Presumptuous Sin

Numbers 15:30-41

Committing sin through ignorance, or unwillingly, was handled very delicately by God in ancient times. If a man or woman, who was among the children of Israel, committed an act against the commandment of God, but was unaware of their offense, that particular sin could be forgiven. Fortunately, at the cost of offering an animal sacrifice to the Lord, the priest could make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel. Conversely, in the case where an individual of the congregation of Israel willfully went against the words the Lord had spoken through Moses, that person would be sentenced to death. While some may feel God’s punishment in these instances was too harsh or strict, the simple act of obedience was an easy remedy to avoid certain death.

God takes sin very seriously today, just as He did in time past. When a man knows to do good, yet refuses, this is considered sin, according to James 4:17. Our text mentions a man who was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. According to the law, it was forbidden to perform labor on the Sabbath, so gathering sticks was considered work. While there was a law to cover those who sinned through ignorance, those who had knowledge of their actions were deliberately despising the word of the Lord, and broke His commandments. Thus, that soul would utterly be cut off, and their iniquity would forever be upon him. In addition, those who literally defied the commandments of God would be stoned outside the camp.

It’s a privilege and an honor to be covered under the new covenant, because many today (including myself) knowingly commit sin, and go against the commandments of the Lord. But, by the grace of God, we can be forgiven, and set back on the righteous path. Taking advantage of grace to sin willfully, is abusing God’s gift. In this case, God could literally turn you over to a reprobate mind, so be thankful we aren’t condemned when we fall, but are justified and renewed by the blood of Jesus.

The Untamed Member

James 3:1-12

When God created man, He made him with very unique attributes and abilities, no other created being has. Of those unique abilities, man has been able to tame every kind of beast, bird, serpent, and things in the deep blue sea. Consider how great and massive some of the animals are on land, and in the oceans, and how incredible it is for man, in his stature, to tame something more massive than himself.

Man in his wisdom, has the ability to manipulate and control animals, and even influence them to do as he commands, but with all his wisdom, knowledge, and power of influence over birds and beasts, man lacks the ability to tame his own tongue. Yes, that little “pink tornado”, is capable of stirring up all manner of trouble. Lions, tigers, bears, and whales are all more massive than man, yet he is able to tame them, but that little member, nestled in his mouth, boasts great things, kindles fires, and is a world of iniquity.

Those who bear the name of Christ, have the responsibility of using the tongue to bless God, and hold only good conversations. The words that proceed from the mouths of the Saints, should only offer strength, encouragement, and edification to all who would hear them. God shuns those who maintain improper use of the tongue, while defiling themselves with ungodly conversations. There are some who seemingly bless God one minute, then curse their brother twenty minutes later. This ought not be the case among those who are born-again believers. Can you find apples hanging from an orange tree, or pick grapes from a tomato vine? I highly doubt you will, and you should not hear ungodly speech coming from the mouths of godly people. On human strength alone, the tongue cannot be tamed, but when a vessel is under the influence of the Holy Ghost, the tongue will be restricted to speak those things that are pleasing to the Father.

If you ever find yourself holding conversations that aren’t true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, check to see whether or not you’ve strayed away from the Spirit. Only in God, do we have the power to overcome our flesh, and walk after the Spirit. The tongue indeed, is little member, but if left uncontrolled, it can set the whole world on fire!

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Hearts Of Men

Mark 7:17-23

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And doth thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one” (Job 14:1-4). These were words spoken by Job, who was struggling to understand his extremely uncomfortable circumstances, but he also realized the importance of trusting God, even when life seems to be unfair.

At the start of the gate, we are born into this world at a disadvantage. Because of sin, men are born unclean, and Job recognized that it’s impossible to bring something clean, from an unclean thing. Knowing this fact should provoke the church to cling tight to God, because it’s easy to veer off into the path of unrighteousness, and attemp to walk without God’s leading.

By default, men are carnal in their thinking. In fact, the very heart of a man, without being filled with the Spirit of God, will eventually entertain areas of ungodliness that will defile their very essence. Such areas include, but are not limited to, evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye (sometimes, just the way you look at a person can come off as pure evil), blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. The text continues to read, “All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (vs. 23).

It’s impossible to live a good life, or the popular “your best life now”, without God, because the flesh will never be satisfied, until it’s evil urges and desires have been fulfilled. Guard your heart against all things evil, and trust God to keep your heart filled with His love and grace. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV).

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

Ell

Don’t Be Defiled

Mark 7:9-15

According to the Bible, to defile a thing is to make it common, unclean, render it unhallowed, or to profane it. This sounds horrible, and thus begs the question; why would anyone want to defile anything in the first place? Well, I’m glad you asked. If you haven’t noticed, there’s this dude roaming out there in the spiritual realm, and he’s constantly seeking to devour, our consume the souls of men and women left open to his influence. This wicked, vile, and manipulative evil genius, has been terrorizing men for thousands of years. Even after years of compiled evidence of satan’s demonic plan to destroy the church, its amazing how people still fall prey to his unholy, and unhealthy influences.

“…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16b). God the Father is holy, so those who have been engrafted into His family should be the same. Unfortunately, the adversary of the body of Christ, will use all his energy and effort, to ensure that the church becomes defiled, or unclean in the sight of God. Despite his endless efforts to hurt the church, satan can never pluck the children of God from His hand, but he can cause them to stumble from time to time. When we give in to the temptations of the enemy, we render ourselves unclean in the eyes of the holy God. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s guard ourselves against those who purposely try to turn us away from God. Remember to keep your light shining before men, and refuse to allow satan to defile you before your holy, and loving God.

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

Ell

What defiles comes from the heart

Mark 7:14-23

The heart is the center of the human body. The main function of the heart is to pump blood through blood vessels around, and through the body. The heart helps to provide oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs by ensuring a rich supply of blood. Not only is the heart vital to natural human health, but it also plays a major role in the spirit realm as well.

When we surrender our hearts to God and His will, obeying His commandments almost comes naturally. We love, give, and support others without murmuring and complaining when our hearts are free from evil. But when we act upon those things that have been embedded in the heart because of sin, it proves that man without God is defiled and impure.

Jesus confirmed king Solomon’s view of the heart when He said, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

When a man’s heart is corrupt, his life and character will be corrupt as well. When we keep our hearts from entertaining evil, it makes obeying the will of the Father a little easier.

Guard your heart from all evil, and keep your focus on being the best you the world has ever known.

Seek peace,

Ell