Troubled Treasure

Proverbs 15:16, 16:8

We in the United States, live in a society where greed is prominent. The more men gain, the more they want. Humility has become an afterthought in the great ole’ “Land of the Free”. Rather than be grateful for simply having enough (food, money, property, etc.), men desire more of things, than what they really need. Oftentimes, those who desire more than enough, typically find themselves struggling with the troubles that are inevitably associated with “too much”. Rare and few are those who desire much, in order to care for the needs of others. Conversely, those with selfish motives can be found in abundance.

God commanded His people to fear Him, and keep His commandments. Obeying these simple commands requires one to always walk in humility, while appreciating the daily benefits provided by the hand of God.

Those who profess to be born-again believers, should never be guilty of greed, nor the desire to want more than what they need. “Give us this day our daily bread” should be the mindest of all who love the Lord, and strive to be His representatives in the earth. Make an honest effort to empty yourselves of pride and selfishness, then ask God to fill your hearts with His love, wisdom, and understanding.

Spice Girls

Matthew 5:13-16

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the exciting episode of, “Spice Girls” starring, Cinnamon, Paprika, Maple, Sage, and Rosemary. I’m your host HolyEll, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Cinnamon: Hey Paprika, I hope all is well.

Paprika: Hey Cinnasugga! Thanks for calling. Girl you know I’m good. Spicing up life, as always! How are things on your end?

Cinnamon: I’m doing well. I’m currently seasoning some buns at the moment.

Paprika: Ooooo I absolutely love your cinnamon buns! They are yum yum yummy!

Cinnamon: Stop it, girl you’re making me blush.

Paprika: Really girl? You are blush lol.

Cinnamon: Funny lol. Anyhoo, I called to ask if you’ve heard from Rosemary. I’ve been trying to reach her for a few weeks, but no response.

Paprika: Now that you’ve mentioned it, it has been a while since I’ve heard from her. I think we last hung out at the “Gathering of the Spices” convention last month.

Cinnamon: (Sigh) Hold on for a second, I’m gonna call Maple.

Paprika: OK. I’ll buzz in Sage as well.

Maple: Hey Cinnamon! How are you?

Cinnamon: I’m keeping my spirits up. Paprika and Sage are on the line as well.

Maple: Hey girls!! Talk to me Cinnamon, tell me what’s going on.

Cinnamon: Well, I’m concerned about Rosemary. I haven’t heard from her in a while, and my concerns for her are growing. I asked the girls whether or not they had any contact with her, but nothing.

Sage: Yeah this is really bothering me. It’s not like Rosemary to distance herself from us. I haven’t heard from her since she called a few weeks ago to ask if it was safe to sprinkle her seasoning on baked chicken.

Cinnamon: Yeah girls, I’m worried. Wait..I have an idea. Let’s all go to her house and see if she’s there.

(Cinnamon picks up the other Spice Girls, then they head to Rosemary’s house)

(The girls arrive at Rosemary’s house)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Hey, Rosemary, it’s Cinnamon and the girls. Are you here?

(Moments pass, then Cinnamon knocks again)

Cinnamon: (Knock Knock) Rose…

Rosemary: I’m coming… Hey there. What are you all doing here? Come in.

(The girls hug Rosemary as they walk in)

Maple: Hey Rose, good to see you.

Sage: Yes, where have you been? Is everything ok?

(The girls all gather in Rosemary’s living room.)

Rosemary: Well, I first want to apologize for ignoring all of you the past few days. I’ve been feeling down, and I think I’ve lost my flavor.

Sage: What?! What do you mean, lost your flavor? The world wouldn’t be the same without you, Rosemary.

Paprika: Exactly! Without you, who would bring life to so many great dishes?

Maple: Yeah girl, you are awesome! You’re especially effective when combined with grains, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, and spinach.

Rosemary: I am humbled by your kind words, but I just feel I’m not as special as you all. Take Cinnamon for instance. Who can work wonders with bread, cookies, pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato pie, churros, and French toast? And who can make creamy pasta dishes flavorful like Sage? I just feel that I’m not good enough to flavor the world as you girls do.

Cinnamon: Rosemary, listen. I understand you are going through a difficult season, and we didn’t come here to judge you, but take a moment to consider all the things you’ve changed in the world. You have literally enhanced foods like chicken, lamb, pork, steaks, and fish. You bring flavor to food that neither of us can compare with. You may feel that you aren’t special, but you were made to make food better.

Rosemary: (Crying tears of joy and appreciation) Thank you Cinnamon, Sage, Maple, and Paprika. I shouldn’t have shut myself away from you. Instead, I should have come to you, rather than allow myself to fall into such a low state.

Paprika: Girl we are all special in our own way, and what I can do, I do it well, but what I can’t do, someone else is equipped to handle it.

Sage: Indeed Paprika. We all have our part to play in seasoning the earth. Just be appreciative of who you are, and focus on what your role is.

Maple: Rosemary, you are greater than you give yourself credit for. By the way, I’m working on a new syrup, and I was wondering if you could add a touch of your flavor to it.

Rosemary: Of course I will Maple. Cinnamon, thank you for encouraging me, and helping me see the value in who I am, and what I was made for. You girls are the best.

Cinnamon: That’s what I wanted to hear. Now let’s go bring flavor to the world.

*The Bible mentions in Matthew 5:13, we are the salt of the earth. But there are times when our potency becomes ineffective for various reasons. Whether we suffer a season of depression, low self-esteem, loss of job, unbalanced relationships, or financial woes, we must not lose our effectiveness in carrying out God’s will for our lives. We were all made special, and we’re also equipped with talents and abilities that help us in fulfilling the works of the Lord. So, during the times when you feel down, or unworthy to contribute to kingdom works, surround yourself with fellow believers, who can edify and build you back up with encouragement, and the power of their testimonies.

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

Regarded, And Not Despised

Psalm 102

“…men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
(Luke 18:1b). The year 2021 has barely begun its second quarter, yet many unfortunate events have already taken place. People in every country continue to suffer from the lingering pandemic, while others hold their stance against police brutality and social injustice. If this year started with such unfavorable circumstances, I can only imagine what’s to come as the days go by.

It’s evident, we are living in perilous times, but there is no reason for the Saints to stop praying. Situations and circumstances do seem bleak and grim, but God still sits on His throne, monitoring the decaying earth. The days we experience have been prophesied many years ago, and are expected to worsen. Fortunately, the Bible teaches us how to prepare for today, and what’s soon to come.

God loves His people, and hates to see them suffer, but walking in the Spirit doesn’t always take you along a smooth path. Suffering comes as a package deal with being joined with Christ. We suffer, because Jesus suffered, but in our suffering, we mature, and grow stronger and wiser through our experiences. The Spirit of God guides believers throughout each day, and as we speak to the Father, He regards our prayers and acknowledges our faith in His own way, and according to His perfect timing. We pray, so that we can keep our line of communication with God open, and receive instruction from our Father, through His Spirit. Prayer also keeps our minds and hearts focused on those things that are important to God, and not what we think we should do.

God’s business should always be priority, and despite how the world looks, those who love Him have been given the necessary tools to stand in the evil day. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Eph. 6:10-18).

“God Is With You”

Zechariah 8:18-23

One of the biggest concerns facing believers today is, knowing how to draw others to God. While living a life of righteousness is a daily process, influencing others to walk after the righteousness of God, is a duty all Saints have been commanded to fulfill as well. Jesus said, in the book of John, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Some scholars relate this saying to Jesus being lifted up, and hung on a cross, while others mention that it references His ascension into heaven, but either way, when Jesus is the center of attention, His life and sacrifice will be more than enough to draw all men unto Himself.

Many go through life, using methods outside of Scripture, in hopes of reaching lost souls, but all it takes is the message of the Gospel, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, to inspire and influence others to consider God’s way. Professional fishermen know, the right bait is necessary for catching certain fish, and without the bait, there’s nothing to attract the fish to his hook. The Word of God is enough on its own, to compel men to come to Jesus, but we must first grasp an understanding of it for ourselves, or we’ll be like an inexperienced fisherman, casting with the wrong bait, or no bait at all.

God is with those who trust Him, and are committed to His will, and when believers realize that all they need is God to make a difference, they’ll be fascinated at what He can do through their very own lives. When God is with you, reaching out to others becomes more of a desire, rather than a simple obligation, because God is love, and that love is potent when used according to His Word.

Recognition

Psalm 111

Of all the accolades men covet in the earth, none compare to the simple desire to be recognized. From a child climbing on monkey bars, to celebrities and athletes who entertain the masses, everyone longs to be recognized. Recognition is simply acknowledging someone’s presence, or validating the fact that they are known. It’s easy to recognize someone you see often, or have frequent communication with, but those you aren’t familiar with or rarely encounter, aren’t often acknowledged.

In society today, men and women who are wealthy, or make major contributions that impact cities, states, and even countries, are widely recognized around the globe for their charitable efforts. People are usually captivated and treat such persons as “gods” in the earth, because of their great influence, but there is a God who has done much more than a man could ever do, yet His recognition is hardly acknowledged by mankind.

The God of heaven and earth, has done wonderful and incredible works in the earth, the likes of which no man can imitate. God created oceans and seas, mountains, and trees, but men refuse to give Him glory for His works. The Lord even supplies the needs of men, women, and children around the world, yet some choose to give honor to the works of their own hands, rather than the One who sustains them. God is amazing, and deserves all honor, glory, and praise! The author of our text was well aware of the goodness of the Lord, and made mention of the importance of acknowledging Him with continual praise. Although no man has ever seen the Lord, we can all clearly see His handiwork throughout nature. Romans 1:20 verifies the previous statement as it reads, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: “

Men ought to acknowledge God in all their ways, and give reverence to His holy name, because He created everything, and keeps all things in their place. God gives us strength, provision, and protection as we go throughout our days, and we owe it to Him, to render all the recognition He’s worthy of.

“I Know I Can”

Exodus 1:15-22

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “I Know I Can!” Starring, Little Saint, and Life! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Little Saint begins his day with prayer, and asks God for wisdom and strength to get through the day)

Little Saint: Alright. Here we go. Another day to make Him Proud.

(Little Saint begins his walk through life’s journey.)

Little Saint: This is the day, that the Lord has made…

Life: HEADACHE!

Little Saint: Ohhh my head, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache.)

Little Saint: The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever…

Life: HEARTACHE!

Little Saint: Oh my wee heart, aches so bad, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, and heartache.)

Little Saint: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name…

Life: DEATH OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Little Saint: My God, My God, I feel nothing but pain and sorrow from losing my family and friends, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, and loss of family and friends.)

Little Saint: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?…

Life: JOB TERMINATION!

Little Saint: NOOOO, I needed that job to consistently make ends meet, and to support the ministry, but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, loss of family and friends, and loss of employment.)

(Little Saint begins to feel the weight of the world bearing on his shoulders.)

Life: PERSECUTION!

Little Saint: O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt…but I know I can make it. I’ll keep walking by faith.

(Little Saint continues his journey, despite a terrible headache, heartache, loss of family and friends, loss of employment, and persecution.)

*Life is indeed hard, not only for the Saints, but for unbelievers also. The difference is, those who suffer for the sake of righteousness, will receive eternal rewards from the Father, while those who suffer while in sin, can only receive the second death. God wishes that all men come to repentance, and desires for no one to die in their sins. The best way the Saints can prove their profession to godliness is, to walk by faith, despite all obstacles that come to block their path. It’s unfortunate that believers will suffer in this life, but our suffering is only for a season. In His perfect timing, God will restore the joy of His salvation to all Saints, and He will give them strength to endure, and continue fighting the good fight.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “I Know I Can”! Thanks for tuning in.

Angelic Apostles

Hebrews 1:10-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles!” Starring, Michael the Archangel, Gabriel the Messenger, and the Other Angel! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Michael, Gabriel, and the other Angel prepare to leave the presence of the Lord, “to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”.)

Michael: Gird yourselves, as we make ready to do the Lord’s business.

Gabriel: Yes Michael, I am prepared to do what thus saith the Lord.

Other Angel: Alright, so Michael…I know you’re going to prepare the way, so Gabriel can safely minister as God commanded him to do, but have you ever considered why God loves men so much?

(The three angelic beings take off, and soar majestically through the skies)

Michael: Well, God made everything, and called it good, even men, whom He made after His own image and likeness. The fact that the Father loves them so much, is evident of the same enduring love He has for us.

Other Angel: Okay, I get all that, but if they are so special, why did they turn against Him.. like…”you know who”?

Gabriel: Men, like us, were created with the liberty to choose as it pleases them. Like Lucifer, who was well established in our kingdom, but decided that he deserved the same, if not more honor and respect than God, was quickly dismissed from the perfect order of God’s domain.

Other Angel: Man, that guy was nuts. He had it made in the cool shade! Who would give up basking in the presence of the almighty, just to boost their own ego? I’ll never understand.

Michael: Alright, hold here for a moment. I have some contention to deal with. I shall return when the way is clear.

Other Angel: Okay Michael. Do your thing!

Gabriel: (smh)

Other Angel: Look at Michael. He ain’t afraid of nothing. So Gabriel, I just want to say, I can’t get enough of having Christ back with us. I mean, it’s like everything is just amped up to the infinite degree, since He sat down at the right hand of the Father.

Gabriel: I must agree, it is amazing just to be in His presence, but our business is of the utmost importance, as we must assist in helping mankind come to the knowledge of the glory we experience every day, because soon, those who accept God’s gift of salvation, will also enjoy the presence of the Father and Son forever.

Other Angel: Ooooooo I can’t wait! It’s gonna be like a family reunion for people we never met, but we love them, because they love God and the Son, so it’s kinda like we met, but not really, but….

Gabriel: Alright, alright stop before you hurt yourself. I understand. (chuckles)

(Michael returns to join the others)

Michael: Let’s continue our journey, the way is clear.
So what were you two discussing as I was taking care of business.

Other Angel: We were anticipating the day, when all of Heaven, and mankind will gather together, and rejoice in the presence of God for eternity!

Michael: I anticipate that day as well, but it has become very hard for mankind to remain focused on the truth. The one who once abided in our company, daily influences them to do evil. But, God has given them the other Comforter, to help them become stronger, and stand against the wiles of the enemy.

Other Angel: That dude is BAD NEWS! He already tried to stink up Heaven, and now he’s messing with those innocent humans.

Gabriel: Well, let’s be certain to do as the Holy One has commanded us, and hope that mankind turn back to the Father.

*I don’t know what the heavenly beings discuss as they carry out their assignments for God, but I do know, they fight for us, and root for us to be strong and victorious.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Angelic Apostles”! Thanks for tuning in.

By Who’s Authority

John 15:4-17

By who’s authority do you pray? By who’s authority do you believe? By who’s authority do you preach, teach, and perform works in the earth? When we abide in the Father, and His words abide in us, we are granted access to do things in the earth, with His full authority and permission. By God’s authority, we are privileged to love each other, as He showed love to the Son. All the words God spoke to Jesus, He in turn, gave them to His disciples. Doing this left the disciples in a position to keep His words, live by them, and love each other through them.

God’s authority trumps all other influences in the earth, that fight hard to take man’s attention away from holiness, but if we fall weak and give in to tempting influences, the works we do will be supported by another authority. The devil is powerless against the forces of good, but his wicked devices can have a real effect on God’s people, but only if they submit to his advances. Thanks be to God, for the fellowship of the Saints! The church, or body of believers, is a strong, single unit, that when all members work together, the devil can do nothing to stop their progress.

We are friends with Christ, and no more servants, because a servant knows not the things his lord does. But, Jesus called us friends, and has chosen and ordained us to perform continuous good works in the earth. As long as we stay connected to God, and show real love to one another, our prayers and requests will be manifested in our lives, and God will be pleased with our unyielding obedience.

“It’s easier to deliver the Gospel of Christ to others when your life pleases God.” – Ell

Perpetual Giving

Matthew 5:38-42

Throughout my Christian journey, I’ve heard many wise words from older Saints, and made a habit of gleaning from the advice they were always willing to pass on, but one quote I held on to was, “Christians don’t give to be seen, but they ought to be seen giving”. When I heard this for the first time, I had a bit of trouble wrapping my young mind around it. Giving to be seen, and being seen giving almost sounded exactly the same, in my immature opinion. Over time, I slowly began to understand the difference between the two. On the one hand, there are those who give, in order to promote themselves in the eyes of man, whereas true followers of Christ give from their hearts, knowing that God will not only bless the receiver, but He’ll also return favor to the one who made the sacrificed.

Giving is the standard set by God Himself, when He gave the world His Son, so those who claim to be born-again of the Spirit, should NEVER find it hard to help anyone with a need. Jesus had a few words concerning giving during His Sermon on the Mount. In essence, He made plain the fact that the church should behave different from the world, in relation to giving. In situations when man is expected to retaliate in an unfavorable manner, the believer is to conduct themselves in love and humility, and be willing to give of themselves, whatever their adversary has need of. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44 KJV). Yeah… that part never comes easy for some believers. Helping those who seemingly don’t deserve any good thing, is not a hard task for the seasoned Saint, but those who haven’t been fully delivered from some things, may need some extra prayer power and intercession to overcome loving their enemies.

One reason God commanded the church to always give is, because He continuously gives to us. Everyday, we are loaded with benefits, including life, health, a sound mind, love, common sense, and all sorts of provisions. Could you imagine what your life would become, if God stopped blessing you? Well, I never want to find out, so I’ll continue to give from my heart, to all who God places on my path, knowing that in my giving, someone will become one step closer to being delivered, and set-free from whatever may have them bound.

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

Defending Your Life

Genesis 44:18-26

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). During these perilous end times, the Saints of God are to maintain themselves differently from the world. All who proclaim to be followers of Christ Jesus, are to remain unspotted from the things that do not pertain to holiness. This includes, but is not limited to, behaving themselves appropriately in all situations, keeping their tongues from speaking evil, and their lips from uttering words of deceit, showing love to all men, including their enemies, giving to those in need, refraining from sexual immorality, seeking peace with all men, and obeying the “Golden Rule”. True followers of God are not easily beguiled by satan, nor his wicked forces, but they stand against all evil, while exemplifying the character of Jesus through their daily living.

The church ought not direct their focus on defending their faith through words alone, but the world should see an obvious difference between themselves, and those who claim the name of Christ. Defend your faith with the Word of God. Prove your allegiance to Christ through the way you live. Honor, reverence, and serve the almighty God with gladness, and don’t be ashamed if the world considers you odd or strange. When you make a conscious and definite decision to defend God’s Word, He will in turn, defend you, and when God is for you, no one has a chance to bring you down.

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