Tips for Holy Living

Colossians 3

MORTIFY – to kill (literally or figuratively): become dead, (cause to be) put to death:
●Fornication – to be utterly unchaste, indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:
●Uncleanness – impurity (the quality), physically or morally, contamination:
●Inordinate affection – unholy passions:
●Evil Concupiscence – unholy longing (especially for what is forbidden:
●Covetousness – to set the heart upon wrongfully, desire, envy, be jealous over:

PUT OFF – to take off (in various senses), carry away, lead (away), put to death, take away
●Old Man – former behavior, character, deeds prior to regeneration:
●Anger – violent passion:
●Wrath – fierceness, indignation:
●Malice – the desire to harm someone or the feeling of pleasure at someone’s misfortune:
●Blasphemy – vilification or evil speaking against God:
●Evil Communication – unholy, unhealthy, or unprofitable words spoken:

PUT ON – array, clothe (with), endue:
●New Man – renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ:
●Bowels of Mercies – overabundance od compassion:
●Kindness – fraternal affection, brotherly love:
●Humbleness of Mind – having a modest view of oneself; not feeling superior over others:
●Meekness – lowly; submissive:
●Longsuffering – patient; able to quietly tolerate suffering:

Take A Break!

Ecclesiastes 3:22, 5:18-20

3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

You have worked hard for your money. You’ve endured the ups and downs of following the orders of unfit bosses and supervisors. You’ve kept your peace, when lazy coworkers talked more than they worked, causing you to pull more weight. You’ve endured, and kept your chin up, while grinding throughout each work day. Now, it’s time for you to take a break. That’s right! Take time to enjoy the fruit of your consistent hard labor. While your superiors may not give you the recognition you deserve for your hard work, give yourself a pat on the back, and use a portion of your earnings for yourself. You definitely deserve it!

Altered Image

Genesis 1:26-31

In the beginning, man was made in God’s own image, after His likeness. In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, fowl of the air, cattle, and all the earth, including every creeping thing upon the earth. In the beginning, God blessed man and woman, and told them to fill the earth with offspring. In the beginning, man ate only herbs, fruit, and seed. In the beginning, things were radically different from today.

Today, men have taken on the image and likeness of carnality. Rather than desire the things of God, they yearn for worldly pleasures and lusts of the flesh. Today, men are afraid of nearly every animal in the animal kingdom that has not been thoroughly domesticated, including mice and cockroaches. Today, having multiple children is shunned by the modern self-centered society. In the past, large families were deemed a blessing from the Lord, but those days seem to be long gone. Today, men will eat anything that moves (or doesn’t move). While we have been granted permission by God to consume meat (according to Genesis 9:3, and Matthew 15:11), many around the globe enjoy some very unusual delicacies.

From the beginning of time until now, the world has become nearly unrecognizable from God’s original creation. But, in a moment, all will be restored from chaos and wickedness, to unity and perpetual holiness.

One God

Ephesians 4:6-9

Contrary to popular belief, there’s only “One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (the body of Christ) (vs. 6). “In the beginning God…”, and there was none else except the “Word”, who was with God in the beginning. So, where did all these other “gods” come from? 1 Corinthians 8:5 reads, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)”, but this was in reference to how the heathen would use not only images, but the sun, moon, planets, stars, oceans, rivers, trees, and all other things in creation to serve as gods.

God stated plainly, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, yet men willing ignored that commandment, and placed senseless idols and graven images in place of the almighty God. There’s not a thing any idol or image can do to create life, sustain it, or enhance it in any way, so why do men neglect acknowledging the God of creation, and choose to worship something that was made by the Creator? This makes absolutely no sense, yet there are those who are hell-bent on keeping their faith, hope, and trust in a tree.

Modern-day gods have taken the form of things more subtle, including careers, people, and the mighty dollar. My, oh my, how so many have submitted themselves to the love of money, so much so, until they’ll do nearly anything to obtain it. While some are drawn away by their greed for cash, others get lost in their careers, while forgetting the importance of balancing self and family also. When we place anything above God, we become slaves to what those things represent. A job can’t restore your strength, but God can. Money can’t buy love, but God can give it freely. A tree can’t hug you, and transfer the positive energy you need to make it through another day, but God can place people in your life who can do that, and much more.

If there are things in your life you dedicate an excessive amount of time in, that takes away opportunities for you to get close to God, reconsider whether or not those things are even necessary for your life. If your job is keeping you from living holy, get another one. If the company you keep causes you to drift away from God’s ordinances, find new company. If your TV, cell phone, tablet, playstation controller, or other device gets more of your attention than God does, put it aside, and give God what He’s worth. Let nothing become a god in your life, and guard yourself from the subtlety of the world’s influence, that causes you to devote precious time into futile things.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Supreme Authority

1 Corinthians 15:24-28

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. The holy union of God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit reigned supreme, since forever, but when God decided to create the earth, and all the inhabitants that would dwell on it, He was fully aware there would be necessary changes in the way they usually operate. God knew man would fall, and was prepared to take on man’s form, in order to redeem them from the penalty of sin. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 KJV).

Being in the form of a man, God was able to legally subdue sin, and erase the penalties attached to all who were guilty of committing offences. When Jesus died, men were free to receive repentance, and adoption into the family of God. Although salvation was made available to all men, judgment was still due to satan, and all his evil forces. As we continue to live upon the earth, the time for satan’s freedom to roam this planet, is nearly up. Men are still influenced by evil spirits, and can fall short of God’s glory. But, the time is fast approaching, when Christ will put all enemies under His feet, including the last enemy, death.

During the Millennial period, Christ will rid the world of all rebellion and wickedness, and once all things are subdued unto Him, He’ll render the earth back to God, to be restored as it once was, before sin stained it.

Aren’t you glad to know, your future is secure in God? Despite what’s going on around the world, no matter how bad it seems, Christ will make sure, all evil is dealt with. You may have been mistreated, or dealt a bad hand in this life, but if you keep your trust and hope in the Lord, you’ll have a super awesome future awaiting you!

Walk in love,

Ell

Faith Makes The Difference

Hebrews 11:29-35

What keeps you holding yourself together, when storms invade your life? How do you maintain composure, when everything around you seems to fall apart? How do you continue pushing forward, when tests, trials, and trouble press hard against you? What motivates you to get out of bed, in spite of global terror, and pursue peace in the midst of it? Why do you smile in the face of danger? Why haven’t you given up on your hopes and dreams, when they seem unreachable? Why aren’t you phased by the corruption in our governments? Who, or what keeps you standing?

Throughout history, men and women of God, have achieved the unachievable, attained the unattainable, and accomplished things that seemed to be impossible, all by faith. By faith, the children of God can do ANYTHING! The Bible has numerous examples of men who were heavily underestimated by the world, yet did great things through faith, in the power of God. The text mentions the faith Rahab had, in God’s deliverance, Gideon in miraculous victory, Barak in triumph, Samson in supernatural strength, Jephthah in boldness, David in God’s reliability, and Samuel in God’s integrity.

God has ALL power, and He loves to express His unmatched authority through His people. This is one reason why we were created in His very own image, and after His likeness, so that we can also experience the glory of His awesome power for ourselves.

Now, is not a time for panic, even though the media amplifies fear. Instead, we should have faith in the power of God to first, keep His people safe, so that we can be used by Him, to do great things during these troubled times. Now, is also a great time, for the Saints of God to shine bright, and reveal to the world, the power of our everlasting Father! Have faith in God, and never give in to the pressures of this world.

Walk in love,

Ell

Yes, He cares

Matthew 6:25-30

In the beginning, God created so many amazing things, including birds that fly in the air, fish to swim in the seas, trees, plants, and all types of flora and fauna that inhabit the entire planet! There are millions of different trees and animals that exist in the earth, that all rely on God’s sustaining hand, to keep them fed. He gives sunlight and rain, so that plants and trees can receive nourishment, and makes certain that all the animals get their daily nutrition as well. God made everything good in the beginning, and still provides for His creation today, from the tiny little bumblebee, to the great oak tree. It’s amazing to even fathom how God pays attention to the smallest details of everything He created! This not only applies to plants and animals, but to you and I as well. To all who feel that God doesn’t, or has stopped caring for them, I strongly advise you to think again. Yes, God looks after things that may last mere moments, but He certainly cares for His people the more. God didn’t create man for jest or nought, but we were fashioned in His own likeness, to inhabit the earth, and spread goodness throughout. If God thinks enough to care for birds and trees, do you have faith enough to believe that He’ll take care of you too?

Walk in love,

Ell

Love your neighbors

Romans 13:1-10

The one thing that binds all men and women together is, love. Everyone created by God shares the same likeness and image as Himself. Although some choose to live according to the original standards set in place by God, many have veered off track, and taken a liking to ungodly living. Regardless of who refuses to abide by the principles of conduct God demands, Christians are required to continue in love, and extend it to all who cross their path.

There’s no other way to escape this world of evil and wickedness, except by death, or Christ’s return, so while we remain in this finite realm, God expects His people to maintain a holy balance in all areas of their lives. Whether we’re required to subject ourselves to “higher powers” in governments or other arenas, or show love to simple strangers, our mission is to live in such a way, that we keep peace with all men, while not disobeying God’s commands at the same time. Not all men will reciprocate kindness toward us during this life, but there are times when our ways can please God to the point He’ll make even our enemies be at peace with us.

When a man has a full understanding of what love truly is, there are things he just won’t do. Real love will never cause a man to transgress the moral law, deprive any man of his wife, take another man’s life, rob a woman of her virtue, hate anyone, take someone’s property without permission, defame a man’s name, live selfishly, or execute malicious intent toward anyone. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, and love them how you’d expect them to love you, because showing sincere love is the fulfilling of the law.

Walk in love,

Ell

A life pleasing to God

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Is your life pleasing to God? If so, how can you tell? Do you live in such a way that everything you do lines up with what Christ expects of you? Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself, love and bless your enemies, and abstain from all things unholy and ungodly? God set a standard that was established in the earth through His first created human being, Adam, that was carried on by the children of Israel, then expanded through the lives of the Gentiles, and all other nations welcomed into God’s family by way of the cross. The way of holiness stands in stark contrast to the worlds standard of sinful living. Where God says, “vengeance is mine, I will repay”, the world promotes eye for an eye. Christians are to always seek peace in every situation, no matter how frustrating they may be, without allowing themselves to be carried away into anger, that could lead to rage and retaliation.

As children of God, believers are expected to walk differently from those who are walking in sin. As Paul mentioned to the Thessalonians in our text, we too have been commanded to do those things that please God, and not ourselves. The flesh desires things that are contrary to the Spirit. For example, it’s God’s will that His people abstain from fornication, and those things that war against the Spirit. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service, so all our dealings are to be done in love, and without partiality or respect of persons.

With every day God blesses you to see, your motivation should be to strive eagerly, and aspire to be more like Christ. Christians are responsible for preparing themselves to be properly equipped to live effectively among the brethren, as well as those not living holy. Our lives should reflect the same love Christ shared with others, so that instead of turning people away from God with unholy loving, we can win them with love, and the truth of God’s Word.

Walk in love,

Ell

Christ, the image of God

Colossians 1:15-20

Who was Jesus before He left Heaven to fulfill His mission on the earth. Men have only seen Him in the flesh, but have never truly known Him, except from His life, words, and deeds on earth. John tells us that in the beginning, Jesus was with God. Not only was He with God, He was God, and was always as much divine as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Christ created all things with God, and allowed for the redemption of that creation through the power of His blood, and the Holy Spirit. In Heaven, all knowledge, life, and the light of men was in Him. Jesus being the image of the invisible God, references the fact that God has a body; a spirit body like the angels and other spirit beings. From all eternity, the person we know as Jesus Christ, existed as an equal member of the Godhead, and reigned in the same wisdom, knowledge, and power as well. Before He became God’s Son (humanity, not deity), He was a spirit being who carried out the divine plan of creation, and was the direct agent of God the Father who created all things by Him. In other words, God ordered and commanded, and Christ carried out the plan. That’s pretty cool, don’t you think?

Just like on earth where we enjoy the fullness of creation, Heaven isn’t full of clouds of marshmallows and angels floating around doing nothing, but it’s full of God’s beautiful creation as well, just on an upgraded level. Invisible things are made up of material substances which are visible in its own realm. Angels and all other Heavenly beings are of material substance as well. Although all are visible in their own realm, some may not be visible to others of lower realms. Knowing this, I am eager to explore all of God’s wonders in the new Heaven and earth. Men have constructed some amazing things on the earth, but I can only fathom what the Heavenly handiwork looks like in person.

Christ reigned and ruled in all of Heaven’s glory, and His authority was equal in the trinity. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (vs. 17). Today, Christ reigns again with God the Father, but has become the head of the church as well. The church is the body of Christ, and is a direct representation of His essence in all things. This is why the world needs to see a difference between themselves, and the body of Christ, so that they’ll be convicted by the sin that plagues their lives, and willingly surrender their lives to the Father. Christ is holy all the time, so we should live in holiness all the time as well. God’s image is in the body, represented through the Holy Spirit, so our works should only be done in love and respect for the God who loves us. The life Jesus lived on earth can indeed be replicated, but many fail to realize the power that lies in His Spirit, just as the disciples often did. Appreciate God the Father and Christ Jesus who delivered us from the power of sin and darkness, and welcomed us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Walk in love,

Ell