Regardless of how you were raised, there will always be individuals who embrace a prodigal spirit. Despite countless warnings, some people have to learn the hard way, ignoring the advice of friends, family and mentors. For those who go down this path, this could be merely a phase in life before common sense takes over. However, the longer you indulge your flesh, any reckless binge can become bad habits or in extreme cases resulting in addiction. After cravings, desires and lust have been satisfied, what else does the world have to offer?
A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. 14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need, Luke 15:13-14.
Every day throughout the world, a modern version of Garden of Eden takes place as demons, evil spirits and sinful minds justify poor decisions. The whispers of Satan lurk within minds eager to compromise. Temptation often begins with “Did God really say or is God keeping me from enlightenment?” From here its only a matter of time before the fall. Yet, what are these distracted souls missing? What does Jesus mean by living water? How does one obtain an abundant life? Perhaps, opening the pages of the Bible will open your eyes to an alternative life style that provides more than the world has to offer.
Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And]the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God said, ‘You shall not eat from it nor touch it, otherwise you will die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! 5 For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil,” Genesis 3:1-5.
One day a Pharisee was curious about a popular first century leader. Afraid his colleagues might find out, Nicodemus approaches Jesus at night, in the cover of darkness. Following a sarcastic comment, Jesus reveals his purpose for being born, coming to save mankind, John 3:16-17. This concept was hard to grasp for a religious zealot like Nicodemus. During a later conversation with a tax collector, Jesus takes this concept one step further, “coming to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. Regardless of where you have been or what you have done, Jesus offers a clean slate. While the world tends to keep a record of wrongs, God offers an infinite amount of grace, mercy and forgiveness. When you come to your senses, your heavenly father is waiting with open arms.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 