Tag: Holy Ghost

Gratitude

Psalm 136

For every image my eyes bring into focus… for every sound wave that beats against my eardrums… for every flavor that grazes my taste buds… for every scent that tickles my nostrils… for every texture my hands embrace… for every (good) thought that rests in my mind… for every (good) motive that settles in my heart… for every breath I inhale and exhale… I am grateful.

Special Delivery

Luke 1:26-38

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Special Delivery!” Starring, Mary, and Gabriel the Messenger! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Mary walks from the kitchen to the living room while cleaning, then suddenly sees the angel Gabriel appear before her)

Mary: (Screams frantically!!!) Who are you? What are you doing here? How did you get in my house? What is happening right now?

Gabriel: Calm down Mary, everything is fine. I am Gabriel. I was sent by God to give you some very exciting news!

Mary: I’m extremely sorry I screamed in your face. Allow me a moment to sit, and catch my breath.

(Mary sits on the couch, and looks puzzled at Gabriel’s presence)

Gabriel: Oh Mary, you are highly favored, and the Lord is with you. You are truly blessed among women.

Mary: I don’t understand your words sir. What do you mean? What is this about?

Gabriel: Fear not, Mary. You have found favor with God. I’ve come to tell you, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name JESUS.

(Mary’s puzzling look grows more intense)

Gabriel: The child you birth will be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Mary: I…..but…..

Gabriel: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mary: Forgive me kind sir for my puzzled gaze, but how shall this be, seeing I know not a man.

Gabriel: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary: All this seems unreal, and hard to fathom.

Gabriel: I understand how you must feel right now, but if it makes you feel any better, your cousin Elisabeth, the one who was called barren, she’s already six months pregnant, even in her old age.

Mary: How did you know that?

Gabriel: Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Mary: Well sir, be it unto me, according to thy word.

(Gabriel departs, and Mary sits for hours, pondering over the message she had received from the angel)

*Every word spoken of Jesus before His birth, was fulfilled. He, along with his cousin John, would be great, but Jesus would be even more greater, because He was indeed, the Son of God. God saw something in Mary, to trust her with birthing the Savior of the world, and her humility and submission to Gabriel’s message, proved that she was well able to carry out God’s plan for her life. What has God called you to do? Have you submitted yourself to carrying out His plan for your life? Or, are you too busy concerning yourself with the business of others? Focus your time and efforts on doing what God has called you to do, then watch Him bless you, as you walk in obedience to His commands.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Special Delivery”! Thanks for tuning in.

“No Fear In Love”

(1 John 4:16-21

Do you fear the “Day of Judgment”? Are unsure, whether or not you are living a life that pleases the almighty God? Are you keeping the commandments written in Scripture to love God, love your brother, and your enemies? Do you find it hard to give to others, during their times of need? When people hurt and offend you, can you easily forgive them, and continue loving them according to God’s standard? When was the last time you visited the sick, widows, or the fatherless? Have you considered praying for those in prisons, hospitals, or even governments? Does most of the time spent during your day, revolve only around your needs, wants, and desires? Is prayer and fasting (according to Bible), a balanced part of your spiritual life?

One day real soon, this world will pass, and only what you’ve done for God, will last. So, consider your ways, dwell in love, and allow God to dwell in you. This way, you can be prepared to have boldness in the “Day of Judgment”, while overcoming the world until that day arrives.

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

Are You Hungry?

Matthew 5:1-12

If men desired God the way they hunger and thirst after natural food, they would eventually become overwhelmed (in a positive way) with all the great knowledge and godly wisdom that comes from above. I notice how people strive to eat healthy, paying close attention to the details in what they consume, and many different “health” diets are available for all who desire a change in their eating habits. While food for the body is essential for growth and development, food for the soul is of vital importance also.

We learn from the Scriptures, Old and New, “man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Spiritual food helps our inner man grow in godliness, and allows us to gain greater understanding of the way of holiness. In the same way food must be consumed then digested, the Word of God must not only be read, but meditated on, day and night.

Some people read a few positive and uplifting Bible verses here and there, then expect to understand what God expects from them. This is equivalent to having a McDonald’s diet, and hoping to eventually develop into an Olympic body type. Yeah… that ain’t happening. Discipline is required not only in food consumption, but also with Bible learning. We must take God’s Word serious, and seek to grow daily from it. Meditation is not a five minute thing, but it can often become hours of careful and intense study, in order to fully understand even one verse of Scripture.

In all, the Bible is literally our spiritual buffet, and all we need to survive in the spirit realm, is enclosed in that holy book. Read God’s Word, meditate on it, and allow your spirit to be fed daily.

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

Wounded Love

Genesis 42:26-28

Do you find it easy for you to give, after you’ve been hurt, or do you cling to your possessions, not trusting that your acts of love and kindness will be appreciated by those whom you’ve forgiven? When a man abides in the love of God, it causes him to behave differently from those who are unaware of what His love truly stands for. God’s love is “patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV).

It should never be hard for a Christian to bless others, even after experiencing hurt and shame. This was proven to be true in our text, where Joseph not only blessed his brothers with food supplies, but he secretly returned the money which they used to buy the goods. This simple, yet commendable act says a great deal about the character of Joseph. It was proven that he had forgiven his brothers, by the selfless acts of love he rendered to him.

As you continue on your journey through life, be mindful not to hold grudges against those who have wronged you. Instead, keep your heart open to forgive them, and your hands extended to offer a helping hand (within reason, of course… also be mindful of those who willingly try to take advantage of your kindness, and allow the Holy Ghost to give you discernment to know the difference).

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

Ell

One Source

Genesis 41:53-57

Trying to prosper in this life while navigating on your own judgment and intellect, will always lead you to an unfruitful end. There’s nothing inherently good in the earth (especially these days) except for those things we have need of to remain alive. Food, clothing, shelter, and good health are most important among all things we can accumulate, and without them, living could easily become a hard thing to do.

God gives those who trust in Him, wisdom required to navigate in the earth. The Lord knows all, and sees the end from the beginning. God knows when seasons will change, whether in nature, or in our own lives. He keeps His children clothed, fed, and protected, during all seasons, and desires that they always be prepared to extend provisions to others as well. It’s hard to convince someone, the God we serve is full of grace, and can supply all our needs, when we’re broke and struggling, but God can and will provide for those who diligently seek Him, and desire to do only what’s pleasing in His sight.

As we continue delving into the story of Joseph, we find where the seven years of plenty had come to an end, and famine took precedence in all civilized lands that surrounded Egypt. Because of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dream, God allowed Egypt the opportunity to prepare well, before the time of dearth invaded the lands. It’s uncertain whether or not the other lands got wind of the prophetic words of Joseph, but the Bible noted, “And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn; because the famine was so sore in all lands” (vs. 57).

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can be certain of who holds tomorrow. God will supply all our “need”, according to His riches in glory, and He expects His people to be ready and willing to help those who are in lack. Giving is God’s modus operandi, and it should be engrained in the minds of all Saints, to operate the same. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). God is the source of all good things, and we can always come to Him to receive those things we have need of.

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

Ell

Peacemakers

James 3:13-18; 5:7-12

In the same way trees are known by their fruit, the character of men can be made known by the works they perform. According to Scripture, the church should only be known for producing righteous fruit, and such fruit is only made possible by the corresponding seed sown from their lives.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV). Many in the earth consider themselves to be wise, but their wisdom is based on corrupt seed. Our text teaches, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (vs. 16). That’s extremely profound, knowing that every evil work can be produced from sowing seeds of strife and envy. The preceding verse also mentions, harboring bitter envying and strife in the heart, causes one to lie against the truth. It’s impossible for a man to say he has committed himself to God, and His will, while holding evil and wicked motives in His heart. When a man is motivated by evil thoughts, his actions will mirror what’s hidden in his heart. Conversely, when a man’s heart is full of the love of God, he’ll sow seeds of peace, that will inevitably bring forth the fruit of righteousness.

In essence, the fruit of righteousness include all the works that represent holiness, by which God receives glory through them all. The world promotes all things contrary to godliness, including hate, envying, strife, confusion, and a host of other unholy behaviors, but when a man promotes peace, God will consider him wise, and fill him with heavenly wisdom, as he faithfully brings forth righteous fruit.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell