Dr H Reflections

Love Lives Here ∙

Love Lives Here ∙

O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness. – 2 Samuel 22:29

Philippians 2:12-16

12 Dear friends . . .. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,

15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

In the winter of 2021, a heartfelt Christmas tradition took root in Rodgers Forge, Maryland. It started in November 2020. Matt Riggs recognized that his neighbor, Kim Morton, was battling anxiety and depression due to the pandemic’s toll. He reached out through a kind gesture. He hung a single strand of white lights from his house across to hers.

“I was reaching out to Kim to literally brighten her world,” Riggs shared with The Washington Post. His endeavor to uplift Morton not only achieved its goal but also sparked inspiration among many in their community. Following Riggs’s initiative, neighbors began to mirror the act, stringing Christmas lights from one house to another across the street. “Little by little, the whole neighborhood starting doing it,” Morton said.

The initiative soon transformed their street into a spectacle of interconnected lights, including a striking message of “Love Lives Here.” More than 75% of the neighborhood got involved. Morton said, “The lights were a physical sign of connection and love.” The community vowed to turn it into an annual event. True to their promise, preparations for the second iteration commenced in late November 2021.

Witnessing his neighbors adopt his idea, Riggs said it “genuinely brought tears to my eyes,” Riggs continued. “From such a humble beginning, a tiny little act, it became this event” (The Washington Post).

We are fallen people living in a fallen world. Because of His love, the Father wanted to connect with people and bring light into their lives. The Father sent His Son into our dark, fallen world to be the light of the world and to provide a beacon of light and life.

Isaiah 49:6 The Lord says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

John 1:4-9

4 In him was life, and his life brought light to everyone.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,

7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.

8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

The light of life dispels the darkness of ignorance and death. The Lord Jesus Christ claimed that whoever believed in Him would enjoy the light from God’s presence and the life He offers (Constable).

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects my life! I am afraid of no one!

Father thank You for sending the Lord Jesus Christ into the world as the light that gives life. Enable me to reflect His light.

INSIGHT

The narrative found in John 8:12-20 takes place during the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles or Booths (John 7:2). On the festival’s first day, an evocative ceremony known as the Illumination of the Temple took center stage. This event saw the lighting of four tall majestic menorahs, their flames reaching skyward, rivaling the height of the temple’s towering walls. The radiant light cast by these candelabra illumined the temple grounds and extended its luminance over much of Jerusalem, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This momentous occasion stood out as one of the most exultant events within the Jewish calendar (Constable).

Throughout the night, Israel’s most devout men would immerse themselves in joyous songs, chanting Psalms brimming with praise and jubilation. They danced fervently in honor of the Lord, their movements a testament to their faith and devotion. Amidst this backdrop of light and celebration, Lord Jesus Christ stepped forward to address the gathered crowd.“I am the light of the world.” How poignant and dramatic. “There would scarcely be a more dramatic way to announce one of the supreme realities of Jesus’ existence. What a way to focus people’s attention on one of the truths they needed to understand!” (Hughes).

John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He offers light to all. The phrase I am the light of the world is often rendered as “I am the one who gives light to people in the world” or “I am the one who causes light for people of the world” (UBS). What does His light do? It is the light of life that is life-bringing light. The Lord Jesus Christ is “The light that gives life” or “The light that leads to life” (UBS). In some languages, the light of life may be rendered “The light that causes people to really live” or “The light that shows people how they may live” (UBS).

The Father extends His hand to humanity, not just to illuminate our world and elevate our spirits, but to provide us with light and truth that lead to everlasting life.

It is our responsibility to let His light radiate from within us, mirroring His brilliance in a manner that draws attention to Him.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

We have the light. We are to let it shine.

Harold Dixon Loes was an American gospel songwriter. He wrote the lyrics for 1500 gospel songs and composed 1000 tunes, including This Little Light of Mine, early in the 20th century.

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.

Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.

Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.

Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine.

Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-27-1

Robbing God ∙∙

Robbing God ∙∙

“You say, ‘My, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it.” – Malachi 1:13

Malachi 1:6-13

6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’”

8 “When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor and see how pleased he is!”

10 “How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “and I will not accept your offerings.”

13 “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled, and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept such offerings from you?”

Respect is one of the more gracious human sentiments, embodying appreciation, admiration, esteem, or honor. It involves recognizing the significance of someone or something, holding them in positive regard, and acknowledging their value. The foundation of respecting others lies in self-respect, which is about valuing oneself, that is, feeling good about yourself without conceit.

There’s an inspiring tale of a young middle school girl who stood out from her peers. Known for her quiet friendliness, she always had encouraging words for everyone around her. She made it a point to warmly greet school staff and teachers. She displayed impeccable manners in class by not interrupting or talking back and maintained a demeanor of grace and politeness amidst peers who often behaved rudely or obnoxiously. Driven by curiosity, a fellow student inquired about her consistent display of kindness. Her reply encapsulated the essence of respect. She explained, “I want to be respected for who I am. So I begin by respecting others first.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is worthy of our utmost efforts and desires our best. Presenting Him with anything less, such as damaged goods or mere leftovers, is disrespectful.

Father reflecting on the book of Malachi, I am reminded of my moments of unfaithfulness, sometimes bordering on faithlessness. My heart often wavers, and my dedication is inconsistent. You are deserving of so much more. Encourage me to improve. Thank you for forgiving and accepting me as I am.

INSIGHT

The Father calls for those who are His children to lead exemplary lives that set a standard for others. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ and the writers of the Old Testament and New Testament set forth this goal. However, the reality often falls short of this ideal, and things do not always work out. We frequently find ourselves disregarding and contradicting the very words we profess to follow and teach. This is a common struggle for the children of the King.

Navigating through the Scriptures in these reflections is akin to witnessing a pendulum swing between grace and judgment. Malachi stands out from other Old Testament prophets by vividly conveying the visceral emotions of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He uniquely captures the essence of the Father’s frustration, anger, and divine wrath. Serving as a mouthpiece for the Father, Malachi’s expressions of grief and indignation convey the sentiments of the King himself.

Malachi 1:6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’

In the military, soldiers are taught to salute the uniform, regardless of the person inside it. But the Father’s standards are far higher and more difficult than that.

Have you ever contemplated why churches have secondhand pianos? Could it be that their former owners have replaced them with new pianos and donated what they no longer wanted to God? I have never owned a piano, so I can never give Him a secondhand piano.

Malachi 1:8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor and see how pleased he is!”

We would never consider doing something like this to human authorities. They would laugh at us or worse. And what about the IRS?

What about the authority of the Father, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies authority? We often blur the lines, permitting ourselves a slightly altered perspective. In our selfish haughtiness, we rationalize. Do we actually think He does not see what we do and know what is in our hearts? Do we really believe that when it comes to the all-seeing, all-knowing God, it is “out of sight and out of mind?”

When we gather together to worship Him, what does the Father require? If our hearts are not right and we are just going through the motions, He is not impressed. He refuses to accept our paltry attempts. He tearfully says, shut them down!

Malachi 1:10 “How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you, and I will not accept your offerings.”

Just imagine Him coming to the door of your heart, home, or local church and wrapping yellow tape around it. The tape reads: “Crime scene, do not cross!”

Really? Yes really! Our disdainful and worthless efforts are like stealing from Him. And that is precisely what He calls it.

Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!

What does it mean to rob God? The Hebrew word translated as rob or cheat is qabaʿ. The precise semantic domain of qabaʿ is uncertain. However, it clearly has a pejorative sense and connotes something like seizing forcefully, robbing, cheating, or defrauding.

The people were in total denial. Stealing from God showcases our arrogance and underscores our profound disrespect towards Him. This often manifests as a smug, superior, pretentious, above-it-all attitude.

Malachi 1:13 “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands.”

This situation is directly relevant to our lives. I recognize a significant tendency towards arrogance and disrespect within myself. Occasionally, thoughts like, “I can get away with it,” or “He’s likely not watching me or paying attention” cross my mind. Yet, the truth remains that He is omniscient, eternally aware of everything. He knows our actions even before we undertake them. Our Father is all-knowing, yet He is also all-loving and all-forgiving.

His omnipotence means He has the power to halt our misguided, foolish actions at any moment. As Tom Constable puts it, “To rob Him, one would have to be stronger and smarter than He.”

He is the Sovereign above all. He is the King of Kings and Lord of lords, deserving of nothing less than our utmost devotion and excellence.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 11-20-2

God’s love is steadfast ∙

God’s love is steadfast ∙

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of steadfast love for all who ask for your help. – Psalms 86:5

Psalms 136:1-9

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His steadfast love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His steadfast love endures forever.

5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His steadfast love endures forever.

6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His steadfast love endures forever.

7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights – His steadfast love endures forever.

8 the sun to rule the day, His steadfast love endures forever.

9 and the moon and stars to rule the night. His steadfast love endures forever.

What does it mean to be steadfast? Steadfast encompasses two primary meanings. On the one hand, it signifies being fixed, steady, unchangeable, or firmly established. This quality is evident in enduring commitments, institutions that withstand the passage of time, or immovable objects like a large boulder in the midst of a stream.

On the other hand, steadfastness also implies unwavering loyalty, devotion, or fondness, characterized by being dependable, reliable, steadfast, faithful, and consistently affectionate and interested.

The two meanings converge on the concept of durability or permanence.

Pause for a moment and consider how this definition reflects the character, essence, and attributes of Father God. He is replete with steadfast love and fidelity. At His very core, the Father embodies steadfast love.

Psalms 86:5,15

5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of steadfast love for all who ask for your help.

15 But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with steadfast love and faithfulness.

Psalms 136 call on worshippers to worship and give thanks to the Father. He has shown His steadfast love to the children of the King throughout the millennia. Each verse repeats the same refrain: “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Could it be that Psalms 136 was sung responsively? Perhaps a priest led, reciting the first line of each verse. The people would then respond with the refrain, “His steadfast love endures forever.” This technique is used for worship and memorization throughout the Old Testament.

Ezra 3:11 They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Psalms 136 extends gratitude towards the One True God, laying out various reasons that become part of the foundation of gratitude and worship. The Father is recognized for His goodness and supremacy as the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He alone can perform mighty miracles. The Father is not remote, distant, or unavailable. Instead, He is near, close at hand, and makes His presence known repeatedly.

REFLECT & PRAY

The steadfast nature, unwavering love, and the realization of His promises across all generations provide confidence and hope for every child of the King.

Father I am grateful that Your love for me is unwavering and eternal. It remains constant, never wavering or changing. Your loyal love is remarkable.

INSIGHT

Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good. His steadfast love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Children of the King can rest knowing that Father God’s goodness, unwavering love, and faithfulness are everlasting. They never fluctuate. This assures us that He is reliable and responsive. We can always lean on Him. He is consistently accessible and attentive. As children of the King, we can confidently call upon Him. The Father’s steadfast love for us endures forever. It is the foundation for all of life.

Psalms 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of steadfast love for all who ask for your help.

The Father is good. The Hebrew word for good is tov. Tov means pleasant, desirable, and merry; it connotes being deserving of esteem and respect. “The Lord is good, i.e., altogether love, and for this very reason also ready to forgive, and great and rich in mercy for all who call upon Him as such” (Keil and Delitzsch).

The Father is forgiving. The Hebrew word translated as forgiving is sallach. Sallach could literally be translated ready to forgive or ready to pardon. This is the only place in the Old Testament where sallach is used as a noun. The verbal form is frequently used. Interestingly, the subject is always the Lord whenever sallach is used as a verb. Could it be that the reason for this is that the Father God is the only source of true forgiveness? The Father purges our past and truly forgives us.

The Hebrew term for steadfast love is hesed. It is often translated as kindness, lovingkindness, reliability, faithfulness, mercy, grace, and loyal love. Hesed is one of the most beautiful and fascinating words in the Old Testament to describe the Father. Hesed is profound and multifaceted. The Father has many superb characteristics and personality traits. Among the most delightful of all is His steadfast love and lovingkindness.

Hesed epitomizes the Father’s love and affection for the children of the King. Hesed signifies a commitment, a love that is relational and unconditionally boundless, a love that persists regardless of the situation or reaction (Waltner). Rooted in what is authentic and reliable, hesed is intimately associated with covenant-keeping (Kidner).

Hesed is used repeatedly in the Old Testament. It is used twenty-six times in Psalms 136 alone! No modern word can completely encompass its essence; we interpret it as kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, or loyalty. Hesedrepresents a love anchored in covenantal commitment – a love that is loyal, dependable, wholehearted, and resolute. Hesedis an integral part of God’s character.

Psalms 86:5 resembles Exodus 34, where the Lord passes before Moses, but Moses is only allowed to see His back and not His face.

Exodus 34:6 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”

Lamb of God

The Steadfast Love Of The Lord Never Ceases,

His Mercies Never Come To An End,

They Are New Every Morning, New Every Morning.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Oh Lord). Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

(Jim Gilbert, 1993)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 2-18-2

The Root of Jesse ∙∙

The Root of Jesse ∙∙

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. – Isaiah 11:1

Jeremiah 23:5 I, the LORD, promise that a new time will certainly come when I will raise up for them a righteous branch, a descendant of David. He will rule over them with wisdom and understanding and will do what is just and right in the land.

Trees can be primarily divided into two categories: deciduous and coniferous. Deciduous trees display a seasonal transformation, shedding their leaves annually, while coniferous trees, also known as evergreens, maintain their foliage throughout the year.

Coniferous trees germinate and mature solely from seeds. Once these trees are felled, they cannot regenerate from the stump. Although new shoots might appear later, they will not replicate the original tree. Conversely, deciduous trees can sprout anew from their stumps, enabled by their root system.

The Father, being righteous and holy, promises to enact judgment upon the nation of Israel due to its persistent defiance and sin. He has appointed Assyria as the executor of this judgment. Nevertheless, Assyria will face its own consequences for harming Israel.

Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.

Assyria is pictured as a coniferous tree. It will be cut down and not grow back.

Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches and forest shade and towering height, its top among the clouds.

The Assyrians’ devastation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was likened to a deciduous forest where trees had been cut down. These trees, however, held the potential for regrowth. Following the completion of this judgment, the Father promised to rejuvenate the remaining remnant of Israel.

In contrast, when the Lord’s judgment on the Assyrians was finalized, they were lopped off completely, never to grow back. The once towering and arrogant empire of Assyria was utterly vanquished.

Isaiah 10:33-34

33 But look! The Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, will chop down the mighty tree of Assyria with great power! He will cut down the proud. That lofty tree will be brought down.

34 He will cut down the forest trees with an ax. Lebanon will fall to the Mighty One.

Isaiah 10:18 The LORD will consume Assyria’s glory like a fire consumes a forest in a fruitful land; it will waste away like sick people in a plague.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father always keeps His promises.

Father there are times when it seems like things cannot get any worse, driving me to a state of desperation. Father, I regret that it’s often only in these times that I reach out to You. Yet, Your faithfulness remains unwavering. You are always faithful, no matter what.

INSIGHT

In 722 BC, the Assyrians overthrew the 10 Northern Tribes of Israel, leading them into captivity. Roughly 150 years afterward, the Babylonians captured the two Southern Tribes, reducing the Nation of Israel to what resembled a felled stump at the hands of their adversaries. However, during the era of Roman domination, an event seemed entirely beyond the realm of possibility. From this seemingly lifeless stump emerged a new growth. In Bethlehem, the promised Branch from David’s lineage was born.

Isaiah, along with other Jewish prophets, looked well past Israel’s immediate tribulations. They envisioned and foretold the arrival of the kingdom of God on earth and the fulfillment of their prophecies.

Isaiah 11:1-11

1 Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.

2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

3 He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.

4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.

10 In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

11 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people.

Jeremiah 23:5 I the LORD, promise that a new time will certainly come when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.

The Father sustained a faithful remnant among the Jews. Through this remnant, the Scriptures were written, safeguarded, and transmitted. From them came the Messiah. In the future, a descendant of David will govern the world from Jerusalem, demonstrating the Father as the ultimate moving force of history.

Isaiah 41:26-27

26 Who told you from the beginning that this would happen? Who predicted this, making you admit that he was right? No one said a word!

27 I was the first to tell Zion, “Look! Help is on the way!” I will send Jerusalem a messenger with good news.

The Father’s methods might appear strange, mysterious, or even unfathomable. The children of the King often face challenging times and adversities. It’s as if we’ve been reduced to nothing but a stump, seemingly worthless and lifeless. Yet, in our darkest moments, when all seems lost, we are reminded of the Father’s promise concerning the Branch from Jesse’s root.

The Father has given us magnificent, precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). He has wonderful dreams for each child of the King. Could it be that He finds our goals and ambitions too limited? We seem to settle for so little, accepting far less than what is offered.

The Father has promised us that we can share His divine nature, freeing us from earthly corruption and constraints. Despite the abundance the Father offers, why do we continue to live as if we were paupers and had nothing?

2 Peter 1:4 Because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

“Isaiah’s vision of God can stimulate in us such a longing that we stop settling . . .” (C.S. Lewis).

Revelation 5:5 Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome . . .

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-30-2

Gaming disorders ∙∙

Gaming disorders ∙∙

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? – Romans 6:16

John 8:34 Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

Romans 6:16-23

16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now, you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.

21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom.

22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

In May 2019, the World Health Organization added a new condition to its classification of addictive behaviors and substance-related disorders. The 2019 International Classification of Diseases edition now includes “Gaming Disorder.” This disorder is characterized by a persistent or recurrent pattern of gaming behavior that is so severe that it takes priority over other life interests and daily activities, resulting in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of activity. The disorder must have been present for at least 12 months to be diagnosed.

It is no secret that video games are designed to be addictive. The captivating nature of video games is well-documented. Video game developers encode their games using psychological techniques. The virtual fantasy world they create is enticing, engendering an insatiable, almost unquenchable craving for more.

Video games have evolved beyond simple digital pastimes to become sources of personal identity, self-worth, fulfillment, and accomplishment. They reward persistence without real-world penalties for failure. This dynamic can offer a sense of satisfaction often elusive in real-life interactions, jobs, or hobbies. Meghan Vivo observed, “Video games have done far more than change how we entertain ourselves. They have changed how we communicate, how much time we spend with friends and family, and how much time we invest in active, real-life pursuits.” This shift towards virtual interaction can significantly hinder direct, face-to-face social development.

Research published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, “More Than a Just a Game: Video Game and Internet Use During Emerging Adulthood,” January 10, 2009). The results suggested numerous adverse outcomes for both men and women. Gaming disorder was included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018

The more time students spent playing video games, the worse their relationships with peers and parents became. Digital relationships are simply not the same as physical ones. In many cases, video games provide make-believe personal and family relationships. In certain instances, video games become a surrogate occupation.

In the real world, fallen people are easily enticed. Potential addictions are lurking all around us. An addiction is a state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming. In Scripture, activities that are addictive have a simple label: sin.

Sin is an unseen master that enslaves us.

Romans 6:16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?

John 8:34 Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

REFLECT & PRAY

If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a ditch. – Matthew 15:14

Father thank You for making it possible for the children of the King to be free from sin and addictive behaviors. Encourage us to make the best possible choices and live in freedom.

INSIGHT

Being enslaved to a master is somewhat of a paradox. Often, we think we are most free when we are most enslaved. Because we are born in sin, we are born enslaved to sin. Being a slave is what we know; it may be all that we ever know. We may have some choice regarding the brand and model of our sin, but it is still sin.

Thanks be to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who have provided the path to freedom.

John 8:36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:31-32

31 You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Freedom from the addictions of sin comes through choice. Because of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can now choose freedom. We can exchange masters. For those with gaming disorders, their master is the video game. The gamers are its slaves.

Freedom is possible through understanding the truth of God’s word and choosing to be free. When we decide to let the Lord Jesus Christ be our master, our former master loses its power over us. We no longer have to obey its commands.

The apostle Paul is a perfect example of this. He was enslaved to self-righteous arrogance. He would go on rampages, searching out the Father’s children to imprison or worse. He brought havoc and devastation wherever he went, and Paul loved it. A significant intervention was needed to turn things around.

Paul’s raging, ravaging behavior came to a sudden halt. His addiction ended in a moment. All it took was one brief but rather tumultuous and devastating encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. What irony, what Paul had sown, he reaped. The devastator was devastated.

Acts 9:3-5

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.

4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!”

Paul instantly knew that he was in the presence of a messenger from the Father. Paul calls Him lord. But this was no ordinary messenger. This was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! He was amazed. He was literally blinded. Paul was toast. He turned 180°. Instructions soon followed.

Paul was the Lord Jesus Christ’s chosen instrument to take His message to the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. From that moment on, He served the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul immediately began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

Paul found real freedom and ultimate satisfaction through his new Master. Paul had a favorite personal designation. Paul repeatedly self-identified himself as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mick Jagger never did, at least, so he sang.

I can’t get no satisfaction; I can’t get no satisfaction

‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try

I can’t get no, I can’t get no

When I’m drivin’ in my car, and the man come on the radio

He’s tellin’ me more and more about some useless information

Supposed to fire my imagination

I can’t get no, oh, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey

That’s what I say

I can’t get no satisfaction, I can’t get no satisfaction

‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try

I can’t get no, I can’t get no

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-19-2

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