreamt of the endless opportunities that awaited her in adolescence and adulthood. And there was not a single limitation on her imagination! She would never be in the single digits again after today. For some reason, the thought of crossing that threshold of single, into double digits made her think she was grown-up somehow. Unbeknownst to her, life would be filled with uncertainty and waiting. The possibilities she dreamt up on the day of her 10th birthday would not come with as much clarity as she had hoped. She grew to learn that who she would become would be molded in the waiting. Through the years, she came to realize that the more she learned, the less she knew.

The concept of waiting seems to have gotten away from us as a society.

From accessing information with the mere flick of a finger to the satisfaction of receiving a “like” within seconds on our social media accounts, we live in an era of instant gratification. The ability to wait seems like it’s getting further and further away from us as our instantaneous access to everything gets closer and closer. A rare commodity, patience has become valued less and less with each passing generation.

That said, today, I’d like to look at two types of waiting: the kind born from endurance and hard work and the type that exists just beyond our capabilities.

If we don’t have firsthand experience, we can imagine what waiting for a seed to grow into a flower might feel like? We can understand what becoming proficient at a task through arduous work and patience is? We know the feeling of waiting for guests to arrive who said they’d be there 10 minutes ago or waiting for a cake to finish baking in the oven? In this type of waiting, we know in advance what the final result will be; therefore, our waiting produces a reward. However, in Romans 8:24, the Bible says, “hope that is seen is no hope at all.” We cannot hope for our cake mixture to turn into a cake if we already know that’s what it is. It’s not like a pan of vegetables went into the oven, and somehow, we hope that what will come out is a cake. No, we already know what the final product will be. There’s no hope in that, just certainty.

Hope can only exist when uncertainty is factored into the equation.

The second kind of waiting is seen interchangeably across different Bible translations with the term “hope.” This form of waiting goes beyond our ability to produce something. It’s the kind of patience that requires hope. In Kingdom culture, hope and waiting go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other. The Bible usually refers to this waiting as “waiting on the Lord.” Isaiah 40:31 tells us that: “those who wait on (hope in) the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Wait on the Lord.

This phrase makes me feel helpless in a way, but in the end, it reminds me of the truth that assures me His strength is made perfect in my weakness. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” –2 Corinthians 12:9.

It’s countercultural to say that rest will produce a product other than, well, rest. But Biblical principles are often paradoxical. That is, they typically don’t make sense. Waiting on the Lord requires a certain confidence in God that can only grow over time. Experientially, one that knows that although the outcome is uncertain, the hands of the One who holds you are good. His plans for you are not to harm you [but plans to] give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That is the hope that trusts that good things are coming even when there’s no end in sight. This hope comes from experience with repeated faithfulness of God. When you’ve seen the goodness of God, you can’t help but expect that He will come through yet again, even when it doesn’t make sense!

One of my favorite things to do in the face of uncertainty is to sit still in complete silence. For me, these times are reminiscent of what I’ve read in Mark 4:35-41. Within these verses, we read that Jesus is on a boat with His disciples in the middle of a storm. A furious storm suddenly came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so much so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

So, when I’m going through periods of chaos in life, I like to imagine that I’m sitting still with Jesus on that boat. I close my eyes and allow my mind to see the chaos all around me. I can almost hear the howling wind, and I allow myself to feel the fear of the unknown. The smell of the ocean becomes ripe in my olfactory receptors. Then I look up to notice that the One who commands the seas to be still is the One who’s keeping me safe, my firm foundation, Jesus. At that moment, I begin to realize that the howl of the fierce ocean storm that surrounds me is much louder than its actual bite. I realize, too, that so long as I hold fast to Jesus, He will take care of the uncertainties and turn them around for my good, just as He promises in His word. That doesn’t mean I have no problems, and it certainly doesn’t mean relinquishing control is easy, but it does mean that waiting is a rewarding discipline.

Those moments of chaos and confusion, of fear, require us to cling ever more closely to the Lord, sharpening our faith with each passing wave.

Waiting on the Lord produces peace, not pride. It helps us to look at our many blessings with eyes of gratitude rather than entitlement. Jesus then becomes the object of our affection as we grow stronger in Him. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” –Psalm 27:14. Culture tries to convince us that we can’t control our emotions, but the word of God says contrary. It doesn’t say, “try to be of good courage.” It says, “Be of good courage.”

To do this requires that we renew our minds daily in His Word. And live with the mindset of courageously trusting in the Lord.

I want to leave you with these encouraging words found in 2 Peter 3:9. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God is patient on His timetable, not ours. He wants to see your character built and strengthened before He can add the weight of His blessings to you.

Our trust in Him builds patience and steadfastness. As this verse indicates, His heart desires to see each one of us come to repentance. Abiding in Him produces more than you could ever produce on your own. Would you repent today and ask the Lord to help you trust in Him? My prayer is that as you repent and make Him your rock, the Holy Spirit will walk beside you, reminding you to surrender your anxieties to Him. I pray that the Holy Spirit teaches you how to trust in Him more deeply every day.

Category: Faith (Page 6 of 9)

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The Art Of Waiting…

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