Man Up!

Various Bible Passages

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalm 1:1

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” – Titus 2:7

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” – Psalm 119:9

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” – Psalm 37:23-26

Interesting Interviews

1 Samuel 18:1-26:25, Mark 14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews” starring, HolyEll and various characters throughout Bible history! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(“5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” [1 Samuel 18:5-9])

King Saul: AHHHHHGGGG!!! (“And Saul cast a javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it.”)

(As David escapes, HolyEll appears in king Saul’s presence.)

HolyEll: Woah! Woah! Woah big fella! Calm your nerves a little bit. You could have killed that boy.

King Saul: Who in God’s name are you? And, how did you get in here? And, what are you wearing?

HolyEll: Listen, your majesty. Do you realize, you nearly took the life of an innocent boy; the same one who saved your life from Goliath, and a potential Philistine invasion?

King Saul: It matters not anymore who that lad is. What matters is, he has taken the glory that’s due to my name. He has embarrassed me in the midst of my people. I can no longer allow him to live.

HolyEll: Do you actually think before you speak sir?

King Saul: What?! I shall have you beheaded at once. GUARDS!!!

HolyEll: Oh Lord, I gotta go. Hey king, before I take my leave, just remember, God allowed you to be Israel’s first king. He entrusted you with the safety and well-being of His people. Unfortunately, your pride and arrogance has caused for God to seek a replacement leader. David will soon propel God’s people to the place you could have taken them to. By the way, David will soon have two opportunities to take your life, but he’ll spare you, because he’s a man after God’s own heart. Sleep with one eye open, meanie pants!

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as king Saul wonders in amazement.)

King Saul: Did you men see that? Who was that strange fellow? Find him, then bring him to me. Tighten up patrol, and let me know when you have apprehended the boy, David also.

(“21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.” “42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.” [Mark 14:21, 42])

(HolyEll appears before Judas and the group of men seeking to arrest Jesus.)

HolyEll: Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Where are you guys headed? My, what pointy weapons you have? Are you all headed to kill someone? Wait, I know. You’re headed to falsely accuse and arrest the man called Jesus.

Judas: Who are you boy? Why are you here? You know nothing of our business.

HolyEll: Actually, I know more than you can imagine. In fact, I even know how your life will end.

Judas: Get away from us. You’re beginning to pester me.

HolyEll: How did it feel, being in the presence of the Son of God, witnessing miracles, and hearing powerful and impactul sermons? Oh I’m sorry, while your brethren were doing as Jesus instructed, your hands were busy stealing money from the treasury.

Judas: That’s enough! Leave us now, or you’ll be dealt with.

HolyEll: Alright, I’ll leave. But, before I go, you still have time to change your mind before you deliver your kiss of betrayal.

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as Judas and the men with Him wonder in amazement.)

Judas: Men, pay no attention to that annoying person. Let’s continue our plan.

*There will be seasons in life when we veer off track, but God gives us time to correct the errors of our ways, and align ourselves with His way. Unfortunately, some people allow themselves to drift too far from safety, until they eventually set themselves up for a hopeless end. Stay true to God, even during your weak moments, because only by His strength can you recover, and be properly set up to walk the path of righteousness consistently.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Two Sides Of The Street

1 John 5:3

As I was driving down a road in Miami one sunny afternoon, I looked to the right of the street, and noticed a cemetery. Most times when I pass a graveyard, my mind immediately goes into a state of appreciation for life, then I give thanks to God for giving me life, health, and a sound mind. I’m usually left with a heart of sadness for those who’s bodies lay in the grave, but those experiences keep me humbled, and focused on living a life for the Lord; knowing that someday I’ll also have a place to lay next to them.

As I passed the cemetery, I looked to the left of the street and saw men at a basketball court. My mind wondered whether or not those who were grinding hard on the court, were also aware of the fact that they would someday share a space across the street at the cemetery also. While there is no harm in enjoying a time of leisure at the park, it’s more important to remember what our focus in life should be. Those who are the children of God are to love Him, keep His commandments, and love others according to His love.

As we go throughout each day doing things we deem as important, we should never allow any activity to take precedence over our God-appointed assignment; to win the lost, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Spice Girls

Matthew 5:13-16

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the exciting episode of, “Spice Girls” starring, Cinnamon, Paprika, Maple, Sage, and Rosemary. I’m your host HolyEll, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Cinnamon: Hey Paprika, I hope all is well.

Paprika: Hey Cinnasugga! Thanks for calling. Girl you know I’m good. Spicing up life, as always! How are things on your end?

Cinnamon: I’m doing well. I’m currently seasoning some buns at the moment.

Paprika: Ooooo I absolutely love your cinnamon buns! They are yum yum yummy!

Cinnamon: Stop it, girl you’re making me blush.

Paprika: Really girl? You are blush lol.

Cinnamon: Funny lol. Anyhoo, I called to ask if you’ve heard from Rosemary. I’ve been trying to reach her for a few weeks, but no response.

Paprika: Now that you’ve mentioned it, it has been a while since I’ve heard from her. I think we last hung out at the “Gathering of the Spices” convention last month.

Cinnamon: (Sigh) Hold on for a second, I’m gonna call Maple.

Paprika: OK. I’ll buzz in Sage as well.

Maple: Hey Cinnamon! How are you?

Cinnamon: I’m keeping my spirits up. Paprika and Sage are on the line as well.

Maple: Hey girls!! Talk to me Cinnamon, tell me what’s going on.

Cinnamon: Well, I’m concerned about Rosemary. I haven’t heard from her in a while, and my concerns for her are growing. I asked the girls whether or not they had any contact with her, but nothing.

Sage: Yeah this is really bothering me. It’s not like Rosemary to distance herself from us. I haven’t heard from her since she called a few weeks ago to ask if it was safe to sprinkle her seasoning on baked chicken.

Cinnamon: Yeah girls, I’m worried. Wait..I have an idea. Let’s all go to her house and see if she’s there.

(Cinnamon picks up the other Spice Girls, then they head to Rosemary’s house)

(The girls arrive at Rosemary’s house)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Hey, Rosemary, it’s Cinnamon and the girls. Are you here?

(Moments pass, then Cinnamon knocks again)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Rose…

Rosemary: I’m coming… Hey there. What are you all doing here? Come in.

(The girls hug Rosemary as they walk in)

Maple: Hey Rose, good to see you.

Sage: Yes, where have you been? Is everything ok?

(The girls all gather in Rosemary’s living room.)

Rosemary: Well, I first want to apologize for ignoring all of you the past few days. I’ve been feeling down, and I think I’ve lost my flavor.

Sage: What?! What do you mean, lost your flavor? The world wouldn’t be the same without you, Rosemary.

Paprika: Exactly! Without you, who would bring life to so many great dishes?

Maple: Yeah girl, you are awesome! You’re especially effective when combined with grains, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, and spinach.

Rosemary: I am humbled by your kind words, but I just feel I’m not as special as you all. Take Cinnamon for instance. Who can work wonders with bread, cookies, pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato pie, churros, and French toast? And who can make creamy pasta dishes flavorful like Sage? I just feel that I’m not good enough to flavor the world as you girls do.

Cinnamon: Rosemary, listen. I understand you are going through a difficult season, and we didn’t come here to judge you, but take a moment to consider all the things you’ve changed in the world. You have literally enhanced foods like chicken, lamb, pork, steaks, and fish. You bring flavor to food that neither of us can compare with. You may feel that you aren’t special, but you were made to make food better.

Rosemary: (Crying tears of joy and appreciation) Thank you Cinnamon, Sage, Maple, and Paprika. I shouldn’t have shut myself away from you. Instead, I should have come to you, rather than allow myself to fall into such a low state.

Paprika: Girl we are all special in our own way, and what I can do, I do it well, but what I can’t do, someone else is equipped to handle it.

Sage: Indeed Paprika. We all have our part to play in seasoning the earth. Just be appreciative of who you are, and focus on what your role is.

Maple: Rosemary, you are greater than you give yourself credit for. By the way, I’m working on a new syrup, and I was wondering if you could add a touch of your flavor to it.

Rosemary: Of course I will Maple. Cinnamon, thank you for encouraging me, and helping me see the value in who I am, and what I was made for. You girls are the best.

Cinnamon: That’s what I wanted to hear. Now let’s go bring flavor to the world.

*The Bible mentions in Matthew 5:13, we are the salt of the earth. But there are times when our potency becomes ineffective for various reasons. Whether we suffer a season of depression, low self-esteem, loss of job, unbalanced relationships, or financial woes, we must not lose our effectiveness in carrying out God’s will for our lives. We were all made special, and we’re also equipped with talents and abilities that help us in fulfilling the works of the Lord. So, during the times when you feel down, or unworthy to contribute to kingdom works, surround yourself with fellow believers, who can edify and build you back up with encouragement, and the power of their testimonies.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Spice Girls”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Reasons To Praise God!

The Psalms

*He is a shield and lifter up of our heads
*Salvaion belongs to the Lord
*He takes no pleasure in wickedness
*There is no evil dwelling with Him
*He is a Father to the fatherless
*He protects the widows
*He shames our enemies
*He created man
*His name is excellent in all the earth
*The Lord endures forever
*The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed
*In times of trouble, He will hide us
*He never forsakes those that seek Him
*The Lord is King for ever and ever
*His mercy is great above the heavens
*His truth reaches the clouds
*He setteth the poor high from affliction
*He brings those who cry unto Him out of distress
*The Lord silences flattering lips
*The words of the Lord are pure
*The Lord keeps us stable
*It is God that avengeth us
*The law of the Lord is perfect
*The testimony of the Lord is sure
*Good and upright is the Lord
*He will teach sinners in the way
*All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…
*The Lord is my light and my salvation…
*The voice of the Lord is powerful, and full of majesty
*Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
*Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
*The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
*The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
*The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
*Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Tombs For Rent!

Mark 16:6

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Tombs For Rent” starring, the Merchant,  and the Inquiring Gentleman! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Recently, Jesus had been resurrected from Joseph’s new tomb, and word spread throughout all the land. A certain merchant who sold tombs heard the news, then sought to make a profit from those who followed Jesus’s example.)

Merchant: Come, see my newly renovated tombs, the likes of which none have ever been buried in before!

(Men and women pass by, ignoring the voice of the merchant.)

Merchant: People, precious people, I have the best tombs available for rent. But if you act fast, I can be convinced to lower my rates, significantly.

Merchant: Hey sir! Sir! May I borrow a moment of your time?

Inquiring Gentleman: Greetings. Does your sign actually read, “Tombs For Rent”? Is this a joke or something?

Merchant: Ha ha haaaa. Kind sir, have you not heard the news?

Inquiring Gentleman: Apparently not, so enlighten me.

Merchant: There was a man called Jesus, who was said to be the Savior of the Jews. Well, he was brutally crucified, and his body was placed in the tomb right over there! If you haven’t noticed, he’s no longer there!

Inquiring Gentleman: Come again?

Merchant: You heard correctly, he’s gone! Some say his disciples came in the night and stole his body, but whatever the case, I’ll rent my tombs to all who plan on dying and being resurrected, or having their bodies stolen in the night.

Inquiring Gentleman: You can’t be serious… wait, you are serious.

Merchant: Hey, a man’s gotta work to eat, so I’m working, because I like to eat.

Inquiring Gentleman: Who do you actually expect to rent a tomb?

Merchant: Good question. I guess all those people who followed after Jesus, and believed in his words that someday they too will be raised up from the grave.

Inquiring Gentleman: Ahh, you’re referencing 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

Merchant: Umm… yeah, sure… right that’s it. Anyhoo, I’d like to offer you a great deal on this tomb behind me. It’s one of a kind, and very spacious.

Inquiring Gentleman: Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass. Hope business goes well for you.

Merchant: Your loss sir. People, people come, see my beautifully spacious tombs for rent. Don’t let the price scare you to death… get it?!

(People continue to avoid the merchant, while passing by, as he furthers his advances to rent his tombs.)

According to the book of Hebrews, everyone will have an appointment with death, and we will all return to the same dust we were made of. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, the grave will not be their final resting place. But, to all who refuse and reject Christ’s salvation, they’ll suffer not only a natural death, but a spiritual one also.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Tombs For Rent”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

“Cover Me!”

Ephesians 4:25

During times of war, the most important person a soldier can rely on is, the man fighting beside him wearing the same uniform. It’s absolutely important for those fighting alongside each other to always remain focused on their enemy, while at the same time, covering each other in battle. One of the most horrifying and disappointing moments of a battle is when “friendly fire” occurs, and a fellow soldier is either wounded, or permanently taken out of the fight. This action can either be the cause of losing a battle, or prolonging it longer than anticipated. What’s worse than friendly fire is, when a soldier deliberately turns against his own unit, and begins to open fire on his own people. This is simply unacceptable, and can literally shift the tide of any battle. It’s always good to know who you’re fighting with, but also to keep a keen eye on everyone who claims to be on your team, because you never know who will turn against you when the battle begins.

Fighting the “Good fight of faith” will always come with its usual contention against our adversary the devil, but when the children of God are unified, they’ll usually progress through each battle and grow accordingly in faith, patience, wisdom, and experience. Unfortunately, many who walk with God have taken the unexpected bullet from another who claimed to be “saved”. Not everyone who says “Lord Lord” will enter the kingdom of Heaven, and many who seem to be believers in Christ, are far from doing the will of the Lord. A great number of men and women are simply tares, growing amongst the wheat. They look like “church folk”, act godly, walk the walk, and talk the talk, but secretly, they have a plan to pull you away from righteousness. For this reason, it’s vital for all who claim the name of the Lord to pray always, without ceasing. The devil never takes a day off, so the Saints shouldn’t either. We should always keep our guard up, even with friends and family members (I’m just saying… we’re in the last and evil days, and trust is earned).

To all my Christian soldiers, stand firm, stay on guard, and be vigilant. Let’s strive to keep our brothers and sisters covered, while aiming our artillery in the right direction.

The Right Response

Matthew 12

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Jesus’s Response – …But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Man’s Response – And behold there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? that they might accuse him.

Jesus’s Response – What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Man’s Response – … and great multitudes followed him…

Jesus’s Response – …and he healed them all;

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of devils.

Jesus’s Response – And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand; and if satan cast out satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then this kingdom stand?

Man’s Response – Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Man’s Response – Then one said unto him, Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?…For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.