Tag: Disciples

Walking In Liberty

Galatians 5

1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.

Be… So That God Can Do…

Various Scriptures

Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.

Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23

Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24

Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11

In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.

Natural Vs. Technological

Jeremiah 27:5

“I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm…”

Sitting by the water, trying to understand some verses of scripture I read, I looked into the sky, then saw a bird, and an airplane flying directly over my head simultaneously. Immediately, I considered God’s beautiful, and natural creation, in contrast to man’s inventions. God made all things very good, and has sustained His creation for thousands of years. Man, through God’s wisdom, has developed countless technological advancements that can only mimic what God originally set in motion. Man cannot fly like the birds of the air, so they made airplanes to soar through the skies, in order to travel from place to place without restriction. Fish can swim at various depths of the sea, but man can’t withstand the pressures at lower levels. For this reason, the submarine was invented, so that men could traverse the deep waters of God’s great oceans. Man can only imitate, what God spoke into existence, so all should honor and appreciate the mighty God of all creation, and His magnificent handiwork.

Interesting Interviews

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

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!

(“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!

Tombs For Rent!

Mark 16:6

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Tombs For Rent” starring, the Merchant,  and the Inquiring Gentleman! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Recently, Jesus had been resurrected from Joseph’s new tomb, and word spread throughout all the land. A certain merchant who sold tombs heard the news, then sought to make a profit from those who followed Jesus’s example.)

Merchant: Come, see my newly renovated tombs, the likes of which none have ever been buried in before!

(Men and women pass by, ignoring the voice of the merchant.)

Merchant: People, precious people, I have the best tombs available for rent. But if you act fast, I can be convinced to lower my rates, significantly.

Merchant: Hey sir! Sir! May I borrow a moment of your time?

Inquiring Gentleman: Greetings. Does your sign actually read, “Tombs For Rent”? Is this a joke or something?

Merchant: Ha ha haaaa. Kind sir, have you not heard the news?

Inquiring Gentleman: Apparently not, so enlighten me.

Merchant: There was a man called Jesus, who was said to be the Savior of the Jews. Well, he was brutally crucified, and his body was placed in the tomb right over there! If you haven’t noticed, he’s no longer there!

Inquiring Gentleman: Come again?

Merchant: You heard correctly, he’s gone! Some say his disciples came in the night and stole his body, but whatever the case, I’ll rent my tombs to all who plan on dying and being resurrected, or having their bodies stolen in the night.

Inquiring Gentleman: You can’t be serious… wait, you are serious.

Merchant: Hey, a man’s gotta work to eat, so I’m working, because I like to eat.

Inquiring Gentleman: Who do you actually expect to rent a tomb?

Merchant: Good question. I guess all those people who followed after Jesus, and believed in his words that someday they too will be raised up from the grave.

Inquiring Gentleman: Ahh, you’re referencing 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

Merchant: Umm… yeah, sure… right that’s it. Anyhoo, I’d like to offer you a great deal on this tomb behind me. It’s one of a kind, and very spacious.

Inquiring Gentleman: Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass. Hope business goes well for you.

Merchant: Your loss sir. People, people come, see my beautifully spacious tombs for rent. Don’t let the price scare you to death… get it?!

(People continue to avoid the merchant, while passing by, as he furthers his advances to rent his tombs.)

According to the book of Hebrews, everyone will have an appointment with death, and we will all return to the same dust we were made of. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, the grave will not be their final resting place. But, to all who refuse and reject Christ’s salvation, they’ll suffer not only a natural death, but a spiritual one also.

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

“Cover Me!”

Ephesians 4:25

During times of war, the most important person a soldier can rely on is, the man fighting beside him wearing the same uniform. It’s absolutely important for those fighting alongside each other to always remain focused on their enemy, while at the same time, covering each other in battle. One of the most horrifying and disappointing moments of a battle is when “friendly fire” occurs, and a fellow soldier is either wounded, or permanently taken out of the fight. This action can either be the cause of losing a battle, or prolonging it longer than anticipated. What’s worse than friendly fire is, when a soldier deliberately turns against his own unit, and begins to open fire on his own people. This is simply unacceptable, and can literally shift the tide of any battle. It’s always good to know who you’re fighting with, but also to keep a keen eye on everyone who claims to be on your team, because you never know who will turn against you when the battle begins.

Fighting the “Good fight of faith” will always come with its usual contention against our adversary the devil, but when the children of God are unified, they’ll usually progress through each battle and grow accordingly in faith, patience, wisdom, and experience. Unfortunately, many who walk with God have taken the unexpected bullet from another who claimed to be “saved”. Not everyone who says “Lord Lord” will enter the kingdom of Heaven, and many who seem to be believers in Christ, are far from doing the will of the Lord. A great number of men and women are simply tares, growing amongst the wheat. They look like “church folk”, act godly, walk the walk, and talk the talk, but secretly, they have a plan to pull you away from righteousness. For this reason, it’s vital for all who claim the name of the Lord to pray always, without ceasing. The devil never takes a day off, so the Saints shouldn’t either. We should always keep our guard up, even with friends and family members (I’m just saying… we’re in the last and evil days, and trust is earned).

To all my Christian soldiers, stand firm, stay on guard, and be vigilant. Let’s strive to keep our brothers and sisters covered, while aiming our artillery in the right direction.

The Right Response

Matthew 12

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Jesus’s Response – …But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Man’s Response – And behold there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? that they might accuse him.

Jesus’s Response – What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Man’s Response – … and great multitudes followed him…

Jesus’s Response – …and he healed them all;

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of devils.

Jesus’s Response – And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand; and if satan cast out satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then this kingdom stand?

Man’s Response – Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Man’s Response – Then one said unto him, Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?…For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

The Pharisees And Sadducees

Matthew 3

During the time when Jesus walked among men, two of the major religious groups in Israel were the Pharisees and Sadducees. Unlike the Sadducees who were more politically minded, the Pharisees focused more on religious beliefs. Opposing groups rarely joined in union, unless they shared a common hatred for a person or cause. This was the case with these two groups. Both groups had a shared hatred for Jesus, so they became allies to work together against Him. Although the Pharisees and Sadducees had some good qualities, their bad characteristics far outweighed the good.

Pharisees Positive Characteristics:
– Were committed to obeying all of God’s word
– Were admired by the common people for their apparent piety
– Believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life
– Believed in angels and demons

Pharisees Negative Characteristics:
– Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God’s rules for living
– Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standards they themselves could not live up to
– Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins
– Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God

Sadducees Positive Characteristics:
– Believed God’s word was limited to the first five books of the Bible
– Were more practically minded than the Pharisees

Sadducees Negative Characteristics:
– Relied on logic while placing little importance on faith
– Did not believe all the Old Testament was God’s word
– Did not believe in a bodily resurrection or eternal life
– Did not believe in angels or demons
– Were often willing to compromise their values with the Romans and others in order to maintain their status and influential positions

Inseparable

Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Is there anything in your life, that is causing separation between you and God the Father? If so, what is it? Could it possibly be money, pride, suffering, or even fame that’s keeping you from walking in unity with God? Take a moment to examine your life, as we near the end of 2021. If there is anything, or anyone holding you back from giving your all to God, remove it, or them from your life, ASAP! Don’t take anything from this year into the next, that has been unprofitable, unfavorable, and unholy. Start your new year in right standing with the Father, and allow your love for Him to grow stronger, daily.