​As we prepare for the Shavuot celebration, I am studying the Book of Ruth. So, in this post, I would like to continue with my previous post discussion, Blaming GOD, that I posted on May 3. I want to bring out a few points surrounding heartbreak and GOD’s sustaining mercy that is mentioned in the Book of Ruth. I don’t know how far I will go into the latter – GOD’s sustaining mercy. But there are a lot of gems we can gain from Naomi’s and Ruth’s stories. 
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Before proceeding. Let’s get some background information.

The Book of Ruth starts by introducing us to Naomi. Naomi and her family, husband Elimelech, and two sons – Mahloh and Chilion, encounter a famine. The famine stemmed from (a natural by-product) of the people’s sin – their disobedience toward GOD’s laws and HIS ways. (See Deuteronomy 28:15-16; Hosea 4:1-3). As a result, Elimelech must decide how he will provide for his family during this tumultuous time.

So, without consulting GOD, Elimelech decides to move his family to Moab – a land outside of the divine protective canopy and provisions of GOD. This decision would lead to some disastrous and irreversible consequences for Elimelech’s family.
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We see in chapter 1, in verse 3, Naomi’s husband Elimelech dies. And then later, after her sons took on two Moabite wives, they too dies (Ruth 1:5). Shortly afterward, Naomi is devastated. Naomi is so heartbroken by her loss that she begins to exhibit behaviors many do when they experience such a tragedy – blaming GOD. She said to her two daughters-in-law.
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​​Naomi felt her situation was hopeless. She continues.
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Naomi’s situation was so bleak to her that she described it as ‘bitter’ – a distasteful or distressing to the mind. She felt a level of resentment, anger, and pain. She was struggling to accept or even bear the plight of her husband’s and two sons’ death had emotionally done to her life. From her perspective, it was GOD who had come and stolen, killed, and destroyed her life as well as her livelihood. She was blaming GOD for her tragedies.

​But when we go back to the accounts in the prior Bible books, we see and understand that Naomi’s circumstances were not due to the hands of GOD, but men. The will of man to be exact. 
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In this situation, when the famine hit Judah and the surrounding cities. Elimelech did the same thing as Peter. He took his eyes, his focus from Jesus, and proceeded to make the problems around him his focus. Resulting in him not waiting on the LORD to give him direction.
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Like Peter, Elimelech family's plight, their destruction was due to his own hands. The by product of Elimelech’s failure to look to GOD, to lean upon his own understanding, and the fruitage of giving place to his own will and plans. 
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So now, Naomi find herselves with no male leading her household, while having to learn to fend for herself in a foreign land. So, after being in this foreign land for about 10 years, she decides to get up from her place of misery and return home (Ruth 1:6-7).
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Upon reaching her homeland in Bethlem, all in the city were excited to see her. But Naomi lamented by saying, “Do not call me Naomi…, which meant pleasant, delight, lovely. She said to them, “Call me Mara" – meaning ‘bitter,’ "for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" (Ruth 1:20). 
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Like me, Naomi had become bitter due to her past experiences – the losses she encountered in Moab. Naomi said to the town’s people. “I went out full, and the LORD had brought me home again empty” (Ruth 1:21). She even took it a step further by saying, it was the LORD that afflicted her.

This is so far from the truth. The LORD Almighty was not the cause of her afflictions. But it was her countrymen, their sin and disobedience that lead to the famine that led to her husband’s decision to move his family to Moab.
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But it was GOD’s mercy that sustained her and her daughters-in-law through it all. It was HIS sustaining mercy that got her through the famine, her husband, and her sons’ death. It was GOD who gave her the strength she needed to keep going afterward. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 12:10). It was GOD who made available whatever provisions they had in the land of Moab during the 10 years after her husband and sons’ death. It was GOD who provided her guidance and a safe journey home for her and her daughter-in-law Ruth, upon Naomi’s return to her homeland. 

​Over the years, it has been a growing trend for the masses to blame GOD for their misfortunes. Blaming GOD for the untimely deaths of loved ones, addictions certain family members have become addicted to (i.e., drugs, sex, etc.), abuses we experienced that are caused by others, financial problems, the lack of healthy relationships and love in our lives, abandonment or neglect we experienced at the hands of our parents, etc. We often blame GOD for issues and causes that man has created and done. Why? Simply because we know GOD can intervene, prevent it from even happening if HE wants to. But can HE really? Can HE intervene in every affair of man whenever HE chooses? If so, and HE does not, why doesn’t HE? Let's dig a little deeper into this topic. 
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Before we can answer the question of why it appears that GOD does not intervene or prevent certain tragic circumstances in our lives, we need to discuss the facts that have gotten humanity into the predicament they are in – all the problems we see and encounter firsthand in our world today.
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Our society as a whole is piercing into the eye of a tornado of an epidemic - the loss of our faith; and many of us are blaming GOD for this problem as well as for our miseries we are experiencing in this world. Over the years, it has been reported that people are abandoning their faith and GOD at a dismal rate. The Cultural Research Center hosted a survey and uncovered the following facts.

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• Only 6 percent of American adults have a biblical worldview
• More people hold a syncretism belief system. (Syncretism is a fusion of different systems of belief.
• Many people have adopted the view that GOD is aloof (distant, unfriendly, unapproachable). Therefore, people have turned to an alternative method of worship where they focus on a universal approach to life of being happy inwardly, being and creating and reflecting positive energy, and feeling good about oneself as man’s solution to all problems.
• Millennials are most likely to reject biblical principles in favor of a worldly spiritual perspective and practice.
• Over 40 million people have walked away from the faith in the United States alone.

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[​​These statistics have been taken from Barna Research, visit America’s Loss of Faith article by clicking here. Washington Watch the YouTube discussion by clicking here.]

​Now, we can get easily bogged down with facts and statistics. But that is not the purpose of this blog. So, let’s address some of the questions we asked earlier. (1) Why do we blame GOD for man-made problems? (2) Can HE prevent certain tragedies from occurring or even intervene in the affairs of man? (3) If so, why doesn’t HE? Let’s take these one at a time.
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​Let’s just cut to the chase and simply answer this question without a lot of discussion. The answer to this question is YES. Jesus said at Revelation 22:13.
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​Jesus Himself said that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). So, Jesus is well equipped, empowered, and able to start or stop anything. He is omnipotent. Engulfed with unlimited power, authority, force, and all-powerful. Nothing on earth or in heaven (or the spirit realm) can match or be equal to Him. For GOD HIMSELF has given that level of power and authority to Christ. So, preventing any tragedy is too easy to do for God. Let’s answer our next question. 
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Well, to be honest, I don’t think you are asking the right question here. But let’s address it anyways. There are a lot of variables and factors that should be considered when addressing such a question. But we will think in terms of a hypothetical situation to make things simple. So, instead of focusing on one particular person’s situation. Let’s look at our society as a whole. Because it is our entire nation, the entire world that is drowning in such issues as unpredictable and uncontrollable climate problems, food shortages, a lack of affordable homes, crime, financial crises, relationship problems, sickness, diseases, and even death.
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One Scripture can answer this question whether people receive it or not. And that answer can be found in the book of Hosea at chapter 4. So, let’s read it. Now, keep in mind, Jehovah GOD is speaking directly to HIS chosen people – Israel. As we read it, we need to keep in mind that our nation, our world has positioned ourselves in the same deployable state as GOD’s people during that time. And the Scriptures were written to and for us today, as a warning (1 Corinthians 10:11). A book of instructions on what can happen when a nation of people either chooses to engage in a mixture of relationships with other gods. Or they all together abandon the ways of GOD and their relationship with HIM. Hosea chapter 4, starting with verse 1, reads.
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Look. We first must understand that the problem ridden world we find ourselves in today is not at the fault of GOD. But man. Man and his ways have done this to us. Our decisions, our desire to try to live our lives in such a way that excludes and not includes the ways of GOD has brought us here. As a result, we get what we got as they say on the streets.
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We as a society as a whole have been 

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1. Unfaithful in every which way possible. With our families, our marriages, our children, with friends, with one another, and especially toward GOD.
2. Therefore, there is no kindness towards your neighbor. We talk and gossip about one another – it doesn’t matter if it’s the truth or not. We are willing to be partakers one way or another or unjustifiably wreck people’s lives for political or relationship gains or simply to fit in.
3. And most of us are ignorant of the standards and ways of GOD. We lack fear and knowledge of how to serve and worship a holy, righteous, and pure GOD.
4. We make promises to people, promises to our employers, and promises to GOD. And as soon as we feel slightly uncomfortable or inconvenienced by the commitment we made, we break them.
5. We kill the soul as well as the spirit of people by our words, acts, and deeds.
6. We commit acts of thievery because we simply want something that belongs to someone else. This can be a person’s job, assignment, calling, possessions, material goods, identity, money, etc.
7. We commit adultery. Forsaking our marriage vows we have made to our spouse. Because it is easier to move on than working through challenges in our relationships.
8. We have even murdered. Murder our children and our unborn. Murder family members, friends, and complete strangers in our attempts to get ahead, or to hide or gain something. Many of us have other peoples’ blood on our hands. 

As a result of these acts BY MAN. Our land is crying out. GOD can no longer bless a land that is full of violence. Recall the words that GOD spoke at Deuteronomy chapter 28. We primarily focus on the first 14 verses because it speaks of the blessings that GOD will pour out on all of mankind – the entire universe. But before we look at the verses I want to consider, we need to go back to verse 1 of that chapter. Oftentimes, GOD inserts these clause statements into HIS promises. And if the clause is not met, then you cannot benefit from blessings that are associated with the clause.
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So, we see in verses 2 through 14, a person, or a nation can live a completely blessed and fulfilling lifestyle that can be poured into every area of their life. They can have good health, plenty of food, property, assets, and wealth. A beautiful and thriving family life and an abundant happy marriage if an individual or nation fulfills the clause that is stated in verses 1 and 2. So, let’s read that clause statement. 
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IF simply means, on the condition that. Let’s make sure this crystal clear. The starting point for obtaining any of GOD’s blessings, HIS promises, whether that be in HIS Word or something HE has promised directly to you, STARTS WITH YOU. 
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So, our choices are clear. Obey GOD or not obey GOD. If we choose to obey HIM, our entire livelihood will be full of blessings. But if we choose to go our own way – to disobey the ways of GOD, then our own lives will be damned – filled with curses. So much so that it will overwhelm us. We will encounter one problem after another.

So, to answer the question - why does GOD not intervene in the affairs of man? It is because we have chosen as individuals and as a nation the latter position of the clause stated at Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 15. We refuse to obey and listen to GOD and rejected HIS counsel.

We all have learned while we were in school the concept of cause and effect. This is when at least one action or event leads to the direct result of others. For example, if you stay up all night reading a book, watching television, or playing games. The very next day you will wake up cranky and tired. The cause of you being cranky and tired was directly caused by the fact you stayed up all night. So, when we look at our world as a whole. Our world and its environments can be full of peace, love, happiness, joy, and everything we need. Or, it can be filled will violence and destruction everywhere. What will result in these types of world? The people that live in them. People’s behavior or the lack thereof will create one type of world or another.

So, in Deuteronomy chapter 28, GOD provides us with a clear list of outcomes that will occur in our world based on which causes we decided to live up to. (See Deteruonomy 28:1-14 and compare to verses 15-68). And what has become our results or effect? Hosea chapter 4 explained it so clearly. We have chosen as a society at large the curses, which are stated at Deuteronomy 28:15-68. These curses played out in the lives of the Israelites at that time and we are recycling the same patterns as the Israelites in our lives today.

I’m going to quote something I use to hear my mom say a lot when I was growing up. “Life is nothing but a vicious cycle.” And it is. Mankind, our family, and our government continue to repeat cycles. The same addictive, bad behaviors that have ruined the lives of many people and families and destroyed societies at large. We have not learned from our past.

So, GOD is not intervening in a lot of cases because we refuse and have failed to keep our vows to HIM. We have broken every one of the 10 commandments. We have put and serve other gods before HIM. We are constantly making images and idols about people, material possessions, carving things to look like things in the heaven or on the earth, and worshipping them. We have desecrated HIS name. Forsaken the Sabbath. Dishonor our parents. Murdered, committed adultery, stole, bore false witnesses against our neighbors, and covet their homes, wife, etc.  We are the problem NOT GOD.

We have forced GOD’s hand and placed HIM in a position to the point where HE cannot intervene in most cases. Even if HE wanted to. Let’s look at an example from the book of Genesis at chapters 18 and 19. Here the patriot Abraham had an encounter with the angels of the LORD. Shortly afterward, Abraham ended up in a high place looking down toward Sodom.

Now, most of us are very familiar with the outcome – the effect that took place with Sodom and Gomorrah. We know based on secular and Bible history that these two cities were destroyed. But let’s get at the cause. The root reason as to why they were destroyed.

We read at verse 17 that GOD asked this question within HIMSELF. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” GOD knew what HE was about to do to these to populations. But just making that statement alone, we can tell that GOD wanted to intervene. If there was a way to impede this judgment on these people, HE would like to do that. Hence, one of the reasons why HE was contemplating telling Abraham what HE was about to do.

So, HE said to Abraham. “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know” (Genesis 18:20). So, the horrors that these people were committing had reached the ears of GOD. The things they were doing were so bad that GOD had to act in one way or another. Either extend mercy to them or pour out HIS judgment upon them for their sins.

So, Abraham proposed this question to GOD. “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:23-25)
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It is clear that GOD wanted to intervene in the affairs of man in this case based on what HE said to Abraham in verse 26. He said
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Again, GOD inserted that conditional statement IF in there. At least, fifty people in the city must have proven themselves to be righteous in GOD’s eyes. Now, we can assume, thousands of people were living in those cities at the time. Let’s just randomly pick a number to make it easy. So, let’s say 2 million people were living in these cities. All GOD was requiring is fifty of those people in those cities to be righteous and upstanding men and women who have kept all of GOD’s ways and commandments. Just fifty.

But Abraham really wanted to stretch GOD and try to save the people there. After all, his nephew Lot and his family lived in the city. So, Abraham asked GOD. Okay, what if there are only forty righteous people, twenty, or only ten? Will you still destroy the city? And GOD answered by saying if HE found thirty, twenty, or even 10 good people, He would not destroy the cities (Genesis 18:27-33).

Well, GOD proceeded with HIS investigations concerning Sodom and Gomorrah to determine whether HE can honor Abraham’s request to intervene in the depending judgment and destruction that was coming to these people. Or must HE act? GOD sent two angels to investigate on HIS behalf and their findings were horrifying. So, the two angels instructed LOT, Abraham’s nephew to go. Gathers his sons-in-law, sons, daughters, and anyone that belongs to him and gets out of the city because they were going to destroy this place (Genesis 19:13-13). But as we know only three righteous people made it out of the city alive – Lot and his two daughters (Genesis 19:14-17, 23-26).

GOD did intervene and spared 3 souls’ lives based on Abraham’s request. But thousands of people’s lives were not spared because everything was spoken about in Hosea chapter 4 and Deuteronomy chapter 28, verses 15-68. They had done. They did not keep all of GOD’s commandments.

So, there you have it. GOD does intervene in the lives of some – those who choose to follow HIS ways and this includes nations of people. For instance, we are familiar with the account in the book of Jonah. Where the Prophet Jonah is instructed by GOD to go and tell the people of Nineveh to repent from all their evil doings. Jonah declared the warning of GOD to the entire nation (Jonah 3). When the king of Nineveh heard the warning of Jonah, it said he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. Then the king and his nobles sent out a decree to all people instructing everyone to do the same. For everyone to call urgently on the LORD. Give up their evil ways and their violence and repent to a gracious and merciful GOD (Jonah 3:6-9).

Now, mind you, in the case of Nineveh, they were going to be destroyed just like Sodom and Gomorrah for their evil doings. They found themselves too in the same predicament as what is said at Hosea chapter 4 verses 1-4. How did GOD respond to the king and his people’s actions? The entire nation repented, unlike Sodom and Gomorrah. So, it said that GOD relent and with compassion turned from HIS fierce anger so that HE did not destroy the nation. The entire nation was spared because the entire nation repented as a whole.

Do you see the difference? In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, GOD could only intervene in the lives of 3 souls. In Noah’s day, GOD could only intervene in the lives of 8 souls. But during Nineveh’s existence, GOD was able to intervene in the lives of entire nation.
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So, GOD does intervene in our lives today but there must be a justifiable cause for HIM to do so. But let’s explore one more area on this topic. 
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​Psalm 115:16 says this.
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This statement goes back as far as the account that took place in the Garden of Eden. GOD first said to HIS heavenly beings. “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (Genesis 1:26).

Then HE follows up that statement after HE created Adam and Eve and said to them. “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground (Genesis 1:28).

GOD had given mankind complete control over the earth. HE relished HIS power and authority over what HE had created –the earth and everything living in it. And handed it over to man and told them not only to populate the earth with other creatures like themselves. But to take care of all the animals, the waters, the land, the plants, and every ecosystem that was present on the earth. The earth and all its affairs became the responsibility of not GOD but man. But there was only one simple rule. Keep all of GOD’s commandments. Do what you want with this earth? Be as creative as you desire. But keep all of GOD’s commandments and then everything you do will prosper.
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As the people at large, have we done that? As individuals, have we done that? As a family, have we done that? As corporations, have we done that? As a nation, have we done? The answer is obvious because we have gotten what we got. 

​Let’s open up with Acts chapter 9, verses 11 and 12. 
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As we recall in our last few discussions in Acts chapter 9. Saul was on his way to destroy all Christians who resided in the Damascus region. But GOD interrupted Saul’s plans and caused him to lose his sight for three days. Saul followed the instructions the LORD gave him and went to a man named Judas' home and stayed there until he received further instructions.

Now, traumatized by his encounter with Christ. Saul did not eat nor drink anything as he contemplate what had happened to him on the road of Damascus. At this point, he probably was filled with many questions and begin to question everything he believed, was taught, and had said and done. Especially any and everyone he had offended and even hurt because of his religious frenzy. Believing his understanding and knowledge of the Scriptures was right and the only way to understand, interpret, communicate, and apply the Scriptures. Saul’s zeal and lack of openness to the teachings and interpretation of others' Bible knowledge prior to his encounter. He probably thought he was productive in his ministry. That he was doing the works and will of the LORD by attempting to destroy the livelihood, reputation, ministry, and business of his brothers and sisters.
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But now that he has been disabled and immobile, Saul had time to reflect and consider everything he had done. Everything he was taught. Everything he believed. In and through this encounter and difficulties, GOD was challenging Saul to open his mind and eyes not only to recount the things he had done in the name of Jesus against his brothers and sisters. But for the first time, GOD was opening the eyes of Saul so that he can really see. 
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​Now Saul was sitting in the house of Judas on the street of Straight, disturbed by his experience. While he was sitting there in complete darkness. He began to pray to the LORD, searching for understanding. Trying to get his questions answered. While everything he thought he knew was pitch black. He did not know how to move forward.
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This is a good place to consider the word darkness.

Over the years, Saul thought he knew and understood GOD – who HE is and what HE is about. Saul thought he had a relationship with GOD. He thought he had it all figured out and that his understanding of GOD was unmatched and fixed (securely placed or fastened, firmly set). When actuality, Saul was living and operating in a religious world of darkness. He had a relationship with religion and religious traditions, rituals, and customs and not with GOD. Which caused him to live in complete darkness and separated from GOD, when he thought he was living and basking in GOD’s light. When the opposite is true.

The sad spectacle of Saul’s plight is today, there are many Christians, especially Christian leaders who are in the same predicament as Saul. Thinking they are living in GOD’s light when they are in complete darkness. Matthew 6:22-23 puts it this way.

​Saul’s entire being and entire spiritual life, he thought he was basking in GOD’s light, wisdom, and revelation. But here, it is clear that Saul as a Pharisee, a man of GOD, and a religious leader, was actually in the dark concerning the things of GOD. He is not only arrogant but ignorant concerning GOD. Matthew said concerning Saul and men and women like him, that their “… whole body is full of darkness….”

​This is a good place to explore the word darkness (or the phrase full of darkness). The Greek word for darkness is skoteinos (G4652), which is an adjective. The commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown explain it this way. 
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​This is why Jesus continues at verse 24 of Matthew chapter 6 by saying 
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​Saul was passionate and loyal not to GOD but to his religion, religious traditions, and his limitive understanding of the Torah. It was more acceptable and pleasing to him to put GOD in a box based on this understanding and interpretation of the Torah. His service to GOD was about him and his religious relationships. Therefore, he was a master of himself and not a true servant of GOD. He had forsaken the light of GOD for his own enlightenment. But on this day, during the three days when Jesus caused him to lose his sight, Saul was confronted with a choice. 
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​There is a promise that GOD has personally spoken to each one of us. A promise that will bring many of us a level of notoriety. Notice what the LORD said to Abraham. 
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​Notice, it is the LORD that will make your name and your mission stand out among many. But before you can reach such heights. There is always a waiting period. Why? Because there is always a process and a long pruning season you must undergo to ensure your success. So, let’s talk about this waiting period in more detail and see how we can benefit from it. 
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​Let’s go back to Acts chapter 9. As we recall, Saul, who was a Pharisee, was on his way to the city of Damascus to capture any Christians he could bring back to Jerusalem to jail them for their faith. But as we discussed in my last blog, Why Are You Persecuting Me. His plans were derailed by the LORD, which led to Saul’s encounter with Christ and his conversion to Christianity. As a result of this encounter, it completely changed the trajectory of Saul’s career and lifestyle. 
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​Now, we have to be mindful that Saul had already made a name for himself by the time he experienced his encounter with Christ. It was said about him at Acts chapter 9, verse 13 by the prophet Ananias. 
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Saul was well known. He had a certain reputation among the people that made many afraid of him. But this would soon change. For as we know. GOD always works all things out for the good of HIS people and individuals involved. (Compare to Romas 8:28). This leads us to Saul’s encounter with Christ. After Saul met Jesus on the road of Damascus and was suddenly blinded by Jesus’ bright appearance. Saul asked Jesus. 
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Jesus gave Saul the following instructions.
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Saul had to go to a certain city and now wait there until Jesus provided him with his next set of instructions. During those 3 days that Saul sat in the house of Judas on Straight Street, we can say he underwent a complete metamorphosis. Due to the loss of his sight that was caused by Jesus' bright figure, Saul was not able to do anything. And of course, the pure shock of the whole experience left him in complete awe and dumbfounded that he was unable to eat or drink for those 3 days (Acts 9:8-9). This experience certainly left him speechless and force him to reevaluate himself and his mission – his life course. As we have learned through our reading of Acts chapter 9, that 3-day process was the key to Saul changing into a new man. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Now, to us, those 3 days do not seem very long. But when you had gone through what Saul experienced, it may seem like a lifetime of torture. It’s like going on a 24-hour fast. For most of us, by the time we reach that first hour, we are already dreading the process. We become irritable and lethargic, and our body begins to show the classic signs that we have gone too long without food.
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This was no different for Saul. He literally experienced a mental breakdown from his experience. Therefore, this waiting period was going to either break him or forever change him. The LORD said it to the prophet Jeremiah this way.
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​This process usually, for most of us takes years. But GOD was going to take this process for Saul and accelerate the time. (Compare to Joel 2:25). He was going to root out, tear down, destroy, throw down, build as well as plant into Saul everything he needed to change his course of actions and become the vessel (instrument) GOD needed to bear HIS name to the Gentile nation, all the kings of the earth, and to the nation of Israel. Saul’s reputation was about to be flipped. His name was about to not only be made great for the LORD. But he was going to receive a new name and a new identity for Christ. As a result, of this metamorphosis, he was about to suffer many things for the LORD due to this greater name he was about to be established in and carry. 

​This is the same lucrative question Jesus Christ is asking many today, who call themselves Christians but they are persecuting their brother and sister in the faith by their words and deeds. It is important today, because of the time and season we are in. That we examine this text closely in Acts to get a clear understanding of what is occurring here. For GOD never acts one way or another without providing a fair warning to HIS people first. (Compare to Amos 3:7). 
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​Through such words as ‘strange fire’, and through their interpretation of dreams and visions. There are some Christians in the Body of Christ that are persecuting their brothers and sisters simply because
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There are many, far too many Sauls in the Body of Christ today that will have to answer for their ignorance, arrogance, and insensitivity to the strong faith of others. But before getting in too deep with this talking point today, let’s go back to Acts chapter 9, and start reading at verse 3.
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We see as Saul traveled to Damascus with his caravan on his quest to catch Christians. When he was almost there, his journey was interpreted in the most unusual way. First, an extremely bright light stood in front of him, blocking his path to Damascus. Verse 3 says,
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There are two things we can pick up from this verse. When we are about to do something stupid that will, in the long run, mess our lives up. GOD will always suddenly come down and stand between us and the bad decision we are about to make. Now, today, that can be our parents, who suddenly get a whim that we are about to do something stupid. Or a loving friend and even a complete stranger. (Keep in the mind, I’m primarily talking about Christians here). Through these instruments of GOD, HE will stand between you and whatever evil you are about to commit. The second thing we want to notice here is GOD will ALWAYS come to the rescue of HIS people. Now, listen to me when I say this. Because many Christians are not going to like and even take offense to what I’m about to say. 
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​GOD will not stand by and watch HIS true servants be snuffed out. And this is exactly what Saul was attempting to do. He wanted to take out every Christian he encounter.

This is no different from today. There are Christians, who want to snuff out other Christians utilizing their social media platforms for the sake of gaining more fans, likes, subscribers, and followers. Like Cain, they want to murder their brothers and sisters in the faith by means of their words, deeds, and an insulting statement like ‘strange fire.’
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But Christians who really belong to the LORD do not have to fret about any kind of persecution that comes at the hands of these Sauls in the Body of Christ. Because, like the situation at Acts 9:3-4, Christ will suddenly show up like a bright light to impede the path of these self-righteous Christians who think they have all the answers, intelligent, and Christ-like wisdom but they are really persecuting GOD’s righteous remanent. 

This is such a timely question Jesus asked Saul. ‘Why are you persecuting me?’ Jesus is basically asking Saul. What gives you the right to do such a thing? Under what authority do you have to do such a thing? The Lord is asking many in the Body of Christ this same question. Under whose authority have you been given authority to witness under my name to declare such vicious dreams, and visions, and make such public declaration as ‘strange fire’ about others that are in the faith?  Who authorized you? Who sent you under my name?

Confused by Jesus’ presence and inquiry, Saul responds, ‘who are you, LORD?’ Even though Saul did not know who Christ was at this point and time in his life. He still was able to sense and acknowledge the authority Jesus carried. Hence, why he greeted Jesus with the salutation – Lord.
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In response to Saul’s question. Jesus says to him. “I am Kyrios” (or Lord), the one who has the power and authority to decide your fate if you continue this path. For He is the sovereign Lord, the Alpha, and Omega, the Prince above all princes, the chief over all mankind. Our Messiah. Then Jesus makes this interesting statement to Saul. 
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What in the world is Jesus saying here to Saul? ‘Goads’ here is the same thing as pricks. In Greek, the word kentron (G2758), refers to a string, like that of bees, scorpions, or locusts. These animals’ strings are so potent that they can even cause death. Therefore, their string is similar to a deadly weapon. The action Saul was about to take was on this same level. He was about to bring a death string or sentence to GOD’s people. So, are the lips of many Christians today. (See Proverbs 18). Their words or actions against other Christians are so potent that with their mouth alone, they are about to bring a death sentence to the Body of Christ. (Compare to Proverbs 18:21). Like Saul, many today do not even acknowledge their own fault and sin. They are so blinded by their own self-righteous way of thinking. And yet they all are about to be blinded at once by a sudden bright light that will get in their path – their way to destruction.


In the case of Saul, his life was spared. But for the remainder of his days, he had to live with the consequences of his bad decisions – actions and words he personally spoke against his brothers and sisters in the faith. I can only assume the nightmares that kept Paul up late at night. Knowing the blood he had on his hands despite he was forgiven by Christ.
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What about us today? On the day that Christ comes to interrupt our ongoing insult of righteous men and women of GOD, will we be like Paul and relent, repent, and make our wrongs right? Or will we be so caught up in our own pride and self-righteous belief system, and continue our unrighteous path against our brothers and sisters in the faith? Causing us to inherit a death sentence for our penalty by Christ’s righteous sword. For GOD’s remnants are precious in His eyes (Zechariah 2:8). Therefore, He will not ever allow you to take them out by your words or deeds. 

The transformation of one’s life is the greatest miracle that can ever occur. When a person experiences true conversion and forms a real, heartfelt, and sincere relationship with Christ. There is no other greater miracle than this – a pure transformation of the heart and mind.
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Case in point. Let’s take the life of Apostle Paul. As we know, Paul, once went by the name Saul, prior to his religious conversion. Under that name, he did many evil things. Ananias, a disciple of Christ, put it this way. “… I have heard from many about this man, how much harm (evil) he has done to your saints” (Acts 9:13).

Paul even described his former self this way. “I persecuted the church of GOD beyond measure and tried to destroy it. … Saints I shut up in prison by the authority of the chief priests, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them” (Galatians 1:13; Acts 26:9-10).
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Paul, when he was known as Saul, was one the main leaders who were responsible for one of the greatest persecution the church has experienced. He led the persecution against the church by invading their sanctuaries, entering Christians’ private homes, throwing Christians into prison, and being a part of the death of countless Christians. (Compare to Acts 8:1, 3; 9:1-2; 22:4; 26:10). Paul, as Saul, was a great man to be feared, and rightfully so. 

​We are not going to go into much detail in this section about Paul’s life. But I thought it would be beneficial to cover a few pivotal points from his life.

Saul was a part of the Pharisee class. They were the largest and most influential religious group in the New Testament. They were antagonists (opponents) against Jesus and his disciples. They were known for their separatist behavior. [They separated themselves from all other groups (both social and religious). Especially from the common people because they saw them as religiously unclean.]

So, Saul was part of this group of men. As a result, he adopted many prejudiced views this class of men had. It was the Pharisees’ unhealthy belief systems that Saul held onto, that drove him to become one of the church’s greatest and formative persecutors.
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Now, this was who Paul was prior to his conversion to Christianity. As Saul, he was a man full of prejudices, hatred, anger, ignorance, and undisciplined principles because, at that time, he was holding onto an erroneous belief system. But, Paul, whom the church has come to know and love today, is a very different person from the man Saul.
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​Now, many in the church love to talk about Paul’s conversion. But we don’t want to overlook it for what it is. It’s one of the greatest miracles that any Christain can experience in their life. In fact, I believe that Paul’s encounter with Christ that led to his conversion IS THE GREATEST sign, wonder, and miracle that any Christian can experience. 
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Let’s look at Paul’s conversion together. We see in the account stated at Acts chapter 9 that Paul was on his way to Damascus to find any and every Christian he could find to have them seized and locked up in prison. For it was his goal to stamp out any Christians who were following “The Way.” But on his way there, Paul had an encounter that forever changed him.
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Now, I am not going to go into details about Paul’s conversion. You can read it for yourself at Acts chapter 9, verses 1 through 9. What I want to focus on are two things.
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​​As we see in verses 4 through 6 of Acts chapter 9, there is this back and forth dialogue going on between Saul and Jesus. As this is going on, the men that were traveling with Saul were observing this “strange” behavior by him. For these men did not see Jesus nor could hear the things that Jesus was saying to Saul. So, you can only imagine what these men may have thought. Like, what in the world is going on here? Is Saul losing his mind? Why did all of this occur and what triggered Saul to behave this way? One minute, they are traveling on the road to Damascus. And then, out of nowhere, Saul flips on them. For no apparent reason, he was acting strange and crazy from their point of view.
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You see, what these men were observing concerning Saul was weird. Some elite and insensitive leaders today would call Saul’s behavior “strange fire.” (I won’t go there today). To the men who were with Saul, his behavior appeared strange to them because they (1) did not understand what was happening to Saul. (2) And because they could not see nor hear who or what Saul was seeing and talking to. Therefore, they all probably at this point, labeled Paul as crazy. He has lost it – having a psychotic episode or some kind of demonic attack.

Kind of like what some Christians do towards their brothers and sisters in the faith when they cannot relate to or if they have not experienced the same or similar encounter with Christ as some have in the faith. Often time, some Christians try to rebuff an individual’s experience or encounter with Christ as some form of witchcraft, some “strange” event, a senseless emotional outburst, or some demonic experience. Some believers would prefer giving more credit to the devil and his power to influence GOD’s people. Then believe in the indefinite power and abilities of an all-knowing, all-powerful, supreme GOD, who can do all things and therefore anything – even today. Like these men who were traveling with Saul, many in the church today, cannot and will not believe nor accept that people are having unique encounters with Christ that are forever changing their lives. 
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​This leads us to Paul's introduction to Ananias.
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Ananias was a well-known and respected disciple of Christ. After Paul’s conversion, GOD approached Ananias and gave him these specific instructions.
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​Now, when Ananias first heard this, you can only imagine the initial confusion he must have felt. He probably even asked himself – am I hearing right? He might have even initially rebuked the voice of the LORD, knowing the kind of man Saul was. Ananias probably thought this voice cannot be the LORD. It has to be something of a demonic nature, setting me up for a trap.

But the vision the LORD gave Ananias concerning Paul’s conversion made it clear to him that this was indeed the LORD. Therefore, despite his reservation and the fear he might have felt, Ananias went to
Saul and laid his hands on him so that he may recover his sight and be filled with Holy Spirit.

Ananias' responses to Paul clearly show us that he accepted Paul’s conversion as legitimate. He did not question, nor doubt what the LORD had done for Saul in converting him into a new man. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 5:17). In fact, when Ananias greeted Paul for the first time, he said to him, “… Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18).

First, Ananias acknowledged and accepted Paul’s conversion, and then greeted Saul as his brother. Once Ananias heard from the LORD concerning Saul. He did not need any man of the faith to vet whether Paul’s conversion was legit. He did not need man’s approval concerning Paul. A word from the LORD was all he need to receive Paul as his brother.
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Secondly, Ananias confirmed Paul’s conversion by restating the encounter Saul had with Christ along the road. Although Ananias was not there, the LORD revealed to Ananias how Paul’s conversion happened. So, when Ananias met Saul, he said to him. 
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​Ananias did not dismiss nor reject Paul’s encounter just because it was not his personal experience with Christ. Ananias respected the fact that this was how Christ decided to approach Saul so that he could experience a real heart transformation to Paul. And I am sure, Ananias’ original encounter with Christ was different from Paul's. We have to be mindful, just like Ananias was being mindful that without Saul’s Damascus encounter with Christ on the road, Saul probably would never have experienced a real heart transformation to Paul. Therefore, he certainly would not have the level of impact or influence that he has had on the church today. 

I won’t go into great details about my own personal encounters with Christ because I have spoken about it many times over the years on my website blog (deaidrenewby.com), my YouTube vlog (deaidre1), as well as through other social media posts (@newforddesigns).

But I will say this. Like Paul, my two encounters with Christ that led to my conversion are unique to me. Like Paul, my encounters with Christ were personal, life-like, and convincing – that they convinced me to make a 180 turn from the way I was living. Like Paul, I was on the sure path to hell. I was choosing a one-way ticket to hell because of my own ignorance. Even Paul admitted this about himself when he was Saul. He said, “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (violent, arrogant) man, but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13). Saul was severely persecuting his Jewish brothers and sisters out of his own ignorance.

What about us today? Like Saul, some of us are persecuting our brothers and sisters in the faith because we cannot accept or relate to their personal encounters with Christ. We are dismissing the faith and experiences of some of our brothers and sisters because we personally don’t understand or agree with how GOD speaks or moves in and through them because it is not our own personal experience with GOD.

Like mine, Paul’s encounter with Christ had to be unique to him so that GOD could get his attention. His encounter could not have been done any other way. Otherwise, it would have had no effect on Saul. And he would not have become Paul – an apostle of Christ.

This was no different for me. My encounters with Christ had to be unique for me in order for Christ to get my attention. If it was done in any other way, Dede would have never become the Deaidre I am today. I am certainly not the same person I once was.

Paul certainly is not the same man he once was. And I strongly believe it is safe to say, it is because of his personal encounter he had with Christ on the way to Damascus.
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Individual encounters with Christ need to be different for each individual so that we all can experience a true conversion of our faith. Otherwise, it would be of no effect. 

GOD wants to dwell among HIS people. HE wants a place where HIS Spirit can rest. A place where HIS people can meet to praise and worship HIM as well as a place for HIM to comfort HIS people– i.e. HIS threshing floor. But for GOD to dwell or rest in such a place – a sanctuary dedicated to HIM, it must be clean, holy, sacred, and treated with the utmost respect by all because HIS presence is there.
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GOD will not rest, meaning HE is there 24/7, anywhere uncleanness, sin, or unrighteous and unholy acts are allowed to run rampant. Where a sanctuary is not kept clean from debris, dirt, filth, stains, and other damages caused by a lack of respect or upkeep. We must remember there is nothing unclean and unholy about GOD. Therefore, our houses (churches of GOD), especially our sanctuaries should resemble the holy, pure, and perfect GOD we serve. 
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In GOD’s word, HE instructed Moses to build HIM a sanctuary for HIM so He could dwell with HIS people. This sanctuary was so important that GOD provided Moses with very explicit details of how to construct HIS sanctuary and what articles were allowed to go inside of this sanctuary. (See Exodus 25:10-40).

Everything that was inside the tabernacle was sacred and must be treated as so by everyone who was allowed to come near or in the tabernacle. NO ONE WAS ALLOWED TO BRING ANYTHING THAT WAS NOT ON GOD’S LIST, INSIDE THE TABERNACLE. No, Mcdonald's, drinks, or other food items were allowed. In fact, every item that GOD instructed Moses to place in the tabernacle was considered sacred, an offering to the LORD.

So, do we consider the chairs, equipment, the pulpit (GOD’s altar), and all the musical instruments as sacred as the articles that were placed in Moses’ tabernacle for the LORD? Do we see and treat these items in the same manner as the items that were in GOD’s temple and tabernacle in the Old Testament? Or do we treat our sanctuaries and all the items in them like our homes? Where we eat any and everywhere, which sometimes leads to us staining our carpet and furniture and in some situations permanently damaging an item.

We have to be mindful that the Church of GOD does not belong to us but to GOD. HIS sanctuary, which can be seen in the same manner as the Holy of the Most Holy place, as HIS permanent dwelling place. Are we so disconnected from GOD that we do not experience HIS holy presence in our sanctuaries that we are willing to bring foods of all kinds and our trash into HIS sacred room?
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I have personally seen people, especially children spilled dark drinks of all kinds on the chairs and furniture in GOD’s House – His Sanctuary. I’ve also obvious these same individuals not making an effort to clean up their mess nor report the damage they caused to leadership so they can take the proper actions to immediately clean GOD’s sacred items. As a result, many of GOD’s Houses, our sanctuaries, are dirty. We are worshipping a mighty, holy, and righteous GOD in filth. What a sad reality. This in itself is an abomination. (Compare to Ezekiel 8:4-17).
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My brothers and sisters, we cannot treat GOD’s house, especially HIS sanctuary like our personal property where anything goes and is allowed. This is GOD’s House, where HE dwells or wants to dwell. HIS presence is there or would like to rest permanently in our sanctuary. But if it is kept unclean by stained carpet and chairs, damaged equipment, etc., how can GOD rest there?
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Just imagine for a second, if any of us were right now, standing before this righteous and perfect GOD. Can we see ourselves causally eating and drinking food before HIM as we interact and converse with HIM? CERTAINLY NOT! HE is holy! We would not be able to even stand before HIM because HIS glory is so awesome and powerful. So, why are we allowing any and everything to be brought into a holy place that is made especially for GOD – that is, HIS holy sanctuaries? 

​As we enter into day 4 of our corporate fast, we should focus on what it really means to surrender our lives to GOD – our thoughts, ways, desires, direction in life, our children, career path, emotions, ministry, etc. Living a surrendered lifestyle can be completely impossible for most of us because we like and prefer to be in control. So, let’s explore why it is beneficial, in our best interest, to live a surrendered lifestyle. 
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​James 4:7 reads, therefore submit to God….
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On the surface, this seems like a very easy act. In fact, if anyone asks us, each one of us would profess that we are living a surrendered lifestyle when the opposite is very true. For example, I use to watch a TV show on Roku called Neighborhood. On the surface, this TV show appeared to be a good sitcom series to watch for wholesome entertainment. All the characters are very funny, especially the two husbands who are played by Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield. Even their supporting wives and children have very good and humorous punch lines throughout the show.

The sitcom is set in the homes of these two families – the Butler, who is an African-American family, and the Johnson, who is a middle-class white family moving into a predominated middle-class black community in California. The sitcom addresses many different difficult and sensitive cultural issues from racism on both sides of the lines to drugs, relationships, male chauvinism, mental health issues, and faith.

The writers of the show, which there are 75 different writers, do a pretty decent job of not watering down the truth surrounding these issues. But they present an obscure view when writing scripts on the topic surrounding faith.

The show is currently in its 5th season. The success of their show is certainly because of the quality actors they have and the well-written, entertaining, and funny scripts. But the storylines that are centered around Calvin Butler’s wife, Tina, that is played by Tichina Arnold are very problematic.

In the show, Tina is a mother of two adult males. She is a strong African American woman who cares greatly for her family and community. She is smart and business savvy, extremely funny, loves and adores her husband, enjoys her friends, has no time for nonsense, and loves GOD. She takes on the character of a Christian woman who often speaks about GOD to her husband, family, and friends.

Yet her character is double-minded when it comes to being completely surrendered to GOD. (Compare to James 1:8). Why do I say that? As a Christian woman, Tina curses a lot and willing participant in religious mystical rituals with her friend Gemma Johnson, who plays Dave Johnson’s wife. (Compare to Ephesians 4:29; Exodus 20:3).

In the show, it is a common practice to mix the ways Christians should live their lives for GOD with societal rituals, tolerance, and acceptable lifestyles that conflict with what is good and righteous according to GOD’s Word. The Bible has a lot to say about such behavior by Christians. Therefore, this show sends the wrong message about what it means to live a surrendered life by a woman who professes to be a Christian.
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So, what does it mean to live a surrendered life as stated at James 4:7?
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Now, James does not use the word surrender at James 4:7. It uses the term submit, which has the same implication. According to the Webster Dictionary, submit means “to give up and cease resistance as to habits.” While surrender means “yielding of one person to the control of another.” So, based on Tina’s character, has she, who professes to be a Christian, really surrendered her life to Christ?

Ephesians 4:27 caution us to give no place or room to the devil. Ephesians 6:11 says we should stand firm against the wiles (clever gimmicks, tricks, schemes) of the devil. Unfortunately, Tina, as a Christian, has failed to apply these principles. Her character has fallen for the traps of the devil order to be pleasing to her television friends and to fit in with the mindset of what is socially acceptable to the community in which she lives.

Now, I really have not answer what it means to live a surrendered lifestyle to GOD. So, to answer this, let me refer to the content that is written in my book Surrendering: A Blueprint Of My Life – Healing From Homosexuality.
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In this book Prophetess Felicia Crawford wrote in the Foreword:
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​When we live a surrender or submitted life to GOD we will allow His truth, which can be found in HIS Scriptures only, to set us free from things GOD said HE hates or things we should not do. Do not miss this point. Let me just list a few things GOD hates and commands we should not do. 

​Now, don’t miss this. The Scripture does not warn us against people who are doing these things that are outside of the church – that is, the world where these practices are common. But the apostle Paul speaks about Christians who are doing these things. People who claim to be submitted or have surrendered to GOD. GOD warns us to avoid, stay away from, and keep from such types of people.

We cannot claim to live a surrendered lifestyle to GOD and yet we are cussing Christians. Having sexual relations when we are not married or with individuals or things that are not our spouse. We cannot claim to be Christian if we are spreading lies about others, gossiping, or attempting to ruin the reputations of others based on things we have heard or what we assume and not what GOD has spoken or told us about a person. How can we be a Christian if drunkenness is our common practice, or we engage in sexual practice with the same sex, we steal, betrayed others, jealous of others, display uncontrollable anger, selfishness, hatred, envy, etc. These are all behaviors that LORD speaks against (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:7:11). These are signs that we have not to surrender our lives to GOD. ​

Paul says at Galatians 5:9 and 1 Corinthians 6:21 that those who practice such things will not inherit (live) or be resurrected, in GOD’s Kingdom. The key word here is practice. Practice means these things are a custom, habit, pattern, ritual, second nature, or a way of doing things. You do these things over and over again. It is a routine common practice of yours.
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You see, if we are truly submitted or surrendered to GOD, HIS WORD will cause us to stop, cease, abstain from, and abandon any and all behaviors that GOD hates or commands us not part take in. Instead, a surrendered person will allow oneself to be washed clean by GOD’s WORD (1 Corinthians 6:11). Living a surrendered life to GOD will force you to give up being angry, to abandon feelings of holding onto resentment or bitterness, to dismiss any unforgiving attitude toward anyone, and choosing the ways of GOD instead living for ourself and our own selfish pleasure, mindset, and attitudes. 

​​During our monthly fast, this month, we are focusing on drawing near to GOD. James 4:8 reads
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​The Greek word for the phrase “to draw near” is engizō (G1448), which means to draw, come, or bring near. Here, GOD is asking us to come even closer to HIM. Not just in a physical way but emotionally and spiritually. One commentary puts it this way. ​Here, GOD is extending to us an invitation and a promise. 

​​We need to be mindful that drawing near to GOD is completely different from submitting to HIM. Yet, we as Christians, often treat this phrase – “draw near to GOD,” as if it is the same thing as submitting to GOD. We use this term - drawing near to GOD and the act of submitting to GOD as if they are interchangeable when they are not. So, what does it mean to draw near to GOD? Well, let’s look at two specific areas in our lives to get a better understanding of this phrase. ​
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1. Seeking GOD’s counsel. Let me explain this by using myself as an example. Over the years, I have had the privilege of speaking into the lives of many different people from many different backgrounds. Often time, these ones seek me for direction, prayer, and even counsel when making small and even very important life-changing or altering decisions. Now, in itself, this is good. For the Scripture advise that less mature individuals and even those who are uncertain about a decision they need to make in life, that these ones should seek the advice of seasoned saints.
 
Proverbs 11:4 puts it this way. 

​We should never be too prideful to receive suggestions, advise, direction, or counsel, even when it is voluntarily given to us by someone who is more experienced than we are. For this is good for us individually and as a whole (the Body of Christ). Ephesians 4:11-12 explains it this way. 
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GOD wants to perfect (complete, finish) and edify (build up; to grow in wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness) each one of us. To achieve this, we must be open to the counsel that GOD provides through those HE has placed in our path.
 
So, how does this help us to draw near to GOD? 2 Timothy 3:16 speaks about how all scriptures are profitable (helpful, advantageous), righteous (how we ought to be, acceptable to GOD), and good for us. So, when we encounter a seasoned and mature man or woman of GOD who is rooted in GOD’s Word, when we allow these individuals to speak life into our situations and or decisions we must make. It is like what is said at 2 Timothy 3:16. GOD breathes on us through these righteous men and women, who provide us insight, impart wisdom, give us counsel or correction, or wise direction. So that, we as individuals may be made complete, and thoroughly equipped for every good work before a holy and righteous GOD.
 
We become more dependent on GOD’s method of instructing us through earthly vessels that HE is using and not solely dependent on our head knowledge, research, heart (emotions or feelings), gut (intuition or discernment), or what we see or hear, which all can be misleading if these areas are not built upon the foundation of Christ. 

And this leads us to our second area. 

​2. Drawing near to GOD. Drawing near to GOD means that we enjoy communion with HIM. Let me ask you this to help you appreciate and understand the point I am making here. 
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Here’s my question, which might sound a little absurd (ridiculous, unreasonable, unsound) if you only look at the question from the surface level. Can you see GOD?
 
Now, when I first asked that question, what was the first thing that came to your mind? Write it down. Now, what was the second thing that came to your mind? Now, write that down too. Now, when I get done explaining the answer to my question, go back and compare my explanation to your initial 2 answers. 

For most of you, when I asked that question, your minds probably immediately thought I was asking, can you see GOD with your natural eyes? Although that is one way to look at that question. That is not what I am asking.

Now, most of us have at least one very close friend. You may refer to this friend as your BFF (best friend forever), brother, sister, or as your ride-or-die partner. This person you know, you can count on through thick and thin. This person will do anything for you. Therefore, that relationship, that person is extremely important to you. As a result, you share almost, if not everything with that person. You enjoy his or her company and always look forward to talking with or hanging out with this individual. Sometimes, you cannot wait to see him or her.

Now, what I described in the previous paragraph about your BFF, is this the same way you feel about communion (communicating) with GOD? 
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• Can you not wait to hear from HIM or talk with HIM?
• Are you excited about the next time you get to sit down and read HIS Word – HIS letter to you?
• Do you miss HIM whenever you don’t hear from HIM or when your schedule becomes too busy and you miss your prayer time or Bible reading/studying time with HIM?
• Do you even see yourself doing these things with HIM? Or, is your study/reading time just about you doing it alone? Is your prayer time just a random long list of things you want from HIM to do for you and it is not a conversation about random things that are going on in your life as well as HIS? Yes, GOD does have a life. I’m just saying.

Let’s understand this on a deeper level. Notice what GOD called Abraham at Isaiah 41:8. 

Did you notice the distinction being made here? GOD referred to Israel or Jacob as HIS servant. But concerning Abraham, GOD called Abraham HIS friend.

​Friendship does not come easy. And a good, healthy friendship will cost you something. Friendship requires work – a lot of it and hard work at times to maintain such relationships in the long run. Each individual must invest in it as well as devote their personal time, energy, commitment, heart, emotion, resources, and funds to make it work. Even more so, each individual must sacrifice some things for a relationship to develop into a thriving friendship. And yet, GOD said about Abraham – “… And he was called the friend of God….”
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Are you GOD’s friend or just another servant of GOD?
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If we or even HIM, still see ourselves as just HIS servant, then we definitely need to work on drawing closer to GOD. It should be our deepest desire to earn that friend status with GOD, to the point where we truly can see HIM in our lives like we see our BFF. 

Summary of Revelation chapter 20.