Tag: Time

No Shame

Hebrews 12:2

Why do we suffer? Well, there are a few ways to respond to that question. Typically, many suffer from shameful decisions they made in their past. Others suffer indirectly from the choices made by someone else. We live in a fallen world, and a great number of us suffer simply for doing the right thing.

The Bible reads in 2 Timothy 3:12, the godly shall suffer persecution, so it’s inevitable that those who walk after righteousness will undoubtedly endure seasons of hardships in the earth.

While our suffering, at times, seem to drain us of all our energy and motivation, consider the suffering Jesus endured, on our behalf. When we go through hard times, we tend to duck and cover, while trying to avoid people, and keep them out of our business, but Jesus endured horrendous suffering without shame. While we cry and moan over late bills or not having enough money to buy gas, Jesus was beaten, bruised, battered, spit on, abused, tortured, and made a public spectacle. Yet, He took it without shame. Jesus endured the brutality of wicked men, so that you and I could have the penalty of our sins forever forgiven, and be reunited with the Father, as He originally intended. So, the next time you consider complaining, think on the night, when Jesus carried His cross, and took all that pain and suffering for you.

Without Love…

Romans 13:8-10

Have you ever took a moment to consider, why the state of this present world continues to decline as the days go by? Men have seemingly lost touch with any sense of morality, thus causing them to do all sorts of wicked things in the earth. Children have no respect for parents, or any authority. Governments care more for power and control, rather than meeting the needs of the people. Even the weather seems to be behaving in unusual ways.

The Bible mentions, in the last days, these things, and more would begin to take place. But, if men would only acknowledge, and obey the apostle Paul’s inspired instructions in the book of Romans, most, if not all the world would avoid the current, and inevitable times of chaos and destruction. Paul wrote, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Make sense? I certainly think so.

Interesting Interviews

2 Samuel 23

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Interesting Interviews” starring, HolyEll and various characters throughout Bible history! I’m your host, “HolyEll”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse…, the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel…”)

(As king David neared the end of his reign, he spake to those he loved, concerning his journey. All of a sudden, HolyEll appears in the midst.)

King David: What is this?! Who are you, and how did you appear in the midst of us?

HolyEll: Greetings king David, I come from a time, far beyond this one, in hopes of gaining a better understanding of who you are, and how your life has impacted not only your generation, but mine as well.

King David: Hmm… interesting. I can sense that you are a man, sent by the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

HolyEll: Well, I just wanted to meet you, and glean from your wisdom sir… if that’s ok.

King David: Son, I have sustained all these years, and overcame my enemies because, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.”

HolyEll: Indeed sir, I’ve read your story, and it is so fascinating. You’ve had a major impact on the foundation of the body of Christ, even in my time.

King David: Christ? Is he someone special in your time?

HolyEll: Trust me.. you already know everything about Him.

King David: I’ll share with you a brief summary of my journey. As a boy, I watched over my father’s sheep. Some would deem that position as low and unbecoming, but through those experiences, I grew in wisdom, understanding, and physical strength.

HolyEll: Yes, like when you slew a lion and a bear?

King David: How do you know that?

HolyEll: Umm..well…

King David: It matters little, but the Lord, my God was with me from the time I tended to sheep, when I stood strong in the face of the uncircumcised Philistine, and during my service to king Saul.

HolyEll: You have really been consistent in your faith and trust in the almighty God. Your 23rd Psalm is read and sung daily all over the world.

King David: And what psalm is that in your time?

HolyEll: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…

King David: Ahhh yes. That was one of my favorites. I’ve learned, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. For this reason, I never submitted to the enemy, nor to my mistakes. Oftentimes, people tend to lose faith after they’ve sinned, or fallen short of God’s glory.

HolyEll: That’s right! I just wrote about that in my blog a few days ago.

King David: A blog?

HolyEll: My bad, I keep forgetting… go on sir.

King David: It is important to understand, the man who rules God’s way, “he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

HolyEll: My brother, you are too deep for me lol, yet so poetic. I love it!

King David: It’s not about being deep, it’s about being willing to submit all of oneself, to the total immersion of the Spirit of God into himself.

HolyEll: (Mic drop) My my mercy. Amen, and amen again. Before I go, can you give me any advice to take back for myself, and the people of my generation?

King David: Why certainly. Take heed to this, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a shield to all then that trust him.” This is why I write. This is why I sing. This is why I give praise to the Lord God almighty, because he has kept me all these years.

HolyEll: … amen… amen… and amen.

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

Wisdom Beyond This Point!

Proverbs 4:7

How did you arrive at your point of suffering? Were your hard times the cause of someone else’s doing, or do you spend your days in regret, contemplating on the choices you should not have made? While many today endure troublesome times, some suffer more, from the works of their own hands. Life will inevitability bring us into difficult seasons, but let’s not assist in making our days unnecessarily harder, by making the wrong choices. Let’s learn to use wisdom in all our doings, in order to avoid senseless suffering.

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.

Be… So That God Can Do…

Various Scriptures

Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.

Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23

Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24

Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34

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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11

In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.

Two Sides Of The Street

1 John 5:3

As I was driving down a road in Miami one sunny afternoon, I looked to the right of the street, and noticed a cemetery. Most times when I pass a graveyard, my mind immediately goes into a state of appreciation for life, then I give thanks to God for giving me life, health, and a sound mind. I’m usually left with a heart of sadness for those who’s bodies lay in the grave, but those experiences keep me humbled, and focused on living a life for the Lord; knowing that someday I’ll also have a place to lay next to them.

As I passed the cemetery, I looked to the left of the street and saw men at a basketball court. My mind wondered whether or not those who were grinding hard on the court, were also aware of the fact that they would someday share a space across the street at the cemetery also. While there is no harm in enjoying a time of leisure at the park, it’s more important to remember what our focus in life should be. Those who are the children of God are to love Him, keep His commandments, and love others according to His love.

As we go throughout each day doing things we deem as important, we should never allow any activity to take precedence over our God-appointed assignment; to win the lost, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.