Don’t Forget…

Deuteronomy 8

Can you remember a time, when you were guilty of being ungrateful for the good someone had done for you? Maybe you had a single mother who sacrificed all she desired, so that you could have a good life. Unfortunately, you never really appreciated her, and acted as if her good wasn’t good enough. Or, maybe you were the product of the ideal family, where dad and mom raised you in the fear of God, never lacking anything good. But, you took advantage of their kindness and chose to live without healthy restraints. In our text, God had worked miraculous wonders in the lives of the children of Israel. When they were bound to serve as slaves to the Egyptians, and oppressed beyond measure, God delivered them, then set them on a path to the land of promise. God had a given the people a number of commandments and admonitions, to prepare them before they entered the land of plenty, but despite all God had already done for Israel, they seemingly forgot, and found themselves murmuring and complaining more often than not. God knew, if the hearts of the people were not properly conditioned before entering Canaan, then all their increase would spoil them rotten, and cause their hearts to become filled with pride. Oftentimes, when God blesses us, we allow those same blessings to cause us to forget the One who gave them to us in the first place. Unlike the children of Israel, who failed to appreciate the awesome works of God in their lives, we should also be mindful not to forget how merciful God has been to us. In addition, we must be very careful not to allow our increase to cause our hearts to become prideful, for this is when we will easily forget God. When we forget God, we align ourselves on the path that leads to destruction.

To Will… And To Perform

Romans 7

Oftentimes, it seems hard to live a holy life on a consistent basis. The inevitable battle between good and evil shapes every aspect of our lives, and the path our lives take, is determined by which side we submit to. When a person is newly converted into the family of God, they have an insatiable desire to do good. Their mind has been renewed, thoughts refreshed, and intentions set on doing only good. Unfortunately, the season of newness tends to wear down, when the desires of the past gradually creep back into their lives. The more time an individual spends studying, learning, and growing in the way of holiness, the more likely they’ll become properly equipped to walk in the Spirit, while avoiding the lusts of the flesh. On the other hand, the less time spent in God’s word can cause a person to become influenced by unrighteousness, and it’s harmful effects. We all may have a strong desire, or will to do as God commanded us to do, but if we aren’t diligent in our commitment to serve, and refuse to study to show ourselves approved unto God, then our will and desires will only reside in our minds, and not our actions.

Blended Psalms

Psalm 56, 84, 86, 93, 136

When I am afraid, I will trust in the Lord, because He warms my heart and sustains my life like the sun. The Lord is my shield, and protects me from all who come against me. The Lord showers me with grace and glory, and He’ll never withhold anything good from me. The Lord is great in mercy, full of compassion, gracious, longsuffering, and truth. The Lord reigns supreme! He is clothed with majesty and strength. His throne is established of old. He is from everlasting. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. His praise endures forever. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Interesting Interviews

Exodus 32, 1 Samuel 17, Job 1

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!

(“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!

Relax, God’s Got You

Psalm 37:1-8

Don’t stress yourself over evil people, and don’t envy those who involve themselves in wicked activities. Because, in time, their evil deeds will cease and they’ll fade away. Instead, trust in the Lord and continue doing good. Only then, will you become more established, and God will provide for all your needs.

Take strong pleasure in fulfilling the will of the Father, and He’ll in turn, give you your heart’s desires. Focus all your plans and ideas on godliness, trust God without wavering, and you’ll see those plans manifest. While serving the Lord diligently, He will make known your righteous deeds to others, so they’ll see the truth of your professed holiness, and understand why you live the way you do.

During difficult times, try your best not to stress, relax your mind, and wait patiently for God to work things out for you. Even when it seems as if wicked people are prospering and living the “good life”, trust and believe that God will deal with them, and take care of you…as long as you keep a level head, and refrain from doing evil during your struggle.

It’s hard to maintain good thoughts and pure intentions when life gets hard, but God sees your struggle, and has a time set to deliver you. So, while you suffer, focus on gaining all the strength, faith, wisdom, and knowledge you can from your situation, and be ready to help the next person who may be lined up to face a similar issue.

“Don’t give up, help is on the way.”

Proper Perspective

James 4:3

I pray for wisdom, but I ignore it. I ask for strength, but I don’t use it. I seek peace, but from all the wrong places. I strive to do good, but give up before the journey begins. I choose my words wisely, but always when it’s too late. I ask, and nothing’s given. I seek, but can’t find. I knock, but no doors open. Then, I change my perspective. I pray for wisdom, then walk according to it. I ask for strength, then face life with boldness. I seek peace, and pursue it. I strive to do good, and diligently commit to it. I choose my words wisely, and use them to build up and edify. I ask, then I receive what I need. I seek, and find the answers to my concerns. I knock, and walk through doors that lead to the path of righteousness.

From Galilee To Jordan

Matthew 3

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “From Galilee To Jordan” starring, John the Baptist, and Jesus! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

John the Baptist: Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

(Crowds of people from Jerusalem, Judea, and all the regions of Jordan begin to come and hear John speak.)

John the Baptist: Hear me, and let my words penetrate into your hearts. Confess your sins before the Lord, and be baptized.

(Countless men and women confessed their sins, and were baptized. Note, baptism was an outward sign of inward confession. Although the water didn’t save men, the act showed others that a person made an honest confession to follow God.)

(John’s quick popularity caught the attention of the Pharisees and Saducees; the religious groups who held themselves to a higher standard than what God set in place.)

John the Baptist: Ahhhh, look who’s here. Oh generation of vipers! You must have heard about the coming wrath upon all who oppose righteousness. Make sure your acts are righteous, and that your works are good, because if you have bad thoughts and evil intentions, you will be cut down and destroyed.

(This message obviously didn’t rest well in the hearts of those wicked ones.)

John the Baptist: Surely, I baptize you with water unto repentance, but there’s someone coming after me, who is mightier than I am, and I’m not worthy to even carry his shoes. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

(The crowds of people wonder in amazement of who this other person could be.)

(“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.”)

John the Baptist: It’s you! But, I cannot baptize you. I forbid it! You are…

Jesus: It’s alright. Do it now, because we have a responsibility to fulfill all righteousness.

(“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” I wish I could have witnessed this in person.)

In times when you feel as though you’re unworthy to serve God, remember, you were made to bring glory to His name. So, in all you do, do it as unto the Lord, and He will reward you for all the good fruit you produce in the earth.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “From Galilee To Jordan”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Deeply Rooted

Ephesians 3

When God created the world, He planted a great variety of trees, plants, and flowers all over the earth. Many tress and other types of flora are good for food, and offer a variety of other beneficial uses, but the most important part of any tree or plant is, it’s roots. According to easytogrowbulbs.com, the roots of a plant have several important functions. The roots anchor the plant in place, resisting the forces of wind and running water or mud flow. The root system takes in oxygen, water and nutrients from the soil, to move them up through the plant to the stems, leaves and blooms. Roots often store the energies created by the plant through photosynthesis, to make them available to the plant as it is needed. Plant roots also stimulate and support microorganisms in the soil that benefit plant life.

Roots are vital to the survival and overall wellbeing of plant life, but what the roots are planted in, is the major benefactor in what it can bring forth. Jesus spoke a parable in Matthew 13 that reads, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”

When roots are planted in good ground, the probability of the tree bringing forth fruit is extremely high, but when tress are planted in unfavorable areas, they’ll bring forth little to no increase. When those who claim to be sons and daughters of God have their hearts rooted and grounded in love, they’ll undoubtedly bring forth much fruit for the kingdom of God. But, to those who have set their affections on things below, including money, power, wealth, careers, cars, or celebrity, they’ll never be fit for God’s kingdom. Although many aren’t rooted in God’s love, they have been blessed with limited time to get their hearts right with the Father. Are you deeply rooted in love, or are you planted in unfavorable, and unprofitable ground?

Old Vs. New

Hebrews 10:1-18

OLD
——-
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

NEW
——–
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, there’s no need for any other substitute to atone for man’s sins. Jesus’ offering was effective for all past, present, and future sins, but salvation is conditional, and determined on an individual’s proper confession of sin, and a dedicated life of submission to the will of the Lord.

Hallowed Be Thy Name…

Psalm 33:4-8

The Lord our God, the creator of heaven and earth, is worthy of all praise and glory of men and angels! The text tells us, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (vs. 6). God literally spoke, and the world came into existence! What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, Heaven and earth adore Him, but do you give reverence and show respect for the Lord, as you should? How often during the day, do you simply acknowledge the very presence of God? When you take time to pray, are your words centered more on your problems, or the grace and mercy God gives us daily? What are you living for? What motivates you to get out of bed everyday? God made everyone special, and loaded them with benefits, but oftentimes, we take for granted, how good the Lord has been to us. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, yet millions are walking the streets this very evening, dressed in costumes, honoring a day that was set aside for evil purposes (many unknowingly). Rather than focus on loading baskets with candy and treats, we should make the name of the Lord great today! I understand that man has set specific days and times to celebrate, but everyday should be centered on giving reverence and honor to the name of the Lord.