Holy By Nature

Romans 12:9-11

By nature, animals behave according to their instinct, and genetic make-up. By nature, water is wet, fire hot, and wind unseen to the naked eye. By nature, babies cry, birds fly, and stars give off light. By nature, men born of the devil, disregard righteousness, shun morality, and substitute love for hate, in their hearts. By nature darkness brings fear, and men perish for lack of knowledge. By nature, light illuminates in darkness, and knowledge brings hope. By nature, those born of God the Father, exude love, walk after righteousness, loathe all evil, and cleave to that which is good. By nature, the children of God are holy.

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Judgment Is Coming!

2 Peter 2:1-9

God’s divine order of creation was altered, after man entertained sin, thus initiating inevitable judgment upon the earth. God hates sin, because it’s very intent is to perform the opposite of what He designed man to do. Man was created in God’s image, to do those things that please Him, yet sin caused men to desire not God’s will, but their own.

As the one who created and sustains all things, God has every right to execute judgment as He desires. Contrary to those who believe God will save all people, because He is so loving, and kind, and compassionate, God will pour out His wrath on all unrepentant sinners.

In time past, God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, delivered them into chains of darkness, and left them to await their final judgment. In the days of Noah, mankind had become so wicked, to the point God was extremely sorrowful for what the people had done to themselves. In the same way a parent expresses sorrow for a child who rebels, God was sorry that the people chose sin, rather than a relationship with Himself. God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from off the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenth me that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:7). God the Father would have showed mercy on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, had He found ten righteous men there. Unfortunately, none except Lot was found righteous in the sight of the Lord.

Today, churches and religious institutions are littered with false teachers, prophets, and other evil agents, who secretly have brought in damnable heresies among the Saints. Unfortunately, many are being deceived by false doctrines, and are falling away from the faith, but judgment is coming to all who deny the truth of the Gospel, and turn men away from following Christ.

“Beware! God spared not the angels that sinned, and you will meet the same fate, if you don’t repent!” – Ell

What Do You Believe?

John 11:38-45

Do you believe that God is really real? Do you believe that He existed for eternity? Do you believe that He spoke the entire universe into existence? Do you believe He made angels, cherubim, and seraphim to dwell in His holy habitation? Do you believe that He created the heaven, and the earth, and filled it with all kinds of amazing creatures? Do you believe that He made a man from the dust of the earth, and breathed into him the breath of life? Do you believe all the people who have ever existed came from the first man and woman? Do you believe that one of the holy cherub, rebelled against God in heaven, and was cast down to the earth? Do you believe a demon possessed serpent deceived one of Gods most coveted creations? Do you believe that sin and death became prevalent in the earth by man? Do you believe that from sin came sickness, disease, hatred, disobedience, dissention, division, malice, grief, headache, heartache, suffering, pain, shame, and countless other unfavorable things? Do you believe that God the Father loves you like CRAZY?! Do you believe that God proved His love by sending His perfect Son to the earth, to undo the mess caused by the first man? Do you believe that while on earth, Jesus healed sickness and disease, cast out demons from innocent souls, and raised some from the dead? Do you believe that the times we are living in today, were prophesied thousands of years ago? Do you believe that all those who died trusting in the Word of God, died in vain? Do you believe God is watching you as you suffer, yet endure during these times of great contention? Do you believe that despite how evil the world is, there are many who are standing strong in the Lord, and haven’t bowed down to idols? Do you believe the Bible is right? Do you believe there is any other way to God, except through His Son, Jesus? What do you believe?

Work Work, Sweat Sweat!

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

In the beginning, God made everything beautiful! All the inhabitants of the earth, were masterfully created by the everlasting Father Himself. The earth was originally made in a self-sustaining state, so that man could enjoy it forever, without working to maintain it. Unfortunately, that pretty picture didn’t last too long, after the man gave in to deception, and sinned against God.

From the time of Adam and Eve’s eviction from the Garden of Eden, to now, men are required to work, in order to maintain a living in the earth. Work can be a hassle at times, but our reward comes in the form of a paycheck. With that paycheck, we are then able to accommodate a decent living (in most cases). The Bible teaches, if a man doesn’t work, then he doesn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words, lazy people will suffer, because their lack of consistent work, won’t grant them the resources they need to survive.

Although Adam messed things up for all of us, God honors our work ethics, and endorses the command for us to enjoy the fruit of our labor. I know…I know… life sucks, people are wicked, the government is evil, the world is coming to an abrupt end, so why should I focus on being consistent on a job that’ll eventually fade away into nonexistence? Surprisingly, the wisest man who ever lived felt this same way. King Solomon had a moment when he hated life! Can you believe that? In his own words, he said, “Therefore, I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Proverbs 2:17). I’m not certain whether or not the great king was going through mid-life crisis, but he literally pondered the reasoning behind working for vain things, when everything he worked for would be left for others to enjoy.

We all go through those moments, when we are tired of the cycles of life, but God never gets tired of seeing His children prosper. Whether they be at work, school or university, or taking the message of His Gospel around the world, the people of God can honor Him in whatever capacity of life they find themselves. While we all have to work, let’s do it considering the fact that we will get paid (lol), but most importantly, God can use us on our jobs, or wherever we are, to influence others to get closer to Him. Take pride in what you do to earn a living, and treat yourself from time to time. God knows the struggle is real, but He also knows you can handle it.

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

Ell

The Well-Trodden Path

Proverbs 2:20-22, 4:24-27

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “The Well-Trodden Path.” Starring, Grandpa Joe, and his grandson Charlie! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Grandpa Joe decided to take little Charlie on a road trip, to view all the wonderful sights of God’s beautiful creation)

Charlie: Hey grandpa, where are we going?

Grandpa Joe: Sit tight little one, because I’m taking you to see all the amazing things God created, including towering mountains, crystal clear rivers, and even scary deep canyons!

Charlie: Wow grandpa! That sounds like fun! I’m so excited! I’m so excited! I’m so…

Grandpa Joe: Alright, alright Charlie (as he chuckles). Strap on your safety belt, and let’s be on our way!

(About 2 hours into the drive, Charlie begins to point out all the massive trees, different animals, and even mountains in the distance)

Grandpa Joe: So Charlie, how are you enjoying the trip so far?

Charlie: This is fun grandpa! I never saw so many trees, and animals, and birds, and those mountains that look so close, but we haven’t even got close to them yet.

Grandpa Joe: (laughs out loud), well mountain views can be a little deceiving at times, because they are great in size.

(As they continue to travel, grandpa Joe notices the car begins to shake uncontrollably, then it spins out of control. Finally, it lands in the shrubs of a nearby forest)

Grandpa Joe: Charlie! Charlie! Are you ok?

Charlie: Yeah grandpa, that was scary and fun at the same time!

Grandpa Joe: Thank heavens you’re ok! Sigh…

Charlie: Grandpa, what will we do now? How will we get back to the road?

Grandpa Joe: First, let’s pray Charlie. God, it’s me again, I know you see our situation, and know that we are in need of help. We’ve been placed far away from the road, and have no sense of direction how to return there. We ask that you help us find our way back, in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Charlie: Amen. Grandpa, I’m scared. I only see trees and stuff, but no way out of here.

Grandpa Joe: Don’t worry little Charlie. God will take care of us.

Charlie: Okay grandpa, I trust you.

(Grandpa takes Charlie out of the car, and the two begin searching for a way out of the frightening forest. After searching for a while, Charlie notices a beaten path amongst the trees)

Charlie: Hey grandpa! I think I see something (as he points toward the path).

Grandpa Joe: Good eye Charlie! Maybe this path will lead us to safety. Hold my hand, don’t stray from this path, and let’s trust God to keep us safe.

Charlie: Okay grandpa, let’s do it!

(The day begins to darken, and Charlie and grandpa Joe become startled by various animal noises from within the forest. Charlie then sees a flicker of light away from the path.)

Charlie: Grandpa I see a light over there!

Grandpa Joe: Where Charlie?

Charlie: Over there grandpa (he points assuredly).

Grandpa Joe: Charlie, if we go to investigate that light, it’ll take us way off this path. I don’t think it’s wise to stray away.

Charlie: But grandpa, maybe it’s people over there, and maybe they can help us…

Grandpa Joe: Charlie, I doubt there is anyone other than us, in this forest. Trust me. Don’t get distracted by things that may seem to be good, because it could be a trap.

(Charlie clings tight to grandpa’s hand, and the two continue down the trodden path. As they continue to walk in the thick darkness that engulfed the forest, grandpa smells something burning in the distance.)

Grandpa Joe: Hey Charlie, you smell that?

Charlie: Smell what grandpa?

Grandpa Joe: If I’m not mistaken, I can smell food coming from that way. I think we’re nearing the end of this path.

(Grandpa Joe and Charlie indeed reach the end of the trodden path, that led them to a nearby cottage, where they were able to get assistance for their famished bodies, as well as locate their damaged vehicle again.)

Grandpa Joe: You see Charlie, if we had strayed away from that beaten path, who knows what would have happened to us in that forest.

Charlie: Right grandpa! I’ll make sure that if I ever get lost again, I’ll search for a path where others walked before. Then I’ll know I’ll soon find safety.

Grandpa Joe: That’s a good lad.

Being a Christian, and living a righteous life won’t always be a cakewalk, but as long as we follow the path Christ walked before us, we’ll always be led to a place of refuge.

“That thou mayest walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:20).

This concludes another episode of, “The Well-Trodden Path”! Thanks for tuning in.

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

Ell

Yes, He cares

Matthew 6:25-30

In the beginning, God created so many amazing things, including birds that fly in the air, fish to swim in the seas, trees, plants, and all types of flora and fauna that inhabit the entire planet! There are millions of different trees and animals that exist in the earth, that all rely on God’s sustaining hand, to keep them fed. He gives sunlight and rain, so that plants and trees can receive nourishment, and makes certain that all the animals get their daily nutrition as well. God made everything good in the beginning, and still provides for His creation today, from the tiny little bumblebee, to the great oak tree. It’s amazing to even fathom how God pays attention to the smallest details of everything He created! This not only applies to plants and animals, but to you and I as well. To all who feel that God doesn’t, or has stopped caring for them, I strongly advise you to think again. Yes, God looks after things that may last mere moments, but He certainly cares for His people the more. God didn’t create man for jest or nought, but we were fashioned in His own likeness, to inhabit the earth, and spread goodness throughout. If God thinks enough to care for birds and trees, do you have faith enough to believe that He’ll take care of you too?

Walk in love,

Ell

Priests praise God with music

2 Chronicles 5:11-14

Out of all the tests and trials life throws at you, that often leave you depressed, what are some things that actually make you smile? Are you fond of nature, and enjoy the changing seasons, with all the beauty they bring? Do you find yourself occasionally basking in the beauty of God’s creation, as I usually do? I oftentimes set aside moments to pause, close my eyes, tilt my head back, inhale, exhale, then open my eyes to see the vast and majestic sky-filled wonders of God’s creation. If nature doesn’t inspire you, then do you find pleasure in animals, whether they be on land, or beneath the deep blue seas? From the birds that inhabit the heavens, to the smallest critters that scurry on land, the earth is littered with all types of great and small unique creatures. For those who are parents, how does it make you feel, when your children tell you they love you? Do you privately pat yourself on the back, when you realize that you endured the struggles that came along with teaching, and raising your children to be respectful, obedient, and well-mannered individuals? It does the heart of any parent or guardian good to see a child they raised, grow up to be a mature and respectful adult. In a world where sin abounds, and men often favor the negative over the positive, there remains opportunities where we can smile, in the midst of it all.

After considering what things bring pleasure to your life, have you ever thought about what makes God smile? We learn in the book of Proverbs, the things the Lord hates, but knowing what He loves can benefit our lives as well. God literally inhabits the praises of His people. In other words, when we offer praise to God, He directs His full attention toward all who offer up praise in His name. In the same way we get lost in the music that flows through our headphones, I can imagine God sitting with His feet relaxed, while vibing to the sounds of our praise and worship. God does listen when we reach out to Him, but our approach is what makes the difference. Let that marinate for a moment. Imagine coming to a parent, always crying and complaining about situations, how would you expect them to respond? On the flip side, imagine coming to them with words of appreciation, and gratitude, then presenting that same issue, how then, would you expect them to respond?

God loves His people, even more so when they walk in obedience to His will. God smiles when we love our neighbors, as we love ourselves. He takes pleasure in our spiritual songs, and hymns, because they encourage, and remind us of the wondrous things He has done, and continues to do in our lives. Even in our text, when the priests praised God with singing and instruments, God filled the temple with His glory (in the form of a cloud). The glory of the Lord was so immense, until “the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud…” (vs. 14). This may seem strange to some, as to how a cloud can distract men from praising God, but when a man gets a taste of who God really is, the only option is surrender, and simply soak it all in.

God is so good, that even reading the words from the pages of Scripture can bring inspiration to the readers. In the same way a parent smiles when witnessing their children doing good in their sight, make it a habit to consider those things that bring smiles to the face of our heavenly Father, then do them willingly, consistently, and wholeheartedly.

Walk in love,

Ell

No people like our people

2 Samuel 7:23-29

In the beginning, God put His great and mighty works on full display, when He spoke all things into existence. From light being separated from darkness, to spreading various animals across vast lands, God’s incredible power has brought forth things beyond what created beings can only begin to fathom. Rather than bask in the glory of His goodness alone, God chose a people, from whom He could work through, to set the example of what His will was for all creation. Israel was God’s chosen people, and during the reign of king David, God performed many marvelous things for, and through them. No other nation could compare to Israel, because God chose them to be the beacon of light and hope, to guide all other nations to Himself. Although the children of Israel veered off to the left a few times, God never stopped loving, nor providing for them, because He promised to be their God forever. As long as Israel did according to the commandments of the Lord, their lives were set.

Believers today are in the same position, where God is ready, and willing to be everything for them, but they must first commit to His agenda. When our ways please the Lord, He grants us access to heavenly treasures, and other resources that are unattainable by those who walk contrary to the Word. Christians aren’t considered better than anyone else, they are simply rewarded accordingly for their obedience. The body of Christ is a massive unit of members working together to edify God’s kingdom. Each member has specific duties to maintain, that effect all other members as well. Similar to the workings of the different systems in the human body, believers work together to maintain a healthy, single unit called, the church. The church is special for many reasons, but most importantly, is the fact that it’s the bride of Christ.

All who are joined together in the body of Christ should be proud of who they represent, because standing with the people of God is always a better choice than walking with those who abide in unrighteousness.

Walk in love,

Ell

Make not Heavenly or earthly idols

Deuteronomy 4:14-24

It’s baffling to witness how people turn to supposed gurus, or men and women with heightened intelligence (therapists, counselors, and the like), more than they seek God for wisdom, counsel, and advice. While the minds of men are finite, and limited in knowledge and understanding, the wisdom of God is on a level where men cannot comprehend it, unless God’s Spirit reveals it to them. Therapists give advice, or words of inspiration, in efforts to motivate people to change their negative thinking into positive, and health gurus offer extensive knowledge on what foods should be consumed to make the body function better. While maintaining a positive mental attitude, and healthy diet are important, it’s of greater importance to maintain a healthy spiritual diet as well.

God has knowledge of the beginning to the end, and obeying His Word is a sure way to increase one’s spiritual health. One of the ways the spirit of men is weakened, is by giving in to idols. God warned His people to avoid creating idols, and worshipping things that are irrelevant and have no spiritual value, because all glory belongs to Him, and Him alone. God despises men who take extreme pleasure and delight in things He created, rather than in Himself. If you compare the idols from then to now, you’ll see similarities that are inseparable. The first similitude Israel was warned against was making a graven image of any kind of bodily image. Off the top of your head, how many statues of men and women have you seen in your lifetime (excluding the statue of liberty). The next warnings were against making graven images of the likenesses of beasts, birds, creeping things, and fish. Aaron, and the children of Israel, were discovered by Moses worshipping a golden calf, made with the gold of jewelry from the people, while he spent time with God on the mountain. There are numerous religions today that use animals as symbols of worship. To go a bit further into idol worship involving animals, there are people who literally put the needs of their pets, before the needs of their own children. Now that’s insane! Dogs and cats are treated like human beings, while many neglect those humans who actually need attention, like the poor and homeless. The last warning God admonished against was making the likeness of the sun, moon, stars, or any host of Heaven as a graven image. This one usually ruffles the feathers of many, as the average American takes pride in following their horoscope (horror scope, as I like to call it). The horoscope is one of the oldest methods that originated in Babylon, where the planets were identified as influential gods in predicting the future. Reading that tidbit of information should have already triggered your spiritual red flag. I won’t get into details concerning horoscopes, but I wanted it to be known, that we are not to worship, nor put our trust in things contrary to holiness. We become corrupt when we believe more in vain ideologies, over God’s divine wisdom and understanding.

At the root of man’s sin and disobedience, you’ll find satan planting seeds of discord. The devil is anti-God, and works diligently to disrupt what we believe His Words says. Influencing men to worship created things over the creator, benefits satan’s plan to pull as many as he can away from following after God. We are to be disciples of God; teachable, and ever-learning, so that we can always be prepared to guard against all enemy attacks. God loves us, but the devil hates us, so why not listen more to what God says do, rather than give in to the evil influences of satan. Examine your life, and turn away from anything that holds more relevance than God.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:21-23).

Walk in love,

Ell