Tag: Darkness

The Darkness

Matthew 10

Why do some people choose darkness, rather than light? What causes men to gravitate toward things that cause chaos and division, rather than unity and order? Well, speaking the truth of God’s word is one sure way to turn the world against you. Jesus once told His disciples, they would face certain persecution, for speaking His truth to the world. The disciples were hated by countless men, who sought only to bring harm to them, simply for doing what Jesus instructed them to do. Even today, those who live contrary to the world, and its perverse culture, are seen as odd, or abnormal. Men today would rather hear lies, than truth. The word of God brings division. It separates those who yearn to grow in grace, and the knowledge of God’s wisdom, from those who have strong desires to please their flesh. Why do men love darkness over light? Because, their appetite for the world is far greater than their desire for the God who created it.

Lighted Path

Proverbs 4

One of the hardest things for people to do is, find their way around in the dark. Whether someone wakes up in a dark room in hopes of reaching the rest room, or driving on a dark road with dim headlights, it’s very difficult to see the path to a destination without proper lighting to show the way. How many times have you stumped your toe while maneuvering to find a light switch, or veered off the the road until it eventually became more visible? Light does many things, but one of it’s most important functions is, to make things visible. Our text mentions two very profound verses concerning light and darkness, in reference to the way of the believer, contrasted with the unbeliever. “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (vs. 19). “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (vs. 18). Those who disregard the importance of the Gospel, and the necessity of God’s gift of salvation, are literally traversing the earth in darkness, or lacking the wisdom and knowledge of God’s written Word. All who refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior and the Son of God, allow their own thoughts and judgment to lead them. In fact, walking along the path of darkness only leads to an unpleasant end, and the lifestyle that precedes such an end is always unpleasant to God. Jesus is the light of the world, and the Word of God opens the eyes of those who lacked wisdom and understanding, then begins to shine a bright light on the righteous path, that all the children of God should follow. Evil men stumble over things in their darkness, but the righteous can avoid falling short of God’s glory, because the light that shines before them will reveal every ditch, trap, and stumbling block set before them.

Let God Lead

Psalm 43

🎵🎶 When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
In God I trust, when I am afraid.
In God I trust, in God whose word I praise
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
I TRUST YOU LORD I REALLY DO 🎶🎵
-Song by Steve Green

Journeying through life will present moments when finding our way will appear dark and dim, but the only way to see the path of righteousness during times of darkness is, by trusting in God’s light, and His truth. The Word of God is the only way to safely navigate and traverse through these troubled times, so never lean to your own understanding. Instead, let God lead you in the way you should go.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

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

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

The Day Of The Lord

Zephaniah 1:14-18

There are many areas of Scripture, people are hesitant to read, because they either bring fear, or confusion, when trying to understand them. In fact, the average Bible reader prefers to study more about the blessings of God, as opposed to learning about end-time events. Our lesson text details a very unique day, that will come, according to God’s schedule plan.

Every man, and woman, who refuses to accept Christ as their savior, will soon face a day, that will be like none anyone has ever experienced on the earth. Although many believers will unfortunately experience end-time tribulation, when the enemy amplifies his attacks against God’s people (which seems, at times, to already be in effect), and causes hurt and shame to many, the day of God’s wrath will come, after Christ has taken His people away from the plagued, and sin-sick world.

The prophet Zephaniah was very descriptive, as he mentioned the details of that sad, and terrible day. It’s mentioned that this day will be one of great wrath, trouble and distress, waste and desolation, darkness and gloominess, clouds and thick darkness, trumpet and alarm, bloodshed, and a day wicked men will not escape.

We serve a God of love and justice, and not one who desires that men perish in sin, but to willingly refuse His salvation, and liberty from eternal damnation, automatically sets one on the path to experience this tragic day. It’s the will of God that no one perish, but that all come to repentance, so they’ll have no fear of the great day of the Lord, when it comes.

Walk in love,

Ell

Light It Up!

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus is the light of the world! He lived a selfless life on earth, shed His innocent blood to guarantee salvation for all mankind, arose from the grave with all power in His hand, now sits next to the Father, as He intercedes on our behalf daily, and awaits God’s command to return to the earth to claim His people. Have you ever wondered why Jesus did all that for us? I’m all for loving my neighbor, and treating all men with kindness, but to die for people who are arrogant, stiffnecked, hard-hearted, hardheaded, and plain wicked, takes a level of love I’m striving to attain.

The sole purpose of Jesus leaving His place in Heaven, taking on human form, and living among men was, to be light in a world of darkness. In more simple terms, Jesus came to expose the evil revealed to mankind (darkness) with the light of God’s Word (knowledge), and to reestablish the union between God, and His precious creation.

Every breath Christ took while in human form, was dedicated to making others see, and come into the knowledge of His Father’s plan. Christ knew full well that in order to grasp any understanding of the will of God, men were to first repent, turn from their evil ways, then they could freely receive, digest, and properly apply God’s Word in their lives.

When we walk in the light of God’s Word, and live in ways that please Him, people who sit in darkness will see our light, and be forced to make a life-changing decision. Others who are on the verge of giving up, or at the point of spiritual death, can be influenced by our lives, and possibly renew their strength, simply by gleaning from our holy living. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Walk by the Word and prosper

Psalm 1

How happy is the man who lives his life as God intended from the beginning, who refuses to accept and go along with the advice of godless people, stand in agreement with those who regularly practice sinful activities, and dwell in the assemblies of men who boast and speak arrogantly to others. Such a man is able to walk consistently in godliness because he takes delight in reading, studying, and cross-referencing God’s Word every single day of his life. Just as it’s possible for men to watch TV, read a book or magazine, or enjoy the radio, scheduling time daily to read the Bible is not a hard task. One must only commit to studying the Word, and stick to it. I’ve known many who’ve binge watched godless TV shows for weeks. Imagine how much better a man or woman could have become, if they spent hundreds of hours studying Scripture, rather than being entertained by ungodly media.

The righteous man who makes God’s business his first priority benefits greatly from doing so. Just like a tree that’s planted near a river, and receives ample amounts of water to provide for its health, and consistent fruit, the man who walks by the Word of God will also be cultivated, and well-watered, so that he can maintain good spiritual health, and produce much good fruit. Not only will this man prosper spiritually, but everything he does in his life, including material, will prosper as well. Material prosperity is as much the will of God as soul, body, and health.

When we take care of God’s business, He’ll in turn, take care of ours, but this benefit can’t be enjoyed by those who walk in darkness, and refuse to obey the will of God. Unlike the righteous man who’s roots are firmly planted in the Word of God, and receive proper spiritual nourishment to bring forth good fruit, the ungodly are comparable to chaff, or the husks of corn or other seed separated by the process of winnowing or threshing. Chaff is considered worthless, and is driven away by the winds. That’s just how some are today, who follow after all forms of false doctrine. Anything that sounds good, they flock to, without learning the true nature of the teachings. There are men who purposely lie in wait to ensnare and carry away innocent souls with their hollow doctrine, but being rooted in the Word will prevent any of God’s children from being tossed to and fro by men’s false teachings.

The end of life for the ungodly is far from pleasant, and can be avoided. Unfortunately, many have been deceived by satan, and are unable to see the truth in God’s Word. As the righteousness of God, we, His children, are to let our lights shine before men, and when they see our good works, they’ll give God the glory, because we won’t take any credit for the great things He’s soon to do in our lives.

Walk in love,

Ell

A light to the nations

Isaiah 42:1-9

Does God have feelings? Can the very one who spoke all things into existence, and framed the entire world care enough to concern Himself with the affairs of billions of people who, at times, don’t acknowledge His relevance? God cares for all of His creation, and pays attention to every detail of the life of everyone who walks the face of the earth. Not only does care about men and women, but He daily provides for the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, and the fish in the sea. There’s not one thing God made in vain, because everything He does has love attached to it. Even after the fall of man, rather than hit the delete button and start all over again, God sustained a remnant of people, and initiated His already prepared redemption plan.

Sin brought darkness into the world, that separated man from God, which in turn allowed for the uprising of unbelief, discord, disrespect, and lack of love and appreciation for the God who made all things, and made them initially good. The most influential and prominent piece to God’s plan is Jesus. God loves His Son so much until even His very soul delights in Him. God has a soul? Sure He does. How else could we be made in His image and have a spirit, soul, and body, but He be different? In any case, God sent Jesus to earth fully loaded, and prepared to shine His light (emblem of knowledge, instruction, and truth) in a world that had been overtaken in darkness (sin, unbelief, blinded from truth). Just as a flashlight reveals those things hidden in the dark, Jesus was the light that revealed the sin that kept men bound from the truth of God’s Word, and His salvation. The same God who created the heavens, stretched forth vast lands full of life and splendor, and made a being in His image and after His likeness, set His Spirit upon Christ to bring forth judgment to the Gentiles, to be a covenant and a light to the people, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness.

The are many today who are struggling to find their way, because they have no light to reveal which path they should take. Only in Christ can men find their true purpose, and recognize that it’s only available in God. The light of the Lord will expose all things fake and phony, that easily beguile innocent people into falling in snares of sin. God’s Spirit also assists believers in trying spirits to see whether they are of Him, or not. The body of Christ shares the same light of the knowledge of the Word of God as the Savior Himself, so as Matthew mentioned in his Gospel, I also admonish all believers to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Walk in love,

Ell