“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.

Altered Image

Genesis 1:26-31

In the beginning, man was made in God’s own image, after His likeness. In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, fowl of the air, cattle, and all the earth, including every creeping thing upon the earth. In the beginning, God blessed man and woman, and told them to fill the earth with offspring. In the beginning, man ate only herbs, fruit, and seed. In the beginning, things were radically different from today.

Today, men have taken on the image and likeness of carnality. Rather than desire the things of God, they yearn for worldly pleasures and lusts of the flesh. Today, men are afraid of nearly every animal in the animal kingdom that has not been thoroughly domesticated, including mice and cockroaches. Today, having multiple children is shunned by the modern self-centered society. In the past, large families were deemed a blessing from the Lord, but those days seem to be long gone. Today, men will eat anything that moves (or doesn’t move). While we have been granted permission by God to consume meat (according to Genesis 9:3, and Matthew 15:11), many around the globe enjoy some very unusual delicacies.

From the beginning of time until now, the world has become nearly unrecognizable from God’s original creation. But, in a moment, all will be restored from chaos and wickedness, to unity and perpetual holiness.

In Due Time

Philippians 4:6

“I can’t wait to have patience, because patience is a wonderful thing! Hurry up, let me have it, got to get it now! I want it more than anything! This has taken long enough, give me some of that patience stuff! I can’t wait to have patience, hurry up, hurry up, HURRY UP!” We live in a society, where people want things quick, fast, and in a hurry. In the past, farmers took their time to properly cultivate seed, so that good produce could be brought forth. Unfortunately, men have become impatient, and scientists have been genetically processing foods that take less time to grow, unlike traditional methods. Microwaves were invented around 1945, so food could be quickly reheated, or cooked faster than using a conventional oven. We all want things fast, but over the years I’ve learned, patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait. There are times when we pray to God, and His response would come quickly, but other times He’ll delay a response for reasons known only to Himself. Just as it’s unwise to rush while growing crops or preparing a meal, we should be mindful of our approach to God in prayer, because sometimes He delays our answer, so that we can learn to appreciate what we already have, consider others who may be suffering, or simply to grow our patience. God knows all, and is aware of what we have need of, so when we are worried whether or not he ignores our prayers, we must realize He has purpose in the delay, and our response will come in due time.

Time Between

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The time between the day you were born, and the day you cross over into eternity, is invaluable, yet limited. Therefore, every moment spent in this life, should be focused on doing things relevant to eternal matters. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

“Tick tock, your life is on the clock.” – Ell

Judgment Is Coming!

2 Peter 2:1-9

God’s divine order of creation was altered, after man entertained sin, thus initiating inevitable judgment upon the earth. God hates sin, because it’s very intent is to perform the opposite of what He designed man to do. Man was created in God’s image, to do those things that please Him, yet sin caused men to desire not God’s will, but their own.

As the one who created and sustains all things, God has every right to execute judgment as He desires. Contrary to those who believe God will save all people, because He is so loving, and kind, and compassionate, God will pour out His wrath on all unrepentant sinners.

In time past, God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, delivered them into chains of darkness, and left them to await their final judgment. In the days of Noah, mankind had become so wicked, to the point God was extremely sorrowful for what the people had done to themselves. In the same way a parent expresses sorrow for a child who rebels, God was sorry that the people chose sin, rather than a relationship with Himself. God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from off the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenth me that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:7). God the Father would have showed mercy on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, had He found ten righteous men there. Unfortunately, none except Lot was found righteous in the sight of the Lord.

Today, churches and religious institutions are littered with false teachers, prophets, and other evil agents, who secretly have brought in damnable heresies among the Saints. Unfortunately, many are being deceived by false doctrines, and are falling away from the faith, but judgment is coming to all who deny the truth of the Gospel, and turn men away from following Christ.

“Beware! God spared not the angels that sinned, and you will meet the same fate, if you don’t repent!” – Ell

The Wrath Of God!

Romans 1:18-23

As evil men continue to take part in promoting satan’s wicked campaign throughout the earth, God in His wrath, stands in position, ready to judge and subdue all who are ungodly and unrighteous.

Men were created good, and free from all wickedness, but when the serpent deceived Eve (and Adam took part), the relationship between God and man has never been the same. Fortunately, for all who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, God will save them in the end, but to those who remain unrighteous, immoral, and in sin, their eternity will be spent in an everlasting fire, created for the devil and his angels.

There are some who believe God is unfair, and should not be so hard on wicked men, but the God of Heaven and earth is just. In fact, God is super patient, and allows people ample time and opportunity to turn away from sin, and come to Him. The Bible reads it this way, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

God is love, and has expressed His multifaceted compassion since the beginning of creation. The God of creation, desires not that any of His wonderful human beings be lost to eternal damnation, nor face His wrath. For this reason, He offers the free gift of salvation daily, so that anyone seeking the right path, can be saved from this present world of corruption.

When’s The Last Time…?

Psalm 106-107

When was the last time, you told God you love Him? When was the last time, you expressed gratefulness, simply for being alive? When was the last time, you hugged yourself? When was the last time, you considered how short life is? When was the last time, you treated yourself to something nice? When was the last time, you ignored your haters, and prayed for them instead? When was the last time, you stood your ground, in the midst of persecution and shame? When was the last time, you spoke highly of someone, other than yourself? When was the last time, you sat with an elderly person, and gleaned from their years of wisdom? When was the last time, you shared your wisdom with a child? When was the last time, you thought about men and women who are incarcerated, and felt a sense of sorrow? When was the last time, you visited someone who was sick, and in pain? When was the last time, you didn’t hesitate to give food, clothes, or money to the poor? When was the last time, you took a walk at night, gazed into the starlit sky, breathed in slowly, exhaled, then told God “thank you”? When was the last time, you looked around, and appreciated God’s creation? When was the last time, you brought comfort, to an uncomfortable situation? When was the last time, you actually meditated on the Word of God? When was the last time, your smile made someone’s day? When was the last time, you held your peace, even when you knew you were right? When was the last time, you helped someone grow closer to God? When was the last time, you held on to your faith, even when it seemed God had forgotten about you? When was the last time, you went on a fast (not a diet)? When was the last time, you shunned pride, for humility? When was the last time, your soft answer turned away someone’s wrath? When was the last time, your grievous words stirred up someone’s anger? When was the last time, you considered eternity? When was the last time, you made preparations for your eternal destination?

Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.

Hope, In Sorrow

Matthew 24:4-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Hope, In Sorrow” starring, Jesus, and His disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Jesus sits on the mount of Olives, followed by His disciples, after prophesying persecution and destruction to Jerusalem in the temple.)

Disciples: (Removed themselves from the crowd, to have a private audience with Jesus.) Master, we heard your words concerning Jerusalem, and the things to come, but can you elaborate more on their meaning? And, when will all these things take place? Also, what shall be the sign of your coming, and the end of the world?

Jesus: Remain focused at all times, and don’t allow anyone to deceive you, because many will approach you in my name, claiming they are Christ, and will actually deceive many.

(The disciples listened attentively to the words Jesus was speaking.)

Jesus: In time to come, you will hear of wars and rumors of them also, but don’t faint, nor lose heart, because all these things must come to pass.

Disciples: Alright Master, so is this the end?

Jesus: No, not yet. There’s more…

(The disciples wonder and contemplate the possible extent of Jesus’ prophecies amongst themselves.)

Jesus: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places.

Disciples: After hearing all those horrible things that will take place, this must indeed be the end, right Master?

Jesus: Not so. In fact, these are signs of the beginning of sorrows.

Disciples: How could things possibly get any worse than these perils?

Jesus: In that time, men will deliver you up to be afflicted, and even kill some of you. And, you’ll be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Disciples: …

Jesus: Many false prophets shall rise, and deceive countless people. And, because iniquity shall run rampant in the land, many will develop hearts of stone.

Disciples: We are soon to face some extremely hard times.

Jesus: Don’t fret, because whoever endures until the end of the time of sorrow, shall be saved.

Disciples: Master, that is encouraging news! But, when will the end of the world be?

Jesus: When the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, then shall the end come.

*If the time of sorrow the disciples faced was only the beginning, I can only imagine how difficult the days will become for those who remain today. We can see the obvious signs of the end fast approaching, but if we endure, we will be delivered by the resurrected Jesus, who died for the sins of the world.

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

Uncertain Riches

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Despite how much wealth men strive to attain in the earth, there’s no amount that can purchase their salvation, nor eternal security in God’s kingdom. People allow themselves to get so caught up in earthly affairs, until they forget to hold fast to the basics of Scripture. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35). The only sure thing that will cross over from this life to the next is, the Word of God. In addition, the time that’s soon to come, requires for man to be redeemed of their sins, by the blood of Jesus, in order to pass from death to life, and reap the benefits of an everlasting habitation with the Father.

As hard as it may seem to believe, this world is not our home. In fact, we’re just passing through, to get to the place God has prepared for those who love Him, so we shouldn’t allow ourselves to invest too much time accumulating earthly treasures. While it’s man’s duty to work in order to earn a living, it’s unbiblical to make money the essential goal in life. Many get drawn away into frivolous living, and allow their love for money to plant seeds of evil along their path. Money isn’t inherently evil, but the love of it has caused many people to do things that were unacceptable to the moral standards of society, as well as God’s holy standard.

God isn’t against having wealth, instead, His focus is on the deeds we do. What we invest our time in, establishes certain foundations, by default. For example, if we focus most of our attention on making money, having nice cars, and being popular on social media, we’ll establish a weak foundation that will crumble when the time comes for God to judge our works. On the contrary, if we do consistent good works toward others, we’ll build a good foundation against the time to come. Even if we don’t have material wealth, we can still be a blessing to others in many ways.

“It matters not the amount of money in our bank account, but what we do with the time and resources God has given us, to make the lives of others better.” – Ell