Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That’s Killing Your Future
© 2011 by Renée Allen McCoy

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means–electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise–without prior written consent from the publisher.

To protect the privacy of some individuals referred to in certain testimonies, names of persons have been changed.

Living Water Books are published by

FaytheWorks Publishing, LLC
Brandon, MS 39047
www.faytheworks.com

First Edition, September 2011

ISBN 10: 0983604606
ISBN 13: 9780983604600

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011928894

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Printed in the United States of America

BREAKING UP WITH A PAST

THAT’S KILLING YOUR FUTURE

Renée Allen McCoy

FaytheWorks Publishing, LLC

www.faytheworks.com

Dedication

WHEN I didn’t know where to begin, You just told me to start. As I commenced to writing and became weak, You steadily strengthened my body and increased my faith. Through the moments when I felt alone, You reminded me to not trust my feelings, instead to trust You. Lord, as I faced attacks from others, You helped me to understand that no weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, You will condemn—vengeance belongs to You.

This body of work could only truly be dedicated to You; it is because of You that I wrote it. The numerous heartfelt testimonies and amazing deliverances included here are all because of Your incredible love.

God, this is for Your glory…

Acknowledgments

NONE OF this would be possible without the Lord’s Divine wisdom, insight, and His countless other attributes. Thank you, God, for loving, ministering, and comforting as only You can.

To my husband, Gervase, thank you for sharing your testimony. It is my prayer that many others will take note of how damaging ungodly soul ties truly are and make a decision to totally surrender every area of their lives to Jesus Christ.

To my parents, William and Doris, my siblings, Jeffrey and Rochelle, family members and friends, thank you for your love and continuous support. Your prayers and kind words of encouragement are uplifting. I pray that God’s blessings continue to be upon us.

With deep appreciation for my other brothers and sisters in Christ who helped to make this book a reality, I graciously thank: Linda Summers, Sharae Green, Mosezella Williams, Tracey Tucker, Denese Ellis, Keya Brown Riggins, Joseph Taliaferro, LeaVannah Davis, Belinda-Rose James, and Radiant Jones. May your brave testimonies touch the lives of countless others for His glory.

God is an awesome, loving God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and is worthy to be praised.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1   |   What is a Soul Tie?

Section 1 - The Courtship

2   |   In the Beginning

3   |   The Set-Up

4   |   Sleeping with the Enemy

5   |   The Burning Sands

6   |   Darkness of the Masonic Light

7   |   Playing with Fire

Section 2 - The Break-Up

8   |   Guard Your Heart

9   |   Divorcing the World

10 |   No Condemnation–in Christ Jesus

Appendix

Notes

Foreword

THE AUTHOR of this book, my wife, is a true woman of God. Over the years, I have been blessed to see her grow into the woman He desires for her to be. I can truly say that Renée is someone who seeks to honor God in all that she does. I was amazed when I read her previous novels and believe that Soul Ties will bless every Christian and even redirect some non-Christians by answering some of the difficult relational questions they may have.

We all need to realize the importance of Godly relationships and associations. This book explores those areas. Often we do not understand the affect family, friends, and social groups have on our lives. We must make cautious decisions about the people we allow into our inner circle. God has a plan for every one of our lives; it is up to us to allow Him to direct our paths. We must have a personal relationship with Him so that He can reveal that ordained plan to us.

When connected to people and organizations that are completely outside of God’s will, it causes distractions and may even derail us in our walk with Him. If you have ever had questions about your spiritual walk with God, this book will help you understand the driving force behind many of the issues plaguing our society today: pursuits of sex, drugs, and alcohol as well as the desire to be accepted by humanity versus being humble toward God.

My prayer is that we truly submit to God, becoming as faithful to Him as He has been to us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gervase McCoy

Introduction

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32, KJV

THIS SCRIPTURE offers an amazing combination of relief and freedom for the believer. God’s life-changing truth can never be trumped by the enemy’s deceptive lies. For those who have a desire to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Scriptures testify of Him. In Him and only in Him is there eternal life. It is simply up to the individual to receive what God has to offer. Considering what the Holy Spirit has taught me, I feel a great obligation to share Christ and love another brother or sister enough to tell them the truth.

Through all of my ignorance, disobedience, and sin, God still loved me. God loves those who don’t even love Him and this is threaded throughout His Word—the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ saved me from Hell and saved me from myself. When I fell in the desires of my flesh, God still remained the same: loving, giving, patient, and kind. Although we encounter trials and tribulations here on Earth, even after being saved from Hell, God still does not allow us to go through more than we can bear. He does provide us with a way of escape. The problem is that many of us don’t take advantage of the emergency exit He affords. Why is that?

One reason could be that so many are preoccupied with “life” and the things of the world that the open door of escape is either ignored or not even noticed. Being this heavily engrossed could cause a person to become more attracted and deeply devoted to things that are outside of God’s will. What a chilling thought. Through my experience in witnessing, I’ve often found that the generic response or attitude to my deterring others from dangerous pitfalls and toward the Lord is, “Oh, God knows my heart…” This is a sobering truth. Do many realize the divine revelation they’ve actually spoken? And the sad part is that this complacent response typically comes from many professed Christians.

These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men.

Matthew 15:8-9, AMP

As the Lord has placed on my heart for some time now to write this book, I finally humbled in submission. I had to repent for procrastinating. My mind swarmed with thoughts of how to present it, how to make it relatable, and how to share without appearing judgmental (although the Word will ultimately judge, not man). Clearly, eternal judgment is reserved for God, as He has the final say. While human beings form opinions and are biased in certain instances, only God can pass judgment to either receive a person into Heaven or hurl them into Hell.

The bottom line is the truth is the truth. There is no way to sugar coat, no way to dress it up to receive widespread approval of man, and no way to share it other than to be direct. God has taught me this by example through His Word. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 12:4).

It is my sincere desire to share with others what I have learned. The damaging effects of Greek Lettered sororities and fraternities, Masonry, along with other subjects are discussed in the following pages. I aim to encourage readers with the testimonies included from dedicated Christians who openly share the Light of God with the world—not some generic god who is powerless in the face of the One true and living God.

At the end of each chapter (beginning with Chapter 2), you’ll find a self-examination question in addition to practical applications to help you discover areas in your life that may need repair. These things will assist you in becoming a healthier and more spiritually minded person.

Other topics covered include deliverance from the devastating affects of rape, molestation, promiscuity, bondage to drugs and other addictions, and domestic abuse. We are our brother’s keeper and should care enough about the next person to share what we’ve learned through Biblical insight and personal experience that line up with God’s Word.

It is not my intention to ignite discord. That is far from my motive. It is to simply share with others the caution that should be taken upon entering any relationship or association, whether with a potential mate or in joining a sorority, fraternity, or secret society that is inconsistent with one’s Christian faith. One day we will have to give an account to God for the things done in this life. We must be careful of the decisions we make because sometimes the consequences may have an eternal effect.

The contents of this book are in no way, shape, or form intended to condemn anyone. When I justly deserved to be cast out of God’s sight, the Lord was patient with me and I just want others to experience the freedom and mercy that I have. God knew my previous outlook was distorted and not as He would have it to be. In the past, my view was assuredly that of a carnal mind, but what a loving and forgiving God we serve!

This world, Earth as we know it, is only our temporary home and before I leave, I aim to do something meaningful with the life God has given me. Our experiences are not just our own. Our tests can become testimonies. It is my hope to help, even if that means only one person, to receive deliverance from damaging soul ties—deliverance that can only come through God.

1

What is a Soul Tie?

It can be good or bad…

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

1 Samuel 18:1-4

THIS SCRIPTURAL reference, one of many, describes a Godly soul tie. The word-phrase “soul tie” is not in the Bible; however, the meaning of “knit” implies the same as “tie.” To knit simply means to intertwine or join together. The word “tie” involves fastening or drawing together. A soul tie is the knitting or tying together of souls. Souls tied together result in a strong bond or devotion to the other individual.

The instance referenced above describes a Godly tie between spiritual brothers. The Scripture confirms that it was Godly in stating that David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, except in the matter concerning Uriah the Hittite (see 1 Kings 15:5). The bond David and Jonathan shared reminds me of the allegiance Cain and Abel, being blood brothers, should have had for one another. Jonathan was indeed his brother’s keeper.

The strong bond Jonathan held with David becomes ever so clear in the nineteenth chapter of First Samuel. Saul, although previously caring towards David, became increasingly jealous of him. He was so jealous that he sought to end David’s life. Jonathan, with his soul being knitted together with David’s, aimed to protect his close friend whom he loved as he would a brother, even as it went against his father’s orders, the king’s orders, to kill him.

Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David. So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you. Then what I observe, I will tell you.”

1 Samuel 19:1-3

Godly soul ties create loyalty, a sense of allegiance or commitment with another. It will prompt a person to protect the other, to defend, to actually display what Jesus spoke of in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” In the instance of Jonathan and David, they looked out for one another as you would expect best friends to do.

Another Biblical example of a Godly soul tie is the relationship between Ruth and Naomi. Ruth’s devotion and friendship to Naomi was evident through her loyal actions to leave her homeland and follow her mother-in-law, declaring to Naomi, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16).

There are also ungodly soul ties. These are ties to things or people who are against or out of the will of God. To be drawn to, entangled, or in agreement with something or someone contrary to the Word of God is a demonic association. These ties give Satan legal access into a person’s life. Satan cannot touch a child of God under the protection of the Blood of Jesus Christ, but the child of God can certainly step from underneath that covering, giving access to the enemy. God will never leave nor forsake us, as He is the same yesterday, today and forever. However, we can surely walk away from Him.

This is further confirmed by a sermon a pastor preached regarding the Ark of safety that was built by God’s instructions.[1] This minister of the Gospel described how Noah’s family was saved from the world-wide flood as long as they remained in the Ark, which took some time to build.[2] If they had chosen to step outside of the covering God had provided for them through the Ark He had instructed Noah to build, then they would no longer be saved from the flood. As long as they stayed underneath the covering provided for them, they were continually being saved. Similar to carrying an umbrella in the rain, if you put that rain covering away, you would surely get wet.

The Bible instructs every person to examine himself. As we learn more about God and how He would have us to live, we are held responsible for what we know. As we acquire Biblical knowledge, it is up to us to apply what we’ve learned to our lives. A Christian’s devotion should first be to God, and everything else should fall in line behind Him. If God is not first in your life, you’re committing idolatry. The Lord gives us the freewill to choose whom, or what, we will follow. It is with our hearts that we make life altering decisions—“for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

A pure heart belongs to a person who completely surrenders to the Savior. Because of the darkness of sin, only the Blood of Christ can cleanse us white as snow. As we are cleansed by the Blood of Jesus, we trade in our sinful heart for the heart of Christ. He is the only way to the Father.[3] As Christians, when God looks at our hearts, He sees the heart of His Son, and when He sees the pure heart of His Son, He sees a mirror reflection of Himself.[4]

Many of us can recount doing things that we didn’t know were wrong at the time. At least this is true for me; but what an awesome God we serve Who extends grace and mercy upon our lives. In His grace and mercy, we must understand that when revelation does come we are held accountable for what we do know.[5] Consider a teacher who has a lesson plan, but does not get to cover all of the material students are to be tested on in an upcoming examination. Either he or she will postpone the exam until the material is covered or remove those uncovered sections from the test. It reminds me of how God overlooks ignorance, those with a lack of knowledge, “but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). When you have the knowledge of Truth, you are then responsible for what you know.

God desires for His children to have an abundant life—that’s why He came.[6] God’s abundance far surpasses what this world considers rich. God’s abundance does not have an end. The Lord is able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). We serve a limitless God. He is the Creator of all things and will withhold no good thing from us. The Lord makes provisions on our behalf, fully aware of our decision making skills. This is why we need the Holy Spirit to guide us in our everyday living. God is always with and for us, intervening and interceding. However, we must be willing to obey Him and follow His commands. Obedience is important.

To counter our desire to do God’s will, Satan attempts to lure us out of fellowship with the Father. He aims to fill our minds with fearful thoughts instead of faithful beliefs. Fear is the opposite of faith. Satan knows that it is impossible to please God without faith, “for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Is fear holding any of us back? Fear of rejection, fear of misunderstanding, fear of being mistreated because of your stance for the Lord? It tried to hold me back, but I understand that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of “power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). And to God be the glory that I know this is not about me. It is all about Him. He wants us to be free. The enemy seeks to destroy and his biggest weapon is deception.

Do you or anyone you know feel trapped or troubled by a repetitive cycle of unhealthy relationships? Is there an uncomfortable feeling about old associations the closer you get to the Lord? Are you truly willing to give it all up to serve God—wholeheartedly?

It is time to cut the cord…

Section 1

The Courtship…

2

In the Beginning

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26

SINCE THE beginning when God created mankind, He set us up to have dominion over all the earth and everything that creeps upon the earth. Dominion is authority and control over something, and God gave human beings this right to rule over every other being He placed on Earth. God is so awesome in that He prepared not only us, but also our environment in which we would be in charge of before we ever arrived.

Isn’t this an instinct that humans have—making preparation for the arrival of a newborn? We try to make sure that things are in order and that the child will have everything they need. And in some cases, parents who feel that they may not be able to provide adequately for the coming arrival opt to give the child up for adoption with hopes that another set of parents will provide what they cannot. With our Heavenly Father, there was no rushing around or wondering for He is in control of everything and divinely makes provisions on our behalf. There is no question of whether or not He can or will provide. He is the true, living and holy God. Everything we will ever need lies within Him.

God is the beginning and the end—Alpha and Omega. Considering this, let us explore God’s creation of humans. As stated in Genesis 1:26, we are made in His image—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God said, “Let Us make man in Our image…” We are created beings that answer to a higher power, which of course is God. He is not just “a” creator, He is The Creator, which by the way dispels the myth Jehovah’s Witnesses declare in that Jesus is a created being and “a” god. Jesus was in the beginning with the Father Who spoke everything into existence. But our adversary, the devil, would have us to believe differently. Even as God fashioned human beings, Satan who was once known as Lucifer, was plotting against us. He is not our friend and never will be; his fate is sealed and he desperately wants to steal from us what God has freely given.

In the book of Genesis, it is revealed how conniving and manipulative Satan really is. Even in Utopia, the Garden of Eden, Satan’s shrewd words struck Eve enough to convince her that God’s words weren’t true. The first mistake Eve made was in entertaining the devil; she considered what he had to say. She listened to his words, which planted doubt against the authority of the Creator’s. God instructed that they, Adam and Eve, not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And He told them that if they did, they would surely die. The enemy courted Eve; he told her something different from what God had instructed. Satan said to her that she would not surely die, but rather she would be like a god. Interestingly, part was truth and part was a lie.

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of Us [the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit], to know [how to distinguish between] good and evil and blessing and calamity…

Genesis 3:22, AMP

Satan operates by taking the truth and twisting it. He perverts what God says to fit his demonic agenda. As Eve meditated on the doubt Satan planted in her mind, she began to believe the lie of the enemy instead of the truth of God. And in doing so, she ate from the forbidden tree.

Many disobey because they feel their choice to do something may present a better result or outcome other than what was stated. For example, children may disobey parents because they don’t trust the parent’s judgment. Do we trust God’s judgment? Children may be well aware of the rules in place, but choose to do otherwise. Then there are some children who may trust their parent’s judgment, yet still disobey if they believe they can get away with something outside of the parent’s knowledge. Do we sometimes attempt the same things with God? Let us not forget that God is omniscient. He is not like man who only knows what we tell or show. God perceives the private, intimate things that we may never utter aloud.[1] God surely know us better than we know ourselves.

When the serpent piqued Eve’s interest, she was drawn in by his lies. She knew what God had instructed, but she was interested in what the enemy had to say. Satan’s words must’ve been like beautiful music to Eve’s ears, deceptively luring her in. Apparently his words appealed to her, as there is no scriptural reference indicating that she was resistant to his advances.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7, KJV

Imagine the thoughts that must have gone through Eve’s mind, swaying her to disobey God. Similar thoughts have entered our minds at one time or another. We have all disobeyed God at different times in our lives. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Eve knew what God had instructed, but she allowed Satan to divert her attention. It may have seemed harmless at the time, flirting with the devil, but rebellious actions have damaging consequences. Eve could have possibly been confident in all God had provided, yet still entertained the thought of gaining more. Was it not enough all that God had provided? Were all of her needs not supplied?

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Philippians 4:11

When God instructed Adam and Eve to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil there was also mention of another tree: the Tree of Life. In the second part of Genesis 3:22, it is stated, “…and now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.” Could it be that if they had eaten from the tree of life (in their fallen state) that they would’ve lived on in that way?

It’s interesting to note that the serpent never suggested to Eve that she eat from the Tree of Life. This tree was available to Adam and Eve before they ate from the forbidden tree. God told them they could eat the fruit from all the trees except the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. We had a right to the Tree of Life before the contamination of sin. After sin entered, that initial right was stripped away.

“Therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:23-24).

Even after they sinned, God still loved them. Before He banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, the Scripture states that God made long coats of skins and clothed them.[2] There was now a need for those things because sin revealed their nakedness. Even after such grave disobedience, God selflessly supplied. He gave of Himself so freely, openly displaying His love. That same love is still offered today as noted in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Everlasting life is only obtained through Jesus Christ, not through other gods, other people, or any other means. Jesus Christ was the only One who died for us. In Him, we have permission to enter Heaven.

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:14

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7

Temptation enticed humanity to sin. Sin results from disobedience to God. In order for the temptation of evil to be successful it must present a strong case of persuasion. The enemy is not going to tempt you with something that you may find unappealing, unattractive, or unpleasant. The enemy is well aware that God created us uniquely with varying preferences. What you may find attractive, your sibling may not. What your cousin may view as beautiful, your friend may find ugly. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and Satan will use this to your detriment. Maybe the approach used on Eve would not have worked on Adam, but when the message came through Eve, Adam did receive.

The portrayal of what happened in the Garden of Eden paints a vivid picture of how Satan works. The enemy is a manipulator and a liar. Could this be why God hates lying so much? As noted in Proverbs 6:16-19, there are six things that the Lord hates, but seven are an abomination to Him. Lying is specifically stated in two of those categories. It was out of a manipulative lie that disobedience was born.

Although sin caused spiritual death, God redeems. The Lord did not leave us hopeless. When God said that Adam and Eve would die if they ate from or even touched that forbidden tree, He meant that they would die spiritually. In Satan’s agenda, he made it sound as if there would be no consequences in disobedience, only reward. Isn’t that still true today? The enemy will play mind games, hoping to lure us into thinking his word takes authority over God’s.

God’s Word takes precedence over all.

Self-Examination Question

Do I have a true desire to obey God in all areas of my life?

Practical Applications

Simply receive God’s truth instead of the enemy’s lies.

Open all areas of your life to the Lord, not just one or two; He’s an expert in everything.

Pray for a spiritual ear to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say and a mind and will to obey His instructions.

The Lord has given every human being a measure of faith. Exercise the faith God has given you by trusting His Word. Often, we trust that a chair will hold our weight or that a refrigerator will keep our food cold; how much more should we trust in the Lord?

3

The Set-Up

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Luke 22:31-32

AS CHRISTIANS, Jesus Christ intercedes on our behalf, knowing that we all have weaknesses and that our adversary, Satan, desires to see us fail. Consider the analogy the Lord used as He spoke to Simon Peter regarding Satan’s intentions, “…that he may sift you as wheat.” Satan literally wants to destroy us. The enemy preys upon our human frailties with a focus to tear us down. It is important to remember that when dealing with Satan, he will use whatever and whomever to carry out his agenda of destruction.

Just as he plotted in the Garden of Eden, the devil devises evil schemes to carry out today. The enemy’s fate is sealed in eternal damnation, and his plan is to take as many as he can with him. Just as he set Eve up in the beginning, he seeks to set us up today. In many cases, he even goes after the young, innocent, and unassuming to victimize, further characterizing his wicked nature.

Let us consider Tamar, a fair, innocent virgin spoken of in the book of 2 Samuel. She was violated by her half-brother, Amnon, after he pretended to be ill. Tamar was simply being obedient to her father, King David, in going to her sibling’s home to prepare a meal as requested. Totally oblivious to Amnon’s ulterior motive, Tamar cooked the food in his presence as previously requested.

Instead of eating the meal presented to him, Amnon grabbed hold of Tamar. She pleaded for him not to force her, but her cries were to no avail. This was a man who said that he loved Tamar. Amnon was so troubled by his feelings that he fell sick for her. But soon after his attack, the love Amnon said he had for Tamar was replaced with hate.

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!”

2 Samuel 13:15

That is the character of Satan, to use and abuse. At this point, it was impossible for Amnon’s passion to be called true love. It is evident that the love Amnon professed he had was not the love of God because true love is kind, patient, not provoked, and thinks no evil (see 1 Corinthians 13). The true essence of Amnon’s nature was soon revealed through his actions.

There is nothing new under the sun. The enemy’s bags of tricks are still the same today, although he may use them differently.

The story of Tamar’s violation is very similar to the following woman’s account of what happened to her as a child. Imagine trusting someone who’s supposed to comfort, parent, and take care of you. How do you truly heal from past abuse and obtain a healthy view of family relationships? How do you get the courage to even speak about the pain? How do you forgive such an act and move on with life?

The answer is indeed God.

The Infirmed Woman—A Testimony

In my life’s experience I’ve found that with problems, there’s One solution: Jesus Christ. He is the prescription to whatever infirmity a person may have. As human beings, we all have problems at one time or another. But the most important thing for us to remember, especially as Christians, is that for every problem we have God as the solution. Encouragement comes through His Word. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

As a thirteen year old child I was raped by my biological dad on my birthday. As a result from this rape a child was conceived. This rape repeated for six months before my mother found out I was pregnant. I felt like I was fed to the devil daily. It made me think that my life was over and there was no reason for me to continue living. There were times I had to go places with my daddy even when I did not want to go. As a child I had no say-so under the control of my parents. I felt hopeless and ashamed, like no one cared for me. I did not know God at the time or if He even existed. All I knew was that my dad was hurting me.

My childhood was taken away from me at an early age. I don’t know what it is like to be a kid or teenager. I never went to prom or school games because my daddy did not want me out with other men. After the rape happened, I was never allowed to hang out with my friends or cousins. My father was afraid that I would tell. One time he even held a gun to my head and said that he’d kill me if I told anyone. My situation was overwhelming and a lot for a thirteen year old to handle. Many say that what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but I say that what you don’t know can destroy you. It can devastate a person, causing much disorder and dysfunction in the human body.

One day I began to pray to God and ask Him to end all that was going on with me. I never understood why this was happening to me. Still dealing with this trauma when I was twenty-three, as if it was not enough for my daddy to brutally rape me—he then raped our child—who was also my sister. She was only ten years old. History repeated itself. Life sometimes does not deal you a fair hand, but I had to play the hand that I was dealt. I used to ask God why me, why do I have to go through all of this? What have I done to cause such sin to come upon me at an early age? There wasn’t a person I could seek to get me through this challenge; my guidance had to come from God, which it did. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).

I had to be there for my daughter. There was much involved in the deliverance from my past trauma. I am not against seeking counseling because the Scripture also states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). This simply means that without good direction, people lose their way. But it has to be Godly counsel, not the world’s. After I had analyzed my problem and conditions, I then understood the origin of my situation. I came to Jesus hurt, wounded, and torn. I then began to cast all my cares upon Him for I know He cares for me.

Later, I got married thinking that my husband would love me until the day I die. I loved my husband so much that in my eyes he could do no wrong. Boy was I wrong. After thinking that I had overcome all trials of pain and hurt in my life, one night I caught my husband cheating on me. Then that same night he physically and verbally abused me, his wife, out in public. I fell to the ground and looked up only to see him and his mistress, who by the way was behind the wheel of my car, drive off and leave me behind on the ground. I prayed to God for guidance once more because it was me who had gotten myself into this marriage and needed God to correct it. When we ask God to fix a situation in our lives, He will do what’s best for us. It may not get done how we think it should, but understand that God makes no mistakes.

When I met my husband he was charming, showering me with constant love and attention that seemed too good to be true. He then monopolized my time without regards to what I wanted to do. I came to recognize his controlling ways from how my father controlled me. They were both abusers and I now see that the signs were clear. My husband tried to stop me from seeing friends and family, wanting to monitor everything I did. I was confined in a relationship where I was criticized. He displayed two different personalities: aggressive in the way he threw things around, and then passionate after an argument. I did not see all of these signs when we were dating. Only after we were married did I come to see the truth about him. That’s why it pays to wait on God. Allow Him to choose your mate.

There was also a second incident where I caught my husband in the act of adultery. He was in my car again with another mistress. It was one night after I had been told that my car was on the side of the road. I thought it had broken down because earlier that day my brother borrowed it. I had no idea that my husband had ended up with it. My cousins drove me to where my car was located and I got out and walked toward where it was parked. As I approached my car, a woman jumped out and started in my direction. Immediately, she began swinging at me and we fought to the ground. I soon found that she had a box cutter in her hands. This woman had missed splitting my eyes by half an inch. Oh, thank God for protection because I could have been blind!

When my cousins pointed out that I was bleeding, I noticed that I had sliced flesh hanging from my left side. My husband, who had gotten out of the car, then looked at me and said, “You should’ve been home. This wouldn’t have happened to you if you were home.” He then turned around, jumped back in the car and drove off, leaving me there to die in the front of where this woman lived.

The woman ran inside the house and my cousins rushed me to the hospital. I was taken into surgery shortly after entering the ER and ended up with 125 stitches on the left side of my back stretching from shoulder to hip, not including the stitches I also had to get for the cuts on my arms and forehead. Sadly, my husband never came to the hospital to see about me. When I was released to go home, he was in bed lying down. In so much pain from the cuts and wounds, I just looked at him. The only words he had for me were, “Good for you. You had no business there.” Carelessly, he just laid there looking as if he had a hangover from the night before.

Many times we fail to see the truth because we are blinded by what we want to see. The enemy toys with our emotions to make us think that love hurts. Or that the pain we endure stems from love. But love is patient and kind. Love causes a person to forgive. We can forgive and still move on. God does not desire for us to be in relationships where we’re constantly being pounded on and treated like a punching bag. He wants the best for us. Although we are called to sacrifice and suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ, God did not say to suffer for unrighteousness. At times, we may not use good judgment or understand the cause of our actions, especially when we are truly ignorant of a matter or purposely don’t listen to God.

As Christians, we need to seek God’s guidance. We need to search His Word like it was hidden treasure and gain wisdom. If I told you I planted a million dollars in your front yard, what would you do? You would go digging, looking for it non-stop. You would not stop looking until you found it. Well the same applies with God’s Word as noted in Proverbs 2:1-7.

Now as I walk in God’s wisdom, I thank Him everyday for guidance and direction. Today, I say Lord why not me and witness to others, sharing His Word to those that are experiencing what I went through. It took God’s Word to put my past under my feet. The trauma of what happened to me is still as fresh in my mind today as it was thirty years ago, but today I don’t live in the past. I’ve been set free by the spiritual deliverance that comes only through Jesus Christ! Although my problem was rooted in the past, God is the prescription for yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).

From this woman’s story, we learn that even when tragedy strikes, God is still with us. He never turns His back on His children, although we may walk away from Him. He is faithful and patient. The desire of a true Christian is to be as faithful to God as He is to us. He understands that we make mistakes; therefore God’s forgiveness is available to us. It is not His will that we live in the past, meditating on our failures, as this keeps us from moving forward. Being trapped in the past causes a person to live continuously in that moment as if it is their present.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

Philippians 3:13

Remember, the enemy desires to sift us like wheat. His plan is to steal, kill, and destroy. But God instructs us to not fear the one that can kill the body, but the One who can destroy both the body and soul in hell (see Matthew 10:28). We are more than conquerors through Jesus. He is victory!

No matter how checkered your past may be, don’t let it kill your future. There are fiery trials, even beyond our control. Regardless, God still holds the solution to any problem. Some may have been born into a familial curse, but the cycle can be broken through the Savior.

It’s important to identify a problem in order to embrace the solution. With children, it is the responsibility of the parent to protect and teach. Education begins in the home even before that child can utter a word. They learn from what they see and tend to mimic the parent’s behavior. As that child grows into an adult, it is just as important for him or her to halt the cycle of abuse if it exists. Sadly, some don’t think that what they’re doing is wrong, even after they’ve been locked up. In many instances it is a way of life for them. But once a person recognizes that what they’re doing is wrong, it is important to stop the cycle of abuse. And then there are those who simply live in denial; nevertheless, living in denial will help no one in these situations. We must right the wrongs by simply heeding God’s Word.

When something heinous like child molestation happens in life, it can be difficult for those directly affected to talk about it. I’ve read many case files and listened to several testimonies that would simply bring tears to a person’s eyes. People may do cruel and vicious things in this world, but we must be willing to forgive them for the wrong they’ve done.

Paul insightfully wrote: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21).

The wrath of God is deeper and more severe than anything we could ever attempt to impose upon another. When angry, do not sin behind that anger.[1] Vengeance belongs to the Lord. We are called to forgive just as we would desire for God to forgive us.

Consider the Model Prayer Jesus taught in Matthew 6. When we meditate on the verse that states why we are to forgive, it teaches us that this is a requirement contingent upon God forgiving us for our wrongdoings.[2] Many will categorize sins, stipulating that one is worse than the other. On Earth, this is how broken laws are classified. One offense could get a person two or three years in jail, while another may condemn a person to life in prison. However, when we look at the Model Prayer Jesus taught, He did not distinguish that certain sins are okay for us to forgive while others are not. When we harbor unforgiveness, we place ourselves in emotional and spiritual incarceration. It can cause bitterness, and sometimes isolation from the world. Most importantly, it declares to God that we don’t want to be forgiven. Is that really what we want? God gives us the freewill to choose: Blessing or Curse? The decision is ours.[3]

The following account is of a woman who experienced a similar sexual violation by her stepfather. She describes how it affected her, but more importantly how the process revealed her need for God and how His awesome deliverance works.

Restored—A Testimony

Ungodly relationships have been a part of my life as early as childhood up through my adult life. As the Holy Spirit leads me, I must speak the truth. I was sexually abused as a child by my stepfather. The secret of abuse manifested in ways I could not even imagine. The abuse affected my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors toward the male gender. I now realize that all of my relationships had been ungodly. Why is that? It was because I was filled with dis-ease about what had previously happened to me. The violation went against everything that represented a healthy relationship.

I remember as a child wanting to be married and to have children. You can call it a childhood fantasy if you like, but I believe that it is every female’s dream to have a husband and family that truly loves her. Being brought up in a dysfunctional family shattered that dream.

Sometimes I want to blame my parents for what had happened to me as a child and for the way my life turned out, but instead I forgave them. They must have experienced their own type of abuse that was passed down from previous generations. My parents were no longer the blame as time passed because I began making my own decisions, and I made plenty of the wrong ones. Now I have to live with the choices previously made in my adult life and face the truth about ungodly relationships. I say relationships because I can’t just look at only one relationship, I have to acknowledge the ungodliness in them all—even the one in particular that I thought was right because I was married. Just because a couple is married that does not mean everything is Godly about their marriage.

When I met the man I would marry, he was a person who smiled a lot and was very physically attractive. He attended church on a regular basis and always had a Bible with him. This man was very well spoken and knew the Word. He could quote Scriptures and interpret what they mean. An outgoing and people person, he worked hard at his self-owned detailing company. On the outside, these things appealed to me, but I trusted God enough to reveal the truth about this man because I didn’t have the power to look at his heart as God does.

As time went on, to me he appeared to be saved. And I know that just because he may have had issues that were not visible does not mean that he was not saved. As I take inventory on my living a saved life, I still had some things that needed changing that were not visible at the time either. I do know that I had accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and believed in my heart that He had died on the cross and rose again. I believe I was saved, but there were some hidden behaviors that needed to be changed.

I found that we had some of the same things in common, including being business owners as well as church-goers every Sunday and to Bible study on Tuesday nights. I too knew the Word of God and I was trying to live right. My desire was definitely there to live for the Lord. We were both in a spiritual program trying to learn how to live by Godly principles. We soon began seeing each other on a regular basis, studying the Word together, and then did what we considered “normal”—sleeping together. That was not right. After dating a few months and sleeping together, we decided that we needed to be married.

Things seemed to be going okay and we even agreed to have premarital counseling. Although my fiancé at the time appeared to be a little resistant to the counseling, he followed through with it. I felt happy about our going to counseling and that he was at least trying. I remember sharing with my children, from a previous relationship, that I wanted to be married, but I could tell that my daughters did not like him very much. Although they did not directly say, “Mom, you should not marry him,” I knew they did not want me to. Since they would not share their thoughts about why they did not want me to marry him, I made the decision to go ahead and do so.

On my wedding day, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I really wanted to call the wedding off, but was too concerned about what my friends and family would say. Regretfully, I went through with it. I really wanted to be married and decided that I would do all I could to be a good wife, despite my doubts.

We soon began to have difficulties in our relationship as newlyweds. The best thing I knew to do was have spiritual counseling to help us stay married. At one of the sessions, we discussed the love of God. I was asked to read 1 Corinthians 13. As I read this passage of Scripture I was convicted about my expression of love to my husband. I remember thinking I do not love my husband like this. I wept uncontrollably during the session, which was held in our living room, until I left and went to our bedroom. My husband did not leave the session to comfort me. I felt embarrassed and ashamed. My prayer to God was to show me how to love and He did through His Word. The society we live in confuses love and lust and often perceives them to be the same thing. It is not. God’s love is good, kind, and patient.

After being humiliated at that particular session, the sessions stopped. We had made a decision to work on our marriage, but my husband seemed to do whatever he could to destroy it. He began staying away from home late into the night until he boldly stayed away for four days one time. I had no idea where he was. God revealed to me in a dream, His word, and through a reliable source that my husband had an affair. The affair was confirmed when I actually saw my husband leaving the woman’s house I had suspicions about. I didn’t expect to see this as I was on my way to work that morning.

Hurt, I confronted my husband and he didn’t deny what he had done. At first I didn’t know what to do, but later decided that I would forgive him as I did my step-father. It was the last straw for me and I believed that if we weren’t going to remain together, that God would have him leave without any help from me. God revealed to me in His Word that I could divorce my spouse for going outside of the marriage. It was only through prayer and my adulterous husband moving out that I was finally able to accept the end of the marriage.

“But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace” (1 Corinthians 7:15).

This woman’s story helps us to understand that sometimes we may see what we want to see instead of accepting the reality of what’s actually there. At times we are deceived and make wrong decisions, but God does deliver and restore. We must be willing to ask Him for help. He is always ready to assist us. Many do not have because they do not ask.[4] Some people may walk around with the attitude of God knows exactly what I need, and this is true, but consider how He wants us to spend time with Him. Many people habitually argue about a spouse or parent forgetting a special day in their lives, thinking, hmm, he/she knows that this means a lot to me, but some discount their similar acts toward God, disregarding His feelings, His emotions, and His desires.

In the previous testimony, the woman had ungodly soul ties with her step-father as well as her ex-husband that she surrendered to the Lord. She allowed Him to cut the cords versus taking matters into her own hands. Although the process was painful, she trusted God through those distressing relationships. God cut those cords of damaging strongholds. Many times, we try to do surgery on ourselves and end up performing a botched job. When we attempt to sever ties on our own, we tend to leave infectious remnants that carry over into the next relationship. Holding onto the past weighs you down and makes it difficult to receive anyone new into your life.

This does not only have to be a potential mate; this could be a potential life-long friend that God may have to help you through some rough times. This could be a co-worker who is a potential prayer partner that may have been where you are now. God knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us. We just have to be willing and ready to receive by surrendering everything to Him.

How do we as Christians surrender everything to God? The following verse offers a clear four-step plan for deliverance and healing:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Deliverance requires humility. Humility gives a person the ability to approach God in meekness—not arrogance. Reverencing God for Who He is prepares the heart to sincerely seek the Father, setting aside selfish motives and sinful lifestyles (wicked ways) to embrace God’s will. If we do these things, God promises to forgive our sins and heal those areas that are damaged in our lives. God is a restorer for those who honor Him. When we truly receive His plan and follow His directions, He’ll supply us with peace when the world says that we should be losing our minds. By obeying God’s four-step plan, we’ll better understand how to love Him and those around us. Furthermore, as the Scripture specifies, these are the prayers God attends to.

Many find themselves in a vicious cycle, going through the same thing over and over. If this is you, surrender it to God; His surgery produces a guaranteed healing.

Self-Examination Question

Do I refuse to forgive someone who has mistreated or victimized me?

Practical Applications

Release any resentment or bitterness against another as you would want God to release you. Forgive your abusers. This does not mean that you have to be best friends with deceitful people, but it does mean that you are able to accept the reality of not being able to change the past and embrace the strength to move on.

Make a conscious effort to shift your attention from any negative thinking by thanking God and accepting His promises. God offers peace to anyone who wants it, but that gift is not yours unless you receive it (see Isaiah 26:3). Choose to be a peaceful, forgiving person. We cannot control other people’s actions, but with God’s help we can control our reactions.

Journal your thoughts. Write down the good that came out of your bad situations: how God saw you through the pain, the positive people God placed in your life that helped you through, and ways you may be able to help others in return by your personal experience. They may listen to you before they listen to someone who hasn’t personally been through what they’ve been through.

Praise God not only for what He has already done in your life, but also for what He will do. He lives in the praises of His people (see Psalms 22:3).

4

Sleeping with the Enemy

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1

OUR REASONABLE service is to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. What is reasonable service? In this particular instance, it can basically be defined as making your body, a temple in which to worship God, fit for the Holy Spirit to reside. When a person accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, there is an acknowledgement that he or she believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died for humanity’s sins. When we accept the gift of eternal life through the sacrifice Jesus paid on the Cross, we agree to live for Him because He died for us.

It is our reasonable service to surrender our bodies to God, the thing in which He breathed life into for us to use to do good works in this life. It is reasonable to take care of the Holy Spirit’s temple by filtering what goes into it as well as what we do with it. Would the Holy Spirit be willing to reside in your body? What are we busying ourselves with?

A widespread problem in society today, amongst many, is sexual immorality. One form of sexual immorality, fornication, is having sexual intercourse with someone who is not your spouse. This is damaging in more ways than one. Remember, sin separates us from God, but Jesus reconciles us back to the Father. And Jesus has clearly said to us that if we love Him we will obey His commands. It seems obvious to many Christians that adultery—another form of sexual immorality which involves sexual intercourse with someone else’s spouse—is wrong, but then they appear to lapse into muddled oblivion when it comes to the truth about fornication. Why do some professed Christians freely and continuously engage in sex outside of marriage?

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:1-7

If anyone preaches, professes, or declares that it is okay do anything that contradicts God’s Word, they are not being led by the Holy Spirit. No matter what gratifications you may enjoy in your flesh, you have to love God more than those things. Sex is a pleasurable, powerful gift from the Lord, but it must not take priority over Him. When God is truly the head of your life, your desire will be to hear and obey Him. Listen to His Voice.

There is a reason why God saved this sacred union for those who are committed in marriage to one another—it creates a soul tie. You really get to know someone when you become sexually involved with them. In this union, you literally become one. In several Scriptural references, the word “know” is often used when describing the intimate relationship between couples. “Adam knew Eve his wife” (Genesis 4:1), “Cain knew his wife” (Genesis 4:17), “Elkanah knew Hannah his wife” (1 Samuel 1:19). It is understood that this is a sexual union because in each one of these instances mentioned, a child is a result of the union. The connection made between two people in this manner is often, especially in today’s society, not treated as a sacred union. For some, there is a genuine desire or definite plan to be married, but then they become impatient. Remember, love is patient and if the person you’re dating is intolerant about your decision to wait until you’re actually married before having sex then they don’t truly respect you or they don’t respect the love you profess to have for God. A true man or woman of God who loves you would be willing to wait, no matter how strong the sexual appetite.

When two people sleep together, they share a deep connection that ties them together spiritually. The effect usually manifests itself in behaviors. Ever wondered why a person who may have a one-night stand habitually repeats the same behavior? There is a craving to receive more of the same, but leaving only temporary satisfaction. They often experience a void and quickly spring forward into another sexual encounter to numb the effects of the previous. This creates a vicious cycle that only adds to the initial problem.

Many Christian churches are reluctant to discuss the topic of sexual intimacy. It could be a result of seeing how the secular community has degraded it as being something that’s a dirty act. God created sex, so again, it is Satan’s influence or perversion of what God has created to make it into something that it’s not supposed to be. It is imperative that children are educated about sex, not just in the schools, but from Christian role models. There are wonderful Christian youth groups that discuss sex and sex-related issues with teenagers, yet there are still some who believe that “such things” should not be topics in the church community. This kind of thinking baffles me, as there are many youths and adults in the Body of Christ who become pregnant outside of marriage. Discussing the implications and preventions of sexual immorality would prove beneficial. This education should start in every Christian home, because if teens (or pre-teens) don’t receive proper knowledge from their guardians, then they’re going to receive that information, or misinformation, from somewhere else.

Sexual Immorality

When sexual immorality drives a person, there is a deviant guiding them: an unclean spirit. This particular unclean spirit, or demon, expresses itself in the form of lasciviousness, which is lustful or lewd behavior. This spirit afflicts many people today. Simply turn on the television; there is no shortage of commercials that makes spectacles of men and women bearing it all for the sake of entertainment. These tempting money-making schemes may simply be to entice the viewer to buy something as common as body wash or a bottle of shampoo. Advertisements, societal influences, and peer pressures play a major role in the decisions many people make today. Why does anybody need to see a half-naked lady seductively rubbing the head of a shirtless man to purchase styling gel? Why do young Christian girls wear seductively revealing clothes to “fit in” with peers? Why do otherwise saved, single women sleep with a man for fear of losing him (or for any reason)?

Sexual immorality can lead a person down a path that can kill them. The HIV/AIDS statistics rises steadily and it is naïve to think that just by looking at a person you can identify who has it or doesn’t. A few years ago, I spoke with a woman who was HIV positive, but her closest family member had no idea she was infected with this disease. With her private lifestyle as a prostitute, there is no doubt that it stemmed from sexual immorality. As we conversed, I asked her if she would like to have Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Although she was kind enough to listen as I shared Scriptures, this woman revealed to me that she just couldn’t accept Christ at that time in her life. She admitted that she knew it was the right decision to make, but regrettably prostitution was more important to her. I gathered that it wasn’t actually the act of prostitution that had a hold on her, but rather the financial support it brought in. It could have been both.

The stronghold of sexual bondage is like a vice-grip in many peoples’ lives. The attraction does not have to be linked to financial gain; it could simply be the physical gratification it produces. Perhaps in other situations, it is the intimacy it creates with their partner. Whatever the reason, there are consequences behind living a promiscuous life that is contrary to God’s ordinance. It can lead to detrimentally repetitive cycles.

Unfit Substitutions—A Testimony

At the age of nineteen, I knew of the Lord, but sadly had no relationship with Him. I went to church Sunday after Sunday, just going through the motions. I was in and out of unhealthy relationships, trading one for another despite not having gotten over the last. Healing wasn’t a priority for me; rather I medicated the pain with another man. I just wanted a man in my life; it didn’t matter at the time if I hurt them or if they hurt me. If the relationship didn’t work for one reason or another, I just got into a new one.

At this particular time I met a guy, an Army soldier, on my way home from work at a fast food restaurant. We began dating and my excitement grew as this new relationship progressed. He was nice, respectable and treated me well, so differently from all of the others. We dated and after a while, I found out that he had lied to me about being divorced and was actually still married. Despite the fact that I knew he was married to someone else, I continued to see him. We began to make plans that once he relocated, then I would visit him, and I did. I went to Hawaii and stayed for an entire month. It was like a dream. He treated me so well that I seriously thought I had found the right one. But again, I was deceiving myself. After returning home, we stayed in touch by writing and phoning each other. That lasted a while, but I soon got tired of being in a long distance relationship and it ended.

Shortly after, I met someone else. When I started dating this person I told him I had just broken it off with another man, but that didn’t matter to us. He was going to church, but at that time neither one of us were born again believers. We started dating and then began spending nights together. Later, I found out that a girl he had previously broken up with was pregnant … at least that’s what she told him. It was one thing after another, one warning after another. I overlooked them because I wanted a man at any cost. As I stayed in the relationship, things got worse and worse. The lies continued and he began seeing another female behind my back. But I still stayed in the relationship, hoping things would get better. It only got worse. I stayed for years because I thought I was in love. I took verbal, mental, and physical abuse from this man, but still didn’t get out. I didn’t know how or what to do at the time.

Then I realized that I had met my match. This was someone who knew how to play the game better than I did. I went through a lot of emotional strain. I was stressed out and started losing weight, but didn’t want anyone to know what I was going through. I tried to deal with it on my own and that wasn’t good. I became more and more depressed. I wore a mask, trying to cover up the hurt and pain. Finally, I had enough and followed him one day to another woman’s house. After he got there, he spotted me and ran inside. So I sat in the car, blowing the horn, but he wouldn’t come out. I stayed there for a little while longer and then … shot myself!

I allowed Satan to trick me into thinking I was worthless and didn’t have a reason to live. I ended up in the hospital for about a month. My lungs had collapsed, amongst other health problems. I could’ve been vindictive and put him in jail, but I didn’t. I told the truth that I had shot myself. My family was angry at him, especially my mother. She had told me to leave him alone previously, but I didn’t listen. He came to the hospital to visit, but I was full of hurt, anger, and bitterness from his betrayal. It took me a while to get past it, but I did. He tried to see me after that, but I knew I couldn’t let him. I still felt something for him even after all he had put me through, but being with him again was out of the question. Although it was hard, I did move on.

Months later, I met someone else. As I said earlier, I never really healed. I got into another relationship, and this time it was with an older man who was a drug dealer. He took my mind off the other man. He had money and could take care of me and I fell for him. We seriously dated and he treated me very well at first, giving me everything I wanted. Then he became controlling, abusive, and he cheated. Through his lies and threats, he got married to another woman while dating me. I wanted him and continued to see him for a long time. I was really in love with this man. I went through the pain all over again, repeating the same mistakes. This man told me that the only way I’d ever get over him was death. He later went to prison and died there. I must’ve received his words because that was the only way I got over him. I grieved for years until I finally got tired of hurting and decided to wait on the Lord. I finally gave my life to Christ and He saved me. I had found so many replacements for Him, but there is no substitute for God and the place He ought to hold in our lives.

Today, I am saved and working for the Lord. Who would have thought that the life I once lived would transform into my answering the call to be a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I am happier now with the One, my God, than I’ve ever been with numerous others.

The Battlefield

Depression is a dangerous hole to fall into. It is a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of hopelessness. Depression is marked by a negative mindset which can easily influence a person to embrace suicidal thoughts.[1] The mind is the battlefield. The enemy often deceives a person into thinking there is no hope when Jesus is hope.

Satan often invades the thought life of many, trying to convince a person to satisfy their fleshly, lustful cravings instead of sacrificing, putting aside physical desires, to show love for God. The enemy makes the depressed look foolish and unstable through their acceptance of his false sense of security, when God is our only true place of refuge—the safest place in existence.

Some people who have had sexual encounters outside of marriage reveal that there is a pull or uncommon attraction to those persons who may not even be in their lives anymore. Some may have even gotten married to another person and lurking in the background is an old girlfriend or boyfriend who still wants to be an active part of their lives. Clearly, this is not in instances of innocent friendships; this is in reference to those who “can’t seem to get over” a previously intimate relationship that no longer exists.

When a person gives themselves sexually, they receive what the other person has to offer spiritually. If she has baggage from a previous relationship, then that’s what he’s inheriting. And if that person she’s involved with carries insecurity from the last girlfriend, then that’s going to soon become a part of her. Souls are connected and united, which create “soul ties”, in this case, ungodly links. Many may desire marriage, but are not yet single. They still carry around with them what happened in the past, preventing breakthrough for their future. How can a person get married if they’re still hung up on somebody from the yesteryears? And those who do get married under these circumstances usually end it in a quick divorce, proving the truth of God’s words.

It is important to know that when you sleep with someone who is not your spouse and not a Christian, you’re opening yourself up to all sorts of things. Society openly reveals the dangers of engaging in sexual intercourse with another person who may transmit a disease that could affect you physically, but what about the spiritual ramifications? That person could have been sleeping around with those who practice witchcraft, those who profane the Lord’s name, those who are lost in their sin, and those who are self-proclaimed atheists.

As a Christian, we should live in obedience to God’s Word that prohibits sex outside of marriage? Some state that they have weak moments; regardless, sin has consequences. Education on sexual intercourse should not just be about physical protection (i.e. condoms, birth control), but also about protecting oneself spiritually.

There are believers who place their children on birth control to prevent “unwanted” pregnancies rather than sharing with them the spiritual conflict that results from premarital sex. Society has no shortage of literature circulating about sexually transmitted diseases. What about the teaching on other STDs: Spiritually Transmitted Disorders. These disorders can produce oppression, depression, and demonic possession. When there is a legal (permissible) access into your life, the enemy takes advantage of that opportunity.

It may prove beneficial to share with young adults that sex education is not simply about keeping them away from the act of having sex prematurely as it is in keeping themselves for the person God has for them in marriage. When you sleep with someone, you are tying your soul with theirs. When souls are tied, people share their hearts, the very thing we are to guard. Sleeping with someone who does not respect or honor God can lead you away from Him. Don’t disturb the hedge of protection the Lord has planted around you by creating an entryway for uninvited guests. You have the power to live a prosperous life by obeying God and keeping His commandments.

Consider King Solomon’s dilemma. He was the son of King David, a man after God’s own heart. Solomon was blessed by God to have not only the wisdom to rule, but also both riches and honor.[2] But Solomon disobediently tied himself to many foreign women who did not love the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

“They were of the very nations of whom the Lord said to the Israelites, you shall not mingle with them, neither shall they mingle with you, for surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods. Yet Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines, and his wives turned away his heart from God” (1 Kings 11:2-3, AMP).

“So the LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice” (1 Kings 11:9, AMP).

Solomon was warned not to do this evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did not listen. And in not listening, Solomon’s life reiterates that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Often there is a noticeable behavior change in an individual similar to the person they have had intercourse with. In the case of Solomon, we can see that his interaction with foreign (ungodly) women blatantly displaced his devotion from the Lord to that of other gods and goddesses. On other occasions changes are more subtle, but can still be noticeable.

Then there are instances when things are revealed about a person you may have slept with, without them ever sharing it with you.

Revelation—A Testimony

Dreams are powerful; some much more powerful than others. As I look back over my life, I realize that my current dreams are completely different from the dreams I had before I was saved. Before I was truly converted, totally committed to Christ, I lived a life filled with alcohol and women. Being a young man in the military, there seemed to be no shortage of either. When I first entered the military I did not drink alcohol and I was still a virgin. After a few years, that all changed.

Sometimes change is not for the better; it can be for the worse. When you move away from God and you do what you think is good for you rather than what God would have you to do, there are consequences. Anytime you choose your way instead of God’s way, there will be problems. I chose to do what my peers were doing. I cannot blame anyone else since I knew better; I had been raised in the church. I suppose there was a part of me that wanted to break away and do my own thing. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14). It did not happen immediately, but over time I gave in to the devil, wine, women, and song.

I followed the same route so many other young men did. First, it started with alcohol, although I don’t believe I was completely out of control. I could go days, weeks, and sometimes months without it. But once I started having sex I was like a drug addict. It was easy to find alcohol and almost as easy to find a young woman willing to have sex. Some women I stayed with longer than others. Usually when I had sex I was also drinking alcohol because I felt it helped me to get up the courage to relax and speak freely. Otherwise, without it I would rarely approach a woman. Alcohol was a definite factor in my relationships with the opposite sex and most sexual encounters happened when I was inebriated.

During these times of sexual promiscuity, I would have unbelievable dreams, sometimes even scary ones. But I also had some good dreams. In some of my dreams I did things I never thought about, things I would never do in real life. And I always wondered where it came from until I heard a message about why you should not have sexual intercourse outside of marriage. Sometimes I wondered how these ideas got in my dreams, until my pastor and his wife gave the congregation a very powerful sermon on dreams. He told us that whenever you have sexual intercourse with someone, then you connect your spirit with their spirit. Whatever is in them is mixed with whatever is inside of you. You take part of them and they take part of you.

This explained why my dreams were so unbelievable. Many times I would have sex with a woman and have terrible, scary, and frightening dreams. Then I would not go back to their house or have sex with them again. I simply could not explain what was happening. To any woman I may have hurt this way, I sincerely apologize, but I know many times I had to get away from them any way I could. I would simply terminate the relationship for a variety of reasons. I’m sure many of them probably had mental, physical, and/or spiritual issues. Even shortly after I got saved, I would occasionally have these sexual dreams, but eventually they went away by the grace of God.

My mind and my spirit are in a much different place right now. I am happily married and will not cheat on my wife because I made a promise to God. And the same God that saves you will surely keep you until His Son returns for you. God helped me to overcome all the alcohol, my foul mouth, and thoughts of fornication. I had to get to know God through His Word.

First, I had to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and then He did the rest. I have to continually read the Word daily. And as I draw closer to Him, He draws closer to me. He lets me know everyday that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I ask God to make me as faithful to Him as He has been to me, and also for Him to make and keep me faithful to my wife.

Why do we sometimes listen to the enemy? In our minds, where the battlefield is, Satan magnifies the gratification of fleshly desires. He sometimes convinces a married man or woman to commit adultery when they have or can develop that same sensuality and intimacy at home. He oftentimes influences the single man or woman to engage in what’s forbidden to satisfy their flesh versus submitting to God.

Satan’s motive is to convince people to believe that God is trying to keep something pleasurable away from them, which is why the enemy promotes self-indulgence versus self-sacrifice. Every good and perfect gift is from above.[3] God created sex, so it is good; there are just certain limits in which He permits it—within the boundary of marriage—a union that He puts together. “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). Many unions aren’t God-ordained. Many marriages are entered into outside of God’s will, which leads many to seek Him for a rescue.

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing—A Testimony

I met a man in downtown Brooklyn at a men’s clothing store. On that day when I walked past the store, he spoke and was very polite. He soon asked me for my name and number. At the time, he seemed nice so I gave it to him and he gave me his. My initial thought was that he was too light-skinned for me, but he was cute and he had a job. Neither one of us were saved or even going to church. We were both living in the world. When we started dating his mom invited me to visit her church. I went, but now remember how I always felt weird with the need to leave. Later, I learned that it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me, convicting me of my ways.

In the beginning of our relationship I was happy. Everything was perfect that first month. He then asked me to marry him—only one month later; it was so soon and we hardly knew each other, but I got married anyway at the age of twenty. Things were okay for about a week and then the true man came out. He had me as his wife and still would stay out all night. There were times when his women would call the house. He would even drop me off at church where I had to find another way to get home or wait an extra thirty minutes to an hour for him to pick me up after service was over. You name it, he did it.

I began to dread being in this relationship and prayed to God to get me out. I went to church faithfully thinking things would change, but they didn’t. Things only got worse. I became the wife who was the other woman. I had lived in his mom’s house with him and many nights he wouldn’t come home and his excuse was always “I was working, taking care of business,” or “I am trying to make this money so we can get our own apartment.” There were times when he would leave me in bed, after making love, and go out in the streets. Sometimes he would get up around two or three in the morning and just leave. I felt like I was his girlfriend instead of his wife.

When we finally got our apartment we had a big fight and he choked me. Of course I called my family, but then decided to just deal with this myself. So we worked it out. I felt the fight started because of me. I had received a letter from my oldest son’s father who was in the military service. I saved the letter, which was pretty dumb, and of course my husband found it. One time I moved to Buffalo with his sister to get out of New York City, thinking that things would get better, but my husband didn’t come to Buffalo; instead he stayed in New York. So two weeks later, I came back to the city.

After returning home, I walked into my kitchen and on the wall near the phone were numbers that belonged to other women. There must have been about twenty numbers. I was so upset that I left the house and went walking with his sister to figure out what to do. I moved back to my mother’s because I was so tired of feeling like I was the other woman. I remember crying because I just felt that my marriage was over and that meant the end of the world to me. All I wanted was to make this marriage work and it just wasn’t.

There are many memories that stand out with him that will keep me from making the same mistakes again. I remember one time when we had an argument at his mother’s house. My husband smacked me and my earring flew out of my ear. I was so mad and tried to hit him back, but his two sisters, who were also in the room, stood between the two of us so that neither of us could hit each other again. One would think I would have left him then, but I didn’t.

There was also a time when he came to my job and said his mom missed me and wanted to see me. I left work and went with him to Brooklyn instead of going home to my mother’s house. Once we got to his mom’s house she looked surprised that I was there. He walked back out the door, saying he would be back in a little while. His mom asked me what I was doing there. I told her I came to visit because her son said she wanted to see me. She said she had only asked him how I was doing. Back then pagers were popular, so I paged him several times. Finally, he came back to take me home.

In the car we talked about our relationship. I told him that I didn’t want to be in a relationship with him anymore because I was tired of being the other woman. This man started driving like a maniac on FDR drive. At one point I thought we were going to end up in the Hudson River. When I got home my mother was so upset with me for not returning home earlier because she wanted to go to the hospital to see my aunt who was very sick from cancer; that night she passed away. I felt terrible because my mother had been watching my young son.

The memory that stands out the most is when my husband’s sister called me at work to tell me about a new place he had gotten for us. At this time in our relationship I was living back at home with my mother. My sister-in-law went on to describe a beautiful house that was supposed to be for me and my husband. I called him to find out when we would move in. He said that he was going to pick me up so we could talk. After my husband picked me up, he told me that he found a house with a woman who made enough money to pay the rent that we couldn’t afford on our own. He told me that I would just have to wait until we found a place we could afford, but for the time being we would have to live with this woman.

I was stunned that he actually wanted us to live with another woman—someone I didn’t even know. I’m sure she was just another one of his women. He told me I could take it or leave it. I was mortified at this point. So I told him I chose to leave it and I got out of his car, walked to the corner, and got on the train. I cried on the train, but I really let it out when I got home.

I had been through a lot with this man and I couldn’t take it anymore. That was the final straw. When I left him this time I wasn’t going back. I remember praying constantly, but not wanting to let go. The reason I did not want to let go was that I did not want to get a divorce. This was not how I wanted my marriage to turn out, but staying or leaving was a decision I had to make. God gives us freewill to choose. I had to decide to give it all to God … or continue suffering. The choice was mine.

Afterward, I went to a Baptist church in Harlem. I remember reading a passage of Scripture and listening to the pastor preach who seemed to be talking directly to me. This is the church where I accepted Jesus Christ. I then found a place that would do a reasonable divorce and went to their office one evening to pay the consultation fee. At that moment, I felt terrible because I still didn’t want to be divorced. God knew in my heart that I did not want to get a divorce. I just wanted to be free from the nightmare. Even though I had tried to work it out, my husband just was not willing to do the right thing.

The very next morning I received a phone call from his sister who told me that he was killed the night before. I remember thanking God for taking the pain away from me. The man, who treated me like a mistress even though I was his wife, was dead. He could no longer hurt me and I didn’t have to file for divorce. At his funeral service I felt such a relief, like a heavy burden had been lifted because I was now free. My prayers were answered. This man had been destroying me inside and out, but then suddenly removed from my life completely. I’ve made mistakes, but God was and still is in control of my life.

Cast all your cares upon the Lord, “for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

We can sometimes be consumed with or in love with the idea of being married instead of truly considering the marriage itself. When we come to understand that marriage is indeed ministry, many may view it in a different light. God did say in the beginning that “it is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18), so He pulled a rib from the side of Adam, man, and created Eve, woman. This was the first marriage. The Scripture does not state that God pulled a rib from Adam and created several women for him; He created one. It would do well for both the man and woman considering marriage to receive God’s insight and blessing on the union. If the Holy Spirit is revealing that the union should not happen, listen to His instruction.

When a Man Loves a Woman

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

I often hear about the very real drama of some relationships. Many endure domestic abuse, emotional turmoil, and painful infidelity. It’s often challenging and tough to learn about someone who’s been physically battered. Many question how a woman could stay in such a situation or why hasn’t she left? We can begin with what got her there in the first place. Was it just that he said he loved her or could it have been that he “showed” her he does? Well, love is more than someone saying the words; love is a verb, an action in its truest meaning.

When someone tells you that they love you, wait until that’s reflected in action. Remember, you will know him by his fruits—his actions.[4] Anyone can utter words and make them sound believable. Again, recall what happened to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Flowers delivered to the job or a trip to an exotic island where you’ve never been does not equal love. A man taking a woman out to dinner and a movie or even going to church with her does not mean that he loves her. True love begins and ends with God because He is love.

It’s hardly ever easy to detach from someone who may have had you at “hello.” Are we listening to what he has to say or are we focusing on the kind of body he has? This kind of relationship has the potential to begin and end with lust. What else does he have to offer? Attractive features don’t mean that he’s “the one.” As previously noted, giving yourself away sexually produces the kind of relationship where a woman may say, “I just can’t get him out of my head.” This is why he can whisper false promises and never worry that she would ever leave.

When a man is truly saved and respects the woman he says he loves, he would not abuse her in any way. Furthermore, he would not try to convince her to “play house” even if there is already a proposal made to marry. Playing house is engaging in anything with one another as only a married couple should, namely living together, as if vows were already exchanged. An engagement ring does not equal marriage, although it does symbolize the intention to get married.

In cases where there is a proposal, be careful about sharing bank accounts and co-signing for vehicles. Personally, I would advise a person against this before marriage, but it is up to the individual to make that informed decision to do so.

There are countless cases where marriage proposals don’t pan out. In some cases where a woman shares everything with a man as she would if they were married, he still may leave. This is not to say that he necessarily would, this is simply to point out that many times it does occur. In some cases it tends to leave her wondering why he left or why he hasn’t gone through with the initial promise of marriage… and it’s years down the road. Does he have reason to say “I do”?

Then there are circumstances that may lead a woman into giving a man an ultimatum. It can be detrimental to box a man into a corner of forcing a decision to marry; however, I believe it is healthy to discuss the nature of your relationship. Bear in mind that the Bible states, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

The responsibility is on the male, not the female. The favor over a marriage is stated clearly in this passage of Scripture and is confirmed by the contents of Ephesians 5, which states that the husband is the head of the wife. Let the man be the man. Ladies, you will know when he arrives because God will not send someone that is going to trip you up in your walk with Him. When God isn’t sending him—guess who is.

The Seemingly Perfect Gentleman—A Testimony

It was the fall of 1984 at my high school. There was an attractive young guy who was on the football team and rather popular with the ladies. I was a majorette and barely holding on to my position because I had gained weight over the summer. When this attractive guy approached me, I was very excited that he had chosen me to date. Later, I learned that he was from a family of professional football players. His brother was a famous athlete who gained notoriety for his skills. I was impressed. As we dated, this young man was not only a fun person, but the perfect gentleman—that is until we married in 1987. His true colors then began to show. It started out as verbal abuse, but quickly escalated to physical and emotional abuse.

Before we were married, I went away to college in the fall of 1986, pregnant with our first child. He stayed back in Houston while I finished my degrees in Austin. My father, who is a Baptist minister, insisted that I get married. We did. We were living apart the first six years of our marriage, seeing one another on the weekends. My husband then busted his knee and wasn’t able to continue playing college football, so he took a job as a truck driver.

Fast forward to the year 2001; I was just getting home from work. I checked the phone for messages and heard a conversation my husband had with some woman. He was telling her how much he loved her and she expressed her love back. I was shocked beyond belief. How could this man be in love with someone other than his wife? I planned to confront him about that issue. How could I have been so naïve to believe he would stop his nonsense? I had been through enough physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Oh yeah, he was going to get checked as soon as he walked through the door.

After he got home, I played the voicemail aloud so he could hear it. He looked at me as if to say, “and, so what?” I asked who the woman was and if he loved her. He slapped me so hard it knocked me to the floor. He began stomping me relentlessly. He then picked me up by my neck and choked me, shouting that he was a grown man who could talk to whomever he wanted. I thought I was going to die at that moment. I could not breathe. He dragged me to the bedroom and continued to beat me. He yelled at me, saying that I was a worthless mother and wife, that I thought I was something because I finished college, and that I should have learned a lesson from the previous beatings. He continued to punch me and finally he stopped and left me locked in the room. I was shocked because he had never been that violent before, nor had he ever locked me in the bedroom. His beatings would never last that long. I knew then that I had to leave. I was glad the kids were with my mother for the weekend and that he would be gone out of town on his route.

I soon remembered a sermon my Dad preached from Philippians 4:13 which state I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I prayed and cried out to my God, the One true and living God. I was tired of feeling powerless. After that prayer, I regained my strength. It’s like I heard the Voice tell me, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (see Nehemiah 8:10). I then unscrewed the screws on the door knob and called my brothers to come pick me up. My brothers came and I took as many of my things as I could out of the house and left my husband. He was not aware that I had left him, not until he came back into town. He was in a rage looking for me, but I was safe and away from him, never to return again.

A time later, Richard was admitted to the county hospital where I worked. I forgave him. After all, he was my children’s father. Besides, it was my job to nurse the sick, which I did to the best of my ability. Although he was unable to talk, in and out of consciousness, he did respond to my voice when I spoke.

Today, I teach our sons to live differently, especially since I’ve learned that my former husband was from a family of abusers. He died in 2008 from congestive heart failure. For my children’s sake, I kept a life insurance policy and since his mother did not have enough funds for a proper burial, I helped with the fees. If it had not been for the Lord on my side, tell me where would I be … where would I be?

When a Woman Loves a Man

In a relationship, does a woman understand what love is? Again, the answer is in 1 Corinthians 13.

When a woman is truly saved and loves a man properly, she knows her worth in God. In knowing her worth, she will only accept men into her life who complement the life she leads. How she lives will point back to who she really honors. Is it God or is it the enemy?

Similar to when a man loves a woman, a woman must first love God because He is the definition of love. But what I’ve encountered and heard is that many are afraid of loving … again. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). Going back to that place before the hurt, before the onset of pain, there was most likely eager anticipation. It was pure, it was innocent, and it was fearless.

When a woman loves a man, she will respect him as a man. She will not degrade him or make him feel less than who he is. She will encourage him, lift him up, and most of all pray for him. Sure, there may be certain areas where we can all improve, but that simply shows us what we need most. It is imperative that we not tear each other down with words neither through actions. A man needs to be encouraged and assured that the woman he is with has his back. How can a woman have a man’s back while still behaving like a little girl, or stated more biblically, as a child?

Consider the qualities of a Godly woman gathered from Proverbs 31:

Virtuous

Trustworthy

Caring

Diligent

Giving

Strong

Respectful

And above all else, reverences the Lord.

When a woman truly loves a man, she will have knowledge of who she is in God, and in turn that man will know that she is indeed a woman who will honor him all the days of her life.

Wisdom and Understanding

Why does the reasonable service of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God, have fleeting moments? Many Christians know and understand that we are to respect our bodies, but often don’t understand how to practically apply that knowledge to our daily lives. It can be a challenge if you are new to living as a Christian, still learning how to adjust from your old way of living to the life God would have you to lead. Search out God’s ordinances, knowing that it is just as important that “in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Godly wisdom produces honor.[5] If you don’t possess wisdom then “ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given” (James 1:5). The Lord has taught me through His divine wisdom that in respecting myself, I had to respect my body. Temptations are all around us, but we don’t have to succumb to them.

For example, if you are physically attracted to someone, be careful not to create situations that would lead you to go against what you believe and know is right. Many people argue that things “just happen” and before they knew it, it was too late. Let us consider what God’s Word says about this:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

This Scripture is basically saying that if you do find yourself in a situation that you didn’t expect to happen, God always provides a way of escape, but we must take advantage of the emergency exit afforded.

Sometimes, however, we don’t take advantage of or recognize that emergency exit God makes available to us. The phone may ring that interrupts you from something you may have been about to do wrong. Maybe you spill a drink on your shirt or blouse that forces you to turn around at the front door to change into a clean, more presentable article of clothing. Your attention is divided as you listen to that still, small voice prompting you to decide against sneaking with that woman who’s married to another man. The more nourished in God’s Word you become, the more you’ll understand His will and be able to recognize specific instances in your life where He provides emergency exits. Ask the Lord and He will teach you how to identify them more clearly in the future.

Being unsaved with a carnal mind will blind you to spiritual truths, but when you accept Christ and have an earnest desire to follow God’s commands, the veil is removed.[6] God will guide and help you understand spiritual things. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

And we must also understand that this is not done through our own power. We need the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. He is the One Who leads us into all truth, for He is the Spirit of Truth. As the Holy Spirit lives inside us, we will be guided by His wisdom and righteousness, setting aside our own ways of doing things.

The Link between Alcohol and Sex

Briefly revisiting the testimony of the gentleman who spoke about dreams, recall how he mentioned the powerful influence of alcohol during his sexual experience. There are direct links from consuming alcohol to someone’s alertness and focus being dimmed. The human senses aren’t as sharp when a person is intoxicated as it is when sober. It is evidently clear why there are laws against driving drunk and the warning labels on bottles of medication to not consume with alcohol.

Wine is mentioned in the Bible, but many take this as a free pass to drink whatever they want in excessive quantities. Some call it being “buzzed” or “a little high” as if this is acceptable. Jesus did turn water into wine, but today there are other forms of beverages with varying levels of alcohol that are simply abused. Jesus never endorsed anyone to drink themselves into a drunken stupor and neither did the Apostle Paul when he mentioned using wine for the sake of curing ailments.[7] Our high should be spiritual, coming from the Holy Spirit—not from being drunk on wine.[8]

People generally have a diminished ability to make good decisions while intoxicated. In many cases, the abuse of alcohol leads to the death of self and/or others. The Scriptures aren’t meant to be perverted in order to justify one’s lifestyle. The Word of God does not change or modify to fit our way of living; we are the ones who must transform.

It is sad when alcohol enters a child’s life through no fault of their own. Many children grow up having had a tragic introduction into the world of drugs. We must remember that the enemy does not care who you are; his main agenda is to destroy. If Satan can convince a parent to do what is immoral, there is the strong possibility of a curse being formed that will pass down through the generations.

The following testimony exposes one woman’s journey of dealing with the damaging effects of alcohol that began with her parents. There are many parents that educate under the rule of “do what I say, not as I do” which not only confuses children, but often sows a seed of rebellion within them. This personal account reveals the role alcohol played in her life and its connection with a path to promiscuity.

An Unhealthy Addiction—A Testimony

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).

I’ve often heard people say that we’re born with the disease of addiction. Now, I truly believe it. My mother was not an alcoholic, however my father was. For me, I realized that genetically there was a strong possibility that I’d become an alcoholic—and I did. The drug alcohol played a major role in my childhood.

Early in my childhood, I was given alcohol to help with getting to sleep and curing colds. My parents thought this was harmless, but it was the beginning of my addiction. In middle and high school I experimented with other drugs on into my adult life, not realizing the addiction that was developing in my life. It was a slow process that caught me off guard. I did not like drinking and using drugs, but used it anyway to fit in and simply have fun. It was a way for me to avoid the reality of pain in other areas of my life.

The addiction that stemmed from drinking and using drugs created a powerful hold over me. It took a power greater than me to restore my right frame of mind. I had to ask God for help, for deliverance, because I knew no one else could. This was the beginning of my recovery. In the midst, I did not surrender all of my issues to the Lord. At the time, I didn’t understand or realize that there was still a strong hold on me—men and sex.

Having intercourse produced the same feelings for me as doing drugs. But at the time, I refused to ask for help or give this part of my life over to God. I was in denial about how this addiction affected my life and relationships. Things began happening that caused me to take a look at how I was living. I did not feel good about myself, my family, my significant other, nor my relationship with God. Guilt, shame, and remorse were familiar feelings that returned as they did when I was using drugs and drinking. I now understand that all I did was trade one drug for another. Sex had become the drug of choice. But this time I decided to give this part of my life to God as well. I turned to God for help because trying it on my own was not working. God wants it all, not just certain areas of our lives. I finally put Him first; He and I are one.

I made the decision to be celibate because I did not like the feeling of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. Now, if a man doesn’t understand my choice to not have sex with him outside of marriage, then that’s all right with me if he chooses to walk away. I understand my reason—God—and He is Who really matters. Although it is more difficult to resist a man that I love than someone I do not have feelings for, I still have to trust God.

Today, I feel good about the decision I have made to be celibate. I’m free to work on my relationship with God without anything being in the way. My hope is that by the time I meet my husband I will know how to honor him in the way my Father, God, will have taught me so that He may get the glory.

Our main focus should be giving God the glory, and that includes service with our bodies. There are various traps that the enemy sets for us to fall into, but this is why Jesus said to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Why did Jesus say to be wise as serpents? It’s because “the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made” (Genesis 3:1). Wisdom comes from being nourished in God’s Word and aware of the enemy’s deception. The devil knows the Word of God too.

Our reaction when mistreated is to be harmless as doves. We are not to react the same way the world acts towards us. It can be challenging at times, but remember Who you are representing. Be gentle, meek, faithful, exhibiting those fruits of the Spirit.[9] Our salvation is sealed by the Blood of Jesus and the enemy hates that. If he can get you out of the will of God, he’ll lead you down a path of destruction.

Self-Examination Question

Are you serving God with your body?

Practical Applications

Cleanse your mind by washing it with God’s Word. It is important to meditate on Him and not your shortcomings. Try listening to the Bible on CD while you cook, clean, or drive to the store. The more time you spend with your thoughts on God, the less time you’ll have trying to figure out a way to fight temptations in your human strength.

Devote your time to serving the Lord by being active in ministries. Jesus spoke plainly about outreach in Matthew 25. Be a vehicle for carrying the Gospel.

Avoid situations such as private, romantic settings that would cause you to indulge in sexual immorality. There is no law against spending time with someone of the opposite sex that you’re not married to; just make certain that clear boundaries are set to avoid falling into temptation.

Respect your body by being careful what you do with it. Your careless actions today may negatively affect you tomorrow.

5

The Burning Sands

What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor.

2 Corinthians 6:15-17, AMP

AS A FORMER member of a Greek Lettered Organization (GLO), it’s not pleasant to recall that I had willingly entered into this covenant (pledge agreement) that is often referred to as crossing the burning sands. The Burning Sands is a phrase used to illustrate becoming a member of certain BGLOs (Black Greek Lettered Organizations). It has often been compared with the process Jesus went through when He was led into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan.[1]

Those who enter the process (initiation) to become a member of a sorority or fraternity are secretly tested on their knowledge of the organization’s history and are sometimes forced to endure varying forms of hazing (mentally and physically induced), all in the name of that particular organization. This is a sad comparison because Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to endure testing for a greater purpose and it had nothing to do with secrecy and entrance into a man-made society. Yet it appears that Biblical associations are made to somehow validate this process and its existence.

Denouncing and separating from Zeta Phi Beta, a sorority I had pledged to when I was only nineteen years old, was a decision I made to honor God. He didn’t deserve my spiritual adultery. At the time, my parents didn’t know what it was all about, and to be honest, neither did I. I thought that it was good to be a part of an organization that participated, and in some instances, also initiated community service. It seemed to be a great opportunity to be among those who carried themselves in a manner that I considered trustworthy and held up the banner of “finer womanhood”.

When I considered joining, I already held friendships with those who were to be on my “line.” A sorority line is specified as a group of women who join a sorority on the same campus at the same time. Those on a line together call each other “line-sisters” or “line-brothers,” LS or LB. Some of those whom I shared a line with had gone to middle and/or high-school with me. Many of those friendships started outside of this organization and continue to this day. I hope many will understand that my decision to separate from this sorority has nothing to do with them, but everything to do with God.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:24

Matthew 6:24 speaks volumes. My loyalty for God deepened and I was challenged to behave like the Christian I professed to be. I drew closer to God and He indeed drew closer to me.[2] As His Holy Spirit worked on me, there was an internal change, surgery so to speak, that was expressed outwardly. I recall, approximately a year and a half before I actually denounced the sorority, when someone introduced me to another “soror” (a term shortened from sorority) and identified that I was a member as well. Upon introduction, I immediately became embarrassed. There was uneasiness about being labeled as a member of a sorority. At the time I didn’t understand why I felt that way, but in hindsight I understand. It was that two-edged sword severing my old ties with the world.

When I joined the sorority, I had already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior as a child. At the time I pledged, I still professed Jesus as Lord and Savior, but was He? Had I clung to Him being my Savior and abandoned His Lordship?

When I was prompted to separate from this organization, I asked God why … why, Lord? It wasn’t to challenge or doubt His authority; I just didn’t understand. I humbly sought my Father for clarity. Understand that when I was in college, many of us who were in that particular Chapter at the time went to church together, prayed together, and bonded as sisters, so I didn’t recognize that Christians should not become members. It wasn’t long after I asked the question, that God answered. The Lord pierced my spirit with this question, what god are you serving? Nowhere in your handbook will you find Jesus Christ.

Imagine how taken aback I was. Just imagine how someone would feel who had not only pledged with an oath, but paid dues to be a part of a sisterhood that didn’t even glorify Him. This is not to say that certain persons didn’t and don’t glorify Him individually, because many certainly do; this is to clarify that at functions, social gatherings, meetings, community service projects, et cetera, the supreme purpose was to operate and do work in that organization’s name, not to share the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is not exclusive just to the sorority I was a part of, but other GLOs as well. I’ve read and listened to numerous testimonies of former GLO members who share similar accounts of having denounced affiliations with these organizations to fully embrace the high call of Jesus Christ.

Unequally Yoked

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14

Anything that contradicts the Bible or encourages a person to go against God is demonic. In joining these organizations there is an intake process. This intake process involves learning more about the organization, its history, and the members’ rights and responsibilities. In addition to being educated on its practices, the pledgee (potential member) takes an oath to be bound (yoked) in agreement with the organization and its practices. In essence, the pledgee is coming into agreement with others who are also in that organization. Consider what’s stated in Amos 3:3:

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Similarly, Christians are bound together in the Body of believers that we all profess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God Who was raised from the dead. It challenged me to recall when I was on line how I studied the information provided for the sorority more than I had been studying my Bible at the time. It would have proved beneficial for me to have been more nourished in the Word of God.[3]

In agreement with the oaths and pledges being spoken, a person opens a spiritual doorway to be in tune with whatever may be going on in another person’s life who is also associated with that particular organization. It is a serious and deeply demonic matter to be linked with unbelievers. There is no discretion in these organizations to leave out unbelievers and the Bible is clear in instructing Christians to not be joined together with those who deny Him.

With any of these Greek Lettered Organizations, check the handbook and I’m sure one will not find Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior in any of them. There is no stipulation that one must be a Christian to be in any of these chartered groups. A Christian who joins these organizations, taking the ungodly pledges in agreement with others who may be professed Muslims, Atheists (Agnostics), Buddhists, or Jehovah’s Witnesses are disobeying what the Holy Bible instructs. When a Christian knows this and disregards what God says, then who is he or she serving? Anything or anyone that a person obeys or honors above the Lord is an idol. As instructed in 1 John 5:21:

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

In defense of their organization and membership, many tend to argue that there is also no stipulation to be a Christian in order to become a member of other non-profit organizations or associations; but the distinct difference with GLOs is the binding together by oaths and pledges with those in the organization who are not Christians and reverencing that organization (and the god/goddess associated within each). Some claim to be founded upon Christian principles, but if so, why the acknowledgement to Egyptian gods and not solely to Jesus Christ?

Listed are just a few Greek Lettered Organizations with associations to false gods/goddesses as displayed on either their shield (crest) by symbol or motto, or noted within their handbooks (as well as on some organizations’ website):

Alpha Phi Alpha (AΦA) – Sphinx of Giza

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) – Atlas

Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ) – Minerva

Iota Phi Theta (ΙΦΘ) – Centaur

Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ) – Athena/Minerva (both symbols located on their shield)

Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ) – Aurora (Also, there is a picture of a skull pierced by swords on their foundational shield).

Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ) – Themis

There are many others that could be noted here, but the purpose of sharing this information is not to be centered on these factions and their gods/goddesses, but rather show how important it is to stay out of them and focus on God. Many are attracted to these groups by their societal influences and the “elite” memberships of those who are mainstream celebrities and entertainers. But remember, God is a jealous God and besides Him there is no other; He takes vows and oaths very seriously. If good works are not done to glorify Him, who is being glorified?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Proverbs 18:21, AMP

Our love and devotion is shown by what we say and do. This becomes ever so clear with the imprinting of brands on a person’s flesh in reverence to a sorority or fraternity. Branding once was a common form of showing ownership of livestock and slaves. It is a distinguishing mark usually made by placing a hot iron or piece of wire hanger onto the flesh. The mark embedded on the flesh varies as it relates to the owner. Some sorority and fraternity members endure the painful process of branding to receive a mark that’s consistent with whichever organization he or she has joined. Many professed Christians don’t even display this level of loyalty to Christ. If it was a prerequisite to receive a brand or tattoo of some sort on our bodies to be a Christian, it would probably be all across the news, but many voluntarily brand themselves with symbols relating to other organizations to demonstrate devotion and how proud they are to be a part of those particular groups.

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.

Matthew 22:37-38

There is a song I used to sing that says: My heart, my mind, my soul belongs to Z Phi B. This idolatrous song is still being sung today by others. It has even been posted on one chapter’s website.[4] A Chapter is simply a branch within a nationally recognized sorority. Zeta Phi Beta members are not the only ones who sing this song or a similar likeness. I’ve personally heard it sung by some who are members of Delta Sigma Theta in this variation: All of my love, peace, and happiness, I’m gonna give to Delta. Depending on the sorority, the insertion of the organization’s name would change, and they too have been posted on various internet sites.

However, I’ve also seen “coming out” introductions of GLO ceremonies that utilize Holy Scriptures throughout the process too. When a person “comes out”, it is to publicly announce to others those who were on line secretly. And although the Word of God is used by some chapters during a line’s announcement, others may not. It goes back and forth. Remember, when it was placed in my heart to separate from the GLO I was a part of, this was a major reason why I didn’t understand. I was confused because many of us were professed Christians, but sadly at the time I didn’t grasp the deeper meaning and the grave danger of straddling the fence.

God requires nothing less than complete devotion. We all have made mistakes and fallen short of the glory of God. If you are a person who has done these things and have repented, to God be the glory! God forgives and receptively welcomes you back into the fold. The past is the past and we must look ahead, “forgetting those things that are behind” (Phil 3:13). But if these things are not your past, but indeed your present, then it needs to be dealt with.

As a Christian, affiliations with these groups will seriously hinder your growth in Christ. But the good news is that God does provide a way of escape. He never leaves His children hopeless. God has a way of opening a person’s eyes to understanding. He did it for me. With a desire to be in a more intimate relationship with the Lord, I grew to understand that my lifestyle was not pleasing to Him no matter how much I said I loved Him. He clearly speaks, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). And that meant more than in one or two areas of my life. It meant in every area. As I sought the Lord for understanding and insight, His wisdom, He graciously supplied.

God is awesome. He saved me from the foolish decisions I made without truly checking with Him to see if my choices were what He would have had for me to do. Whenever a Christian makes a decision to do anything, check with God first. I’ve learned that going with the crowd and doing what is considered popular is not the answer; rather following what God says is.

I cheated on God, as that was indeed spiritual adultery, not knowing that I was truly doing myself a disservice when I joined a sorority. I had heard about others being hazed (beaten and/or blatantly disrespected), but personally I didn’t encounter any of that. As I mentioned earlier, we went to church, praised God, and knew who OUR Lord was. But God challenged me one day in 2008, thirteen years later to the season in which I had pledged in the fall of 1995.

It was a chilly October day when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to gather items and paperwork I had saved all those years since pledging over a decade prior. Everything associated with that sorority—handbook, receipts for dues payments, and all paraphernalia—I held in my hands, saddened by what it all represented. This was the purging process of my entering a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. The Lord ministered to me that He had to separate me because He did not want to lose me. Yes, I heard those words.

In throwing some of my former possessions into a blazing fire, I still clung to the handbook in hopes of finding something that said it was all right. Before releasing the manual, ironically the very book God used to reveal what my blind eyes couldn’t see years before, I searched through the pages. As I mentioned before, Jesus was nowhere to be found. Why couldn’t I see this before? I questioned myself, realizing that I probably didn’t want to see it. At the time, to me, it was the thing to do and I just did it.

As I tossed sweaters and objects that bore the name Zeta Phi Beta, God had me look down at numerous receipts of membership dues paid in the past. And again I was convicted about the time I had pledged years earlier. You paid that sorority when you weren’t even paying your tithes. When I heard this in my spirit it hurt me, although by this point I had been paying my tithes and giving to the Church regularly for years. But to come to the realization that I had done this to the True and Living God was sobering. Who was god in my life?

You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

Exodus 20:3, AMP

It is so painfully clear now as I see others greet one another in the name of a sorority, fraternity, or any non-Christian organization for that matter; the excitement of them linking up often pales in comparison to finding another brother or sister in Christ.

In denouncing the sorority, I later formally submitted a letter to the headquarters (a hard and an electronic copy) along with this Scripture, Revelation 22:12-16. No one ever responded; they probably thought I was crazy, but the things of God are considered foolish to the world.[5] But who the Son sets free is free indeed! I didn’t need their approval to leave because my allegiance had been transferred from the organization and totally to God. It’s amazing, you know. If I had expressed an interest in joining, I probably would have had a response back within the week.

After my full deliverance from this organization, I was blessed to connect with a courageous woman who also pledged the same sorority that I had during the same time I had, as well as denounce it after about the same amount of years. We met after we had both denounced the sorority. What a Divine Appointment. She boldly shares her personal account and the road she traveled back to full fellowship with the Lord.

My Right Leg—A Testimony

I am a former member of Zeta Phi Beta, the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma. And I am a one God-believing Apostolic Christian. I became a member [of the sorority] in November 1995. I had joined at a time after stepping away from the Lord. I can admit that I was not living for God, heavily becoming a part of the world. I wanted to be a part of the sisterhood organization because I have only brothers. Another reason was that I wanted to help improve that particular chapter because it had a “big girl” stigma. My purpose for joining had nothing to do with the widely advertised community service; rather I joined in order to have an incorporated organization in which to add to my résumé. Simply having an affiliation with them would open many doors for me.

Thinking back, the only time me and my sorors went to church was on our Founder’s Day; and even then we went to some random church. In going together, we were seen as a united group of women, which would in turn attract other women to the organization—not God.

God restored me to salvation in 2002. Through dreams, visions, and my prayer life, the Lord showed me the fate of my eternity if I did not cut off my right “leg.” Before I go into the “leg” part of the story, I’d like to share that I truly had a difficult time internally in the beginning. By beginning, I mean when I participated in my intake ritual that would make me a full member after my underground pledging process was complete.

The false god: I had to kneel before an altar and repeat an oath or agree to some statements by saying, “I do.” Although I was far from God, He was not far from me. I remember thinking, “What the heck am I saying?” The whole set up was just creepy. If my mother could be there, she would have pleaded, “The Blood of JESUS” over and over again. But I thought at that time after all I gone through up to this point, I'll just deal with it … later. Thirteen (13) years and two (2) months later I finally dealt with it.

Back to the “leg”; my right leg has two brands on it representing Zeta. As many of you know markings, cutting or branding of the skin is an action of showing ownership, much like slaves and cattle were branded, marked, or pierced. Zeta owned me. God dealt with my being a Zeta for a very long time because I took my time responding to Him (like I have the rest of my life).

Between 2007 and 2008 the Holy Ghost revealed many things to me; one was that I needed to cut off what was represented on my right leg—Zeta. Too easy! I can cut off what those symbols represent easier than I can cut off my leg. I got mixed responses when I shared this with close sorors. One of my very close friends and former soror, T, did not take it well. She said, “Once a Zeta, always a Zeta!” I said, “The devil is a liar!” She defended Zeta and thought I would reverse my decision. Unfortunately, we began to grow apart, but the Word says to be separated from the world. It was not a forced separation; it came on its own.

Other Zetas and Greeks did not verbally express their disapproval, but I knew who had a problem with it because my friendship status changed on the social site, Facebook. But a couple of friends, one Zeta and one Kappa (Kappa Alpha Psi), understood that it was God, but they just had not come into their season of truth yet [concerning Greeks]. I was in a wonderful place in my career, my personal life, and I was even working on a national project that would go to the movies. I desired to get closer to the Lord during this time. I wanted to hear His voice the way I used to. I really was not interested in the sorority like before and I resolved that I needed to understand why instead of just saying, “Oh I grew out of it,” because that wouldn’t have been true. It was crazy because I was the step-mistress of the southeast and dance queen of the region. I had drawn many interested persons.

But my leaving the sorority was because of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not because of any strife. I decided to go back into research mode on Greek Lettered Organizations to find where in the Bible they’re supported. See, I needed a reason to stay, to keep the tags on my car, to keep Zeta on my list of achievements on my résumé.

A greater interest went into what one of Zeta’s symbols is and why we use it. Greeks have a deeper meaning to everything they say and everything they choose to symbolize their organizations—a cat and a dove. The dove came with an explanation, but why a cat? After diligent research, I learned that the half cat-half woman war goddess is the goddess that Zeta represents. Her name is Bastet, sometimes shown as Hathor (half-cow/half-woman).

Now we did not bow to an image of Bastet or Hathor, nor did we even have it in these current handbooks, but we did do enough of the other stuff. We diligently chanted that all of our love/peace/happiness we're going to give to Zeta, and that I love my Z-Phi-B, and many other forms of praise and worship to the sorority. The community service we did was always in the name of Zeta and never in the name of Jesus. Through many of the underground pledging we invoked spirits of arrogance, hostility, and tolerance for non-sense from our own sorors, but not from outsiders. The greeting the pledgees had to say declares that the big sisters are our guiding force to the Zeta light. What? Yes. I realized I did not need much to see that this is an idolatrous organization.

We oppressed people through underground pledging. And if we did not participate, we still knew and allowed it to happen. Mysteriously, in all of that research (which I did on the other organizations as well), I found nothing dealing with Christian principles or Christ—nothing. Nothing, I tell you, not in their principles, history, or songs. We did not even pray together except to keep from getting kicked off the campus and at meetings; these were just peanut butter and jelly prayers anyway. It was all Egyptian mysticism and some forms of humanism; but those who know this are more likely to be Masons or just stay quiet. Sadly, this Supreme13 (http://www.supreme13.com) group knew about the Egyptian mysticism and forms of humanisms and still embraced it. Furthermore, Supreme 13 has a website encouraging you to do the same. View for yourself on the link above.

Serving in an organization like this is contra-Christian. Why? It is idolatry at best. At worst, during rituals it is a form of harmless witchcraft. Sounds like an oxymoron? Well I weighed my salvation against all of my findings… guess who won? I formally denounced in January 2009.

These organizations are the offspring of Freemasonry; most of them know this but some do not. But Masons definitely know this, so read Matthew 7:18-20. These organizations swear and make oaths to the group. The Old Testament instructs us that swearing is a trespassing sin, Leviticus 5:1, 4-5; the New Testament fulfills that when Jesus instructs us further in Matthew 5:34-37. You are binding yourselves with non-believers and people who are atheists or otherwise do not have a desire to serve God. Joining these organizations is like a marriage because you are avowing yourselves to the other members of the group. The Scripture that convicted me on this was Psalm 1:1 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.

Additional Scripture references are located on my website: http://www.denouncegreek.webs.com.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” Matthew 5:6.

Understanding comes through the Spirit of God. When we have a desire to do God’s will, He shows us the way. Jesus stated that we are His sheep and His sheep hears His voice. When God imparts understanding, it is still up to the individual to obey the Shepherd.

The Glamorous Façade—A Testimony

When I first got to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, I had no prior knowledge of Greek life. I was a girl from a smaller town in Arkansas and hadn't been exposed to many people who had been to college other than my teachers. That’s probably why it didn't take long for the glitz and glamour of sorority life to appeal to me. I had made it a goal to pledge as soon as I became eligible. After much consideration, I made the choice to become a member of Zeta Phi Beta.

To me, the Zeta ladies were just so laid back and down to earth. They were approachable and appeared to be the different girls on campus—I fitted right in. Although my intake process wasn't filled with hazing, I did find the vows and oaths to be quite disturbing. As I repeated the words of the president while being “read-in,” I knew in my heart that they were wrong. Having been raised in the church, I knew better than to be unequally yoked with unbelievers or put anything above the Lord. And here I was making a promise to be physically and spiritually bound to girls that I barely knew! I was also promising to honor an organization with my time, talents, money, heart and soul that had done absolutely nothing for me. As troubling as it sounded, I ignored my doubts and focused on my future as a Greek.

When I first crossed, I had a sense of pride in knowing that everywhere I went on campus, somebody knew who I was. I was no longer just me; I was “that Zeta”. My active involvement in the organization opened the door for me to engage myself in [other] forms of idolatry. I had entered and won the Miss Omega Psi Phi pageant. I even tried to join another sorority on campus, Mu Alpha Mu (an honorary choral sorority). The girls of MAM brutally hazed and humiliated me.

During this process, my eyes began to open to the deceptive ties that Greek Lettered Organizations have. By God’s grace and divine will, I did not get to finish the MAM process. Even after enduring a harsh hazing process with another sorority, I still didn’t realize that my ties to Zeta were the reason for many of my problems. It wasn’t until all the profytes, (members who had previously pledged Zeta and in turn brought other new members—neophytes—into the sorority), had graduated and I was declared president of the chapter that everything came to a head.

We had just crossed a line of nineteen girls and I was the only active profyte, the only one doing all the work and the only one getting blamed for everything that went wrong. All of this was going on while I was taking twenty-one hours in my last semester of school. The pressure became too much for me, so I decided to step down as president and just be a regular member. I loved my sorority, but it had become something I didn't even want to participate in any more because of all the trouble. To top everything off, 85% of the girls that we selected were gay. I was having nightmares about having sexual relationships with women and didn't even realize that I was being affected by the ties I had made with the sorority. I would wake up in the middle of the night in tears, repenting for things that I hadn't even done.

Everything was going downhill. In the midst of all this mess, I had begun to attend a new church in town. The Spirit of the Lord was so high in the place and deliverance was everywhere. During prayer one night, an older lady that was there stopped at the end of service and said, “It’s heavy in my spirit that somebody in this room needs to denounce a cult.” There were about six of us present and something inside of me knew she was talking about me. There was no one else in the room who was in anything as close to a cult as I was.

It was then that I started to do some research. What I found was so shocking and disturbing. This thing was deeper than just being a member of a sorority; it was about the oaths and vows I so foolishly took. It was about the covenant that I unknowingly entered into with the kingdom of darkness. At that point, I knew what I needed to do. So I posted my decision to separate from the organization in my status on the social site, Facebook, and then sent my denouncement letter to headquarters. I lost a lot of so-called friends and people who claimed to care for me.

At times, I doubted my decision, but then God revealed to me that this was what He had called me to do. The Lord put others in my path that He had called for a similar purpose to confirm that I was not alone. I believe that God allowed us to be deceived so that HIS perfect will could be accomplished. Because of the stand that I took, two more of my former sorors (from the same campus chapter) have come forth and made the choice to break the yokes of bondage.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Glory to His name!

Ungodly dreams and nightmares sometimes stem from a sinful walk, signs that something wicked is interfering where it shouldn’t be. In cases like these, we should humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wicked ways, and then God will hear from heaven and forgive the sins and heal those infected areas.[6] It is a process. As we expect God to deliver us, He requires us to submit to Him.

There are varying reasons why people gravitate towards Greek life on a college campus as an undergrad or as a graduate student. Whatever the reason, the end result is still the same. Participation in something that goes against the Christian faith—even subtly—is not worth betraying Jesus Christ. Nothing and no one is worth betraying God. Be that as it may, a person seeking validation, popularity, a “family” unit, or simply an affiliation to propel his/her future career must understand that Jesus embodies everything we’ll ever need.

Sometimes as human beings, we are distracted and stray away from where the Lord desires for us to be. We at times succumb to the attractive veneer presented by the devil instead of adhering to the admonition of God. The enemy would have one to believe that God doesn’t want us to have fun or that He does not desire for us to enjoy life; “no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). So, anything that the Lord warns us against is not to keep us from enjoyment, but rather to protect us from harm. Remember, He loved us so much that He gave His only Son.

In the previous testimony, the woman admitted that her experience with the traditional Greek Lettered Organization, Zeta Phi Beta, and the pageantry of becoming Ms. Omega Psi Phi prompted her to seek out more of the same, which landed her on line with Mu Alpha Mu, an honorary choral sorority. Praise God that her stay with MAM didn’t last long. If the enemy can’t get you in one way, he will try another. Based upon who we are, the enemy presents things that are layered with attractive elements, but always with perverted intentions.

Music to my Ears—A Testimony

I have always had a passion for music. In fact, my mother used to tell me that while she was pregnant with me I would jump around during the “praise and worship” portion of church and sleep soundly during the sermon. So when I left home to attend a university with 55,000 students, I joined the marching band in order to meet friends. On the first day of band camp I met Rebecca, who played the same instrument as me. She graciously helped me adjust to the rigors of the day and was also a sister of the honorary band sorority – Tau Beta Sigma (TBS).

A week after meeting Rebecca, she invited me to an event that her sorority was hosting. Since Rebecca had been so nice, I accepted her invitation. I then asked Claudette, the only friend that I had in the 400-person band, to go with me to the Tau Beta Sigma event. The event was exciting. There were all of these sorority members wearing shirts and awesome jackets who were just like me. They had a passion for music and they did service events for the band and within the local community.

Every day after that event, Rebecca made sure that I knew when the next events were. By the third event I was going alone, no longer mindful of the former friend, Claudette, I had initially invited. I was now socializing with other interested girls. By the end of the third week I had formally been invited to an exclusive event – “Invitational Tea.” At this event I was to show up with a copy of my transcripts and a letter stating why I wanted to be a part of their organization. How was I supposed to tell these girls why I wanted to be a part of an organization that I didn’t really know anything about? One that was just so attractive from the outside? Everything about their organization was secretive—except for the service and social events. So, I eloquently wrote about my love for music. Invitational Tea was much more intimate than the rest, as each sister paired up with an interested girl. Little did I know that after this event the next six years of my life would never be the same…

The next morning at 3:00 AM I heard a knock on the door to my individual bedroom door within a communal apartment. I ignored it and went back to bed. After the third knock, I opened the door expecting to find my roommate – instead there were half of the sisters standing outside my bedroom door with a candle. They gave me a pledge pin, a little black book for my assignments, read me a list of do’s and don’ts and told me where I needed to be that evening to start my process.

For the next two and a half months my life was theirs. If I was not in class, then I was doing something with my pledge class or for the sisters themselves. The only time that I was not with them was when I was in church on Sunday mornings. On November 12, 2005 I completed the pledge process and could now chant, call, throw signs, lock-up, line, and step all in the name of Tau Beta Sigma. I also had the privilege of paying dues every semester. To me it was worth it. I was now a soror, an official sorority sister, of TBS.

For the next three and a half years I traveled, I partied with the sorority and their constitutionally bounded brothers, and I hazed. I never quite felt comfortable laying my hand on someone else, but the verbal and psychological abuse was still there. We as sorors knew that some people just really needed to be hazed. We knew they needed that extra push to get them to the finish line. We liked them since we did pick them; however, the line needed to understand the concept of a “line.” In other words they needed to understand submission. They needed to understand our culture and our beliefs. They also needed to understand that we did not accept excuses, because “excuses are tools of incompetence which build monuments of nothingness. And those who specialize in them seldom accomplish anything.” The motto of Tau Beta Sigma is: “it’s an honor to be selected to serve.” An honor … so do not mess it up.

After four years of higher learning I graduated with honors and proudly wore my TBS sash across my graduation stage. After graduating, I stayed around the area to work for a year to gain some tangible work experience. I would still hang out with the younger sisters and brothers often. I was mentally more mature, but spiritually not much different from my freshman year. That is what happens when your focus is not on Christ—stagnation.

I was saved at the tender age of eight and had attended church my whole life. In fact, both of my parents were pastors and so I was active a lot in church – sometimes by force. As a teenager I often resented being pushed to do something in church that I had no desire to do. This caused a rift in my relationship with God. It wasn’t until going off to college that I enjoyed church again. There weren’t any expectations or needy people. I could just go and leave when I wanted to. My heart was backslidden, but my rear was on a pew bench.

As the college years went on, I grew little by little as a Christian. I also grew in excuses. I rationalized with God why I had to go to a club party… it would be rude not to escort my visiting sorors to the club when they were in a strange environment and didn’t know their way around. I rationalized to God how I had to skip paying tithes again in order to pay for dues … the national office had a strict deadline. I rationalized to God that I had to make it to the district convention and once again miss the church’s annual women’s retreat … after all there would be another women’s retreat next year, right?

I rationalized for six years. What I did not understand was that God requires sacrifices and also trust in His divine will. He alone knows the ultimate destiny of our lives and the many starts and stops that we will encounter along the way. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Author and the Finisher. He will always provide you with a way out, if you trust in His will completely. As Genesis 22:8 states “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” He will also comfort you (John 15:26) and sustain you (Philippians 1:6) if you seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

After my year off from school post-graduation, I went back home to start my master’s program. This was the start of something new, something set apart. It was the start of my fervent walk with God. I went home and started to study, not just read my bible. That first semester I became so engrossed in Him - His laws and His freedoms. As I drew closer to Him, He ran to me. His incomprehensible love engulfed me.

The next semester I was invited to attend a well-known southeastern step show event that I had helped to organize during my collegiate years. During the weekend back at my old university, I felt unsettled. From the music that played during the step show to the sexual advances made by fraternity boys to the foul language of my associates, everything just felt strange, but I decided to just stick it out for the weekend since I was there to support a colleague.

A few weeks later I was informed of a probate that TBS was hosting at another university. Being the social person that I am, I gathered some of my chapter bruhs (“brothers” of the fraternity to the sister sorority) and sorors and stayed at another soror’s apartment. Again, that entire weekend was uncomfortable. These “Christian” bruhs and sorors of mine were singing songs that oscillated between Trick Daddy and Donnie McClurkin. I was confused about how they could sing degrading songs in one breath and then ironically praise God in the next. Rather than say anything, I sat amidst confusion.

That night we went to the probate. I was so excited to be around TBS calling and strolling again. After the probate was a bowling social. Seeing it as truly a bowling event, I drove everyone over. After some time of socializing, the place went black and I realized that this was now a party. Rather than join in with the dancing, I rationalized that I could just watch the stroll competitions. Already uncomfortable with the climate, I was fondled by a member of another fraternity. The grabbing happened so quickly that I couldn’t tell who had done it. I moved away and hid until everyone else was ready to go.

When my group was finally ready to leave the bowling alley, we witnessed a brutal assault in the parking lot. We ran for our cars while the guys called the cops. Completely bewildered at this point I drove back to the soror’s apartment. I had never felt so gross and alone. The next morning I had my devotion and left before the others woke up. I drove an hour back to my house silently crying out to God the whole time. I then understood what it meant to be set apart. I was allowing unrighteousness to be my entertainment.

After that conviction I began to start my search for clarity. I knew that God was calling me out of a life I had waddled in for six years, but was the essence of sororities and fraternities unrighteous or was it just the auxiliary components? My good friend “Mr. Rationalization” told me it must just be the lewd parties. How could an organization that uplifted music be sinful? I sought wisdom from the blind – my district counselor of whom I was extremely close to. I began to explain to her my desires to denounce because it was my own personal conviction, but not because I believed that TBS was wrong. I began to enable others, somewhat timid and unsure of this detour in the path I had laid out for myself. I began to search deeper and pray harder and I found His answers in His living Word. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

God communicated to me about idolatry through time and money, about making binding ties with the unrighteous, putting the name of Tau Beta Sigma before His, and ultimately being ineffective in the Great Commission. How am I to be an effective witness when there is no clear distinction between light and dark? When our monies fund lewdness and I do not correct ungodliness? Silence truly speaks volumes. I began to realize that there is a difference between a leader and a pioneer – for pioneers blaze a trail. So God also confirms that narrow is the way that leads to life.

Subsequent to these realizations I wrote an e-mail to the national president and other elected officials and have since followed up with a hardcopy letter. It is important to realize that any sorority, fraternity, and/or secret society are rooted in ancient evil. Often times today it is beautified with coverings of service and false fellowship, so you see the façade of gold bars and not the prison itself.

The peace and joy that I now feel is overwhelming. The beautified hindrance of sorority life was a roadblock on my way to a higher level in Christ. I thank God for the boldness that He gave to take those steps and the peace that He has flooded me with as a result. Thank you, Jesus!

As I reflect on how my former sorors and I would dance, or line step, around at parties while chanting or calling out Zeta’s name and how I witnessed others doing the same for their chosen sorority or fraternity, I’m prompted to think about how the children of Israel danced around the golden calf (see Exodus 32:1-8). Impatient to the promises of God, the Israelites sought instant gratification. They literally made their own god with earthly possessions to purposely cherish and adore, making sacrifices to it.

I recall the excitement of owning a Zeta pin to wear on my clothing and a Zeta watch to adorn my wrist. I sacrificed my time, money, and effort when they all should have been reserved for ministry, the good works Jesus spoke about in Matthew 25. Sadly, I operated out of blissful ignorance. I made the decision to join and participate, but I really didn’t know what I was doing or getting myself into. I thank God for “winking” at ignorance and giving me another chance to get it right with Him.

It saddens me to this day that since I was an active member of a GLO, there has been another organization added to the repertoire of the National Pan Hellenic Council (once called the Great Eight) now has the audacity to call itself the Divine Nine. Imagine a group of organizations that are not truly based on Christian principles, although Christians have and are joining, being called “divine”. Where does this leave God?

If you are currently in a Greek Lettered sorority or fraternity, God will rescue you, but only if you want Him to. The solution is simply to repent. There is a suggested prayer in the Appendix, but you have to sincerely want to let it go.

This next testimony displays a male’s point of view of what it was like to join a GLO. Men usually show more tenacity than women, although not always, when pursuing something they want. Consider the lengths he went through to obtain the title of an Omega man.

An Ex Q Dog–A Testimony

This is my living testimony and I say to others—you are not alone. Many have come out of Black Greek Lettered organizations because of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters inside and outside of these organizations.

I was a nasty Q – dog/ Omega man … let me give a real testimony out of love for all of God’s children in and out of secret societies. After six years of failed attempts to cross the burning sands into Omega land, I finally crossed in the spring of ‘92. My pledge process that took place in the years ‘86, ‘87, ‘88, ‘89, ‘90, and ‘91 contained more hazing than intake processes nowadays. Broken teeth and arms and near death experiences were part of being a Q in the era I lived in. This was the time that a young man from Norfolk State dropped line and sued the fraternity. Back then, in my opinion, he was wrong. I viewed him as a betrayer—a sell-out. But this young man was a Gospel singer whose jaw was broken by one of his big brothers, an Omega who was taking part in initiating those on line. I was also beat down and did plenty of beating.

During my time as an Omega, I served as an ADP and a DP (Assistant Dean of Pledgees and Dean of Pledgees). I’ve been in sexual and fraternal gangbangs. I also have witnessed women being sexually abused. When I was a nasty Q-dog, my attitude was “they wanted it.” Today, I carry scars, a broken wisdom tooth, and brands on my chest, arms, and legs. I gave up blood, sweat, and tears for Omega…

I remember before I crossed that two brothers quit the frat because of religious convictions, but the other brothers kept it on the down low. Those two brothers never came back to witness to us. Those of us in the fraternity just put it out of our minds. That following summer my best friend, an Alpha man, was getting married and his wife, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, had a line sister in the wedding who witnessed to me; back then, you see, I was fresh off the burning sands and could not hear her witness. But it always stayed in the back of my mind. Why would she quit Delta? The fact that the preacher who performed the ceremony was an Omega man made me think, Forget that! She’s tripping. But I was the one who was really tripping; along with some of the other brothers from the wedding, we all drank brews in the basement of the church. I was very disrespectful to any organized religion.

Years later after studying all types of religions while pursuing my music career across the USA, my lifestyle began to catch up with me. I developed acute bronchitis and was also making constant trips to the free health clinic for urinary tract infections; the constant infections were killing my immune system. One night after coming home from the club—I prayed. I can’t even remember what I said, but the prayer was sparked because I had a hangover from drinking. I woke up the next morning with the thought to fast from meat for thirty days and I obeyed. What did I have to lose? About two weeks into this fast I stopped using drugs and going to the strip clubs. The desire to hit the stroll for hookers was gone too.

Blaming it all on maturity, I went home for New Year’s Eve and headed to a New Year’s Eve party, but I ended up in church and the message was clear. The minister preached about family, and at the time I had no wife or children. I was 35 years old. Then things began to take off for me. I was soon on the road with several famous stars in a Gospel play called Mama Dee’s Girls. It felt real good and I decided to do a Gospel CD to balance out all the hardcore rap music that I was producing. Then I ended up at a church in Atlanta, Georgia. I did not have a Bible; in fact I had not read the Bible in fifteen years, but one thing that I had was a testimony and I was telling everybody how free I was.

In the parking lot of the church in Atlanta I heard a minister talking about doing something foolish while he was in college. I did not know specifically what he was talking about, but I knew it had something to do with fraternities or a wild college party life. He then said that he was branded while in college. I went inside the church after the sermon and walked up to him. He was a Q; I could see his brand through his shirt. I still wasn’t ready to give up Omega or hear anything about my brands and tattoo. So I just gave him my CD and walked away. After hearing my testimony earlier that day, members of a church from New York who were there asked me if I wanted to go to New York where they would take care of my room and board. I said yes and left with them.

They gave me my first Bible. Still in New York about three months after they gave me that monumental gift, I read it a little at first, but day after day I grew stronger in the Word. Then one day after the September 11th attacks, I awoke on the couch speaking in tongues. Oh boy … a couple weeks later I ended up at a revival where hands were laid on me at a different church, a Haitian church, by a man from Nigeria. There were many people in the back of the church praying when the revival minister’s wife also began praying for me. As they were praying for me, I suddenly went flying into the air, landing head first on the hard cement floor. I thought my head was cracked open and bleeding. I struggled to get off the floor, but after a few seconds I was totally knocked out.

When I got up from the floor everyone was gone. I guess it scared them or I might have been just lying there on the floor for a long time. All I know is that when I got up I knew to leave the church and go back to my Bible and really find out who this Jesus was. Little did I know that this would be the end of the life that I had grown accustomed to. After that air-flying incident, I continued to attend the Haitian church. God was up to something and I was not going to leave New York without that something.

One day while sitting and watching a pastor make a video, I noticed a man displaying a secret Masonic grip. He was a former freemason and a minister. After the pastor’s video recording, the minister who was showing the sign spoke to me outside and explained what our frats were founded upon—and it was not upon JESUS (visit http://www.ephesians5-11.org). I researched and prayed; two weeks later I was taking the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity license plates off my truck.

Now, this part may be hard for others to imagine, but it is true. After praying and reading the Bible for several weeks in a shoddy basement apartment in Hollis Queens with no television but plenty of friends (cockroaches and a rat), one Sunday morning as I was getting ready for Sunday school, I heard a Voice come out of nowhere. I knew Whose voice it was and began holding a conversation. He said the same thing three times, “Ask her to marry you.” The Voice was speaking of a Sunday school teacher at the church. I really hadn’t known this woman long, but that’s what I heard the Voice say. I finally obeyed and nine years later we are happily married with six children. I recalled the sermon about family that New Year’s Eve back in 2001, and one year later I would be married: February 8, 2002.

I used to sing a song that goes like this: I know I’ve been changed; Omega Psi Phi done signed my name. Back then, I was Q Psi Phi ‘til the day I die. Well, my brothers and sisters, I died and was born anew. It happened to me and it can happen to you. Now I sing the same song, but the only difference is that I now sing it how it was originally written: I know I’ve been changed; an Angel in Heaven done signed my name.

In the name of Jesus, I pray this testimony touches the heart of someone who is lost. I share this not because I am mad, but because God picked me up, turned me around, and placed my feet on solid ground. To the children of the Most High, remember that even when your Father disciplines and corrects you, He still loves you (Hebrews 12:7).

In remembrance of what happened to the Apostle Paul, I was knocked down on my way to Damascus. A former member of Delta Sigma Theta sowed a seed in me in 1992 that took nine years to spring out of my soil. My prayer is that this seed will be planted in the hearts of others and be ready for the soon to come harvest, in the name of Yahshua…

Deliverance from fraternities and sororities takes a firm commitment of the involved individual. In order to be liberated, one must accept the freedom being offered. Just as stated in the previous testimony by the gentleman, a seed was planted into his life, but it took nine years to spring forth. The closer he drew to God, the more he was convicted to come out of that fraternal organization. God severed that ungodly tie. It was because he had a true desire to change. And in his desire to change, obedience to God soon followed.

Sadly, there are so many who enter into what’s often considered an even deeper demonic association that goes against the Christian faith: Masonry. A profound revelation about this secret society—and its branches—is discussed in the next chapter.

Self-Examination Question

Christ died for me … am I willing to truly live for Him?

Practical Applications

Reverence God above anything and anyone else.

Pray for God to cut all spiritual ties you have to any and every ungodly organization. Ask Him to sever those links and be willing to obey His instructions to be completely delivered.

Clean House! Get rid of any and all items/paraphernalia associated with ungodly organizations. If you find it difficult to part with those things (due to sentimental, not educational reasons), then that organization still holds a special place in your heart. Getting rid of items does not destroy the root problem, however complete submission to God does.

Thank and praise God for His deliverance and pray for the deliverance of others who are still involved with these factions that hamper spiritual growth.

6

Darkness of the Masonic Light

Then I said to them, ‘Each of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’

Ezekiel 20:7

MASONRY, IN some cases known as Prince Hall Freemasonry,[1] is very secretive and claims to not be a religion. However, in the first degree, Entered Apprentice, the candidate is confronted with this question: “In whom do you put your trust?” The answer must be, “In God.” [2] But who is this god they are really referring to?

As noted in Bill Schnoebelen’s book, Masonry: Beyond the Light, the author, who is also a former Mason (achieved reaching the 32°), notes that if the candidate does not answer this way, he is not allowed to proceed with the initiation ritual. As a former working Lodge officer, Schnoebelen reports that he was personally instructed of this and was prepared to remove the candidate from the Lodge room if necessary. [3]

Many ask, “What is the big deal with a Christian becoming a Mason?” Some members may proclaim, “The Holy Bible is present at every meeting!”

What would make a Christian think Masonry is based on Biblical doctrines when they are barely allowed to discuss their foundational principles?

They do good works, but the works are done in the name of Masonry, not Jesus Christ.

The Masonic temple and its masons are supposed to mimic the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and those who were involved in the building of God’s temple under King Solomon’s direction. Notice that devotions in the Masonic temple are made facing backwards (facing east), opposite from the way the real temple’s devotions were to be made. The Lord had the temple sacraments facing west, away from the rising sun, which was the principal symbol of the pagan gods at that time (the sun god, Ba‛al). This presents foundational marks of the occult to do things backwards. An example of this is the satanic Black Mass where all Christian symbols, such as the cross or the Lord’s Model Prayer in Matthew 6, are inverted or recited backwards.[4] This is an abomination to the Lord (see Ezekiel 8:13-18).

Masonry brings a person into the light, but as a Christian you already have the Light, Jesus Christ (see John 8:12).

Despite claims that Masonry is not a religion, Lodges are referred to as temples. By definition, temple is synonymous with sanctuary, place of worship, shrine, and holy place. Something is being worshipped in these buildings.

There are various levels, or more specifically, degrees, to Masonry. Beginning with the Entered Apprentice, one can “climb the ladder of degrees” to become a Fellowcraft, and then Master Mason (the first three degrees are a part of what is called the Blue Lodge), and even on up to other levels of either the Scottish or York Rite.[5] For the Christian, what happens when addressing the “Worshipful Master” of their Lodge? Or if a part of a Grand Lodge how does the Christian reverence God and the presiding “Most Worshipful Grand Master”? [6] These titles attributed to men only take the focus off the Almighty, Creator of the Universe, and discount His exclusive right to be the only One worshiped. We may commend, honor, or congratulate one another on certain accomplishments in life, but worship is to be set apart only for God. Consider how the angel of the Lord corrected John:

Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

Revelation 22:8-9

Masons may object that the titles aren’t to be taken literally. But if they are not to be taken as they are stated, then how? Is there yet another secret interpretation of what is plainly written? There is a distinction that must be made because God requires complete devotion. God loves us enough to show us what love is as well as teach us how to love because He is love. As Schnoebelen stated in his book concerning what a pastor had advised him years ago, “Is it the business of a Christian to see how close he can camp to the ‘borders of Egypt’ (sin)? Or should he stay far away from those borders and remain well within ‘Canaan land?’” [7] We should “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Also, similar to sororities and fraternities, good deeds are done to help those in need in the name of that group. The major problem that presents itself in Masonry for the believer is that you must first take an oath that you put your trust in a Supreme Being (any supreme being), which is a distinctive mark of a religion.[8]

As previously noted with Greek Lettered Organizations, what god are they referring to? Speaking for myself from a Christian standpoint, it may appear that this obviously means God, the Father of Jesus Christ, but that is not specifically stated. As a side note that will be further discussed later, the commonly known sister organization of Masonry, Order of the Eastern Star, plainly states on their General Grand Chapter website for potential membership: “Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being.” [9] The Masonic lodge accepts all religions neutrally reverencing the Great (or Supreme) Architect of the Universe, representing whomever that may be according to a member’s faith.[10] It is in essence a religion that accepts all religions, attempting to group them under one generic umbrella.

Multiple Religions under One Faith?

I once had the opportunity to witness to someone who said she belonged to a church with similar beliefs. It seemed far-fetched to me that there was an actual church standing on a belief system, in her words, that “accepted all religions and no one is turned away.”

The Lord turns no one away either; however, He will not be grouped in some inane category filled with other gods. As I shared Jesus with this woman who appeared to be in her early thirties, she defended herself by informing me that she was raised Catholic, although not currently in a Catholic church, and knows what the Holy Bible states. Clearly, she hadn’t read it or if she had, she didn’t understand what she had read. Furthermore, the Catholic Bible is different from the Holy Bible. There are several added books to the Catholic Bible that are not part of the Holy Bible.

It is never my intention to cause discord because God is not the author of confusion, so this woman’s reaction in my sharing the truth told me that her decision to be affiliated with that particular cult where all religions are accepted was firm; however, I did not give up easily. She needed to know the truth, but I also understood that it was ultimately up to her to make the decision to receive what I had shared. As I recall that moment in my life, it is apparent that the aspects of Masonry are so closely related to what that woman believed.

In some cases, one may find a Masonic lodge that is occupied with only Christians who declare that God, the Father of Jesus Christ, is the Great Architect (He is, in fact, the Creator Who speaks things into existence), and then in other Lodges there may be some with contrary beliefs. But one thing that stands clear is that the core principles and code of ethics upon which this organization is founded are not Godly.

Upon examination of those core principles and code of ethics, one will find that Masons must keep the secrets of their brother Masons, even criminal acts.[11] Specific oaths are taken at different degree levels about what may or may not be done. This is gravely dangerous, as it jeopardizes your faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. Besides, Christians are to not swear by anything according to James 5:12:

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Of course some potential Masons aren’t fully aware of what they may be getting into, which is why it is so important to be nourished in God’s Word. It is imperative that as Christians, we study daily and be on guard against the wiles of the devil.

Furthermore, contrary to what this religion falsely teaches, no one can achieve salvation based upon works.

Salvation by Works?

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Masons are taught that they are saved, or have earned “admittance into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides,” through purity of life and conduct.[12] Christians have been saved by what was accomplished on the Cross at Calvary, through the pure, innocent Blood of Jesus Christ—not by their conduct (see Titus 3:5-6). It is because of Jesus that we have a right to the Tree of Life. God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe and trusts in Him shall not perish, but indeed have eternal life (see John 3:16).

Christians perform good works because we are saved, not to be or get saved. We cannot earn salvation by anything that we may do; our best deeds are as filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6). Performing good works will not get a person into Heaven, “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Masonry teaches a variety of things that are in opposition of the Christian faith, and this is another clear violation. A Christian’s salvation rests in the finished work of Christ.

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:4-5

Although I’ve spoken to a couple of Masons who refuse to share their “secrets,” the Holy Spirit leads in truth and understanding because He is the Spirit of Truth. My quest for knowledge was not to infringe upon anyone’s personal decision to be a part of this sort of group; it was simply to compare the society’s practices against the Word of God. We are our brother’s keeper and ought to help those who are weaker in the faith. Many are led astray by false teachings and intermingling in things that God would not have us to be a part of, including secret societies that engage in activities that go against His will for our lives.

I’ve personally spoken to someone who was an Eastern Star and attested to the wild orgy parties that some Masons participate in, but then I consulted with a Mason who defended Masonry, stating that just because certain people do those things, it is not necessarily representative of the entire organization. This is a valid argument, but what about the other clear defiance against Christianity?

The secrecy of sororities, fraternities, and Masonry are often compared to the likeness of a person protecting bank accounts or privileged information that people don’t share with the general public. However, the issue here is that a person does not make an oath that goes against their belief when opening a bank account, purchasing a house, organizing estate papers, filing taxes, or protecting a social security number.

Jesus taught openly, sharing His heart and love with the world, but Satan’s Kingdom is covered in darkness and he rules by deception. In God’s Kingdom, we know Whom we are serving because in Him there is no darkness. Services, such as baptisms for Christians, are not kept secret; anyone can view them, even the unsaved. The Lord graciously and authentically shares His true identity, shedding light on the love He has for the world. Sadly, many reject Jesus’ passion for us. To be a true Christian, you must be Christ-like. If Jesus is rejected, then the enemy is embraced. Many create idols, and those Christians who participate in idolatry commit spiritual adultery. If there is no repentance for spiritual adultery, how does a person expect to grow spiritually?

For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God].

Hebrews 10:26-27, AMP

In Schnoebelen’s book, the former Mason prompts the reader to consider the witchcraft connection with some of the past leaders in Masonry: Arthur Edward Waite, an occult writer and Masonic historian; Dr. Wynn Westcott, who is reported to be a member of the Societas Rosicrucianna in Anglia and founding member of the occult Order of the Golden Dawn; S.L. MacGregor Mathers, co-founder of the Golden Dawn; Aleister Crowley, a master Satanist of the twentieth century and founder of the anti-Christ religion of Thelema.

Others included in this book are Masons who teach Tarot, proclaim to be a warlock, and head other occultist societies.[13]

In conjunction with Satanism, Aleister Crowley coined the phrase, deemed an “ethical” code, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” which stems from the occultist religion, Thelema, that he founded.[14] This blasphemous phrase has also been printed on a sweater worn publicly by famous rapper, Jay-Z. This further endorses an anti-Christ agenda by those who carry an influence in the lives of countless Christian teenagers and young adults. Many can recite and chant the lyrics of hip-hop music easily, but are challenged in knowing what the Word of God says. The priority must be God, not the world and the things of it.

Diabolical songs are not just music or words meant to entertain, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). God instructs us to sacrifice our fleshly desires for the high call of Jesus Christ, not self-indulgence to ungodly desires.

Sacrifice means giving up something you care for or care about for the sake of something else. God gave up the Sacrificial Lamb so that we may be redeemed back to Him. His ways are not self-centered, rather self-sacrificing, and we are called to follow His example.

The Young and Innocent

Masonry is not exclusive to adults. Its offshoot spreads down to the youth, namely DeMolay for boys and Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters for young females. Satan’s plot to steal, kill, and destroy is disgusting. His agenda has no mercy, especially for those who can barely defend themselves.

DeMolay International, also known as the Order of DeMolay, is named after Jacques De Molay, the 23rd and last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The launching of this Order, for boys ages 12–21, was to commemorate the death of Jacques De Molay who was tortured repeatedly and eventually burned at the stake for declaring himself and his Masonic Order innocent of heresy. Members are encouraged to model their conduct after Jacques De Molay’s example of loyalty to the Order, also referred to as “a martyr to fidelity and toleration”.[15] Toleration and fidelity to Masonry? Where does this leave Jesus Christ?

The role of Christian parents is to guide their children on the right path. The right path is simply training them in accordance to God’s Word. Normally, there is a bond of trust established between parent and child; after all, responsible parents feed, clothe, and provide shelter for their children. Satan preys on the trust of those children toward their parents, seeking to develop and keep an ungodly cycle (of bondage stemming from displaced worship) active for generations to come.

If Satan can get the parent to approve of these associations, it gives him direct and legal access, an open doorway into that child’s life as they engage in this repugnant idolatry.

The OES: It’s a Family Affair

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES), an auxiliary for the female relatives of Masons, is operated much like Masonry. Although primarily for women, the OES is comprised of both men and women. In order for an Eastern Star meeting to convene, a Master Mason, called the Worthy Patron, must be present.[16] Men who are Masons in good standing are accepted, but only female relatives of those Masons are received into the OES. Other female derivatives of Masonry include: Daughters of the Nile, [17] and the previously mentioned Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls.[18]

Additionally, similar to the OES, the White Shrine of Jerusalem is an Order originating from Masonry, but they report to be founded on the life of Jesus Christ. In fact, they proclaim that the word “white” in the name refers to nothing other than representing the purity of the life of Jesus Christ. This sounds a bit confusing, especially since the qualifications to become a member of the White Shrine are similar to those of the Order of the Eastern Star. Potential members must also have some relationship to a Master Mason in good standing.[19] Remember Masonry believes in a supreme being, not necessarily in Jesus Christ.

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:33

The OES uses a large five-pointed star and the personalities of five Biblical women as focal ritual traits as initiates are led through its ceremonies. The five “heroines” of the Bible according to this organization are Jephthah’s daughter (from the book of Judges), Ruth (the widow), Esther (the wife), Martha (sister of Lazarus from the Gospel of John), and Electa (the mother, known as the “elect lady” from 2 John). As the candidate is led through the ceremony, each “point” officer on the star teaches them a religious lesson based on the life of the woman (one of the five heroines) they represent.

It is understandable how an outsider may view this institution as Biblically based with its spiritual overtones, especially with Christian hymns being sung and a motto that comes from Matthew 2:2, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” But through closer examination, one will notice that the star used in the OES is actually an inverted five pointed star, known in witchcraft as a pentagram.[20]

Remember, Satan is big on deception and if he has to get you under the guise of a Christ-like persona, pretending to be the light of the world that brings you into more light, then he will. The quoting of Scripture does not make it a Christian organization any more than someone sitting on a church pew makes him or her saved. Ask yourself, are they really referring to Jesus Christ, especially when the statement is made that all religions are accepted? God says to have no other God before or beside Him. There is no being equal to God; neither should they hold a place in our lives reserved only for Him.

But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God).

Exodus 34:13-14

The inverted pentagram is noted as the official symbol of two large satanic churches: the Church of Satan and the Temple of Set. This inverted star with a goat’s head within it, called Baphomet, is on the cover of the satanic bible. It is interesting to note their symbolic usage of a goat. Recall from Matthew 25 when Jesus said He will separate the goats from the sheep and that they will be placed on His left and then cast into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Furthermore, the phrase “Eastern Star” has a specific meaning in occultism: it refers to the star, Sirius, sacred to the god, Set, an old form of Satan.[21] Why would a Christian organization have a condemning satanic symbol as its trademark?

A Delusion–A Testimony

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 15. However, I didn’t know what it truly meant to live for Christ because I was so young when I accepted Christ. I knew Christ through my parents and went to church regularly, but I didn’t have a deep relationship with my Savior until later in my adult life.

In the fall of 2001 as a sophomore in college, I joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Zeta was nonexistent on our campus my freshman year. I didn’t learn until later (after I had been inducted) that it was due to suspension for past hazing issues. In the beginning, I was drawn to the organization because they had been absent from campus for so long. Some of the ladies in the group wanted to make an impact and return to campus. I had watched the other sororities (AKA, Delta, and Sigma Gamma Rho) and I had friends who were members of each, but I didn’t feel as though those groups fit me at the time. I wanted a sorority where I could have a sisterly connection. After all, I was a young woman who had just left home, living away from my family and now on campus. Having grown up as the only girl with two brothers, I always wanted sisters. I figured this would be a great opportunity to unite, make some friends, and have a sense of belonging.

At first, I didn’t know anything about the Zeta community service projects, sorority history, or how the group carried themselves due to their absence on campus, but when I went to their interest meeting I became more curious. I desired to be a part of the organization as I listened to how the current members passionately expressed re-establishing the chapter on campus. They told stories about how they had been gone for so long and wanted to be active again on an undergraduate level and how much they loved Zeta with all their hearts. They also bragged about the active campus brotherhood chapter of Phi Beta Sigma (also known as “Sigmas” to whom Zeta Phi Beta is constitutionally bound).

Prior to joining, I was friends with a few Sigmas and had grown to love them. The Sigma guys were very fun, loving and outgoing. It was partly because of my friendship with them that I wanted to be a Zeta. The Sigmas encouraged my becoming a Zeta because they missed having “sisters” on the campus. I was excited to be a part of something new, the revival of a chapter on campus, despite the organization’s previous suspension for years because of hazing by the Graduate Chapter. Sadly, my undergrad line was still hazed. According to my older future sorors, this is what “had” to be done, so I joined with one of my close friends.

In 2003, I joined a service organization called Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority (Gamma Sig). My pledge process was gruesome and far worse than my pledge process with Zeta. I went through that, and even became the Chapter President. My Zeta sorors HATED the fact that one of my line sisters and I joined Gamma Sig, despite the fact that it was a service sorority and we did community service similar to Zeta. They ridiculed, talked down, and even judged me although I could legally belong to more than one sorority. One soror even told me that I wasn’t a Zeta. This came from members of an organization that fosters sisterhood as one of its main ideals. They even cornered me one afternoon and told me that I had to choose. I told them there was no need to choose because I was active in both. There was no real sisterhood, no support, and no God in these organizations despite the fact that we went to church during Founder’s Week and such.

What ultimately pulled me away from Gamma Sig was their pledging process. My process was horrible, but it was even more gruesome for the two lines that came after me. I wanted to graduate college. It was bad enough that I had already missed my 2004 graduation because my priorities were out of order. This time I didn’t want to be present while hazing and pledging was going on in the event that someone got hurt.

I went to set (a place where we met with the girls who were on line) one night and actually felt deep sorrow for the girls going through the process, so much so that I had to leave early. I knew in my heart that this wasn’t right. I slowly pulled away from all pledging activities and after my term as Chapter President was done, I stopped affiliating with the chapter and its activities all together.

Around the same time I joined Gamma Sigma Sigma, I had also joined the Order of the Eastern Star (the Free & Accepted Modern Masons and Order of Eastern Star division). I became involved with the OES through one of my best friends who was already a member and vouched for me. My great grandmother was also an Eastern Star.

The OES was founded in 1868 as a women's auxiliary for the Masonic Lodge and fraternal order dedicated to service those in need, to promote social enjoyment and to aid in civic interests. We had several OES and Masons that were members of the Sororities and Fraternities on campus. They were always mysterious in the sense of how they moved about on campus, hanging out in groups, and how they conducted themselves. What attracted me was the fact that most of them were members of other organizations within the “Divine Nine” and were still unified.

Our campus suffered from what I used to call “Organization Segregation”. That means that if you had a friend who was from another sorority, then you couldn’t hang with her too often or your sorors would tease or have something negative to say. It went as far as them rolling their eyes if you wore another color other than your sorority color. So as a Zeta, I couldn’t wear too much pink or red. If I did my own sorors would tease and say things like, “you need to take that off, you’re looking too much like an AKA or a Delta.” And sometimes it wasn’t in a joking way; it was said with much attitude and threat behind it. I hated that, and the more I experienced it the more it made me raise questions within myself of what I was doing.

The Eastern Stars and Masons weren’t like that. They were viewed on campus as being “above” the Divine Nine. They made it clear to people on campus that the Divine Nine were created with Masonry/OES as the foundation. They also bragged about the perks of being a member, like having connections for jobs, such as within law enforcement and getting out of tickets, and other things. My best friend at the time introduced OES to me, and I began a surface study of OES history, which was limited, so I joined out of curiosity. I also had a desire to “stand out” and be amongst an elite group. The members of the OES also said they had a Christian foundation, so I really wanted to know more about that.

Whenever a sorority on the campus found out that someone was interested in joining their organization, the mental hazing began long before any dues were paid or papers signed. The current members would start watching you on campus and provoking you to see if you would step out of your character. If you did, they were ready to report back to their other sisters that you weren’t worthy enough to bear their letters. It wasn’t like that when I showed interest in being part of the OES. As soon as they found out about my interest, the Masons and Eastern Stars that went to my school encouraged me to get into a local chapter and join. When my friend invited me to a meeting, I later joined.

At the induction ceremony, I was told to wear all white and then I was blindfold, or “hoodwinked” as they say, and then led into a dark room where I was asked to repeat a lengthy oath. I felt very uncomfortable and in my heart I felt that this wasn’t right and wanted to run out of the door, but I stayed anyway. When they were done inducting me into the chapter and the blindfold was removed, I was standing in the middle of what appeared to be a star with each of the members standing at a point of the star. I was freaked out beyond belief, but they came and embraced me with hugs and I guess I felt okay.

The OES Chapter that I joined was a very old chapter consisting of older women. My friend and I were the youngest two; everyone else was old enough to be our grandmothers. They were tired and in need of more youthful members to learn the history and how to run the chapter so that it didn’t die out. I went to several meetings, bought OES paraphernalia such as car emblems, t-shirts, and hats. I wore my Eastern Star t-shirts to school a few times and Zeta sorors didn’t question me or have an attitude about it because some of them secretly wanted to be members also.

During every OES meeting I got extreme headaches. I couldn’t understand why. I had never gotten a migraine in my life, but I imagined that’s what I was having because they were the worst headaches I’ve ever had. I soon realized a pattern. I got them every time I went to a meeting. I would go home and try to go over information that the Worthy Matron (Chapter Leader) would ask us to study and I could not retain any information. Being a member of this organization never sat well with me. It always felt wrong, which led me to do further research on the organization. I had unction to pray for revelation whenever I would research. Things started to become clearer…

In all of my OES handbooks, I kept looking for the name Jesus. They kept telling me that this was a Christian organization and that most of the members believed in Jesus. So I looked for Scriptures relating to Jesus in those books and couldn’t find Him. They always made reference to God as the Supreme Being of the Universe and the Grand Architect and terms related to that, but never mentioned the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I was bothered so I asked a woman in the chapter where Jesus is in the handbook and she kind of danced around my question, leaving it unanswered.

I began to do research on the organization and dig deeper for understanding and find answers as to what I had joined since they don’t tell you much. I realized that they use a lot of Scriptures from the Bible and even sing hymns during their meetings, but it still didn’t sit well with me. I started researching the cross between Eastern Star and Masonry with Christianity. The Lord began to lead and direct me to websites and books of former members who were Christians and had written forums and books on the secrets that the organization doesn’t tell its newer members. God revealed to me that this organization was indeed a cover-up cult/religion; it was not of God and that is why they never mention the Holy Trinity.

Then God showed me how the Star was really an inverted pentagram and how the Goat (Baphomet) was related to Satanism. It was also revealed to me that the Star in the East (Eastern Star) is secretly the star of Sirius, which is a symbolic star of Satanism. The Eastern Star is also representative of the Star of Set, an Egyptian god that killed another Egyptian god, Osiris—usually referred to as the god of the underworld, afterlife, and the dead. In meetings where we knelt to pray towards the Eastern Star, I was really praying and worshipping to a giant pentagram of Satan!

God says, “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments" (Deuteronomy 5:6-10).

These Masonic organizations use a lot of symbolism and words that mean a lot more than what it appears. In the OES, we commonly referred to the Scripture Matthew 2:2, “We have seen his star in the east and we have come to worship him.” This Scripture was used to refer to the star over Bethlehem that the Magi men followed on their way to see Jesus when he was a Baby. When studying further, Baby Jesus wasn’t in the East. The Magi men were in the East and they traveled West to get to Him in Bethlehem.

So what is this Eastern Star? It’s really a cover for something more sinister. The main focus of the organization focused around “5 heroines”: Jephthah’s Daughter (referred to as Adah), Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa. The focus was never Jesus; it was always each one of these 5 people that the organization gave honor to. The last of the heroines was Electa and her name isn’t even in the Bible. I questioned who this “Electa” person was even though they found a Scripture to relate to her name in 2 John 1:13. It was a name that someone made up, as it is not backed up with the Word of God.

God kept revealing more and more through my studies. I knew something wasn’t right. I had had enough! My eyes were opened. The Holy Spirit asked me, If this is truly a Christian, faith-based organization, why is it such a secret? Why isn’t membership freely available to all like the Body of Christ? What’s so secretive about community service and being a service to humanity and helping those in need?

God showed me that my involvement in this organization would put a curse over myself and my family as in Deuteronomy 5:6-10. He revealed that I needed to denounce my affiliation, get away from this organization, and get rid of everything that relates to it. I began to repent and ask God to forgive me for joining and wasting time when I should have been working for the Kingdom. I asked the Lord to forgive me for involving myself in things that took my time and attention away from Him. I asked God to break all soul ties in connection with any of the organizations I had joined. I earnestly prayed for God to give me strength and deliver me from ungodly connections. I wanted to be better. I didn’t want to be a cursed person or place any generational curses on my future family due to oaths and pledges I had made out of ignorance. I had to repent, too, from getting a tattoo of the Zeta letters on my arm.

In my involvement with these organizations, God also showed me how I had taken on various forms of oppression, the oppression of others, jealousy, strife, control and domination, secrecy, violence, submission to worldly things, backsliding, drunkenness, drug abuse, witchcraft, degrading myself and others, lawlessness and a whole list of others. I denounced my affiliation, stopped paying dues, and stopped wearing letters, and I stopped supporting the organization!

Now that I am free, I can see how my actions weren’t productive and reflective of my true nature. I am a Holy Spirit filled believer of the Full Gospel of the Word of Jesus Christ. My membership needs to only be of the Body of Christ in furthering the Kingdom of God. My life wasn’t created to advance myself alone or any other cause. If it’s not representing Christ or sharing the Love of God to people, then I cannot be affiliated.

Many are deceived by Satan’s trickery, as he is the father of lies. The enemy does not want people to be free, rather desiring them to be in bondage. God wants us to enjoy the freedom He offers, but we must be willing to accept it.

As the devil sets traps for failure, he ultimately seeks to shatter your faith and displace your loyalty. If Satan can get your trust rooted in anything outside of Jesus Christ, his mission is accomplished.

The Islamic Link: The Shrine

Shriners are easily identified in public by their peculiar red caps and who, at times, drive around in funny little cars during parades. Their recognition also stems from the numerous charitable foundations they fund. But what is really behind the group known for doing so much good?

For starters, the actual title for the Shriner organization, yet another derivative of Masonry, is “Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.” Its founders took on a Middle Eastern theme and established Temples where they would meet in Mosques. Although they also claim to not be a religion or have any connection with Islam, the first Temple established was named Mecca Temple in the New York City Masonic Hall, embracing the belief of a Supreme Being, in the late 1800s. (Titles like Temple or Mosque are now being replaced with others such as Shrine Auditorium or Shrine Centers).[22]

The red cap Shriners are known for wearing are called fezzes. The red fez has on it an embroidered crescent moon that encases a star just below a curved scimitar (a curved edge sword) with a black tassel selected as part of the Shrine’s Arabic theme.[23] It gathers its name from the city of Fez, Morocco where there is primarily a Muslim culture, which also holds a history of bloody massacres of Christians and Jews over past centuries.

Furthermore, the Shrine aspirant must swear an oath on the Koran (also spelled in other variations such as Quran), the book of Islamic faith, in addition to the Holy Bible, ending:

…and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the God of our Fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same, Amen, Amen, Amen. (Shrine Ritual Monitor, Allen Publishing, pp. 35-39)

In the name of Allah is not the same as in the name of the true, living God. For one, Muslims deny the deity of Jesus Christ and His glorious resurrection. They stand firm, proclaiming that God has no Son. What business does a Christian have with such an organization other than ministering to them? And our ministry is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not Islam (which incidentally means “submit” in Arabic). Muslims submit to Allah, Christians submit to Christ.

God provides everything that we need within Himself. We don’t have to trust in anything outside of the Lord and God commands us not to. So, who are we going to listen to? Where is our devotion?

God presents the evidence,[24] still giving each individual the freedom to choose. Why not choose life?

Self-Examination Question

Knowing what I now know, do I want God, my Heavenly Father, to sever my ties with Masonry, even if that means rejection from earthly “friends”?

*Practical Applications

Reverence God above anything and anyone else.

Pray for God to cut all spiritual ties you have to any and every ungodly organization. Ask Him to sever those links and be willing to obey His instructions to be completely delivered.

Clean House! Get rid of any and all items/paraphernalia associated with ungodly organizations. If you find it difficult to part with those things (due to sentimental, not educational reasons), then that organization still holds a special place in your heart. Getting rid of items does not destroy the root problem, however complete submission to God does.

Thank and praise God for His deliverance and pray for the deliverance of others who are still involved with these factions that hamper spiritual growth.

*These Practical Applications are identical to those listed in Chapter 5.

7

Playing with Fire

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6

THE OLD adage “if you play with fire, you’re going to get burned” speaks figuratively about causes and effects in life. Regularly, choices confront us where a decision must be made to do one thing or another. Many advertisements on television, in the newspapers, and online often attempt to pump our minds with demonic glory. Many don’t see it this way, but that’s exactly what is happening when gory movies, ghostly costumes, warlock games, and vampire shows compete in the media for our attention.

Think about October 31st in America. Just about every person knows this is the day Halloween is celebrated. As a young child I recall how my cousins and I, along with neighborhood children, would dress up in “nice” costumes (such as innocent cartoon characters) and parade around town as if it were the right thing to do. Besides, everybody else was doing it. We would go to our neighbors’ houses, giggling and playing as we stood on the porches and waited for them to answer the door. “Trick or treat,” we would scream with bright, attentive eyes and wide smiles, extending our arms eagerly to accept the candy dropped into our festive bags. As children, we didn’t know any better and were mainly focused on getting sweets and not concerned about what else the occasion represented. But praise God, today and for years now, I along with other family members and friends have no tolerance of reverencing the enemy on this day, on any day, or in any way!

These days, I observe Christians now repeating cycles of similar disobedience in areas where I was once oblivious, but now find so obvious. It’s amazing what receiving God’s Word would do in your life. I grew in the Lord and am learning more each day. Church is no longer just a place to go on Sunday; Church is in my heart every day.

Last Halloween, I saw a regular churchgoer enter a store that had been temporarily transformed into a Halloween depot. As I held Gospel tracts in my hand to share the truth about Halloween with others, initially, I wondered why she was there. Now being a mature Christian, remembering my old mindset, I quickly realized that a person sitting on a pew for years could still be a babe in Christ who hangs out at the church house on Sunday. This proves why it is so important to not just be a hearer of the Word, but a doer as well. For many, there is a spiritual growth stunt due to lack of digesting spiritual food; it may be available, but it still needs to be consumed. Similarly, you can hold a spoon out to a baby who needs to eat, but if he slaps it away, then that does his body no good.

This reminds me of the parable Jesus shared about the sower. In Matthew 13, Jesus depicts an account of a sower, in essence, a farmer who sowed some seeds. As the farmer sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside where the birds came and greedily consumed them. Other seeds that he sowed fell on rocky places where there wasn’t much soil, and the seeds quickly sprang up because that portion of ground lacked soil depth. But when the sun rose, they were scorched. Furthermore, because they lacked root, they dried up and withered away. The parable goes on to describe that other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked the seeds. But in verse 8, it states that there were some seeds that fell into good ground, “and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty,” and then in verse 9 Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

In verses 18 through 23 of Matthew 13, Jesus explains that this parable is representative of people who hear the Word of the Kingdom. For those who hear the Word and do not understand it, the enemy comes and snatches away what was sown in their hearts. This represents those who got seeds that fell by the roadside (wayside). For those who received it in rocky (stony) places, they hear the Word and at once gladly accept it, but this is only temporary. As soon as tribulation or persecution comes because of the Word, he deserts the One in Whom he says he trusts. Those who received the seed among thorns are representative of those who hear the Word, but the glitz and glamour (deceitful riches) of the world choke the Word and they become unfruitful. But them that received seed in good ground are those who hear the Word and understand it. And in receiving it, some produce fruit a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

So, as I reflect on how I flirted with the dangers of darkness, it becomes easier to understand how others now engage in the same thing. My spiritual eyes opened because of a decision I made to live whole-heartedly for Christ; “seeds” were then able to spring from “good ground”. Maturity in the things of God all stems from a choice to be obedient to the will of God. Jesus Christ made it clear that those who have a desire for the truth, He will provide it to them. There has to be a desire and dedication to do His will. Our lives are choice driven; we can be fruit bearers or we can be like those who hear the Word, but lose it because other things in the world matter more. We can decide to make God’s Word our daily bread or choose not to eat from the table He has set before us.

Satan’s divisive attempt to influence decisions we make involves a myriad of things. Daily, we decide what to eat, what to wear, where to go, what we watch on television, and/or who we should call on the phone. So many decisions are presented to us and the enemy wants to influence those choices. Some may choose to exercise and drink plenty of water, while others may opt to sit around and eat fast-food all day and foster an unhealthy style of living. We are a result of what we’ve chosen to do, where we’ve decided to go, and who we’ve allowed into our lives and the lives of our children. Our actions either have rewards or consequences: blessings or curses. God says that we can choose.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:9-10

Do we really want to please God or are many professing to be Christians just for a show? This can be related to when couples get married. Do they get married because they truly love one another or because one party has agreed to do so in attempt to keep the other from walking out the door or simply to quiet concerns from prodding family members? Our relationship with God is like a marriage, and the Bridegroom will be coming back for His Bride (the Church).

Is it really fair to God for us to have one foot in the Kingdom, but our heart in the world? Do many play with God, hoping that He understands their spiritual adultery, and in some cases, even accept it? What would you do if you were in a relationship and the person told you that they loved you, but never showed it? There is a way to show God that we love Him, by keeping His commandments.

I imagine that many things grieve the Holy Spirit. Grieving the Holy Spirit involves willfully doing things that He has expressively told us not to. What are your emotions when you tell a child not to do certain things and they disobey, doing them anyway? Many become angry or hurt. Do we block out the fact that God has emotions too? The Bible details situations when God was angry and rightfully jealous with those who refused to put Him first, but also compassionate and loving. Many children test the patience of their parents; do many Christians in turn do the same thing to the Heavenly Father?

It’s Not that Bad

I’ve listened to seemingly intelligent people who are well versed in the Word of God, but lack practical application to their lives. It is wonderful to know what God’s Word says, and it is even greater to know His Word and obey it. People do themselves a great disservice by taking the enemy’s tactics and ploys lightly. On the surface, playing wizardry games, dabbling with Ouija boards, or consulting a palm reader (fortune teller) or horoscope may not seem that bad, but they open doors that give demons legal access into your life.

Satan is not going to outright reveal his real motives, even to those who openly follow him. That’s why so many things that stem from witchcraft are misinterpreted as innocent or harmless. The word occult, commonly referred to as witchcraft, is derived from the Latin word, occultare, meaning “hidden” or “concealed”.[1] It takes God’s Word to uncover the truth of the enemy’s web of lies.

Humans often crave knowledge and power. There are only two places in which knowledge and power are derived: God or Satan. Recalling the Model Prayer cited in Matthew 6, in verse 13 Jesus notes that God has the power. We also know that God is omniscient, even perceiving our very thoughts (see Matthew 9:4). There is power and knowledge also in Satan’s kingdom of darkness, but instead of experiencing freedom as one would with God, you’re actually enslaved under the control of the enemy. If the power and knowledge we have is not acquired from God, it is derived from Satan, which makes it wicked. And those of us in the Kingdom of Light know Who we are serving, but those who are in Satan’s kingdom do not know his true identity, nor do they truly understand the nature of their actions.[2]

Instead of reading horoscopes to know your future, search God’s Word. When people proclaim that their palm reader knew exactly what was going to happen in their lives, the reason their prediction comes true is because they’ve signed off on it. They’ve received the lie instead of God’s truth, and along with the lie a host of other problems surface. These are ways we tie ourselves to the world. Because of sin, children and grandchildren may suffer. Actions have consequences that may affect more than just that one individual, harnessing curses throughout generations.

Anything that does not represent or bring glory to God is against Him. God is not trying to keep anything good from us nor does He issue baseless commands to live by. He warns us about calamity through His instructions because He loves us. Wouldn’t you caution someone you loved against pending dangers?

Many lives are saved because of the warnings from others. Pedestrians pushed from the path of moving vehicles or harsh news received about a cheating partner just before marriage most likely causes some type of pain. But chances are that a person would be in more pain if the warnings were disregarded and they had actually suffered the upsetting encounter.

In the midst, there may be physical or emotional scars left behind, but scars are not to keep you from moving on. I view it as a reminder to not make the same mistake again. It could kill you the next time. God knows our every move before we make them. So, if He instructs you to end a relationship that you view as wonderful or take a job that pays less money for whatever reason, obey Him. Your decision could affect others. Ask God for confirmation in your individual situation; He’ll never lead you astray.

Generational Curses

As discussed at the beginning of this book, disobedience to God began a long time ago in the Garden of Eden. However, that does not mean that it has to continue. As we learn more about God’s Word and what He would have us to do in life, the desire to carry out His will should strengthen. We develop a longing to please Him, understanding that we apart from Him are not perfect, yet are being perfected through Jesus Christ.

The reasons people disobey varies from person to person. Furthermore, there could be explanations that are beyond their control. What would happen if a mother who is an active crack user gave birth to a child? That child would most likely be born with apparent residual symptoms of drug abuse, although it wasn’t their personal choice to do drugs. Similarly, this is what happens when parents, grandparents, or ancestors disobey or disregard the will of God; their consequences often affect the family for generations.[3]

God is not a toy to be played with. Testing His patience for too long may put many in that fire they casually flirt so close to. Those who intentionally sin behind closed doors, but brag in public about how much they love the Lord run the risk of having their unsavory lives exposed. What does this say to those who aren’t Christians? Would it give them a desire to become a Christian or an argument to avoid Christ? When we profess our Christianity, we are openly representing Jesus. It is important to represent Him well.

The Lord will transition those desiring to obey Him from their old, sinful way of thinking and living to doing things His way. God helped me to understand that love is not passive nor is it just a noun; rather it is a verb which produces action. It became a personal commitment for me to show God that I love Him versus just telling Him.

As a result of curses that may have their origin in prior generations, there could also be recurring patterns of behavior that are unexplainable in our personal experiences. The root cause could go back centuries. This is why we must be careful of the words we say. There is power in what we speak, particularly because they can either invoke curses or release blessings. We must choose our words wisely.[4]

In Derek Prince’s book, Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose, the author speaks explicitly about this topic. In the book, seven indicators of a curse are named. This list, although not exhaustive, includes emotional or mental breakdown, repetitive chronic illnesses (especially those that are hereditary), barrenness (or those with a tendency to miscarry) and female related problems, marital collapse and family division, ongoing financial deficiency, being accident-prone, and a history of suicides (and unnatural or untimely deaths). Prince makes it clear, however, that if only one or two of these problems present themselves it would not be automatic to conclude that there is a curse at work. But in the event that there are several of those signs present or when any one of them becomes repetitive, the likelihood of a curse becomes more evident. Above all, only the Holy Spirit can provide an unquestionably perfect analysis of a given situation.[5]

If you find yourself in the category of emotional or mental issues where your thought life is negatively focused and filled with confusion and hopelessness, meditate on God’s Word and not your problems. God will keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him.[6] He will soon replace those negative thoughts and false fears with the positive reinforcement of His Word and faith pleasing declarations. The enemy wants your focus to be on him because if it is on him then it can’t be on God.

In situations of repetitive illnesses, receive that by Jesus’ stripes you are healed.[7] It goes back to receiving God’s truth and not the enemy’s lies. To love God is to trust Him. In trusting Him, you understand that it is impossible to please Him without faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God. Immerse yourself in the Lord’s Word. You are washed through that one cleansing Agent, the pure Blood of Jesus Christ. Many illnesses, although not all, stem from iniquity. Study God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit will guide you in detaching from ungodly soul ties.

Some curses may manifest themselves through irregular periods or infertility in females. In other cases, it may be evident in ongoing financial deficiencies which often, especially in recent years, prompt some people to kill themselves. How sad that some think their problems are so horrible that they must take their own lives in order to be delivered. That is not the answer, Jesus is.

Pray specifically to God for deliverance from any curse you may have inherited from previous generations. There are those who have had ancestors that openly practiced witchcraft, yet unbeknownst to you it may run through your family tree. This is yet another reason why it is important to totally submit to God, giving Him free reign in every area of your life.

Self-Examination Question

What we do affects our offspring, so what are you passing along?

Practical Applications

Screen all games, movies, and music that come into your home. Wizardry and vampire stories are not innocent; they send a message and could disrupt the peace in your home.

Get a Concordance (sometimes located in the back of certain Bibles) to help you locate specific Scriptures to help with your life’s issues, aiding in your personal Bible study.

Pray together with your family. When you discuss issues with one another it lets you know what’s on the other person’s heart, and praying invites God—Who is able to solve those problems—into the situation.

Section 2

The Break-Up

Divorcing the world and returning to your first Love…

8

Guard Your Heart

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:23

UPON THOROUGH examination, I’m sure every person could identify times when their hearts, for whatever reason, was found vulnerable or susceptible to negative influence. There may have been moments of unintentional neglect that left it exposed to infectious relationships or friendships. Consider what would happen if similarly a deep abrasion or puncture wound on your body was left unattended.

The skin acts as a defensive covering for the human body. Over time, if a tender burn or scrape was continuously exposed to hazardous elements, the imminent contamination will start causing pain or more damage to the affected area. Depending on how deep the injury, this cut may even begin oozing pus, a thick yellowish or greenish fluid filled with decomposed matter. This decomposed matter will most likely release an unpleasant odor. What happens to our mindsets when it is contaminated with carnality?

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Romans 8:5-7

A carnal mind is an enemy to God because its desires are selfish. A spiritual mind has the peace of God because it is self-sacrificing. Our Savior gave up His Heavenly home to save a condemned world by dying for our sins. In being saved, we should have a desire to live for Him. The life we now live in Jesus Christ is no longer our own because we have been bought with a price, which was the precious, pure Blood shed on Calvary.

Our hearts must be carefully guarded from evil. If we allow the filth of this world to overrun our minds and infiltrate our hearts, then the Godly outlook we should have becomes skewed. The plan of the enemy is to desensitize our awareness of evil. This is evident, for example, by the way many are accepting of gay marriages. Whoever thought we would ever have to defend the fact that the sanctity of marriage is between a man and a woman? It has reached a level of complacency in the eyes of many. The fact that it goes on so often prompts many to shrug it off as normal, but that shouldn’t encourage us to endorse it.

It’s sickening to observe that it’s legal to abort a child, yet not illegal to “marry” someone of the same sex. When will it stop? Will it soon be okay for a forty year-old man to marry a six-year old child? Or for a human being to have sex with an animal? Many think this sounds ridiculous, but I’m sure the legalizing of abortion and gay marriages (civil unions) were at one time placed in that category as well. These are all sins mentioned in the Bible. The issue with human beings categorizing is that one sin is viewed as worse than the others. Sin is sin and Christians should be against them all: lying, murdering, fornication, stealing, coveting, et cetera. We should be against them all!

It now grieves me that the disrespect for God goes as far as defaming His Holy Name. Many, especially Christians, has most likely heard and recited the Model Prayer. The first verse in the prayer says, “Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Hallowed means sanctified or set apart. God’s name is holy and should not be treated any less than that. It is upsetting to hear the Lord’s name used as profanity. It’s outright blasphemy! Are we supporting these popular shows and movies? Not to mention the perverse acts played out on commercials and the promoting of sinister “family” shows on primetime television. This was not allowed some years ago, but today it’s considered the norm.

This is why it is so important to vigilantly safeguard ourselves from the ploys of the enemy. In many cases, the subliminal opposition to God and His commands are subtle. This makes it ever so important to be a fulltime guardian over what comes in and goes out of our lives. By definition, a guardian carefully protects or keeps watch over someone or something. Guarding your heart begins with a true desire to do what is right in God’s sight. In order for a person who is backslidden to transition back into full fellowship with the Lord, he or she has to be a careful supervisor over what is watched on television, listened to on the radio, and observant of the entire environment around them.

Be Not Conformed

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Romans 12:2, AMP

What does this world have to offer? Absolutely nothing. What does God have to offer? Absolutely everything. The world as we know it is a place for us to reside, carrying out God’s plan. It is also important to recognize that this world is not Heaven. There are evil occupants dedicated to deceiving many into believing that what is clearly wicked into declaring, “it’s not that bad” when it really is.

Conformity to the ways of the world easily produces complacency. When falling into complacency, we can become quick to accept tradition. In our time, some things are evolving into the “new” tradition. Fifty years ago, some of the things that are tolerated today would not have been accepted back then. Some change is good, but never when it comes to promoting the disobedience of God’s Word.

Today, it’s normal for couples to openly live together before marriage, and in some instances it is even encouraged. But the sin is not in living together, it is in sleeping together. And this should not be taken in the context that it is okay for a couple to live together outside of marriage—because it is not—this is simply to point out to those who may not live together and unjustly defend their sin of premarital sex by declaring that they don’t actually cohabitate or “shack up”. For those living together and attempting to remain abstinent until marriage, living apart reduces the chances of falling into that temptation to become sexually intimate. Don’t place yourself in a situation that would make it likely to occur.

There are many lines that the enemy will deceive you into crossing by suggesting one thing when it’s actually another. We are called to not be conformed to this world, but when we view these practices as acceptable, then that is exactly what we’re doing. Isn’t it crazy to think that you’d never consider marrying a certain person, but find it reasonable to give yourself to them in the most intimate way?

We are called to be transformed, or spiritually changed, by the renewing of our minds. It’s important to not gloss over this verse just because it has been quoted so many times before. The word to be focused on here is transformed. I found that transformation process to be difficult for a long time before I decided to really live for Christ and not just say that I know Him. When a genuine, personal relationship was formed, it began with my decision to do just that. I had made up my mind that no matter what, I was going to serve the Lord. I decided to keep myself out of situations where “oops” sins occurred. My mind was no longer complacent, no longer conformed, and no longer “accommodating”; it was changed. Conformity to this world can produce a lukewarm Christian.

When the mind is changed it is renewed, or in other words improved. It becomes better than what it was before. The new model outshines the old one. It allows you to see things more clearly. This transformation proves that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. How do we know what His will is for our lives?

Again, it is by knowing His Word. And the awesome thing is that God’s Word is never out of date.

Lukewarm

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16

Reflecting back on various times in my life, I now recognize where God’s grace and mercy was there for me. He extended His hand of patience concerning me when He had every right to exercise judgment, especially those times when I knew what was right and still chose to do wrong. I often think about how we sometimes ask God for certain things and when it doesn’t arrive in our timing, we assume that it won’t arrive at all. What if God was quick in passing judgment? What if He gave us what we truly deserved—immediately?

It does a person well to consider God’s temperament. He wants only the best for us. This is evident in Him sending His only begotten Son to die for a fallen world.

Even as sins are committed rampantly without remorse, it is not God’s desire that anybody would perish. Each day, each moment, offers an opportunity to allow Him to occupy every area of our lives. When we choose to straddle the fence, we’re playing Russian roulette with our souls.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

Once the decision is made to live wholeheartedly for Jesus Christ, Satan becomes angry. If the enemy can’t get you one way, he’ll try another. I imagine that the devil enjoys toying with those who are comfortable and complacent in not carrying out the instructions of the Lord Jesus Christ. The enemy aims to deceive many into thinking that the Bible isn’t true. Satan has a plot designed to get people to think that the Word of God is a lie, although Satan himself is the father of lies.

Consider some of the following lies he leads people into believing:

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Myth: God will never throw anybody into hell; He’s a loving God and would never do that.

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Truth: “And if anyone’s [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15, AMP; also reference Matthew 25:41).

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Myth: There is more than one way to get to Heaven. What about all these other religions? We all serve the same God.

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Truth: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

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Myth: Christians aren’t supposed to judge anybody.

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Truth: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

The very Word of God judges and the Lord tells us that we will know the tree by the fruit that it bears, meaning we will know who a person really is by their behavior. There is an apparent difference between someone who commits a sin and has a repentant heart and a person who willfully sins without an ounce of remorse.

God’s instructions are clear and when His Word is not believed, the trust in Him is not there. And if a person doesn’t know what the Word of God says or blatantly disregard His instructions, they’ll easily be manipulated. This is where you may find lukewarm people trying to straddle the fence, attempting to please God and Satan at the same time.

Straddling the Fence

It is dangerous to be “somewhere in the middle” when it comes to faith in God. Either you believe Him and His Word or you don’t. It is dangerous to take some parts of the Bible and hold it up as truth and then look at another part and say that it is a lie or simply disregard it. It is dangerous to juggle with your eternal life, taking for granted each passing day and what the Holy Spirit teaches.

However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

John 16:13

The Holy Bible is a love story, even to those in a spiritually destitute state. After all, He gave His Son for a fallen world. Although God gave His Son out of love, He still doesn’t force Himself upon anybody. Praise the Lord that He is patient. He waits and affords opportunity for us to accept Him with all our heart. Jesus stands at the door, knocking. How long does He have to knock before we answer?

Many of us have visited another one’s home and stood at the door either knocking or ringing a bell. Some of us have even experienced the waiting, the time we spend wondering if that person is at home or what they are doing that they can’t get to the door fast enough. We pat our feet, cross our arms, and at times may even look at our watches—waiting. Imagine what the Lord goes through.

Jesus stands at the door, knocking, while some tell Him, “Just a minute.” He stands at the door, knocking, and some declare, “I’m busy right now.” He stands at the door and knocks, but still others respond, “Come back tomorrow.” He stands at the door and knocks … and many just don’t answer, saying nothing at all. Many shrink behind the door, peeking out of the curtains, waiting for Him to go away. We must consider that if we reject God, someone else will knock on that door—or perhaps that someone is already inside.

The adversary plays games by telling stories to arouse a person’s curiosity. He strokes egos, attempting to convince that his way of doing things are more beneficial and produce immediate results. When we entertain the enemy, we open the door for him to romance us. He gives us things that we think we need, and attempts to fill our heads with empty promises that he can never deliver on. If we trust him, we embrace him and sleep with the enemy.

But then Sunday morning comes and many look for God, crying out to Him, priding themselves on making that weekly date. Many apologize for cheating on God, but the sincerity is far from their hearts. This is evident because as God’s Word is shared, many think about the one who represents the world, shamelessly remembering the “good times,” planning out more evil to engage in later that day. It is dangerous to be caught up somewhere in the middle—straddling the fence.

Somewhere along the way, some forget that God knows and sees all. He is truly omniscient. It is an insult to justify unfaithfulness to God. All God wants is for us to seek Him with our whole heart, not ration out portions between Him and the world. Many don’t want to decide, considering the temporary fixes of the world, so a decision will be made for them.

God gave us the power to tread upon serpents, so don’t relinquish to the enemy what God has given to you.

Self-Examination Question

Am I giving Satan what I should be giving God?

Practical Applications

Change the channel or station from programs, movies, and shows that profane God’s name. Hearing blasphemous words over and over may infiltrate your heart.

Devote time to spend with the Lord every day, make His Word your daily spiritual bread.

Choose a key verse of Scripture from your devotional time and recite it throughout the day. For instance, if you are struggling in an area of weakness, then meditate on “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Get involved! Gathering together with other believers to study the Holy Bible will help in discussing issues with those who understand what it means to be a Christian in this world. You don’t want to seek spiritual advice from friends who are unsaved, even if you have known them all your life. Only adhere to counsel that is backed up by the Word of God.

9

Divorcing the World

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

AS CHRISTIANS, the highest devotion we have should be to God. Above a spouse, a child, a parent, or any other family member, God ought to come first in all that we do. In the blink of an eye, priorities can easily slip out of their rightful places, but that doesn’t mean they have to. Remember, the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy wants to steal our confidence, our strength, our voice for God, and ultimately our faith in the Lord. He craftily plant seeds of doubt, so it is up to us to uproot it so that it won’t grow. It is up to us to be alert, focused, and wise.

It is important to understand that Christians aren’t perfect, but God is. Our desire to be Christ-like gains the attention of our Father. Jesus told us that we are blessed when we hunger and thirst after righteousness, for in that mindset we will indeed be filled.[1] Divorcing the world may produce a longing to do everything perfectly, but again human beings are not perfect. It was disappointing when I longed to do God’s will, but inadvertently stumbled along the way. I was saddened, but my Father consistently reached out to assist me.

It’s similar to a young child learning how to walk. He may take a few steps alone before he falls to the floor. The parent helps him up to get started again, only for him to stumble to the floor again. His coordination may be off or the muscles in his legs may not be strong enough to sustain the pressure applied by his weight. This cycle may repeat itself for weeks or even months, but even though each time it becomes less frequent, the parent is still there helping him along the way. And even as that child grows into an adult and appears to have mastered walking, this does not make him resistant to falling again. I’ve seen many adults, myself included, who have been walking, skipping, and running around for years, trip and fall down; the difference is that it just becomes less frequent. This is how I view a Christian’s walk. There may be more mistakes made in the beginning, but as we are active practitioners of God’s Word the less prone we are to sinning.

It can be very challenging for individuals to cut ties with the world, especially if a person has been entangled in particular relationships or associations for a long period of time. Like a drug addiction, certain habits may be harder to break. There could be bondage as a result of iniquity from previous generations.[2] This could be the reason why so many people experience only temporary relief from certain issues. It is important to ask God to deliver you from all unrighteousness. Totally submit yourself to the Lord, surrendering everything and every area of your life.

Often, people only pray about the manifestations of the sin in their lives such as adultery, fornication, drunkenness, lying, envying, or whatever it may be. Our prayers must be specific, which means that we need to be concerned about why these manifestations even happen. It is important to identify where the desire is coming from to sleep around, get drunk, lie, envy, or steal. These are just examples simply to point out that it is important to start with the root cause of a problem and not just the fruit it produces.

When I was growing up, there was a plum tree that my cousins and I would pick plums from every year. In season, the plums would blossom and we would pick that tree until it was bare, but later on that same tree would produce more plums, which we would quickly swipe again. This process repeated itself for years as we grew up. The only way that tree would stop producing fruit is if the root was destroyed. The same is true in our lives. For example, if we displayed symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, yet took cough medicine to remedy a problem that stemmed from constantly working in a dusty old building, then that problem would reoccur until we removed ourselves from that allergy producing atmosphere. The environments in some peoples’ lives are killing them. But in God, deliverance is inevitable.

I don’t particularly agree with the saying that many use, “In time, everything will be all right.” I prefer to say, “In God, everything is all right.” As I observe the transpiring of some harmful events in peoples’ lives, I understand that it is not time that heals those situations—it is God. When wounds and painful cuts pulse with a raw hurt, it must be nursed with a healing salve. My spiritual healing balm is none other than Jesus Christ.

It wasn’t until I came to a point in my life when I surrendered it all to Christ that I was able to understand why Jesus asked, “Where is your faith?” as he was in a boat with His disciples.[3] Luke 8 explains the account where Jesus instructed His disciples to cross over to the other side of the river bank. In the midst of crossing the river, they experienced turbulent weather. But Jesus desired for His disciples to activate their faith and trust Him. It may be challenging to depart from a system you’ve operated in for so long because close friends or family may not understand or even accept your decision to do so, but it is necessary to obey the commands of the Lord.

When Jesus comes in His glory, He will separate those that are His from those who are not.[4] This is reminiscent of the parable that speaks about the separation of the wheat and the tares.[5] It may be hard to tell who’s really for whom, which is evident by how many profess Christ and yet deny Him with their lifestyles. The Lord spoke this parable to demonstrate how both the wheat and the tares (referring to the saved and unsaved) are allowed to grow together, but will be separated in the end.

Divorcing the world may bring along with it alienation and ridicule. It may leave you with a sense of isolation as you make the decision to no longer have premarital sex, watch movies or television shows that degrade God’s name, and detach from idolatrous associations. But we must stand firm in what we say we believe in, being hearers of the Word as well as doers.

As I surrendered to the Lord, He opened my eyes to other displeasing acts that didn’t occur to me before. I’m now more careful as to where and on what I spend money. It is my prayer that the Lord will sharpen our awareness and direct our steps to spend money in places that honor Him and advance His Kingdom.

It is an act of faith to step away from things you may have been a part of for years, but it is a choice that must be made.

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Freewill

God gives us freewill to choose Him, never forcing anyone to be with Him. What would it be like if you forced someone to be in a relationship with you? That wouldn’t be a good feeling. The question would always arise, “Is he with me because he wants to be or because I boxed him into a corner with an ultimatum?” Imagine the uneasiness and tension it would cause to be in a relationship with someone who didn’t share your same commitment.

Consider a man anticipating marrying a woman whom he loves. He knows there is responsibility involved with taking this woman as his bride. He contemplates the care and protection he must provide, and in fact, he has already begun providing for her the things that she needs. He has paid for a number of the ongoing appointments related to the upcoming nuptials and spent countless hours in deep, intimate conversations with her. Then the news comes that she’s cheating on him. Her devotion is divided elsewhere, but being a kind and forgiving man, he forgives her because he truly loves her. He knows the kind of life she’s had before him and upon entering the relationship, he was well aware of her past transgressions and the risk he was taking in loving her.

Months later, the woman he has forgiven again behaves as if she doesn’t want to be married. Soon the man asks himself, “Does she really love me?” With the wedding date nearing, he tells his fiancée that if she does not stop hanging out late with single friends and flirting with old boyfriends, the relationship will end. Although they spend time together and she professes to love him, he doesn’t feel that she really does. This woman defends her old acquaintanceships, disregarding the new love she now has. He considers that it may all be for show and that her desire is really for her old life, not a new beginning with him. “I have everything she ever said she wanted in a man, so why is she always straying away from me?” he asks himself. Since he loves her so much, he gives her what she wants, which is separation from him.

We must be careful not to treat our Heavenly Father this way. If we commit spiritual adultery, it is very important to ask God for forgiveness and not dogmatically defend our actions or the ways of the world. When we put the Lord’s love into perspective, it becomes much easier to leave the world alone. In receiving Jesus Christ, understanding what was accomplished on the Cross, the glitz, glamour, and temptation of the world becomes easier to release. The amazing, illuminating Light makes the world’s attraction pale in comparison.

It is quite evident that we sometimes make mistakes with our choices, but God loves us even when we choose wrongly. God is always there desiring for us to repent of our sins since it is not His will that any man perish. His plan of salvation is the absolute picture of love.

God’s plan of salvation was mapped out even before Jesus walked this Earth in human form. The Scriptures testify of His existence. I often think about how wonderful the Lord has been to mankind; from the beginning of time, to the mass exodus from Egypt, to the forty years in the wilderness, all the way up to His Son walking the face of this Earth. It takes a very patient God to lay such a detailed foundation so we’d be able to understand His trustworthiness.

God could have created more angels to praise and worship Him, but in creating humans He created special beings. I’m not saying that angels are not special because they are. “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). Rather what I am saying is that God selflessly gave of Himself, as we are made in His image. And for Him to give so freely and to love so tenderly, He justly expects our worship in return.

It is often questionable as to why many freely submit to “other gods” and selfishly reject God, professing that He has no place in their lives. Many are as bold to say that they themselves are responsible for their earthly “success.” How can man be so confident in themselves when we aren’t even able to move our bodies without the aid and grace of God? Some argumentatively oppose, but I challenge them to consult with those who desire to walk on their own accord and are not able to do so. What about the mother who cannot sew anymore due to the effects of arthritis? Or the young man whose football career ended because he has broken legs? There is always a blessing to praise God for; nothing should be taken for granted.

Recently, I accidentally banged my toe and it was a very painful feeling, so painful that I still felt the throbbing for the next couple of days. But instead getting upset over the excruciating pain, I praised God. I thanked God because it could have been worse. I praised Him for my toes and that I have feeling in them. I have learned to be grateful over what are often considered the “little” things. Being able to move, see, hear, feel, and smell are all “big” things that we should not take for granted. We don’t know what condition we’ll be in tomorrow. His grace and mercy has protected many of us from dangers, seen and unseen.

God blesses us with the wisdom to understand our need for His covering. In Romans 10:9-10, He shares with us how to receive that covering and get saved:

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We’ve often heard of treasure maps leading to a pot of gold. Many would grab, claw, and even fight their way to get it if they actually thought it was legitimate. Isn’t this how we should be when it comes to Jesus? When we get to the point of understanding the importance of salvation, I believe many would have a totally different outlook on life. Why aren’t we, even as Christians, eager to please God? Are we excited about eternal life? Death isn’t just for the old and frail, but it strikes the young and strong as well. I thank God everyday for my salvation because without Him, I am nothing.

Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.

Psalm 119:155

If you don’t already know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and would like to have an intimate relationship Him, then personalize with sincerity the following suggested prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I need You to come into my life and save me. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son who shed His precious Blood on the cross and was raised from the dead. I open my life for You to have full control. I cannot do it on my own, for I realize I can do nothing apart from You. I believe in my heart that You are fully able to do all things. I ask You to forgive me for all sins I’ve committed and to save my soul. I thank You for your continued grace, mercy, and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Once you’ve said the personalized prayer, please contact a local Bible-based church where you can receive spiritual guidance that is of the Lord. And remember, your words must mirror what you feel in your heart. There has to be a true desire for change.

Watch Your Mouth

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29, KJV

Profanity is irreverence or contempt for God; it is basically ungodly. In the past, profanity to me was just something people used, even “church folks.” In many cases, using profane words occur so often that it is usually considered normal, cleverly trying to infiltrate our lives. Does that make people who don’t curse abnormal? Words shape our environment and the world around us. Are we living in homes clouded with curses or cleared for blessings?

Take a look at the common synonym for profanity, the word curse. This word basically translates as a desire for harm or injury to come upon another person. Is this what we really want when speaking to each other? The lines of morality and indecency are being blended together so smoothly that an unjust gray forms. Cursing should not proceed out of the same mouth of praises. “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). Are we in agreement with “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1, KJV)?

When watching what we say, think about how God feels about our speech. We have to determine if we are speaking righteously or immorally. We are either condemned or justified by what we say. This gives a better indication of why our atmospheres are the way that they are. If you enjoy peace and serenity, it’s not luck; it is a blessing from God. If you struggle with drama and strife, consider the words coming out of your mouth and the mouths of those you welcome into your life.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14, KJV

When ties are cut with the world, there is a divorce against everything that is in opposition to Christ, and our love for God is more evident. And with love, there is no record of wrong doing. God does not hold our past against us, although people do. God redeems, even after all of our wrong doing and irreverent words. Remember that His acceptance is the only one that matters.

As we sincerely ask the Lord’s forgiveness, He is faithful and just to do so. It is important to exercise that same compassion for others. Don’t allow the world and unforgiveness to hold you back from receiving all that God has for you.

Self-Examination Question

God wants to be first in your life, the Bridegroom for His bride: will you say yes?

Practical Applications

Go boldly, not disrespectfully, before the throne of grace and ask God’s forgiveness when you stumble or fall into sin. Don’t allow guilt to keep you away from the Lord, but rather let it propel you into His presence because you need Him.

Marriage material? Does your behavior say that you want to be God’s Bride? Make a list of your characteristics. Be completely honest about the positive and negative attributes. Once you’ve made your list, ask yourself why you fit into any of the categories you’ve listed. If it is positive, continue tapping that Godly source to further blossom as the Lord leads. If it is negative, separate yourself from that person, group, and/or environment that is detrimental to your spiritual walk. Pray for their deliverance while keeping yours.

Live a saved life by obeying God’s commands. People should be able to see that you are a Christian without you having to tell them. Our lives may be the only Bible some people may ever read.

10

No Condemnation–in Christ Jesus

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1, KJV

JESUS CAME to save this world. He did not leave His home in Heaven simply to point the finger and say we’re wrong. That was not His mission. That is in fact the work of the adversary, the accuser of the brethren, day and night. Jesus came because the world was fallen and needed a Savior. He came to save those which are lost.

Satan wants to constantly remind us of our past and the things we’ve done wrong. The devil wants Christians to dwell on our shortcomings instead of on our God. This in turn may cause stress-induced illnesses. Meditation on problems instead of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and power of deliverance shifts our focus to one that embraces a mindset of defeat. In Christ we are more than conquerors! And when our mind and trust is fixed on Jesus, He keeps us in perfect peace.

Those who believe in Him aren’t condemned, but the ones who do not believe are condemned already because their trust is not in Jesus Christ. Condemnation is a result of people loving their dark, evil deeds rather than the Light. Many condemn themselves by rejecting the Savior. And whether some want to admit it or not, when you willfully sin, you’re rejecting God.[1] There is a clear difference between doing something wrong and genuinely asking God for forgiveness, and that of asking for forgiveness with a mind already set to do it again. Unsaved people don’t and can’t understand the peace of God because the peace of God is simply resting in His promises. It is accepting God’s truth instead of the enemy’s lies. Sadly, many hate the Light because He exposes their evil deeds. How do we let our light shine as the Bible instructs if we’re steadily putting it out by the way we live?

No matter what place you are in your life, praise God for His love. Thank Him for giving when we didn’t deserve. Honor Him by living for Him. He said that if we love Him, we’ll keep His commandments. Jesus loves us. Look back to the Cross; He proved it there. Are we proving it to Him today?

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2, KJV

Condemnation is an expression of strong disapproval. Strong disapproval comes when giving in to the flesh–the sinful nature. As noted in Galatians 5:19-21, the works of the flesh are:

Adultery–sleeping with someone else’s husband or wife

Fornication–sleeping with anyone to whom you’re not married

Uncleanness–morally defiled

Lasciviousness–lustful or lewd

Idolatry–placing anything above God

Witchcraft–sorcery and its branches

Hatred

Variance–strife

Emulations–jealousy

Wrath–vindictive or ill-tempered anger

Seditions–rebellious of peace

Heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling–carousing, and other such things.

When Christ, who is, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will).

Colossians 3:4-6, AMP

We cannot please God in the flesh; “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Sadly, many attempt to worship Him in flesh and in lies. It is not enough to say that one believes in God and then live a life contrary to His word. God knows the truth and He requires us to worship Him that way. And as difficult and disheartening as it is to mention, the truth is that there are many in positions of leadership who are filled with carnality. This clearly shows why we ought to study the Holy Bible for ourselves, being a follower of God’s Word and not man’s.

God wants only the best for us. His commands and rules are set in place to protect us from the master deceiver, Satan. While many adopt the spirit of deception, they somehow think they can make this deception work on God. But be not deceived, for God is not mocked (see Galatians 6:7).

The good news is that there is no condemnation of those in Jesus Christ, submitting to the Spirit. Surrendering to the Spirit yields things that are most longed for: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. Against these things there is no law because those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, the Godless human nature. So, if we live by the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit, helping one another, not tearing each other down. Be ready to give and not always expecting to receive. Let us aim to have an attitude that is Christ-like; you can never go wrong there. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6, KJV).

How many of us desire peace? Peace from those who hate you, peace from those who love sin and ridicule or challenge the Lord, peace from spiritual death, and essentially peace of mind. Some live in the ignorance of not knowing the path they travel, but then there are others who know exactly the wrong they are doing, yet choose to do it anyway. Perhaps the gravity of their choices escapes them, expecting another day that has not been promised. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to return to Him and His reception is all the peace I’ll ever need.

In Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation because that’s not why He came to earth. “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17, KJV). The past is the past; believers are new creatures in Jesus. We take on His identity and it is important that we represent Him well.

Rejoice because we have victory in Christ!

Conclusion

In sharing the truth with others, believers may often encounter those who lash back with the words, “Only God can judge me.” This is so true. God is the only One Who can judge, but what many fail to realize is that’s exactly what His Word does. A messenger simply repeats the message from the One Who has sent him or her. Therefore, the strife a person may encounter because of sharing God’s Word is actually not with them, the messenger, but with and against God Himself. So, it would do well for many to abstain from speaking idle words.[2] Any argument against God’s Word is against God Himself.

Portraying the lusts of the flesh instead of the fruits of the Spirit is iniquity. So, why do some get angry when the preacher or teacher shares the characteristics of a sinful and wicked character from the Word of God? Clearly, it is not an attempt to condemn anyone; it is to help others receive the blessings of the Lord. Jesus has commanded us to preach the Gospel to all nations, so does that exclude certain circles of existence?

This book is a proclamation from those who have come out of very dark, discouraging situations, testifying that God is hope. His Light overshadows all darkness. All soul ties aren’t bad; Godly soul ties are obviously blessings. However, the view of soul ties is often negative, dark, and sinful, but this was not so in the beginning. After God made Eve for Adam, the Bible states, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, KJV). Carefully, we must ensure that the ties we have are to saved people.

Recognizing that we are mere mortals held in this body by the breath given by God, the frailty of human life is put into perspective.[3] If we considered on a daily basis those who are on life support, those who die in car accidents, plane crashes, robberies, childbirth, or even during sleep, the perspective of our existence may change from complacency to thanksgiving. Often, we thank people who open doors for us, who pull out chairs, who allow us to cross the street while they sit in a stopped car, or compliment us on our clothes, but what about thanking Jesus? Let us worship God for dying for us, by living for Him.

It is important for me to hear from my Savior, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Is it important to you?

God is not longing to condemn any human being for past transgressions; He graciously forgives out of His love for us. His will is that all should turn to repentance, as love covers a multitude of sins. God loves us and is always ready to forgive; all you have to do is sincerely ask for it.

Leave the past behind and receive all that God has offered through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Self-Examination Question

Am I willing to leave the past behind and embrace a future filled with hope that is powered by faith and love?

Practical Applications

Be transparent and specific with God; He knows everything about you anyway. Discuss your emotions and desires with Him, for He is truly the Source of every good solution (see Psalm 37:4, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19).

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray continuously, involving God in even the “small” details of your life.

Make positive affirmations for your life. Be confident in the person God has called you to be for “you are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Appendix

LISTED HERE are two suggested prayers: one of denunciation from ungodly Greek Lettered sororities and fraternities, and Freemasonry and another that is focused on severing ungodly soul ties from specific people. It is important to understand that the power of life and death is in the tongue and that when approaching God it is done in sincerity. The power of deliverance is in utilizing the faith God has dealt unto you; He will sever those ungodly ties.

Prayer of Denunciation

Heavenly Father, I thank You for being a just, righteous, and holy God—the One true and living God. Thank You for loving me more than I have known to love myself and for teaching me the truth. I ask forgiveness for my spiritual adultery against You. I seek to glorify You in all that I do, not some man-made organization. Bless me with a mind to do Your will and the courage and boldness to stand in faith, no matter the cost.

Lord, I denounce any and all oaths I made at the demonic altar of (call your organization out by name)[*] in the holy name of Jesus Christ and by the power of His innocent Blood shed at Calvary. I receive and declare by the truth of Your Word that I am set free! Thank You for Your forgiveness and deliverance. From this day forward, let Your will be done in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Severing Ungodly Soul Ties

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank You for all of Your many blessing. Thank You for Your Son—my Lord and Savior, and Your Holy Spirit—my Comforter and Guide. I ask forgiveness for all of my sins, every act of disobedience, procrastination, and sexual immorality. I ask that You cut all ungodly soul ties I have with anyone I have slept with: my former boyfriend(s)/girlfriend(s) (or anyone you may still be involved with) by the Blood of Jesus Christ. I ask that You sever every relationship or friendship that is satanically based, completely cleansing me from all unrighteousness, and block all demonic access to me (and my children) through those entryways. I ask that You rebuild those connections in accordance with Your perfect will.

Lord, I thank You for closing those ungodly doorways! Help me to live a clean life that is pleasing to You, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

And whatever things you ask in prayer,
believing, you will receive.

—Matthew 21:22

*Consider submitting a resignation letter to the organization you denounced. This is not to get their approval, rather it is to share what God has done for you (and can do for them)—it’s a ministry tool. A deeply moving, sample resignation letter for the Masonic Lodge is located at: http://www.emfj.org/pdf/resignat.pdf.

Notes

CHAPTER 1

1. See Genesis 6.

2. See Genesis 7.

3. John 14:6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 10:9: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” There is no way to get to God, the Father, except through His Son, Jesus Christ.

4. In John 12:45 and John 14:7, 11: Jesus explains that He and the Father are One and anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father also.

5. See Luke 12:47-48.

6. See John 10:10.

CHAPTER 2

1. See Psalm 139:3.

2. See Genesis 3:21.

CHAPTER 3

1. See Ephesians 4:26.

2. See Matthew 6:12, 14-15.

3. Deuteronomy 27:15-26, Deuteronomy 28: Lists the blessings and curses in which we have the freedom to choose.

4. See Matthew 7:7-8.

CHAPTER 4

1. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary [online] defines depression as (1) : a state of feeling sad : dejection (2) : a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies. [Accessed May 2011].

2. See 1 Kings 3:7-13.

3. See James 1:17.

4. See Matthew 7:20.

5. See Proverbs 4:8.

6. See 2 Corinthians 3:15-16.

7. See 1 Timothy 5:23.

8. See Ephesians 5:18.

9. See Galatians 5:22-23.

CHAPTER 5

1. See Matthew 4:1.

2. See James 4:8.

3. See 2 Timothy 2:15.

4. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Chi Lambda Chapter’s website: http://www.sa.rochester.edu/zetaphibeta/. [Accessed June 7, 2011].

5. See 1 Corinthians 2:14.

6. See 2 Chronicles 7:14.

CHAPTER 6

1. Prince Hall is considered the founder of “Black Freemasonry” with predominately African-Americans in North America, which is known as Prince Hall Freemasonry: a derivative of Freemasonry. According to the “Report From The United Grand Lodge of England Prince Hall Masonry and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts,” Prince Hall Freemasonry is considered a regular lodge by the United Grand Lodge of England: http://bessel.org/masrec/phaugle.htm. [Accessed March 26, 2008].

2. Duncan, Malcolm C., Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor, David McKay Company, Inc., New York, n.d., p. 31.

3. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, Chick Publications, Ontario, CA, 1991, p. 30.

4. Ibid., p. 216.

5. Ibid., p. 140.

6. Ibid., p. 36.

7. Ibid., p. 37.

8. The New Lexicon Webster’s Dictionary defines religion as: man’s expression of his acknowledgement of the divine║ a system of beliefs and practices relating to the sacred and uniting its adherents in a community.

9. General Grand Chapter – Order of the Eastern Star – Eligibility for Eastern Star Membership: http://www.easternstar.org/eligibility.html. [Accessed May 27, 2011].

10. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, pp 41-42.

11. Ibid., pp 89-91.

12. Allen, Raymond Lee et al., Tennessee Craftsmen or Masonic Textbook, Tennessee Grand Lodge, Nashville, 1983, p. 17.

13. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, pp 202-203.

14. “From this (The Book of the Law) he developed the religion of Thelema.” Greenwood, Susan. p. 176, 177. The Encyclopedia of Magic & Witchcraft: An illustrated historical reference to spiritual worlds. Lorenz Books 2001.

15. DeMolay International, Introduction to DeMolay, History of DeMolay: http://www.demolay.org/aboutdemolay/, http://www.demolay.org/aboutdemolay/history.php. [Accessed June 3, 2011].

16. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, p. 95.

17. Ibid., p 140.

18. General Grand Chapter – Order of the Eastern Star – Eligibility for Eastern Star Membership: http://www.easternstar.org/eligibility.html. [Accessed May 27, 2011].

19. Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem – Eligibility for White Shrine Membership – Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.supremeshrine.org/FAQ.html. [Accessed June 3, 2011].

20. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, pp 96-98.

21. Schnoebelen, William, Masonry: Beyond the Light, p. 99.

22. Shriners of North America. A Short History: Shriners of North America and Shriners Hospitals. September 2004 edition, p. 6.

23. Internet: http://www.amranshriners.us/history/history04.htm. [Accessed June 3, 2011].

24. For further study on Masonry and the Order of the Eastern Star, you can find other personal testimonies at the following websites: http://www.ctmin.org/pdf/A%20PASTOR%20AND%20FREEMASONRY.pdf and http://www.emfj.org/testimon.htm. [Accessed May 31, 2011.] Additionally, Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor has free access online at http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/dun/index.htm and there are other Masonry facts located at http://www.masonicfacts.com.

CHAPTER 7

1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occult. Definition for occult and Latin root. [Accessed June 15, 2011].

2. Prince, Derek, Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose, Chosen Books, Grand Rapids, MI, 2007, p. 74.

3. See Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 5:9.

4. See Proverbs 11:9, 12:18, 15:4, and 18:21.

5. Prince, Derek, Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose, pp 53-54.

6. See Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7-8.

7. See Isaiah 53:5.

CHAPTER 9

1. See Matthew 5:6.

2. See Exodus 20:5.

3. See Luke 8:22-25.

4. See Matthew 25:31-33.

5. See Matthew 13:24-30.

CHAPTER 10

1. See John 3:18-20.

2. See John 12:45-49.

3. See Genesis 2:7, Isaiah 2:22.

Resources

Depend on God as He is the Source of every good solution.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship (or if you know of a child that is under the care of an abusive parent/guardian), please seek help.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or TTY 1.800.787.3224
www.hotline.org

RAINN: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
www.rainn.org
info@rainn.org

Drug Alcohol Rehab Resource Center
Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation treatment providers are listed by state on this website: www.addict-help.com

*There is also an option to submit a provider link that may not already be listed on the site.

Ministry to Masons
Other educational materials can be obtained from:

Ephesians 5:11, Inc.

Box 291
Fishers, IN 46038

www.ephesians5-11.org
(http://www.ephesians5-11.org/teaching.htm)

As stated on their website, “It is easier to keep a man out of the lodge than it is to get him out.”

About the Author

RENEE MCCOY (known to readers as Renée Allen McCoy) is a wife, an author, but most importantly a Christian. To date, in addition to Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That’s Killing Your Future, she has penned three novels that make up The Fiery Furnace series: The Kiss of Judas, Confessions, and The Eleventh Hour.

Visit her online at www.ReneeAllenMccoy.com.

FaytheWorks is an independent Christian publishing company that produces fiction and non-fiction titles. Since its formation, the goal has been and will always remain to share Christ focused stories and testimonies with the world. With a solid foundation on the Holy Bible, the infallible Word of God, we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Need to order additional copies?

Discounts are available at www.FaytheWorks.com.

Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That’s Killing Your Future is great for youth group or small class studies!

Please direct all questions and/or comments to:
mail@faytheworks.com.