Tag: Wickedness

Believe ‘Til The End

Hebrews 4:1-11

No matter how hard life gets for you, don’t give up. Despite daily trials, tribulations, and seemingly unending struggles, strive to endure until the end. This advice goes out to all who are fighting the “good fight of faith”, and continue to boldly represent holiness, in an ever-changing world.

Throughout history, there were many who started out following after righteousness, but grew weary in doing well. While some had ample opportunity to consider the inward struggle between good and evil in their hearts (like Judas Iscariot), and allow their faith in God to supercede the latter, their supposed hope in the Lord was exposed as being fraudulent. Others who followed after Jesus, allowed the negative influence of family or peers to steer them away from doing what’s right, in place of fulfilling carnal desires. How often are you invited by someone close to you, to participate in events or activities that do very little to promote healthy spirituality? Oftentimes, we are tempted to do things that only satisfy our flesh, and does nothing to build or edify our soul. Gone are the days when believers looked forward to prayer and Bible study meetings, where God could be exalted, and hearts could be encouraged. Nowadays, church folk gravitate more toward what the world promotes on social media or television.

The church looks identical to the world in the way they dress, speak, and think. This is very unfortunate, as many who blend in with the world usually get pulled away from their first love (God), and cling to the fads and trends of carnality. The world is indeed a sphere of continual wickedness, masked with the guise of perpetual happiness, but underneath the semblance of peace and hope, is the true evil intent of the adversary of the believer.

Trust God until the end, and don’t let anything or anyone cause you to fall, or turn away from your faith in the Father. The enemy is coming at the church with full force, but the power of God resides in all His children, through His Spirit, and has equipped them to stand against all the wiles of satan. Don’t give up, don’t give in, because you have the victory over wickedness and sin.

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

Don’t Hate, Appreciate

Genesis 37:2-11, 23-24, 28

If we could see life from God’s perspective, then our actions and behavior towards others would change in an instant. God sees the hearts of men, and judges them, not only by their actions, but by their motives and intentions as well. He desires the best for all mankind, but they must be willing to align themselves properly to receive His best.

Men are born in sin, shaped in iniquity, and are preset to fail. This was all made possible because of the fall of Adam. Because of sin, many are susceptible to becoming influenced by its wicked nature, which can cause them to inflict harm onto others. When our focus on godliness begins to waver, we make ourselves easy targets to become overtaken by all manner of evil spirits; some of which include lying, jealousy, envy, strife, gossip, and even thoughts of murder.

While it’s one thing to harbor ill will toward an enemy, it’s worse when the person you’re at odds with is a member of your own family. Throughout history, most family dissension stemmed from hatred, jealousy, and envy. Our text gives one example of such a situation, when Jacob’s sons proved how hatred and envy can cause men to commit horrendous acts, even toward those of the same blood. Although the hate Joseph’s brothers felt toward him was triggered by his preferential treatment of their father, they were still old enough to know that they should control their emotions, and not allow sin to overtake their thoughts. Unfortunately, their initial level of hate for their little brother was increased the more, after Joseph shared dreams of how he would someday rule over them. It’s hard to tell from Scripture, whether Joseph was being boastful, or just trying to be a normal little brother, in any case, his very presence struck an irritating nerve in the hearts of all his brothers, who eventually threw him in a pit, from which he was sold as a slave to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.

What a shame, to read how blood-kin can threaten to kill one of their own, because of hatred and envy. Do you allow your feelings to cause you to treat your brothers or sisters different? Can you appreciate when someone in your family receives a blessing from God, or do you become jealous, and turn hostile toward them? Be very careful how you treat those who only desire to be loved, because if you push them away, God will make it so that you’ll definitely see them again; only next time, you may be surprised to see what they have become.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Sharp Truth

John 4:27-29, 39-42

When it comes to believing whether or not the Bible is true, there are two types of people groups usually involved. On the one hand, there are those who are willing, and on the other, there are those who are willingly ignorant. The Bible declares in 2 Peter 3:5, “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:” When the truth of the Gospel is preached to any man, undefiled and unadulterated, either that person is left pierced in the heart from conviction, then willingly surrender themselves to God, or they purposely reject the truth, in favor of their own lusts and sinful desires. When a person truly seeks change, they’ll not pass up the opportunity to receive help. On the contrary, when a man is comfortable in his sinful state, it’ll be a struggle to pry him away from the lusts that have him bound.

Many in our text were changed, and convinced that the way of holiness was right. Some were converted from hearing the testimony of a woman, whereas many others were changed from hearing the message of the Gospel from the mouth of Jesus. Men try hard to win the hearts and minds of others by using different strategies and cunning ideas, but the Bible alone is convincing enough to prick the heart of anyone seeking a better life. Trust that God’s Word can perform its intended work on all men, and there’s no need to spice or butter it up, in order to make it more appealing. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

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

Ell

What Time Is It?

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

The human life is composed of a culmination of varying times, and seasons. One day we’re born, then 60 to 90 years later, we die. During those precious years of life, we experience seasons of good, bad, ugly, and unbelievable! Without the knowledge of God and His Word, the average person lives according to a preconceived social standard. It’s common for those who are lost, to set their affections on things of the earth, because their understanding of life is limited to their own wisdom, and what they gather as societal norms.

The average human goes through seasons of natural growth and development, education, puberty, sickness, health, weeping, laughing, celebrating, mourning, marriage, divorce, weight gain, weight loss, stress, depression, hair gain, hair loss, happiness, sadness, and a long list of other seasons of life. The Christian, on the other hand, experiences all those same seasons, but maintain a different outlook concerning them. While the lost soul lives through many seasons, with little to no hope for life after death, the children of God understand that seasons of suffering and times of plenty, are all used as a means to fulfill the will of the Father. I often mention, suffering comes as a package deal for the believer, because Christ endured the most intense suffering, as He hung and died for our sins. So, in order to walk in the ways of Christ, we too must endure seasons of trial and suffering also.

What many Christians fail to grasp is, seasons are just that, moments in time. Every season has a set time to accomplish what it was intended to do. In my life, I’ve experienced seasons I thought would never end, but God allowed me to learn and grow from within each season, so that my time of struggling and suffering would not have been in vain.

I have no idea what time it is in your life, nor what season God has you in at this moment, but know this; whatever you’re facing right now will only last for a season, and while you’re going through, take note of things you can learn, that will make you better after God brings you out. It may sound cliché, but God WILL bring you out of the season you’re in. Even if you’re experiencing times of joy and plenty, always be prepared to possibly face a scheduled season of humility.

Keep in mind, “This World Is Not Our Home”; we’re just passing through. So, don’t get too caught up in trying to live the “American Dream”, or hope to live in seasons of wealth and abundance only, but set your affections on things above, where your eternal season will be basking in the presence of God, and all His glory!

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

Ell

Saved For A Purpose

Matthew 11:7-19

Hey born-again man, and sanctified woman… guess what? The world hates you! Do you wanna know why? Well, it’s simple. The world hates you, because you walk, talk, and act like Jesus. That’s it! You are a living example of what holiness is in the 21st century, and satan can’t stand it! He and his minions have been trying to silence the message of the Gospel for thousands of years. Every day you get out of bed, demons devise plans to wreck your day, but they are hardly successful, because God has angels watching over you, and fighting in the realm of the spirit, on your behalf.

You, mighty man, and virtuous woman, are the reason why the devil works diligently to thwart the plan of God. God has already passed judgment on the devil and his demonic accomplices, but until the day of judgment comes, the enemy roams free, seeking only to bring the children of God down with him. Have you ever seen, or heard of a situation where a person was drowning, and when someone came to rescue them, they panicked, causing their rescuer to drown with them? Well, satan is doomed, and is frantically attacking the church, in hopes that they will fall out of right standing with God, and spend eternity with him, in the lake of fire. I hate to burst satan’s bubble, but you, man of valor, and highly favored woman, are too focused, and motivated on fulfilling God’s will for your life, and you will not bow down to the forces of evil and wickedness!

This is the generation the prophets of old would love to experience, because these are the days when, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” (Acts 2:17). I say to you courageous man, and faithful woman, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power. God sits high, and is observing all that’s going on in the earth. He is neither surprised, nor caught off guard by the goings on of mankind. But, God is watching you, redeemed man and woman, to see how you will conduct yourselves in these end times.

Will you fall short, after running the race faithfully for years? Will you break and give in to the pressures of this perverse society? Or, will you stand strong and be bold, as the apostles were as they faced persecution on levels far beyond anything we’ve ever experienced? Know this; you are special to God, and He is your biggest supporter. Make Him proud of you, by living according to righteousness, no matter how rough and tough your life may get, knowing that it’ll all be worth it, in the end.

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

Ell

A Good Name

Genesis 39:6-18

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”(Prov. 22:1 KJV) Can you recall a moment in your past, when you failed to consider the consequences of an evil action you were willing to commit? There are times when doing evil seems good, but only when seeking to satisfy the flesh. Therefore, ignoring the fact that God sits high, and monitors our every move, only brings displeasure to the Father. The next time you’re presented with temptation, take a moment to consider the consequences of your action. Will God be pleased by the choice you make? Will your family, friends, and those who trust you, lose the respect they have toward you? Will your action tarnish the good reputation you built up for years?

In our text, Joseph was met with a temptation, that could have possibly ruined his established reputation with God. Aside from being handsome and well-favored, Joseph was a man of integrity, good morals, and walked according to a holy standard. The short version of the life of Joseph goes as such: He was the younger brother of many men, who became jealous of their father’s love for him, so they sold him to slave traders, lied to their father that he died, and moved on with their lives. Fortunately, God protected Joseph, and gave him favor even in his master’s house. The favor of God not only showered upon Joseph, but his master was blessed by God, simply for having Joseph under his watch.

The text reads, “And he left all he had in Joseph’s hand:” Joseph was in charge of all the master’s possessions, and business. From this, one would think that this young man who was previously dissed by his own blood, was now living rather good. Unfortunately, the moment things start going good for a brother, there’s always someone plotting to mess it up. Since being taken in, and given authority over the master’s house, Joseph was being watched closely by the master’s wife. Rather than honor the sanctity of her marriage, the vile woman had intentions to “lie” with God chosen vessel. “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” In other words, once Joseph knew she was feeling him, he made it his business to avoid her at all costs.

When faced with temptation, do you try hard to avoid it, or do you easily give in? Joseph had a reputation to keep with his master, but most importantly, with God. When the devil knows he can’t get to you with wicked plots and schemes, he’ll always result to tearing down your good name. Think it not strange, when evil men attempt to tarnish your good reputation. Instead, trust that no matter how far men go to bring you down, God will always, and I repeat ALWAYS, make it possible for the truth to reveal who you really are. Don’t allow yourself to get so worked up until you try to fight the enemy in the natural realm, instead take the fight to the spiritual realm, and seek God to fight on your behalf.

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

Ell

Save Me!!!

Isaiah 49:1-7

If you were swimming in the ocean, and was caught off guard by an undertow current, would you ignore the help of an experienced lifeguard, swimming to your rescue? If you were severely injured in an automobile accident, and was unable to move, would you tell the ambulance and rescue team, you’ll figure things out on your own? When we’re in trouble, we rarely turn down the opportunity to receive assistance, especially if it’s rendered free of charge. Men and women are in position, in various areas of life, to aid and assist those, who require help. Whether a person was involved in a car accident, work injury, burglarized, or whatever the case, there are always people at the ready, to meet their need.

The world was once drowning in sin, and needed a savior, so God prepared for Himself, a body, by which to come to the earth, and redeem man back to Himself. For various ungodly reasons, many have refused to accept God’s help, and chose to figure things out on their own. These people fail to realize the gravity of the situation they’re in, and can ill afford to die in their sin, yet God offers limited time for them to reach out, and take hold of His hand.

Refusing to accept God’s free gift of salvation, is equivalent to the person rejecting the lifeguard’s help, while being pulled underwater, by an undertow current. Sin is real, and the devil cares nothing for men’s souls. For this reason, he attacks the children of God relentlessly, and won’t stop until his judgment is executed. Snap out of your world of selfishness and pride, and reach out to grab hold of God’s saving hand. Don’t allow the waves of sin to pull you under, into an eternity of sorrow.

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

Ell

Supreme Authority

1 Corinthians 15:24-28

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. The holy union of God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit reigned supreme, since forever, but when God decided to create the earth, and all the inhabitants that would dwell on it, He was fully aware there would be necessary changes in the way they usually operate. God knew man would fall, and was prepared to take on man’s form, in order to redeem them from the penalty of sin. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 KJV).

Being in the form of a man, God was able to legally subdue sin, and erase the penalties attached to all who were guilty of committing offences. When Jesus died, men were free to receive repentance, and adoption into the family of God. Although salvation was made available to all men, judgment was still due to satan, and all his evil forces. As we continue to live upon the earth, the time for satan’s freedom to roam this planet, is nearly up. Men are still influenced by evil spirits, and can fall short of God’s glory. But, the time is fast approaching, when Christ will put all enemies under His feet, including the last enemy, death.

During the Millennial period, Christ will rid the world of all rebellion and wickedness, and once all things are subdued unto Him, He’ll render the earth back to God, to be restored as it once was, before sin stained it.

Aren’t you glad to know, your future is secure in God? Despite what’s going on around the world, no matter how bad it seems, Christ will make sure, all evil is dealt with. You may have been mistreated, or dealt a bad hand in this life, but if you keep your trust and hope in the Lord, you’ll have a super awesome future awaiting you!

Walk in love,

Ell