Fading Flowers

Isaiah 40:1-8

Unlike the average man, my stance on buying a girl flowers differs from most of them. While I understand the significance of presenting beautiful flowers to a deserving woman, I’ve always held the belief that flowers eventually fade away, so why not get a gal something that last a bit longer, and has more relevance like gas money, or gifts cards to a spa or clothing store. While my popularity with the ladies may not have been ideal, at least when I gave gifts, they lasted a while, and actually made a difference in someone’s life.

As time continues to pass, all things in the earth are steadily fading away; from flowers and trees, to birds and bees. But, there’s one thing that has never faded, nor lost value since it was presented to the world. The Word of God has withstood the times, since the beginning. We also learn from the Scriptures, “In the beginning was the Word”, and today that same Word still stands strong. Throughout each day, men place their trust in things that will inevitably cease to exist, while at the same time, neglecting the only thing that will literally last through all eternity.

God gave the Word, so that men could learn of Him, consider their unhealthy lifestyles, then commit to changing in favor of His way of living. According to the great Dr Kent Hovind, the Bible is simply “Basic Instructions Before Leaving the Earth”. God made the world good, and very good, and He could have made it any other way, but what we see every day, is the awesomeness of His handiwork. While He’s aware that the beauty of this present world is fading, He has His concerns set on the souls of men.

Allow God’s everlasting and life-changing Word to penetrate deep into your heart, so that all He desires for you can be accomplished in the life you live for Him.

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

Ell

Material Love

Micah 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:6-8

When a man finds interest in a woman, he first attempts to learn the things she likes, so that he can present them to her, in hopes of gaining her favor. Traditionally, women were fond of flowers, candy, and wholesome conversation, but things have changed drastically from the days of old, until now. When the man finally gains the woman’s attention, it’s important that he continue doing those things she appreciates, so that she’ll always hold him in high regard. It’s unfortunate how some men get the girl they want, but lose interest after getting too comfortable with her. All the flowers, cards, candy, and sweet nothings he use to whisper in her ear, get replaced with petty disagreements, and more time spent with the boys, and less time with her. If, perhaps, the man finally comes back to his senses, it’ll take more than material things to regain the woman’s favor once more.

When a man gives his heart to God, it’s a beautiful beginning to a great relationship. Babes in Christ are often on fire, and bubbling with joy, for their newly converted lives in God. The first few months are usually when people are more focused, and tuned in to learning about the Lord, and what He expects from them. Many try hard, and do all they can, to prove how committed they are to God. As time passes, and the babes go through the highs and lows of being a Christian, some have a tendency to pull away from God, and revert back to their former lives (the times that seemed more fun). In the event, the rebellious believers have a change of heart, and seek to come back to God, their material gifts won’t do them any good. Giving God tithes, offerings, sacrifices, or anything of the sort, proves nothing of your changed heart. Instead, to prove to God that you’ve changed your ways, you must only “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (vs. 8b).

Those simple requirements may not seem to be much in the eyes of men, but living a consistent life of humility, mercy, and righteousness, is all it takes to reestablish the bond between God the father, and His children.

Walk in love,

Ell

Money Can’t Buy Love

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

The love that God offers, in comparison to what men teach, are on two totally different levels. Where the culmination of how men define love is comprised in a certain day (Valentine’s), God introduced His definition of love, by giving up what was most precious to Himself. While it’s nice to treat a significant other to things like sweets, flowers, and even time away from the norm, true love is defined by sacrifice.

Many get married for the purpose of love, yet they lack the understanding of what it truly represents. God sent Jesus to the earth, in love, to unite all men back unto Himself. God also instituted marriage between a man and woman, so that the same love He imparted into His creation, could join in a combined love, where He could get greater glory from their union. Love is more than feelings, and emotions; it involves all things exhibited in the character of Christ. This same love that’s to be practiced between a husband and wife, is developed over time. The more each person grows in their knowledge and understanding of godliness, coupled with learning each other, the better their union should be, in the long run.

Do you ever wonder why marriages aren’t lasting as long as they did in the past? Well, there are many reasons why divorce rates have skyrocketed, but one of importance is, the abuse of the word love. When God says He loves us, He means it, but many often use the term loosely, which causes it to gradually lose its value. Love is action, and when there’s no evidence of what is spoken, trust and all other virtues begin to fade away. These are reasons why it’s imperative that we understand love more from God’s perspective, rather than what’s promoted through the media. This world has painted a rather deceiving picture of what love represents, by flashing expensive jewelry, perfumes and colognes, and other items on TV, in order to gain riches, for love’s sake, but real love doesn’t cost a thing! It’s proven not only in words alone, but in consistent acts of sacrifice, selflessness, commitment, trust, and all those things Christ taught while in the earth.

Walk in love,

Ell