🎶 Walk In The Light… Beautiful Light 🎶

John 3:16-21

What is light? We see what it does, but what is it actually? Light exposes cockroaches in your kitchen, illuminates the midnight skies with starlight, expands and radiates in all directions like a lightbulb, bends around corners, and even carries energy and momentum. Light is an amazing source of awesomeness, and it has been a major benefit to mankind, since the beginning. In the natural sense, light is responsible for doing all these things, but on the spiritual level, light holds a more intense purpose. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, and is synonymous with knowledge. The knowledge of God (His Word) reveals the truth, and exposes the darkness found in sin and disobedience. The purpose of Christ coming to the earth was, so darkness could be revealed, and men could discover their desperate need for the light. Those who refuse and reject God’s light, willingly do evil, and hate the knowledge of His Word, so they get comfortable doing deeds in darkness, so the light won’t expose them. As children of God, we live in such a way, that our lives mirror that of Christ’s, so when the light shines over us, we welcome it, because our deeds are pure, holy, and acceptable unto God. Walk in the light, so that you can be a shining example of what holy living looks like, in these last and evil days.

“If God is love, then is the love you share with others godly?” – Ell

Let God Lead

Psalm 43

🎵🎶 When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
In God I trust, when I am afraid.
In God I trust, in God whose word I praise
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
When I am afraid I will trust in you,
In God whose word I praise.
I TRUST YOU LORD I REALLY DO 🎶🎵
-Song by Steve Green

Journeying through life will present moments when finding our way will appear dark and dim, but the only way to see the path of righteousness during times of darkness is, by trusting in God’s light, and His truth. The Word of God is the only way to safely navigate and traverse through these troubled times, so never lean to your own understanding. Instead, let God lead you in the way you should go.

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

Ell

Worthy Of The Kingdom

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5, 11-12

What is the proper way to conduct oneself while facing persecution? Well, there are two answers to that question. One response is fairly simple and straightforward, while the other can oftentimes be rather vague. For the child of God, enduring inevitable persecution requires patience and faith. For those who live beyond the realm of God’s readily available safety, persecution tends to consume them without a sense of reason, or purposeful end. When worldly men suffer, they typically expect others to pity them, and make sacrifices on behalf of their tragedies. On the contrary, when a believer suffers, they endure to prove that in their suffering, they can still perform works that are pleasing to God.

The church doesn’t suffer, so that they can get contaminated government assistance, but it suffers because the world hates the truth, and will go to great measures to silence those who go against worldly beliefs. In our text, the apostle Paul, and those who sojourned with him, were pleased to see that those in the Thessalonian church were continuing to grow in faith exceedingly, and spread love amongst each other, despite enduring persecutions and tribulations. The apostle Paul did not commend the Thessalonian church for building a great edifice, or rendering awesome praise and worship, but he counted them worthy of the kingdom of God, because of their suffering.

When hard times come in our lives, God allows them to test our level of faith in His Word, and to prove to our adversary, he has no claim, nor influence in the lives of God’s people. Take pride in being a child of royalty, and see your suffering as a way to show God that if those who died before us endured until the end, then you can too! “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3-4).

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

Ell

Plugged In To God

Proverbs 3:13-18

Any device that requires a power source to function, is useless without being connected to that same source. An iron will never get hot and steamy without being plugged into an outlet, which will prove ineffective at getting all the wrinkles from your clothes. A vacuum can’t pick up the dust and debris from your floor, except it also be plugged in to a source of power. I can give hundreds of examples of different things requiring power in order to produce, but I’m sure by now you get the point.

A Christian who is plugged into the source of God’s power, has the ability to produce good fruit consistently, while operating in God’s divine wisdom. Wisdom literally makes the believer a force to be reckoned with, in the earth! While some strive for silver, gold, and rubies, those who have direct connection to the wisdom of God, can achieve far more than the value of precious stones. Wisdom grants the people of God long life, riches and honor, pleasantness, peace, happiness, and eternal life. Is that not enough to make you excited?!

This world looks horrible, with all the past, and current events taking place, but the Word of God is still relevant, and we, the children of God, can continue to live out the pages of Scripture, even in this dying world. It’s obvious that suffering will come at times, but never rule out the opportunity for God to work wonders in our lives, as we stay connected to His unlimited source of DUNAMIS power!

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

Ell

Don’t Be Defiled

Mark 7:9-15

According to the Bible, to defile a thing is to make it common, unclean, render it unhallowed, or to profane it. This sounds horrible, and thus begs the question; why would anyone want to defile anything in the first place? Well, I’m glad you asked. If you haven’t noticed, there’s this dude roaming out there in the spiritual realm, and he’s constantly seeking to devour, our consume the souls of men and women left open to his influence. This wicked, vile, and manipulative evil genius, has been terrorizing men for thousands of years. Even after years of compiled evidence of satan’s demonic plan to destroy the church, its amazing how people still fall prey to his unholy, and unhealthy influences.

“…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16b). God the Father is holy, so those who have been engrafted into His family should be the same. Unfortunately, the adversary of the body of Christ, will use all his energy and effort, to ensure that the church becomes defiled, or unclean in the sight of God. Despite his endless efforts to hurt the church, satan can never pluck the children of God from His hand, but he can cause them to stumble from time to time. When we give in to the temptations of the enemy, we render ourselves unclean in the eyes of the holy God. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s guard ourselves against those who purposely try to turn us away from God. Remember to keep your light shining before men, and refuse to allow satan to defile you before your holy, and loving God.

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

Ell

Come To Jesus

Matthew 11:25-30

As men and women journey through life, they’ll eventually run into a few situations, where someone will make attempts to sell them something that always sounds “too God to be true”. Whether it be a used car salesman, credit card offer, or some other promotion, nothing can compare to the true value found in Christ Jesus. Advertisers present catchy phrases and gimmicks, in order to draw you into their presence, so they can then ensnare you in their web of manipulation. But, Jesus gives exactly what He offers, and with no fine print, or strings attached.

In Christ, you can rest assured, that His words will remain true, and the God of heaven and earth will be revealed to us, through His Son Jesus. From our text, it’s implied that the body of Christ is to take Jesus at His word, while accepting His invitation of peace, relief, and rest. While taking on the yoke of Christ, believers will also discover that it’s not as pressing as some may assume. Luke tells us, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (19:10 KJV). Christ cares for us, and desires that we learn of Him, so that we can maintain a balanced spiritual lifestyle. Unfortunately, problems arise when men refuse to learn of Christ, thus submitting themselves to their own wisdom, and the authority of our adversary.

If satan could have his way with us, as he did with Job, he would literally kill, steal, and destroy everything in our lives that keep us close to God. Thankfully, Jesus was the means by which our sins were forgiven, and He is the mediator between God and men. Because of Christ, God provides His best protection for us, to keep us safe from all manner of evil. If you need love, come to Jesus. If you need peace, come to Jesus. If you need strength, come to Jesus. If you need rest, come to Jesus.

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

No god Like Our God

Psalm 86:1-13

Who can do what God does? Can a doctor truly understand, and explain the code of human DNA? While they may see an in-depth analysis of cell function, no one can truly understand how cells do, what they do. Can a bird sing, except God grace him with the necessary parts to do so? Birds were uniquely formed to inhabit the heavens, and show forth God’s unmatched intellect. Do you believe in gravity? I do, but can you honestly say, you understand it fully? Can you contain it in a jar, analyze it, or paint it purple? Although we know the purpose of gravity, and what it does, no one can fully make sense of it. What is light, except the illumination of dark spaces? We see the light, but how does it exist? What substance is it composed of?

God is amazing, and the things He does are sometimes beyond human comprehension. I tried once to contain God in my finite brain, then had a headache for a few hours after. God has the power to speak things into existence, heal sick bodies, raise men from the dead, inhabit praise from those who love Him, and bless men so, until curses are unable to penetrate their lives. As I write, I have millions of thoughts running through my mind, concerning how good God is, and how He does so much for everyone! I don’t understand all the ways of God, but I’ve learned how to keep His attention, from studying the Bible.

King David left great examples of how to stay in union with God, until He creates opportunities, just so He can bless. David understood that one must first cleanse the evil from their hearts, before even attempting to ask anything from the Father. A pure heart, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, will always keep you in a position where God CANNOT refuse to grant your prayer requests. The almighty, all-knowing, all-wise God, looks down on the earth, and desires to perform some amazing things in the lives of the people, but many don’t believe in Him, nor in His Word, so they willingly forfeit themselves from receiving blessings that can only come from God. While men find temporary satisfaction from pleasures in the world, only God can give things that offer lasting joy, and satisfaction.

Who can do what God does? No one. Think on that for a moment, and consider adjusting your life to where it always has God’s attention.

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

Ell

All Puffed Up!

Isaiah 10:12-14

“By the strength of my hand I have done it…” (vs. 13a). Can you recall a time, when you puffed yourself up, to gain praise from men, then God quickly humbled you, before your head swelled too big to pop? I can think of multiple examples from my own experiences, when God politely humbled me, to prevent me from humiliating myself.

Pride sucks, because it reveals that your true intentions are to take the glory that belongs to God, all for yourself. Some truly believe, that because they have the ability to do a thing, it’s justified, by default, simply because they can do it, but according Colossians 3:23, everything we do on this earth, we are to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. I’ll give you 37 seconds, to think of one thing you can accomplish, without God’s help (playing the Jeopardy tune in the background). Have you thought of something yet? Probably not, because there’s not one thing man can do, except God allow it. For example, if God borrowed the breath He breathed into you for a few days, what would happen to your physical body? Yeah, now you’re beginning to see my point.

God created man with amazing skills, talents and special abilities, that are all to be used to fulfill His purposes in the earth, but when we start to toot our own horns for things God was responsible for, there will always come a season of “straightening”. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 KJV).

God is fixed on getting the best out of His children, and causing their light to shine bright amongst men, but seeking to outshine the God of all creation, places one in the same category as satan, when he was in heaven. When we value and appreciate who we are in God, we’ll spend less time focusing on self, and more time contemplating how to make others better.

Walk in love,

Ell

Light It Up!

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus is the light of the world! He lived a selfless life on earth, shed His innocent blood to guarantee salvation for all mankind, arose from the grave with all power in His hand, now sits next to the Father, as He intercedes on our behalf daily, and awaits God’s command to return to the earth to claim His people. Have you ever wondered why Jesus did all that for us? I’m all for loving my neighbor, and treating all men with kindness, but to die for people who are arrogant, stiffnecked, hard-hearted, hardheaded, and plain wicked, takes a level of love I’m striving to attain.

The sole purpose of Jesus leaving His place in Heaven, taking on human form, and living among men was, to be light in a world of darkness. In more simple terms, Jesus came to expose the evil revealed to mankind (darkness) with the light of God’s Word (knowledge), and to reestablish the union between God, and His precious creation.

Every breath Christ took while in human form, was dedicated to making others see, and come into the knowledge of His Father’s plan. Christ knew full well that in order to grasp any understanding of the will of God, men were to first repent, turn from their evil ways, then they could freely receive, digest, and properly apply God’s Word in their lives.

When we walk in the light of God’s Word, and live in ways that please Him, people who sit in darkness will see our light, and be forced to make a life-changing decision. Others who are on the verge of giving up, or at the point of spiritual death, can be influenced by our lives, and possibly renew their strength, simply by gleaning from our holy living. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell