Tag: Encourage

Evil Tidings

Psalm 112:7

What do you do, when someone brings you bad news? Whether the tidings be true, or the usual talebearing, our first instinct should be to keep our trust in the Lord. Rather than becoming uptight and nervous over bad news, when we are consistent in our faith, evil tidings should only push us closer to God. The world, and some church folk, seem to be fascinated with keeping up mess, and spreading bad news is something they look forward to. But, those who walk in holiness are encouraged to speak those things that edify, rather than tear down.

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.

Spice Girls

Matthew 5:13-16

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the exciting episode of, “Spice Girls” starring, Cinnamon, Paprika, Maple, Sage, and Rosemary. I’m your host HolyEll, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Cinnamon: Hey Paprika, I hope all is well.

Paprika: Hey Cinnasugga! Thanks for calling. Girl you know I’m good. Spicing up life, as always! How are things on your end?

Cinnamon: I’m doing well. I’m currently seasoning some buns at the moment.

Paprika: Ooooo I absolutely love your cinnamon buns! They are yum yum yummy!

Cinnamon: Stop it, girl you’re making me blush.

Paprika: Really girl? You are blush lol.

Cinnamon: Funny lol. Anyhoo, I called to ask if you’ve heard from Rosemary. I’ve been trying to reach her for a few weeks, but no response.

Paprika: Now that you’ve mentioned it, it has been a while since I’ve heard from her. I think we last hung out at the “Gathering of the Spices” convention last month.

Cinnamon: (Sigh) Hold on for a second, I’m gonna call Maple.

Paprika: OK. I’ll buzz in Sage as well.

Maple: Hey Cinnamon! How are you?

Cinnamon: I’m keeping my spirits up. Paprika and Sage are on the line as well.

Maple: Hey girls!! Talk to me Cinnamon, tell me what’s going on.

Cinnamon: Well, I’m concerned about Rosemary. I haven’t heard from her in a while, and my concerns for her are growing. I asked the girls whether or not they had any contact with her, but nothing.

Sage: Yeah this is really bothering me. It’s not like Rosemary to distance herself from us. I haven’t heard from her since she called a few weeks ago to ask if it was safe to sprinkle her seasoning on baked chicken.

Cinnamon: Yeah girls, I’m worried. Wait..I have an idea. Let’s all go to her house and see if she’s there.

(Cinnamon picks up the other Spice Girls, then they head to Rosemary’s house)

(The girls arrive at Rosemary’s house)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Hey, Rosemary, it’s Cinnamon and the girls. Are you here?

(Moments pass, then Cinnamon knocks again)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Rose…

Rosemary: I’m coming… Hey there. What are you all doing here? Come in.

(The girls hug Rosemary as they walk in)

Maple: Hey Rose, good to see you.

Sage: Yes, where have you been? Is everything ok?

(The girls all gather in Rosemary’s living room.)

Rosemary: Well, I first want to apologize for ignoring all of you the past few days. I’ve been feeling down, and I think I’ve lost my flavor.

Sage: What?! What do you mean, lost your flavor? The world wouldn’t be the same without you, Rosemary.

Paprika: Exactly! Without you, who would bring life to so many great dishes?

Maple: Yeah girl, you are awesome! You’re especially effective when combined with grains, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, and spinach.

Rosemary: I am humbled by your kind words, but I just feel I’m not as special as you all. Take Cinnamon for instance. Who can work wonders with bread, cookies, pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato pie, churros, and French toast? And who can make creamy pasta dishes flavorful like Sage? I just feel that I’m not good enough to flavor the world as you girls do.

Cinnamon: Rosemary, listen. I understand you are going through a difficult season, and we didn’t come here to judge you, but take a moment to consider all the things you’ve changed in the world. You have literally enhanced foods like chicken, lamb, pork, steaks, and fish. You bring flavor to food that neither of us can compare with. You may feel that you aren’t special, but you were made to make food better.

Rosemary: (Crying tears of joy and appreciation) Thank you Cinnamon, Sage, Maple, and Paprika. I shouldn’t have shut myself away from you. Instead, I should have come to you, rather than allow myself to fall into such a low state.

Paprika: Girl we are all special in our own way, and what I can do, I do it well, but what I can’t do, someone else is equipped to handle it.

Sage: Indeed Paprika. We all have our part to play in seasoning the earth. Just be appreciative of who you are, and focus on what your role is.

Maple: Rosemary, you are greater than you give yourself credit for. By the way, I’m working on a new syrup, and I was wondering if you could add a touch of your flavor to it.

Rosemary: Of course I will Maple. Cinnamon, thank you for encouraging me, and helping me see the value in who I am, and what I was made for. You girls are the best.

Cinnamon: That’s what I wanted to hear. Now let’s go bring flavor to the world.

*The Bible mentions in Matthew 5:13, we are the salt of the earth. But there are times when our potency becomes ineffective for various reasons. Whether we suffer a season of depression, low self-esteem, loss of job, unbalanced relationships, or financial woes, we must not lose our effectiveness in carrying out God’s will for our lives. We were all made special, and we’re also equipped with talents and abilities that help us in fulfilling the works of the Lord. So, during the times when you feel down, or unworthy to contribute to kingdom works, surround yourself with fellow believers, who can edify and build you back up with encouragement, and the power of their testimonies.

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

Do Your Part

Romans 16

In a world where sin is prevalent in all societies, and hopelessness invades the hearts of many, love should always be seen among the body of Christ. Perilous times are indeed apparent, and many have lost their faith in God, but the church must continue to shine, despite the tragic state of the world, and be examples of holiness for others to witness.

Those who walk after the Spirit of God, and strive daily to live according to holiness, have a duty to love God, keep His commandments, and spread the Gospel to others. Since the fall of man, this world has never been the same. In fact, the state of the world worsens daily. Men have given in to evil desires and wicked schemes of the enemy, sickness and disease have claimed the lives of many, and others are anxious and confused, trying to find peace in these troubled lands. Fortunately, God is good, and His mercy endures forever. His love can still bring light and hope to those who believe in Him.

Saints of the past have endured more than we today could ever imagine, yet they kept their profession to holiness solid and consistent. Many great men and women took pride in representing godliness while in the midst of suffering and persecution, and God rewarded them for their faith. Today, there remains a remnant of believers, who have not given in to sin, nor the pressures of these last and evil days. For this reason, it’s very important for those who fight the “good fight”, to edify and encourage each other through it all. It’s not easy bearing the burdens of life alone, so the body of Christ must tend to each other’s needs. Learn to be strength to your fellow man, and not make them weak. Build up those who may be burdened down, and help them get back on their feet. Support those who put their lives on the line, so that others around the world can hear the Gospel message.

Everyone has a role to play in God’s plan, so be sure to do your part with all your heart. The world is becoming more difficult to endure, but trust and believe that God will keep His people protected, and sustain them according to His will.

Joy Down In My Heart

3 John 1:1-4

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4). Wow! What a feeling it must be, to have all your children living according to the righteousness of God, in this fallen and sin-sick world. Men and women today get overly excited and pumped up when their favorite sports team wins a game, or if their favorite actor wins a coveted award, but all the worldly things we get amped up for, pale in comparison to knowing that someone you love, has given their life to God. Do you remember the day when you gave your heart to God, and the warm, bubbly feeling you felt inside? It’s almost as if everything looked brand new from your eyes, and you developed a totally new take on life. Imagine how others feel, when they grow weary of living in shame and misery, then wisely submit to their intended purpose in God. While it’s nice to support a team or person of interest, when compared to living for God, all that stuff is counted as pure poo-poo. Take joy and delight in knowing that your eternity is safe and secure in God, because you made the choice to walk in truth, and shun those things that can do absolutely nothing to help you grow spiritually. Then, support those who have also committed their lives to God, and encourage them to stand firm, and fight well.

“Happiness fades, but joy lasts forever.” – Ell

Keep It Simple

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Doing ministry and works for the kingdom of God, are very noteworthy opportunities. God is the creator of all things, and working to fulfill His purpose is a great thing! I can remember as a child, I always wanted to go out on Saturday mornings, to help my dad and brothers mow lawns. I was always denied that privilege, because I was too small, and would probably hurt myself, or someone else. But, when the opportunity came to assist my dad with his side business, I jumped at the chance to finally contribute to bringing funds to our home. When we do works for the kingdom, it’s so that all members of the body of Christ can be blessed. There’s no secret to what Christians do, and all things are done for edification, and encouragement. For this reason, there should never be a time, when a preacher, teacher, prophet, or anyone who exercises their gift in the body, do so for self gain. Paul mentioned in our text, he can speak with tongues (multiple human languages) more than all of the Corinthian church members, but he would rather speak only five words the people could grasp and understand, rather than 10,000 words that would leave them beyond confused.

Never get so caught up in your spiritual gift, talent, or ability, until you lose focus on God’s purpose to help others, and not hinder them. Take pride in all the great things God has placed inside of you, and be careful not to abuse, misuse, or not use His gifts, but operate in them as they were purposed to be used.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell

Eternal Emotions

Genesis 42:35-38

What is it about the human heart, that allows for it to experience both ends of the emotional spectrum and all the roller coaster feelings in between; sometimes all within mere moments of time? Being made in the image of God the creator, and after His very own likeness, mankind was designed in a very unique, and incomparable fashion. Without trying to sound braggadocious or anything of the sort, but God made us super special, in a variety of ways! Man has the ability to think, think about what they’re thinking about, then decide which thought to act upon. We can feel hurt, pain, and shame on the inside, without any physical signs of its occurrence on the outside.

Men are physical, spiritual, and soulful beings, created to exhibit the most incredible works of the One who made all things. I’ve often wondered, why did God make us so emotional, or allow for us to feel things, some of which aren’t favorable. For example, losing something, or someone that holds a special place in your heart, brings a hurt that is unlike anything else. In the Bible, Jacob thought he had lost his “favorite” son, Joseph, which left a huge hole in his heart. This pain caused him to cling even more tightly to his youngest son, Benjamin. In the same way a physical scar heals, yet continues to reveal a scar, Jacob carried the scar of supposedly losing his son, for years (until he discovered he was actually alive).

Losing a loved one never feels good, especially if they left us with unresolved issues. For this reason, I advise all men to appreciate those who remain in your life, and love them unconditionally, because you never know when will be the last time you’ll see them. In addition, sympathize, and emphasize with those who may have lost someone dear to their hearts, because it’ll never be easy for them for the rest of their life.

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

Ell

Transparency

Acts 7:9-15

When I wake up in the morning, and open my eyes to see the new day, God is with me. As I turn over in bed, regaining feeling in my numb legs and arms, God is with me. When I gather enough strength to plant my feet on the floor, and slowly rise upright, God is with me. As I wash, then gird myself for the day ahead, God is with me. When I think of what the day will bring, God is with me. As I travel on the dangerous highways, going to and fro, God is with me. When I spend all day, pushing to make it through another day of hard labor, God is with me. As I deal with the pressures of life that come by way of those who are evil, wicked, or even my foes, God is with me. When I try to smile, stay positive, and keep a straight face, to hide the hurt, pain, and shame inside me, God is with me. As I give strength to others, when I require strength for myself, God is with me. When those who i thought were for me, turn against me, God is with me. When my body goes through seasons of sickness and pain, God is with me. When those I love, lose their lives, God is with me. When those I don’t know perish, and my heart still feels pain, God is with me. When the enemy attempts to knock me off track, God is with me. As I sit and write this tonight, exhausted from another long day of work, God is with me. When I consider, I am still alive, healthy, and have a sound mind, it’s because God is with me. I love the Lord, indeed I do. It’s because of Him, I can not, and will not give up. I am thankful for all who strive to live holy, in an unholy society; to all who are committed to staying true to God’s will. Be strong, be vigilant, stay faithful, because God is with you.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell