Tag: eternity

To Know God… To See Him One Day

Psalm 17

   We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess. When we put riches at the top of our value system, their power, pleasure, and security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. We think we will be happy or content when we get riches, only to discover they don’t really satisfy, and the pleasures fade away. The true measurement of happiness, or contentment is found in God’s love, and in doing his will. You will find true happiness if you put your relationship with God above earthly riches

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 964)

A Song Of Grief

Amos 5

v.1 “Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation….

v.2 The virgin of Israel has fallen… there is none to raise her up…

v.3 For thus saith the Lord God…

v.4 …Seek ye me, and ye shall live…

v.5 But seek not Beth-el… and Beth-el shall come to nought…

v.6 Seek the Lord, and ye shall live…

v.7 Ye who turn judgment into wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth…

v.8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning…

v.12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins…

v.14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you…

v.15 Hate the evil, and love the good…”

Just A Thought

Psalm 9

Why do some people work so hard, to tear down the good reputation of others? If those who plot evil against others would redirect all their efforts toward making themselves better, the world would be a more decent place to live. Wicked people fail to realize, their actions only work against themselves. With every trap set to hinder someone, the wicked will always ensnare themselves in the end.

“Once To Die…”

Hebrews 9:24-28

Every person you know, including yourself, will someday suffer a physical death. While the thought of dying in this earth oftentimes cause some to faint, we can rest assured that Christ made it possible for us to not have to endure spiritual death. Our hope and confidence rest in the fact that Jesus not only took care of our past, but our present and future are eternally secure as well. While we strive to live holy in an unholy world, we can trust in the Spirit of God to help us overcome all manner of evil and temptation. While it is appointed unto all men to die, our physical death will be the beginning of our spiritual eternity.

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.

Man Up!

Various Bible Passages

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

“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.” – Psalm 1:1

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” – Titus 2:7

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” – Psalm 119:9

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” – Psalm 37:23-26

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!

Two Sides Of The Street

1 John 5:3

As I was driving down a road in Miami one sunny afternoon, I looked to the right of the street, and noticed a cemetery. Most times when I pass a graveyard, my mind immediately goes into a state of appreciation for life, then I give thanks to God for giving me life, health, and a sound mind. I’m usually left with a heart of sadness for those who’s bodies lay in the grave, but those experiences keep me humbled, and focused on living a life for the Lord; knowing that someday I’ll also have a place to lay next to them.

As I passed the cemetery, I looked to the left of the street and saw men at a basketball court. My mind wondered whether or not those who were grinding hard on the court, were also aware of the fact that they would someday share a space across the street at the cemetery also. While there is no harm in enjoying a time of leisure at the park, it’s more important to remember what our focus in life should be. Those who are the children of God are to love Him, keep His commandments, and love others according to His love.

As we go throughout each day doing things we deem as important, we should never allow any activity to take precedence over our God-appointed assignment; to win the lost, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reasons To Praise God!

The Psalms

*He is a shield and lifter up of our heads
*Salvaion belongs to the Lord
*He takes no pleasure in wickedness
*There is no evil dwelling with Him
*He is a Father to the fatherless
*He protects the widows
*He shames our enemies
*He created man
*His name is excellent in all the earth
*The Lord endures forever
*The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed
*In times of trouble, He will hide us
*He never forsakes those that seek Him
*The Lord is King for ever and ever
*His mercy is great above the heavens
*His truth reaches the clouds
*He setteth the poor high from affliction
*He brings those who cry unto Him out of distress
*The Lord silences flattering lips
*The words of the Lord are pure
*The Lord keeps us stable
*It is God that avengeth us
*The law of the Lord is perfect
*The testimony of the Lord is sure
*Good and upright is the Lord
*He will teach sinners in the way
*All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…
*The Lord is my light and my salvation…
*The voice of the Lord is powerful, and full of majesty
*Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
*Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
*The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
*The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
*The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
*Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!