The Whole Truth

Jeremiah 38:14-18

God knows all things, whereas men only see things in part. The Lord knows the end from the beginning, while man can only make assumptions based on limited knowledge. From those truths, I’d like to pose a question: Who do you trust more with your life, God, or man? When God spoke to, and through men in Scripture, His purpose was to direct them toward the most favorable path. God spoke to men like Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua, and gave them words of inspiration and direction, that would only prove effective, if the people were willing to obey. When the people chose to obey, God blessed them richly and abundantly, but when they refused, they forced God’s hand to bring judgment upon them.

Our text gives a vivid example of such a lesson, when God gave word to the prophet Jeremiah, to advise king Zedekiah to surrender to Babylon, so that the city would not be burned, and he and his family would live. It’s not an easy thing to surrender to an enemy without putting forth a fight, but God knew that if king Zedekiah had confronted Babylon, he would have been slaughtered. As I afore mentioned, God knows all things, and He gave fair warning to the king, in order to preserve his life, and the lives of his people.

Do you listen, and take heed when God gives you warning, or do you have a tendency of following your own judgment? God can see beyond our thoughts and imaginations, and He left instructions (through the lives of biblical prophets and others in Scripture) that if followed, will keep us on the favorable path. God desires that all men come to repentance, and has no pleasure in seeing them perish, but the choice is ours; to take heed to His words and prosper, or ignore them and perish.

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

Ell

Read The Instructions

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

For the past few weeks, I’ve been helping family and friends assemble furniture, and other items at their request. When you purchase an item, the picture on the cover of the package, shows the item fully assembled properly, but when you open the box and pour everything out, it looks nothing like the finished product. While some try to be macho, and put together things by head knowledge alone, I on the other hand, prefer to follow the step-by-step instructions. There are times when following the instructions can seemingly lead you into temporary binds, but if you go back a few pages, or even turn the paper upside down, 99 percent of the time, you’ll find your mistake. The designer of such products, is fully aware that if he doesn’t include detailed instructions, those who purchase his items will more than likely give negative reports to customer service.

My blog theme reads, “Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead.” Trying to make it through life without proper guidance, is like those who refuse to read and follow the instructions, packaged with furniture items. God inspired men to write the scriptures, so that we could have the basic instructions on how to live, until Christ returns. In the same way God left His people with the choice to either choose life, or death, we too must decide whether or not we will live for God, or die in sin.

The more we read and study Scripture, the better we can keep ourselves together, but living without godly wisdom and knowledge will always lead to errors and mistakes. Read, and follow God’s instructions; this way, all parts of your life will fit together properly.

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

Ell

Wait For It…

Jeremiah 27:1-11

Words of prophecy, can oftentimes be compared to seed time, and harvest. After seeds are planted into the ground, the most important element in the germination process is, time. Once a seed is buried, it can be easily be forgotten, as time passes, but the moment a bud begins to rise from the soil, it makes its presence known, and fulfills the purpose for which it was planted.

Many words were prophesied throughout the Scriptures, and some of those prophecies have already come to pass, whereas others are still awaiting fulfillment. In the book of Genesis, God looked upon the earth, and was ashamed of how corrupt it had become, so God told Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” Although God spoke those words, He didn’t execute them until many years after. Our text gives another example, when the Word of the Lord came unto the prophet Jeremiah, and spoke concerning yokes being put upon certain nations, but this prophecy was not made known until 20 years after Jeremiah received it.

God’s Words were never spoken in vain, nor will they ever return void. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). Hold fast to the promises of God, and never think He’s forgotten about you. Sometimes, things must play put accordingly, until the appropriate time, for God’s Word to manifest.

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

Ell

No god Like Our God

Psalm 86:1-13

Who can do what God does? Can a doctor truly understand, and explain the code of human DNA? While they may see an in-depth analysis of cell function, no one can truly understand how cells do, what they do. Can a bird sing, except God grace him with the necessary parts to do so? Birds were uniquely formed to inhabit the heavens, and show forth God’s unmatched intellect. Do you believe in gravity? I do, but can you honestly say, you understand it fully? Can you contain it in a jar, analyze it, or paint it purple? Although we know the purpose of gravity, and what it does, no one can fully make sense of it. What is light, except the illumination of dark spaces? We see the light, but how does it exist? What substance is it composed of?

God is amazing, and the things He does are sometimes beyond human comprehension. I tried once to contain God in my finite brain, then had a headache for a few hours after. God has the power to speak things into existence, heal sick bodies, raise men from the dead, inhabit praise from those who love Him, and bless men so, until curses are unable to penetrate their lives. As I write, I have millions of thoughts running through my mind, concerning how good God is, and how He does so much for everyone! I don’t understand all the ways of God, but I’ve learned how to keep His attention, from studying the Bible.

King David left great examples of how to stay in union with God, until He creates opportunities, just so He can bless. David understood that one must first cleanse the evil from their hearts, before even attempting to ask anything from the Father. A pure heart, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, will always keep you in a position where God CANNOT refuse to grant your prayer requests. The almighty, all-knowing, all-wise God, looks down on the earth, and desires to perform some amazing things in the lives of the people, but many don’t believe in Him, nor in His Word, so they willingly forfeit themselves from receiving blessings that can only come from God. While men find temporary satisfaction from pleasures in the world, only God can give things that offer lasting joy, and satisfaction.

Who can do what God does? No one. Think on that for a moment, and consider adjusting your life to where it always has God’s attention.

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

Ell

Jealous Emotions

Zechariah 8:1-8, 11-17

The more I continue to study the scriptures, the more I recognize the emotions of God, when dealing with His chosen people. Men were created like God, in the sense that we are emotional toward those things we hold dear, and tend to express our feelings in ways that compliment our thoughts concerning our loved one’s behavior. We serve a God who oftentimes became jealous of the fact that the very people He selected to use and bless in the earth, would turn their attention to false gods and idols, who could do nothing for them except condemn them to eternal damnation. God would allow the people to wallow in their rebellious state for a season, but still had plans to use them, once they recognized the errors in their ways.

Think of a time when your child, or someone close to you, decided that your genuine love wasn’t good enough for them, so they began to find pleasure in things or people that seemed good at first, but caused them much pain and shame in the end. It hurts to see those we love, reject us for unhealthy associations, but like God, our love isn’t based on conditions, and we’re always awaiting with open arms, for them to come to their senses, and return.

In our text, God revealed that He had great jealousy for Zion, and even considered punishing them, for the sins their forefathers committed. Woah, that’s intense! Have you ever been so frustrated with one of your children, until you didn’t want to see any of them until your thoughts of wrath and butt whooping subsided? God is jealous of you, even now, and He wants all your attention to be directed toward Him, so why not give the One who created you, all your praise? Why not bless the God who puts breath and life in your body, every day? Why not serve the God who made you with purpose, and has prepared an eternal reservation with Himself, in glory? What is so important and valuable in this life, that you willingly place them ahead of God? Consider what those things are, and either smash them to pieces, or recalculate how much time you invest in them, and make certain God is your priority.

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

Ell

Fishers Of Men

Zechariah 8:18-23

One of the most taxing, yet rewarding things to do is, go fishing. Fishing isn’t for everyone, because the most important element of becoming a good fisherman is patience. Not many people are willing to wait long hours, in hopes of bringing in a great catch. But, to those who endure the waiting game, good things usually come in abundance. Even in times when you don’t catch anything except a breeze from the wind, the joy of fishing is all about the experience. Another key element in successful fishing is, bait. Different types of fish can be attracted by the right bait, and some can easily be lured with conventional means like bread and worms. Before you can clean, cook, or stuff a fish to mount on your trophy room wall, you must first be successful in luring it in, and possessing it.

If God pressed the stop button on His VCR in Heaven, and put your entire life on full display to the whole world, would the way you’ve lived up to now, be attractive enough to convince men, women, and children to believe in the truth of God’s Word, or would you prefer that God play someone else’s tape, who’s life may have been more convincing to prove His love is real? Christians are the bait that attract men to God. How we live, is the determinant factor in whether or not people can truly see the effects of a godly life. For this reason, it’s very important for the body of Christ to remain patient, while doing their best to live a life that replicates the life of Christ. While we live, we should shine in this dark world, the same way a lure sparkles in dark waters. Make sure your life is attractive enough, so that all who seek the Lord, can be drawn by your light.

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

Ell

Do Your Job

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

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

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

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

Ell

Righteous Fruit

Romans 12:9-21

Of all the fruit I’ve had the pleasure of tasting in my lifetime, my top three are mangos, watermelon, and grapefruit. I can eat any of those, anytime, any day, and anywhere! Good ole’ yum yum, in my tum tum! God made many trees that bring forth good fruit, but each tree can only bear the fruit of the type of seed that was planted in the ground. There’s never been a time when I went to a mango tree, and found grapefruit hanging from the branches, nor have I witnessed lemons falling from grapefruit trees. Every tree produces the same fruit after the predetermined information embedded in the seed.

All members of the body of Christ, are like trees, which bring forth fruit. Those who have the seed of God’s love embedded in their hearts, will always produce good fruit. Recognizing a child of God should never be difficult, because they can consistently be found showing love and kindness to others, being sensitive to other people’s needs, always active in doing good, and forever serving the Lord. The fruit that the righteous bear, benefits all who are within the vicinity of the believer. Just as the mango tree will always produce mangos, the Christian should produce the love of God on a consistent basis.

The children of God have duties to uphold, that easily separate them from the world, and when their minds are in union with the Lord’s, they will walk in humility, live peaceably with all men, and use good fruit to overcome evil.

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

Ell

Press On!

Ezekiel 37:15-23

When God chose Israel to represent His kingdom in the earth, He had plans for them from the beginning of their establishment, until eternity. People of every nation could witness the power of God, and learn of His goodness through the very lives of the children of Israel. They were to walk in truth, and obedience, while turning away from all things contrary to His holy way. Throughout the years, the Jews have had their share of ups and downs in their doings, but God never gave up on them. When they went against the standards of godliness, to go after idols, God allowed trouble to shake them back into reality. No matter how often the people strayed, God continued to show them everlasting mercy, and grace. Even today, the Jews are scattered, and disorganized, but God will soon gather them all together, and make them one nation in the land, upon the mountain of Israel. Our text continues, “and one king shall be king to them all” (vs. 22).

If God can love a wayward people such as the children of Israel, who have disobeyed Him for thousands of years, don’t you think He cares enough to not give up on you? Stop being so hard on yourself, fix your collar, and walk in integrity. God loves you, and desires that you stand firm in His Word, and don’t allow your shortcomings to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. If God will soon bless Israel, who has been historically disobedient, God will forgive you of all your errors, and strengthen you to press toward a prosperous end.

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

Ell

Keep Your Word

Jeremiah 31:31-34

According to the law of Moses, the children of God were confined to a to-do list, which they promised to follow, but failed miserably. Their eagerness to fulfill all that God had written on the stone tablets, went too far ahead of their understanding of what God truly expected from them. Despite God being a husband to the people, and providing for them the necessities of life, they ignorantly broke His covenant, and failed to receive all the promises He had prepared.

Fast forward to the New Testament, and you’ll discover where God’s new covenant was established through His Son, Jesus. Rather than attempt to follow hundreds of laws to the letter, through the sacrifice of Jesus, God was then able to put His law in man’s inward parts, and write it in their hearts. This way, all can read and meditate on the Scriptures, and the Spirit of God can bring understanding.

When we struggle to make decisions, the Word of God in our hearts will make it easier to make the right choice. Although Christ left the scene, the Holy Spirit is here to keep us walking the righteous path. God will keep His Word with His people, but we have an obligation to be obedient to that same Word, in order to receive the full benefits of His love. All who are in God, have no excuse to error, because His Spirit will ALWAYS warn us, when we’re approaching danger, or about to fall.

The forefathers of Israel had it “made in the cool shade”, yet they showed no appreciation for the wonderful and miraculous things God did for, and through them. Don’t let the same happen to you. Love God with all your heart, and walk in obedience, because in the end, you’ll reap great rewards, if you faint not.

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

Ell