Troubled Treasure

Proverbs 15:16, 16:8

We in the United States, live in a society where greed is prominent. The more men gain, the more they want. Humility has become an afterthought in the great ole’ “Land of the Free”. Rather than be grateful for simply having enough (food, money, property, etc.), men desire more of things, than what they really need. Oftentimes, those who desire more than enough, typically find themselves struggling with the troubles that are inevitably associated with “too much”. Rare and few are those who desire much, in order to care for the needs of others. Conversely, those with selfish motives can be found in abundance.

God commanded His people to fear Him, and keep His commandments. Obeying these simple commands requires one to always walk in humility, while appreciating the daily benefits provided by the hand of God.

Those who profess to be born-again believers, should never be guilty of greed, nor the desire to want more than what they need. “Give us this day our daily bread” should be the mindest of all who love the Lord, and strive to be His representatives in the earth. Make an honest effort to empty yourselves of pride and selfishness, then ask God to fill your hearts with His love, wisdom, and understanding.

Gone Too Soon…

2 Chronicles 35:20-27

Throughout history, many people, including men, women, and children, have died before their time. Some even say, there’s an appointed time for all men to eventually pass on from this life to the next, but I’m certain, many have left this earth prematurely. All men were created wonderfully by the hand of God, and tasked with a special purpose to fulfill in the earth. Unfortunately, not all people were successful in fully completing their ordained assignments.

In my brief 40 years of existence, I’ve witnessed the lives of many be cut short, whether by murder, suicide, or some type of accidental tragedy. In the same way we witness a tree die before fully developing and producing fruit, is similar to seeing a person’s life end, before they even begin to show their true potential.

From a young age, king Josiah ruled in Jerusalem well. God gave this young king wisdom and spiritual insight, in order to restore the temple of the Lord, and His people, to prominence once again. The texts reads, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the left, nor to the right” (2 Chronicles 34:2). King Josiah did well in cleansing Judah and Jerusalem from all idolatry. During his reign, Josiah and the children of Israel departed not from following God.

While this great reign could have endured many more years, it was cut short when king Josiah went against a man, following the Lord’s assignment. The King of Israel assumed incorrectly, a heathen ruler could be doing a work for the Lord. Unfortunately, his false assumption cost him his life. Just because someone is in the company of heathen, doesn’t exclude them from being used of God. The Lord can use anyone He desires, to fulfill His plan. Rather than listen to Necho’s message, Josiah disguised himself, and went against the man’s words. The king died at a fairly young age, then was buried in one of the sepulchers of his fathers.

No man knows the day or time of his death, but while we have life, let’s use wisdom to navigate through it. We may not have all the solutions or answers to the many questions of life, but we serve the God who does. Appreciate every second you’re blessed to have, and do all you can to avoid making foolish mistakes. God loves everyone, but He can get more use from our lives, when we place all our trust in His will, and not our own.

A Song Of Grief

Amos 5

v.1 “Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation….

v.2 The virgin of Israel has fallen… there is none to raise her up…

v.3 For thus saith the Lord God…

v.4 …Seek ye me, and ye shall live…

v.5 But seek not Beth-el… and Beth-el shall come to nought…

v.6 Seek the Lord, and ye shall live…

v.7 Ye who turn judgment into wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth…

v.8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning…

v.12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins…

v.14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you…

v.15 Hate the evil, and love the good…”

Before You Commit…

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

“Before you commit, know who you’re with.” – Ell

Mind Your Business

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (vs. 11-12)

“Focus on your own business, and leave mine alone. Only then will you begin to understand where you belong.” -Ell

Sweet Sleep

Proverbs 3:24

When was the last time you had a good night’s rest? Can you recall a moment when you laid in bed, forgot about all your worries, and cast all your cares upon the Lord? In the book of Proverbs, king Solomon taught his sons the importance of finding wisdom, and getting understanding, because doing so would ensure life to the soul, grace to the neck, safe pathways, and a solid foundation from which to grow stronger in the Lord. Life is hard, and times get tough, but when we give our troubles to the Lord, He’ll give us wisdom to navigate through them. So, don’t worry about the things you can’t change, nor the situations beyond your control. Instead, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, and sleep in peace. “When thy liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

Humility To Maturity

1 Peter 5:6, 2 Peter 3:18

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

The purpose of living is not to accumulate loads of wealth, nor strive to become famous in the eyes of men. The purpose of living is not to bask in the pleasures of life, while ignoring what real living is all about. There’s a theme preached by many today that centers around “living your best life” now, but the best life in God’s eye may not be what many carnal minded individuals would imagine. Living the godly life consists of humility, that sets one on the path of spiritual maturity. The more we learn about God and His word, the more we’ll grow in understanding of His purpose for us. Unfortunately, the “best life” isn’t a pretty picture. In the Bible, the apostles suffered horrendous deaths while living their “best life”. Even today, those who walk after righteousness, are suffering persecution, that could eventually lead to their deaths also. Knowing that our days are numbered, and life is short, it’s vital for all who live for God to humble themselves, and focus on being mature, as the inevitable suffering awaits us all.