Truth is the pillar on which relationships are built, fostering transparency and understanding.
Embracing truth leads to authenticity in our actions and words, creating a space for meaningful connections.
The pursuit of truth requires introspection and courage to face uncomfortable realities but paves way for personal growth and enlightenment at all levels.
Living in alignment with the truths we discover empowers us to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and integrity.
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives and welcomes one child like this in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:3-6
Lord , my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child [resting] with his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me [composed and freed from discontent]. O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever.
Psalms 131:1-3
The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The opposite of the Spirit’s fruits are hate, sanctimonious grief, turmoil, impatience, cruelty, wickedness, unfaithfulness, harshness, and lack of self-control.
taking advantage of a vulnerability or weakness in a system to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or cause disruption.
1. When others don’t fulfill your expectations, do you withhold your acts of kindness towards them?
2. Do you disregard the needs of others if you believe they are unworthy?
3. Does your love for others depend on the love you receive from them?
4. Do you base your acts of charity on what you perceive as fair and just?
If you said YES to more than one of these, you likely DO exploit others.
As Christians, it is important to reflect on these questions and allow ourselves to feel a Godly sadness.
When I considered the truth of my answers, I realized that I need to repent for my own self-centeredness.
Our society often operates under the belief of; “do unto others as they do unto you, unless it benefits you.”
While this may not be explicitly stated, it is ingrained in our actions and attitudes.
It is a harsh reality to confront our moral corruption, which goes against the principles and nature of Christ.
Many people distance themselves from acknowledging this truth because it threatens the false image they have created.
This denial of our own covetousness and condemnation towards those who need love forms the foundation of mass delusion.
This self exultation will remain the standard for this pampered civilization’s existence.
From a biblical perspective, exploitation is condemned as it contradicts the core principles of justice, love, and compassion taught throughout Scripture.
Numerous biblical passages emphasize the importance of treating others fairly and with kindness, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
The Bible calls for justice and fairness, especially towards those who are poor and oppressed. Leviticus 19:13 says, “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.” Proverbs 14:31 adds, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
The Bible teaches the importance of loving others and showing compassion, which stands in stark contrast to the selfishness and greed that drive exploitation. In Mark 12:31, Jesus says, “The second [greatest commandment] is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Throughout Scripture, there is a particular emphasis on caring for those in need, such as orphans, widows, and the poor. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
The Bible promotes stewardship and responsible use of resources, which is in opposition to the exploitative practices that harm the environment and future generations. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God and are therefore equal in worth and dignity. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This principle challenges systems of exploitation that rely on hierarchies and the subjugation of certain groups.
A society of exploitation is incompatible with the values of justice, love, compassion, and stewardship that are central to God’s vision for human relationships and community life.
Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
James 3:13-15 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
Galatians 5:26 – “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Romans 12:3 – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Luke 18:9-14 – In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus highlights the danger of comparing oneself to others and condemning them. Instead, he emphasizes humility and focusing on one’s own shortcomings before God.
1 Corinthians 3:3 – “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?“
1 Timothy 6:4-5 – “They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
In a world where emotional depth is often shunned, those who are emotionally numb find solace in avoiding the depths of feeling.
They’ve learned, perhaps through societal pressures or personal experiences, to sidestep the discomfort of negative emotions, seeking only the warmth of happiness and joy.
Yet, this Light, this divine illumination, doesn’t discriminate; it sheds light on all aspects of our reality, including those parts we’d rather keep in shadow.
The Revelation of Truth
The Light reveals a personal truth to each of us, one that is uniquely our own.
This truth, when truly seen, acts as a mirror, reflecting back not just our own flaws but our capacity for empathy and understanding.
Once this revelation occurs, the act of condemning others becomes less about judgment and more about a desire for universal healing.
We begin to see the shared human condition not as a cause for separation but as a bridge for connection.
Beautiful Human Anguish
There is a profound beauty in human anguish, not in the pain itself, but in the revelation it brings.
When we dare to look into the abyss of another’s suffering, we momentarily connect with ultimate truths about existence — truths that transcend the limits of language and logic.
This glimpse into the soul’s depth reveals its dual nature: both
—beautiful in its capacity for love
&
—broken in its susceptibility to despair.
Empathetic Understanding
The wisdom of empathy is unlike any other.
It’s a knowledge that can only be comprehended by those who have experienced heartbreak or have shared tears with those they barely know.
This understanding is deeper than any textbook learning because it’s born from the heart, from the very essence of human connection.
When we share in another’s sorrow, we touch the universal truths that bind us all — the collective experience of suffering and the potential for light in even the darkest times.
A Cautionary Note
One must be vigilant not to become an instrument of pain, for the consequences are dire.
To be a vessel through which God’s wrath is displayed, akin to Judas in the annals of betrayal, is a fate one should earnestly avoid.
Instead, let us strive to be conduits of healing, understanding, and light, embracing the full spectrum of human emotion in a quest for joint redemption and expansion.
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
Psalm 51:17
Being used and broken by God is the only way we are fit to be within His presence, growing in Christ’s faith.
Suffering is not a sign of God’s displeasure or punishment on us, but rather a way of refining our character and preparing us for His Domain… it’s out of Love.
“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”
Jeremiah 18:6
God uses broken people and things to accomplish His Will, because He is transforming us, like He did in Genesis, akin to the clay (although this is the Spiritual equivalent). We aren’t being “fixed”, He doesn’t “mend” us, He makes us New– this means death, first.
He does not look at our outward appearance or abilities, but at our obedience to Him, from the heart. The heart is only obedient be His decree.
He chooses the weak, the flawed, the broken, and the contrite to display His power and grace, revealing His Glory. Those who are already strong have no desire to forfeit their own strength.
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
God breaks us in different ways, such as through trials, temptations, failures, losses, disappointments, or persecution.
God shapes us through the experiences of loss.
Many people reject this aspect of God. They believe that God would never subject us to such hardship, but in reality, He not only has the capacity to do so but actually does.
“Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not the Lord?”
Exodus 4:11
God is inherently good, He is what literally defines the word “good” and he acts according to His own Will. Even Jesus said: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but the Father.”
The painful situations uncovers our inherent sinfulness, emphasizing our deep dependence on Him & His unwavering Grace.
This leaves us with only two options:
Furthermore, suffering serves as a means for us to identify with the pain endured by Christ, who was shattered for our sake on the cross.
God uses us in different ways, such as through our gifts, talents, passions, etc. These opportunities are only worthy if they glorify Him: from the heart.
He is worshipped when we bless others, because our hearts See God’s image in all people, even if we are in no position to help, our new nature just desires to do so.. This doesn’t mean it is of obligation, but of the heart of God’s Spirit within. Anything done out of duty is a sin.
Our purpose is to advance His kingdom.
Being used & broken by God is a cyclical process that never ends in this life.
When I say “broken by God,” I mean by His will and decree, though He uses multiple tools like the Adversary, demons, angels, and other humans…
We are constantly being shaped and molded by His hand, as He works in us and through us.
We are continually challenged and pushed to grow under His guidance, as He guides us through life like a shepherd, and rescues us from the dark forces of the world like a lifeguard saving us from treacherous waves.
While God equips those He calls & chooses, the tools and timing may not match our expectations. As Isaiah 48:10 states:
“in the furnace of affliction… ”
… not leaving our metal impure but rather purifying our souls like fine gold.
The Refinement Process
Seeing our lives as a refining ritual provides perspective. Just as heat separates useful metal from dross, trials burn away our flaws.
Charles Spurgeon rightly said:
… hardships “dig up the soil, & let us see what we are made of.”
God uses troubles to chip away pride, selfishness, and reliance on human strength alone. This preparation perfects our nature for His service.
It’s dangerously easy to wrongly claim credit for our skills rather than giving all glory to the power working through us.
When God calls out our weakness, we remember that our completeness depends on Him.
He wants spiritual brokenness, the kind of brokenness He can use. He wants godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:10
Embracing suffering makes us strong yet sympathetic to others’ struggles
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Our scars enable us to identify with mankind’s anguish in a way comfortable lives cannot.
This empathy is crucial to authentically reach those in pain.
Though dark valleys may confuse our finite perspective, abandoning ourselves to God’s plans develops trust in Him.
In this fearful surrender, true faith and spiritual maturity take root.
The shadows of this world are perceived as light by the five senses of humanity’s fallen nature. It is only when the Holy Spirit rises that intuition awakens, and the ability to truly see becomes possible.
“If the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
– Matthew 6:22-23
Darkness is inherently dark, but when the inner light is actually darkness and lacks intuition, that illuminated aspect becomes obscured. It blinds you, enveloping you in pitch black darkness, where there appears to be no glimmer of hope or potential resolution.
Claiming to have His Spirit, believers often rely on their five senses to perceive Him, crafting an image in their own minds that mirrors their own likeness. However, the true reality, the unadulterated Truth that casts the shadows, eludes their grasp.
The genuine Light remains concealed, beyond their sense perception until the Holy Spirit allows them to See.
With such lack of intuition, their hatred for the truth grows, leading them to direct that hatred towards those who speak the truth.
Through Intuitive vision, when the veil is lifted, the false light hidden in the shadows becomes apparent as mere illusion.
We who’ve been gifted Vision, discover the authentic Light amidst the artificial glow, persistently ascending.
At the pinnacle of the mountain, one can genuinely comprehend the essence of God, which resides within.
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.”
Isaiah 2:2
Jesus’ demise was His triumph.
To see this, we must look beyond the darkness that surrounded His death. We must intuitively transcend our limited perceptions and not rely on artificial measures of light, as the blind do.
As the Scriptures teach; Jesus’ death was like a grain of wheat that fell into the earth and died, but ultimately bore much fruit.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Intuition:
a cognitive process that allows individuals to acquire knowledge or understanding instantaneously, without the need for conscious reasoning or logical analysis.
Through intuition, we discover the dwelling place of God’s Spirit and transcend limited sensual perception.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14
We realize we can trust intuition, this is God:
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
Isaiah 30:21
Human senses need to be trained for battle in order to distinguish good from evil, as our senses alone are useless.
…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil
Hebrews 5:14
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
Romans 8:14 – “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
As the mind delves deeper into the abyss of seclusion, the subconscious begins to decompose like a rotting corpse.
The passage of months transcends into years, and the irreversible damage inflicted upon the body and mind leaves one imprisoned within a waking nightmare of torment, both physically and mentally.
Isolation morphs into a claustrophobic cell, and the sole means of escape lies in the descent into madness, as the mind twists and distorts itself into a grotesque mockery of its previous existence.
It is within this madness that true genius is unearthed.
“Madness is the result not of uncertainty but of certainty.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
“Isolation is the necessary prelude to genius.” – Robert Greene
“The mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind.” – Nikola Tesla
The belief in aliens has a rich and fascinating history, spanning ancient mythology, folklore, religion, and modern science fiction.
Throughout the ages, civilizations have held a deep-rooted belief in celestial beings or ‘gods’ from the sky who interacted with humans.
These beings were revered for their advanced knowledge and extraordinary abilities, often appearing in omens, visions, and visitations. The true form of these beings remained enigmatic, taking on various shapes and forms.
Notable examples of ancient myths featuring sky beings can be found in Greek, Egyptian, Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Hebrew, Hindu, and Norse mythology.
Undoubtedly, these captivating tales have played a significant role in shaping our concept of extraterrestrial visitors.
When we speak of aliens, we refer to beings hailing from planets beyond our own, while angels are described as spiritual entities from the divine realm.
The question of whether aliens exist as ethereal multidimensional entities or physical beings from other planets remains a subject of intense debate.
Some argue that aliens exist on a higher plane of existence, while others contend that they are tangible creatures from distant worlds.
Numerous books delve into the possibility of interdimensional beings and parallel universes, igniting our imagination.
Kaku, M. (2014). The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind. Anchor.
Strohm, C. (2019). Alien Worlds: The Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life. Harvard University Press.
Carroll, S. (2011). From Eternity to Here: The Quest for the Ultimate Theory of Time. Penguin Books.
Sagan, C. (1997). The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. Ballantine Books.
The belief in aliens has captivated humanity for centuries, drawing inspiration from ancient myths, religious texts, and modern science fiction.
Both ancient gods and contemporary aliens are perceived as highly advanced beings, shrouded in mystery and possessing knowledge and abilities that seem almost magical.
These enigmatic beings are believed to have occasional interactions with humans, perpetuating their allure and intrigue.
Ancient myths from diverse cultures depict sky beings who shared secrets and technology with humanity, inadvertently contributing to the concept of extraterrestrial visitors.
While the existence of aliens is a topic that continues to fascinate and inspire us, it is crucial to approach this subject with a critical mindset.
In a world that glorifies happiness, we often find ourselves desperately searching for it, like chasing a butterfly that always seems just out of reach.
But what if I told you that there is beauty to be found in the depths of despair?
This is not a story of triumph over tragedy, but rather a confession of a woman who learned that despair offers unexpected gifts.
In this article, we will explore the lesser-known aspects of despair and how it can lead to profound self-discovery.
Despair has a way of stripping away the façade we often wear in our daily lives.
In the depths of despair, we are forced to confront our true selves, stripped of pretense and societal expectations.
This raw vulnerability opens the door to authentic self-discovery. It allows us to explore the depths of our emotions, confront our fears, and embrace our true desires.
In this state of vulnerability, we can find a newfound sense of authenticity, as we learn to live in alignment with our core values and beliefs.
Despair can be an incredibly challenging and painful experience, but it also has the potential to cultivate resilience and inner strength.
When we hit rock bottom, we are forced to confront our fears and confront the darkest parts of ourselves.
In doing so, we develop a resilience that can carry us through even the toughest of times.
Despair teaches us that we are capable of surviving and thriving in the face of adversity.
It builds our inner strength, allowing us to face future challenges with a newfound sense of confidence and perseverance.
Despair often arises from a sense of loss or unmet expectations.
It can feel like everything we once held dear is slipping through our fingers.
However, in the midst of despair, there is an opportunity to surrender and let go.
Surrendering does not mean giving up; rather, it means releasing our attachment to outcomes and embracing the present moment.
By surrendering, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and allow space for unexpected blessings to enter our lives.
Letting go of what no longer serves us can lead to a deep sense of liberation and a newfound clarity of purpose.
Despair has a unique way of shifting our perspective and opening our hearts to the suffering of others.
When we experience our own pain and despair, we become more empathetic and compassionate towards the struggles of those around us.
We gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and develop a greater capacity for empathy. Despair can be a catalyst for personal growth and an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity.
Despair is not a destination to be feared, but rather a transformative journey that can lead to profound self-discovery.
It offers the unexpected gifts of vulnerability, resilience, authenticity, surrender, and empathy.
By embracing despair and allowing ourselves to navigate its depths, we can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
So, the next time you find yourself chasing the elusive butterfly of happiness, consider embracing the gifts that despair has to offer.
Jesus instructs us to Pray like this:
To my Father Who reigns in the Heavens, hallowed is Your Name (onoma: Your Authority, Your Character) …
Your Kingdom (Sovereignty: basileia) come …
The Will of Yours will be done, in Heaven so also upon the earth; on earth as it already is in Heaven …
Grant us this day our daily Bread (artos: literal food & Divine sustenance) …
And forgive us our debts (offenses, sins), just as we also have already forgiven our debtors …
Lead us not into temptation (peirasmos), but deliver (huomai: draw us to You, rescue) us from the evil …
Yours is the Kingdom (basileia: Sovereignty, Authority, Rule in the world & Rule in our Hearts) …
& Yours is the Power (dunamis: force, energy, ability, efficacy) …
& Yours is the Glory (doxa: dignity, honor, praise, worship) …
… For all the Ages (aión: a cycle (of time), eternal; reaching to infinity, forever)...
…
… Amen.
Matthew 6:9—>
