Be different!

But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord.  The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” 1 Samuel 8:19-21

Have you ever desperately wanted to be like other people?
      
 I have.

When I read this story, in 1 Samuel 8, I thought, What in the world is wrong with you? Why would you do that?

It doesn't seem like such a big deal when you just read that passage, but there's more to the story. Isn't there always? When the Israelites asked Samuel for a king, he got upset and prayed to God about it. You see, Israel was supposed to be different. 

                      They were a people set apart for God. 

                                          He was their king.

When Samuel prayed, God listened and told him to tell the people what would happen to them if they demanded a king. He said, "This is how a king will treat you:"

*The king will draft your sons into his army and make them run before his chariots.
*Some will be commanders of his troops, while others will be slave laborers.
*He'll force some to plow and harvest and others will make his weapons and equipment.
*He'll take your daughters and force them to cook, bake and make perfumes for him.
*He'll take your best fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants.
*He'll take a tenth of your harvest and distribute it to his officers and attendants.
*He'll want your male and female slaves and demand the finest of your cattle and donkeys.
*He'll demand a tenth of your flocks and you will be his slaves.

Then God said this: And you will beg for relief from this king, but I will not help you.
                                                                                                1 Samuel 8:9-20
And the people basically said, "Sounds good to us!" 

             Talk about free will! 

                    Talk about freedom...to be stupid. 

And yet, I understand because I've wanted to be like the others around me too. 
    And I know all about wanting someone else to fight my battles.

This gives new meaning to the phrase: Be careful what you pray for! 

             Will this change the way you pray?

Drugs and Demons?

Call me crazy, but if I am it's for your sake (and besides, I already know, I just don't care).

Sometimes you stumble upon something you just have to share with others. A long time ago, a neighbor gave me a bunch of Student Bibles. She'd seen a bunch of cars parked in front of my home, knew I worked in ministry and assumed I was leading some sort of Bible Study. Anyway, I took them from her thinking that one day I would work with teens when my kids got older.

I've never read them...until now. They're beautifully written and are chock full of information about things pertaining to student life. I was reading it this morning and found this piece on drugs.

Here's what it says in reference to this question: "I know that taking drugs is wrong, but the Bible doesn't talk about them. What should I say to someone who asks me about drugs?"

Answer: "There are some areas where the Bible is silent. 


...Originally the New Testament was written in Greek, a much more complicated language than English. Trying to translate a word from Greek to English often can only be done by a phrase. In Galatians 5:20, Christians are warned against becoming involved in demonic activities. The term translated "demonic activities" actually comes from the Greek noun pharmakeia, from which we get the word pharmacy (better known as a drug store!). When most of the Bible was translated, drug problems were not common, but there was "demonic activity."


   The connection is frightening. Demonic activity actually takes place when drugs are taken! These aren't the aspirin type of drugs, but the kinds that alter a person's emotions, reflexes, and brain waves. To get even more specific, taking drugs is like opening your subconscious to demons! The connection between drugs and witchcraft is easily seen by going to the original Greek word.


     Unknowingly, a person who takes drugs opens himself or herself to demonic infuence. It's like an invitation to the spirit world to start influencing that person's life. That's why it's so dangerous. Although many laugh at this explanation, it's a message that must be given to those who are taking drugs.


     Drugs also should be avoided because they harm our body. The Bible is very clear about our responsibility to take care of ourself. See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2, and 3 John 1:2-3."

*********

As a former drug user in my teenage years, I can attest to this truth. It is true. There are things I experienced and can only explain as demonic. Fortunately, I was scared to death and stopped in those formative years. Many of my friends didn't. Many are no longer here.

For every kid I see doing drugs, I know at least two adults who struggle; their drugs are just more "acceptable" and more expensive. After all, no harm in stress relief, right?

As parents raising kids in a more dangerous and drug infested world, we need to use all of our power, influence and vigilance to guard and fight back. And not just for them, but for the generations to come. We can win because God's on our side.

May God's grace, peace and strength cover you as you enter this battle.