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!

Instant Transition

Acts 26:19-23

The more I study and meditate on the life of the apostle Paul, the more my appreciation for his testimony grows. During the time when Paul persecuted and wrecked havoc on the people of God, he received full support from the chief priests, to freely execute his devilish plans. Paul was adamant and focused on nothing except bringing down God’s people, to the point it became routine to kill believers. But, after his “Damascus Experience”, the same men who supported his wicked plans, would ironically turn against him.

The man who literally breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, had become an instant protector and advocate for them. This night-to-day change was made possible, because after Saul met Jesus, he was willing to repent of his former doings. To repent is, to have a change of mind, followed by a change in attitude. Only then, will an individual’s behavior and actions align with true repentance.

Paul was bold for the Lord, and the more he preached the Gospel of Jesus, the greater the multitude of those who despised his message grew. Despite countless attempts to end his life, God protected His servant, and used him to impact the kingdom of God greatly.

It matters not the sin you committed, nor how bad you think you are; what truly matters is, God grants all men an allotted time to repent, and turn their hearts toward Himself. After giving his life to God, the apostle Paul began to realize the importance of time, and that he had to make wise use of it, and we should consider the same in our own lives. Receiving the gift of salvation doesn’t require a long process, but only takes a moment to change your mind, attitude, behavior, and actions. Just like the apostle Paul, you can instantly change your reservations from spending an eternity in damnation, to enjoying forever in the presence of the Lord.

Angelic Apostles

Hebrews 1:10-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles!” Starring, Michael the Archangel, Gabriel the Messenger, and the Other Angel! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Michael, Gabriel, and the other Angel prepare to leave the presence of the Lord, “to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”.)

Michael: Gird yourselves, as we make ready to do the Lord’s business.

Gabriel: Yes Michael, I am prepared to do what thus saith the Lord.

Other Angel: Alright, so Michael…I know you’re going to prepare the way, so Gabriel can safely minister as God commanded him to do, but have you ever considered why God loves men so much?

(The three angelic beings take off, and soar majestically through the skies)

Michael: Well, God made everything, and called it good, even men, whom He made after His own image and likeness. The fact that the Father loves them so much, is evident of the same enduring love He has for us.

Other Angel: Okay, I get all that, but if they are so special, why did they turn against Him.. like…”you know who”?

Gabriel: Men, like us, were created with the liberty to choose as it pleases them. Like Lucifer, who was well established in our kingdom, but decided that he deserved the same, if not more honor and respect than God, was quickly dismissed from the perfect order of God’s domain.

Other Angel: Man, that guy was nuts. He had it made in the cool shade! Who would give up basking in the presence of the almighty, just to boost their own ego? I’ll never understand.

Michael: Alright, hold here for a moment. I have some contention to deal with. I shall return when the way is clear.

Other Angel: Okay Michael. Do your thing!

Gabriel: (smh)

Other Angel: Look at Michael. He ain’t afraid of nothing. So Gabriel, I just want to say, I can’t get enough of having Christ back with us. I mean, it’s like everything is just amped up to the infinite degree, since He sat down at the right hand of the Father.

Gabriel: I must agree, it is amazing just to be in His presence, but our business is of the utmost importance, as we must assist in helping mankind come to the knowledge of the glory we experience every day, because soon, those who accept God’s gift of salvation, will also enjoy the presence of the Father and Son forever.

Other Angel: Ooooooo I can’t wait! It’s gonna be like a family reunion for people we never met, but we love them, because they love God and the Son, so it’s kinda like we met, but not really, but….

Gabriel: Alright, alright stop before you hurt yourself. I understand. (chuckles)

(Michael returns to join the others)

Michael: Let’s continue our journey, the way is clear.
So what were you two discussing as I was taking care of business.

Other Angel: We were anticipating the day, when all of Heaven, and mankind will gather together, and rejoice in the presence of God for eternity!

Michael: I anticipate that day as well, but it has become very hard for mankind to remain focused on the truth. The one who once abided in our company, daily influences them to do evil. But, God has given them the other Comforter, to help them become stronger, and stand against the wiles of the enemy.

Other Angel: That dude is BAD NEWS! He already tried to stink up Heaven, and now he’s messing with those innocent humans.

Gabriel: Well, let’s be certain to do as the Holy One has commanded us, and hope that mankind turn back to the Father.

*I don’t know what the heavenly beings discuss as they carry out their assignments for God, but I do know, they fight for us, and root for us to be strong and victorious.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles”! Thanks for tuning in.

Scepter Of Righteousness

Hebrews 1:6-9

Jesus:
– Appointed heir of all things
– Made the worlds
– Brightness of God’s glory
– Express image of God’s person
– Upholds all things by the word of His power
– By Himself, purged all sins
– Sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high
– Made so much better than the angels
– Obtained a more excellent name than angels
– Only begotten Son of God
– His throne is for ever and ever
– His kingdom is righteousness
– Loves righteousness, and hates iniquity
– Anointed by God, with the oil of gladness

Of all the things we are grateful for, which of them compare to the Savior of mankind? Jesus is the best thing, that anyone could ever dream or hope for. In a world, where religion is tainted, and men strive to find true meaning in life, God provided the only thing, whereby men can grow in knowledge and understanding of what life is all about. Jesus has existed from the beginning, and will reign supreme for eternity, and His love for man is what gives us hope for a bright, and secure future. In those moments when you feel like your faith isn’t strong, and your living is in vain, review the list of the characteristics of Jesus, then the joy of His salvation will be restored unto you.

“What’s better than living your best life now? Living with the best for eternity.” – Ell

Promise Of Power

John 14:8-14

What is greater than healing someone who was sick? What could be greater than turning water into wine? What’s greater than walking on water? What’s greater than speaking a word, and causing a man to rise from the grave? What was greater than feeding 5,000 men (not including women and children) with two fish, and five loaves of bread? What greater works can we do today, than the list of awesome works I mentioned that Jesus performed thousands of years ago?

God wrapped Himself in flesh (Jesus), and came to the earth to redeem man back to himself, but while in the earth, His works were limited to a single vessel (Jesus), a single location, and the technology of that time. Jesus did some amazing things during His time with man, and His works continue to resonate during this 21st century, but what did He mean when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (vs. 12). Where Jesus was limited to a certain place, He now lives in all those who have surrendered themselves to God, and can literally be expressed all over the world, at the same time, through countless believers. Could this be an example of greater works? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus raised men from the dead, and this was definitely amazing, but we have His power of influence to awaken men from their dead state of living. Could this also be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus was limited to the technology of His time, and worked accordingly with it, but we have access to all sorts of high tech gadgets, that allow us to reach as many as we can with the Gospel message, in a matter of seconds. Could this be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not.

The Saints of God have the Holy Spirit literally influencing their every move (if they have submitted themselves to Him) and need not follow the man Jesus, as the disciples did, but can carry Him everywhere they go, inside their hearts, to do those things they’ve been empowered to do. This is just awesome in itself! Each believer can operate in the same power as Jesus did, to perform the same miracles He performed, and greater, if the situation demands it.

I’m only limited to what I’ve experienced, and what the news chooses to share with the world, but I am totally convinced, there are men on this planet, who have performed miraculous works, in the name of Jesus. There may not be apostles as there were in the time of Christ, who did those things Jesus did, but we have the same power flowing through us, that walked with the disciples, and we too can be used to do great works, even during these troublesome days.

Don’t limit yourself to the opinions of others, nor by the evil in the land, because God still reigns supreme, and you have His authority to represent His awesomeness, as Jesus did, in your lifetime.

“What do you and God have in common? – Ell

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

The Secret Place

Psalm 91

What does it mean to be saved, and what does salvation protect us from? Throughout my childhood, I would often hear the older saints say, “get saved son, or you’ll spend eternity in hell”. That advice would always spook the bejeezus out of me, because I considered hell a place where you’d sit in a giant hot oven, and burn for eternity, while the devil poked at you with a flaming pitchfork, but the more I matured in godliness, I learned that salvation also guards the people of God against the evils of the present world. While it’s true, Christians strive to live according to God’s will, so they can eventually see Him in peace, the daily struggle to reach that point presents challenges and difficulties that can only be countered with God’s salvation.

Aside from being delivered and set free from sin, salvation also grants the believer access to God’s divine protection, and life-changing spiritual blessings. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, satan has worked diligently to turn men away from God, and his methods and tactics have proven successful for centuries. The reason men are influenced by the devil, and eventually give in to his wicked devices is, they refuse to abide in God’s “secret place”. Attempting to navigate through this world of unyielding wickedness on human strength alone, will prove fatal in the long run. In addition, spiritual attacks can only be countered with spiritual forces, and God is the source of the believer’s salvation, so when the enemy attacks, God covers us with His divine protection.

God blesses us when we trust Him. He provides for us when our faith is planted firmly in His power. When we make the Lord our dwelling place, or refuge, He will keep us from falling prey to the enemy’s devices, keep us in good health, allow His angels to assist us whenever necessary, and keep us standing when others around us are falling by the wayside. We prove our love to God by how we live, and He reciprocates the same in blessing us with the necessities of life, but God takes His love to another level when we willingly choose to trust, and abide in His salvation daily.

Walk in love,

Ell

This is My Son; listen to Him

Luke 9:28-36

The story of Jesus, and His transfiguration on a mountain, is a very familiar one, and full of valuable details; some of which go unnoticed by the casual Bible reader. But, the more you study this text, the greater understanding you’ll develop of Christ’s purpose on the earth.

God sent His Son to the earth, to redeem man back unto Himself. This act alone proves the value and worth of man, and should inspire all to appreciate God more. There was no other way by which man could be rejoined with God, except a perfect sacrifice was offered. Jesus, was the sacrifice that atoned for the sins of all men. Before Jesus accomplished “his decease” at Jerusalem, He would often take time to pray alone. Knowing the task at hand would be gruesome and impossible to accomplish on human strength alone, Jesus wisely took time often, to talk with His Father, to gather strength and courage to follow through until the end. Yes, Jesus was God in the flesh, but that same flesh was just as ours; susceptible to feelings, pain, and other intense emotions. I cut one of my fingers at work a few years ago, and I literally felt as if I was dying, but I can’t begin to imagine the pain Jesus felt as He was beaten, stabbed, and tortured beyond belief.

In our text, Jesus took a few of His disciples into a mountain with Him, to pray, but they fell asleep, while He continued with His purpose. When the men had finally awoken, they saw Jesus, standing with Moses, and Elijah. Unaware of their conversation (Jesus and the ancient prophets spoke of His “decease”, or the time of His death), Peter felt honored to be in such a presence, then offered to erect tabernacles for the three anointed men. While men care more for carnal things, God cares more for souls. Rather than entertain Peter’s request, God simply commanded the men to hear the words of Jesus, and obviously obey them. God’s words confirmed what Jesus had previously told the disciples moments prior when He said, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels” (vs. 26).

When we study and obey the words Christ spoke, we’ll gain a better understanding of our purpose in this life, strength to endure daily, wisdom to know and discern good from evil, and the courage necessary to be bold in this evil and perverse generation. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:23-24).

Walk in love,

Ell

The family escapes successfully

Genesis 19:1, 15-26, 29

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The obvious sign of a true believer is humility, and their end is always good in the sight of God. On the contrary, the identifying character associated with men who are ungodly, and usually end up detained by evil forces, is pride. Whenever a person gets to the point where they feel they are capable of maneuvering through life without God’s guidance, they immediately set themselves up for failure. No one on this earth, and I repeat, no one has the ability to resist evil on their own strength. It takes the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to even stand a chance against the wiles of satan.

The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah somehow allowed evil influences to invade their minds and hearts, which drew them away from walking after righteousness, and dedicate their lives to working evil. Their sins had become so amplified, until God visited the earth to monitor the situation for Himself. The people’s hearts were too far gone to accept repentance, and judgment was inevitable, so the angels of God forced Lot and his family to escape (he was willing to obey and leave, but was lingering for some unknown reason), so that they wouldn’t be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

The instructions to Lot and his family were to leave the city, don’t look back, and find a safe place in the mountains. As they fled to safety, Lot’s wife trailed a little behind her husband, then turned and looked back. Immediately, she became a pillar of salt. Her willful disobedience to God’s Word proved to what extent her attachment to the world had become. Lot’s wife looked back, and was consumed, just as the angel had warned would happen.

Many have run well, and fought the good fight of faith, but were hindered by things of the world, that caused them to miss Heaven. I often ask, what is so valuable in this world that is powerful enough to keep a person from seeing God in eternal peace? Is your attachment to your career, husband, wife, children, money, cars, or properties more important than your soul? “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36). Lot’s wife had life, peace, and prosperity set before her, but turned back to the evil world that sought only to kill, steal, and destroy her purpose. Do you wake up every day, seeking first God’s kingdom, and His righteousness, or are your first thoughts set on planning ways to get rich, where to go on vacation, or how to enjoy the pleasures of this evil world? Take your life a bit more serious, because soon, and very soon, destruction is coming to this earth, as it did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Walk in love,

Ell

Sodom’s sin revealed

Genesis 19:2-14

One of the most life-threatening things men ignore is, underestimating the power of sin and its deadly consequences. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, so why do men willingly participate in sinful activities, knowing that the end result is eternal damnation? Even before Jesus died to forgive the sins of men, God had a standard in place that men were to live by. When the people obeyed, God blessed them, but when they willingly disobeyed, they were judged accordingly.

As we continue to delve deeper into the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, we find where the two angels who accompanied the Lord on a brief visit to Abraham’s tent, had ventured further to the city of Sodom, to fulfill their God-given assignment. As the sun set, and the moonlight began to shine, the angels approached the gate of the city, and were soon met by Abraham’s nephew, Lot. It’s not mentioned why lot was sitting at the gate of the city after dark, but he probably needed to get away from all the sin and perversion taking place in the wicked city. It was so bad, that literally EVERYONE in the city had become corrupted, and participated regularly in all manners of sexual perversions.

After inviting the godly ministers into his home to render hospitality unto them, “all the people from every quarter” of the city surrounded Lot’s house, and demanded that he send the angels out, so that they could have sex with them. I’ll let that sink into your mind for a moment……………………. Angel’s? Like for real? They were that corrupt, until they were willing to disrespect angelic beings to satisfy their sinful desires? I’m speechless! After a dumb and failed attempt by Lot to appease the desires of the men of the city by offering his virgin daughters, the angels saved Lot from being sodomized, pulled him safely into the house, then blinded the hoard of reprobates, so that they could not see anything. The angels then revealed to Lot their purpose for visiting; to destroy the entire city, because the people proved to be as wicked as it had been reported to the Lord. Can you imagine being the only righteous person amongst millions? Lot was then advised to gather his family, then leave the city, before its destruction. Unfortunately, his plea to his sons-in-law went in deaf ears, as they responded to his warning as if they didn’t care. How sad it is for a person to be given one chance to be saved, but turn it down to enjoy the pleasures of unrighteousness.

Ladies and gentlemen, sin is serious, and should be avoided at all costs, because it’s influence can manipulate anyone, if given the opportunity. Abraham interceded for Sodom, in hopes that God would spare the people, if only one righteous man was found (excluding Lot), but the “destroyer angels” had no choice, but to do what they were created to.

Walk in love,

Ell