Tag: warning

A Song Of Grief

Amos 5

v.1 “Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation….

v.2 The virgin of Israel has fallen… there is none to raise her up…

v.3 For thus saith the Lord God…

v.4 …Seek ye me, and ye shall live…

v.5 But seek not Beth-el… and Beth-el shall come to nought…

v.6 Seek the Lord, and ye shall live…

v.7 Ye who turn judgment into wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth…

v.8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning…

v.12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins…

v.14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you…

v.15 Hate the evil, and love the good…”

The Wages Of Sin 2

1 Kings 22:29-40

…all he had to do was listen, and obey! Like, he literally asked for an answer from the Lord, and received it, yet he refused to do the right thing! Seriously, Ahab?! Okay, let me start over. Have you ever needed help with something, and you couldn’t accomplish it on your own, but when help arrived, you turned it down? That thing you so desperately needed, in order to be successful, or in the case of Ahab, to stay alive, you chose rather to abide by the words of those who spoke lies, rather than truth. The Bible makes it very clear, king Ahab was the most evil man of his time, and was responsible for committing countless acts of wickedness, on behalf of Baal. When seeking a word of certain victory against the Syrians, Ahab’s false prophets were influenced by a spirit approved by God, to speak lies from their lips. The prophets confirmed (falsely), the king would fair well against the Syrians, but God spoke through the prophet Micaiah, warning the king he would suffer greatly, if he went to battle against Syria. In other words, God set before king Ahab life, and death, and gave him the power to choose which to acknowledge. Ahab literally hated Micaiah, because he usually spoke against the wickedness he sought approval for. Why hate a man for trying to save your soul? Oh senseless king. Unfortunately, Ahab ignored Micaiah’s godly advice, and was met with a disastrous end.

Despite how cruel and wicked some people become, God will continue to show them sincere love. But, when God’s warnings of judgment for disobedience are ignored, those same people condemn themselves to a disastrous end.

Disguised Deception

2 John 4-11

From reading this text many times, and from different perspectives, I found it interesting how the apostles would speak to unique congregations, on different occasions. Oftentimes, the crowds which gathered under the apostles, consisted of only men, and the messages delivered were centered on certain duties that pertain to fathers, and their roles as men in the body of Christ, as well as in their homes. This lesson’s text specifically identifies John’s audience as “the elect lady and her children”. Whoever this elect lady was, she was relevant enough for the apostle John to hold an audience with, to warn her and her children about false teachers.

Men who are under the authority of satan, typically plot to infiltrate the minds of woman, because they are considered the “weaker vessel”, and if convinced, they can spoil the minds of their husbands and children as well. In the garden of eden, the serpent knew this truth, and took advantage of his opportunity to beguile the woman, who in turn convinced the man to disobey God. Women aren’t inherently dumb or naive, but when under pressure or confused, they have a tendency to making emotional decisions. John knew full well the susceptibility of the woman, so he gave warning to the elect lady, and taught her how to recognize a deceiver, and their wicked presentations.

John was filled with joy upon hearing that the children of the elect lady were all walking in the truth of God’s commandments. For those who have children, imagine how you would feel, if all your kids were living a committed life to God. I’m certain your days would be filled with love, joy, peace, and laughter. Well, John’s gladness provoked him to deliver a message of warning, so that the elect lady could be fully equipped to guard her children against those who would attempt to steer them away from holiness.

It is mentioned in the text, that “many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh”. Satan is known for mixing a wee little lie, with a lot of truth, but that small bit of deception is powerful enough to turn men away from the truth. Those who know God, and abide in the doctrine of Christ, are easily recognizable by the fruit they bear. But, those who are of the devil, will reveal themselves by their tainted doctrine, and unholy lifestyles. John told the elect lady to turn away from men who dilute the Word of God, with their deceptive words, and refrain from bidding them God speed, or engaging in greetings with them, because doing so would deem her a partaker of their evil deeds also.

As you continue to live for God, allow your excitement for knowing Him keep you focused, and committed to doing His will, but don’t forget to guard yourself, and your children, from deceivers who are littered all over the world, and seek only to pull you away from your heavenly Father.

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

Ell

Power In Prophecy

Isaiah 61:8-11, 62:2-4

Of all the spiritual gifts God bestowed upon His chosen, the apostle Paul advised the church at Corinth to desire the gift of prophecy. Paul felt strongly about his preference, because “greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” (1 Corinthians 14:5). Spiritual gifts that actually benefit the whole body of believers, offer greater blessings than those that bless individuals persons, so it’s wise that we covet those gifts that will edify more people, than just ourselves.

The gift of prophecy was exercised throughout Scripture; more notably through the books of the prophets. Isaiah was considered one of the major prophets, but not because he was greater than the others. His book comprises a great amount of text, and prophecy, than what the minor prophets have recorded. Isaiah’s prophetic words offer great hope, especially for those who have suffered, or are suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Whether we choose to believe it, or not, Christ will return, and all who remain true to their calling, will be rewarded. We learn in our text, there will be an “acceptable year of the Lord”, where God will have vengeance on those who persecuted His children. Such prophecies help us endure hard times, and keep us encouraged, while striving to serve God daily.

Allow God’s prophetic Word to inspire, motivate, and push you to work diligently in the earth. Watch, pray, love, and exercise all the gifts you operate in, to the glory of the almighty God.

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

Ell

Do The Right Thing!

Malachi 2:1-9, 3:5-6

Priests of the past, were required to uphold a strict standard, set by God, to keep themselves holy, and the people consistent in righteous living. All men were responsible for their own soul salvation, but some were set in place, to assist and guide men in the ways they should go. Priests were to first, keep the name of the Lord holy at all times. They were also required to be free from sin, and pure of heart, before presenting sacrifices to the Lord. These elect men were in covenant agreement with God, and promised to keep the law of truth in their mouths, abstain from iniquity, walk in peace and equity with the Lord, and deliver messages to the people that were approved by God alone. God’s name and very nature are to be respected and reverenced, more so by those who claim to follow Him, but when men and women of God fail to consistently obey His commands, warning comes as a last result, before judgment interrupts their unpleasant lifestyles.

Our text reveals a similar situation, when God gave a final warning to His corrupt priests. God said, ” If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts” (vs. 2-4). Wait a minute! Did God say He’ll spread doodoo on their faces? Out of all that, I would focus on that part lol. I know God wasn’t being literal, but it’s all the same in a sense. The men were committing reprehensible acts, and God despised them, so for all the wicked things they were doing, God would repay them in various ways (including spreading poop on their faces lol. My bad, I couldn’t help it).

When you do things that harm your own soul, it’s frowned upon, but when you commit acts that hurt the souls of others, this brings upon greater judgment and punishment. Whether you are in a position of authority, or not, commit all your works to the Lord, and allow Him to establish your thoughts. Also, be mindful of your actions, and make sure you never do anything to harm anyone’s soul.

Walk in love,

Ell

Nothing But The Truth

Ezekiel 33:1-9

Proclaiming the Word of God, is what all disciples of Christ have been commissioned to do on the earth, but preaching from a position of authority, brings a different level of responsibility, the average believer isn’t bound to. Many were called by God, to do great things in His kingdom, but few were chosen to carry out special assignments. Men who desired to be leaders in the church, were given instruction to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 2:4 KJV).

Those God called to lead others, are to be bold, direct, and honest when delivering His Word to the people. In the same way Ezekiel, the watchman, was commanded by God, to warn men to turn from their evil ways, leaders today are tasked with the same command. It’s never wise to withhold rebuke from those who need it, because it could ultimately save their lives, but refusing to give warning to those in sin, could cause men to die without salvation, causing their blood to forever be on your hands. This is why I don’t understand why men are so eager to become pastors, or church leaders, because such positions require much responsibility. The souls of the people are what matter to God, and if any leader teaches doctrine contrary to what’s in God’s Word, he’ll be in danger of harsh punishment. When a man truly loves God, he’ll do all within his power, to take care of God’s people.

If you’re in a position of authority in your local church, or other organization, do you give the people the whole truth of God’s Word, or do you withhold the harsh truth, in order to appease their itching ears?

Walk in love,

Ell

Facing temptation, stay loyal to Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

If the apostle Paul, and men of God from the days of old, were living and preaching in today’s time, they would undoubtedly be the least popular of all preachers. Based on how watered down the Gospel message has become, hearing a Word from the Lord that is unadulterated, and sharper than any double-edged sword, would definitely stir up trouble in most modern-day churches. Rather than expound on prosperity, material wealth, and self exaltation, the ole’ school preachers would promote repentance, salvation, and the “day of Christ”. Seldom are churches warned of the coming of Christ, because most of the time spent in gatherings involve offerings, announcements, and misguided praise and worship. Church leaders have to stand firm on God’s Word, and refuse to give in to societal pressures, because the souls of the people they lead are dependent upon their wise counsel and leadership for their continued spiritual growth and development.

In light of the inevitable return of Christ, Paul, and those who accompanied him, assembled with the Thessalonian believers, to give warning and encouragement, because the times would soon become perilous. Despite how strong or founded the people were in godliness, they were to remain guarded against all evil. The first warning given was that the people guard their minds. The enemy is well aware that if he can penetrate into a man’s mind, the heart and soul will be his to control. Paul then admonished the church to protect their hearts, and keep their emotions in check, because there are many evil spirits that work to stir up men’s emotions, and cause them to waver in their faith. But, the church was advised to stand firm on what they believed, and allow their faith and trust in God’s power, to be the driving force that keeps them steadfast, and unmovable.

As we guard our hearts and minds against the wiles of satan, we must also be aware that some of our own brothers and sisters in the Lord will unfortunately fall away. (Sigh)…sad, but true. The devil has been very effective at deceiving men, and his tactics work well, even to this very day! Wickedness is prevalent in every country on the planet, and good people give up, and give in to the tricks of the enemy, but despite satan and his lying wonders, the people of God must stand together, and hold up the blood-stained banner of Christ Jesus, until He returns to take us with Him.

Walk in love,

Ell

Prophetic examples of faithfulness

Luke 4:24-30

Throughout the Bible, prophets of God were known to expose wickedness in the hearts of men, warn others of coming judgment for failure to repent, and predict inevitable events that would eventually take place. Rarely were prophets accepted by the public, because they often challenged men to change their hearts from haughty, to humble. One of the scariest things to do is, ignore a prophet’s warning, because God usually sends them moments before bringing judgment. Of all the prophets who ever lived, Jesus was no doubt the greatest of them all (for obvious reasons). Where the prophets of old, such as Elijah and Elisha, exhibited faithfulness to God in great ways, Jesus took faithfulness to another level.

The irony in prophecy is, those you seek to save, often reject your words of positive influence, and make attempts to get you as far away from them as possible. This took place vividly in our lesson’s text, as Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, to teach, and to prophesy. When Jesus taught from the Scriptures, His gracious words filled the people’s minds with amazement, but that glory was short lived, as the hearts of the congregation changed when Jesus began to reference the days of Elijah and Elisha, when God blessed one heathen for sustaining Elijah during the famine, and healing the other by the words of Elisha. Apparently, the people of Nazareth despised the heathens, and refused to appreciate the words Jesus spoke, so they gathered together, and drove Him out of His own town. The evil in their hearts was exposed the more, when they went so far as to make an attempt to push Jesus over a cliff! Are you kidding me? They tried to push JESUS over a cliff? Lol, wow! What disrespect this was to Mary and Joseph as well; their own neighbors, trying to kill their son for telling simple truths?

The heart of a man is always revealed when the light exposes their hidden motives. Don’t get angry when God sends someone to help bring you back into right standing with Him. Warning always comes before a fall, so take heed when you’re given warning to tighten up, and get back on track. Also, learn to appreciate those who are faithful to God, and their calling, and aren’t ashamed to perform the works He called them to do, because many who started out well, have given up, or given in to life’s pressure.

Walk in love,

Ell