Wealthy Condemnation

Habbakkuk 1:15-17

Why does it seem, that the wicked prosper, and the righteous experience continual suffering? I’d first like to clarify, that having an abundance of wealth or material things, isn’t equivalent to prosperity. There are men and women all over the world, who have more than enough wealth than they can spend in a lifetime, but just because they don’t lack material possessions, doesn’t mean their lives are free from problems. The average rich person is miserable, yet many keep their feelings inside, and hide them from the outside world. It’s one thing to have more than enough while harboring uneasy feelings, but it’s better when you have, and understand that with God, your possessions can be used to build His kingdom. In God’s eyes, prosperity involves more spiritual success, than natural.

The church suffers, because Christ suffered. It’s that simple. Jesus experienced a life, that no man or woman could ever imitate. He lived sinless, avoided all temptation, and yet, the world hated Him the more. Just as men hated Jesus, they will not withhold their hatred from the body of Christ today. Even as satan makes men appear to be prosperous, with their fine living, many fail to realize, God cares nothing about stuff, and more about souls. Many allow their wealth to change their attitude toward their fellow man, causing them to look down upon those seemingly not “on their level”. Even in the church, iniquity abounds, as members oftentime make attempts to devour their own people, for the love of money. This is just sad. Think on this for a moment, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17). God will no doubt deal with those in the church, who are failing to keep reverence in His house, but imagine the judgment coming to those who willingly refuse to acknowledge that God is the creator of all things, and Christ is the way, by which our sins are forgiven.

God will bless His people in this present life, and allow them to enjoy the wonders His love provides, but suffering is a package deal with living for Christ. Unfortunately, to those living in sin, yet feel safe and secure by their wealth and possessions, their temporary pleasure will bring eternal consequences, if they don’t change before time is up.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Sovereign Creator

Habakkuk 1:5-11

Throughout all the world, including the heavens and the earth, there’s not one who compares to the God of all creation. God’s omnipotent power has been recorded doing things no man, angel, or demon could ever do! Aside from speaking all things into existence, God holds the power to control creation, as He sees fit. A great example is given in our text, of the sovereignty of the God over all creation. God created man with the power to choose his or her own path in life, but He’s in full support of His agenda, over the enemy’s.

When the people God chose to carry His name throughout the earth, decided that they would find more pleasure in doing things contrary to what they were created for, God would raise up other nations, to sort of whip His people back in shape. There’s nothing like a swift kick in the pants, to help someone regain focus. Discipline is always good, especially when it’s intent is to bring someone from darkness, to light. When we claim to love God, but live contrary to holiness, our actions bring shame and embarrassment to His holy name. In turn, we force the hand of God to bring chastisement in our lives, in hopes that we’ll turn away from wickedness, and back to righteousness. I’m certain God gets no pleasure from allowing His children to suffer, but if a little affliction can save them from eternal suffering, then it’s worth it.

God has plans for all His people, and His thoughts toward us are good, and not evil. But, when we choose to make plans outside of God’s will, He’ll allow things to happen, to whip us back into shape.

Walk in love,

Ell

“A Hard Head Makes For A Soft Behind”

Jeremiah 5:14-19

There are millions of people walking the earth, living according to their own way. They have little to no regard for God, nor for the consequences of their sinful living. They spend entire lifetimes accumulating wealth and increase, solely for the purpose of making their own names great, while refusing to take into account, the implications of their eternity. These behaviors aren’t something that sprung up recently, but men have disregarded God throughout the Bible.

Our text picks up where the prophet Jeremiah recorded events of God’s people, literally rebelling against His authority. Those who were at one time “fed to the full”, forsook the God who provided for them. Things were so bad in Jerusalem, until God said, if only one man was found, who stood for righteousness, He would withhold judgment. That’s so sad. Amongst a people chosen by God, not one was bold enough to speak out against wickedness?

If God visited your home today, how many righteous people would He find? Would He be surprised to see, that the ones who attend church services regularly, play praise and worship music in their cars to and from work, and fast once a week, are living more wicked than the world? Or, would He be so pleased with your living, until He’d stay for a while, and enjoy your company? God planned to execute judgment on those who willingly forsook His authority, but promised to leave a remnant. The Lord is forever merciful, and although His judgments are sure, they only come upon those who’s “faces are harder than a rock, and refuse to return” to right standing in godliness. Are you a hardhead concerning the things of God? If so, you may want to reconsider your ways, because harsh judgment will be knocking on your door soon.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Name Of The Lord

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?” (Judges 13:18 KJV). In all the years I’ve studied the Scriptures, I’ve never understood, “the name of the Lord”, as I just discovered five minutes ago (I guess I’m a late bloomer). There are scholars and historians, who debate over what God’s actual name is, and invest years of research, trying to discover it. But, I’ve gained a greater understanding of where our focus, in God’s name, should be directed.

In the same way children are to reverence and respect their parents, by calling them father and mother, or mom and dad, Christians are to acknowledge God, not by an actual name, but who He actually is. God is our Father, who resides in Heaven, and we are to do as Moses did in our text, and “publish the name of the Lord…” (vs. 3). To publish can also mean to proclaim, or make known. When making mention of “the name of the Lord”, we should actually proclaim who, and what God represents. One verse reads, “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The prophet Isaiah understood the relevance in God’s power and authority, rather than trying to figure out what His name was when he wrote, “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8).

When men hear “the name of the Lord”, God, Lord, and all the other terms in Scripture that represent the Father, it’s more important that they gain an understanding of who God is, what He represents, and how powerful and unmatched His authority is. The same applies to us, when we acknowledge our parents. I don’t make it a habit of calling my mom and dad by their first names, because it’s been looked upon as a sign of disrespect. Instead, I acknowledge them by who they are, and respect what their roles represent.

God isn’t moved by men who make attempts to learn His actual name, because it means nothing, if they don’t know what the name truly stands for. Rather than spending time trying to figure out what “the name of the Lord” is, redirect your attention to all the amazing things God stands for, as well as what He expects from those who love Him. Respect God’s position as Father, and stay in your lane, as His child, walking in obedience to His commands.

(Exodus 3:13-15 KJV) “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

(Jeremiah 16:21 KJV) “Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.”

Unfaithful Friends

Job 19:1-7

In the midst of multiple horrendous and heartbreaking attacks from satan, the faithful Job was totally unaware of the initial conversation between God and the devil, that led to the unbearable events the Lord’s faithful servant was unwillingly forced to endure. The devil wanted to prove to God, that if He were to remove the hedge of protection from around Job, he would certainly turn against Him. By now, many should know how this amazing story eventually turned out, but if not, feel free to read the entire book of Job, for more in- depth understanding.

During his suffering, Job’s grief was amplified, when his homies felt the need to “vex his soul”. While it was one thing trying to understand losing literally everything, including his children, and his wife’s sanity, Job was troubled the more, listening to his friends constantly try to convince him that he was wicked, and his troubles were of his own doing.

One of the most powerful virtues of God’s Spirit is, discernment (the ability to see, perceive, and distinguish the meaning of things, even without complete understanding). Apparently, Job’s friends lacked this virtue, because had they been in tune to God’s plan, rather than scold and ridicule the humble servant, they would have offered words of comfort and encouragement instead. Imagine watching your whole life fall apart in literal seconds, then having to hear that everything was your fault, from those who you considered your closest friends.

Many in situations as this one, tend to isolate themselves, for fear of being hurt the more, even when being approached by those with good intentions. Job could not understand why his friends were breaking him in pieces with their words, but he should have been more concerned with the fact that he had not sinned, nor did anything to cause his pain, and shame. As humans, we often forget the obvious, when life dumps loads of weight on our shoulders. Those things that should be easy to understand, become hard, and cause us to stress, and lose focus.

There will be experiences in our lives, where God will allow the enemy to come against us; not to defeat us or keep us bound, but to reveal how focused our faith is in God. Job’s encounters were so severe, until he almost gave in to the pressure, but in the end, he endured, and God blessed him with more in the end, than he had before his suffering. Blessings are given by default, to those who are in God, but to those who endure intense trials and attacks from the devil, God will reward you with intense blessings in the end.

Walk in love,

Ell

The Big Breakup!

Amos 5:18-24

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “The Big Breakup”! Starring, The Disgruntled Wife, and The Unjust Husband! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the juicy details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Disgruntled Wife: (Screaming) Ahhhhh! I can’t take this anymore.

Unjust Husband: You can’t take what? All you do is whine, moan, and complain. Why can’t you be like your sister, and do what her husband tells her, without giving him lip?

Disgruntled Wife: Are you serious?! You don’t deserve anything good from me anymore. Since we got married, I’ve done EVERYTHING for you…EVERY BLEEP BLEEP THING!!! And, I never complained. You showed me kindness, and acted like you cared in the beginning, but you’ve finally revealed who you really are.

Unjust Husband: You know I care, and will always loooove you. Go look in your closet, and count all the beautiful dresses I just bought for you. Or, look at all the fine jewelry I got you for our ten year anniversary. I take you out to eat at least twice a week, so you don’t have to always cook, and I pay ALL the bills. You live in this big house, with no worries. So, what are you still complaining about?

Disgruntled Wife: SMH… you know what? You’re an interesting character. You say you do all these things because “you loooove me”, but answer these questions for me please. Number one, where do you go after work? Number two, what’s the name of the woman you meet up with? Number three, do you buy me things to keep me distracted? Number four, when you say you love me, is it according to the same love God gives? Number five, why do you seek other women for pleasure, when I give you all you need? Number six, why did you marry me, knowing you wouldn’t remain faithful? Number seven, why…

Unjust Husband: Alright alright alright! I don’t want to hear this.

Disgruntled Wife: It’s the truth. I work, cook, clean, do all these things for you consistently, yet you feel the need to go outside of our union to find pleasure. Am I not enough?

Unjust Husband: ….

Disgruntled Wife: See, you can’t even say nothing. You know what, I’m leaving! I’ve given you way too many chances to change, but you’re comfortable in your unfaithful ways.

Unjust Husband: Yeah right, you ain’t going nowhere. Besides, you are a Christian, you don’t believe in divorce. So, take all that somewhere else.

Disgruntled Wife: Because I love God, you don’t think I can leave your sorry bleep bleep? Listen, did you know, Christ is married to the church, and one day He’ll come to take His bride (the church)? But, if He comes and finds your lamp not lit, you’ll be left behind forever.

Unjust Husband: There you go with all that Bible talk. I don’t care about all those make-believe stories some ancient writers wrote. I’m not afraid of God, nor am I afraid of you. So go sit down somewhere.

Disgruntled Wife: See, that’s where you’re wrong. The same way God can separate Himself from an unjust people, is what I’ll give to you. I love you, and always will, but I must leave you forever.

Unjust Husband: Bla bla bla….bla bla…….oh wait, and BLAAAAA!

Disgruntled Wife: I wash my hands of this, and leave you to your judgment. Goodbye!

This concludes another episode of, “The Big Breakup”! Thanks for tuning in.

This lesson was intended to portray the message in our text. There are some who were in God’s hands of protection, but willingly left it for worldly pleasures. They held traditional feasts, assemblies, gave burnt offerings, and sang songs, but God would not accept any of their sacrifices, while sin ruled their hearts. God provided all their needs, but they constantly went after other things. Knowing they’d never return to the Father, judgment was set for all who permanently sided with evil, rather than cling to the light of God’s goodness. Woe unto everyone, who refuses God’s free gift of salvation!

Walk in love,

Ell

My First Love

Hosea 2:14-23

“Hindsight is always 20/20”, and people usually see situations more clear, after experiencing them first-hand. These sayings are especially true in circumstances where some have failed to appreciate the kindness and generosity of others, until that person removed themselves from their company. A similar saying that applies to this is, “you don’t know what you got, till you lose it”.

Living as a Christian, in these days, is extremely challenging, as men often take our kindness for weakness, but the moment their lives take a turn for the worse, they remember those who once showed them compassion, eventually seeking them for comfort. God dealt with this continually from the children of Israel, during the time when they willingly entertained evil influences, and ignored His chastening. They failed to appreciate all that God was gracefully providing for them, and chose to find pleasure in things the Father despised. This situation happens in many homes across the country, as parents work tirelessly to provide for their children, then witness their lack of appreciation, and resistance to abide by their teachings. It would break my heart, to see the son or daughter I raised and provided for, turn their face away from me, and connect with those who operate under standards contrary to what was established in my home. Children today, are easily distracted by the many influences of the world, so it’s vital that parents establish solid Bible standards as early as possible, to train their kids to recognize truth from lies, at an early age.

God loved Israel, but hated their sins, yet He promised to give them bountiful blessings, as soon as they grew weary from their sinful living, and remembered how good they had it, before they left their first love. God’s love isn’t fickle and frail as the love portrayed by the world, but He offers love unconditional, and reserves blessings for those who remain true to His Word.

Have you left God’s love for someone else’s? If so, do you finally see the difference in the love offered by the Father, compared to that of carnal men? Turn away from all those things that do nothing to help you grow spiritually, and return to your first love. Let God prove to you, that what he offers, can bless your life now, and throughout eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell

Words Of Authority

Genesis 1:4-9, Amos 5:8-9

“And God said, Let there be…and it was so.” Those words alone, hold the utmost authority and power of all I’ve ever read in my life! To literally speak things into existence, deems one omnipotent, by default, despite what anyone says, in my opinion. As a kid, I tried time and time again, to call things from the sky, including money, candy, other things 80’s kids enjoyed during those days, but I assumed my voice wasn’t as strong as God’s, to call things into existence, because I was never able to make any of those things appear out of thin air. Obviously, my naivety got the best of me, but I soon gained a greater respect for the awesomeness of the power God operates in. In the beginning, God created, and set things in order with the power of His words. He divided light from darkness, placed the firmament of Heaven in the midst of the waters, and it divided the waters from the waters. God set the sun, moon, stars, and everything else in place, as they remain to this day. God created ecosystems in nature, times and seasons, and cycles, so that the earth and all its inhabitants, could be self-sustaining over time. The world in its “pre-tainted” state, was absolutely incredible! Ahh, if only I could have basked in the glory of such a pristine environment. God, in all His glory and awesomeness, still sits high and looks low upon this earth, awaiting the moment to gather His people together, and treat them to an eternity of peace, majesty, glory, and splendor in the new Heaven, and new earth. Will I see you there?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17 KJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.” (Isaiah 66:22 KJV)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:29-33 KJV)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:10-13 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Silent, But Deadly

Amos 5:6-7, 10-13

The modern church has fallen into a state, where Bible learning, and soul salvation have become afterthoughts, and financial gain, and titles have been on the forefront of men’s agendas. The wisdom and knowledge once gained from healthy church gatherings, have been substituted with hours of wasted time of opinions, falsehoods, and carnal doctrines. In a time when the world needs to see the love of God, through His people, they instead are entertained with behaviors of men and women “of the cloth”, that is at times, worse than their own.

Throughout the Scriptures, the men who gave Jesus the most trouble were religious leaders, and this hasn’t changed since. Rather than meet the needs of the people, these men prefer to “tread upon the poor”, take away their provisions, build expensive homes, and make large investments, unrelated to the betterment of the people. Rather than denounce sin altogether, and do right by God’s people, they boast in their positions of authority, and fine living. While the behaviors from these individuals often cause many to become frustrated and upset, the text mentions, “The prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.” (vs. 13). We may get mad, and want to tear those wicked leaders apart, but many of them won’t change, no matter what we say, or do to them. However, God knew these times would come, and already established, that all the wealth, fame, and possessions corrupt church leaders try to accumulate, will be enjoyed by someone other than themselves. These people think they are getting by, with ignoring the needs of God’s people, and filling their pockets with vanity, but they will all be in for a big surprise, sooner or later.

Remain steadfast in the Lord, and don’t allow the wicked devices of corrupt leaders to hinder your faith. Be strong, watch, and pray, as God reveals Himself in ways we’ve never seen!

Walk in love,

Ell

Life Is Bliss

Amos 5:4-5, 14-15

Is life truly worth living? It’s obvious, the state of the world is in steady decline, as we witness Bible prophecy fulfill before our very eyes. The uprising of wars, and rumors of wars, persecution, affliction, and all those things mentioned in the Scriptures, are surely coming to pass. With all the chaos, and turmoil ravaging the lands, can the people of God experience a life of goodness, and prosperity during these prophetic end-times? I’ll first answer that question by listing a few scriptures that support my strong opinion.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 KJV

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

“In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Deuteronomy 30:16 KJV

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2 KJV

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

Is life truly worth living? Of course it is! Despite the fact that this world will soon be over, God allows those who are engrafted into His royal family, to experience the full benefits of His amazing love! When we seek good, and not evil, God promised to be with us. Whether in times of sickness, trial, or testing, God will always defend those who seek to fulfill His will, over their own.

The enemy knows his time meandering around the earth is nearly up, so he’s pressing hard against the children of God, trying to convince them to give up. But, we already have the victory over satan. The problem is, many of us aren’t living as if that’s true. When we allow our problems to be bigger than the Problem Solver, this causes issues with our professed beliefs. Even as we live in obedience to God, we must remain bold and steadfast, regardless of what comes against us.

Believers have the power of God working within them, through His Spirit, that helps them do great things in the earth. We receive power, after the Holy Ghost comes upon us, to get wealth, call those things that be not, as though they were, lay hands on the sick, and help them recover, and many other wonderful things! So, rather than spend your life focusing on all your problems, look to God, and trust Him to help you live a good life on this troubled planet.

Walk in love,

Ell