Tag: redemption

Keep Hope Alive!

Isaiah 6:1-5

The world has reached an unprecedented level of spiritual immorality. The Bible records instances when God judged entire nations of people harshly, for going against His commands, and entertaining profane and blasphemous behaviors. God hates sin, and gives no place for it, but men today seem to have literally lost their moral compass, and given in to all manner of evil and wickedness. Even some who claim to be children of God, have been tossed about, and soiled by false doctrines, causing them to walk not after the Spirit, but after the flesh. In the midst of living in a world where holiness has seemingly lost its relevance, the body of Christ must not lose sight of the thrice holy God. God is holy, meaning He is pure, morally perfect, and righteous, and He expects the same behavior to be represented by those who have been redeemed, and set free from sin. In those moments when we begin to lose sight of how immensely powerful and perfect God is, take a second to graze through the Bible, and build your faith and hope on the eternal, and all-knowing Father. The world can be a scary sight to behold at times, but knowing who holds the world in their hand, should restore the confidence many who trust in Him may have lost.

Walking In Liberty

Galatians 5

1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.

Redeeming The Time

Ephesians 5:1-20

Money can be refunded, property can be restored, even health can be renewed, but there’s one thing that can never be replaced once it’s been used, and that’s time. Life on earth is indeed short, and many today won’t live beyond the years their ancestors were blessed to see. This is mostly due to the change in the quality of foods and resources, but mostly, lack of faith in the God who created all things. Knowing the average lifetime for humans is roughly threescore and ten, every person on the planet who’s capable of learning, and has a desire to please God should make redeeming the time top priority in their lives. The days are evil, and the love of God amongst men is fleeting, but to those who boldly live according to godly standards, fulfilling God’s will is a must. Lost time can never be recovered, but with the time we have left, let’s make a conscious effort to value it, by doing things that will have a positive, and eternal effect.

Natural Vs. Technological

Jeremiah 27:5

“I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm…”

Sitting by the water, trying to understand some verses of scripture I read, I looked into the sky, then saw a bird, and an airplane flying directly over my head simultaneously. Immediately, I considered God’s beautiful, and natural creation, in contrast to man’s inventions. God made all things very good, and has sustained His creation for thousands of years. Man, through God’s wisdom, has developed countless technological advancements that can only mimic what God originally set in motion. Man cannot fly like the birds of the air, so they made airplanes to soar through the skies, in order to travel from place to place without restriction. Fish can swim at various depths of the sea, but man can’t withstand the pressures at lower levels. For this reason, the submarine was invented, so that men could traverse the deep waters of God’s great oceans. Man can only imitate, what God spoke into existence, so all should honor and appreciate the mighty God of all creation, and His magnificent handiwork.

Man Up!

Various Bible Passages

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

“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.” – Psalm 1:1

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” – Titus 2:7

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” – Psalm 119:9

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” – Psalm 37:23-26

Reasons To Praise God!

The Psalms

*He is a shield and lifter up of our heads
*Salvaion belongs to the Lord
*He takes no pleasure in wickedness
*There is no evil dwelling with Him
*He is a Father to the fatherless
*He protects the widows
*He shames our enemies
*He created man
*His name is excellent in all the earth
*The Lord endures forever
*The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed
*In times of trouble, He will hide us
*He never forsakes those that seek Him
*The Lord is King for ever and ever
*His mercy is great above the heavens
*His truth reaches the clouds
*He setteth the poor high from affliction
*He brings those who cry unto Him out of distress
*The Lord silences flattering lips
*The words of the Lord are pure
*The Lord keeps us stable
*It is God that avengeth us
*The law of the Lord is perfect
*The testimony of the Lord is sure
*Good and upright is the Lord
*He will teach sinners in the way
*All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…
*The Lord is my light and my salvation…
*The voice of the Lord is powerful, and full of majesty
*Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
*Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
*The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
*The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
*The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
*Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

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.