Word Is Bond

Psalm 33:4

A person’s words are measured by the quality of his or her character. If your friends trust what you say, it is because they trust you. If you trust what God says, it is because you trust Him to be the God he claims to be. If you doubt His words, you doubt the integrity of God himself. If you believe God is truly God, then believe what He says!

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 979)

Interesting Interviews

2 Samuel 23

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews” starring, HolyEll and various characters throughout Bible history! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse…, the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel…”)

(As king David neared the end of his reign, he spake to those he loved, concerning his journey. All of a sudden, HolyEll appears in the midst.)

King David: What is this?! Who are you, and how did you appear in the midst of us?

HolyEll: Greetings king David, I come from a time, far beyond this one, in hopes of gaining a better understanding of who you are, and how your life has impacted not only your generation, but mine as well.

King David: Hmm… interesting. I can sense that you are a man, sent by the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

HolyEll: Well, I just wanted to meet you, and glean from your wisdom sir… if that’s ok.

King David: Son, I have sustained all these years, and overcame my enemies because, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.”

HolyEll: Indeed sir, I’ve read your story, and it is so fascinating. You’ve had a major impact on the foundation of the body of Christ, even in my time.

King David: Christ? Is he someone special in your time?

HolyEll: Trust me.. you already know everything about Him.

King David: I’ll share with you a brief summary of my journey. As a boy, I watched over my father’s sheep. Some would deem that position as low and unbecoming, but through those experiences, I grew in wisdom, understanding, and physical strength.

HolyEll: Yes, like when you slew a lion and a bear?

King David: How do you know that?

HolyEll: Umm..well…

King David: It matters little, but the Lord, my God was with me from the time I tended to sheep, when I stood strong in the face of the uncircumcised Philistine, and during my service to king Saul.

HolyEll: You have really been consistent in your faith and trust in the almighty God. Your 23rd Psalm is read and sung daily all over the world.

King David: And what psalm is that in your time?

HolyEll: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…

King David: Ahhh yes. That was one of my favorites. I’ve learned, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. For this reason, I never submitted to the enemy, nor to my mistakes. Oftentimes, people tend to lose faith after they’ve sinned, or fallen short of God’s glory.

HolyEll: That’s right! I just wrote about that in my blog a few days ago.

King David: A blog?

HolyEll: My bad, I keep forgetting… go on sir.

King David: It is important to understand, the man who rules God’s way, “he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

HolyEll: My brother, you are too deep for me lol, yet so poetic. I love it!

King David: It’s not about being deep, it’s about being willing to submit all of oneself, to the total immersion of the Spirit of God into himself.

HolyEll: (Mic drop) My my mercy. Amen, and amen again. Before I go, can you give me any advice to take back for myself, and the people of my generation?

King David: Why certainly. Take heed to this, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a shield to all then that trust him.” This is why I write. This is why I sing. This is why I give praise to the Lord God almighty, because he has kept me all these years.

HolyEll: … amen… amen… and amen.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Interesting Interviews

1 Samuel 18:1-26:25, Mark 14

(“5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” [1 Samuel 18:5-9])

King Saul: AHHHHHGGGG!!! (“And Saul cast a javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it.”)

(As David escapes, HolyEll appears in king Saul’s presence.)

HolyEll: Woah! Woah! Woah big fella! Calm your nerves a little bit. You could have killed that boy.

King Saul: Who in God’s name are you? And, how did you get in here? And, what are you wearing?

HolyEll: Listen, your majesty. Do you realize, you nearly took the life of an innocent boy; the same one who saved your life from Goliath, and a potential Philistine invasion?

King Saul: It matters not anymore who that lad is. What matters is, he has taken the glory that’s due to my name. He has embarrassed me in the midst of my people. I can no longer allow him to live.

HolyEll: Do you actually think before you speak sir?

King Saul: What?! I shall have you beheaded at once. GUARDS!!!

HolyEll: Oh Lord, I gotta go. Hey king, before I take my leave, just remember, God allowed you to be Israel’s first king. He entrusted you with the safety and well-being of His people. Unfortunately, your pride and arrogance has caused for God to seek a replacement leader. David will soon propel God’s people to the place you could have taken them to. By the way, David will soon have two opportunities to take your life, but he’ll spare you, because he’s a man after God’s own heart. Sleep with one eye open, meanie pants!

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as king Saul wonders in amazement.)

King Saul: Did you men see that? Who was that strange fellow? Find him, then bring him to me. Tighten up patrol, and let me know when you have apprehended the boy, David also.

(“21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.” “42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.” [Mark 14:21, 42])

(HolyEll appears before Judas and the group of men seeking to arrest Jesus.)

HolyEll: Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Where are you guys headed? My, what pointy weapons you have? Are you all headed to kill someone? Wait, I know. You’re headed to falsely accuse and arrest the man called Jesus.

Judas: Who are you boy? Why are you here? You know nothing of our business.

HolyEll: Actually, I know more than you can imagine. In fact, I even know how your life will end.

Judas: Get away from us. You’re beginning to pester me.

HolyEll: How did it feel, being in the presence of the Son of God, witnessing miracles, and hearing powerful and impactul sermons? Oh I’m sorry, while your brethren were doing as Jesus instructed, your hands were busy stealing money from the treasury.

Judas: That’s enough! Leave us now, or you’ll be dealt with.

HolyEll: Alright, I’ll leave. But, before I go, you still have time to change your mind before you deliver your kiss of betrayal.

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as Judas and the men with Him wonder in amazement.)

Judas: Men, pay no attention to that annoying person. Let’s continue our plan.

*There will be seasons in life when we veer off track, but God gives us time to correct the errors of our ways, and align ourselves with His way. Unfortunately, some people allow themselves to drift too far from safety, until they eventually set themselves up for a hopeless end. Stay true to God, even during your weak moments, because only by His strength can you recover, and be properly set up to walk the path of righteousness consistently.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Interesting Interviews

Exodus 32, 1 Samuel 17, Job 1

(“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.”)

(HolyEll appears in the midst of Aaron the priest)

HolyEll: Excuse me sir. My name is HolyEll, and I would like to take a moment to better understand your perspective on an issue.

Aaron: Who are you? And, What are you wearing son?

HolyEll: I’m from a time in the future, and I traveled back to get a better understanding of some of the major decisions made in Bible history.

Aaron: Uhh I have no idea what you speak of. At any rate, you may deliver your inquiries.

HolyEll: Alright. Firstly, what are you doing sir?! Are you aware, your brother is currently in the presence of God, gathering essential instructions on how to lead all these people? Why have you allowed the people to cause you to give in to their nonsense?

Aaron: Well, umm… you see, my brother has been gone for quite some time, and the people have grown restless while awaiting his return. So, I submitted to their request to make gods, that will go before them.

HolyEll: A-Aron! Really sir? Do you not recall the recent miraculous events provided you by the hand of the almighty God? Have you so easily forgotten, your brother stood boldly before the Lord and obeyed as He commanded, so that the people could live and prosper? How could you allow yourself to go against the very God who saved and delivered you, in place of idols, which can do nothing except rot, and take up valuable space?

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as Aaron wonders in amazement.)

Aaron: Whe…where did he go. My Lord, he certainly made some valid points. Oh dear…

(“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”)

(HolyEll appears in the midst of young David.)

HolyEll: Hey, hey, excuse me young man.

David: Hey there, can you give me a moment. I have a very important job to do right now.

HolyEll: Yes, I know the story, I meant well…right. Before you go to face that giant of a man over there, may I ask you a few questions?

David: I am very determined to fulfill this assignment, so could you make it quick?

HolyEll: Of course! Umm, aren’t you afraid to go up against that guy? I mean, just look at him. It looks like he eats buffalo for breakfast and dinner?

David: What’s a buffalo?

HolyEll: Nevermind that. I saw you pick up five smooth stones. Do you think they’ll work to defeat that big mammoth of a man?

David: I have the Lord on my side, and the extra stones are for anyone else who comes against me after I take the head of that uncircumcised Philistine.

HolyEll: Hey bro, do your thing homie!

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as David wonders in amazement.)

David: Bro?… Homie?…. prepare to meet your maker giant AAAHHHHH!

(“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil… And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”)

Job: (Crying and lying on his face in agony)

HolyEll: Umm… excuse me sir. Sorry to bother you, but…may I sit with you for a moment?

Job: Good day to you son. How may help you?

HolyEll: Wow, you’re really nice! You’ve been lying here suffering for countless days, yet you maintain your character.

Job: How do you know about my suffering?

HolyEll: Let’s just say, a little birdie told me all about it. Anyhoo, may I ask you a few questions?

Job: At this point, you may ask as you please. I’ve lost everything. My children, my livestock, even my wife has spoken ill against the Lord. Nevertheless, I will not turn away from the hand of my God, because the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.

HolyEll: Man, that’s deep. Mr Job, I’m fully aware of your situation, and how your close friends would not support you in your struggle. Although they meant well, they were unaware of God’s overall plan for your life.

Job: You speak as a wise man, son. Naked I came into this world, and naked I’ll leave. God is always righteous, even in His judgment. There is a reason for my suffering, but my God will continue to get all the glory.

HolyEll: Man…sniff sniff… you’re making me cry.

Job: It’s ok son. I’ve cried rivers of tears already. Just let it flow, and God will turn your tears into joy.

HolyEll: I came with intentions to encourage you, but you’ve blessed me more than I could imagine.

(HolyEll vanishes into thin air, as Job wonders in amazement.)

Job: Who was that young man? Reminds me of myself, during my younger days. Thank you Father for sending a listening ear. All glory belongs to you.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Canción de David

2 Samuel 22

1 Habló David a Jehová las palabras de este cántico, el día que Jehová le había librado de la mano de todos sus enemigos, y de la mano de Saúl.

2 Dijo:
Jehová es mi roca y mi fortaleza, y mi libertador;

3 Dios mío, fortaleza mía, en él confiaré;
Mi escudo, y el fuerte de mi salvación, mi alto refugio;
Salvador mío; de violencia me libraste.

4 Invocaré a Jehová, quien es digno de ser alabado,
Y seré salvo de mis enemigos.

5 Me rodearon ondas de muerte,
Y torrentes de perversidad me atemorizaron.

6 Ligaduras del Seol me rodearon;
Tendieron sobre mí lazos de muerte.

7 En mi angustia invoqué a Jehová,
Y clamé a mi Dios;
El oyó mi voz desde su templo,
Y mi clamor llegó a sus oídos.

8 La tierra fue conmovida, y tembló,
Y se conmovieron los cimientos de los cielos;
Se estremecieron, porque se indignó él.

9 Humo subió de su nariz,
Y de su boca fuego consumidor;
Carbones fueron por él encendidos.

10 E inclinó los cielos, y descendió;
Y había tinieblas debajo de sus pies.

11 Y cabalgó sobre un querubín, y voló;
Voló sobre las alas del viento.

12 Puso tinieblas por su escondedero alrededor de sí;
Oscuridad de aguas y densas nubes.

13 Por el resplandor de su presencia se encendieron carbones ardientes.

14 Y tronó desde los cielos Jehová,
Y el Altísimo dio su voz;

15 Envió sus saetas, y los dispersó;
Y lanzó relámpagos, y los destruyó.

16 Entonces aparecieron los torrentes de las aguas,
Y quedaron al descubierto los cimientos del mundo;
A la reprensión de Jehová,
Por el soplo del aliento de su nariz.

17 Envió desde lo alto y me tomó;
Me sacó de las muchas aguas.

18 Me libró de poderoso enemigo,
Y de los que me aborrecían, aunque eran más fuertes que yo.

19 Me asaltaron en el día de mi quebranto;
Mas Jehová fue mi apoyo,

20 Y me sacó a lugar espacioso;
Me libró, porque se agradó de mí.

21 Jehová me ha premiado conforme a mi justicia;
Conforme a la limpieza de mis manos me ha recompensado.

22 Porque yo he guardado los caminos de Jehová,
Y no me aparté impíamente de mi Dios.

23 Pues todos sus decretos estuvieron delante de mí,
Y no me he apartado de sus estatutos.

24 Fui recto para con él,
Y me he guardado de mi maldad;

25 Por lo cual me ha recompensado Jehová conforme a mi justicia;
Conforme a la limpieza de mis manos delante de su vista.

26 Con el misericordioso te mostrarás misericordioso,
Y recto para con el hombre íntegro.

27 Limpio te mostrarás para con el limpio,
Y rígido serás para con el perverso.

28 Porque tú salvas al pueblo afligido,
Mas tus ojos están sobre los altivos para abatirlos.

29 Tú eres mi lámpara, oh Jehová;
Mi Dios alumbrará mis tinieblas.

30 Contigo desbarataré ejércitos,
Y con mi Dios asaltaré muros.

31 En cuanto a Dios, perfecto es su camino,
Y acrisolada la palabra de Jehová.
Escudo es a todos los que en él esperan.

32 Porque ¿quién es Dios, sino sólo Jehová?
¿Y qué roca hay fuera de nuestro Dios?

33 Dios es el que me ciñe de fuerza,
Y quien despeja mi camino;

34 Quien hace mis pies como de ciervas,
Y me hace estar firme sobre mis alturas;

35 Quien adiestra mis manos para la batalla,
De manera que se doble el arco de bronce con mis brazos.

36 Me diste asimismo el escudo de tu salvación,
Y tu benignidad me ha engrandecido.

37 Tú ensanchaste mis pasos debajo de mí,
Y mis pies no han resbalado.

38 Perseguiré a mis enemigos, y los destruiré,
Y no volveré hasta acabarlos.

39 Los consumiré y los heriré, de modo que no se levanten;
Caerán debajo de mis pies.

40 Pues me ceñiste de fuerzas para la pelea;
Has humillado a mis enemigos debajo de mí,

41 Y has hecho que mis enemigos me vuelvan las espaldas,
Para que yo destruyese a los que me aborrecen.

42 Clamaron, y no hubo quien los salvase;
Aun a Jehová, mas no les oyó.

43 Como polvo de la tierra los molí;
Como lodo de las calles los pisé y los trituré.

44 Me has librado de las contiendas del pueblo;
Me guardaste para que fuese cabeza de naciones;
Pueblo que yo no conocía me servirá.

45 Los hijos de extraños se someterán a mí;
Al oír de mí, me obedecerán.

46 Los extraños se debilitarán,
Y saldrán temblando de sus encierros.

47 Viva Jehová, y bendita sea mi roca,
Y engrandecido sea el Dios de mi salvación.

48 El Dios que venga mis agravios,
Y sujeta pueblos debajo de mí;

49 El que me libra de enemigos,
Y aun me exalta sobre los que se levantan contra mí;
Me libraste del varón violento.

50 Por tanto, yo te confesaré entre las naciones, oh Jehová,
Y cantaré a tu nombre.

51 El salva gloriosamente a su rey,
Y usa de misericordia para con su ungido,
A David y a su descendencia para siempre.

David’s Song

2 Samuel 22

1 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:
2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
5 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
7 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.
11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.
13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
21 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
25 Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.
27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.
29 For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.
30 For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.
31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
32 For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?
33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
34 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.
39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.
40 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.
41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
44 Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.
45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
47 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me.
49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

By Faith…

Hebrews 11:23-31

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made by things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

The concept of faith can seem rather complicated at first glance, but the more the Spirit of God opens one’s understanding, they’ll soon grab hold of what the essence of faith is, and how to properly apply it to daily holy living. Faith can be understood as believing in something to happen, that has yet to manifest, based on past experiences. Another writer explained faith as the conviction based on past experience that God’s new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. Having faith in God requires confidence and conviction. God made it plain that He will provide for, and sustain His people, but the children of God must believe that he is, and that He’s a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Faith is necessary in all situations, whether they be good or not so good. In times of plenty, we must have faith in God to keep us humble, and not allow our prosperity to cause us to entertain pride. On the contrary, when we experience times of suffering or lack, it’s our faith in God that keeps us standing strong through our adversity, until God opens a window of Heaven, and pours out blessings that are beneficial and abundant. Faith in God eliminates all possibility of falling into temptation. This is certain, because with all your attention and hope centered on the Creator of all things, there’ll hardly be any room for doubt, fear, or temptation. Throughout history, many have overcome evil, sin, temptation, and hard times, by putting all their faith and trust in God. The same God that blessed Moses, Rahab, and king David for their unwavering faith, has an unlimited supply of resources to bless you, even today. Have faith in God!

Glory To God

Acts 16:11-15, 40; 1 Corinthians 1:26-30

Without God, there’s nothing man can do while he yet lives in the earth. Without the breath of life God breathes into men, their very existence would be a mere afterthought. Without the strength and ability granted by God, being productive in this life would be impossible. Without intellect, wisdom and common sense, it would be hard for anyone to grow in stature or status in society. Man has developed a bad habit of giving glory to themselves, honoring the fact that their might, nobility, or stature is what causes them to do great things in the earth. While it seems that many actually do prosper, none of their supposed prosperity would be possible without God allowing it.

King David set the ideal example of how to conduct oneself on all levels of life. David walked in humility, even when multiple opportunities to boast were set before him. Even the apostle Paul recognized that giving glory to God over all else was priority when he wrote, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:12).

God doesn’t often call those who walk after the flesh, are mighty in the earth, or are held in high esteem in society, instead, the Bible mentions, “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.” (vs. 27-28). God allows this so that “NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE”. Flesh is a mess, and always competes for God’s glory. This attitude stems from the same pride harbored by Lucifer, when he desired to be above God in Heaven.

Men today, as in the past, can become so full of pride and haughtiness, until they’ll seek to bring attention to themselves, rather than boast in the Lord, who alone causes men to rise and fall. Give it your best effort to walk diligently in humility, and avoid taking any credit for all the wonderful things God does for you, on a daily basis.

A True Friend

1 Samuel 19:1-7

Why do men hate you, simply for doing what’s right? Why is jealousy always associated with being blessed by God? Why can’t men appreciate you for who God made you to be, and focus their attention on becoming better persons themselves, rather than seek to tarnish your good reputation. I can safely assume, these are a few of many questions David asked within himself while being pursued by king Saul.

Thankfully for David, there was someone on the inside, who would stand in the gap on behalf of his safety. Jonathan and David had become an inseparable union, one that no man could tear apart, so when Saul gave an order to all his servants, including his son Jonathan, to kill David, this direct command didn’t sit well with the heir to the throne. Jonathan delighted much in David, and could not fathom the idea of seeing him killed, so he confronted his wicked father, and convinced him to retract his order to kill God’s chosen king.

Do you have people in your life, who will stand between you and your enemy, in order to seek peaceful resolution, or are all your friends as fickle as a flame, and wouldn’t hesitate to leave you in harm’s way? Give God praise for all those you can truly call friend, and make sure to take a moment to let them know how much you appreciate them.

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

Purpose Blockers

1 Samuel 23:14-18

The life of a Christian is hardly easy, and trials come by default, to make them stronger. Day by day, the children of God strive to live according to holiness, and take great delight in doing works meet for repentance, but the righteous path oftentime becomes hard to tread, especially when adversity rears its ugly head. In the same way God positions men in life to help His people along their journey, the devil also assigns willing individuals to try and block the people of God from fulfilling their purpose in the earth. Purpose blockers are just as the name implies, and they are relentless in halting God’s people from progressing in life. God has a unique plan for everyone who has been born again, but satan wants those plans to be derailed, and remain unfulfilled. Men go to great extremes to block the path of the righteous, and some go so far as to even threaten their very lives, but just as God protected David from multiple threats from king Saul, trust and believe, He’ll guard you against all evil that tries to block your path also.

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