Tag: Enemy

God’s Got You!

2 Chronicles 32:1-22

“And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chr. 31:20-21). Simply writing those passages of scripture inspire me to want to give my all, and be my best for God, as king Hezekiah did. Hezekiah was known as one of the most prominent kings of Judah, and his success and great victories were only made possible through his obedience to God.

According to the author of Hebrews, God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and king Hezekiah proved this verse to be true. However, prospering in the works of the Lord can also attract negative attention. In our text, we read how the king of Assyria entered Judah, with his mind set on overtaking the land, and overthrowing the king from his throne. Isn’t it troubling, how the enemy loves to bring down good men, while promoting their selfish and narcissistic beliefs? Well, Hezekiah was a wise king, and prepared himself and the people to stand against their enemy.

While it’s one thing to oppress those who claim to be followers of idol gods, it’s a whole different ballgame when oppression is aimed toward the children of the true and living God. King Sennacherib of Assyria, claimed many victories over people who placed their hope and trust in the false gods they served. Unfortunately, the wood and stone gods offered the people no assistance, as the Assyrians ransacked and pillaged their lands. After hearing the wicked king brag on himself, and mock the power of God almighty, king Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed and cried to heaven. God truly answers the prayers of the righteous, and verse 21 helps us realize this fact as it reads, “And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth out of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.” That’s intense! After talking all his smack about how he overtook many lands, and no gods could stop him, the God of king Hezekiah proved to king Sennacherib, that He was, and still is the only true and eternal God. This carnal king openly and boldly insulted Hezekiah and his God, so it was time for God to show Himself mighty to those who trusted in Him.

Maybe you’re in a season where it seems that your troubles are getting the best of you, and others are convinced you’ll never be delivered, but if you hold fast to your faith in God, He will show Himself mighty, and prove to you and your enemies, that He was with you the whole time.

All For His Glory

John 11:1-11

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Starring, Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Jesus, and the Disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Lazarus: (Moaning in pain and agony) Mmmmm… ugghhh… Martha…. Mary….

Martha: Lazarus! Lazarus! Oh no! Mary, his condition is getting worse!

Mary: God, if you’re listening, please help our ailing brother.

Martha: If Jesus was here, He would save our brother. Mary, let’s send word to Jesus that we desperately need His help.

Mary: Alright sister, I’ll make haste to do so. Lazarus, you hold on. I’m sending a messenger to find Jesus.

Lazarus: (Moaning goes from intense, to subtle, as Lazarus drifts into sleep) mmm…hmmm…Mar..

(Messenger arrives where Jesus is, and is met by the disciples)

Messenger: Excuse me. Pardon me, but is the healer here?

Disciples: If you’re referring to Jesus, yes. He is.

Messenger: If possible, could you bid Him to come, because I have an urgent message to deliver.

Disciples: Whatever you have to tell the Master, you can say to us.

Messenger: Well, if you insist. The message reads, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.”

(Jesus overhears the message)

Jesus: Worry not kind sir, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of man might be glorified thereby.”

Disciples: Oh, hello Master. We were just…

Jesus: It’s ok men. Tell them I will come soon (to the messenger).

Messenger: Thank you my Lord. I shall.

Disciples: Master, what’s going on? What was that all about? Do you know who the man was referring to?

Jesus: Prepare yourselves men, for in two days, we will journey again to Judea.

Disciples: Woah woah woah! Wait a minute. My Lord, a few weeks ago the Jews there sought to stone you. It’s too dangerous to return there now. Don’t you agree?

Jesus: Gentlemen, when you know the plan of the enemy, you can wisely plan around it.

Disciples: Oooooh, right. That makes so much sense. You are beyond man’s wisdom, my Lord

Jesus: Besides, you’ll soon see and understand my purpose in doing things the way I do, then youI’ll believe.

*The disciples often questioned the methods Jesus used in certain situations, and failed to see the spiritual significance behind it, but the longer they observed His works, the more they realized how amazing the power of God was, working through His Son. Oftentimes we see things in our own lives that may appear as dead, but God allows things to be put on hold, long enough for the world to assume it’s over, so that He can then restore life and purpose to that dead situation. In times when you don’t understand God’s plan, keep the faith, and watch how He works things out in your favor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Thanks for tuning in.

Profile: Stephen

Acts 6:8-15

Pros:
– Man of honest report (good reputation)
– Full of the Holy Ghost
– Full of wisdom
– Appointed as Deacon (to serve daily ministration)
– Full of faith
– Full of power
– Did great wonders and miracles among the people
– The glory of God shined even through his face

Cons:
– His godly favor stirred evil in the hearts of certain of the synagogue
– Men were paid to do underhand work against him
– Men set up false witnesses against him
– Men made false accusations against him

Just because a man or woman willingly chooses to submit themselves to the work of God’s kingdom, doesn’t guarantee they’ll be free from trouble. In fact, the closer a person gets to God, the harder the enemy will fight to pull them away from His hand. Oftentimes, those who will bring you the most trouble in the earth will come from the church. God’s way is right, and when men diligently seek His way, evil forces make it their business to hinder their progression. No matter how hard the devil tries to keep you from growing in God, stand firm in faith, knowing that through Christ, you can do all things, overcome all evil, and endure to a more perfect end.

“Fight the good fight, just because it’s right.” – Ell

For The Faith

Acts 7:9-15

Does being a good person exempt you from trouble? Oh, how I wish that were true. Being good, and doing good is expected behavior of the children of God, and He honors obedience by bestowing blessing to His people. But, while God seeks only to bless the church for obedience, satan desires to block and hinder God’s people from continuing in holiness. The devil and his minions try hard to bring down, and defame the body of Christ. Men who fall under the influence of satan, allow themselves to become wicked tools that work against the righteous, and some actually seem to succeed.

In our text, God had been using Stephen in a mighty way, to do great wonders and miracles among the people. All the works he did, and words he spoke were inspired by God. Unfortunately, while Stephen was busy tending to the Lord’s business, a group of jealous, hateful men assembled together to conspire against him. Anytime you set your affections solely toward God, expect someone to try hard to block your focus. The cruel and corrupt religious folk went so far as to lie on Stephen, as well as hire others to do underhand work for money. How low can you go? You’d think men not affiliated with the synagogue would do these hateful things to Stephen, but the same men who claimed Moses as their father, sought only to destroy the innocent, and anointed man of God.

It matters not how much good you do in this life, there will ALWAYS be those who seek to bring you down, but when your faith and trust rest in the Lord, He’ll give you the wisdom and power you need to minister, despite those who diligently conspire against you.

Stephen’s life was eventually taken by evil and corrupt men, but the message he left still resounds even to this day. If God were to call you home tomorrow, what would people remember you by? Would you be missed more for how you influenced others to get closer to God, or would your life be soon forgotten, because the works you did revolved only around selfish desires?

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

A Different Kind Of Love

Luke 6:27-36

What does love look like in 2020? In the days of the Old Testament, men and women would receive blessings from God for their obedience. The people of God in ancient times were purposed to stand in contrast to the fashions of the world. God often reveal His love in many ways, but mostly through giving His people victory in battle, providing for all their natural needs, and keeping them safe in their own lands.

God’s children were oftentimes separated from the world, and were consistent in keeping with godly gatherings and traditions. Fast forward to present day, and we see an entirely different world. Gone are the days of God’s people fighting against invading nations and giants, and being in the presence of God, who would reveal Himself in different forms. Today seems more challenging for the church to function as a collective group, as in times past, because we are now living in the midst of sinners on a regular basis. The children of God are exposed to sinful people on their jobs, in department stores, and nearly every place they dwell in the earth. It’s nearly impossible to avoid a sinful encounter, but despite the change in times, the church has even more opportunity to spread God’s love, even to those not engrafted into His family.

Back in the day, God would use one man or woman to speak on His behalf, but today, all members of the body of Christ are ambassadors of God. While we strive to build up and edify one another in the body, we must equally distribute that same love to our enemies. Rather than slaughter all those who opposed the God of Creation, as they did in the past, our duty today is to win our enemies to the Lord’s side. I don’t fully understand the purpose and reason behind the events of the past, but I do know, we have an assignment today, to show love, and not hate, to all men, especially those who despise and despitefully use us. Love is seen, when we can hug someone who purposely tried to harm us. Love is witnessed, when someone attempts to take something from us wrongfully, and we offer to give them more. The world will never understand the nature of God’s love, because it totally contradicts man’s logic, but it’s only through the love of God, can man truly find purpose in this life, and the next.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

No Weapon…

1 Samuel 18:12-18

When God is with you, expect the world to hate you. Harboring hate is such a miserable way to live, especially when that hate is aimed toward those doing the Lord’s business. Jesus was sure to remind us, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you”, so think it not strange, when those who aren’t engrafted into the body of Christ, tend to treat you unfairly.

God knows that His people are prime targets for the enemy to attack, because they are fulfilling something he can never attain. Satan’s pride and arrogance caused him to lose all heavenly privileges, and he now roams the earth, seeking whom he can influence with his wicked devices. Unfortunately, men give in quite easily to satan’s schemes, especially when they aren’t rooted in the Word of God. The prideful and arrogant traits of satan are passed on to those who entertain his evil ways, and such persons become willful puppets, who act according to the plan of the enemy. One man, who’s ungodly attitude and behavior caused the Lord to literally leave him was, king Saul. Saul was once revered by Israel, but when David came on the scene (and defeated Goliath), the people began to gravitate more towards the giant slayer. Like most men in power, Saul became very jealous of the glory and praise David was receiving from the people, and his once subtle appreciation of David, quickly turned into hatred in mere moments.

The instant we allow jealousy and hatred toward another to invade our hearts, we literally give satan permission to do as he wills with our lives. Hatred, jealousy, envy, strife, and other types of emotions as these, are extremely dangerous, because once they are set in motion, they can quickly become uncontrollable.

Guard your heart at all times against harboring hate toward anyone. As a believer, it’s your duty to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). David could have easily taken the life of king Saul, for trying to take his own life 21 times, but his love for God kept him humble, and on the righteous path, despite the plan of the enemy set against him.

“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