GIVING UP OUR RIGHT TO BE RIGHT!

Sensible people control their temper, they earn
respect by overlooking wrongs. (Prov. 19:11 NLT)

There is an African proverb that goes something like this..When elephants fight, it's the grass that gets hurt!

True Dat, my friends~

I'm so over, all the mess that's going on in this world, locally and globally.  So much so that when we began this year's Lenten season, I didn't have to think too long about what I would give up as my spiritual offering!  Yes, the fried foods and sweets would be a part of it but I needed somehow to make a Statement of Peace. 

Of course, the politicians in Washington wouldn't hear it. Violators in the streets wouldn't hear it.  Certainly, Vladimir Putin in Russia won't care, but it would resound loudly in my own personal life and especially my home!  This year I gave up my right to be right! (It hasn't been easy.)

A 40-Day Fast In Humility

Admittedly, I've been known on occasion to go into my Right Fighting bag on issues I'm passionate about.  Those standards and principles I believe have shaped and formed my experiences and character. Heck! for most of them I could even find biblical proof to justify my right to fight! 

Right Fighter: A person who places a
higher value on being right than anything else.
Must have the last word and becomes emotional 
when people do not agree with them.

But through prayer and self reflection (the purpose of Lent) God gave me insight into what is worth fighting for and what's not!  I was becoming a Right Fighter, dangerously on the edge of alienating some very important people in my life.   Besides that, I wasn't fighting wisely or biblically! [Click here] Biblical Wisdom

What Jesus Taught Me

As we all should, I started my new learning curve, in God's Word.  Remember the expression from years back, WWJD (What would Jesus do?). In this case it's what He already DID! During His 40 days in the wilderness, He had multiple occasions to assert His rights and prove His divinity. But He took another approach.  He got the Last Word, without having to fight for it!    [Click here] Jesus in the Wilderness  

Jesus' Wilderness Experience solidified three important lessons for me: 

💜When we insist on being right we miss a lot! (We learn nothing new!)

The Enemy is shrewd in his attacks and is a master of distraction. While we're busy loading verbal ammo to shoot down our opponent, he's filling our minds with prideful thoughts. We're going for the temporary win, while his sights are set on the long game, crippling your soul!

💜When we insist on being right, time and energy is wasted!

If you know that you're right, that should be enough! The Lord does not ask us to prove ourselves to anyone but Himself.  When we study His Word, it's not to prove that we are great scholars, but to be approved by its Author. [Click Here] 2 Timothy 2:15 

When the Holy Spirit changes us from our sinful past, we don't have to prove we have been changed to nay sayers,  just go ahead and do the will of the Lord in spite of them.  [Click Here] Romans 12:2

💜When we insist on being right, it doesn't mean that it will lead to a positive change in the other person!

Trying to change the mind of someone who is as adamant about what they believe as you are is useless! For all that the Devil tried to tempt Jesus with and was proven to be outwitted and outmatched, he was still the Devil when he left Him in the wilderness. Only God can change a heart, and He will only change a mind if that person is willing! [Click Here] Luke 13:34

The Power of Saying....OKAY!

Jesus tests involved the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life.  My 40-Day Fast is about half-way complete and I am dealing with the same.  While under attack of the Enemy (and I've had a couple of real bouts!), it would have been so easy to get into my flesh, especially when the attack seemed unprovoked and the other person clearly in the wrong! The Right Fighter in me, was telling me to Go For It! Defend your rights! But the Holy Spirit, said, Just Say Okay and move on!  

When I Said "Okay" This is What Happened!

1.  Tempers cooled down!  Sometimes your opponent just wants to know they are heard. Proverbs 15:1 says that a soft answer turns away wrath; but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Frankly, I had tried this before and it didn't work, but now that I had a different perspective, I got a different result!

2.  "I" became less defensive! You'd be surprised what one step back and a few deep breaths will do.  In a physical battle, it is unwise to lay down your weapons, but in a spiritual battle, it's the wisest thing you can do! [Click here] 2 Corinthians 10:4 We don't have to be on the defensive because the battle is not ours but the Lord's. Give it to Him knowing that your pride is the only thing that will keep you from doing it!

3.  I was more concerned about my witness than what others thought of me.  Backing down isn't easy for a Right Fighter!  After all we've been trained to be one all our lives.  In school we competed to give the right answers.  In sports never give the ball to an opponent  and say, Okay, have it your way! It's just not heard of! But sometimes saying OKAY is exactly what is needed.

Being right at all costs, I've learned is too high a cost to pay if you end up miserable, bitter and alone.  It's too costly, if it stresses you to the point that you need medication or therapy to deal with the anxiety and pain.  If saying OKAY saves your sanity and a healthy relationship what so hard about it…

Sometimes Being a Right Fighter
Serves No One But Yourself!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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WE’RE ALL IN RECOVERY…From Something!!!

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For all have sinned and fall short of the 
glory of God. (Rom. 3:23 KJV) 

 For most of my life, I've skirted around any dealings I might have with an addict.  Even if they happened to be in my own family!  I loved them dearly when they were sober but distanced myself when they overindulged.

This was partly because of their obnoxious behavior.  As I matured a bit, it was because of my disdain for them and my arrogance.  After all, how weak or dense must you be NOT to know when to stop using?!

It wasn't until I began to understand the physiological and spiritual complexities of addiction that I really gained empathy for a drunk or a druggie (derogatory terms I've tried never to use again.)

My education started when I attended a Christmas program at my church. It was called, Don’t Handicap Your Holidays With A Hangover! It was presented by the drug and alcohol ministry.  I went to support spiritual sisters who were recovering addicts or were married to one. (We have a ministry for the latter as well).  I had worshipped and served with these ladies in other ministries and we had grown quite close.

Over the years I’d heard their testimony regarding the challenges of maintaining sobriety but like many in my congregation, declined invitations to learn more.  Until, as they say in A.A. (Alchoholics Anonymous), I made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.  Had I become so righteous that I could serve alongside of my sisters, even teach them the Word of God and not learn more about what they were going through? 

Recovery's Language Translated

 It was only as I began to learn the meaning behind terms I'd heard but discarded  (I thought they didn't pertain to me), that I became enlightened!  I was no longer an outsider in these workshops! I was in CHURCH!  All this felt familiar! Below is a brief description of some A. A. terminology and how they correspond to our Biblical mandate for Christian living: 

• Big Book (A.A.) 400 pages of principles and prayers adaptable for life altering changes. 
• Bible - 66 books of principles, prayers, and illustrations for living a Christian life.

• Denial (A.A.) - A refusal to admit the truth or reality of the condition.
• Scripture: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8)

• Detox (A.A.) -treatment for getting over the physical effects of substance abuse
• Scripture: Repent, then and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19)

• Fellowship (A.A.) - Being with others who care and hold you accountable while you go through recovery.
• Church - A body of believers unified in love and spirit with shared values. who study, serve and practice with you the spiritual victorious life in Christ.

• Program (A.A.) - The Big Book's system of recovery - The Twelve Steps of Recovery
• Scripture: All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

• Terminally Unique (A.A.) - An addict's idea that they're exempt from the authority and counsel of the program.
• Scripture: No one is righteous no not one! (Rom. 3:10); Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. (Psalm 119:67).

Recovery's Steps Simplified

👣   ADMIT you are a sinner and powerless to keep yourself from sin on a permanent basis.  It is every Christian's desire to be free from the power of sin in their lives but living in this fallen world we need a consistent cleansing.

  [click here] To be Cleansed

👣  SEARCH your heart daily for areas of anger, bitterness, idolatry, or an unforgiving spirit. We often fool ourselves in thinking we're okay because we've learned to check our emotions and we do good things. But is this enough?

[click here]  For Spiritual Check ups

👣 ASK for help openly and humbly, confessing every wrong to Almighty God who is willing and able to forgive you and love you unconditionally.  

[click here]  Forgiveness of Every Sin

👣 PRAY daily for yourself and others! The journey is not over just because you dodged the Enemy's attack this time.  Prayer and meditation on scripture will keep your mind and strengthen your heart as you prepare the next battle!

[click here] To Dress For Battle

Recovery's Road Map to Victory
G.O.D.

In the world of Alcholics Anonymous the acronym G.O.D. means Good Orderly Direction. It is a concept used to help addicts embrace spirituality as a means to overcome substance abuse.  It is a spiritual friendly way to engage agnostics or atheists who are in recovery. Sometimes the phrase Higher Power or a power higher than yourself is used. In their search for relief, addicts may have sought all types of religious experiences. Somewhere perhaps they may have been offended by those who call themselves Christian, so I can understand the thought behind it.   

But in the world of the Christian, GOD is EVERYTHING!  God is sufficient to meet every need we could ever have. We don't have to look any further than the cross to know that He is the ultimate OVERCOMER of every sin and disease.  He is not just the GOD of our UNDERSTANDING, He is God whether we understand or not!  He doesn't just offer a solution for our sinful behavior, HE IS THE SOLUTION! 

My Christian friends in recovery always makes the distinction between G.O.D. and HOLY GOD!  They will sometime talk about the BIG BOOK, but will always tell you about God's Book!   What they have taught me is that I'm no better than they.  I, too am seeking a way to STAY CLEAN!  When I RELAPSE into sinful behavior, I go into RECOVERY--I fall on my knees PRAY and ask for FORGIVENESS and then I get up and try ALL OVER AGAIN!

HI, MY NAME IS CAROLYN AND I AM A SINNER IN RECOVERY!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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GOD USES BROKEN THINGS

 

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What do people do with broken things?  Throw them away!  Set aside to fix one day! Or find another purpose for it!

Do you ever feel like that? Thrown away, tossed aside and just waiting for somebody to fix what's broken inside you?  If so, I know Someone Who can!

The three pictures shown below represent three women in the bible that Jesus Repaired, Renewed, or Repurposed for His glory.  He can do the same for you...if you let Him!

REPAIRED

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💔 The Bleeding Woman  Luke 8:43-50  [click to read scripture]
Commonly known as the Woman with the issue of blood, this sister roamed the countryside for 12 years looking for a fix no soothsayer, prophet or seer could give.  She spent all her money, endured incredible shame and frustration until one day she met Jesus, the One who answered all her prayers.

A woman during her time of mentruation was considered unclean in this culture!  We do not know how old she was or her ethnicity but if she was a Hebrew she was a walking pariah.  She could not participate in religious services. Anything she touched or sat on was defiled. She was not permitted to do certain  house chores especially ones in the kitchen.  If she was a young woman, no man would marry her.  If she was married her husband wouldn't have sex with her.  And you can imagine the dirty looks she got when passing other women on the street!

Some women today might relate to this bleeding woman. They may have trouble getting pregnant because of endometriosis or some other medical condition.  Lupus or MS is robbing her of the energy and funds she needs to do all her heart desires. Maybe it's not a physical impairment but something just as personal and debilitating.  A past reputation that just won't die.  Painful relationships that hinder her confidence and causes her to self sabotage new ones!  Don't lose hope dear friend!  God STILL has a plan for your life!

Read the scripture.  Christ answered the silent cries of this woman.  His compassion for her brokenness surpassed the pain she  endured. He can do the same for you! You're already as low as you can get, so why not muster enough strength to touch the hem of His garment.  Be filled with His miraculous power!  Receive even as this bleeding woman did these words:

"Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well.  "Go in peace."

RENEWED

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💔 The Anointing Sinner  Luke 7:36-50  [click to read scripture]

The gospel of Luke gives us one of three references for unnamed women who anointed Jesus. This scenario takes place at the home of Simon the Pharisee. Only God could have given this woman the courage to disrupt a gathering of men in the home of someone who despised her!  But it is this kind of boldness God honors because it brings Him glory!  What her particular sin was we're not told.  It  didn't matter to Christ.  But to Simon the Pharisee it was highly offensive. 

Again consider the status of women at this time.  Second class citizens who were  denied formal religious education. Silenced in public by men unless addressed. Her word meant nothing, not even as a witness to a crime.  Simon a member of the religious upper echelon would not have allowed her   entrance let alone access to a guest!  But this anointing (more like anointed) sinner set aside her shame.  Her love and appreciation was all that mattered. She did not care what her devotion to Christ would cost her!

It is estimated  that the value of the alabaster jar of perfume she used would be upward of $5,000 but the cost was nothing compared to the forgiveness she received.  The sacrifice this anointed sinner made lets me know that she embraced the meaning of Romans 12:1-2, years before it was written.  She offered her body (possibly to be beaten) and her savings as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God.  She wasn't concerned with cultural norms (conformities) but was transformed and renewed in her mind proving that God's will was more important than her pride. His will is that all mankind be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)  The truth of who you are in Christ!

REPURPOSED

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💔 The Possessed Woman Luke 8:1-3  [click to read scripture]

I always look for an opportunity to set the record straight about Mary Magdalene. Many Christian books and articles say that she was a prostitute but this is not biblically correct.  She was a woman who was demon possessed! Jesus delivered her from seven demons as a matter of fact. However, this did not keep her from becoming one of His most faithful disciples.  She was not one of The Twelve, but she was present during pivotal times in Jesus' ministry.   Along with other women she supported Christ's ministry financially and was the first witness at His resurrection.  

Mary's life must have been horrific as she fought the effects of demon possession. No doubt it affected her mentally and physically.  This is not unlike conditions that manifest in similar ways today.  Those who suffer are not called demon possessed, but feel just as miserable.  They too feel marginalized from society and often take medications with unpleasant side effects to help them get through the day.  Can God use them in His Kingdom? Most certainly!

Elijah, the prophet suffered from depression, Jonah had anger problems. Samson exhibited chronic behavior disorders and Isaac may have had some intellectual weaknesses. Jacob had a bad hip and was crippled! 

Here's the Bottom line: Man's Inability is no match for God's Capabilities.  He takes the old and makes new again! 

 Therefore,  if anyone is in Christ He is a new creation. The old has passed away;

 behold the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"Brokenness is God's Requirement

for Maximum Usefulness!"

-DR. CHARLES STANLEY

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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Some Problems You Just Have To GROW Into!!

 

Remember when you were a child and your parents bought you clothes that were two sizes too big! No matter how much you complained: They don't fit right! They make me look goofy!  I feel stupid!  Their response was always the same - Quit your whining... YOU'LL GROW INTO THEM!

I've found in many cases, this is a good way to look at our trials.  We can't do much about them so we might as well learn how to grow into them...Spiritually that is!

James 1:2-4 says this: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The words perfect and complete in this scripture means to be entirely whole with no part wanting or unsound. A body without blemish or defect.  In other words to be spiritually mature!  

Here lies the problem for most of us.  Trials overwhelm us. They feel a lot like walking around in clothes that are too big.  Indeed they ARE!  But like Jesus' own disciples we have to learn to grow in our faith.  Pain, disappointments, and confusion are natural occurrences in a Believer's life.  Don't believe me?  Here are some examples from the New Testament:

WORRY AND STRESS

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Mary and Martha are two sisters familiar to bible readers.  They loved Jesus but had no problem being emotionally vulnerable in front of Him.  Unlike some Christians  they didn't hide their spiritual weaknesses with fake smiles and religious platitudes.  What they felt, they felt deeply and expressed it openly to the Lord.  

In Luke 10 Jesus and His twelve disciples made an unexpected visit to their home around meal time. The customary preparations could have been easily handled by two skilled women, but Martha found herself shouldering most of the responsibility.  Sister Mary was sitting at the Master's feet enjoying the stimulating conversation.  When Martha complained to Jesus, His words echoed across the ages to the ears of today's  squabbling siblings.  Stop Your Whining! (my translation). 

 [click here to read His actual words] Luke 10:41

PERSONAL TRAUMA

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One would be hard pressed to find another person in the bible who went through as much trauma as the Apostle Paul.  From the moment of his spiritual conversion physical ailments ravaged his bodies.  After he was healed from blindness, a suffering of another kind set in.  He was shunned by other Christians. (Acts 9:26-28)  Talk about Church Hurt! When the Spirit led him on three missionary journeys it only got worse.  He describes his ordeals in 2 Corinthians 11:21-28  [click here] Paul's Sufferings

In spite of it all, Paul finished the work God gave him. His problems didn't make him bitter but better!  In the next chapter we find a spiritually mature Paul making this powerful statement regarding what is called his Thorn in the Flesh: Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) 

EMOTIONAL INSECURITY

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Inside our minds and hearts is a person most people would never meet unless forced by external circumstances.  Fear, pride, and self consciousness lurks there. But this is where the Spirit of the Lord does His greatest work.  Most of us can identify with the disciples in Mark 4:38-40.   Raging winds in storms can easily bring panic and thoughts of pending devastation.  With Jesus by our side, we feel emboldened and believe we can conquer anything.  But sense His absence for even a moment and we become like an infant craving His protection.  

The words Jesus spoke to the wind could also be spoken to His disciples in every age.  [click here] Jesus Calms the Storm  In another translation verse 39 reads like this: "Quiet! Be still!   As a loving parent, Jesus whispers those words to each of us when we start to fret about our problems! 

It is easy to whine and complain about difficulties, but it's a lot easier to just lean on Jesus and ask Him to grow us up in the midst of them. (I Peter 5:7)  But don't worry! We'll get there!  Just like those shoes and coats your Mama forced you to wear.  One day, they'll fit JUST RIGHT!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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DELIVER US FROM EVIL...

 

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"There is no future for a people who deny their past!"

               Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

It's no secret that carnal man has an unpleasant relationship with the truth.  There's something innate that causes him to suppress what is valid and could not be dismissed if only faced with the clear eyes of righteousness.  Yet time and time again, when given a choice, the choice made is to deny!

Not long ago a Denialist (One who denies the existence, truth, or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence) limited himself to select doctrines or dogma.  It seemed to lean frequently toward the religious, but now extends over many disciplines, i.e. media, science, education, etc.  That's what I believe we're seeing today!

I'd just begun to wrap my head around the notion of C.R.T. (Critical Race Theory) being harmful to children if taught in schools, when another controversy arose over whether the Holocaust should be presented in a less violent way.  

Tell me how you do that? 

During WWII six million Jews (men, women and children) were murdered, starved, gassed, and the gold  taken out of their teeth to fill Hitler's treasury! 

And don't get me started on America's historic legacy of violence and injustice.  We've always been a bloody nation! Indeed, much of America's wealth was built on the backs of Black Slavery and the poor in our society.  It's not anything to be proud of, for sure, but it shouldn't be denied. 

As to Blacks, this term  - The Peculiar Institution should give you pause.  It is a euphemism illustrating a well-defined organization of cheap human labor and its economic benefits.  This alone belies the claim of those who say racism and injustice in the U.S. is NOT systemic.  Clearly some folks don't know their own history.

According to historian, Henry Louis Gates, during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade (16th-19th century)  12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. 10.7 million survived the Middle Passage disembarking in North America, the Caribbean and South America.  In America, upon emancipation, approximately 3.9 million people became legally free.  Legislation had to put in place to assure they were not forced back into servitude after the devastation caused by the Civil War!

 Deniers DO NOT want this taught in our schools!

Like so much of the world's evil crimes against humanity, some would rather deny it  than deal with this ugly and uncomfortable truth: There is no one righteous--not even one! (Romans 3:10) The carnal, corrupt, and selfish man that we are is quick to cry out to God in prayer: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil... (Matthew 6:13)  BUT WHAT IF THE EVIL IS YOU!?

We would ALL love to protect our children from Evil!  But it's TOO LATE! They have SEEN  too much, HEARD too much! This is the double-edged sword of modern technology, telephones, television, and social media  The damage has already been done! 

WHAT WE CAN DO IS TEACH THEM TRUTH AND RESPONSIBILITY! The two are not mutually exclusive!  They CAN STILL exist at the same time if we do what is GOOD, JUST, AND RIGHT:  He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Taking responsibility does not make you any less of an American or a Patriot! It doesn't mean that acknowledging our nation's sinful past should cripple or paralyze you with false guilt! But neither should it blind you to truth! The evil that is before us cannot stand if we simply take heed to what Scripture has been telling us all along:

WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE!

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person [Adam] did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death. Another person [Jesus] did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, He got us into life!  (Romans 5:19 Message Bible) [My emphasis in brackets] 

NO MAN IS BETTER THAN ANOTHER!

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are.  Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3 NLT)

GOD IS JUST AND WE ALL WILL PAY!

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14) But woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. (Luke 11:42)

CANCEL CULTURE DOES NOT APPLY HERE!  We can no longer allow what is embarrassing, distasteful, or politically inconvenient to prevent us from mobilizing, unifying and hopefully garnering strength to salvage the threads of hope still remaining in the hearts of generations coming behind us!

 IGNORANCE MY DEAR FRIENDS IS NO  LONGER BLISS!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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The ULTIMATE Tell-All Book!

 

As a voracious reader, it blows my mind the number of books published each year.  One source, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) cited 2.2 million new titles worldwide.  And that's old data!

Among the most popular it seems are those scandalous Tell-All books.  Say what you want about the political upheaval we've been experiencing in the U.S., it's certainly been good for the book publishing industry and their authors. 

 Seems like a new one is coming out every month.  Everyone wants to know the inside scoop behind all those media headlines.  The juicier the better!  What's a Tell-All book?   Well,  obviously the term speaks for itself but just to make it official here's one definition.

Tell-All: A biography or memoir that reveals intimate details about its subject.   [Oxford Dictionary]

I'm no Book Influencer like Oprah (I once heard that a title added to her Book Club list makes copies fly off the store shelf.  It's called The Oprah Effect!) but here's a Tell-All book you've just got to try.....THE BIBLE!  

I had to re-check my sources but the following is STILL TRUE:

"The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, having sold around 5 billion copies to date...is also the most translated book in human history."  [alltopeverything.com]

Yes, Indeed!  It comes in hardback, paperback, kindle, audible, braille, and just about any format you can think of and you know what?  IT'S 100% TRUE!  No need for FACT CHECKING, just read and enjoy!  Uh huh!  I knew it!  You just had a flash back to Sis. So and So's Sunday school class back in the day! 

Bible reading as you recall back then was s-o-o-o-o boring! All those  thee's, thou's and whithersoevers made it hard to understand and relate to what was going on! NOT ANY MORE! You can find God's Word in a translation and at a reading level to fit your personal style.  As for the YAWN FACTOR, if you want a TELL-ALL, the Bible is the best one on the market! 

Sex, crime, greed, and complicated family relationships run from the Old to the New Testament. Everything from serial killers to political empire take-downs.  Just to whet your appetite, start with the life of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37-50).  King David's tumultuous reign (I and II Samuel).  The escapades of evil Queen Jezebel (I and II Kings) and the heroic battles of Joshua (Book of Joshua ).

But more than its historical and literary value and all those titillating back stories of the lives of others, there is a SPIRITUAL value that outweighs them all.  This great TELL-ALL book tells US ABOUT OURSELVES! 

📖  It is a MIRROR of our hearts: James 1:23 -25 (click here). 

📖  It is a GPS for our souls: Psalm 119:105 (click here)

📖   It is THERAPY for our minds: Philippians 4:8 (click here)

 And, if this is not enough, think of how COST-EFFECTIVE it is!  ONE BOOK has the following and much, much more!

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful
to teach us what is true and to make us realize
what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects where we
are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

[2 Timothy 3:16 NLT]

What a bargain! Seriously, if in a conversation someone asks you if you've heard about the latest TELL-ALL book about a celebrity, why not tell them about THIS ONE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.  

REAL WORLD....This is Not a Test!

In this world you will have tribulation

but be of good cheer for I have overcome

the world. (John 16:33 KJV)

As our nation celebrated the 20th anniversary of 9/11 a common question was asked:  Do you remember where you were September 11, 2001?  Tag lines for the plethora of posters and signs generally included phrases like this:  Never Forget!  We Remember! Gone But Not Forgotten!  

I REMEMBER IT WELL! (You probably do too!)

On a Girls Trip to New York a few years ago, we visited Ground Zero and The National September 11 Memorial and Museum.   It was a sobering and emotionally devastating experience.  I can only imagine the trauma the people in New York must still feel having lived through that horrible day.  But honestly over the past 19 years whenever this anniversary rolls around, I try hard to think about anything BUT that tragic time! I pray for the families who are still grieving and of course ask God for protection from future attacks but because so many tragedies are still occurring, it is almost overshadowed in my opinion!

However, it is because of this fact, that I paid more attention to the memorials this year.  Especially the ones that featured human interest stories.  As I viewed documentaries,  I saw the endless piles of rubble and firefighters digging through the stench looking for remains. I saw pain still visible 20 years later on the faces of loved ones and young adult children who grew up not knowing a parent who perished that day.   

I listened closely to the newly released live recordings, text messages, calls, and air traffic communication of those in the air planes that crashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon! I felt the panic and bewilderment of the flight crew, air traffic controllers, and military units trying to figure out where the attacks were coming from and what their next targets might be.  Out of the three to four hours of coverage I watched, one statement by an air traffic controller struck me to my core, he said: 

"IS THIS REAL WORLD OR A TEST!?"

To enhance national security, the military and commercial airlines routinely conduct simulations of hijackings.  These are training exercises to test the preparedness of all involved should a genuine hijacking take place. These tests are done with limited warning and all protocols are followed with speed and precision just as if it was really happening.  

September 11 was Real World Not A Test for our nation!  So is COVID-19,  the January 6 Insurrection, Escalating crime, Eviction crises and Voter disfranchisement!  Failed infrastructures (aeronautic, military, and social) show we are NOT prepared!!  But how prepared are you? Where will you be when the next tragedy strikes!

This is no Doom and Gloom message, only a Spiritual Alert to make sure you have the proper tools whenever another hits!!  Maybe this will help!

YOUR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 

CHECK LIST! 

1.  New World Reservations Made (Eternal Security)  _____ 

          John 3:16

2.  Support Network in Place (Prayer warriors) _____ 

        James 5:13-16

3.  Military Gear Accessible and Fully Equipped  (Armor of God) _____ 

        Ephesians 6:10-18

4.  Tactical Guide Handy (Bible verses memorized ) _____ 

         Psalm 119:105

5.  Survival Kit Packed (water, food, first aid, purification) _____

        John 4:13-14 

        John 6:35

        James 5:13-15

        I John 1:9

        

 6.  Mental Alertness Recently Tested (Enemy Reconnaissance)  _____ 

         I Peter 5:8   

 7.  Mental Sustenance Intact (Hope)   _____

        Hebrews 11:1

 

!UNTIL NEXT TIME

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.