Be… So That God Can Do…

Various Scriptures

Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.

Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23

Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24

Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34

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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11

In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.

Tombs For Rent!

Mark 16:6

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Tombs For Rent” starring, the Merchant, and the Inquiring Gentleman! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Recently, Jesus had been resurrected from Joseph’s new tomb, and word spread throughout all the land. A certain merchant who sold tombs heard the news, then sought to make a profit from those who followed Jesus’s example.)

Merchant: Come, see my newly renovated tombs, the likes of which none have ever been buried in before!

(Men and women pass by, ignoring the voice of the merchant.)

Merchant: People, precious people, I have the best tombs available for rent. But if you act fast, I can be convinced to lower my rates, significantly.

Merchant: Hey sir! Sir! May I borrow a moment of your time?

Inquiring Gentleman: Greetings. Does your sign actually read, “Tombs For Rent”? Is this a joke or something?

Merchant: Ha ha haaaa. Kind sir, have you not heard the news?

Inquiring Gentleman: Apparently not, so enlighten me.

Merchant: There was a man called Jesus, who was said to be the Savior of the Jews. Well, he was brutally crucified, and his body was placed in the tomb right over there! If you haven’t noticed, he’s no longer there!

Inquiring Gentleman: Come again?

Merchant: You heard correctly, he’s gone! Some say his disciples came in the night and stole his body, but whatever the case, I’ll rent my tombs to all who plan on dying and being resurrected, or having their bodies stolen in the night.

Inquiring Gentleman: You can’t be serious… wait, you are serious.

Merchant: Hey, a man’s gotta work to eat, so I’m working, because I like to eat.

Inquiring Gentleman: Who do you actually expect to rent a tomb?

Merchant: Good question. I guess all those people who followed after Jesus, and believed in his words that someday they too will be raised up from the grave.

Inquiring Gentleman: Ahh, you’re referencing 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

Merchant: Umm… yeah, sure… right that’s it. Anyhoo, I’d like to offer you a great deal on this tomb behind me. It’s one of a kind, and very spacious.

Inquiring Gentleman: Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass. Hope business goes well for you.

Merchant: Your loss sir. People, people come, see my beautifully spacious tombs for rent. Don’t let the price scare you to death… get it?!

(People continue to avoid the merchant, while passing by, as he furthers his advances to rent his tombs.)

According to the book of Hebrews, everyone will have an appointment with death, and we will all return to the same dust we were made of. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, the grave will not be their final resting place. But, to all who refuse and reject Christ’s salvation, they’ll suffer not only a natural death, but a spiritual one also.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Tombs For Rent”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

“Cover Me!”

Ephesians 4:25

During times of war, the most important person a soldier can rely on is, the man fighting beside him wearing the same uniform. It’s absolutely important for those fighting alongside each other to always remain focused on their enemy, while at the same time, covering each other in battle. One of the most horrifying and disappointing moments of a battle is when “friendly fire” occurs, and a fellow soldier is either wounded, or permanently taken out of the fight. This action can either be the cause of losing a battle, or prolonging it longer than anticipated. What’s worse than friendly fire is, when a soldier deliberately turns against his own unit, and begins to open fire on his own people. This is simply unacceptable, and can literally shift the tide of any battle. It’s always good to know who you’re fighting with, but also to keep a keen eye on everyone who claims to be on your team, because you never know who will turn against you when the battle begins.

Fighting the “Good fight of faith” will always come with its usual contention against our adversary the devil, but when the children of God are unified, they’ll usually progress through each battle and grow accordingly in faith, patience, wisdom, and experience. Unfortunately, many who walk with God have taken the unexpected bullet from another who claimed to be “saved”. Not everyone who says “Lord Lord” will enter the kingdom of Heaven, and many who seem to be believers in Christ, are far from doing the will of the Lord. A great number of men and women are simply tares, growing amongst the wheat. They look like “church folk”, act godly, walk the walk, and talk the talk, but secretly, they have a plan to pull you away from righteousness. For this reason, it’s vital for all who claim the name of the Lord to pray always, without ceasing. The devil never takes a day off, so the Saints shouldn’t either. We should always keep our guard up, even with friends and family members (I’m just saying… we’re in the last and evil days, and trust is earned).

To all my Christian soldiers, stand firm, stay on guard, and be vigilant. Let’s strive to keep our brothers and sisters covered, while aiming our artillery in the right direction.

The Right Response

Matthew 12

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Jesus’s Response – …But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Man’s Response – And behold there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? that they might accuse him.

Jesus’s Response – What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Man’s Response – … and great multitudes followed him…

Jesus’s Response – …and he healed them all;

Man’s Response – But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of devils.

Jesus’s Response – And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand; and if satan cast out satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then this kingdom stand?

Man’s Response – Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Man’s Response – Then one said unto him, Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Jesus’s Response – But he answered and said unto them that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?…For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

The Pharisees And Sadducees

Matthew 3

During the time when Jesus walked among men, two of the major religious groups in Israel were the Pharisees and Sadducees. Unlike the Sadducees who were more politically minded, the Pharisees focused more on religious beliefs. Opposing groups rarely joined in union, unless they shared a common hatred for a person or cause. This was the case with these two groups. Both groups had a shared hatred for Jesus, so they became allies to work together against Him. Although the Pharisees and Sadducees had some good qualities, their bad characteristics far outweighed the good.

Pharisees Positive Characteristics:
– Were committed to obeying all of God’s word
– Were admired by the common people for their apparent piety
– Believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life
– Believed in angels and demons

Pharisees Negative Characteristics:
– Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God’s rules for living
– Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standards they themselves could not live up to
– Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins
– Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God

Sadducees Positive Characteristics:
– Believed God’s word was limited to the first five books of the Bible
– Were more practically minded than the Pharisees

Sadducees Negative Characteristics:
– Relied on logic while placing little importance on faith
– Did not believe all the Old Testament was God’s word
– Did not believe in a bodily resurrection or eternal life
– Did not believe in angels or demons
– Were often willing to compromise their values with the Romans and others in order to maintain their status and influential positions

Inseparable

Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Is there anything in your life, that is causing separation between you and God the Father? If so, what is it? Could it possibly be money, pride, suffering, or even fame that’s keeping you from walking in unity with God? Take a moment to examine your life, as we near the end of 2021. If there is anything, or anyone holding you back from giving your all to God, remove it, or them from your life, ASAP! Don’t take anything from this year into the next, that has been unprofitable, unfavorable, and unholy. Start your new year in right standing with the Father, and allow your love for Him to grow stronger, daily.

A Stranger’s Love

Luke 10:30-37

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “A Stranger’s Love” starring, a Certain Man, the Priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Most of Jesus’s adult life was lived enduring countless attempts by others to tempt Him, or set traps so that He could be accused of doing something illegal. Unfortunately for all those ignorant folk, the Son of God had a unique way of turning their traps onto themselves. In our text, a certain lawyer stood up to tempt Jesus, but was was actually motivated by Him instead.)

(Jesus begins to tell the parable of the “Good Samaritan”.)

Men at Jerusalem: It was great having you in our company again. Don’t be a stranger.

Certain Man: (Laughs) I promise not to stay away too long next time. Be safe my friends, and continue to fight the good fight!

(Certain Man leaves Jerusalem, and heads to Jericho, where he’s met by thieves.)

Thief 1: Hey buddy, where ya going?

Thief 2: What’s in that bag of yours? Do you want to share with your new friends?

Certain Man: Gentlemen, please. Let’s all be civilized here. I’m on my way to Jericho to handle some business. Please, allow me to go. I want no quarrel with you.

Thief 1: Quarrel? We’re not here to quarrel.

Thief 2: Yeah, we’re not here to quarrel.

Thief 1: Hand over your goods, and we’ll let you go, without any harm.

Thief 2: Yeah, we won’t hurt you, if you give us the goods!

Certain Man: Sigh… okay, take my things but please don’t harm me.

(The thieves strip the man of his clothes, beat him unmercifully, then leave him half dead on the roadside.)

(Jericho was a city where nearly 12,000 priests lived, who would frequently pass that way to minister in the temple.)

(A priest walks by and sees the wounded man.)

Certain Man: Sir… sir… pl… please help… help me…

Priest: My word! That man looks nearly dead…I would help him, but I have to uphold my traditions. I can’t be seen polluting myself with the filth of that dying man.

Certain Man: Pl.. please don’t… go… don’t leave…

(The priest passes by on the other side.)

(Along comes a Levite. Another who held a position of importance among the religious ranks.)

Certain Man: Hello… is anyone… sir…

Levite: Woah, you’re in very bad shape. I don’t think you’re gonna make it. I hope you’ve made peace with the Father.

Certain Man: Sigh… don’t leave…pl…. please sir…

(The Levite looks on him, and passes by on the other side.)

(According to history, the Jews hated the Samaritans, and considered them half-breeds.)

(Samaritan sees the man, and hurries to where he is.)

Samaritan: Hey, are you… no you’re not ok. I’m going to treat your wounds, place you on my horse, then take you somewhere to be attend to.

Certain Man: Tha… than…thank..

Samaritan: Save your strength. You’ll need all of it.

(The men arrive at the nearest inn.)

Samaritan: Excuse me, I need a room please.

(The Samaritan took care of the brutally battered man, and treated all his wounds.)

Samaritan: Innkeeper, I must be on my way, but I left the injured man in my room. If possible, could you have someone check on him occasionally, and make sure he’s recovering well?

Innkeeper: Yes sir. We will attend to him accordingly.

Samaritan: That’s great! Thank you. By the way, if his recovery requires more than what I paid for, I will return at a later date and repay you in full.

Innkeeper: I understand, but aren’t you a Samaritan? Why are you showing such a great deed of mercy to the very person who despises you?

Samaritan: (Smiles, then walks away.)

*Isn’t it ironic, how those who’ve be rejected and despised often come to the rescue, showing compassion and mercy to the needy, while the religious and respected community would simply ignore them? My my my…

This concludes the exciting episode of, “A Stranger’s Love”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

To Will… And To Perform

Romans 7

Oftentimes, it seems hard to live a holy life on a consistent basis. The inevitable battle between good and evil shapes every aspect of our lives, and the path our lives take, is determined by which side we submit to. When a person is newly converted into the family of God, they have an insatiable desire to do good. Their mind has been renewed, thoughts refreshed, and intentions set on doing only good. Unfortunately, the season of newness tends to wear down, when the desires of the past gradually creep back into their lives. The more time an individual spends studying, learning, and growing in the way of holiness, the more likely they’ll become properly equipped to walk in the Spirit, while avoiding the lusts of the flesh. On the other hand, the less time spent in God’s word can cause a person to become influenced by unrighteousness, and it’s harmful effects. We all may have a strong desire, or will to do as God commanded us to do, but if we aren’t diligent in our commitment to serve, and refuse to study to show ourselves approved unto God, then our will and desires will only reside in our minds, and not our actions.

Blended Psalms

Psalm 56, 84, 86, 93, 136

When I am afraid, I will trust in the Lord, because He warms my heart and sustains my life like the sun. The Lord is my shield, and protects me from all who come against me. The Lord showers me with grace and glory, and He’ll never withhold anything good from me. The Lord is great in mercy, full of compassion, gracious, longsuffering, and truth. The Lord reigns supreme! He is clothed with majesty and strength. His throne is established of old. He is from everlasting. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. His praise endures forever. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Nothing To Lose

2 Kings 7

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Nothing To Lose” starring, the Four Lepers! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(During the days of the great prophet Elijah, a season came when severe famine entered the land. The situation for the children of Israel had become so lamentable, until they forced themselves to eat unclean animals, and some attempted to eat their own children. Moses predicted this would happen, if the people ever fell into sin. Unfortunately, they did.)

(Four leprous men lingered near the gate of a Syrian camp.)

Leper 1: Why are we still sitting here, waiting to die? Our condition will only lead to our death, so let’s get up from here, and do something.

Leper 2: What would you advise us to do?

Leper 3: Yeah, what are we supposed to do? No one can stand to be near us, let alone set their eyes upon us.

Leper 4: Sigh… God help us.

Leper 1: Listen guys, if we go into the city, there’s famine, and we’ll die from starvation. If we sit here, we’ll die from this miserable disease anyway, so let’s take a chance and go into the camp.

Leper 2: Wait a minute. If we go in there, the Syrians will turn us away.

Leper 3: Right! They’ll certainly send us back into the streets .

Leper 4: Sigh… God help us.

Leper 1: Alright, listen. We’re going in there, and if they spare us, we’ll live, but if they kill us, we’ll die.

Leper 2: Umm…. that’s kinda obvious (speaking sarcastically)

Leper 3: (Looking confused and uncertain)

Leper 4: Sigh… God help us.

Leper 1: It is better to die with hope, than with none at all. Let’s go fellas.

(“And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.” vs. 5)

Leper 4: Oh my God! There’s no one here!

Leper 3: Where did all the men go?

Leper 2: (Mouth wide open in amazement)

(“For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.” vs. 6-7)

Leper 1: Hey, since there’s no one around, let’s see what’s in these tents!

(“And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.” vs. 8)

With nothing to lose, the frail, yet hopeful lepers joined together, removed themselves from their place of misery, and went forward in faith, to find what they hoped for. Surprisingly, they received more than what either of them could have imagined. God is well aware of our struggles and wants to see us blessed, but we will never receive of His glory, until we get up from our place of misery, realize we have nothing to lose, and go forward in faith.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Nothing To Lose”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!