Soon, The Sighs Will Cease

Isaiah 35:3-10

Soon, and very soon, all our troubles in this life will be over. The long days and nights of struggling to make ends meet, will forever be changed, when Christ comes to receive His church. On that day, there will be no more stressing, worrying, wondering, contemplating, pondering, wishing, hoping, doubting, disbelieving, crying, moaning, hurting, yelling, screaming, shaking, kicking, running, hiding, or blocking out anything and everything that could potentially push us over the edge.

Soon, and very soon, the things we thought mattered in this world, will mean absolutely nothing. We concern ourselves with all the distractions the enemy floods in media streams, and cause ourselves to lose focus on the simple fact that God is still in control, while Bible prophecy fulfills itself. We lose hope in the power of God, when we make life’s problems bigger than He is, but His mercy is everlasting, and He knows that we are only human, and can only take so much. But, there’s no excuse to lose heart, even in a world of unyielding wickedness, because many before us endured worse situations than we’ll ever face.

Soon, and very soon, we won’t have to sigh anymore, because, “…God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev 21:4). Soon, the sighs will cease, then the rest of our days will be lived enjoying the presence of the almighty, all-powerful, and all-knowing God of all creation!

Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Do not quit! You’ve ran the race well this long, so trust God to give you strength to finish.

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

Ell

The Unpopular Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been popular in the world. Since the days of the disciples, even now, men have chosen to go after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, rather than submit themselves to the authority of God. Knowing that the world will always reject the Word of God, presents problems for those who make attempts to deliver it. Jesus warned His disciples, as they went out to preach, they’d no doubt suffer persecution, because those who were actually supposed to support them, were only using religion to gain status, and relevance among men. The message of the Gospel goes against the selfish doctrines men set as the authority during the time of Christ. But, Christ knew it would not be easy for His disciples to be accepted, and forewarned them of their inevitable opposition.

Majority of biblical events happened for a certain people, and a particular time, but this text can be applied to our day, as there are stark similarities in how Jesus described the people back then, to how men are today. Men who preached the Bible according to God’s command, were never accepted by the wolves who lurked in assemblies, seeking only to make profit off the people of God. Despite how impactful the Spirit of God works through a man, it’ll never penetrate the heart of someone unwilling to repent. The message of the Gospel also caused divisions in families, because while some had a heart to follow after righteousness, others loved darkness, rather than light. Jesus continued to warn His disciples how they would be hated by the world, but for His name’s sake, and if they endured to the end, they would be saved.

A true messenger of God will not deliver words to make a person feel good. Instead, they’ll try hard to convince all who are gathered in their midst, that the Word of God is true, sin separates men from God, and salvation is mandatory, in order to see the Lord in peace. Out of all the words that spew from a man’s lips, if his intentions are focused more on profit and prosperity, rather than soul salvation, then he’s more likely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

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

Ell

Contrasting Lives

Proverbs 9

Saints and sinners live contrasting lives. On the one hand, sinners strive for long life in the earth, to accumulate large amounts of material resources, while aiming to live their best lives now. Conversely, Saints are blessed with long life, as they operate in wisdom, while preparing to live their best lives in the next life. The wisdom of God is the most essential element that guides the children of God, as they are led along the righteous path. It’s by God’s wisdom, believers are able to leave the ways of the simple, in favor of the truth. Many have died, even in God, for making foolish mistakes, because foolishness has the power to cause men to fall into sin. In addition, just one error, can open the door for all types of sinful habits.

It’s important that the children of God allow His wisdom to spearhead every decision they make. This is key to avoid veering too far off the path of the righteous, as well as having a greater possibility of an extended life. Many desire to live long, but why would God grant a person long life, if they have no intentions of living it to please Him? Without wisdom, we have no clue of what God expects from us, and this could cause us to develop unhealthy lifestyles. The text mentions how even foolish women are known to be clamorous (loud), simple, and lack knowledge (vs. 13). Not only does foolishness affect women, but foolish men are well-known for exhibiting acts of cruelty, shame, and dishonor as well. I often mention, these types of behaviors are expected from sinners, but Saints ought not be seen doing unseemly things.

God is real, and His wisdom is extremely effective, but we must be willing to receive it, and apply it in our lives accordingly. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

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

Ell

Because I’m Happy!

Psalm 1

Some people consider happiness to be a temporary state everyone experiences throughout their life, but I’ve learned that some temporal moments of happiness can actually last an eternity. While that may sound oxymoronic, allow me a brief moment to indulge you with an explanation.

Our text actually begins with the term, “happy”, as the original definition of “Blessed” is happiness (according to Strong’s Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon). So, rather than read, “Blessed is the man…”, we can read, “Happy” is the man…”. That’s rather interesting, as this supposed temporal state of being can be enjoyed and appreciated every day. When we develop a desire to yearn for, and appreciate the Word of God, we’ll gain a greater understanding of the value of His written Word. When a man values a thing, he literally gets joy and jitters whenever he’s exposed to, or thinks on it. This is similar to a man who falls for a woman, and the more he learns of her, the more excited he becomes to desire her even more.

God’s Word is the richest, and most relevant source of knowledge on the planet, but I fail to understand how men can know what’s in the Word, and willingly reject it. I’m happy every day, because God offered me His free gift of salvation. I’m happy every day, because all my sins (past, present, future) were washed away, by the blood of Jesus (this doesn’t give us a right to sin willfully, and abuse God’s grace). I’m happy every day, because I can freely read, and study the Bible, without being persecuted, as many are in other countries, even to this very day.

It’s because of my happiness in the law of the Lord, that I willingly choose not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scornful men. Instead, I prefer to meditate daily on God’s inspiring and fulfilling Scriptures, so that I can always be positioned to produce good fruit, the works of my hands will prosper, and I’ll forever operate in the favor of our heavenly Father.

Are you happy, knowing that you have been made the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus? If so, appreciate that state of being forever.

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

Family Matters

1 Corinthians 6:1-6

Every family has issues, and that’s a well-known fact. Whether a household is conventional (father, mother, kids, pets, bills paid), unconventional (single mother/father, struggling, little rascals), or from another planet (kidding), trouble will always find a way to rear its ugly head in some form or fashion. The key to effective problem-solving is, dealing with them as soon as possible, and keeping it all in the family (no pun intended – Archie Bunker). Problems within families should be handled head on, so that the source of each issue can be discovered, dealt with, and avoided in future situations. Life is tough by default, so eliminating issues in your own family is a great way to keep unnecessary stress and drama from disturbing your long-term peace and happiness.

Believe it, or not, problems even arise among the children of God. Say what?! You mean to tell me, church folk fight, argue, and bicker amongst each other? Sure nuff! The modern church has issues just as the churches of the past did. The difference is, the church was commanded to judge all matters amongst themselves, and not seek counsel from unjust world systems. The apostle Paul was in disbelief at the fact that the church in Corinth had members taking church matters to the unjust, and not the saints. Judging matters outside of the realm of godly wisdom would hardly go in favor of the purpose of the believer, so taking church business to worldly systems is shunned upon, and unwise.

If there’s no one in your church wise enough to handle even the most simplest of matters between believers, then I would advise you to find another church. God is forgiving, so seeking peaceful resolution should be our aim in resolving any, and every matter between our brothers and sisters.

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

Ell

What Are You Preaching?

Ephesians 3:7-13

The purpose of proclaiming the Word of God is, to edify and build the faith of those who are in Christ Jesus. When the believer’s faith is strong enough to understand God’s will for their lives, they can then put their faith to work, by compelling others to come, and become partakers and fellow-heirs of the body of Christ. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God, then all who preach God’s Word, should seek only to strengthen the faith of those who receive their words.

The church was established to continue the representation of God’s holy way, from the time of the disciples, until now. It’s unfortunate how many churches have conformed more to worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the standards set by the early church. The original disciples, along with those who were commissioned to go out and preach the Gospel, were keen on delivering pure, and unadulterated words inspired by God. They were bold, effectual, and most important, they were humble.

Early church leaders suffered greatly for delivering the Gospel message, but the more they were persecuted, the harder they worked to win souls. The same can hardly be said about modern churches, as the preaching of the Gospel message has been altered to satisfy itching ears, instead of building the faith of believers. The apostle Paul set a prime example of how leaders should carry themselves among the body, and of all the things he was accused of in his past, Paul never allowed them to distract him from his purpose. The great apostle went so far as to consider himself “less than the least of all saints” (vs. 8). This was an expression of extreme humility, which kept Paul safe from allowing pride to settle in his heart.

Leaders today should live in such a way, that God gets all the glory from their lives, and they should seek none for themselves. The average preacher you see on TV nowadays, dresses better than movie stars, drives the most expensive vehicles, print their names and faces on all the material they sell, while preaching messages that are 2 percent God, and 98 percent hot garbage. God desires that all men come to repentance, but men who refuse to preach the truth, make it hard for those who are sincere in seeking a better life.

Judgment is coming to the house of God, but it saddens me to witness many being deceived, because of men and their lust for fame and fortune. To those who remain true to God’s Word, be encouraged, and don’t allow anything to keep you from falling short of God’s glory. Continue to preach the Word in season, and out of season. Be bold in your proclamations whether people want to hear it, or not. Always remember, God will hold you accountable for how you influence the minds and hearts of others. So, if your aim is to use the Bible to deceive for selfish gain, rather than edify the body of Christ, then you’re in line to receive very harsh judgment, from God Himself. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

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

Ell

Ready Or Not, Here He Comes!

Matthew 25:1-13

🎵🎶 Be ready when He comes. Be ready when He comes. Be ready when He comes again, He’s coming again so soon. Don’t let Him catch you with your work undone. Don’t let Him catch you with your work undone. Don’t let Him catch you with your work undone, He’s coming again so soon 🎶🎵.

Soon, and very soon, Christ will return to this earth, and His coming will fulfill the prophecy that reads, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev.1:7). Whether you believe in God, or not, doesn’t change the fact that this world will soon be quenched in unbearable flames, then made anew with the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1). Based on this simple fact alone, one would assume all men would strive to do what’s necessary to avoid the coming judgment on the earth, while seeking to be in right standing with the Creator of all things. Unfortunately, many people reject the truth of God’s written Word, and choose to trust in the wisdom of men.

It matters not how much we prosper in material things, because all things will eventually pass away, and not one carnal thing from this earth will be transferred to the next life. Christians should maintain a steady and direct focus on living holy now, in order to live in peace for all eternity. There’s no time to waste wallowing in frivolous matters, gossiping, arguing, fussing, fighting, and bickering over senseless things. Instead, we should be grateful for life, and use every breath proclaiming the goodness of the Gospel.

Of all the things you say and do throughout a day, how much of that is centered on kingdom business? Do you truly live to please God, or are you preparing only to have security on this decaying planet? The Bible teaches us how to live, until Christ returns, so get in the Word, and stay there. Forget those things that are behind you, that only brought you hurt, pain, and shame, and look forward to the life God has prepared for you, in His eternal kingdom.

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

Ell

Play It Again

Psalm 119:97-104

When I hear a song, or watch a movie I really like, I can play either on repeat for weeks, or even months, and not get bored. Knowing every word to the song, or all the lines of each character from a movie, I’ll still find great pleasure from enjoying them, no matter how many times they are played. Call me crazy, or even insane, but when I really like something, it brings me joy everytime I’m entertained by it.

A thought crossed my mind the other day, about how many people literally get bored from reading the pages of Scripture. I can admit, when I began to study the Word of God in my early years, I didn’t find it to be as pleasurable as some portrayed it to be. I would often fall asleep, if I read more than two chapters of a book, because I would lose interest, and prefer to watch the game on ESPN. But, as I matured in godliness, and actually tasted God’s Word, I discovered that it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life!

The Word of God is rich in knowledge, and instruction on how to carry oneself as a child of God, so when I read the Bible nowadays, I hate to put it down, because God continues to reveal things in familiar passages, I had not noticed times before. Even if I’m watching a YouTube sermon from one of my favorite teachers, I can watch and rewatch their videos over and over, while still gleaning from their words of wisdom and inspiration.

It’s obvious to me now, that the more of God we have in us, the less space the world can occupy in our hearts and minds. When we love God more than anything else, we’ll even refrain from taking sides with evil men, because our godly understanding will help us discern what’s good for us, and what we are to separate ourselves from. Taste and see for yourself, that God’s Word is worth more than anything!

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

Ell

Saints vs. Ain’ts

Proverbs 8:8-14, 17-21

Is it possible to tell time, from a clock with a broken display? How could one determine the time of day, if the sun, moon, and stars all refused to give off their light? A clock with a damaged display is rendered useless, because what it is expected to produce, is non-existent. In the same manner, without the light of the sun, moon, and stars, the inhabitants of the earth would be left in a confused state. A Christian who chooses to operate outside of the wisdom of God, will discover that their efforts to please Him will be futile. What’s expected of a child of God, can only be brought forth from a sound mind, and wisdom from above. Just like the clock with no display, a professing believer is unable to produce good works, nor keep the commandments of the Lord, when they lack His wisdom.

According to king Solomon (the wisest man to ever live), wisdom is the principal thing. In other words, Christians should seek first to obtain God’s wisdom, rather than gold, silver, rubies, and all things that the average man desires. Nothing that exists on this planet compares to the value of wisdom. While it’s good to have nice things, without God’s wisdom to show you how to keep those things under subjection, pride, arrogance, and other evil ways can easily creep into our hearts unawares. If you claim to be a child of God, and lack His wisdom, think it not strange when the world gives you confusing looks toward your ungodly behavior. The world is expected to produce corrupt fruit, but when they see a believer, they should only see “fruits meet for repentance.” (Matthew 3:8). Allow your actions and behavior to prove what you truly claim to be.

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

Ell