Judgment Is Coming!

2 Peter 2:1-9

God’s divine order of creation was altered, after man entertained sin, thus initiating inevitable judgment upon the earth. God hates sin, because it’s very intent is to perform the opposite of what He designed man to do. Man was created in God’s image, to do those things that please Him, yet sin caused men to desire not God’s will, but their own.

As the one who created and sustains all things, God has every right to execute judgment as He desires. Contrary to those who believe God will save all people, because He is so loving, and kind, and compassionate, God will pour out His wrath on all unrepentant sinners.

In time past, God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, delivered them into chains of darkness, and left them to await their final judgment. In the days of Noah, mankind had become so wicked, to the point God was extremely sorrowful for what the people had done to themselves. In the same way a parent expresses sorrow for a child who rebels, God was sorry that the people chose sin, rather than a relationship with Himself. God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from off the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenth me that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:7). God the Father would have showed mercy on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, had He found ten righteous men there. Unfortunately, none except Lot was found righteous in the sight of the Lord.

Today, churches and religious institutions are littered with false teachers, prophets, and other evil agents, who secretly have brought in damnable heresies among the Saints. Unfortunately, many are being deceived by false doctrines, and are falling away from the faith, but judgment is coming to all who deny the truth of the Gospel, and turn men away from following Christ.

“Beware! God spared not the angels that sinned, and you will meet the same fate, if you don’t repent!” – Ell

The Blood

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1:1-5

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge us from all iniquity? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What has the power to cover a multitude of faults? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can take away the sting from death, and victory from the grave? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can we depend on, when we need deliverance from struggles? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can give us eternal redemption? The blood of goats, calves, or rams? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can keep us covered, and protected when the death angel passes by? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What gives us the power to overcome the evil one, and his devices? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

“The blood of Jesus is the life and redemption of the Saints.” – Ell

Who Is Jesus?

John 10:11-18

I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep…As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father…I lay down my life for the sheep…other sheep I have, I must bring…I lay down my life, that I may take it again…No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself…I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…

Jesus is amazing! His love for the Father, extended to those who were committed to His charge. Jesus lived a selfless life, and never hesitated to express His love to anyone. Whether it was through teaching, healing, or rebuking, Jesus was responsible for changing the lives of countless men and women throughout the Scriptures. From the beginning of His ministry, until the end, Jesus held true to His Father’s will; never wavering to the left, nor the right, despite the many temptations presented to Him (some by satan himself).

Jesus is the savior of all mankind, and held the power to literally lay down His life, then take it again, so that salvation could be brought to all who would be willing to receive it. The life of Jesus was literally love in action. His words, works, and behavior were all mirror images of the character of God, and gave a vivid understanding of who God is, but in the form of a man. Just as God is, Jesus was patient, kind, merciful, generous, selfless, meek, compassionate, and all the other fruit of the Spirit found in the very nature of the Creator.

I love Jesus, because without Him, I would be drifting away into utter darkness. I am so glad, He came for me, died for my sins, arose to take victory from the grave, and the sting from death, so that I can have an invitation to spend eternity with Him in peace. This is who Jesus is to me. Who is He to you?

“What do you and God have in common?” – Ell

You Are Alive!

Psalm 106:1-6, 16-22

Why do you think you’re still alive? Why is it, out of all the people who’ve died this year, God continues to spare your life? Have you ever considered what a blessing it is, to simply see another day? There are people who wake up with murmuring and complaining on their lips, without considering that their first words should be to give God thanks and praise for another day on the earth. Could it be, those who refuse to acknowledge that the breath of life could easily be removed from them, have their minds fixed on earthly pleasures and treasures? Or, perhaps those who are ungrateful for God’s mercy have yet to taste and see how good a life in service to the Father really is. Whatever the case, God has everlasting mercy, and He has spared our lives for such a time as this.

We are living out the days of prophecy, when the pages of Scripture are being fulfilled. Whether we are in the will of God or not, the Bible will indeed fulfill itself. While we yet live, it’s crucial that we learn what is expected of us from the Father, and diligently carry it out. Why live on the earth going through hell, then die and spend eternity in unending hell?

Every man and woman created by God has a purpose, and a role to play in fulfilling His will. Regardless of what God has proposed for you to do in this life, you must do it wholeheartedly, and with a mind set on pleasing God. When God is pleased with our lives, He’ll grant us blessings in the earth, then can benefit our lives, and the lives of those around us.

The state of the world looks miserable, and the church seems to have lost its strength, but this is the time for the body of Christ, to join together in union, and reignite their passion for holiness. You are alive, because God is not done with you. You are alive, because you have work left to do in the earth. You are alive, because many people are depending on you to be strong, so they can continue to gain strength from your consistent faith. You are alive, because you know that you are special in God’s eyes, and you want to prove to Him, no matter what comes your way, you will not give up, nor give in to the pressures of life. You are AMAZING! You are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made! You are SPECIAL! You are CHOSEN! You are a CONQUEROR! You are a WINNER! You are ALIVE, so appreciate every breath you breath, because you never know when those breaths will run out.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Untamed Member

James 3:1-12

When God created man, He made him with very unique attributes and abilities, no other created being has. Of those unique abilities, man has been able to tame every kind of beast, bird, serpent, and things in the deep blue sea. Consider how great and massive some of the animals are on land, and in the oceans, and how incredible it is for man, in his stature, to tame something more massive than himself.

Man in his wisdom, has the ability to manipulate and control animals, and even influence them to do as he commands, but with all his wisdom, knowledge, and power of influence over birds and beasts, man lacks the ability to tame his own tongue. Yes, that little “pink tornado”, is capable of stirring up all manner of trouble. Lions, tigers, bears, and whales are all more massive than man, yet he is able to tame them, but that little member, nestled in his mouth, boasts great things, kindles fires, and is a world of iniquity.

Those who bear the name of Christ, have the responsibility of using the tongue to bless God, and hold only good conversations. The words that proceed from the mouths of the Saints, should only offer strength, encouragement, and edification to all who would hear them. God shuns those who maintain improper use of the tongue, while defiling themselves with ungodly conversations. There are some who seemingly bless God one minute, then curse their brother twenty minutes later. This ought not be the case among those who are born-again believers. Can you find apples hanging from an orange tree, or pick grapes from a tomato vine? I highly doubt you will, and you should not hear ungodly speech coming from the mouths of godly people. On human strength alone, the tongue cannot be tamed, but when a vessel is under the influence of the Holy Ghost, the tongue will be restricted to speak those things that are pleasing to the Father.

If you ever find yourself holding conversations that aren’t true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, check to see whether or not you’ve strayed away from the Spirit. Only in God, do we have the power to overcome our flesh, and walk after the Spirit. The tongue indeed, is little member, but if left uncontrolled, it can set the whole world on fire!

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

ATTEN-TION!

Luke 6:20-26

Fret not, because of those who appear to be living life a little (or a lot) better than you. Worry not, about men who seemingly have the upper hand concerning matters of finances and other resources. Mind not those things which the world considers as “fancy”, or “flashy”. Don’t lose heart, when your life is full of sadness and pain, while those around you are filled with laughter. Stand strong, even when men hate you, and literally defame your good name. Walk with your head held high, in the midst of snakes, fakes, and ravenous wolves. Be strong, and very courageous, while facing trials and temptations. Get excited, in those moments when you get rejected from the crowd, and appear to be left all alone. While the world makes attempts to keep you in the fog negativity, God will give you strength to endure all of their ploys and distractions. Not only will God keep you in perfect peace during hard times, but He will reward you greatly in Heaven.

Those who seem to be living the “good life” here on the earth, and willfully reject God, will only enjoy good until their death. After this life, comes the judgment, and every man and woman who rejected God, will mourn and weep throughout all eternity, as they spend their next life in that horrible, bottomless pit.

Saints, be encouraged, and continue fighting the good fight. The battle belongs to God, and He’s already won the victory! Soon, and very soon, all our troubles, worries, and struggles will be over, but until then… fight well!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Through The Storm

Matthew 7:24-27

Seasons of hard times and struggles are guaranteed in life, besides death and taxes. Many who fail to accept this fact, and plan their lives accordingly, will no doubt fall victim to the consequences hard times bring. In a natural sense, the key to surviving any major storm is, having a solid foundation upon which a building intended to offer safety is constructed. If you were waiting out a storm in a building built on an established and proven foundation, the likelyhood of your survival would be great. But, if you waited out that same storm in a building founded on pretzel sticks, you’d probably soon be buried under everything that’ll undoubtedly fall on your head.

Enduring the storms of life is never an easy thing to do, especially when we place our hope in human efforts alone, but when our faith and trust rests in the hand of God, we’ll not only endure life’s struggles, but we’ll grow stronger from them. Hearing, and doing what God commanded in His Word, will solidify the grounds on which we stand, and the longer we stay true to God, the stronger and more solid our foundation will become. In the same way the proper mix of cement and water hardens over time, is how the faith of a Christian can become firm and unbreakable, the more time they spend doing the works of the Lord.

Avoid building your life on weak foundations, like two of the three little piggies, and imitate the third piggie, who built his house with a strong, solid, and durable foundation.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Foolish Gospel

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Men who refuse to believe in God, consider the Gospel message foolishness. Also, what these same men believe in, will determine their overall perspective on life. A fool is incapable of retaining the knowledge of God in their hearts, because they lack the desire to understand the reality of God’s sovereignty, and prefer to remain free of holy standards. Men reject God, because they enjoy the mental freedom to live as they please, but their ignorance will inevitably be their demise (if they die in their sinful state).

Jesus commissioned His disciples to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16). God often gets blamed for man’s downfall, but when people willingly reject His free gift of salvation, they set themselves up for a life of shame and misery.

In our text, the apostle Paul expounded on the fact that God’s foolishness is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. In other words, the message of the death of Christ for man’s sins sounds foolish to all who don’t believe, but Jesus arose from the grave, and His resurrection revealed His power over death, and that same power will save those who believe, from eternal death. The simplicity of this fact causes many to refuse to accept God, but if they come out of their state of pride and rebellion, God will allow for them to receive His wisdom, that will enable them to grow in knowledge and understanding of His wonderful, powerful, and saving Word!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Save Me!!!

Isaiah 49:1-7

If you were swimming in the ocean, and was caught off guard by an undertow current, would you ignore the help of an experienced lifeguard, swimming to your rescue? If you were severely injured in an automobile accident, and was unable to move, would you tell the ambulance and rescue team, you’ll figure things out on your own? When we’re in trouble, we rarely turn down the opportunity to receive assistance, especially if it’s rendered free of charge. Men and women are in position, in various areas of life, to aid and assist those, who require help. Whether a person was involved in a car accident, work injury, burglarized, or whatever the case, there are always people at the ready, to meet their need.

The world was once drowning in sin, and needed a savior, so God prepared for Himself, a body, by which to come to the earth, and redeem man back to Himself. For various ungodly reasons, many have refused to accept God’s help, and chose to figure things out on their own. These people fail to realize the gravity of the situation they’re in, and can ill afford to die in their sin, yet God offers limited time for them to reach out, and take hold of His hand.

Refusing to accept God’s free gift of salvation, is equivalent to the person rejecting the lifeguard’s help, while being pulled underwater, by an undertow current. Sin is real, and the devil cares nothing for men’s souls. For this reason, he attacks the children of God relentlessly, and won’t stop until his judgment is executed. Snap out of your world of selfishness and pride, and reach out to grab hold of God’s saving hand. Don’t allow the waves of sin to pull you under, into an eternity of sorrow.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

The Secret Place

Psalm 91

What does it mean to be saved, and what does salvation protect us from? Throughout my childhood, I would often hear the older saints say, “get saved son, or you’ll spend eternity in hell”. That advice would always spook the bejeezus out of me, because I considered hell a place where you’d sit in a giant hot oven, and burn for eternity, while the devil poked at you with a flaming pitchfork, but the more I matured in godliness, I learned that salvation also guards the people of God against the evils of the present world. While it’s true, Christians strive to live according to God’s will, so they can eventually see Him in peace, the daily struggle to reach that point presents challenges and difficulties that can only be countered with God’s salvation.

Aside from being delivered and set free from sin, salvation also grants the believer access to God’s divine protection, and life-changing spiritual blessings. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, satan has worked diligently to turn men away from God, and his methods and tactics have proven successful for centuries. The reason men are influenced by the devil, and eventually give in to his wicked devices is, they refuse to abide in God’s “secret place”. Attempting to navigate through this world of unyielding wickedness on human strength alone, will prove fatal in the long run. In addition, spiritual attacks can only be countered with spiritual forces, and God is the source of the believer’s salvation, so when the enemy attacks, God covers us with His divine protection.

God blesses us when we trust Him. He provides for us when our faith is planted firmly in His power. When we make the Lord our dwelling place, or refuge, He will keep us from falling prey to the enemy’s devices, keep us in good health, allow His angels to assist us whenever necessary, and keep us standing when others around us are falling by the wayside. We prove our love to God by how we live, and He reciprocates the same in blessing us with the necessities of life, but God takes His love to another level when we willingly choose to trust, and abide in His salvation daily.

Walk in love,

Ell