Living in a politheistic society

What is a Polytheistic Society?

A polytheistic society is one in which people worship multiple gods and goddesses. In our modern world, we face a similar landscape; we have different religions, a multitude of denominations, and the rise of atheism and witchcraft. In such a society, religious faith becomes confused. Everyone believes they are right, and the mantra becomes "live and let live." People say, "You have your truth, and I have mine," even when those "truths" are in direct contradiction to one another.

How does this impact Christians?

Many Christians become paralyzed. They are fearful of confronting others in their errors because they might be labeled as "extremists." As a result, many become overly "open-minded," accepting and even celebrating every particular belief system. The result is ecumenism—everyone coming together in a fragile "religious harmony" while holding beliefs that are completely incompatible.

Accepting everyone's beliefs as equally valid is not love; it is cowardice. God has not called us to cowardice. Truth exists, and we must preach what is right. While we must respect every single person as a creature of God, we must also actively work to promote the truth of God as it is found in the Bible. We must boldly state that belief systems which deny Christ are false. We must preach against the lack of love in the hearts of many Christians, and we must promote Jesus Christ as the only Savior.

In a polytheistic society, we must be bold. We must confront the lies in our own hearts, the lies in our own belief systems, and the lies of society. The world wants us to be passive concerning our convictions, but we must be valiant for the truth.

If you believe in the Truth of God, preach it and proclaim it; in doing so, your own faith will strengthen. Do not wait until you "know enough" to stand for God. Preach what you know now, and as you do, the Holy Spirit will guide you into further truth.

Finding freedom from society

 Society Will Enslave You

Society will enslave you—not necessarily on purpose. It isn't as if there is someone sitting behind a desk plotting to shackle the masses; while such people may exist, that is not what I am speaking about here. I am speaking about how the very nature of human society inevitably enslaves us.

How Does Society Enslave? Human beings are social creatures, and in order to live in harmony, we create social norms. We define what is acceptable and what is not. There is nothing inherently wrong with norms that facilitate peace, but enslavement begins when society starts to define the very meaning of life for everyone as a whole.

For example, a society will teach young women a specific standard of beauty. It might say a truly beautiful woman must have a stretched neck, a narrow waist, or a curved figure. Automatically, any woman who does not fit that image feels worthless or inferior. As a result, many will spend their lives searching for ways to match that standard. Conversely, the woman who does fit the image may become arrogant, feeling superior to her peers.

Similarly, a society will teach young men that they are only "men" if they fight in wars, seduce many women, or possess a high net worth and a fancy car. Societies invent all sorts of metrics to compare people, making some feel superior and others inferior. Life becomes a struggle to impress others at the expense of our peace and mental health. As long as we are chasing goals established by society, we will suffer from inner, mental, and spiritual struggles.

 The way to break free is to first recognize that God made you unique. He gave you a specific body type for a reason, and you are beautiful just the way He created you. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on implants to be "beautiful." Accept yourself as God made you.

Interestingly, God promotes uniqueness while society demands uniformity. Society wants everyone to look and behave the same while merely proclaiming to be different. You must break free from this "conformity mindset."

 Break free from bondage by refusing to let society determine what "success" looks like for you. As long as there is no evil involved, success should be an individual pursuit. For one person, success may be a large house, a spouse, and two children. For another, it could be a small cabin in the country. For one, it may mean a million dollars; for another, simply having enough for today. Do not let society define your worth by comparing you to others.

True success is living out God’s specific calling for your life. Abraham was rich, David was a king, Elijah was poor, and John the Baptist lived in the wilderness. Yet all of these men were successful because they lived within the will of God. Can you imagine the grief John the Baptist would have felt if he had complained to God about his poverty? If he had compared his life to the riches of Solomon, he would have been miserable. But he was not, because he was exactly where he was called to be.

 Society enslaves us by making us believe success is found only by chasing what everyone else is chasing. In the United States, it is often money; in other cultures, it may be military glory or the size of one's family. These narrow definitions are often nonsense.

With the help of the Lord, define your own path. Let success be a personal definition between you and your Creator. Society’s standards are ever-changing, but God's purpose for you is steadfast. You will find greater joy in following the unique path He has set for you than in the "bundling together" society attempts to force upon us. Set your own path, define your own success, and break free.

Life's purpose

A life without purpose is a living death. In our time, many are living without direction, and as a result, life can be deeply painful. Depression is rampant where there is no purpose. Life without a mission deteriorates into a search for pleasure and a desire to numb the self with all manner of drugs and distractions. You can tell that for many people in America, life lacks a clear aim because it is so often focused on escaping reality.

Is making money life’s purpose? No. While money is needed to facilitate life in this world, it cannot be the ultimate reason for our existence. Purpose is much more than a paycheck.

What is Purpose? When we speak of purpose, we are talking about the fundamental reason for something's existence. We were not created and brought into this world simply to accumulate wealth. There are primitive societies that do not use money at all, yet their members often live with a clearer sense of purpose and joy than those in wealthy Western nations.

When looking for a purpose, we must look at the long term. How will my actions in this life contribute to the world 100 years from now, or in the eternal world to come? A true purpose is one that has a lasting impact.

 Serving others brings more joy than living for oneself. In every area of life, service is the true goal. Marriage is about serving your spouse; work is about serving your employer; and a business is about serving the community.

While many people get married for selfish reasons—to be served by another—or work and start businesses solely to make a profit, these self-serving motives will eventually leave them empty and broken. Life is truly about service: uplifting others and bringing value to their lives.

 It is a fundamental shift in thinking that brings true joy. Imagine waking up in the morning and thinking: How can I make the life of someone else better today? How can I contribute to the betterment of humanity? When you achieve the goal of bringing relief and peace to someone else, the joy you feel is worth more than billions of dollars.

Death is certain, but you decide your legacy. What impact do you want to make in this world? How do you want people to remember you? Do you want to be remembered as a selfish individual whom people are relieved to see gone, or as a great loss to humanity because of the positive impact you made?

 If you want to truly start enjoying life, begin to focus less on yourself and more on serving others. Focus less on how much money you can make and more on how you can use your blessings for the benefit of others. A self-centered life that demands to be the center of the world is a "living death" that will never find satisfaction. But a life focused on service is a purposeful life.

The Lord has blessed us—not so that we may hoard those blessings, but so that we may use them to be a blessing to others. The purpose of life is service to God and to our fellow man, for it is in service that we find life’s highest joy.

The love of money 💵: A corrupting influence

 The Bible says, "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, if you were to walk around and ask most people, "Do you love money?" the answer would be no. Especially in a Christian setting, the response would be a definite "no," but reality often tells a different story.

What does it truly mean for a person or a society to love money? It doesn't mean you go around professing your affection for it. America is a capitalistic society—an economic system where private individuals and organizations own the means of production, and the market determines prices and distribution. The primary characteristic of this system is the drive for profit.

 In America, life is often centered on the chase. When acquiring money becomes the ultimate goal, both the society and the individual become corrupted. This is the true "love of money": when the acquisition of wealth becomes your highest priority. It is seen when the thing that moves you—or stresses you—the most in the morning is your finances. It is seen when the majority of your prayers are focused solely on money and the lack thereof.

 When money becomes the goal of life, quality inevitably declines.

• Education: It becomes a for-profit business rather than a tool for character development. Colleges focus on student acquisition, and students choose majors based on potential salary rather than a calling to learn or serve.

• Healthcare: When medicine is profit-driven, the focus shifts toward "pushing drugs" and billing insurance for multiple visits rather than focusing on genuine cures and prevention.

• The Church: Even the pulpit is not immune. As churches lose sight of the Gospel, they focus on membership numbers. The quality of the message decreases as the desire for tithes and offerings increases. Preaching the hard truth can alienate people, and alienating people means fewer donations.

 As the love of money takes hold, societal cohesion diminishes. Relationships suffer as men and women become consumed by their careers, neglecting their internal and interpersonal development. We become "professionals" in our fields but remain ignorant of how to maintain a marriage or raise children. Spouses and children are neglected because "time is money," and we feel we cannot afford to spend time on things that don't yield a financial return.

This pursuit reduces human beings to a near-animal state—where comfort, food, and material things become the highest goals, while spiritual, mental, and emotional growth are ignored.

 There is a famous quote: "Money is a good servant, but a terrible master." Do not let money be your driving force. It is perfectly fine to have money, but we must learn to live below our means and be content with what we have. Do not fall into the trap of needing more money to buy more "stuff," which then requires you to work even harder to maintain that lifestyle.

In America, we say, "Time is money." This reveals our misplaced priorities. Time is not money; time is probationary time given to us by God to choose whom we will serve.

If you want a life of higher quality, do not let money dominate it. Put God first, followed by your family and your service to humanity. Prioritize personal and spiritual growth over the acquisition of "pieces of paper." Remember, it is the love of money—not money itself—that is the root of all evil.

The spiritual nature and the degradation of marriage

Man was made in the image of God. But what does it mean to be made in His image? What is God like? The Bible says, "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). When we think of a spirit, we think of something not limited by physical restraints—something unseen and greater than the material world. When God made man in His image, He created a spiritual being covered by an earthly body. We all have the breath of God and a spirit within us. This internal spirit is the real person; it is our character.

Two Natures: Spiritual and Earthly With our spiritual nature, we relate to God; with our earthly nature, we relate to the world. Let’s break this down to understand it better. What do we find in our spiritual nature? We find love, patience, longsuffering, and mercy. The spiritual nature is primarily about relationships; that is its highest goal.

Because God is a Spirit, He has no physical needs, yet He finds pleasure in relationships. The Godhead itself is a union of three eternal beings—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and their relationship with each other is the foundation of existence. Loving each other is life itself.

In contrast, our earthly nature—the flesh—allows us to live on this planet. It consists of physical abilities: eating, drinking, walking, and physical intimacy. These things connect us to the earth. Animals share this earthly nature; they eat, play, and reproduce. However, animals cannot relate to God because they are not spiritual beings; they lack an invisible nature imbued with divine qualities.

 How does this relate to the modern struggle of marriage? Marriage is a spiritual institution. By this, I do not mean it is "mystical," but rather that it is an institution designed for spiritual beings—beings capable of sacrificial love. Marriage is an internal union of characters more than an external union of bodies.

When sin entered the world, this changed. Sin is an exchange of natures. Before the Fall, the spiritual nature controlled humanity; we were focused on loving God and one another. Sin was a downward turn. Adam and Eve ate a physical fruit, thinking they could attain spiritual wisdom through a physical act. It was an act of madness. The essence of temptation is to make us choose the physical at the expense of the spiritual. As we strengthen the flesh, the higher qualities of love and mercy die out.

Marriage then becomes difficult. The more "physical" our lives become, the less we are able to maintain deep relationships. Many view marriage only as a way to satisfy sexual urges or fleshly gratification. But physical urges are only an earthly connection; they cannot lead to lasting love.

 The physical nature is focused on sensual satisfaction—how you make me feel today. The spiritual nature is focused on lasting satisfaction—loving you for the long haul. The flesh seeks temporary relief ("I am hungry, I need food now"), but the spirit finds satisfaction in uplifting and enjoying others.

Satan continually tempts us to live according to the flesh, which is why maintaining a marriage has become so difficult. The more earthly we become, the less like God we are. Animals care mainly about survival—emotional and physical—and an earthly person becomes a stranger to self-sacrifice.

 The problem with marriage is a problem of nature. We focus on the external—wealth and beauty—while ignoring the internal qualities of mercy and compassion. We build physical wealth but remain spiritually bankrupt. To have successful relationships, we must rebuild our spiritual nature. This can only be done through a relationship with God.

We begin to be restored when we realize that the highest goal of life is not how much we have, but how much we love. "Dying to self" means destroying the earthly nature's control over us and bringing it back under the subjection of the spirit. The flesh was never meant to dominate; it was meant to serve the higher self.

Practice Makes Perfect We subject the earthly nature through prayer and by making a conscious effort to live as spiritual beings. We practice the "Fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through practice, these become habits, and these habits become our character.

God is a Spirit, and He made us in His image. Let us pursue the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives. This will bring meaning to our existence, fix our broken relationships, and make our marriages a blessing to the world.

Enduring to the end ! A look at the lessons of the presidential election of 2024

 President Donald Trump has gained victory in the presidential election. Many across the nation and the world are shocked and astonished by this extraordinary success. How can a man who left Washington in disgrace in the eyes of many in January 2021 return to the highest office in the land? Many thought at that time that Mr. Trump was politically done and buried; yet, here he stands as the President-elect.

 How did Mr. Trump do it? He had a singular goal—the presidency—and he persevered until the very end. He was undeterred and unrelenting. He "set his face like flint," essentially declaring that no matter what came his way, he would not stop. Even after negative events, he remained motivated to run the race and win what many consider the biggest political prize in the world.

On the way to this triumph, Mr. Trump faced lawsuits, criminal cases, and assassination attempts. He was abandoned by many in his own party after the January 6 debacle and was blamed for Republican losses in the 2022 congressional elections. Yet, he achieved what many call the greatest political comeback in the history of this country. Though he was thought to be politically dead, he has returned stronger than before because he persevered to the end.

 We may say what we want about President Trump’s policies, but if we as Christians were as persevering in our faith as he was in his pursuit of the presidency, we would certainly inherit heaven. Many Christians today lack this enduring faith; we are easily bogged down and discouraged. At the slightest adversity, we want to quit or make excuses as to why we shouldn't keep going. And yet, God is looking for "soldiers" who will fight the good fight.

The Christian life is akin to a political campaign or a race. The Book of Revelation tells us that only those who overcome will sit with Jesus on His throne, just as He overcame and sat down with His Father.

Persevering Until the End As Christians, we are called to persevere no matter the circumstances.

• Sickness comes? Persevere. * Family problems? Persevere. * Immigration or financial struggles? Persevere. * Mental health issues or struggles with sin? Persevere in Christ.

Like the President-elect, we should let nothing—no difficulties, no powers, no angels, no height nor depth—separate us from the love of God. Nothing less than a persevering faith will take us to the greatest prize in the universe: the crown of life.

The more we overcome obstacles through the power of God, the stronger we become. We will face dark days and mountains to climb. We will have sins to struggle with, negative thoughts to overcome, and "Satan’s bullets" to escape. But the greater the difficulty, the closer we should draw to Christ. As we abide in His love, He will make us His elect—a wonder to the universe and the greatest comeback story in existence. From sin to righteousness; from sinner to saint!

Let us persevere until the very end. God bless.

A new American golden age! Prosperity and safety ?

 The 2024 United States presidential election has concluded, and President Donald Trump has prevailed decisively over Vice President Kamala Harris. This completes a historic comeback for Mr. Trump, who survived two assassination attempts and faced numerous criminal cases. His return to the White House is a feat of political resilience not seen since the late 1800s.

 How did Trump manage to do it? Many in the media suggest that the primary driver behind his return to power was the economy. Americans are enduring tough times due to inflation, a difficult housing market, and the rising price of groceries. While mainstream media outlets insisted the economy was performing well, the average person felt otherwise and subsequently rejected the incumbent administration. By focusing heavily on these economic anxieties, Trump propelled himself to victory.

A New Golden Age? In an age of global anxiety, Trump campaigned on a promise of American prosperity. His slogan, "Make America Great Again," promises a secure border, global peace, and an affordable American dream. In his victory speech, he pledged to usher in a "new American golden age."

But will he succeed? While I am not a prophet nor the son of a prophet, I know we are living at the end of time. The Word of God reveals the landscape of the last days so that we may be prepared. One of the specific signs the Bible tells us to watch for is the cry of "peace and safety." Prophecy suggests that when people begin talking about a return to prosperity, we should know that greater ruins may lie ahead.

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." — 1 Thessalonians 5:3

 We are hearing many calls for "peace and safety," yet the Scriptures warn that more calamities are on the way. These disasters are like labor pains, signaling that the Lord is about to return and warning us to turn from sin to find true security in Jesus.

Do not be lulled by the "peace and safety" message or the promise of a new golden age. We are living in the closing scenes of earth's history, and conditions are set to intensify. Soon, leaders may realize they cannot fix the systemic problems sweeping the world. This often leads to a call for religious legislation—an attempt to "return to God" by enforcing a national day of rest that contradicts the Bible's Sabbath commandment.

As noted in The Great Controversy:

"It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment... are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity." (GC 590)

 

Will President Trump deliver the economic era he has promised? We will have to wait and see. However, the prophetic map indicates more financial collapses and increasing calamities. These will not stop until Christ appears in the clouds of heaven to take those who have made Him—not the economy—their safety and prosperity. Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Danger lies ahead!

Pride and it's curse

 Pride is something we all struggle with. At its core, pride is an attempt to fill an internal void. We are all born with a sense of emptiness. As we become self-aware, we begin to notice the differences between ourselves and others—our strengths, our weaknesses, our smallness, and our vulnerabilities. Realizing our "nakedness," we quickly seek to cover it with the garment of pride, comparing ourselves to others to determine if we are "better" or "worse."

We internally ask: How can I be better than the next person? How can I exalt myself? Pride is rooted in competition. It manifests in several ways:

1. Striving to be the most beautiful.

2. Accumulating the most money.

3. Being the most intelligent.

4. Dressing in the most expensive way.

5. Believing you do not need anyone else.

 Pride is about promoting the self to fill a void at the expense of others. We feel a temporary "high" when others notice our covering—like someone saying, "You look great in that suit!" However, pride leaves us devastated when our covering is ignored or, worse, mocked. While pride seeks self-exaltation, its glory depends entirely on the approval of others. This makes us slaves.

Pride is a curse because it focuses solely on the external while the internal self is neglected. It prioritizes how the world sees us over how God sees us. Pride will make you:

• Take a job you hate just for the prestigious title.

• Enter a relationship just so society sees you are "married."

• Start a fight just to avoid being called a coward.

• Cheapen yourself just to be thought of as "sexy."

• Work three jobs to pay for a house you have no time to sleep in.

It was pride that caused Lucifer to continue in sin even when he knew he was wrong. He was afraid to admit his faults and confess them to God. Pride destroyed his relationship with the Creator, cast him out of heaven, and forced him to continue a losing battle just to "save face."

Pride destroys love because love requires vulnerability. Pride makes us "frauds"; we don't let people get close for fear they will discover we aren't who we proclaim to be. But if we don't allow others to get close, they can never truly love us. They only love the mask, not the person. Consequently, the proud person feels unloved, unknown, and lonely.

 Pride is a curse because it turns us into "night creatures," hiding from the light of truth. It creates mental trauma because we are constantly presenting a version of ourselves that does not exist. It makes it hard to love others because the proud person sees people as tools to satisfy their own emptiness, rather than as souls to cherish.

Pride leads to financial debt, miserable marriages, and a refusal to turn back from wrong paths. We are all proud, but the hold of pride begins to loosen when we expose our emptiness to God in prayer. We must be honest: "Lord, I feel worthless. I try to cover my feelings by being better or richer than others, but I am still empty. Inwardly, I have nothing of true worth to offer."

Then, the Lord can fill us with things of true value—things better than money or beauty:

1. Love: To love and be loved for who you truly are.

2. Patience: With yourself and others.

3. Joy: That exists regardless of circumstances.

4. Humility: The ability to value others truly.

5. Gentleness: A soft heart toward the world.

6. Integrity: Being true to who you are.

Pride leads to slavery, but the key to freedom is to humble ourselves before God. Acknowledge your nothingness and ask Him to fill your empty soul with His Holy Spirit.

Why is marriage good in our society? 🤵🏾👰🏽

In our current society, marriage often has a poor reputation. To be honest, marriage can look quite intimidating depending on where you look. Divorces are rampant both in the church and the world; for many, the institution seems more like a curse than a blessing. Some have had such hellish experiences that they wouldn't wish marriage on their worst enemy. Indeed, marriage can either make or break you, depending on whom you choose as a spouse.

Marriage is a solemn undertaking that requires deep reflection, much thought, and even more prayer. The worst mistake one can make is to be blinded by raw emotion; reality has a way of making such impulsive decisions lead to regret. However, beyond the frightening aspects of a "bad" marriage lies a beautiful experience—if we understand its true purpose. A successful marriage based on divine principles will still have its challenges, but it is a beautiful thing that our individualistic society needs now more than ever.

Our society is deeply selfish. You can be surrounded by people yet feel utterly alone because everyone is busy chasing their own dreams, leaving no time for their neighbor. Marriage is the cure for this ill. In a rightful marriage, each partner understands their task: to be a lifelong companion to the other. Everyone else may be too busy for you, but your spouse should not be.

In a marriage based on divine principles, I understand that my spouse is my companion. When a person is single—and there is nothing wrong with being single—they must handle most of life's burdens alone. In marriage, life’s tasks are shared. A single man must cook, iron, and do his own laundry. A married man with a good wife can come home to a prepared meal, knowing his needs are met and his household is cared for.

Conversely, an independent woman may have to handle car repairs, rent, lawn maintenance, and financial management all on her own. But a woman with a good husband can simply say, "Honey, I think something is wrong with the car," and know it will be handled. She knows she has a shoulder to lean on during life’s greatest difficulties.

 In this difficult world, a good marriage is a source of strength, comfort, and support. It is the security of knowing, "I am here for them, and they are here for me." I can lift her up when she is weak, and she can comfort me in hard times. It is having a partner to help you on the way to Heaven.

 True love begins when we realize that marriage is not primarily about sex or being treated like a character in a "prince or princess" fantasy. While intimacy and romance are parts of the whole, companionship is the foundation. It is having someone to talk to, someone to share your mind with, someone to travel and experience the world with.

Companionship is what we are all truly looking for. For example, when I preach, my wife may not be on the pulpit with me, but she is involved in the sermon because she often creates my PowerPoints. That is companionship.

Marriage is not bad; it is a good and beautiful thing. We begin to enjoy its blessings when we understand that to be married is to have a faithful companion for life’s journey, through both the good days and the bad. Marriage is about love, and it is about God. With Him at the center, you will enjoy the fullness of its blessings.

Breaking down the door of decency:Paris 2024 last supper mockery ( days of Lot )

 

In the Bible, we read the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God had sent two angels to rescue Lot, the nephew of Abraham. The angels appeared as men, and Lot, who was sitting at the gates of Sodom, saw the strangers coming and offered them hospitality. Though the strangers initially resisted, claiming they would rather sleep in the streets, Lot’s persistent concern eventually persuaded them to accept his offer.

"But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, and said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly." — Genesis 19:4–7

Because the angels had delayed in accepting Lot’s offer, they were noticed by the men of the city. Immorality was rampant in Sodom, and the men soon made their way to Lot’s house with the intent to gang-rape the two visitors, whom they believed to be mere humans. The Bible specifies that men "both old and young, from every quarter" came to the house, meaning this lifestyle had infected every generation of the city. Does this not sound like our society today? Immorality is spreading like a deadly virus, affecting both the young and the old.

 When Lot begged them to stop, offering his daughters in a desperate attempt to protect his guests, the men of Sodom became even more aggressive.

"And they said, 'Stand back.' And they said again, 'This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now we will deal worse with you, than with them.' And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door." — Genesis 19:9

Those who practice evil are often the quickest to accuse those who reprove them of being "judgmental." Just like the men of Sodom, many today use the phrase "Don't judge me" as a shield for their actions. However, a person seeking to live right is not afraid of being reproved; they recognize their shortcomings and go to God in prayer for correction and victory. As the Psalmist said: "Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity..." (Psalm 26:1).

The men of Sodom tried to break down Lot’s door. This is a crucial point: a movement of immorality is never satisfied until it has broken down every door of decency. We see this today as agendas are pushed into schools and even into the pulpits of many churches. This "breaking down of doors" was on full display at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, where many were offended by a display that appeared to mock the Last Supper of Jesus and His disciples.

As Christians studying the Bible, we should not be surprised. Jesus told us in Luke 17 that His second coming would occur when society looked exactly like it did in the days of Lot:

"Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot... the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained down fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus it will be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." — Luke 17:28–30

 When we see these behaviors becoming more bold and daring, we must realize we are in the last days. God is about to destroy not just specific cities known for their lifestyles—be it San Francisco, Atlanta, or Fort Lauderdale—but the whole world with fire.

In the story, the angels pulled Lot inside, closed the door, and struck the men outside with blindness. They then revealed their true mission: they were messengers sent to destroy the city. They urged Lot to gather his family and escape. Today, the message is the same. As sexual immorality increases, do not get angry, but seek shelter in the "secret place of the Almighty."

Escape for your life by praying for victory over sin. Do not look back at the pleasures or comforts of this world. Let us spread the word of salvation to our families so they may find shelter in the Lord Jesus Christ before the fire falls.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/politics/us-world-leaders-denounce-paris-olympics-opening-ceremonys-mocking-last-supper.amp

Who is to blame for the world's misery? My part in human suffering.

 When we look at the world, we see immense suffering. Everywhere, the cry of a suffering humanity is ascending to heaven. But who is to be blamed for all of this misery? Do I personally play a part in the world's distress? In this post, we will take a brief look at how misery spreads and our individual role in it.

The Origin of Suffering In the beginning, God made humanity perfect; male and female He created them and placed them in a perfect garden. He gave them a simple commandment: do not eat from the forbidden tree. But the serpent came into the garden and tempted the woman. She was seduced, and after being overcome, she went on to tempt her husband to follow her into sin. The man ate of the forbidden fruit, and the rest is history—suffering is now widespread.

The Blame Game After sin came the "blame game." The man and the woman both blamed others for their own actions. The man blamed his wife, the wife blamed the serpent, and God judged them all. From that point on, misery became the norm in our world.

So, why is the world so evil? Why is there such misery in our homes, our workplaces, and our society? Is this suffering merely the result of "other" evil people doing bad things, or do I play a part? The truth is: I do.

How I Contribute to Human Misery I play a part in human misery whenever I allow myself to be overcome by evil individually and then pass that misery onto the life of another. Consider these examples:

1.  Let’s say I had a stressful day at work; customers and co-workers made my day difficult. That is a temptation. If I come home and yell at my wife or speak unkind words to her, she feels hurt. I have just made the world a worse place. I allowed the burden of work to overcome me, and I was too weak to protect my wife from my frustration. Evil spreads when we are too weak to resist it.

2.  If I am a parent who was disrespected or emotionally abused by my own parents, I know how much that hurts. But if I turn around and do the same to my child—yelling at them or abusing them emotionally—I have become a tool in the hands of the enemy to spread more misery. If I am not healed from my own wounds, I will use those wounds to hurt others.

3. Perhaps you were betrayed by someone you loved in the past. If your heart has hardened and you vow to hurt others in return—seducing and abandoning people—you are now an agent of evil. Whether it is a man using women for lust or a woman using men for money, these actions destroy lives and spread the devil's work.

 Evil thrives when I am personally overcome. The devil knows that if he can defeat me, he can use me to lead someone else down with me. If I struggle with lust, anger, or addiction and do not go to God for the strength to overcome it, those very things will be used to bring misery into the lives of others.

There is no neutral ground. I am either a tool in the hand of God for good or a tool in the hand of the devil for evil. To make a positive impact, I must, by the grace of God, overcome the evils in my own heart. A truly strong person is one who allows himself to "suffer" the weight of his own emotions or urges so that others can be safe.

Becoming a Blessing Through Resistance When you resist taking your frustration out on others, you make their lives better. When you break the cycle of how your parents treated you, you protect your children. When you refuse to take advantage of someone else just because you were once taken advantage of, you bring light into the world.

To resist personal evil is an act of love and strength. You are like a person holding back falling debris so that the vulnerable can flee to safety. Evil thrives where weakness exists, but true strength protects.

 We are all responsible for human suffering to some degree. As long as I keep my wounds and brokenness away from God, they can be weaponized against those I love. Eve was seduced and then unknowingly became an instrument for the ruin of her husband. If I allow the devil to tempt me into sin, I become his agent.

The only way to start making the world a better place is to "submit yourself unto God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Let us ask God for the strength to resist the evil within so that we may truly do good for those around us.

A new Constantine: Will Trump become more religious ?

On October 28, 312 AD, the Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. Rome was in the midst of a civil war. Constantine won the battle, starting the path that led him to become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. But something significant happened before the fight: Constantine, a pagan at the time, claimed to have received a vision from God.

On October 27, with the armies preparing for battle, Constantine claimed a vision led him to fight under the protection of the Christian God. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, around noon, Constantine saw a luminous cross in the sky with the Greek inscription, "In this sign, thou shalt conquer." Constantine also claimed a dream in which Christ commanded him to use the sign of the cross against his enemies.

Constantine became the first emperor to convert to Christianity. He ended the policy of persecuting Christians and, in 313 AD, issued the Edict of Milan, proclaiming religious freedom. It sounded like a victory, but this nominal conversion allowed paganism to walk into the church. As noted in The Great Controversy:

"Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ." (GC 49.2)

 This compromise led to the development of the "man of sin"—the papacy of Rome. In 321 AD, Constantine introduced the first civil legislation concerning Sunday, decreeing that all work should cease on that day (except for necessary farming). The emperor brought a Sunday law in opposition to the Bible Sabbath. Eventually, the church became the persecutor of those who opposed its false teachings. This brings us to the present day.

A Modern "Sign to Conquer"? By many definitions, Donald Trump has lived a secular or "pagan" life; his lifestyle has not historically reflected Christian values. However, he has been leading a fierce ideological civil war between the Left and the Right. He has been indicted and convicted, yet he continues to fight. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, he may have found his own "sign to conquer."

During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a twenty-year-old assassin fired at Trump, grazing his right ear. A timely move of his head saved him from certain death. Trump and many evangelicals are calling this a miracle—a sign that he is ordained by the Lord. Trump has promised to give the church more power, and Christian Nationalism is now firmly in his camp.

History Repeats Itself Could this event be the "sign of the cross in the heavens" for Mr. Trump? Could it lead to a nominal conversion where he becomes more religious to unite Church and State? Bible prophecy teaches that in the last days, the United States will transform into a religious tyranny that sets up the "image of the beast," forcing worship just as the papacy did in the past.

While I cannot be certain if Mr. Trump will introduce a Sunday law like Constantine, he does look like a man of destiny fulfilling a mission. It would not be surprising if he continues to promote Christian Nationalism until a Sunday law is established, leading to the persecution of dissidents.

Conclusion We are living in perilous times. The ideological civil war in America is moving toward a final battle. Is it possible the attempted assassination was Trump’s signal to "go and conquer"? Time will tell, but it appears the triumph of apostate Christianity over godless secularism is near. The Sunday law, the Mark of the Beast, and the return of Christ are drawing ever closer. Let us find shelter in Jesus, lest we be found wanting in these final days.

May God help us stay true to Him.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/18/to-his-supporters-trump-is-a-martyred-messiah-resurrected-after-crucifixion

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/18/trump-rally-shooting-religious-right

https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/study-guide/e/4998/t/the-usa-in-bible-prophecy

Freedom is not free

Today is the 4th of July, the day America celebrates its independence from the British Empire. It is a day marking freedom from the oppression of the British Crown—a day of great rejoicing. But friends, this freedom was not simply given; it was not free, because true freedom never is.

 The Founding Fathers of the United States had to fight for American independence. King George III of England would not simply allow the colonies to walk away. He sent soldiers to crush the rebellion, and much blood was shed for the liberty we enjoy today. It was a long and bitter struggle until the Americans prevailed and the British Empire retreated.

Similarly, in the spiritual struggle against sin, the world, and the devil, freedom is not free. The enemy will not allow his captives to walk away freely; he will fight to the bitter end to keep us in the chains of sin. If we want to be truly free, we must be willing to fight. We must be willing to "crucify" the sin in our lives and stand firm in the heat of the battle.

Jesus is our Great Captain. With Him leading the line, victory is guaranteed. However, that guarantee is only for those who actually take to the field of battle and engage the enemy. We must be willing to fight for the long haul and never grow weary in our struggle against sin. If sin defeats us in one skirmish, we must remember that losing a battle is not the end of the war. Let us get back up through the strength of Jesus and fight again today.

 Freedom is not free. But all those who are willing to endure the pain of the struggle—the "wilderness" of withdrawing from the things of this world, the loneliness of walking alone with Christ, and the heavy weight that comes with resisting temptation—will be free at last.

One day, on the Sea of Glass in Heaven, we will sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb—the ultimate song of victory. Let us fight for our spiritual freedom in prayer, always remembering that freedom is never free.

Counterfeit morality: A deeper look, the naked truth

 Recently, I saw an article that discussed the "unwritten laws" of nude beaches—rules intended to regulate behavior in such places. The title was, "Lose your clothes, but not your manners." I found this fascinating because it perfectly reveals the modus operandi of this world. It shows how the enemy ensnares the masses into a sense of self-righteousness while they are actively promoting and participating in evil.

One of the "laws" mentioned was: Don’t look down, and don’t compliment people on their bodies. This would be hilarious if it weren't so wicked.

 A person who frequents such a place and keeps these "laws" will consider himself a moral person. Because he didn't stare or make inappropriate comments, he feels righteous. He might even condemn someone else who fails to follow these rules as a "pervert" or a "wicked person with no self-control."

This is exactly where the world wants to bring us: to a point where we think we are righteous because we keep the "laws of evil" while remaining in complete disobedience to God.

Some might ask, "Are you saying there shouldn't be laws to regulate behavior at a nude beach? How else can we ensure the experience is pleasant for everyone?" This is the trap. The world tries to get us to agree that these regulations make the practice "decent." But as Christians, we should not fall for such counterfeit morality. We prevent evil at a nude beach by not having such a wicked thing in the first place. Public nudity is a sin against the Lord. It isn't just the man who breaks the "beach rules" who is a pervert; the entire environment is based on perversion. We must stand on God’s morality, not man’s imitation of it.

 Our society is full of this counterfeit morality. Take, for example, the "age of consent." God’s standard is clear: intimacy is reserved exclusively for a man and a woman within the covenant of marriage. However, society rejects this. Men say, "We want to have sex without being married, but we need rules to regulate the behavior." So, they set an arbitrary age of consent. In one society it is 18; in others, it is 16, 15, or even younger. If a 21-year-old sleeps with a 17-year-old, society calls him a pervert. But if that same man waits until the girl turns 18, society views him as a law-abiding citizen. God, however, sees both as being in sin. Having an "age of consent" for a sinful act does not make the act right. A man who follows God’s law—refraining from intimacy until marriage—will never have to worry about violating the changing laws of men.

 Society calls abortion "a woman's right to choose," while God calls it murder. Society calls homosexuality an "alternative lifestyle," while God calls it an abomination. Too often, the church follows the culture’s morality instead of the Word of God. When the culture shifts, the church shifts.

Fifty years ago, both the culture and the church condemned homosexuality. Today, the culture celebrates it, and many churches have followed suit. Today, society and the church rightly condemn pedophilia. But as wickedness increases, and as justifications are found to rebrand these actions—perhaps calling them "minor-attracted persons"—the church that follows culture will eventually follow that trend as well.

 Society’s morality changes like the wind. Today they condemn; tomorrow they apologize and exalt. History shows us that ancient cultures, like the Greeks and Canaanites, practiced things that we currently find loathsome. Society is largely under the control of the enemy, and its "morality" is just a series of evil counterfeits.

The Word of God reveals true righteousness. It tells us that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We must not follow the shifting winds of culture. Instead, let us preach the Word—condemning sin while offering mercy to the sinner. In the eyes of society, the fornicator is respected while the pedophile is condemned; in the eyes of God, both are in need of divine grace.

Let us live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. His morality is the only true morality.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3730628/

https://www.cnn.com/travel/nude-beach-etiquette-naturism-rules/index.html

Oppose the promotion of homosexuality

Would you allow a friend to eat poison? Would you support a friend who is drinking down a deadly toxin? Would you justify the drinking of poison within the church, or simply say "live and let live" while someone destroys themselves? Unless you have a cruel heart, you would do no such thing.

Yet, for some reason, many people are cheering as a minority of our human family consumes the spiritual poison of homosexuality. In the eyes of God, homosexuality is not natural; it is described as an abomination and a departure from His design. According to the Word of God, the spiritual consequence of unrepentant sin is death, and the Scriptures teach that those who persist in this lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

 God made the woman for the man and the man for the woman. "Opposites attract," and the physical design of the human body shows that men and women were made for one another. From a biblical perspective, homosexuality is an aberration—a misuse of humanity. It represents a breakdown at some level where the divine distinction between male and female is no longer discerned. Rather than a cause for celebration, this is a condition in need of help and healing.

 The Book of Proverbs says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). A proud person is often blinded to reality and set on a path toward ruin. The fact that our society dedicates the entire month of June to "Pride" suggests a collective loss of spiritual sanity. A society that can no longer see the inherent disorder in same-sex unions is a society that has moved away from its foundation and toward divine judgment.

 If we truly love our neighbors, we must oppose what we believe destroys them. We should never tolerate a path that leads to spiritual ruin; instead, we must seek to rescue those caught in this snare. We must point them toward the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who is able to restore the mind and bring harmony where there was once disorder.

Our opposition should not manifest as hatred or "bashing" those caught in this struggle. Instead, we must preach the Gospel of our Lord, who has delivered us from our own spiritual bondages and corruptions. We must:

1. Show Love: Treat the individual with kindness while warning them of the path they are on.

2. Tell of Power: Share the news that Jesus has the power to save and transform.

3. Counteract Deception: Challenge the arguments of a culture that rebrands sin as a virtue.

Conclusion Homosexuality is a spiritual poison and a breakdown of the original nature God intended for us. However, Jesus is able to heal those who have been affected by the "old serpent" called the Devil. He is able to renew broken minds and provide a new nature. Let us oppose the lifestyle and the pride associated with it by preaching the good news: Jesus is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God is love : seeking the good of others

 God created us for the purpose of love. He did not do this because He needed love—for He is all-sufficient—but for the purpose of sharing His great love with created beings.

What does it mean to love? To love is to give; it is to seek the highest good of another. Many things masquerade as love, but under close scrutiny, they prove to be nothing more than selfishness.

An example of what love is not is having sex with someone to whom you are not married. A man may tell his girlfriend, "I love you and you know I am going to marry you, so it's okay for us to get intimate now." Is this love? No. It is lust—selfishness masquerading as love. Two essential elements are lacking here, and without them, you cannot have true love: Patience and Self-Control. To love someone requires being patient with them and exercising great restraint over oneself.

A lack of love is demonstrated when a couple cannot wait until their wedding night. In this state, they act more like robbers than people who love. If a man truly loves his girlfriend and desires what is best for her, he will wait until she officially becomes his through marriage before God and man.

By being patient, he demonstrates that her long-term well-being is his highest goal. He learns to love her for who she is as a person rather than what she can provide for his urges. Patience shows that you are not looking to accomplish a selfish aim, but that you want to walk with someone step-by-step. A selfish person is always in a rush for the next goal; they have no time to "waste" on the long-term investment required for a soul.

 Having self-control means you have power over yourself. You are not controlled by your impulses; rather, you rule over your nature. A man who loves God and others will restrain himself from doing wrong, even if his nature cries out for it. He protects the dignity of the person he loves.

Often, we rush into physical intimacy because we fear the other person might not stay. In our insecurity, we "rob" them, failing to consider that they may belong to someone else later on. True love trusts and waits.

 God is love, and God is patient with us. He takes His time. He does not rush us into decisions but walks with us step-by-step, ensuring we understand our choices. God also possesses absolute self-control. While His holiness and purity could demand the immediate destruction of the sinner, He restrains His wrath. He shows mercy, giving us time to repent and flee from the "wrath to come."

Even the final destruction of the wicked is an act of love. God does everything to make a soul happy, but the sinner often wants nothing to do with the Source of life. God will not allow the unrepentant to live in eternal misery and rebellion, so He allows them to sleep in death. God always looks at the long-term good.

Are you looking to love like Jesus, or are you selfishly trying to get something out of others? Let us learn to be patient with the faults, mistakes, and growth of those around us. Let us exercise self-control over our words and actions, always asking: "How will what I am doing today affect this person tomorrow? Does my behavior benefit them or harm them?"

God looks out for our best. Let us learn to be like Him.

The United States and the coming mark of the beast

 The "Mark of the Beast" spoken of in Revelation 13 is approaching with great haste. Yet, many remain in darkness regarding what this mark is and how it will be implemented. In this study, we will examine key prophetic truths concerning this solemn subject.

What is a "Beast" in Bible Prophecy? In Bible prophecy, a beast is a symbol of a nation or a kingdom. This is not a foreign concept to us today; if I show you an eagle, you recognize it as the United States. If I show you a bear, you think of Russia. Daniel 7 clearly establishes this principle: a beast represents a kingdom or empire.

In Revelation 13, we see two distinct beasts. Our focus today is on the second beast:

"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." (Revelation 13:11)

 A lamb in the Bible is a symbol of Jesus Christ—the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). Therefore, this nation begins with Christian principles: gentle, freedom-loving, and Christ-like. However, it eventually "speaks like a dragon." The dragon represents Satan (Revelation 12:9) and, historically, the persecuting power of Rome.

This represents a nation that professes to be Christian but whose actions become satanic and deceptive. This nation is the United States of America. While it has "In God We Trust" on its currency, it is a leading exporter of weapons and a primary source of the world’s moral corruption through film and music. Prophecy indicates this nation will eventually introduce a law—a mark—that will persecute all who refuse to bow to its dictates, preventing them from buying or selling.

What is the "Mark" of Authority? The "first beast" mentioned in Revelation 13 is the Roman Catholic Papacy. A "mark" or "seal" is a symbol of authority. To understand the mark of the Papacy, we can look at their own claims:

"Sunday is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and those who observe the day observe a commandment of the Catholic Church." — Priest Brady, March 18, 1903

Question: Which is the Sabbath day? Answer: Saturday is the Sabbath day. Question: Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? Answer: We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. — The Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, p. 50

Sunday sacredness is the "mark" of the Papacy’s authority. God commanded the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath, but the Papacy, in opposition to God, chose to exalt Sunday.

 The Mark of the Beast is not a microchip or a hidden tattoo; it is the enforcement of Sunday worship by law. Bible prophecy predicts that in the near future, movements within the United States will push for a national Sunday rest law. When the church forces the state to legislate a counterfeit sabbath, we will see a return to the religious tyranny of the Middle Ages.

The United States attempted to pass a national Sunday law in 1888 (the Blair Bill), but it failed. However, prophecy assures us it is coming again. This will usher in a "time of trouble such as never was" (Daniel 12:1).

Conclusion The end of time is upon us. Those who refuse to surrender to Jesus and ask for His power to keep all His commandments will eventually be overcome and receive the mark of rebellion.

Let us seek to know Jesus and His Word for ourselves. Let us put aside the traditions of man and obey God’s seventh-day Sabbath. By seeking to obey God in all things, we shall find protection from the Mark of the Beast.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/01/23/rest-day-climate-change-green-sabbath/ 

https://www.nytimes.com/1888/05/22/archives/to-stop-work-on-sunday-senator-blair-wants-the-lords-day-strictly.html

A beautiful woman ( wife )

 

What Makes a Woman Truly Beautiful?

What makes a woman beautiful? Is it her face, her hair, or her figure? Modern magazines have many metrics for judging beauty, using specific measurements and standards for height and silhouette. Pageants present us with a "most beautiful woman in the world," leading many men to wish they could have her and many women to wish they could be her. Yet, when you look closely, you often find that these same women struggle to maintain a marriage or keep a man.

 Why can’t a "beautiful" woman keep a man? While her appearance might attract many, her inward character—arrogance, shallowness, or a nagging spirit—eventually repulses even the most superficial of men. Many beautiful women mistakenly believe that physical looks alone are enough to sustain a relationship. They confuse the attention born of lust with genuine love, only to be left broken by a revolving door of men in their lives.

Physical beauty is not a sufficient reason to marry. Many men have ruined their lives and invited lifelong misery by pursuing a woman simply for her looks. A woman accustomed to constant praise for her appearance may, unless she is in submission to God, develop a spirit of entitlement. In marriage, this arrogance rears its head, and a man may realize the "physically beautiful" woman he married has a rebellious spirit. We must remember that even the devil is described as a beautiful being.

 The devil was an outwardly beautiful being, but his beauty caused him to become proud and entitled. He refused to submit to the Lord's authority, developed a spirit of independence, and challenged God until the relationship was broken and he was cast out. Similarly, a woman who constantly challenges her husband, refuses to submit, and possesses a nagging spirit can cause a man misery worse than physical pain.

While a physically attractive woman is lovely to behold, do not let her beauty blind you to her character. Physical beauty fades with age, but character is long-lasting. Be wary of choosing a spouse who is rebellious or refuses to be advised. These traits only magnify in marriage; without prayer, a man may grow bitter and come to hate his own home.

 A truly beautiful woman is humble and submissive to her husband. She understands that if her husband loves her and demonstrates that love by providing for and protecting her, she can safely submit to his God-appointed leadership. There is a great difference between telling a husband what to do and offering wise advice. As the Scripture says, "The husband is the head of the wife" (Ephesians 5:23).

A beautiful woman seeks to honor her husband and promote his glory. She asks, "How can I make my husband’s life better? How can I make this home a piece of heaven on earth?" She is a wise woman who listens to understand rather than just to respond. She makes decisions with her husband, rather than acting independently and then informing him later, as Eve did in the garden.

A submissive woman is a truly strong woman. She is strong enough to subdue the spirit of revolt in her own heart to obey God’s will. By honoring her husband’s leadership, she demonstrates her love for him. Even when she disagrees, she finds the best way to bring up the issue, using sweet and tender words. She is not ruled by her emotions; rather, she is strong enough through the grace of God to rule over them. Such a woman is a gem—a precious ruby.

A beautiful woman submits to God first. She makes the Lord her "first husband," submitting her desires to Him and choosing a mate based on His standards. She says, "I will submit to my husband because he is a gift from God, and I want to love him as Jesus loves me."

 A beautiful woman is not an empty shell. She is filled with the love of God and fills her husband’s life with that overflow. She has no problem with leadership because she has already submitted to the King of Kings. In a world of "fake everything," a godly, humble, and submissive character is something that cannot be faked. It is a sight to behold.

Pray to God for such a woman.

A love affair with the Devil ❤😈. Do you love the Devil ?

"Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." — John 14:30

Jesus called Satan the "prince of this world," yet He declared that the Devil had "nothing" in Him. In other words, there was nothing in Jesus’ life that Satan could claim as his own. Because Jesus was free of sin, He was free from the Devil's control and his kingdom. You and I cannot naturally make such a statement, for we were born in sin—born as captives and slaves to Satan’s domain.

Sin belongs to Satan. It is his product, his art, and his merchandise. Whoever harbors sin belongs to his kingdom. Since all of us have sinned, we all at one point belonged to the kingdom of darkness. But the question today is not whether you once belonged there; it is this: Are you currently having a love affair with the Devil?

You might ask, "Ric, how can you ask that? I’m not a devil worshipper; I don't practice voodoo or witchcraft. How could I love the most wicked being in the universe? I love Jesus!" But is that true?

 Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24). You may go to church, pray, and preach, but those activities alone do not prove who you love. What determines your love is what you allow into your heart and how you live. If you strive for holiness, you love God. If you live in a lifestyle of sin, you love the author of sin.

Jesus made it simple: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). If I love Jesus, I will daily ask Him for the power to do what is right. Conversely, the Devil says, "If you love me, break God’s commandments." You are defined by the one you obey. To love Christ requires us to constantly sacrifice the things in our hearts that belong to the enemy.

We all struggle with indwelling sin—evil tendencies like anger, gossip, lust, drunkenness, pride, or lying. These are "parts" of Satan that remain in our hearts because we were once in love with him. When you love someone, they become a part of you.

The Devil is a lover who never wants to quit. Once he has had you, he wants you forever and will use every trick to lure you back into that affair. The key is to resist him through the power of God.

 Let’s make this practical. God says, "If you love Me, keep intimacy within marriage." The Devil says, "If you love me, break God’s law and have sex with whomever you want—your boyfriend, your girlfriend, or the same sex."

If I claim to be a Christian but choose to have sex with my girlfriend outside of marriage, am I obeying God or Satan? My actions reveal the truth. By choosing sin, I show that Satan is still my master. The way you think and live reveals who you truly love.

 Loving God requires sacrifice. We must "kill" whatever Satan has planted in our lives, and that is often a painful process. Whether it is worldly music, substance abuse, pride, or sexual sin, we must ask God daily to put these things to death.

To love God is to stay in constant conversation with Him through prayer. This gives us the power to resist the Devil’s seductions. It requires us to turn our backs on Satan’s "sin products" and turn toward the righteousness of Christ.

Conclusion Many claim to love Jesus while remaining in a secret love affair with Satan. Those who cling to sin, make excuses for it, or call it a "light mistake" are submitting to the enemy like a wife to a husband. To love sin is to love Satan, and that path leads to eternal ruin.

Let us break this affair today. Ask the Lord to remove everything in your life that belongs to the enemy, so that eventually, when the prince of this world comes, he will "find nothing in us."

The difficulties of love

 Love is a beautiful thing. It makes life worth living. Love is the greatest force in the universe because God is love. We all want to be loved, and most of us long for someone to love in return. We sing about it, write about it, and watch movies about it; yet, genuine love is perhaps the most difficult thing to find on this earth. It is often easier to find diamonds and gold, or even the lost city of Atlantis, than to find true, selfless love. Because of this, many have simply given up, viewing love as a fable for the unwise.

Why is Love So Hard to Find? The simplest answer is that we are imperfect. To be imperfect means we are "broken," unable to fully perform the function for which we were created.

Imagine you meet the "love of your life." She is beautiful to behold, and you think, "I have finally found her." You scoff at friends who speak negatively about marriage, convinced they just haven't found "the right one." You and your lover build a relationship; you are inseparable, constantly talking on the phone, and life feels incomplete without her. You marry quickly, convinced your feelings will last forever.

Then, six months into the marriage, things change. You ask, "Babe, can you put some food on the table?" and she snaps back, "You have hands; get it yourself." The man who used to open every door now tells you to get it yourself. The man who once gave constant compliments now asks why you’ve gained weight.

 The things you once adored now irritate you. You wonder, "Why did I get married?" But you haven't made a mistake. What is actually happening is that true love is beginning to approach your heart. How you respond to this friction will determine if you ever experience genuine love.

It is easy to love people from afar, but difficult to love them when they are near. It is easy to love a woman when her makeup is on, but what about when it comes off? It is easy to love the "sweet" sister at church or the passionate preacher until you get close enough to see their arrogance, their stubbornness, or their lack of time for you. As we draw near to others, our "masks" are removed, and the ugliness of our souls is revealed.

Love is Not for the Weak True love is an action, not just an emotion. It requires divine strength. When someone lies to you, betrays you, or acts with entitlement, it slowly destroys the natural affection in your heart. A rebellious, unsubmissive wife can make a husband bitter; a reckless, unloving husband can destroy his wife’s spirit.

At this moment of realization—when you see the ugliness in your spouse and the coldness in your own heart—you are finally ready to learn how to love. Love requires saying: "Today, I choose to love my spouse despite her flaws. Today, I choose to love my child despite their rebellion."

 To love is to forgive the unforgivable, to be patient with the ridiculous, and to reach out to the unreachable. It requires being wounded and yet remaining a healer. We must constantly rely on God for a tender heart so that we do not become cold-hearted after being disrespected or disappointed.

We find it hard to love a perfect God; how much harder is it to love sinful human beings? The path is difficult, but it is the greatest joy in life. To reach it, you must cross:

• The River of Patience

• The Mountain of Forgiveness

• The Dense Forest of Past Wrongs

• The Avenue of Kind Responses to Harsh Words

Only those who abide in Christ will experience the joy of watching an imperfect person grow because you poured disinterested love into them. Love awakens the soul. You can love your spouse despite the "ugliness" and cherish others despite their unreliability, for you can "do all things through Christ who strengthens you" (Philippians 4:13).

Believe in God, and He will soften your heart. Love is possible because God is love.

How the system enslaves you ⛓

 America is a capitalist society—a society that often places materialism above human welfare. It teaches us that money is the key to freedom and happiness, urging us to "live the American Dream" and "keep up with the Joneses." Capitalism promises liberty, but it often delivers a different kind of slavery, because material things can never truly satisfy the human soul.

 Capitalism can become a form of bondage used to ensnare the masses. In this system, the worker is promised liberty if he only works hard enough to make a lot of money. However, the harder you work and the more you are promoted, the heavier the workload becomes. You find yourself with less time for God, your family, and yourself, while the system generates more profit at your expense. Your boss becomes richer while your mental and physical health declines.

The system enslaves you by turning you into a perpetual consumer. As soon as you receive your paycheck, you run to buy a new car, the latest iPhone, or a flat-screen TV. You move into a bigger house, and before you know it, your income cannot sustain your lifestyle. Suddenly, you need credit cards just to make ends meet and a second job just to stay afloat. In chasing the latest "shiny object," you have sold yourself into financial slavery.

The modern workplace can feel like a refined version of "chattel slavery." Employers often pay just enough for survival, but never enough for true financial independence. While the cost of food, gas, and housing increases, wages often remain stagnant. While a corporation makes millions in profit, they may offer a fifty-cent raise while you are left stressed, working overtime, and neglecting your family just to "support" them.

The system is designed to keep you dependent. In the past, historical forms of slavery often involved a "guarantee" of food and shelter; today, if you lose your job, you face the immediate threat of hunger and homelessness. Fear keeps you working a job you hate, with your wages acting as the whip that keeps you in line.

So, what is the way to freedom? It begins by refusing to give money the value the system demands. You must understand that money is merely a means of exchange—it is not what gives your life value. You need money for certain necessities, but it is not the reason to live.

How to become free:

• Financial Discipline: Do not live above your means. Avoid buying things you do not need simply to impress others.

• Resist Consumerism: Do not increase your expenses just because you received a raise. Avoid spending money you do not have.

• Financial Literacy: Save for a "rainy day" and learn how to invest wisely. Research different financial options and be a good steward of your resources.

• Faith Over Finance: Pay your tithes and offerings, trusting that God will bless your faithfulness.

Conclusion Finally, you become free from the system by putting your trust in God rather than in the economy. Know that it is God who truly provides for you. Even if you were to lose your job, you do not need to worry, for your loving Father will always take care of you. Be free from modern wage slavery, put your trust in God, and be a wise financial steward.

Life's biggest treasure

If I were to ask you what the greatest treasure in life is, what would you say? Would you say diamonds, gold, or money? A piece of land or a prestigious job?

It is an irony of this life that we often spend the most on things that are least important, while the things that are truly vital are free of charge. The greatest treasure in this life is a gift: The treasure of relationships.

 Relationships are the most important part of life because people are the most valuable entities in this world. However, modern society has deceived us into valuing things more than people, and as a result, we have become miserable wrecks. Some are so busy chasing money that all their relationships collapse. They work so many hours that they have no time for anyone else.

But consider this: the job you are killing yourself for would fire you in a heartbeat if you no longer fit their needs. That same company would let you go instantly if you faced a serious illness. Many of us have our priorities upside down. While work is important and has its place, it is not the goal of life. To make labor your ultimate goal is to become a slave to inanimate objects.

 The primary goal of life is to develop a relationship with your Creator. It is only through an intimate and true connection with God that life becomes meaningful and we understand our purpose. Without God, life becomes a heavy burden—a mere struggle for survival or a hollow quest for supremacy. If you want the biggest treasure in life, start by developing a relationship with the Lord.

 The second most important treasure is each other. Diamonds and gold have a fixed price in currency, but what is the price of a human life? The price of a human life was the blood of the Son of God!

A human life is infinitely precious, and building relationships with others is an infinitely valuable investment. I once heard a saying: "When you die, people cry and wish you could come back to life; but while you were alive, they ignored you." Too many of us live this way. In our pursuit of selfish success, we ignore the true definition of success: having healthy, loving relationships.

True success is not found in a bank account. It is:

• Having a relationship with the God who sustains all things.

• Coming home to a loving spouse.

• Building a bond with your family and having friends you can rely on.

• Seeing your colleagues as people to invest in rather than just tools for production.

• Learning to love and to be loved.

 Many people have plenty of money but are profoundly lonely. What is the use of wealth if there is no one to enjoy it with, no one to help, and no one to trust? You can keep the money; give me God. Give me someone to love and someone who will love me in return.

When you are sick in a hospital bed, your money won't be there to comfort you—only those you have loved will be by your side. In heaven, money will have no use, but our relationships will remain.

Conclusion Never put lifeless, man-made things above people. Invest in your relationship with God and with each other, and you will be a truly rich person. You can buy many luxuries, but you cannot buy Heaven or Love. Love is the reward of investing in people. Do not let your job steal the time that belongs to your family. Your family is priceless.