Category: Grace (Page 5 of 7)

Through Love, Part 2.

December 18, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

In Part One of “Through Love,” I shared a specific prayer request with you. I had asked God for more opportunities to share the Gospel at my workplace. With my colleagues, I shared the Truth of Jesus amid workplace Halloween activities. While I was not necessarily preaching to them, I did uncompromisingly share the truth of how God’s nature conflicts with a holiday that does not point to the love, light, and peace of who God is.

In my workplace environment, I am often reminded of the bible verse found in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander’.” As a follower of Jesus Christ I must be prepared, suited in the armor of God, ready always, to defend my faith with gentleness and respect. Moreover, I must be bold in sharing the Truth of God’s Word, even if it makes those who yet believe feel uncomfortable. It has become clear that the profession and defense of my faith in Jesus will not always be easy and will be met with challenges more frequently than not. Yet if I fix my gaze on an eternal perspective, however challenging any situation may feel in the moment, the challenge in no way compares to the possibility that God’s Truth may turn someone’s heart, leading them to faith in Jesus Christ.

Another way the Lord responded to my prayer request concerning ministering in my workplace was when He instructed me to connect with others during lunchtime. There are times; frankly, I do not enjoy breaking bread with my colleagues at work because the conversations too often revolve around gossip. The bible states, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” –Ephesians 4:29.

For instance, during lunchtime with a group of work friends, I began listening to one coworker gossip about her dislikes of an executive leader in our company. While everyone jumped in in agreement, I gently challenged them by asking, “Have you considered the possibility that this person may be going through something at home and brought it into work? Or they are making decisions from business pressures we may know nothing about? Before we judge, I think it’s good to know the source.” The conversation certainly shifted because my questions did not come from a place of agreement, rather a position of challenge. Hopefully, one that allowed them to see how a thrilling chat about someone while feeling or seeming harmless carried judgment with it instead. Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

In other more positive instances during lunch, just being in contact and available to break bread has led work colleagues to approach me for advice or with their questions about the Bible. In those moments, I think about Jesus Christ and how His contact with so many folks in the Bible led them to receive His life-changing grace. We can preach all the Truth in the Bible; however, it is essential to come in contact and draw close to those who have not learned or experienced the gospel message. We draw near in the hopes that they may be drawn in.

I think about how Jesus encountered Mary Magdalene, a woman possessed by seven demons. In comparison, the Pharisees skipped over those like Mary. But not Jesus. He knew of her situation, who she was, what she had done, yet He was nonetheless compassionate towards Mary. He saw her. Mary Magdalene was not passed over with disgust by Jesus. Jesus proved His love, healing power, and care, which radically changed her. Mary became one of Jesus’ followers. And ` I think about how Jesus, aware of Zacchaeus being a tax-collecting thief, had dinner with him. “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner” –Luke 19: 5-7.

No one wanted to dine with a tax collector, yet before addressing his sin of stealing, Jesus did eat with him. The Bible tells us that after his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus gave half of his goods to the poor. “And Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much” –Luke 19:8. And I think about the woman at the well. She was a foreign woman, living in sexual sin, yet before addressing her sin, Jesus first offered her His living Water. And immediately after her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman ran back to her community, exclaiming her experience with Jesus. Her faithfulness led others to believe in Jesus.

In each of these biblical accounts, I realized Jesus, being fully aware of their sins, first proved His love and compassion towards them before He addressed their sins. “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinner, Christ died for us” –Romans 5:8. And, through these accounts, the Lord has reminded me that the opportunities I so desire to share about His good news at my workplace are often linked to my sitting down and first connecting with people.

Regardless of what I know of the person or how I may feel towards them, only the Holy Spirit is fully aware of their hearts. Yet, our genuine connection with others makes room for the Gospel to enter and be at work in their hearts. Sharing the Gospel is not about insisting on being correct like the Pharisees, not on being theologically right; instead, it is about demonstrating genuine care, compassion, dignity, and a listening ear. It is incredible how the teachings of Jesus were always modeled on love. And how they teach us about the power and effectiveness of how far a gentle, compassionate, and respectful response can go.

Sharing and demonstrating the Good News of Jesus Christ is at times challenging; however, as Christians, we are commanded to tell others about Jesus Christ. And it is His Holy Spirit at work in us who empowers us to do the work with which we have been entrusted. Honestly, the more I share, the more confident I become. “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety” –Proverbs 29:25.

The Lord called me to Himself through someone who showed this compassion when they spoke to me about God’s love. Instead of judging me, they showed compassion, allowing my heart to be receptive to the gospel message. If you are a believer, I pray that you will not hold back from sharing Jesus with others. Be confident, be obedient, be loving. If ever there was a time to speak about the One who is The Light in the ever-increasing darkness, it is now!

If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, ask Him to reveal Himself to you now. Admit and confess that you are a sinner in need of His rescue, guidance, and love in your life. Ask Him to send godly people into your life to support and encourage you. And pray that He opens your ears and heart to be able to understand His Word. God is inviting you to come to Him. Open the door of your heart to the One who loves you and created you in His image. Who died for you—has a purpose and plan for your life. I pray you fully commit your life to Jesus! Trust me; it will be the best decision you will ever make!

His Love Transforms.

December 11, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” –Romans 12:2.

This Advent, let us call to mind the true reason for celebrating the Christmas season. As you wrap your gifts in festive, embossed papers, in like fashion, allow your heart and mind to be enveloped in this Truth:

At just the right time, God stepped across time as we understand it and wrapped His Holy Majesty in human flesh—in the person of His Son, our Lord, Jesus; giving this world, giving you, the most precious, costly gift you will ever receive. Then, being wrapped in milk rags, He was laid in a manger, Emmanuel—God with us. Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?” –John 14:9.

And why this gift of Emmanuel—God with us? John 3:16 makes abundantly clear God’s overarching reason for His freely giving us His only Son “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.

Simply put, God loves you.

And because He loves you, today, right now, right where you are in your addiction, in your hotbed of adultery, in your homosexual lifestyle. In the middle of your messed up relationship and dysfunctional family mess. In your inability to decide whether you are male or female, white, brown, or black. Wherever you may find yourself today, regardless of how far removed you may feel from God—He wants you back. He wants to have a loving, committed relationship with you.

You see, sin separates us from actively partaking in a loving relationship with God.

Our sins create a barrier of sorts, a gaping divide separating us from God and prohibiting us from reaching out to the very One who can save us. Only God, being drawn to the one whose heart is crying out in sincere repentance, can break through, closing off such divides—sealing them shut, eternally, with His eternal Love, forgiveness. His healing, cleansing, and restoration. “I will ·forgive them for [be merciful with regard to] ·the wicked things they did [their unrighteousness/wickedness], and I will not remember their sins anymore”—Jer. 31:31–34; Luke 22:20. Accepting Jesus as Lord is the only way for a relationship with the Father to be restored. Jesus’ Life, death, and resurrection are what make this restoration possible. We, sin-full man, must sincerely say yes to God by accepting the free gift of His Son, Jesus. At that moment, an exchange occurs. Jesus’ Righteousness, His Right standing with God, is placed over us, covering our every sin, and we are, our Spirit man, made new—washed clean in Jesus’ Pure Blood. Jesus’ Righteousness covers us, much like the robe the Father wrapped about the shoulders of his prodigal, wayward son.

Now, when God looks at us, He no longer sees our sin; instead, He sees Jesus, the Spotless One sacrificed in our place on Calvary’s Cross. “The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet” –Luke 15:21-22.

So, what does all of this have to do with us, now—today?

Simply put, it means the same thing it has always meant. God is Immutable—unchanging; giving and transforming is part of His character. God’s Living Word assures us of this Truth. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:8.

Scripture makes clear that God so loved you and me that He could not stay away from us one second longer. He chose to come, the Bible says, “in the fullness of time,” and give us, provide us with, a clearly marked path back to Himself. How exactly? Through our acceptance of the free gift of His Son—Jesus. “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons”—Galatians 4:4-5.

Hence, why we celebrate Christmas, the day the Lord declared “the fullness of time” had come, and in fulfillment of the Scriptures, a God-man was born to a virgin named Mary and His earthly father, Joseph. That holy night, a host of angels broke through a thick night sky to proclaim the birth of this long-awaited Messiah to lowly shepherds tending their sheep in a town most assumed nothing good could ever come from—Bethlehem. It means “house of bread.” How fitting then that the Bread of Life be born in that place. And a star unlike any other led those lowly shepherds and Three Wise men from afar off, to the very spot this newborn babe lay, in a manger. “This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh” –John 6:50-51.

But what about today’s Scripture verse? How does Jesus’ birth connect to our minds being transformed and renewed and our relationship with God restored?

In part, I will answer the second part of this question; rather, Scripture will, before looping around to answer the first, where I will close out this week’s teaching.

As I touched on earlier, Scripture makes plain that the only way we can be restored into a right relationship with God the Father is by accepting His Son, Jesus, into our hearts. When we recognize we are sinners and are willing to humble ourselves before a holy God, asking His forgiveness. Then, as with the prodigal, God will wash us clean of the filth we have allowed to cling to us. Surrendering our will for His in that instant, we are made new. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants”‘ –Luke 15:17-19.

The moment we accept Jesus, God deposits within us His Holy Spirit—God slips an engagement ring on our finger, in you will.

His unbreakable promise that we are His Bride forevermore. Snatched out of the kingdom of darkness, the kingdom of this world, forever to reside in the Kingdom of our God. This is the heart of the Gospel—The Good News! That we, sinful men, have been afforded the unfathomable privilege to partner with a Holy God, through Jesus’ Life, death, and resurrection, to carry this Truth, a Light in this present darkness, to all men, just as Jesus did. “Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”—John 14:6.

You just read that the very moment we say yes to Jesus, God deposits His Holy Spirit within us. God takes up residence in us. We are now one with God. His residing in us a mystery far too great for finite understanding to fully take in—but it is, nonetheless, True. “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him” –Ephesians 1:14.

Since Jesus is The Truth, alternately, there must be a counterfeit.

This leads us to the Bible’s answering just how our minds are renewed. God’s Holy Spirit living within us enables us to test, to challenge, as Romans 12:2 states, every other spirit and voice that attempts to come against us—attempts to speak into our lives, to misdirect us, leading us astray. “…that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Jesus Himself attests to this Truth. Listen now, in John Chapter 10, Jesus uses sheep to illustrate this powerful Truth to His disciples, how those who are His can hear and discern His voice, that they will know and follow Jesus—only. “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:4-5;27.

Friend, if you celebrate Christmas yet have not asked “the reason for the season”—Jesus, into your heart, I pray you do that right now. I can promise you, as one who has asked Him into my own heart and life, that you will receive the most Life-changing, extraordinary of Gifts –a relationship with Jesus now. His Spirit living in you, and eternity spent in His presence. The Precious Gift of God’s Holy Spirit at work in you is the only gift that truly keeps on giving

Through Love.

October 16, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” – 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Two weeks ago, I gathered with friends from church to catch up on what God is doing in each of our lives, to share the struggles we’re trusting God to strengthen us in and lead us through and, to reflect on that Sunday’s sermon. Before we left to drive home, my friend Kendra asked everyone in attendance if they had any prayer requests? I shared that I would like prayer for more opportunities at work to share the gospel. It didn’t take long for God to respond! A few days after my prayer request, while at work, one of my colleagues shared some Halloween ideas to do as a team. I don’t specifically remember the haunting-themed ideas she proposed; however, my response was, “I don’t enjoy haunting things, and I also don’t celebrate Halloween.” One of my colleagues asked, “Is it because of your religion?” I replied, “Yes.” I explained that Halloween is steeped in rituals and other things that cater to the realm of darkness—trick or treating, pumpkin carvings, costumes, etc. And while I understand its origins and how traditions change over the years, the essence of the holiday doesn’t point anyone towards the light of God’s nature.

I shared with my colleagues that God is love, He is light, He is peace, and He is life.

The bible tells us that God is love, “Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love” –1 John 4:8. God is light, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” –1 John 1: 4-5. God is peace, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant…” –Hebrews 13:20. God is life, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” –John 8:12.

I wasn’t exactly sure how my response was received, with shock, uncomfortableness, confusion, or understanding? But what I do know is that it was received. And I know this, too: that I wasn’t expecting my prayer request to share the gospel at work to be answered in quite the way it was. Most definitely not in the middle of a Halloween-themed conversation!

As I went back to my seat, my mind was flooded with questions: “Did that really just happen?” “And what will the next opportunity the Lord provides look like?’ “Did I come across as boring or defensive?” And amid my overthinking, the Lord quieted my mind and said, “You spoke about the Light.” And through His reply, I learned that a soft, gentle response goes a long way. And, that If an opportunity to share your faith opens up, like the one I had just experienced, discussing your position with a heart bent towards pointing others towards the light, rather than attacking the dark, is amazingly effective. The thing about light is this: the smallest of one drives the darkness away.

From my previous writings, you may have noticed that God is truly revealing and helping me see the depths and powerfulness of His love. How His love is transformative, giving us a new heart. His love is guiding us like a compass. It directs us to live set apart in a world entangled in sin. And His love empowers believers to demonstrate it to those we may feel are undeserving of love. Ultimately, the breath of His love is indefinable. Mere human feelings cannot perfectly articulate it; His love is a verb that far exceeds our feelings. And, while my colleagues were receptive and actively listening to my defense for choosing not to participate in their Halloween activities. It was only afterward, as I reflected on that moment, hindsight allowed me to see just how unreceptive they may have been, had I shared my beliefs with a righteous spirit or in an angry tone of voice.

The bible says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander’ –1 Peter 3:15-16. As I read this verse, the words that jumped out at me were gentleness and respect. Why? While the authoritative Words in the bible are all-powerful, our delivery of the gospel message can impact how they’re received. When fully understood and accepted, the gospel message is the most incredible and powerful Truth known to man. Yet our tone, our deliverance, can influence its impact on whether someone receives it—or not. God cares about our deliverance, how we share His Word; hence, He instructs us to defend our faith with gentleness and respect.

And while my colleagues may not entirely agree with me on my Christian worldview and life decisions, as an ambassador of Christ in my workplace, I’m nonetheless intentional about treating them with the same kindness and gentleness the Lord extends to me daily. And I thank God in advance for every opportunity I will be given to speak about my faith, about the gospel, in my workplace, and for the deeper connections I will make with others. God revealed to me, so clearly, that we don’t deny the gospel message of Jesus Christ by dining or conversing with sinners; instead, we do it by avoiding sinners out of fear or dislike.

So I hope you’ll take every opportunity God gives you to share the gospel wherever you go, with whomever God places in front of you. And if you don’t know this God I spoke to my colleagues about; I hope after reading this you’ll ask God to show Himself as real in your life as He is in mine. I’m praying for you!

Do Everything In Love, Part 2.

August 21, 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.

A few weeks ago, while asking for guidance on what to teach, the Holy Spirit directed me to the refreshingly simple and profound message of doing everything in love. Immediately, I was filled with the Lord’s peace and joy, and I smiled at God’s gentle reminder and His answer to my prayer. Not long before having sought the Lord’s guidance, I’d been doing a bit of mental juggling. I was trying to determine the most effective way to share the knowledge of Jesus Christ with someone I know. God’s reminder to do “everything in love” reminded me that sometimes I might overcomplicate things in my head regarding the “how” I’ll share the reality of Jesus Christ with others. Forgetting at times the Word of God makes clear “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord’ –Isaiah 55:8.

I was focused on capturing this person’s attention while in His infinite mercy and grace; God wants to transform their heart and life, bringing them from death into life, knowing full well their mind will surely follow.

By this, I was reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthian church. He had reminded them to focus on their love for God, for from that love, that starting place, they would then flow in genuine love, affection, and honor towards each other. The Bible says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). Paul’s heart, purpose, and his calling were, in part, to point both the Church in Corinth and us towards the love of God—just as Jesus did. The Bible is replete with examples of Jesus directing both His disciples and those He taught in the Synagogues towards the love of the Father. Christ came, gave His life, that we might be restored into right relationship with God. Scripture makes clear that Jesus’ love was sacrificial, compassionate, truthful, servant-hearted, counter-cultural, selfless, and that it remains revolutionary and life-changing even unto today. The power that enabled Jesus to “do everything in love” is the very same power that indwells every born-again believer allowing us to do the same miracles Jesus did. “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” –John 14:12.

So in an everyday practical sense, what does it look like to do “everything in love”?

Above all else, it is spending one-on-one time with God. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” –1 John 4:8. Our time spent drinking in God’s Word allows it to take deep root; marinate within us, if you will, whether through praying, confessing, listening, dancing, or singing praises unto Him. Our time spent with God will fill our minds with the knowledge of Him and fill our hearts with a deeper understanding of His enhancing Love. The more we dwell in God’s presence, the more we learn the nature of our God, the more too, we ought to be reflecting that same heart towards others through our deeds, actions, and attitudes—a living proof to the world around us of the Light that lives within us.

With the above as our starting point, next, we do “everything in love” by meeting people right where they are. Right at their “well.” Exactly as Jesus did when He met the Samaritan woman where she was—standing in her sin and shame beside Jacob’s well. Yet God did not leave her there, and neither should we. Just as Jesus did, we too must share Living water with all those we meet, giving them God’s Word—His eternal Truth—because only Jesus can satisfy the deepest longings of their soul. So following Jesus’ lead, we too must meet people right where they are. Regardless of their lifestyle, circumstance, or societal status. Our job is to love people and to speak the Truth of God’s Word in love, with compassion and kindness, pointing everyone we meet towards their Savior. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” –Matthew 9:36.

We do “everything in love” by being patient, kind, honorable, and truthful to others. The Bible states that “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the Truth. It does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” Corinthians 13:4-8.

So sometimes, doing “everything in love” means encouraging one another, speaking life into those who are battle-weary. Or it can also mean speaking that hard Truth to someone because we love them, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” Proverbs 27:5. To “Do everything in love” means that to the best of our ability, we must love as God loves. Our hearts ought to be compelled to love this way because God first loved us in this way. He loved/loves us unconditionally, graciously, mercifully, patiently, with tender, loving-kindness, and He demonstrates each of these to us still, “Let everything you do be done in love (motivated and inspired by God’s love for us).” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 [AMP]

Why Love? Because love draws us close, makes us come alive, extinguishes fear, guides us, frees us, and compels us. And so, I pray that every chance you get, every window of opportunity opened to you, whether in speech or deed, you demonstrate, cultivate, point, or redirect others to the love of Jesus Christ.

And I pray that when you do, the glory of God shines even more brightly from you, being magnified all the more because of Him who dwells within you, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” 1 John 4:12. I could talk forever about love because it is a beautiful emotion and is made all the more powerful when it’s put into action to accomplish God’s will. God, the maker of heaven and earth, knitted that element of His divine nature into humanity’s DNA, and it’s that force, that spark of the Divine, Him with us all, that stirs us from within and is used to birth within us the desire to pursue Him—to answer His Call.

It can be challenging to demonstrate God’s love to those we feel are undeserving of it in our flesh.

Thankfully, as Christians, we live by faith and Truth and not according to our carnal feelings—at least we ought to be living that way. And because of this, we choose to live differently than those in the world around us, not being guided by how we feel; instead, we rely upon the Holy Spirit to empowers us to “do everything in love” despite ourselves. Not because we are superior in any way, no. It is because we live with the undeniable knowledge that one second before Jesus revealed His Love for us, to us, we too lived the way those in the world do. And as undeserving as we are, God still continues to demonstrate His love to us daily. If only we exercised more love, perhaps our homes would flourish, and our world would be a more loving place.

So, it’s because of Jesus, because He first loved us, loves us still, that we choose to live in such a way as pleases God. So be reminded, fellow believers, that we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. As such, everything we do, from our thinking to our words, ought to be rooted and motivated by Godly Love. I know of no other love like this. There is no other love like the love of Jesus. And so I pray that if you haven’t accepted Jesus into your heart, you’ll do it today! That today is your day to receive and experience God’s unconditional love for you. “Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” –Revelation 3:19-21.

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.

Sacred Spaces.

July 17, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us” –Acts 17:27.

“For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” –Acts 17:23-25.

I love God’s written Word. It reveals His character and His kindness to Me. It has the power to remove scales from my eyes, and it softens areas in my heart I never even knew existed. God’s Living Word enables me to drink deeply and often from the very Source of my life.

I love meeting God in His Word, discovering Him there, being drawn into the very depths of Him.

Understanding His Justice and being ever thankful for the laws He gave, all that I might live free, safe, and protected. He is a Loving, intimate, deeply caring Father. A Father who, according to His Word, so loved me, so wanted to ensure that nothing, here and now, nor in eternity, ever separated us, that He gave His only Son in exchange for me, to demonstrate the depth of that love. He then placed His Holy Spirit in me, into this clay vessel, as surely as if He had slipped an engagement ring on my finger. Because He did, He has—I Am my Beloveds, and He is mine. “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” –Romans 5:8.

And yet, I also love those Kairos moments when I’m lost in Him.

When God sends His Spirit to enliven that one Word or sentence, when eternity lays exposed for the briefest of seconds, opening my understanding and forever changing me. These moments leave in their wake some intuitive understanding that I’ve just been given a most precious gift. A Pearl of Great Value. Some intimate “knowing” of Him. And all because I serve this Beautiful, Wonder-filled, personal God who loves me and desires that I know Him through His Word and His Spirit both. Relationally—Spirit and Truth, One.

My God, our Father, desires for us, all of us, to want Him, long to be with Him; He wants us to seek His face, look deeply into His eyes as only lovers do, and to witness the unplumbed depth of Him—to be one with Him. And no, I am by no means suggesting that a Pure and Holy God relates to us sexually. But what I am saying is this. The highest form of oneness expressed via human intimacy is between man and wife. And so, our God deigns to bend down to our level and use a language that will leave no doubt in our minds as to the depth of the connection He seeks with us, His beloved. The Song of Solomon is replete with such language and imagery. Solomon penned his love letter to his betrothed, the Shulamite woman. It foreshadows the intimate connection, the sacred love bond between Christ, our King, and His beloved bride. Listen to the bride’s heart-cry to her beloved: “Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers” –Song of Songs 1:4

Jesus Himself shared this Truth of the Father’s desire for such intimate connection with a Samaritan woman while talking with her near a well. A Truth as radical, liberating, as tradition-shaking, chain-breaking, and ceiling-raising as He Himself was when He walked amongst us—as He is, still. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” –John 4:23-24.

Friends, our God doesn’t parcel Himself out to us. A wink here, a nod there. No, He is an exceedingly, abundantly, more than we can ever think or image, God. A God who still desires you and me. To be with us—Emmanuel, and to be seen by us. And though no longer with us in the flesh, now He openly shows Himself daily, through His creation. That we might catch some glimpse of His love and tender care for us through what He has created for us—wooing us to fall more and more in love with Him because of our seeing Him ever before us. “Of old You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. “Even they will perish, but You endure; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. “But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end” –Psalm 102:25-27.

“Sacred Spaces.” These two words have been stirring in my belly for the past several weeks now. These places God has created, carved out, that He might transcend time and space as we under it and intimately unveil Himself, show some aspect of Himself, His favor or will, His goodness, mercy, or great love, some personal attribute of His, to you and me. Imagine! Yet this awareness of sacred spaces isn’t new to me; only God has enlivened it, breathed on it, allowing me to see afresh, something I have been aware of for many years. I’ll explain.

From the beginning, literally, in Genesis 2, verse 8, we witness God create a sacred space to fellowship with His children, His beloved. A place to meet with them, sharing, displaying the many facets of Himself that they might witness Him, and drink Him in. Creator God. Abba God. God, our Provider. The Omniscient and Omnipotent God. A Tender, Merciful, Loving Father. The Sole Giver of every good and perfect gift. Supreme Artist and Author. A Jealous Lover of His own, to name but a few. And because of who He is, has proven Himself, shown Himself to be from the beginning. From somewhere back before, He stood over the dark void when He chose me in Himself before the very foundation of the world has even lain. Faithful and True, time and time and time again; I stand firmly on, and take deep comfort in, the Truth found in Matthew 28:20: “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.

Knowing this Truth, believing it, assures me that contrary to how I may feel on any given day, my ability to sense Abba’s nearness, or not, God is nevertheless closer to me than my own breath.

Still, there are moments and places where, whether for seconds or minutes, maybe hours sometime, God pulls back the veil, and His palpable presence surrounds me—is undeniably with me. And, because of His being “with me,” all else melts away, is melting away still—especially time. I wonder if Adam and Eve ever felt this way when God walked with them in the cool of the day?

So, whenever I am blessed to catch the sunlight settling on some leaf, setting it ablaze, transforming its everydayness into something fiery, glowing, and alive. Or when the full weight of the sun gives itself over to the surface of the water, and a trillion sparkling tiny diamonds bursting forth because of that union. Or when the branches dance just so with the wind. When the morning birdsong fills the air swirling about my backyard, or when I float on my back in the sea, imagining it is God’s own hands, not buoyant force, at work cradling me—upholding me. When the intoxicating fragrance of some flower awakens something in me, allowing me to catch some watered-down heavenly scent of the prayers of the saints that have clung to Him as He passed before me. Sacred spaces each of these; places where God dropped a ladder from heaven to earth, and, in so doing, the things of heaven mingled with earth for one sacred moment, transforming everything in its wake. I know I have witnessed some aspect of my Jesus in those moments.

I know my God has revealed Himself to me in the way only dear and trusted friends do with each other, drawing me ever deeper into Himself as a result. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” –Jeremiah 33:3.

So let me ask you: “Has the Lord been in your midst, wooing you, loving you, calling out for you to come and sit awhile with Him? Has He carved out some sacred space for the two of you to meet, and, like Adam and Eve maybe, you hid from His nearness?” Feared coming too close to His Beauty, His passion for you—His presence? If so, you’re in good company. Moses feared meeting the Lord face to face too. Yet before you turn away entirely, consider this, please. The very God that created you wants you, all for Himself! And He wants you to have an eternal, loving, and wide-open relationship with Him.

Lorraine Espenhain says this concerning God’s wanting us for Himself: How swift was Heaven’s intervention in the day His jealousy was aroused, when He saw you loving, needing, trusting, desiring, enjoying, and reaching out for something other than Him! From His temple He saw you giving to another what solely belonged to Him, and His jealousy was ignited in Heaven. Said scripturally: “I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me” –Song of Solomon 7:10.

How awesome and humbling it is to know that our God loves us with such a fierce, intimate, and passionate love. That He created—creates still, these sacred spaces, these transformational moments in time when His Holy Spirit overshadows us—Mary-like, enabling us to conceive of Him—some part of Him alive in us! The impossible made possible. A miracle for sure. God allowing mere men to take inside of themself their Creator! Who but God could make such a thing happen! To enable finite man to take into himself the Divine. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” –1 Corinthians 4:7. And who but God could weave together the 66 books of the Bible, threading the 39 books of the Old Testament seamlessly into the 27 books of the New Testament?

Dear friend, if you’ve yet to experience this kind of love, this God who so loved you that He made sure you’d be reading this today so that you might ask Him to show Himself real to you right now. He’s patiently waiting just for you. His creation leaves us without excuse on that day; every man will stand before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. So won’t you come to Him now? “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge” –Psalm 19:1-2.

Tag, You’re It! Part Two…

June 5, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit” –1 Peter 3:18.

To err is human; that said,I apologize for the grammatical slaying of the title of last week’s post for those of you that caught it. Though I am confident it will not be my last grammatical blunder, it was blatant. I do know how to spell, I promise! Moving forward then…

Last week, we read how God had used the Apostle Peter to break down the wall of separation that stood between the gentiles and their receiving the Gospel message. We’ll conclude this two-part teaching with this post. So, to recap: Though not the first gentile believer to hear the Gospel message, Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and those in his household, were the first gentiles we witness in Acts to receive the Gospel message directly from one of the Apostles. Until Acts 10, where you can read about the Apostle Peter sharing the Gospel with Cornelius and those in his household, the Gospel had mainly been shared with other Jews and those Gentile converts to Judaism. Such was the case with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, a treasurer and a court official of Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians. This eunuch was the first known gentile believer we encounter in Acts to hear about Jesus and to come to saving faith in Him. You can read all about their encounter in Acts 8:26-40.

Ready? Let’s jump around a bit…

Though both Philip and Peter each ministered to gentiles, it is Jesus Himself who first gave us some glimpse of His plan to include “others,” the so-called unclean outsiders into His Church—His Body. In John’s Gospel account, we read about Jesus doing the unthinkable, the forbidden, for any respectable Jewish man, that is, to say nothing of a Rabbi. We witness Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman at a well. Augustine calls her “a symbol of the Church not yet made righteous.” “The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he” –John 4:25-26. Augustine continues by saying that she came from a foreign people is part of the symbolic meaning, for she is a symbol of the Church. The Church was to come from the Gentiles, of a different race from the Jews.

The ApostlePaul may have bristled at Augustine’s declaration, saying perhaps that salvation came first to the Jew and then to the Gentile. Yet both would agree that God had planned to graft the Gentiles into His Church, the Original Vine—His Body, making them One, in Messiah Jesus. “So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” –Ephesians 2:11-13.

Train Up A Child.

May 22, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old, he will not depart from it. –Proverbs 22:6.

As Mother’s Day approached, I began contemplating parenting a child in the ways of the Lord. Although I am not yet a mother, I understand both the value and essential responsibility of parenting, especially in our current climate. While there is no manual for parenting, I am sure that raising a child in the Lord’s way presents its unique challenges in a world fueled by social media and conflicting beliefs on what it means to be a Christian? Having experienced a Catholic upbringing, I now realize that I lacked knowledge of the Word of God and instruction on how to pray. And while I had a great childhood, my family did not always model the love of Christ for me. My mother failed to ask the Holy Spirit to guide her in many of her parenting decisions throughout my upbringing.

It was in musing over Proverbs 22:6 which caused me to reflect on my childhood, upbringing, and early childhood experiences. It caused me to reflect on what I had lacked, what I thought could have been better, and how my parent’s choices impacted my personal growth and development. All of this led me to more fully understand that a Godly home and God-fearing parents that are filled with the Holy Spirit are foundational for training a child in the ways of the Lord. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” –Proverbs 22:6. Parenting future disciples of Jesus in many ways fulfills the Great Commission. And as a parent, I’m confident it must be an honor to take part in—co-labor with Christ in laying the foundation of a child’s life with the Truth of God. It must be a great privilege and responsibility to help them find and cultivate their kingdom voices and to remind them of their identity in Christ. In parenting with the Holy Spirit, we certainly must see how serving our children daily also serves the Lord.

So, with this in mind, allow me to share three encouraging points on Godly parenting—advice I plan on following with my children one day.

Make prayer a priority.

As I’ve stated, I am not a mother, yet having helped raise my four nieces for the first few years of their lives, I have had some experience caring for children. And, while this time with them was filled with excitement, it was also stressful, anxiety-causing, and frustrating. Lack of sleep sometimes heightened my frazzled emotions, and that led to irrational decision-making. When my nieces would get sick, it caused fear, and their disobedient and rebellious behaviors caused frustration. From my experience and from what I’ve witnessed, parenting pokes a range of emotions. From joyful celebrations to distressing hardships, yet whatever the circumstance may be, regardless of how the scenarios may play out, I’m learning to lift them all in prayer before His throne of grace. The Bible says: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” –Hebrews 4:16.

God is omniscient. He is fully aware of your emotions; He knows what you think, can see what is happening in your life, and, most importantly, He has the power to intervene and guide you in every area of your life. The Lord knows both the value of and the concerns that come with parenting, and He knows that it’s in the daily setting aside of quiet time to seek His face, where He’ll empower you to face those challenges. Even when you feel weary or unworthy, the Lord Almighty never turns a deaf ear to the earnest prayers of His children. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” –Psalm34:18. And though Google tips may prove helpful and the reassurance of fellow parents’ and friends’ confidence-boosting, nothing compares to speaking to and seeking guidance from the Creator of the universe. God created your children. He understands their thoughts, temperaments, and personalities far better than you ever will—or can. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knitted me together in my mother’s womb” –Psalm 139:13. Make prayer a priority and give the Holy Spirit an open invitation to lead and guide your parenting. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” –Psalm 32:8.

2. Model the Christian faith.

The Bible teaches us: “The things you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace will be with you” –Philippians 4:9. Loving and raising your children according to God’s Word is honoring them, just as guiding them in how they should live is your God-given responsibility. While teaching your children the Word of God is essential, modeling your faith is, in most instances, a more powerful tool. How can you genuinely teach children to love the Lord yet not model the love of Christ in your own lives daily via submission to His will and your Godly behavior? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” –Matthew 22:37.

How can we teach children to “Love your neighbor as yourself” yet not serve others or demonstrate grace and compassion, and patients towards them? –Mark12:31. Or, how can we teach children that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” and yet create an environment of verbal hostility, belittlement, and abuse in our homes? –Proverbs 15:1. As parents, if your desire is for your children to love the Lord, you are responsible for reflecting that in your behavior. Children are sponges in their initial stages of development. What you model before them, they’ll absorb and emulate. The Bible says, “But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” –James 1:22. As parents, if you are not modeling the very Godly behavior you expect from your child: faith, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, grace, and compassion, then isn’t that, in fact, teaching to them that Christianity can be unreliable and hypocritical?

3. Love your children well.

The Bible teaches us, “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the Truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” –1 Corinthians 14:4-8. God’s definition of Love far exceeds a mere emotion. Love is a choice. We choose to love one another. God’s love is rooted and grounded in decision and choice; and our love is birthed from these very actions. Love is not simply an emotion you feel; it is something to be demonstrated. One of the most significant ways to parent with the Holy Spirit is by operating in His Love. “God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him” –1 John 4:16.

Parents can sometimes respond to their children at the whim of a feeling or mood. Maybe they’re stressed about work, and so they take their frustration out on their children? Perhaps they’re frustrated with a child’s behavior, or they’re not patient with them during homework? Yet, the biblical definition of unconditional love is that they must respond lovingly towards them nevertheless, even when we do not feel like being loving. Godly love for children is never contingent upon whether they deserve to receive it; conversely, they deserve it solely because it is the will and command of God. That unconditional love that God so freely demonstrates towards us, we have been commanded to model before the world—especially in our homes. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” –John 15:12. Loving our children ought to be filled with speaking life into them, seeing the potential for the best in them, and believing in and fostering the gifts God has placed in them. Loving children well ought to look like teaching them to read, meditate, and abide in the Word of God, making it their go-to then when they’re feeling fearful or anxious. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear because fear has punishment” –1 John 4:18.

And when a child is acting out in panic and anxiety due to the overwhelming demands of school or life, as parents, shouldn’t you offer them, lead them towards peace and calm, and not add to their chaos or confusion? Shouldn’t you attempt to encourage them along the way? As a parent, you ought not to keep a record of their mistakes or let their rebellious nature provoke you to lash out at them. Parent’s ought to act in patience and kindness, just as God does with them daily. Proverbs 22:6 assures us that training up a child in the ways of the Lord is an honorable responsibility, however challenging at times. And, if you have multiple children, you know full-well that their different temperaments require different parenting techniques. In part, training up a child in the way he or she should go is about recognizing that your children are not carbon copies of you. They are to be guided, trained, molded, and shaped in the direction the Lord has willed for their life, and that may mean your needing to understand and be patient and nurturing with traits in them that are foreign to you or different than your own.

The Bible informs us that “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” –Psalm 127:3. Children are a gift entrusted to us by the Lord. Children are not possessions to do with as we please. They will grow up, leave home and live life on their own, and so because they are precious gifts, we must love them, treasure them, guide them, and protect them while we are able. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” –James 1:17.

I can only imagine that one of the most incredible facets of parenting is that the Lord will use the very gifts He’s entrusted to your care, your children, to refine you, His child, teaching you to depend on Him even more! I pray this teaching was encouraging.

In closing, I pray that you continue to make prayer a priority. To always model the ways of the Lord before your children and love them well. Remember, even Jesus modeled Godly training to His disciples, and we can do the same. Take heart in knowing that God is with you on your parenting journey every step of the way. And that God’s unmerited grace and mercy covers our temporary, frail, all too human weaknesses, shortcomings, and failures. The Bible reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” –James 1:5. So ask the Lord for the wisdom you need, and He will generously supply it. And whether you’re parenting or a single person who is without the sweet presence of the Lord, I encourage you to earnestly seek Him, asking Him to come into your heart and life as Lord. His guidance will transform not only your life but your children’s lives as well. That is one promise I don’t need to be a mom to make. I have tasted and seen that it’s True for myself!

This Is Me, And You. Abraham, too.

May 8, 2021 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised” –Hebrews 4:9-10.

I literally have no idea just how many times I have read these very verses over the years. Nevertheless, today, the Holy Spirit allowed me to see them anew—more profound somehow.

As a Christian, I know the Truth found in these few lines of Scripture, in this chapter, really. More, I believe them.

In them is found the very foundation of who I am and in whom I believe. The Rock-Solid Truth on which I hang the full weight of my hope. Yet as I read them today, it was as if the Holy Spirit allowed me somehow to see their Truth afresh. It was as if His Words took on a life of their own, like some scene unfolding before me, animated. For just the briefest of moments, He opened my heart to understand these verses more personally, and in an instant, I was visually transported back to a little church by the sea. That place where the Lord saw fit, one spring day in March, to first whisper, “Come, follow Me.” Years later, He would whisper this same command when He anointed me to birth this blog. And yet it didn’t start there—my relationship with God, I mean. I didn’t go searching for Him on that Spring day; He called me—had been wooing me. I know that now. All I knew then was I had this pressing, inexplicable need to go to that little church by the sea, so I went.

I now understand I was one of those lost sheep Jesus spoke of in Luke 15:4. “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” And way back when so too was Father Abraham—He was a lost sheep as well. I also understand that Jesus had a plan for both of our lives; I know that now, I didn’t then. A plan that would only unfold after He’d pull from our bellies the very faith, He’d placed in them, in eternity past. Faith is the genesis of everything. Without it, we can’t do anything. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” –Hebrews 11:6.

I forget that sometimes as I read Scripture. I forget that Abraham, and Moses, David and Daniel, Martha, and Mary, Paul, and Peter, all of these had been given their own measure of faith—just as you and I have been.

Yet Scripture informs me that though I possess this faith, say nothing of the gifts and talents on lone to me; I cannot lay claim to them as if they were something I made happen. Something I did or found on my own, lest pride swells up in me, and I fall. As with everything else in my life, even the very measure of faith I possess is a precious gift given me from my Heavenly Father. “I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” 1 Corinthians 12:9. Equally true is this: This measure of faith was given me because God had already accepted me as His own; He’d chosen me in Christ Jesus in eternity past.

Sitting in that little seaside church on that spring day, how could I have known that? For that matter, neither would Abraham have had any idea the day God showed up, of the call, nor the unfathomable blessing that would soon be made manifest in his life as he went about his everyday life in Ur. “And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them” –Romans 4:11.

See, that’s the thing the Holy Spirit illuminated afresh today. How profoundly personal our conversion is, and how suddenly it is that we are changed. Just how suddenly this literal life-changing gift is bestowed upon us. Abraham and I are both witness to this Truth. One moment we were dead in our sins, and then, in the twinkling of an eye, we were made new. And so too were that great cloud of witnesses that went on to glory before me. One second, we were all dead in our sins, and in the next, in fulfillment of the will and plan of God, all were washed clean; made a new creation in Christ Jesus, His now, eternally.

That’s where it all starts, in that nanosecond in time, determined in eternity past. Hear the Word of God: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations” –Jeremiah 29:11.

Did you catch what the Prophet Jeremiah said by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit?

God chooses us before we ever come into being. And, not only had Jeremiah been chosen by God, given his measure of faith by Him, more, wrapped up in His being chosen, was Jeremiah’s calling. His purpose. So too is ours, our “one-of-a-kind calling,” our unique piece of the creation puzzle that God will anoint, using it to bring His eternal plan to fruition. “My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” –Psalm 139:15-16.

The Apostle Paul found this foundational Truth of being chosen in Christ Jesus and gifted with faith of such import that it permeates almost all His writings. “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” Romans 12:3.

John Piper says it this way concerning Paul’s writings. Concerning this faith that we who believe are given: God has given all Christians varying measures of faith. This is the faith with which we receive and use our varying gifts. It is the ordinary daily faith by which we live and minister. Paul’s final remedy for spiritual pride is to say that not only are spiritual gifts a work of God’s free grace in our lives, but so also is the very faith with which we use those gifts. This means that every possible ground of boasting is taken away. How can we boast if even the qualification for receiving gifts is also a gift?

The Apostle Paul says it plainly: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” –Ephesians 2:8-9.

So perhaps this brief visual journey afforded me by the Holy Spirit today came as a reminder? Maybe He was reminding me how the faith I claim as my own came into being? Perhaps I need re-minding of that sometimes? There’s no perhaps about it; actually, shamefully, I do.

Why? I find it curious, wholly human perhaps, how I can hold something as sacred as my faith so dear, yet so dispassionately at times. As if taking it for granted somehow. At times we forget, in our flesh, that our faith must be stirred up. Watched over and cherished, as the treasure of great price that it is—guarded, with our very lives. I, for one, am thankful that the Holy Spirit reminds me of this Truth when I become lax.

Perhaps today, I needed to be re-minded to cling to this precious treasure I have been entrusted with. Re-minded to continuously exercise my faith on behalf of those who have yet to come into their measure of faith? Re-minded perhaps, that on a day I did not expect Him, the Spirit of the Living God came, suddenly, and blessed me with this precious, Life-giving gift of faith—just as He had for Father Abraham, just as He’ll do for you. And so, friend, if you’ve yet to call this faith your own, you can now. I believe the Holy Spirit has led you here for just that reason, to bless you with your measure of faith.

But first, you must ask Him to come into your life as Lord and Savior. Confess that you have sinned and that you need Him. Then stand still and watch the Lord fight for you—change you, increase with time, the measure of faith He’ll give you today. “Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead—who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God]” –Romans 4:23-25.

Category: Grace (Page 5 of 7)

Through Love, Part 2.

Like this:

His Love Transforms.

Like this:

Through Love.

Like this:

Do Everything In Love, Part 2.

Like this:

Because You Believe In Jesus, That’s Why.

Like this:

That’s It. One More Step Now.

Like this:

Sacred Spaces.

Like this:

Tag, You’re It! Part Two…

Like this:

Train Up A Child.

Like this:

This Is Me, And You. Abraham, too.

Like this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Sonsofthesea.org

Recent Posts

Search for posts here

New Teachings Every Saturday!

Meta

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Recent Posts

Search for posts here

New Teachings Every Saturday!

Meta