Happy Friday, Freebies!
I wonder how many of you gals are into science fiction, aka sci-fi, a genre of film, tv, or books exploring parallel universes, aliens, time travel, technology, and futuristic concepts. I'd even throw a couple of monsters and demons in that category. Eh, well, demons are actually more in the paranormal genre that deals with the supernatural, i.e., ghosts and angels. But, for the sake of this blog, I'm compelled to lump it all together in the sci-fi section.
For you loyal sci-fi appreciators, please don't come for me; I'm only using this as an illustration. Yet, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this anyway. Let me explain; this week's blog is only a setup for next week's topic, and I plan to link the blogs together.
So, I never knew I was a sci-fi woman until I met my husband, and LISTEN, having been married, has changed my appetite in many ways. Here is the kicker, we're only approaching two years of knowing each other and two years of marriage, and he has me into this type of stuff.
Yea, you read right, two years knowing each other and two years married. Our story is one of those "only God" love stories. I'll blog about us here some other time, but if you're just dying to know how we met, like right now, click here.
So my husband has me interested more in science fiction when I'm not even a fiction fan. I'm a non-fiction, inspirational, biographical, and personal development type of woman. However, and I emphasize 'however,' this latest sci-fi series that we're watching on Netflix, "Stanger Things," has kept me engaged and expanded my palate.
The biggest part of my interest in this series is the 1980s setting, where the story takes place. Not only am I an 80s baby, but I'm a former MFA student who wanted to be a filmmaker many moons ago. So, I'm into settings, storylines, wardrobe, and special effects.
Not to give too much away about the series, but in short, the main characters have discovered that an alternate world exists (the upside down), and in that world, villains and demons are looking to kill, steal and destroy. And watching them discover the alternate world reminds me of the paranormal world we live in, which feels a little sci-fi to me.
Think about it, angels and demons, good vs. evil, and Christ vs. satan. In my imagination, these concepts scream Hollywood production with expensive explosions, ugly creatures, subtleties, and winged angles frightful enough to make you piss yourself. But this is our real world.
Sounds like a lot or real "deep" right? Well, it is, and just because it's a lot, sounds deep, or even possibly scary, I can't afford to let you live in ignorance.
Sis, my goal is to inform, inspire, and share the word of God and the love of Christ in a conversational, non-preachy, and relatable way. So, stay with me.
And if you read your bible, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Heck, the book of Revelations and Genesis alone could be one big Sci-fi film. Yet, there is nothing fictional about the world we live in, satan, God, or Jesus Christ, who saves the day (literally).
Here's the deal: we live in a fallen, broken, and hurting world corrupted by sin and run by Satan. Where he may appear to be winning down here, but he doesn't win in the end! The scripture references below help illustrate that Satan is the god of this world and the tactics he uses to blind people's minds and hearts from believing Christ.
Granted, we are not in the old testament biblical days where people traveled by donkey; seas were parted, animals were sacrificed, and people contracted unidentified crawling skin boils.
We have cars, technology, and medicine has advanced tremendously, but so have the devil's schemes and his playground, which again is the world we're living in.
It's 2022, so Satan is definitely on TikTok and far more clever and creative with his foolishness. Every day the enemy uses technology, false wisdom (anything contrary to God's word), friends, movies, music, and whatever he can to spread messages of deception and confusion to hurt and destroy us. It's typically masked and subtle. Therefore it's hard to recognize at times. Similar to Stranger Things, we too have an "Upside Down" world.
In the simplest form, anything that conflicts with the word of God is not from God. And, whatever you see or hear via social media, friends, videos (and even your own negative thoughts), or ANY media that is discriminatory, selfish, harmful, hateful, or damaging is also not from God. And, if it isn't from God or echoing his word, it's definitely from Satan. Think about all the foolishness, pain, and evil we see, double-tap, and scroll past.
Consider the messages and music that encourage and influence immoral behaviors (in a cute and trendy way) that go viral on social media.
2 Corinthians 4:4 in the GW translation says,
The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. As a result, they don't see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory. It is Christ who is God's image.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 in the Message translation says,
Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes, they're animals. Stay clear of these people.
And, Ephesians 6:10-12 in the GW translation says,
Finally, receive your power from the Lord and his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way, you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.
The scriptures above establish the paranormal world that we're living in, run by Satan. It also gives examples of behaviors to look out for, as these are indicators of Satan's influence. And all of this is typically overlooked but under our noses. I told you it was a lot going on.
Yea, it's certainly like a movie or something. We wake up daily, doing our thing, going to work, school, the grocery store, or wherever, but at the same time, it's another world and code of ethics within ours. Just like in Stranger Things.
Satan is the ruler of the underworld and the adversary of God and God's people. His primary goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. He negatively influences, promotes fear, and perverts all things good and true to keep us confused, uncertain, and questioning who God says we are.
So, what do we do with all of this? Well, a couple of things.
*Step One* We repent of our sins and give our lives to Christ so that our salvation is locked in, and we can join the winning team. "Getting saved" isn't complicated. Don't let religion or those church people make you think you need to "get your life right first." Giving your life to Christ is the only way to "get your life right," He helps you and does that for you.
I remember being in my 20s, saying I wouldn't get saved until I was 50. I thought I'd be more serious and ready if I were older. I never considered what would happen if I died and didn't make it to see 50. So, that first thing is to give your life to Christ. And, I promise giving your life to Him and becoming saved is super easy. Need help? Click here. I don't bite, and I would love to support you.
*Step Two* Get to know God. Like any new relationship, you must spend time with and get to know each other. You can get to know God through prayer and by reading the bible to build a relationship with him. Knowing God helps you with identifying your purpose and with knowing yourself. Think about it; we aren't as easily swayed by hidden tricks or foolery when we know who we are.
*Step Three*We build community by joining a church or small group and meeting other believers (I'm open to helping you on your journey). Being connected to others helps encourage and strengthen your faith walk. You can NOT grow by yourself or on an island. The enemy would have you believe you don't need anyone, and that's a lie and trick to keep you isolated (so he can get in your head).
*Step Four*We put on the armor of God (daily). The armor is what protects us here in Satan's world. Consider why we wore a mask when COVID first hit (to protect us and reduce the chances of catching that unseen virus). Satan's plans are like a virus; you can't always see that it's him working. So stay "mask up" in God's armor, for lack of better words.
Ephesians 6:13-18 in the NLT translation says
Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you can resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. What to learn more about the armor? Check out this blog where I explore it.
*Step Five*We share the good news of Jesus with others. We can't just let our friends and family be out there unaware and fighting in the Upside Down world by themselves. Encourage them to join the winning team and come to Christ.
*Step Six* Finally, we get excited and ready to live a more rewarding life. It won't be easy, but it will be freeing and even sweeter when you make it to heaven.
Sis, that's all I got for this week. Be sure to come back for the 2nd part next week. You got this, be encouraged. I am an email or DM away if you need me.
Until next time,
Drop a comment and share with your girls if you found this helpful.
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XoXo,
Coach Rahk
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