God Is Present

“Your God is present among you.” (Zephaniah 3:17 MSG)

Sometimes my cell phone gets jostled around in my purse, and it accidentally dials people on my contact list without my knowledge. I continue doing whatever I’m doing--talking, walking, eating, shopping--all the while completely unaware that someone is on the other end--waiting and listening.

My prayers are a bit one-sided too. I don’t really expect to hear back from God. I talk to Him randomly, repeating requests, expressing gratitude, asking questions--all the while going about my regular day-to-day life. I’m unaware that He is listening. I’m oblivious to God’s presence. I imagine Him as far away and out of reach. And then, I wonder why my prayer life feels disconnected!

“All difficulties in prayer can be traced to one cause: praying as if God were absent.” (St. Teresa of Avila)

What if God is present? What if He is always attentive? That would change how we approached everything--the way we think, pray, live--we couldn’t carry on as usual. We would expect a response from God. We would listen carefully. We would have to be more intentional and reverent in everything.

Lord, help us to acknowledge Your presence. May we worship and honor you.

Tuition Fees

“No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don't stay down long; Soon they're up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces.” (Proverbs 24:16 MSG)

University students at public colleges have to pay different tuition fees depending on their residential status. Out-of-state students pay almost three times the tuition as in-state students for the same education. Similarly, some people end up paying a lot more to learn the same lessons in life than others do.

Every time we face difficulties, experience resistance, or make mistakes--we end up paying tuition in the form of time, energy, money, physical strain, and mental aggravation. When we dwell outside of God’s influence, we bear the complete expense of every life lesson. We have a harder time recovering from falls, healing after trauma, finding hope, and learning to move forward. When we live in-state with God, however, we are better able to discern and implement divine insights, directions, and corrections. This allows us to learn expeditiously and thus make worthier choices.  We may stumble, but the Lord is right by our side to give us a hand up. He guides, strengthens, and comforts us through even the roughest terrain.

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT)

Sentinels of Truth

“You’re placed there as sentinels to truth.” (Mark 13:9 MSG)

Buckingham Palace in London is guarded by the Queen’s Guard. Dressed in their red uniforms and tall, black, bearskin hats, they have become a tourist attraction. Trying to distract the guards is a popular pastime for many tourists. Luckily, the Queen’s Guard plays a largely ceremonial role. The royal family is actually protected by bodyguards in plain clothes. These guards are trained to be discreet and unobtrusive. They follow their clients everywhere, ensuring that they are protected from harm.   

Like guards at a wall, we are meant to stay at our post and watch for anything that might invade the realm of truth. Some, such as clergy, have high-profile roles. Those who are public representatives of faith become bigger targets for distractions and debates. However, many more of us are given the task of guarding the truth in plain clothes. Since it is easier for us to blend in, we can be discreet and unobtrusive. We can be sentinels to faith while going about our daily roles as business owners, employees, clients, customers, health care providers, spouses, parents, friends, caregivers, students, teachers, writers, and musicians. We can be advocates for truth, even when it is uncomfortable. We can stay vigilant and alert for anything that threatens to corrupt purity, to minimize integrity, or  to distort reality. We can allow God to work through us and protect authenticity.

Lord, grant us the strength and discipline to guard Your truth at any cost.

Goal

“The Father is the goal and purpose of my life.” (John 17:28 MSG)

Football players always have their eye on the goal. They know that all the hustling they do on the middle of the field means nothing unless they get the ball to the goal. No one gets excited if a player gets  90% of the way and then decides that’s good enough.

How much of ourselves do we aspire to give to God?  Do we aim for 10%? 50%? 80%? What is our goal?

“She gave her all.” (Mark 12:44 MSG)

This is not even a goal for most of us. We are content to give a small portion of our spare time, energy, and resources to God. We spend the majority of our lives concentrating on the skirmishes in the middle of the field while paying very little attention to the end zone. Everything we accomplish in this life is meaningless if we don’t reach our eternal goal.

Father, You are the goal and purpose of our lives. Help us to stay focused and aim to give ourselves completely to You.  

Love Others

“Love others as well as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:31 MSG)

Who are these ‘others’ that Jesus is talking about? Does it include people who are different? Some translations of the Bible use the word ‘neighbor’ instead of ‘other.’ I think it’s easier to ‘love thy neighbor’--because we can choose to live near people who are similar to us. Many neighborhoods are shaped by voluntary segregation. It’s common practice for those from the same race, faith, and socioeconomic group to flock to certain residential areas. However, loving others who are different--those who do not look or speak like we do--those who do not share our faith, politics, or values--this can be quite challenging. We might tolerate them, but that’s it. We are not eager to spend time with them, get to know them better, or to serve them. It’s hard to imagine that Jesus meant for us to love them!

“You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” (Anne Lamott)

Sigh!  Perhaps we have projected some of our prejudices onto God in order to justify our hard-heartedness. We fail to recognize God in ‘others’, because doing so would be troublesome.

God encompasses everything and everyone. In Him we experience perfect unity. In Him we live and move and have our being. When we love God with all our passion, intelligence, and energy--there is a natural progression in our empathy--our ability to see commonalities. Our eyes are opened, our hearts become softened. We grow in our capacity to love others. We recognize our oneness in God.

This Is Not Your Project

“Thy will be done.” (Luke 11:2  KJV)

Recently, my friend Sue came over to can peppers with me. I had never canned anything before, so I was eager to learn about the process. She came over with most of the supplies and her recipe. I provided the space, some labor, and a few vessels and tools. Since this was her project, she was in charge. I mostly observed and waited for her to tell me what to do.

Many of us approach our lives as if we are in charge. We expect God to supply our needs and wants, but on our own terms. We invite Him to come into our space and help us learn. Yet, we are unwilling to relinquish control.

“The misfortune is that people wish to direct God instead of resigning themselves to be directed by Him.” (Madame Guyon)

Regrettably, many of us attempt to direct God to do our will and call it prayer. Our requests are specific and detailed--as if God can’t figure out what is best. Our lives are not our own. God is in charge. All that is required from us are some space, a few tools, and a willingness to follow instructions.

Lord, may THY will be done.

Peace and Authenticity

“They don't know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment's peace.” (Isaiah 59:8 NLT)

Is it possible to maintain peace while being authentic?

Authenticity can be uncomfortable--for ourselves and others. When people with opposing viewpoints share space, turmoil is inevitable. Social protocol compels us to conform, to be polite, to gloss over differences. Many of us compromise our principles in order to maintain peace. We deal in unrealities to appear civil. Unfortunately this quiescence is not sustainable. Like a dormant volcano, it is just a matter of time before things erupt, and, there is never a good time for the resulting ashes and lava.  The artificial lull that results from conceding to those who are continually combative should not be mistaken for peace.

Hypocrisy is a crooked path which culminates in frustration. In order to be accepted by society, we are encouraged to be polite and amiable. This often requires us to put on masks of propriety. Pretending  to get along with someone so as to avoid further conflict is just plain insincere. Straightforward paths, on the other hand, can lead to authenticity. Silence and contemplation kindle serenity. This is why one rarely hears the phrase ‘peace and noise’--peace requires quiet. The worldly promote a lifestyle of restlessness, busyness, and distraction. However, this does not lead to peace or authenticity. We must relinquish our false selves and embrace our true identities. In order to be true to ourselves, we must hush the noise of our projected images, so that we can listen to the still, small voice of God’s Spirit within us. When we can acknowledge that God is in control, we are better able to yield to His will.  God’s peace takes over,  flowing like a river through our souls.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Lyrics by Horatio G. Spafford)

Peace

“May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT)

Peace is defined as freedom from commotion, dissension, violence, and strife. It is a state of harmony, tranquility, and serenity. Some people are able to stay peaceful even when their external circumstances are chaotic and dysfunctional. They have learned to detach and disengage.

Surprisingly, not everyone craves peace. Drama addicts can only go so long before they stir up agitation. They think this ‘keeps things interesting.’  Even negative attention makes them feel relevant and important. Co-dependency creates a false sense of connection. Blurry boundaries add to the confusion. It’s like having a neighbor who surreptitiously moves the fence posts in the middle of the night--we are left with a vague sense of encroachment, but convince ourselves we must be imagining things.

“I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left - feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.” (John 14:27 MSG)

Peace is the ultimate gift. Occasionally, we are able to make peace by submitting to the will of  others. However, this temporary truce often leaves us feeling deprived and abused. The world leaves us with holes. God’s peace surpasses worldly understanding. It leaves us well and whole. There is no need to be upset or distraught. The Lord of peace himself gives us His peace at all times and in every situation. All we have to do is appropriate this peace as our own. We can do this by submitting all our concerns to God and trusting Him to take care of everything.

Dissonance

“Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.” (Proverbs 22:10 NLT)

Dissonance is defined as an inharmonious sound. In music, it is the result of a combination of tones that results in a state of unrest. We can also experience dissonance when there is discord between different aspects of our life. For example, there are certain core principles that I live by. Whenever I am pressured to change my behavior and conform to the expectations of others, I feel a sense of incongruity.

Refusal to deal with short-term conflicts can lead to long-term dissonance. It is disheartening to be around those who belittle you, complain about your loved ones, and constantly express their disappointment in your life choices. When we avoid the discomfort of confronting daily discord, we end up in a persistent state of disharmony.

In order to have harmony, we must be willing to eliminate dissonance. Staying true to yourself and standing firm on your principles will require some conflict in the short run. However, these battles need to be fought, and boundaries have to be defended in order to  maintain peace in our lives.

Lord, please help us to stand up against those who cause strife and contention.

Trust Healing

“Your faith has saved and healed you.” (Mark 10:52 MSG)

Many of us have heard the term ‘faith healing’--when someone is healed because of prayer and faith. Many of us who believe in God have prayed for healing. However, the results are not always what we hope for; this often leads to diminished faith.

What if we changed the words slightly to ‘trust healing’? Like a cancer patient who places himself under the care of a reputable oncologist, we know there will be good days and bad days. When we trust God to heal us, it is a continuous process. We are completely at His mercy. We know He is able and compassionate. We show up in front of Him for regular appointments--in prayer and thanksgiving. We listen and follow His directions. We remain confident in His care.

Lord, I trust you to heal me and my loved ones. Thank You.

Partial Commitment

“He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let go.” (Mark 10:22 MSG)

Like the rich young man in the Gospels, many of us want to be fully committed to Christ. However, we are holding on tightly to a lot of things that prevent us from doing so. The reasons/excuses for our partial commitment can be sorted into a few broad categories:

Previous commitments--When someone asks us to do something that we don’t really want to do, it’s usual for us to cite our prior commitments. Similarly, we use our responsibilities and schedules to put off a deeper relationship with Christ.

Common Sense--God’s call often does not make sense. Giving up everything to pursue some vague feelings seems foolish and irresponsible. Often we are nudged to do things that make us feel incompetent and confused. Details are sketchy. Common sense tells us to wait until conditions are perfect.

Half-Trust--It’s difficult to fully commit to someone when you only trust them partially. A woman is less likely to accept the proposal of a guy whom she doesn’t trust. We don’t feel comfortable entering into business partnerships with those who seem shady. Similarly, we cannot unequivocally follow God, until we trust Him completely.

Lord, enable us to let go of all these things to which we are holding on tightly. Help us to fully commit to following You.

Sleep Mode

“Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." (Mark 14:38 MSG)

Devices such as smartphones and laptops are built to go into sleep mode when not in use. The screen will go dark after a period of inactivity, and the device goes into a low-power mode. I have noticed that something similar happens to me when I disengage from God. I drift into a state of low energy--dispirited, inanimate, and unconscious.  

"When we cease to pray, we tend to fall back into nothingness. True, we continue to exist. But since the main reason for our existence is the knowledge and love of God, when our conscious contact with Him is severed we sleep or we die." (No Man Is an Island, Thomas Merton)

Periods of apathy or distraction can cause us to slip into sleep mode. We may be functional, but our usefulness is minimal. Prayer allows us to engage with God and be conscious of His presence. To know Him and to love Him--this is our primary purpose. When we remain alert and aware of the Grace that surrounds us, we are infused by the strength of the Almighty. Constant communion with God enables us to be filled with wisdom and power.

Lord, may we always be conscious of You. When our spirits become idle or apathetic, please wake us up. Light up our darkness. Fill us with discernment, passion, and power.

Holy in Christ

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (Ephesians 1:4 NLT)

It’s hard to explain...but I loved my child even before he was born. I wanted a child with every fiber of my being for a long time, before I even got pregnant. My husband and I waited expectantly for what would be our only child. He was loved and cherished before he existed. I doubt he realizes the full extent of his significance to us.

Before we were in this world, we were in Christ. To be ‘in Christ’ is a state of being, a condition in which we are fully connected, dependent, and in constant communion with the Divine. We were chosen--intentionally created, wanted. Unfortunately, many of us do not understand the depth of God’s everlasting love for us.

“In him we live and move and exist.” (Acts 17:28 NLT)

Outside of Christ, we are fractured, insecure, and constantly dissatisfied. In Christ, we are whole, holy, valued, and valuable. In HIM, we thrive, and grow, and experience the love of God.

Lord, may we realize the full extent of Your love for us. You intentionally made us to be holy and set apart for Your purposes. Help us to remain in You and be one with You.

Blocking Faith

(continued from previous post)

“So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” (Romans 14:13 NLT)

Our words and deeds can either attract people to God or repel them. For example, I am an all-or-nothing kinda gal. I’m sure I have turned people off by my intensity. I also tend to speak first and think later. This can definitely offend people and make them want to steer clear. I am also judgmental and impatient. When I claim to be a Christian, and then fail to act in a Christ-like manner, I misrepresent Christ.

What are some ways in which you may unintentionally turn other people off from faith? Does your concern about being ostracized by fellow believers prevent you from speaking up? Do you live in a way that puts up barriers or bridges for others to follow Christ?  

Bad Representatives

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17 NLT)

As a young couple, my husband and I bought life insurance from a well known, highly reputable, insurance company. The insurance agent who sold us our policy was friendly and articulate. He claimed to have our best interest at heart. However, in a few years we figured out that what he was peddling benefited him more than it did us. This experience made us suspicious of the company that this agent represented, plus all other insurance companies.

I profess to be a Christian. Let me qualify that a bit...I attempt to follow Christ. I don’t claim to be a stellar Christian, but I still take this responsibility very seriously. I am aware that everything I say and do affects how others perceive Christianity. I don’t like to hurt or offend fellow believers. I don’t want to be divisive or critical. Sadly, this concern about offending insiders who share my faith often prevents me from drawing outsiders to Christ.

(continued on next post)

The Scriptures and the Legal System

“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12 ESV)

The majority religion of a country often influences its legal system. Islamic shariah law, although not completely implemented by any country, has shaped the official laws of many nations where the majority of citizens are Muslim. According to the Pew Research Center, Christianity is still the majority religion in the U.S. as of 2014. Many Christians believe that literal interpretations of the Bible should shape the laws of our country.

In the past, Bible verses have been abused to justify slavery, war, colonization, and racism. Even in recent years, Scripture verses have often been quoted by those advocating against legalizing gay marriage. Christ said nothing about gay marriage. However, He was clear about divorce, adultery (premarital and extramarital sex), and remarriage. I wonder why Christians do not push for laws banning any of these? Why are some Bible verses taken literally as the Word of God, while others are glossed over or interpreted as no longer relevant? This seems hypocritical.

I read and study the Bible daily. It has been the most influential book in my life. It helps me understand God and His will. However, I cannot join in with those who insist on using literal interpretations of certain Scripture verses to shape our country’s laws while glossing over other verses. I understand that this viewpoint might be considered heretical in some Christian circles. So be it.

Power and Authority

“John said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group.’ ‘Don't stop him!’ Jesus said. ‘No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me.’” (Mark 9:38-39 NLT)

A ‘power of attorney’ authorizes you to act on someone else’s behalf. It is a great responsibility and privilege that must not be abused. Jesus has given us His power and authority--to speak and act on His behalf. You don’t have to be in an elite group, but you must have faith and trust in God.

There is power in the name of Jesus. I don’t mean to imply that merely saying the name of Jesus has some sort of magical property. However, when we take on the name of Jesus, when His name becomes who we are, when our identity melts into His, when we no longer trust in anything but the power of Jesus within us--then, there is power in His name.

Intimacy Through Prayer

“There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except through prayer.” (Mark 9:29 MSG)

What does Jesus mean when he says this? Did the disciples try to cast out the demons by methods other than praying? Are some types of prayer more powerful than others? What is the purpose of prayer anyway?

Our prayers are often centered around requests. This is how most of us were taught to pray as children. We repeated phrases that we heard others say. We asked for blessings, safety, and healing. We went to church and asked for ‘special intentions’.(The intentions were ours, but we hoped God would take them on as His own.)  In time, we learned to confess our sins and add in prayers of thanks and praise. Even though our prayer lives became more elaborate, the primary objective remained the same: to get God to make our lives better.

Through prayer, we have an opportunity to know God. This kind of prayer requires a certain amount of solitude, silence, time, space, and discipline. It cannot be rushed or squeezed in between our other priorities. Repeating words and phrases in a perfunctory manner does not enable us to understand God either. We must surrender our intentions and allow His will to take over. Prayer can be an act of intimacy with God. As we quiet our minds, listen, and draw close, He reveals Himself. His Spirit influences our thoughts and actions. We are no longer the ones who are praying. The power of God flows through us--and nothing can stand in its way.

Neighbors and Friends

“Help me with my doubts!” (Mark 9:24 MSG)

I have lived in the same neighborhood for several years now. Most of the people who live in our subdivision are cordial. We wave at each other when we walk our dogs. We make small talk while working in our yards. Much of our interaction is limited to the outdoors though; we rarely go into each other’s homes unless there is an emergency. They may be really great people, but since I don’t know them all that well, I keep a certain distance. However, a few of those who live close to me have become my intimate friends. We stop by just to chat; we share meals; we help each other out whenever there is a need. I’ve met their extended family members. We know when someone is sick or going through a crisis. We have prayed, cried, and rejoiced together. We are involved in each other’s lives. I know I can count on them. We may decide a person is not dependable once we get close to them. However, we can’t be sure if someone is trustworthy until we really get to know them.

Many of us have doubts about God, because we don’t know Him all that well. Our relationship with Him is cordial but not intimate. We may repeat superficial pleasantries or wave as we pass by. We might knock on His door if there is an emergency, but we do so hesitantly. We are not sure if He will be available or willing to help.

Trust requires intimacy and intimacy requires knowledge. We must draw close to God in order to know Him. As we grow in our understanding of God, we learn to trust Him. The more we trust, the more we become open to His love. Then, our lives become intertwined with His, and His love becomes the reason for our existence.

Lord, help us to know You and trust You.

Stirring the Pot

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” (Titus 3:10 ESV)

Some people are peacemakers, some are advocates, and others just like to stir the pot. Peacemakers try to resolve tension at any cost. Advocates feel the need to defend themselves and anyone else whom they deem oppressed. Pot-stirrers just like drama. They think that a certain amount of histrionics keeps things interesting. When these three get together, it’s just a matter of time before chaos erupts. The agitator will say something disparaging, the advocate will get defensive, and the peacemaker will try to pacify everyone to no avail.

"A humble man can do great things with an uncommon perfection, because he is no longer concerned about incidentals like his own interests and his own reputation, and therefore he no longer needs to waste his efforts in defending them." (Thomas Merton)

Humility helps us realize that we are no more important than the next person; our opinions have no more validity than that of any other person. What others think of us has very little significance. This frees us from being defensive or condescending. Wisdom allows us to recognize that we cannot neutralize every conflict or bring contentment to others. It also helps us understand that drama and divisiveness are harmful. Thus, humility and wisdom lead to acceptance.

“Perfect humility implies perfect confidence in the power of God before Whom no other power has any meaning and for Whom there is no such thing as an obstacle. Humility is the surest sign of strength." (No Man Is an Island, Thomas Merton)

Confidence in the power of God frees us from all forms of pride. It allows us to let go of our desire for control, because we realize our powerlessness. God is the only One who can make things right. Humility and trust become our source of strength.

Yahweh, may we be confident in Your power.

Refine and Preserve

“Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.” (Mark 9:49-50 MSG)

My husband and I are training for yet another race. When we sign up for new races, there is always a degree of hesitancy. Why are we subjecting our bodies to  pain and exhaustion? Do we not have enough stressors already? Wouldn’t it be better to do something relaxing and entertaining? Like most middle-aged couples, we have faced some life-altering challenges. We have come to realize that we have very little control over the the size and frequency of the obstacles that pop up regularly.  Running is one of many forms of voluntary discipline that can help increase stamina and resilience. Training for races gives us a chance to improve our endurance--physically and emotionally. Between racing events, we continue to do maintenance runs and try to stay healthy. Otherwise, our bodies and minds become deconditioned in just a few weeks. Daily discipline refines and preserves our bodies and minds, preparing us to face hardships in other areas of life.

Everyone goes through a refining process sooner or later. Every time we make it through a series of obstacles, our endurance improves. We learn to work through pain and fatigue. Yet, no matter how much we have gone through already, we are never fully prepared to handle all of life’s challenges. Time and time again, we are brought to our knees as we realize our limitations. We cry out to God in desperation and exhaustion. He runs alongside us, pushing us forward, even carrying us when needed.

Between each of life’s challenges, it is tempting to relax and indulge ourselves. We get lax in our training--we become consumed by distractions and pleasures, we spend less time in contemplation, our prayers become less intense. This results in spiritual deconditioning, which diminishes our ability to face the next challenge with trust and conviction. Thus, it is imperative that we remain disciplined and focused, refining and preserving our faith under all circumstances.

Lord, coach us through each of life’s challenges. Help us to improve and maintain our spiritual strength. Protect us from temptations.

The Call

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT)

We are called to a holy life, to be set apart, to be used for sacred purposes. Not because we have done anything to deserve it, but because that was God’s original intention for us. Like soldiers, we are provided with appropriate uniforms, equipment, training, directions, specific assignments, and locations for service. We are expected to put on the gear and report for  duty.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NLT)

Putting on these virtues is not easy for me; it’s not like slipping into comfortable clothes. I seem to naturally feel compassion and kindness for certain people. However, it is extremely difficult for me to be patient and gentle with people who take advantage of others. Thus, I find myself struggling; the gear is heavy and awkward. I am ashamed to report for duty. Fortunately, the grace of Christ allows me to have access to strengths I do not naturally possess. I shall acknowledge my weaknesses and depend on Christ to train me according to His purposes.

Lord, I submit my inadequacies to you. Your grace is sufficient. Train me to do Your will. Make me holy.

The Puppeteer

“Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:21 MSG)

Most of us are familiar with the story of Pinocchio, who starts life as a puppet. In the early stages, he is naive and easily manipulated by deception. He allows Evil to pull his strings. He lies to himself and to others. After much delinquent behavior, Pinocchio develops an internal conscience. As he grows in wisdom, he is less influenced by worldly desires. By the end of the story, he is changed from a puppet figure to a real boy who is true to himself and to those around him.

Like Pinocchio, we too, are often manipulated by deception. We are like puppets--our emotional strings pulled by the same hands which are behind all wickedness. We cannot free ourselves. Only a power mightier than Evil and greater than ourselves can cut the strings.

The Spirit of the living God animates us. As we grow in discernment, we are guided by truth. We are less influenced by desires for pleasure, material gain, and validation. We no longer allow evil to get the best of us. We are controlled by the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the authentic persons we were created to be.

“Spirit of the Living God,

fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me,

fill me, use me...”

(Lyrics from hymn by Daniel Iverson)