Love/Hate Relationship

Proverbs 8:32-36

When a man truly loves God, he’ll learn to hate those things offered by the world. This present world is anti-God, and seeks only to promote sinful living, over the righteous living God promotes. The Lord gives wisdom to those who desire to obtain, and understand His life-saving knowledge, and directs their thinking (with His Spirit) to cater to desires that are pleasing to Himself. When we realize the true value of the Word of God, we’ll begin to lose interest in the many distractions and temptations that are set daily before us, by satan and his ungodly servants.

As a Christian grows in their relationship with their heavenly Father, their desire to want to please Him will greatly increase, in the same way a child does their best to please their natural father. It does the heart of a father good, to see their child excelling in academics, sports, music, or even exhibiting consistent good behavior. God smiles on His people when they willingly obey His Word, and seek only to mature, and get better at learning His ways.

When we love the wisdom of God, we’ll hate walking after man’s foolishness. When we love the grace of God, we’ll hate missing a moment to thank Him for giving us blessings we don’t deserve. When we love God’s everlasting mercy, we’ll acknowledge daily that He alone is worthy of our praise. When we love God’s presence, we’ll hate when the enemy tries to distract us with unhealthy music, TV, or other media that disturbs our moments with the Father. When we love God’s justice, we’ll hate witnessing social injustice, racism, and police brutality. When we love the truth of God’s unadulterated Word, we’ll hate when men lie, and use deception to take advantage of innocent people, especially those who do it from the pulpit. When we love the salvation that brings everlasting life from God, we’ll hate the fact that in these last days, men will be willingly ignorant of this truth, and set themselves on the path to eternal damnation.

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

Ell

Back To The Basics

Proverbs 8:22-31

According to traditional educational systems, the fundamental foundations of learning are centered around reading, writing, and arithmetic. Although “The Three R’s” expand in depth, different skills in the minds of children, they are all dependent upon each other, yet are better appreciated the more a child develops more understanding of each. Once a child has a good understanding of the concepts of reading, he can then progress more in the areas of writing, and mathematical principles, but without a firm grasp on reading, all other areas of learning will be difficult for the child to grab hold of.

Growing in godliness, is attributed to three important concepts as well. These areas include wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The Bible teaches that when we get wisdom and understanding, we are then able to represent God the way He intended us to. Wisdom is not to be forsaken, but promoted, because it will preserve, keep, promote, bring honor to, and deliver a crown of glory to all who are led by it.

The wisdom of God was purposed to keep the children of God functioning properly in the earth. We are taught in the scriptures to walk in the ways of Christ, but in order to do it effectively, wisdom must be present for that to even be possible. The more we operate in wisdom, the more we’ll develop a better understanding of the knowledge of the Word of God.

Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding work hand-in-hand to keep the Saints rooted, and grounded in holiness, therefore, “Get wisdom, get understanding: forsake it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:5-7 KJV).

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

Ell

G. P. S.

Proverbs 8:1-7

Having a keen sense of direction is very important to those who often traverse different cities, states, or even countries, as well as those sailing on the open seas. Finding your way around your own community can at times become a hassle, so having the right sense of direction always proves useful when searching out a place or thing. In the past, men would use the stars as a means of finding their way from place to place, but today, we use navigation systems in order to make finding places easy, and to avoid getting lost.

Knowing where you’re going, removes doubt and worry, while replacing them with trust and confidence. This is how navigating through life with God’s wisdom as your guide, supports the Christian. Many start out well, trusting and believing in God to direct their paths, but over time they tend to confide in their own abilities to help them make decisions. Would you trust a tour guide to lead you on any nature adventure, when they have no sense of direction? You’d be better off using Google Maps to guide you on your way.

To those who are in God, and God in them, wisdom guides them in all areas of life, from the moment they accept Christ, until they leave the earth. God never wants His children walking blindly in this decaying world, so He gives wisdom to them, so that they’ll be guided along the righteous path.

Not only does wisdom guide men in the ways of holiness, but it also helps them control the words that leave their lips. I’ve heard some say they are Christian, but after hearing some of the words they spoke, I was convinced they were on the same payroll with Samuel Jackson. Wisdom will keep you from speaking perverse things, and fill you with right things. If you squeeze an orange and apple juice comes out, it was never an orange to begin with. In the same manner, if you squeeze a Christian, only words that are pure, lovely and wholesome should come out.

Wisdom helps us in all things, seeking only to keep us in right standing with the Father. Be sure to allow the wisdom of God to take the reigns of your heart, because only then will you have a sure guide to follow, as you strive to be more like Christ.

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

Ell

The Trials Of Faith

Job 42:10-17

When you suffer in life, do you automatically think it’s the direct result of some hidden act of sin you’ve possibly committed? Although sin does allow for bad things to happen to the believer, there are also moments when God will schedule a season of suffering for His children, as a means of testing the level of faith they have in Him. Serving God is a beautiful thing, but when our hearts are fixed on fulfilling His purpose in the earth, we are sure to ruffle the feathers of those who oppose righteous living.

Job experienced God’s scheduled season of suffering first-hand, yet proved to God, his confused wife, and misguided friends, that no matter what comes against him, nothing has the power or ability to turn him away from the Father. Through all the terrible things Job experienced, including the death of his ten children, losing all his famed wealth, and being stricken with a physical illness seemingly beyond healing, not once did this man sin against God.

One of the iconic verses in the book of Job is, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (42:10). How often do we cry, moan, and complain to everyone, during hard times, when God only wants to prove to satan, that our faith in Him will remain strong, despite spiritual and physical attacks. Regardless of the occasional hardships we are certain to encounter, we must not forget, we are still beyond blessed! God loads us daily with benefits including, life, health, and the freedom to read and study His Word. When bad things happen, rather than get worked up and full of worry, see your situation as an opportunity to show the enemy his efforts to turn you away from God, will be futile. And, when you stand in the midst of your attacks, while praying for those who misjudge your faith, God will turn your situation around, then bless you with more faith, strength, peace, joy, and love than you had before. Stay blessed Saints.

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

Ell

Rich And Righteous

Job 1:1-5

In times of plenty, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance of our wealth and possessions, to the point where we forget who’s ultimately responsible for giving us increase. God is the source of all our needs and supplies, so when He blesses us, it’s only right that we humble ourselves, and seek Him the more. Not only does the world take issue with those who are wealthy and righteous, but satan also keeps a very close eye on those who serve God faithfully, while not allowing their wealth to change them.

Our text introduces Job, a man from the land of Uz (which was located south of Edom and west of Arabia), who was considered perfect and upright, and was known as the greatest of all the men of the east. Job was the ideal example of how to remain humble, while living with wealth. Job never allowed his possessions to possess him, as he continued to do those things that pleased God. Job was also blessed to have ten children, who gathered often to enjoy each other’s presence. As a good father should, Job kept his children covered in prayer, and would often make sacrifices to God, on their behalf, in case they may have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Although salvation must be received according to God’s standard, there’s nothing wrong with a parent bringing their children to God, in prayer, knowing He’ll keep them covered and safe, long enough for them to eventually give their hearts to Him.

Many of those who are familiar with the story of Job are aware of the events that occur in the upcoming verses, but it’s good to know that God can still be praised above all, no matter how blessed you are with material wealth.

If God were to bless you abundantly, would you allow your increase to change the way you serve Him? Would you get so consumed in buying things you couldn’t afford before, or spend your days traveling to different countries, while forgetting that God blesses you, so that you can bless others? Well, some may actually get the opportunity to live in this life with abundant increase, but be warned, the more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. As Job was obedient to God while being rich and righteous, make sure you keep yourself submitted to the will of God, when He trusts you with more than enough.

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

How Bad Do You Want It?

Proverbs 2:1-11

When we desire something, like we really really want it, we’ll go through great lengths to obtain it. A man who yearns to be with a specific woman, will do all he can to study her, so that he can do all the things she likes, in hopes of winning her favor. Men have been known for buying women cars, expensive clothing, and even jewelry, hoping they’ll eventually fall for them. Real women desire things that are more fulfilling, rather than material things, but men still try nonetheless. Another example is, how college scouts go over and beyond, to try and convince high school student-athletes to enroll in their school, and athletic program. They sacrifice time and money, to schedule visits to meet and greet with the child, and their family. Some have even been fined and put in jail, from taking risks like buying homes and cars, in order to convince the family that their university is worth attending. People have done strange things, to prove that what they desire, is worth fighting for. Unfortunately, most of those things offered little to no eternal value. If men sought diligently to learn the knowledge of God, more than they do worldly things, their lives would produce entirely different outcomes.

Many who claim to be Christians, struggle with understanding their purpose in life. One reason this happens is, they neglect to handle the first steps in growing, and maturing in God. The Bible teaches that we are to incline our ears unto wisdom, hide the commandments of God in our hearts, and seek after knowledge and understanding wholeheartedly. When it comes to understanding things like the stock market, politics, and other worldly interests, men go all out to understand all the juicy details, so they can gain an advantage in obtaining benefits for themselves. But, when it comes to pondering through verses of scripture, to gain a better understanding of what God expects from us, we automatically become lax, and prefer to hear sermons from televangelists, or YouTube. Why is it, when some people read the Bible, they always get sleepy? Hmm… in any case, it’s imperative that we obtain, and utilize the wisdom God gives, so that our souls can be kept, and our bodies preserved.

Do you desire God enough to spend at least an hour per day, meditating on His Word? If not, what is currently taking the place of the time God deserves? Always remember, only what you do for Christ, can impact your eternity in a positive way, but lacking a desire to grow in godliness, proves that the love you should have for God, is being invested in something else.

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

Ell

The Well-Trodden Path

Proverbs 2:20-22, 4:24-27

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of, “The Well-Trodden Path.” Starring, Grandpa Joe, and his grandson Charlie! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Grandpa Joe decided to take little Charlie on a road trip, to view all the wonderful sights of God’s beautiful creation)

Charlie: Hey grandpa, where are we going?

Grandpa Joe: Sit tight little one, because I’m taking you to see all the amazing things God created, including towering mountains, crystal clear rivers, and even scary deep canyons!

Charlie: Wow grandpa! That sounds like fun! I’m so excited! I’m so excited! I’m so…

Grandpa Joe: Alright, alright Charlie (as he chuckles). Strap on your safety belt, and let’s be on our way!

(About 2 hours into the drive, Charlie begins to point out all the massive trees, different animals, and even mountains in the distance)

Grandpa Joe: So Charlie, how are you enjoying the trip so far?

Charlie: This is fun grandpa! I never saw so many trees, and animals, and birds, and those mountains that look so close, but we haven’t even got close to them yet.

Grandpa Joe: (laughs out loud), well mountain views can be a little deceiving at times, because they are great in size.

(As they continue to travel, grandpa Joe notices the car begins to shake uncontrollably, then it spins out of control. Finally, it lands in the shrubs of a nearby forest)

Grandpa Joe: Charlie! Charlie! Are you ok?

Charlie: Yeah grandpa, that was scary and fun at the same time!

Grandpa Joe: Thank heavens you’re ok! Sigh…

Charlie: Grandpa, what will we do now? How will we get back to the road?

Grandpa Joe: First, let’s pray Charlie. God, it’s me again, I know you see our situation, and know that we are in need of help. We’ve been placed far away from the road, and have no sense of direction how to return there. We ask that you help us find our way back, in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Charlie: Amen. Grandpa, I’m scared. I only see trees and stuff, but no way out of here.

Grandpa Joe: Don’t worry little Charlie. God will take care of us.

Charlie: Okay grandpa, I trust you.

(Grandpa takes Charlie out of the car, and the two begin searching for a way out of the frightening forest. After searching for a while, Charlie notices a beaten path amongst the trees)

Charlie: Hey grandpa! I think I see something (as he points toward the path).

Grandpa Joe: Good eye Charlie! Maybe this path will lead us to safety. Hold my hand, don’t stray from this path, and let’s trust God to keep us safe.

Charlie: Okay grandpa, let’s do it!

(The day begins to darken, and Charlie and grandpa Joe become startled by various animal noises from within the forest. Charlie then sees a flicker of light away from the path.)

Charlie: Grandpa I see a light over there!

Grandpa Joe: Where Charlie?

Charlie: Over there grandpa (he points assuredly).

Grandpa Joe: Charlie, if we go to investigate that light, it’ll take us way off this path. I don’t think it’s wise to stray away.

Charlie: But grandpa, maybe it’s people over there, and maybe they can help us…

Grandpa Joe: Charlie, I doubt there is anyone other than us, in this forest. Trust me. Don’t get distracted by things that may seem to be good, because it could be a trap.

(Charlie clings tight to grandpa’s hand, and the two continue down the trodden path. As they continue to walk in the thick darkness that engulfed the forest, grandpa smells something burning in the distance.)

Grandpa Joe: Hey Charlie, you smell that?

Charlie: Smell what grandpa?

Grandpa Joe: If I’m not mistaken, I can smell food coming from that way. I think we’re nearing the end of this path.

(Grandpa Joe and Charlie indeed reach the end of the trodden path, that led them to a nearby cottage, where they were able to get assistance for their famished bodies, as well as locate their damaged vehicle again.)

Grandpa Joe: You see Charlie, if we had strayed away from that beaten path, who knows what would have happened to us in that forest.

Charlie: Right grandpa! I’ll make sure that if I ever get lost again, I’ll search for a path where others walked before. Then I’ll know I’ll soon find safety.

Grandpa Joe: That’s a good lad.

Being a Christian, and living a righteous life won’t always be a cakewalk, but as long as we follow the path Christ walked before us, we’ll always be led to a place of refuge.

“That thou mayest walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:20).

This concludes another episode of, “The Well-Trodden Path”! Thanks for tuning in.

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

Ell

Why Good Men Fall

Proverbs 2:12-19

How do good people turn bad, and how can men who once pledged their allegiance to God, commit themselves to the way of evil men. Throughout history, many had started out as sensible, wholesome, and genuine individuals. These persons were reliable, and would offer assistance to those who were in need, without hesitation. But over time, such persons begin to show signs of notable change; revealing behaviors contrary to their once praised virtues.

At the root of all things evil, is sin, and the author and orchestrator of wickedness, is the fallen cherub, satan. The believer’s adversary, the devil, is extremely crafty, and more cunning than the average human. He seeks nothing more than to kill, steal, and destroy all that the body of Christ stands for. Not only is satan the master of deception, but he’s fully equipped to infiltrate, and subdue the hearts and minds of those who lack God’s spiritual armor. The devil is indeed a formidable foe, but a man who’s rooted in God’s Word, and properly girded in the right armor, will be able to withstand the wiles of the enemy.

In addition to being clothed for spiritual warfare, warring against satan and his minions requires one to be full of God’s wisdom, and mature in the knowledge and understanding of the words in Scripture. It’s easy for any man to put on the equipment of an NFL football team, but wearing the uniform while not knowing the coach’s plans and schemes, would cause them to easily be defeated by their opponents.

Good men fall, because they fail to invest enough time in meditating, and walking according to the Word of God. The more time we spend entertaining carnal things, the more we neglect to solidify our godly foundation. No man ever “arrives” in godliness, so it’s imperative for believers to grow in the knowledge of God daily. Times will come when a child of God will fall or error, but if handled properly, that person can be restored and become stronger, while avoiding being ensnared by the enemy’s traps.

Our gracious Father in Heaven, freely gives wisdom to all who ask for it, but without His wisdom, you’ll become easy pickin’s for the enemy to distract, and deceive.

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

Ell

A Good Name

Genesis 39:6-18

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”(Prov. 22:1 KJV) Can you recall a moment in your past, when you failed to consider the consequences of an evil action you were willing to commit? There are times when doing evil seems good, but only when seeking to satisfy the flesh. Therefore, ignoring the fact that God sits high, and monitors our every move, only brings displeasure to the Father. The next time you’re presented with temptation, take a moment to consider the consequences of your action. Will God be pleased by the choice you make? Will your family, friends, and those who trust you, lose the respect they have toward you? Will your action tarnish the good reputation you built up for years?

In our text, Joseph was met with a temptation, that could have possibly ruined his established reputation with God. Aside from being handsome and well-favored, Joseph was a man of integrity, good morals, and walked according to a holy standard. The short version of the life of Joseph goes as such: He was the younger brother of many men, who became jealous of their father’s love for him, so they sold him to slave traders, lied to their father that he died, and moved on with their lives. Fortunately, God protected Joseph, and gave him favor even in his master’s house. The favor of God not only showered upon Joseph, but his master was blessed by God, simply for having Joseph under his watch.

The text reads, “And he left all he had in Joseph’s hand:” Joseph was in charge of all the master’s possessions, and business. From this, one would think that this young man who was previously dissed by his own blood, was now living rather good. Unfortunately, the moment things start going good for a brother, there’s always someone plotting to mess it up. Since being taken in, and given authority over the master’s house, Joseph was being watched closely by the master’s wife. Rather than honor the sanctity of her marriage, the vile woman had intentions to “lie” with God chosen vessel. “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” In other words, once Joseph knew she was feeling him, he made it his business to avoid her at all costs.

When faced with temptation, do you try hard to avoid it, or do you easily give in? Joseph had a reputation to keep with his master, but most importantly, with God. When the devil knows he can’t get to you with wicked plots and schemes, he’ll always result to tearing down your good name. Think it not strange, when evil men attempt to tarnish your good reputation. Instead, trust that no matter how far men go to bring you down, God will always, and I repeat ALWAYS, make it possible for the truth to reveal who you really are. Don’t allow yourself to get so worked up until you try to fight the enemy in the natural realm, instead take the fight to the spiritual realm, and seek God to fight on your behalf.

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

Ell