In 2007, I worked with a nurse raised in an orphanage who was physically abused daily by her caregivers. Marie’s only childhood picture reflected a beautiful girl with curly, blond hair. Even so, the smile of joy and happiness that a child should possess was absent. The emptiness of her soul was reflected in the flat expression that told the story of a young life void of love.
Working the night shift in a locked inpatient Behavioral Health Unit was usually quiet unless we faced a patient who challenged the boundaries. It was very tranquil that night, giving us time to chat between hourly rounds. But then something unusual happened, Marie began to ask questions about God and how I coped with being alone at our stage [mid-forties] in life. After the intense conversation, we decided it was time to eat. We shared our personal reasons for caring for individuals with emotional issues who could not cope with life stressors. We laughed and agreed that we were strong women. Sharing the common interest of being book lovers, the chatting stopped as we became one with our novels.
Her question, “How do you receive love and comfort from an invisible God?” broke the silence like a window breaking into a thousand pieces. I recall praying a silent prayer asking for the help of the Holy Spirit. My answer would determine if I could prove that an invisible God really loves and cares for humanity. I opened my Bible and showed her Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, let us make man in our image, according to our likeness…. My answer was honest, “I know that we have a soul that is like a [spiritual] umbilical cord, which connects us to God.”
“But, how does God make you feel better, you are happy all of the time?” “No, I am not happy all of the time, but when I worship God by praying and singing, I feel peace and inner joy.” “But, how does that make you feel better?” I asked if I could pray with her. She agreed, and after the prayer, she told me that she couldn’t explain it, but she felt different. Sometimes we cannot or should not give a verbal answer. Prayer was the appropriate response. Thank you, Holy Spirit.
Marie’s statement, “I would like to show you what I do to release my pain.” produced the immediate thought that she would show me scars on her arms from cutting. In Behavioral-Health, cutters are frequently admitted for treatment. But I was wrong. As she handed me her cell phone, I started scrolling through pictures of art that were perfect beauty. My eyes began tearing because, in God’s infinite mercy, He gave Marie a phenomenal talent. She reiterated that she had never taken an art class. At the age of 30, she bought art supplies based on her ability to color and draw as a child. Truly, God is love.
In two weeks, I had a Church Community Health Fair scheduled and asked her if she would like to participate. “Can you teach people who can only draw stick figures how to paint something simple in 60 minutes?” She had eight students who had never picked up a brush. The fair went well, and I found out that I could paint more than stick figures. Marie worked part-time in the unit, so we did not see each other until the following week. For the first time, I saw a smile as she expressed having a great time at the fair. She shared that she had never been around people who demonstrated God’s love. Then she asked the slam-dunk question, “Did you tell your Pastor and members that I grew up in an orphanage and was abused? Is that why they treated me nice?” I reassured her that everything she shared was confidential, to which she responded, “I am not ashamed of my past nor do I keep it a secret.”
God’s timing is always perfect. In answering her question, He allowed me to share the reason why we can love others unconditionally–God is love, and we are part of the body of Christ. Because Marie experienced agape love from our members, she stated, “I believe that God does love us.” She emphasized that she was not ready to attend church, but would consider it for the future.
I share this experience because it is time for us to ask, “God, what can I do for others?” There are many “Marie’s” who are in emotional or physical pain because we are doing nothing to alleviate the suffering in our world. Every day, countless people push through the cloudy darkness of poverty, hunger, loneliness, depression, homelessness, and abuse. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
God does exist, and He has a special interest in His creation. The scriptures portray Jesus’ life as one of servitude. Jesus demonstrated love and compassion through acts of kindness as He taught, fed, and healed the suffering from emotional and physical illnesses. We represent Jesus Christ to a world that is suffering from the lack of love and compassion. Even Jesus’ disciples were self-centered.
When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.” But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:35-37.
We can learn how to love others as God commands. It takes a baby step to open our eyes to see the suffering and a giant leap to actively alleviating the suffering of the human race.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou
God has given us intrinsic safeguards against strangers. It is not the learned dislike for people that we are referring to. Feeling uncomfortable or being guarded with a stranger raises our awareness and keeps us safe from harm.
A baby is a perfect example of stranger-danger. Many parents are proud to show others their new addition to the family. But the time factor is limited when a stranger [even if it is an extended family member] can interact with the infant. The onset of stranger anxiety usually happens at the age of 6-7 months. No longer will a stranger’s smile produce a smile in a baby who is unfamiliar with the person.
Because babies prefer familiar adults, they might react to strangers by crying or fussing, going very quiet, looking fearful or hiding. Fear of strangers usually becomes more intense at around 7-10 months of age. It can last a few months or continue for much longer. https://raisingchildren.net.au/
As we mature, we begin to experience a change in our acceptance of strangers. How many broken heart experiences have left individuals wounded, bitter, and in despair? What happened that we readily let our guard down and invited an unknown person into the most intimate part of our being?
We are driven by the desires of our hearts. And we are willing to take the chance because “You only have one life” or “It is better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all.” Cliché’s based on chasing the deceitfulness of the heart breed disappointment. We cannot follow our hearts!
For the believer, we face two additional hurdles, the voice of our carnal hearts [our desires] leading us to sin against God and recognizing the voice of false prophets speaking false teachings. But wait! How is this possible when Jesus said:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. John 10:27-29
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…” Matthew 7:15-16
The answer is quite simple: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Becoming entangled in the web of deceit is the result of trusting in our own ability. Eventually, we cannot hear the Voice of God. Our habits take a drastic shift to pleasing self. The Bible that we fail to study is the guiding and warning Voice of God. And the prayers for strength to overcome temptation were never prayed. Remember, the “gut feeling” to decline and walk away, now we ignore it as nonsense. That was the Holy Spirit’s warning!
The voice of our desperately wicked hearts is powerful! Listening to our heart that is fueled by our desires produces the bitter fruit of disobedience. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:17
The conflict between right and wrong demands that we make a choice. We cannot listen to the voice of our heart and also hear God’s voice. Without spiritual reinforcement, we gradually begin to accept false concepts–Did God say that? “Where is it in the Bible that we should not listen to secular music? What is wrong with tattooing and piercing my body? They really are not unbelievers, they just need time to learn how to serve God. God understands that I do not have enough money to give tithe and offerings.”
Challenging the Voice of God causes us to step onto the broad path that leads to destruction. Using vocal tones of comfort, Satan’s false prophets speak their updated versions of the scriptures to fit our needs in modern times. New Age sermons proclaim that “God understands we will sin.” Compromise is the gateway that fine-tunes our ears to only hear the voices of strangers–who we no longer fear.
Believe it or not, it doesn’t take much effort to disobey God. Without spiritual reinforcement, humanity is no match for Satan. He observes our behaviors and listens to our spoken words. Eve was mesmerized by the melodic voice of the beautiful serpent speaking words that supported her desire to disobey God.
Please know that your temptation is a strategically developed scheme that matches your sinful desires. Satan is creative. He uses a stranger’s voice in the music that soothes your loneliness, the attractive unbeliever who begins the conversation with “Hi” and a smile, or the YouTube and TikTok video of the financially successful person you perceive to offer the perfect solution to fulfill your dreams.
Believers, we must silence the voice of our heart and guard up against the satanic stranger’s deceptive voice. Do not allow your ears to be mesmerized by the diabolical words of Satan, our enemy. Include God in every aspect of your life by praying and waiting for His answer. How do we know it is the Voice of God? There is no catch or drawback in God’s plans. And Satan cannot invade our soul, when we fall down, we willingly gave ourselves to the sinful situation.
Never forget, we have the Omnipotence of the Trinity, God, the Father, Jesus, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. They provide us with the spiritual strength to fight against Satan’s spiritual wickedness. Every one of us has guardian angels that fight the evil of satanic angels. God has protection for humanity!
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Pray without ceasing–always pray. 2 Thessalonians 5:17
Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.” Matthew 4:10
Modern technology: It is has become a universal language that people from all over the world have become fluent in. Technology is a major part of our everyday lives, and it is often how we form opinions, communicate with others, and even explore new ideas. http://blogs.creighton.edu/cah17654/the-advancement-of-technology/
Cell phones, laptops, and televisions have permeated our lives and are the most common methods for passing the time or relaxing and relieving stress. We can change channels according to our preferences. download or delete apps that provide pertinent data or enjoy “just having fun” activities. Communication is global. Our options provide texting, face-timing, etc., to people in places we will never physically visit. Yes, our techy options are unlimited.
Two of my favorites are the ability to mute and silence. Mute is a feature that allows you to remove or prevent further posts or tweets from that person without unfollowing or blocking that account [and without the other person knowing they are muted]. Silence is simply the “no-sound” feature. Although we utilize these options according to our moods, to-do responsibilities for a particular day, or to take a break from over stimuli, the “mute and silence ” options are limited to inanimate objects.
We are powerless to mute the responsibilities and busyness that modern life demands from us. Nor can we mute or silence the negative thoughts, insecurities, fears, phobias, the inability to cope with life’s stressors, and the inability to move forward from the residual of past trauma. Fear, anxiety, and depression have gripped our minds pushing us further down into the abyss of of darkness.
The global prevalence of mental health issues is invasive and relentless. Over 47 million American adults suffer from a diagnosis of mental illness. In 2017, around 10.7% of the world population suffered from impaired mental health. We must realize that the statistics are based on individuals who have been diagnosed. Health care professionals admit that we have an unknown number of indigent individuals or those who can function and complete the robotic tasks of daily living with undiagnosed mental health conditions.
The Pursuit of Peace
“Just make it go away” is the desire of every individual who has to live with unpleasant memories or the increasing stressors of unknown life events. Our challenges are overwhelming and in desperation we have reached our limits. A google search for apps that promote growth of inner peace, calming fears, alleviating depression, and de-escalating anxiety are popular because we just can’t take it anymore.
But wait! We have another option: To leave it all behind–the pressures of mainstream and join the migration to a peaceful setting. We begin to research our options: Live on or off the grid, buy land, build a tiny home, grow organic veggies, renovate an RV and travel, and live where we control the pace of life.
For two years, I researched my options to leave it all behind. Surprisingly, I discovered that the nomadic lifestyle requires hard physical work, strong determination, and a stash of disposable income. Another factor is dealing with the hungry animals on the land who smell your aromatic food. In 2001, I was a camp nurse for 90 days in the Catskill mountains of New York. At sunset, we had to leave a big pot of various foods at the camp entrance to distract and feed the bears, which prevented them from entering our campsite with over 300 girls.
Muted and Silenced gone wrong
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” Genesis 1:26. The problem is that we have forgotten that God created us with a spiritual umbilical cord–our soul. We may not understand that being made in the image of God comes with some intrinsic factors. Our genetic makeup was given to us by God, our Father. Just as a child is the reproduction of their parents, we have the physical, mental, emotional, and most importantly, the spiritual composition of God, Elohim, our Creator. We cannot break that connection. Even if we fail to serve God, the emptiness in our souls exists as we search for other options for completion.
Jesus, God incarnate, the Messiah, demonstrates that He was human and was not above the suffering caused by the vicissitudes of life. Yet, He surrendered by acknowledging “not my will but your will be done.” Jesus is our matchless role-model. He lived obediently by placing God was first and foremost in His short life of 33 years. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
Human, yet, Divine
Jesus wept. John 11:35
And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.…Luke 22:41-43
When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:15-16
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46
It is presumptuous for us to attempt to analyze the emotions that Jesus manifested. We believe the historical facts from the Holy scriptures that Jesus was a human being when He lived on this earth. Do we ever think about the tremendous responsibility that Mary and Joseph had? They had to provide and raise Jesus–God’s Son from a baby until He grew into His purpose [Luke 2:41-52]. Yes, human arms held Jesus, Mary’s hands fed Jesus, she taught him the scriptures, and His Mother loved him.
Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 NLT. At that point, Jesus was fully aware that He was the Son of God and the divine purpose of his life. Still, He was obedient to His earthly parents. We have a long earthly journey of surrender and obedience ahead of us if we want to possess peace from Jesus.
The Only Way to Possess Peace
We have muted and silenced Jesus! Many of us fail to study the Bible. We say we love Jesus, yet, we do not know who He is. How can we love or have a relationship with a stranger? The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide us with four different perspectives of Jesus’ life. The conclusion: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
We can stop frantically searching, purchasing, listening to musical apps, spoken words with an instrumental background, taking pills to go to sleep, pills to wake up…to gain the peace that only Jesus can provide. There are no levels or options of spiritual peace that can be achieved outside of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Surrender by giving your heart to Jesus, Unmute spiritual ears and turn on the sound [to hear the voice of God]. It is the decision to enjoy the never-ending peace and contentment that remains even in the seasons of turmoil and darkness.
The puzzle of my life was incomplete until I added the peace that comes from Jesus. Truly, our only option: Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Amen.
The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar reveals the faithlessness and impatience of humanity that leads to disobedience against God while waiting [in obedience] for God’s promise to be brought into fruition. When we consider God’s covenant with Abram in Genesis 15 and the events that follow, prayerfully, we will gain a new perspective of the love of God for His creation fearfully and wonderfully made in His image.
The popular film “The God Who Sees” by Nicole Mullins and Kathie Lee Gifford is biblically inaccurate and misleads many individuals to view God as harsh and punitive. Because of our perspective of God, our spiritual eyes are often blinded to His never-ending supply of grace and mercy. Hagar was not abandoned, nor was she a victim. This situation was caused by Sarai’s and Abram’s disobedience to God, and Hagar’s pride and arrogance. Sadly, humanity’s saga continues into the 21st century, where we continually rebel against God. Yet, He lovingly forgives us and rescues us in our self-inflicted distress.
The story of Hagar is one of God’s mercy and rescue plans to provide deliverance to people just like you and me who create messy situations, which require divine intervention for resolution.
The characters of our story: Abram, Sarai, and Hagar.
Historical overview: God’s Covenant with Abram
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” 5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 15:1-5 NKJV
God’s promise included an heir that would come from Abram. Verse 6 in Genesis 15 tells us, “And Abram believed in the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Abram fully believed that God would do exactly what He promised. Certainly, we can expect that Abram shared this joyful news with Sarai, they would have a male child–because males were the rightful heirs according to Jewish law.
“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7.
Doubting God’s Covenant Promise: How did Sarai convince her faithful husband to agree to have children through Hagar, her Egyptian servant? The last part of Genesis 16:3 gives us the answer for Sarai’s rebellious scheme (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.) Ten years had passed since God made the covenant with Abram to give him a male heir. The 10-year wait for God to fulfill His promise was too much for the older couple who were feeling desperate. Indeed, God had forgotten His promise, forcing them to think, “God requires our help.” Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Question: Did God condone the polygamous marriage between Abram and Hagar?
In Genesis 2:24 when Moses writes of a man leaving his mother and father and clinging to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh, that is God’s original standard, he said. Much of the Old Testament, however, is the documented history of God’s covenantal relationship with his people. “A covenant is like a marriage, where two parties make a commitment to be devoted to each other, to be loyal, to be faithful,” he said, noting the Old Testament contains a series of these covenants. An example of this is how Abraham did not trust God or wait for His promise of a son, and then has a relationship with Hagar, yielding Ishmael. https://www.christianpost.com/news/does-god-condone-polygamy-bible-scholar-says-no-old-testament-shows-it-only-creates-turmoil.html
Question: Besides her advanced age, what prompted Sarai to create the plot and why did Abram agree to marry Hagar? Polygamy was against God’s law of marriage between two individuals–husband and wife. Genesis 2:24
So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River— 19 the land now occupied by the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.” Genesis 15: 18-21
Canaan was inhabited by unbelievers with pagan practices and polygamy was one of those practices. All of us live in glass houses, so we cannot throw stones. We are influenced by worldly customs, often using our desires to manipulate the meaning and intent of God’s Holy Word. Many Christian marriages do not reflect God’s original law for a holy, loving, joined as one flesh, and confusion-free marriage based on a thriving spiritual relationship between God, Husband and Wife. The result is unhappiness along with a high divorce rate among married believers as opposed to working together in harmony to prepare for the reward of eternal life living in the New Heaven and New Earth.
The Disobedient Plan is Fulfilled: Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. Genesis 16:3.
I will deviate from the biblical story for a moment. In the 1990s, I lived in New Jersey in a community whose majority culture included the practice of polygamy. Often we have misconceptions of the actual design and structure of polygamy. Much to my surprise, my friends suggested an individual that was interested in dating me. But when we met, He indicated that the relationship involved an offer to become a first wife with the agreement that a second wife would be brought in at a later time to bear children. Not only would I select the second wife, but she had to be one that would be subservient in nature and respect the position of the first wife along with our husband. I am a servant of the Most-High God. Therefore, I respectfully declined the relationship along with the marriage offer.
The Aftermath of a Broken Covenant
The Internal Chaos Begins: Hagar, the Egyptian servant became Abram’s second wife. When Abram and Sarai agreed to help God produce an heir, Abram broke his covenant vow with God. The conditions of the vow was that God would give them [Abram and Sarai] a male heir. God specifically said in Genesis 2:24 that marriage was between two people.
But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. Genesis 16:4. Definition of contempt: the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn; the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful.
Becoming Abram’s second wife did not change Hagar’s status as a servant to Sarai. Now the situation begins to escalate: Hagar feels that she is above her mistress because she is Abram’s wife, and pregnant with his child, something that her aged mistress was unable to do.
Abram assumes no responsibility:
Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!” Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. Genesis 16:5-6.
The grievous act of two becoming three reaped chaos and confusion. The miserable consequences of sin–disobedience to God always produces negative consequences. And for those who could identify with Hagar, how many Christian, modern-day infertile wives would bring another woman into their home to live as a surrogate mother throughout the pregnancy? Artificial insemination would not alleviate the situation of two women–one legally married and the other carrying her husband’s child living in the home together.
The husband who is the father of the surrogate’s child would have to divide his attention between two women. And yes, it would be natural for the surrogate to develop feelings for the father of the child. Pregnancy empowers the woman as intended by God. But a live-in surrogate would also result in a loss of self-esteem and worth in the wife. The disrespect of woman to woman is certain to develop when we attempt to change God’s original plan for the family by violating His commandments.
Additional consequences: There are no rational thought processes in a situation like this. Sarai taking matters into her own hands resulted in an emotionally charged fiasco. Blaming Abram and retaliation against Hagar were Sarai’s only possible responses. After Hagar running away, the marriage between Abram and Sarai had to suffer. After all, Hagar was pregnant with Abram’s only child. Yes, he would have great concern for her. But God, who is Omniscient–already knew of the pending disobedience. God expected for this situation to become volatile. He was prepared to intervene in a situation above and beyond the disobedient couple’s ability to resolve.
God’s Divine Intervention of Rescue:
The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. 8 The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied. 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.”
God’s mercy includes obedience, structure, and discipline. The angel instructed Hagar to submit to Sarai’s authority, which clarifies her position according to God’s hierarchy. In addition, there was a grave consequence for Abram, Sarai, and Hagar’s sins:
And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” Genesis 16:11-12
There are always consequences when we sin against God. We may suffer the full impact, or we may be shielded entirely from residual damage. Still, we have made a covenant vow to serve and faithfully trust in God. Please know that every sinful act desensitizes us to the barrier that exists between truth and error and obedience and disobedience. Sin always changes our willingness to obey God.
God’s Love and Mercy: A new covenant between God and Abraham is established: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1
Prayer: God, it is your grace and mercies that you extend to forgive our disobedience every day. We ask forgiveness for the impatience to wait on your promises. Please give us the strength and the wisdom to trust in you and accept that your plans are perfect and you do not require our help. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy Name. Amen.
Nursing has allowed me the excellent opportunity of meeting numerous individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Yes, I have been exposed to many concepts and embraced the ones that have improved the quality of my life [living as “We” as opposed to the limited perspective of “Me, Myself, and I”]. Yes, I am my brother and sister’s keeper. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
But there is a danger in being exposed to the various world views, the secular and the worldly pleasures. When our curiosity is piqued, we lose control over our five senses. We are then lured and drawn into the mysterious, the glamorous, and the covert darkness in our world. We become confused as we continue to engage in sinful activities. Eventually, we are desensitized to the consequences of our rebellion against God.
Why are Satan’s plans so effective? He is a fallen angel and has had over 6,000 years to deceive humanity. Only the Trinity–God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are Omniscient–all-knowing. The Creator’s creation would be doomed if Satan could read our minds. Thank you, God. But Satan and his angels easily observe our behaviors. Yes, Satan deceived Eve, but she desired to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV. Although Adam and Eve had not witnessed death, God would have given them the essential meaning that death meant the end of life. Whatever Eve’s behaviors were, maybe staring at the beautiful fruit or slowly walking by the tree, Satan saw his opportunity to fulfill her desire to eat from the tree. But most importantly this was his way of retaliating against God for expelling him from heaven. Remember he easily confused the angels that participated in the insurrection against God.
“and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Realistically, who desires to know evil? Let’s consider this scenario: If someone told me, “I know that you are a Christian but if you do this one thing, you will gain the power to see not only your future but the future of others.” This is the got you moment: I am already aware of God’s command on divination, but I am mesmerized by the presenting lie. Why? I desire to gain the ability to see into the future, which results in letting my guard down to the point that I continue to engage in this conversation. I should have responded, “Get behind me Satan” and simply walked away from the temptation. But I listened, thinking that I possessed the power to dance with the devil and come out the winner. The basic childlike concept is that Eve saw the forbidden tree every day and desired to eat the beautiful fruit. She was easily enticed to act on the opportunity to disobey God’s command.
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what sinful nature desires. These two forces constantly fight each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17 NLT
The reality is that we cannot live in a bubble or be isolated from the spiritual wickedness of this world. We face a daily spiritual battle with the forces of evil. Did God leave us alone to fight Satan? No! But there are two innate weaknesses that we must accept:
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. Romans 7:15
God calls out the half-hearted individuals who want to live the hypocritical blended life of having secret desires and sins, yet attend church or watch virtual sermons, give tithe and offerings, help those in need, etc.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.'” Revelation 3:15-17 NKJV
We must make a decision: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Did we forget? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:5
Being a once-a-week Christian is a deceptive trick of our enemy-Satan. Our thoughts and desires are revealed in the music we listen to, the words we speak, and the activities we engage in every day. Please know that God does not have a gray area. Either we love, honor, and glorify God, or we fulfill our carnal desires. We often possess a mind troubled with confusion and frustration because we stay in the valley of indecision.
Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled. We are living in the last days. God sounds the alarm by letting us know that we must live a faith-based life with complete trust and obedience to Him. His Son, Jesus Christ is coming soon!
Human Effort: God requires a full-time commitment to seek after righteousness and to live holy.
Divine Intervention: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13.
Today’s Devotional–Experiencing GOD Day-by-Day–by Henry T. and Richard Blackaby
Blinded by the God of This Age
Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:4
When you are blinded, you cannot see things as they really are, even though others around you see them clearly. You cannot experience the full reality of all that is around you. You may feel you are experiencing all that there is to life, yet you may be unaware that you are missing what God desires for you. You may even be in danger because of your blindness and not know it.
Paul warned that the “god of this age” can blind you to the reality of Jesus Christ. Christ’s presence can make a significant difference in your life. However, if Satan convinces you to doubt that Christ can do what He promised, he will have blinded you to the reality of what your life is really like and to what it could become. Others may see what your unbelief causes you to miss, but you will be unaware of it. Your life may be steadily moving toward disaster, but you will be oblivious to it.
Christ comes to you as light (John 1:4, 5, 9). He illuminates your sin so that you see its ugliness and destructiveness. He reveals Himself so that you can appreciate the glory of His person and the marvelous riches He brings. His presence lights your path so that you can see impending danger. Don’t let the god of this age distort your spiritual vision. Don’t be fooled into thinking that everything is as it should be when, in fact, you are missing out on so much that God wants to do in your life. Ask Christ to illuminate your life and let you clearly see your spiritual condition.
Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for thinking, acting, and living as if you are not the Creator of all humanity. We have put many things above you. Thank you for the gifts of grace and mercy. Give us the strength we need to always praise you and have a spirit of gratitude. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. 2021 Copyright Sonya Johnson
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Do you remember when you first accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? At that moment, you realized that anyone who would suffer and die on the cross to save you from sin that you wanted a relationship with Jesus. The promise of a new life through Jesus Christ and the opportunity for eternal life placed peace and joy in your heart. You were excited to share with others that God is love and Jesus sacrificed his life for us.
You were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth? Galatians 5:7. The vicissitudes [a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant], trials, temptations, and sorrows are more than we can deal with alone. Yes, many have support from friends and family, but they cannot fill the emptiness in our souls. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.“ John 15:5.
Jesus tells us we can do nothing without Him. But we certainly try until we are worn and weary, leaving us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually depleted. Please know the distractions that we focus on will always lead us to the wrong path, causing us to walk further away from Jesus. Eventually, we forget to pray and ask God for help. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.Psalm 55:22.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
“The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18
Search the scriptures, the central theme of the Bible is love. God is unconditional love. Jesus Christ told His Father, “I will die for them that they may have redemption from sin. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5
Our love for Jesus enables us to serve God with humility, faith, trust, and obedience. We rarely think about the concept that every individual before their death and before the Second Coming of Jesus is given the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jeremiah 31:3.
Today, recommit your life to God. Jesus’ gift to humanity is priceless. For those who never made the commitment to follow Jesus, consider this an opportunity to accept and embrace Jesus Christ. We are never alone in our journey. Yes, the road is rugged. Still, we have a powerful and loving spiritual team who loves us, intervenes for us using their divine, supernatural power, and is committed to caring for us until we take our last breath.
“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20.
My visit to the post office to report a missing package with tracking resulted in frustration and disbelief. Hearing “next” was music to my ears, but I observed that the clerk was focused on the two envelopes that I placed on the counter. As I explained the dilemma, I thought, “Okay, she is not paying attention.” And yes, her response, “You will have to take the mail to another post office for correction of your mailing address,” confirmed that she did not listen to the spoken words regarding the missing package.
We are inundated from sensory overload, job responsibilities, family matters, and so many unexpected challenges that we have lost the attention span required for effective communication, logical deduction, and a well-organized lifestyle. It is not uncommon to explain more than once or assist the customer service rep to resolve the issue.
For the believer, we face another challenge: Putting God first. One of the easiest habits to form is placing God last on our to-do list. We are continuously exhausted. Unable to concentrate, we reschedule our daily Bible study, mumble a short ritualistic prayer, and promise to do better the next day. Our relationship with God quickly becomes non-existent. We become desensitized as we self-program automated responses to the escalating stress of busyness.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Some people do realize they are burned out, but lack the mental and physical strength to initiate change. Take a mental health day and develop strategies for reorganization. Red flags–physical exhaustion, decrease in productivity and interest in fun activities along with increased heartrate and blood pressure are a few of the signs of continual stress. Ineffective habits are an accelerant that eventually push us to reach the breaking point. Either we develop an action plan to prevent serious and unnecessary consequences, or when unexpected challenges arise, we will not have the mental and emotional resources to resolve our life-events.
Busyness has no conscience or restraints–always seeking to consume us like an out-of-control wildfire. Where do we begin? Create a balanced and realistic schedule starting with the #1 power-draining source: the job. Unless you are self-employed, 40 hours per week is more than enough to give to someone else’s company. Take a calendar and prioritize your schedule–if you have a family then the entire family should be involved in the strategic planning of decluttering and downsizing the giant to-do lists. Make an exclusion list of all non-productive, time-wasting activities, and stick to it.
Living a double life takes a toll on humanity. Whether we are self-employed or working for an employer, adhering to company policies require structure and discipline. Unfortunately, it is our personal lives that are usually out-of-sync and loaded with most of the unnecessary stressors. Perform a thorough evaluation of your lifestyle. It may take giant leaps to incorporate structure and discipline into your lifestyle. Remain flexible, but not to the point that progress is hindered. An honest self-assessment identifying negative traits such as procrastination or always running late will promote equilibrium in your safe haven, and mind-body.
God has a no-fail remedy for our busyness, which He established at the end of creation. And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27.
And on the seventh day, God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:2-3
The spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal and revitalization during the 24 hours of the Sabbath cannot occur with any other activity or inactivity. Sabbath-keepers enjoy the evidence-based blessings of peace, joy, increased energy, and decreased mental, emotional, and physical health issues. Most importantly, our faith and trust in God become pillars during the stormy trials. We can laugh out loud every day despite our challenges.
The Sabbath provides long-lasting energy for the other six days. We do not require caffeinated stimulants to get us through our day. Growing closer to God gives us the desire to treat our bodies as the temple of God [Read 1 Corinthians 3:16]. We live to please God when our love for Him strengthens and grows deeper. Choosing and cooking healthy nutrients consisting of super-foods promote strength, building of the immune-system, and provide aging-retardant qualities. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31.
When fed properly, our bodies function at their optimal level. We are rewarded with extra energy that acts as a catalyst to exercise our bodies daily. Search for a place where you are surrounded by the plant kingdom. Being in nature gives us the chance to appreciate the environment that God lovingly gave to us for our enjoyment. Birds, butterflies, the trees standing as soldiers, and the diversity of the beautiful flowers speak to our entire psyche and reminds us that God is the Master Designer.
Remember, God is not a religion or a denomination. He is our Creator and our Heavenly Father who always knows what is best for us. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Keeping the Sabbath is a personal choice. During my adolescence, I was the only Sabbath-keeper in my family. Not all family members will agree, but start with you. Make and share a list of the activities you will not participate in from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. You will be surprised at the restoration that takes place each week as you begin to relax and enjoy time with God. You will feel energized and refreshed from studying the Bible, praying, listening to inspirational music along with extra sleep or peaceful moments. I frequently enjoy worshipping God in nature on the Sabbath.
Preparing for the Sabbath occurs during the six days of the week to perform our time-consuming tasks. [Read Exodus 20:8-11]. When our relationship with God is built on love and devotion, we receive spiritual strength. God honors our obedience by giving us unexpected blessings. Many self-help books and sleep apps use marketing tactics to promote peace and wellness. Yet, they are no competition against the Creator. It costs nothing to accept God’s weekly sabbatical as the only plan that promotes wellness and results in spiritual victory.
And today, I discovered that we have another money-maker, authors scripting the various ways to hear God’s voice, God speaks for himself: Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. We have the Trinity, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who can speak to us at any time. God created us with a soul that stays connected to Him. It is our faithful prayers that invite the Holy Spirit, our Teacher to relay the Voice of God. Have you ever had a thought of how to solve a problem, warning of pending danger, recognition of a false teaching, answer to an exam question, a scripture that you finally understand, or received comfort during a season of darkness?
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Take charge of the busyness that threatens your well-being by giving the Creator the opportunity to change your life.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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