Month: November 2024

POTIPHAR’S WIFE

“…Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God. ”She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. When she saw that she was holding his cloak and he had fled, she called out to her servants. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “My husband has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got away, but he left his cloak behind with me. She kept the cloak with her until her husband came home.” (Genesis 39:6-16)

What ignites the first spark of a lustful thought or gaze? When our cravings and longing are not fulfilled in Christ, they often seek satisfaction elsewhere. This often manifests as some form of sexual desire. A glance look from a lustful eye can unleash a flood of fantasies about an individual. Before we realize it, we may have already engaged in an emotional affair with them in our thoughts and feelings. “But I say, anyone who even looks at a man with lust has already committed adultery with him in her heart.” (Matt. 5:28 emphasized) This desire can quickly escalate, leading us to pursue whatever it takes to fulfill our wants. This yearning drives us to take control of our passions’ narrative. It is shaped by what we see and imagine. We pursue this at all costs.

This passage reveals that Potiphar’s wife insisted Joseph come to her and sleep with her. It was not a mere request or suggestion; it was a directive. In these opening verses, we can see her desire to manipulate the situation. She wants to emphasize their relationship and exert control over him. She steers the conversation and shapes the environment. She asserts her superiority over him. These traits reveal the characteristics of having a spirit of Jezebel.

Potiphar’s wife demeaned Joseph by trying to lure him onto her bed. She might have thought, “Isn’t he just a Jew and a slave? He works for my husband, which means he works for me too. With my husband absent, I hold the power, and Joseph is my subordinate. He must obey me.” She views Joseph as an object. She does not see him as a human being. When he rejects her advance, she soon turns on him. It’s crucial to pause and think. We must think about the times we have exploited others. This happens due to our lack of self-control and sense of superiority.

Exercise self-control is crucial for truly reflecting the Fruits of the Spirit! Without the indwelling of Christ’s spirit in our lives, we can’t genuinely access His self-control. This self-control serves as the foundation for His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness. (Gal. 5:22-23) In its absence, we face a counterfeit of Christ’s spirit. When we do not wholeheartedly commit our heart, soul, mind, and strength to Christ, we open the door to exploitation. This struggle does not always start with evil contempt.

Testimony: I remember a trip where our team leader was a remarkable man of God. At that time, my husband and I were still working through the challenges of our healing journey. As I listened to this leader speak, I felt drawn to the spirit he carried. Suddenly, troubling thoughts began to invade my mind. “Why can’t your husband be like him? Why are you wasting time fighting for a marriage when there’s someone who already has everything you need?” I tried to diminish these thoughts. Nevertheless, the enemy knew the desires of my heart for my marriage. He continued to exploit my vulnerability. The intrusive thought persisted as I began to envision this leader alongside me.

This incident made it clear that I still had a misunderstanding of what a covenant truly means. It highlighted that my desires were not aligned with kingdom principles. Instead, they were rooted in personal expectations and a heart condition that didn’t reflect God’s will. They excluded my spouse and leaned towards a fantasy rather than reflecting a covenant. If my thoughts had been kingdom-focused, I would have taken into account the wife of this man of God.

At that moment, the Holy Spirit intervened, saying, “Angie, what are you doing?” I quickly refocused and ran to my room! I fell to my knees and began to cry. Father, forgive me! I began to repent and asked the Holy Spirit to clean my heart, mind, soul, and spirit. I asked Him to cut off all the lies the enemy had used against me. These were lies meant to ensnare me and jeopardize our marriage. When I returned home, I told my husband what had happened. This assured me that the doors I opened were completely obliterated!

The significance of the Holy Spirit in our journey with Christ can’t be overstated. Joseph’s ability to withstand the advances of Potiphar’s wife stemmed from the fulfillment he found in his relationship with Christ. He faced temptation but did not yearn for it. His heart was already satisfied. This satisfaction enabled him to stand firm against such challenges. Our ultimate goal is to immerse ourselves so deeply in Christ that temptation loses its allure completely. We find ourselves lacking nothing! This means the enemy has no bait that can lure us in. We won’t get hooked!

Joseph made every effort to steer clear of Potiphar’s wife, ultimately fleeing from her when her persistence became too much. At times, simply trying to sidestep temptation isn’t enough. We must actively escape from it. This is especially true when the allure is strong, as it often is with sexual temptation. “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” (2 Tim. 2:22)We either yearn for God’s will or indulge in the illusion that we can manage our own lives. Like Potiphar’s wife, the spirit of Jezebel seeks to dominate everyone and everything!

Reflecting on what you desire, crave, and long for reveals what spirit guides you. Do you surrender or do you seek to exert control? Take a moment for self-reflection. The toughest truths to face are often those we refuse to acknowledge. Do I desire to control Relationships, Money, and Governance? What about Information, Leadership, and Conversations? Or Platforms, Narrative, and Agenda? Do I wish to control Time, Decisions, and Environment? This includes Family, your image, and energy. Furthermore, sexuality and God?

Prayer,

Heavenly Father, I come before you today seeking clarity about my true desires and yearnings. Reveal the areas if my life that do not reflect your nature. Help me to identify and turn away from my struggles with self-control, which I am all too familiar with. Lead me away from the snares that the enemy sets to pull me back into old habits, especially the influence of the Jezebel spirit. I renounce any connection to this spirit and replace it with the Fruits of the Spirit. Holy Spirit, I surrender my life completely to you. I ask for your forgiveness for anyone, including…(name), whom I have tried to manipulate or control for my own benefit. I forgive myself for being deceived and deceitful. I release the shame and any negative feelings I carry from my past actions. I renounce who I was and I claim who you say I am. The Holy Spirit is the only one who has permission to be Lord over my life. I am a daughter fully surrendered to the Lord on Height- Jesus Christ! I desire, crave, and long only for you! AMEN!

DINAH

“One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area. ² But when the local prince, Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, saw Dinah, he seized her and raped her. ³ But then he fell in love with her, and he tried to win her affection with tender words. ⁴ He said to his father, Hamor, “Get me this young girl. I want to marry her.” Genesis 31:1-4

The teachings of God’s Word highlight that sexual intimacy is intended to represent a beautiful concept of “Unity in Diversity.” This concept reflects the nature and complexity of God’s design, demonstrating how various expressions can bring oneness, allowing us to grasp His true essence.

Rape fundamentally contradicts God’s intention, as it fails to reflect the mutual love and respect that He envisions in relationships. God would never exploit you for His gain and then cast you aside; such behavior is contrary to His character!

Dinah’s treatment was marked by both recklessness and cruelty. Shechem’s professed love for her cannot justify the horrific violation she endured. His actions and words demonstrate a significant disconnect from the moral values that align with God’s purpose for sexual intimacy. In Jewish tradition, any sexual misconduct that contravened God’s Law humiliated the victim and brought consequences for the perpetrator. Leviticus 18 in the Mosaic Law outlined penalties aimed at safeguarding individuals by categorizing sexual offenses as both sinful and criminal. 

What should encourage us and give us hope is: that disgrace and shame were among the many things Jesus bore on the cross in our place. This signifies our sole responsibility is to forgive, entrust, and allow the healing process to begin. When we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior over our lives, all our defilements were nailed to the cross and buried with him. 

We have the opportunity to embrace the cleansing power of Christ, which eliminates all impurities from our lives and makes us whole again. Although this may not instantly remove the pain or trauma associated with our experiences, it paves the way for healing to begin in every area of our lives, starting through our act of first forgiveness. 

My story: For a long time, I never thought this level of healing was possible. Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous defilements and traumas: from enduring medical trauma, navigating affairs, barrenness, PTSD, female medical issues, dealing with miscarriage, exploring my sexuality, nonconsensual sex, and identity issues, to list a few.

The most challenging aspect of my journey wasn’t the events I faced, but the journey of recognizing, accepting, and embracing them to find genuine healing through forgiveness. Over time, I identified with my brokenness, as it began to define me. This familiar crutch became something I relied on, and the more I depended on it, the tougher it became to let it go. I had to consciously choose to take the initial step of allowing the Holy Spirit to free me from the burdens of trauma, shame, and self-blame for each defilement one step at a time. Confronting each issue left me feeling perpetually shattered and worthless. Some of my wounds were deeply embedded, while others were visible. I struggled with anger, as the toughest person to forgive was ultimately myself.

I’ve been saved since I was around fourteen, but it wasn’t until I turned twenty-five that I truly encountered God and made Him the Lord and Savior over my life. That moment marked a significant turning point for me. It was then that I caught a glimpse of hope illuminating the darkness, all thanks to the incredible power of the Holy Spirit! Gradually, the burdens I carried began to transform into opportunities for forgiveness and healing.

I chose not to embark on this journey alone or attempt to manage everything by myself. Instead, I reached out for support from those who had already found their way to freedom. I discovered a close-knit group of individuals I could rely on, who were willing to guide me along the right path. Although I didn’t always see eye to eye with their advice or fully grasp their perspectives. I trusted that they were genuinely committed to my journey of liberation and were attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life. This trust enabled me to submit to their leadership, even when it was very challenging. I actively sought support from my church, engaging in marriage classes, Celebrate Recovery, inner healing classes, and women’s encounters. I also connected with my spiritual leader, who became my accountability partner and joined a life group. I felt secure in my church community, knowing that no matter how many times I stumbled, they would be there to lift me, dust me off, and walk alongside me without judgment. 

Trying to resolve matters on our own, in pursuit of justice or revenge, will never heal a wounded heart, mind, body, or spirit – only Christ possesses the power to bring about true healing! Will you allow Him to heal you, His way? This is the path to experiencing freedom from defilement-FORGIVENESS! You shouldn’t respond to others based on how they treat you. Instead, you should treat them as Jesus treats you!

“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” (2 Cor. 7:1)

I pray and encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit for supernatural strength to let go of our hurts inflicted upon you and to find the grace to forgive yourself. Embrace reverence and trust in God; rush to the cross, cling tightly, and allow our Heavenly Father to unveil His amazing power in our lives! 

FAMILY OF ADAM AND EVE

“Now the man Adam knew Eve as his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have obtained a man (baby boy, son) with the help of the Lord.” And [later] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept the flocks [of sheep and goats], but Cain cultivated the ground. And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the Lord had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and his offering He had no respect. So Cain became extremely angry (indignant), and he looked annoyed and hostile.” Genesis 4:1-5

Life in the Garden of Eden reflected the paradise of heaven on earth, where everything was in perfect harmony. If Adam and Eve had followed God’s guidance, they would have enjoyed eternal happiness. What compelled them to consider rebelling against God and forfeit such an amazing gift? Scripture tells us that God walked through the garden looking for them, (3:8) which emphasizes a profound personal relationship with God.

Yet, as time passed, it appeared their awe and reverence for God diminished over time. Familiarity can lead to complacency, causing us to underestimate the significance of submitting fully to God’s authority. This gradual shift can make us believe that we stand equally with God. While it may seem absurd, think about how we often overlook or downplay the divine power presented in the house of God and disregard the sacred space within ourselves where the Holy Spirit dwells.

Adam and Eve severed their bond with God when they chose to trust their judgment over His. This choice made them aware of their nakedness, prompting them to hide and rationalize their actions. By eating the forbidden fruit, they inadvertently caused a rift in both their covenant with God and their marriage covenant. Our marriages should reflect the nature and attributes of God! When our reverence for God diminishes, our hearts can become fragmented, leading to inconsistent loyalties. If we fail to confront this division in our marriage, it can affect our children and families, potentially causing lasting damage. Our children and family reflect the nature of our covenant. If our household is divided, that division will echo throughout generations. Ensuring that our family legacy stays untarnished is a commitment to securing the best possible future for our loved ones.

After they were banished from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had two sons: Cain and Abel. In this narrative, we see Abel offered the finest portion as his gift, while Cain presented a gift. What led to the rift in the brothers’ devotion to the Lord? As parents, we sometimes tend to blame ourselves for not parenting effectively, not doing enough, or not doing it correctly. However, both possess the free will to choose a path so ultimately, they have a decision to make.

As we draw near to God, the Holy Spirit will expose existing generational curses that may be affecting us and lead us to the open doors that we need to confront and sever. Following Christ is a personal choice, regardless of our background. While society encourages us to point fingers, the truth is that we hold the responsibility for our own choices and decisions.  Shifting blame onto others does nothing to heal our hearts; instead, it fosters bitterness, anger, and a sense of entrapment. We start to witness this same development in Cain’s life.

Cain took Abel’s life and faced exile from the land. Adam and Eve not only mourned the loss of Abel but also the banishment of Cain. In a tragic twist, they lost both of their sons in such a short span. Their lineage became marked by disobedience, exile, and murder. While Adam and Eve may have perceived their act of eating fruit as a minor transgression, it’s evident how swiftly their sinful tendencies manifested into their offspring. What began as a simple act of disobedience spiraled into the grave act of murder. Adam and Eve’s rebellion was directed solely at God, but Cain’s actions turned against both God and humanity. A seemingly small sin can escalate. A small sin has a way of growing uncontrollably. I urge you to seek God’s guidance with your “little” sins before they turn into significant heartache and tragedy.

Jesus tells us, “Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. ‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53)

Jesus was also clear, that his arrival and presence frequently lead to discord and conflict. His call for a response can create rifts within families, as some decide to embrace His teaching while others turn away. There is no room for neutrality with Jesus; He requires unwavering loyalty and dedication, which can sometimes lead to the breaking of family bonds. When our children reach a certain age, it’s essential to entrust them back to God. Holding on too tightly can hinder -the divine plan- God has for their future. Relying on our desires to control our family dynamics instead of placing our trust in God can lead to increased conflict within our family. When we find ourselves bringing fights home, it often stems from helplessness. Instead of resorting to arguments, we should turn to prayer. It’s essential to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, asking for direction in our prayer time for our marriage, children, and family, instead of placing blame for things out of our control.

Scripture tells us that, “Adam had sexual relations with his wife again, and she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth, for she said, “God has granted me another son in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.” (Gen. 4:25) Their family was divided into two factions: one that embraced temptation and wickedness, and another that was devoted to the worship of our Lord and Savior, represented through descendants of Seth. Seth was destined to succeed Abel as the leader of a faithful lineage, and it was through Seth’s descendants that God chose to bring forth Noah.

Choosing to follow Christ sometimes requires us to distance ourselves from those who manipulate or exert control over situations. At the same time, we must find the strength to step away from toxic individuals who aim to dominate our lives and families. This can be particularly challenging when it involves extended family members like siblings or parents. While sometimes division can be necessary, it’s important to remember that Christ can heal, restore, and mend any fractures in our relationships.

Take a moment to consider whether the divisions you are experiencing are a result of your commitment to Christ or if they are influenced by others’ suggestions. I urge you to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for yourself regarding the conflicts within your family. It may be worth reflecting on your role in the situation if you find yourself unwilling to forgive, harbor bitterness, or struggle to let go of grievances. Scripture tells us, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you!” (Matt. 6:14-15) When in doubt, discuss these issues with a spiritual leader who will tell you the “God’s truth” vs. what you want to hear. Any advice should always match up with the Word of God! Be honest with yourself, “What’s bringing division into your family?” Are your actions the cause of the rift in your family, or are your actions paving the way for healing and reconciliation? What legacy are you bringing into your family: division or loyalty?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you seeking clarity on the influences of unbelief, doubt, and disobedience we’ve allowed into our family dynamics, whether as a daughter, sister, mother, or grandmother.  Scripture tells us, “…If we walk with the wise we become wise but if we associate with fools we will get in trouble.” (Prov. 13:20) Holy Spirit, reveal to me if  I am surrounding myself with wisdom or folly. I recognize this may be difficult for me to confront, but I am weary of the turmoil within my family. The constant fighting, arguments, and disagreements leave us forgetting what truly matters. I surrender everything to you so that our family can find peace. Your word assures me that, “.. I will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard my heart and mind as I live in Christ Jesus.” (Philip 4:7) I not only pray for my families peace but also for those….. who have wronged me. I choose to forgive ……who have caused division in my home and family. I also repent for ……allowing negativity to enter our home. I repent for my behavior.…. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the restoration and unity you are bringing to my family. Even when the evidence is not visible, I will continue to believe in your promises!

RACHEL & BILHAH

“Then Rachel told him, “Take my maid, Bilhah, and sleep with her. She will bear children for me, and through her, I can have a family, too.” So Rachel gave her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife, and he slept with her. Bilhah became pregnant and presented him with a son.” Genesis 30:3-5

In this story, Rachel is engulfed in despair because she cannot conceive. Her heart is heavy with jealousy towards her sister Leah, who has already given her husband four children. The scripture tells us that Jacob was utterly devoted to Rachel, working tirelessly for fourteen years to prove his love to her. His affection for her was so intense that those years seemed to fly by.

Due to her inability to bear children, Rachel resolves to take extreme measures to change her circumstances. She struggled to believe that Jacob could love her despite her perceived shortcomings. She believed she had to prove her worth to him. Doesn’t this sound familiar? We often fall for the lie that we must earn His love through our actions. This falsehood drove Rachel to a deep desperation that didn’t include the “will of her Father.” Our enemy frequently baits us on our flaws, making us feel unworthy of fully receiving Christ’s love.

Jacob adored Rachel despite her barrenness, yet she remained fixated on her inability to give him children. Are we, like Rachel, missing this vital truth about our inherent worth? The scripture reminds us,”…We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Eph. 2:10) “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So, we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” (Eph. 1:4-6). Jesus loves us unconditionally, regardless of the emptiness or inadequacies we may experience at times.

This constant struggle prevented Rachel from being the supportive helpmate Jacob needed. Instead, she manipulated him into being with another woman, all in her quest to have children of her own. Driven by her intense desperation, she pleaded with Jacob to be with Bilhah, hoping to bear him children. Already struggling with the challenges of sharing her husband with her sister, she thought it was wise to introduce another wife into the mix.

Why do we feel compelled to help God with His plans? Often, our attempts only complicate situations and create more chaos in our lives. Instead, we should trust in His divine will for our lives. I encourage you to, take a moment and approach God in prayer and seek His guidance regarding His plan for your life. Be attentive and avoid focusing solely on what you wish to hear. Remember, we have the Holy Spirit but we also have our inner self guide along with the enemy trying to steer us. Which of these influences holds the most sway in your life? If you are unsure, reflect on whether your true desires align with the teachings of the Word of God. Ignoring this can lead us to make decisions that claim “the Holy Spirit led me to… .” when, in truth, it was our desires at play. This can unintentionally harm those around us, similar to the situation with Bilhah.

What can we say about Bilhah, the maidservant who became one of Jacob’s concubine wives? She was more than just a servant; her life was profoundly shaped by the circumstances of her mistress. Bilhah faced the heart wrenching experience of having her children taken from her, caught in a web of complicated relationships with another woman’s husband. She encounters feelings of lost, invisibility, and a sense of worthlessness beyond her role as a servant.

Often, our thoughts can easily justify the pain we inflict on others, keeping us focused on ourselves rather than the needs of those around us. Take this time and reflect on those you might have inadvertently hurt in your quest for love, wealth, power, or even through the pull of your desires. Take this time and acknowledge our responsibility within our self-centeredness.

In our moments of desperation, we often overlook the possible consequences of our decisions. By recognizing our true worth, we can sidestep unnecessary pain. Are there decisions you’re making now, that might create challenges down the road? Trusting God can be tough when it seems like nothing is unfolding, but the weight of managing the repercussions of taking matters into our own hands is even more burdensome. Resist the temptation in thinking that God has forgotten you. Instead, embrace the patience and bravery needed to wait for His perfect timing. Don’t allow the mistakes of others to stain your conscience. The scripture reminds us, “Show your fear of God by not taking advantage of each other. I am the Lord your God.” (Lev. 25:17) Who do you fear or have reverence to? Your pride or Christ?”

Exploitation remains a reality even in our present day, whether we choose to recognize it or not. When we yearn for something deeply, we often go to extreme measures to achieve it, overlooking the consequences for those around us. This pattern can be seen in various aspects of life, including families, friendships, workplaces, religious communities, and marriages. Yet, if I were to ask the question, “Has anyone been hurt by your actions?” many of us might answer no, believing our “Good intentions” shield us from causing harm. Being in a state of desperation can lead to dangerous choices, pushing us to act in ways we never thought possible in our quest to alter our situation. So, What currently drives your sense of desperation? Christ’s Will for your life or your desperations?

PRAYER:

Father, your words remind me, “…I will be accepted if I do what is right. But if I refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control me. But I must subdue it and be its master.” (Gen. 4:7) I seek your forgiveness for letting my selfishness and understandable desperation lead me astray. I mistakenly believe I can manage the whispers of my pride. I repent for allowing my pride to deceive me into thinking that if my plans fail, I can simply wait for Your guidance after exhausting all my options. Father, forgive me for using You as my plan B, instead of completely surrendering to You.

Father, I seek your forgiveness for the pain I’ve caused, for using and abusing….. and I repent for my wrongful intention of …….. I choose to leave these burdens at the foot of the cross. I ask you to dispose of them like yesterday’s trash, ensuring I can never reclaim them again! Holy Spirit, I invite you to fill my home (body/soul) with your divine presence, so I can rely entirely on you! I give you permission to align and direct my desperation! Teach me to cultivate a deep hunger and thirst for living in your kingdom! In Jesus name! Amen.