The Saga

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

 against the powers of this dark world and 

against the spiritual forces of evil 

in the heavenly realms."

(Ephesians 6:12)

I could not help but think about this verse as I glanced back and forth at the television the other evening while making dinner. If you haven't heard ... The Twilight Saga: Eclipse hits theaters today - Wednesday, June 30. According to the LA Times, Twilight fans were already camping out at the Nokia Plaza last week for a chance to see their favorite Eclipse stars at the Los Angeles Film Festival movie premier.

So not having watched or read the Twilight Saga series, I have found it interesting how many recent conversations among women my age have turned to these books and movies. More than anything, it has been the tone of these conversations that has fostered a check in my spirit. I have personally heard conflicting comments such as these out of the mouths of other Christian women:

"I was uncomfortable watching it as a grown woman because of the sensuality."

And then there's the other extreme ...

"Twilight makes the idea of sex so appealing."

And ...

"Twilight has made me fall more in love with my husband."

Needless to say, comments such as these peaked my interest ...

As far as I can tell, the Twilight series is laced with vampires, sexual tension, lust, boyfriend worship, and teenage romance. As Christians, we have justified the downfalls of the story-line with our own wishful thinking. We make it a point to state that the books are written by a Mormon, and because of that, they are a fairly clean read. We also hammer incessantly upon the fact that there is no actual act of sex in the Twilight series and therefore deem the story-line honorable and wholesome.

[Do we stop to think that if watching a movie makes the idea of sex appealing to us as 20 and 30-somethings, then it is most likely having the same exact effect on influential teenagers?]

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking ... It's JUST a movie. But let's just give this some thought. [It's fine if you think I'm crazy and slightly extreme. I just feel led to lay out the facts.]

1. The Author: About Stephanie Meyer


"A housewife named Stephenie Meyer “received” the story of Twilight in a dream on June 2, 2003. The vision she had of a vampire and mortal as lovers compelled her to start writing the story immediately. She says she couldn’t resist the drive to write down her dream (a similar scenario to J.K Rowlings, author of Harry Potter). Meyer gives a summary of that first dream: “I woke up (on that June 2nd) from a very vivid dream. In my dream, two people were having an intense conversation in a meadow in the woods. One of these people was just your average girl. The other person was fantastically beautiful, sparkly, and a vampire. They were discussing the difficulties inherent in the facts that A) they were falling in love with each other while B) the vampire was particularly attracted to the scent of her blood, and was having a difficult time restraining himself from killing her immediately.” Within three months, she had the entire novel written. Within six-months, it had been dreamed, written, and readied for publishing.

Scaringly, Meyer's fictional character Edward took on the "terrifying" form of "real" spirit when it leapt from the pages of her saga and communicated with her in a dream. She says she had an additional dream after Twilight was finished when her vampire character Edward came to visit and speak to her. The Edward who visited her in the night told her she'd got it all wrong because he DID drink human blood, and could not "live" on ONLY animal blood as she wrote in the story. She said, “We had this conversation and he was terrifying" (Caryl Matrisciana and Paul Villanueva, The Twilight Phenomena, December 2008).

2. The Religious Undertones: About Mormonism


"Conversation with spirits (saying they need human blood to suck!) and frightening dream visitations by spirits are part of occult communication. Meyer’s spiritual experiences could well be influenced by her Mormon faith which allows for communication with the so-called "the dead"; indeed "the dead" of former generations are baptized into Mormonism in Mormon Temple ritual. Mormon founder Joseph Smith was "visited" by a communicating "angel" called Moroni, whose statue stands atop all Mormon Temples. This fallen angel of Mormonism gave Smith messages on which he formed his Mormon doctrine about prior civilizations, none of which have been discovered despite endless archeological digs to substantiate Mormons claims. Others Mormon teachings conflict with biblical Christianity such as Mormonism's claim that Jesus (Yeshua) of the Bible is the half-brother of Satan. Mormons additionally believe numerous teachings about the spirits that oppose Bible truths and could help embellish Meyer's Twilight series" (Caryl Matrisciana and Paul Villanueva, The Twilight Phenomena, December 2008).

3. The Problems: About the darkness

Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." 

According to some research, vampires are placed in the same category as evil spirits and demons. Neil T. Anderson says that "even believers are vulnerable to being lured away from the knowledge and power of God by our enemy, who exaggerates our sense of independence and importance apart from God" (The Bondage Breaker, 133-134).

God will never intentionally use a demonic undertone to bring forth peace and happiness into our lives. He will not - for example - make us fall more in love with our husbands by watching a love saga between a vampire and a mortal. We are fooling ourselves if we believe that. We are - as the Scripture above notes - calling evil good, darkness light, and bitter sweet. Anderson also states, "Peace can only be found in the Prince of Peace, not in the prince of darkness" (The Bondage Breaker, 133).

In Deuteronomy, the Lord warns against any participation or tolerance of idol worship:



"When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God.  The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so" (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

But instead, we are encouraged to participate in this type of worship:

"Finally, [sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

Will we, for the sake of entertainment,

imitate the ways of this world?

Will we, for the sake of entertainment,

subject ourselves to the darkness?

Is it really worth it?

"This is the message we have heard

from Him and declare to you:

God is light; In Him there is no darkness at all."

(1 John 1:5)

Trusting Him Today

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin 

that overtakes the wicked,

for the Lord will be your confidence and 

will keep your foot from being snared."

(Proverbs 3:25-26)

It is so easy in today's world to become gripped with paralyzing fear.  

We fear for our futures, our finances, and our families.  

We fear for our health, our homes, and our happiness.  

We fear for our safety, our security, and our sanity.  

We fear for our insecurities, our infertility, and our investments.

And yet the Word of God calls us to have no fear, but to instead allow Him to be our confidence.

So, today -- I believe He is asking us these questions:

Are you trusting Me with your future, your finances and your family?

Are you trusting Me with your health, your home, and your happiness?

Are you trusting Me with your safety, your security, and your sanity?

Are you trusting Me with your insecurity, your infertility, and your investments?

Trusting Him today with you, 

Heather

Abundantly Productive

"For God has caused me to be fruitful 

in the land of my affliction."

(Genesis 41:52, NKJV)

I continue to be amazed at God's ability to create something beautiful out of even our most difficult trials. 

In the book of Genesis, Joseph is perhaps one of the most afflicted individuals.  He is rejected by his own family members, thrown in a pit to die, sold into slavery instead, and forgotten by the only human being who had the pertinent information to set him free.  And yet he keeps pressing onward.

Deep in the core of his being, Joseph knew that God was alive and active.  That His Presence could not be contained and that His plan could not be thwarted.  He knew God as His Refuge, His Redeemer, and His Rescuer.  I have to believe that Joseph continued to press on because he knew the character of His God.  Because he knew that God had a purpose in the current season of suffering he was enduring.  And that He did.

The meaning of fruitful seems to be rather obvious - 1 a : yielding or producing fruit b : conducive to an abundant yield.  In Genesis 41:52 (noted above), Joseph has just named his second son by the name Ephraim to represent the abundant yield God has blessed him with in the land where he suffered.  Joseph is saying, "Look world!  God really does bless us in our land of sorrow!  He really does redeem!" 

There is a second meaning of the word fruitful that I find to be especially applicable to our current trials in life - 2 : abundantly productive. 

What trial are you currently facing, sweet friend?  Maybe you are experiencing a loss or feeling shunned?  Perhaps you are fighting a physical illness or dealing with the illness of a loved one? Are you struggling in your marriage or fighting a financial battle? Have you moved to a new place and finding yourself in transition-mode? Maybe you are just feeling unmotivated and questioning what your purpose is in life?

A friend of mine recently sent me the following Scripture as encouragement - one that I love dearly: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).  Notice the first few words in that verse: For everything that was written.  EVERYTHING was written to give us hope.

So, today - in this very season of trial you may be facing - would you embrace the truth that God desires to make you (just as He did Joseph) abundantly productive in this land of affliction? 

I will close with this devotion I read last week about trials.  I was blessed by it and believe you will be also:

"Withal, friend, you are mistaken.  It isn't raining rain for you.  It's raining blessing.  For, if you will but believe your Father's Word, under that beating rain are springing up spiritual flowers of such fragrance and beauty as never before as never before grew in that stormless, unchastened life of yours. 

You indeed see the rain.  But do you see also the flowers? You are pained by the testings.  But God sees the sweet flower of faith which is upspringing in your life under those very trials.  

You shrink from the suffering.  But God sees the tender compassion for other sufferers which is finding birth in your soul.  

Your heart winces under the sore bereavement.  But God sees the deepening and enriching which that sorrow has brought to you.

It isn't raining afflictions for you.  It is raining tenderness, love, compassion, patience, and a thousand other flowers and fruits of the blessed Spirit, which are bringing into your life such a spiritual enrichment as all the fullness of worldly prosperity and ease was never able to beget in your inmost soul"  [Cowman, L.B. Streams in the Desert, June 15]. 

Humbled by His Majesty

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?"

(Job 38:4)

A few weeks ago as I was visiting with a friend, she admitted that she often finds herself in an all-out conversation with none other than ... herself. I nearly fell off my chair in laughter as I sat there listening to her daughter's recount of the experience. This sweet child explained that sometimes in the car she will overhear her mother talking to herself and she is forced to call her mother's name multiple times in order to get her attention: "Mom, Mom, MOM!" she narrated. I nearly died! Mostly because I could relate.

My own imaginary conversations typically take place as I'm getting ready in the morning in the bathroom - There's something about putting on my makeup that spurs a need in me for conversation. All the while praying that my husband doesn't walk in and realize he has no-doubt married a crazy person.

I know that no one reading this can relate. [That was laced with a tad bit of sarcasm, but absolutely zero judgment.]

Often times my conversations turn to God in those times. Typically not by default, I'm ashamed to admit. Most of the time it's because my mind gets away with me during my makeup time and I begin to think about how that one person really made me mad, or a particular family member said something to upset me, or that one client drives me nuts. And all of a sudden I find myself in an imaginary debate or encounter with that particular individual - A battle where I am obviously winning the argument, they're put in their place, and I walk away with my head held high. Ugh. It's usually right about then, as I'm walking away with I AM THE WOMAN stamped across my imaginary forehead, that I feel that check in my spirit and my thoughts quickly turn to God.

Side note: Do you realize how insane guys would think we were if they knew that this whole thought process takes place during the 5-minute span of makeup time [or driving to the grocery store time]? Ok, just checking. *Let's take a momentary pause for some laughter and to praise the Lord that He made us female - as crazy as our tendencies may be at times!

My prayer life is often times much like those imaginary conversations. I feel justified in presenting my own agenda, my own opinions, my own strategic plan. And when I have diligently prayed for one specific thing and have not seen a quick or obvious change in circumstances, I will offer up another suggestion ... Lord, obviously this isn't how you intend to deal with this situation, so this ___ will work just as well. I take it upon myself to present the options to Jesus, assured that He will choose the best of the few options to implement.

Why do I feel the need to lend assistance to my Savior? Why pray for His help at all for that matter? To boost His ego? To make Him feel needed? Is this some kind of game? A project for my Type A personality?

In Job 38, the Lord speaks a very bold and humbling word:

"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:2-7)

I encourage you to read through the last few chapters of Job (38-42). Such an eye-opening picture of our humanness in light of the sufficiency and sovereignty of our God. MacArthur says the following, "God challenged Job to answer all the questions He had posed. God already knew the answer, but Job needed to admit His weakness, inferiority, and inability to try to figure out God's infinite mind. God's wisdom was so superior, His sovereign control of everything so complete, that this was all Job needed to know."

I believe that Job questioned God, just as we question God today. Pride gets the best of our flesh and all of a sudden we are putting God in a box, expecting Him to come through exactly the way we think He should. When will we fully comprehend that He is all-powerful? That yes, by the will of God He became flesh and walked among us in the person of Jesus. But that He is also fully God. Fully God.

In Job 40:8, the Lord speaks some of the most challenging and convicting words in this whole passage: "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"

Ouch.

At times I find myself debating His Word to justify my own actions and opinions. Ultimately condemning Him in effort to satisfy my own comfort and enjoyment.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a wake-up call. Sometimes I need to be put in my place. Reminding me of the God I serve. He is larger than life itself, and so often I am guilty, as Job was, of demeaning Him to my level. How arrogant and foolish.

Oh Lord, please forgive me. Forgive me for placing such high regard on my own life. On my own desires. May I see You, Father, for who You really are. Just as Job did ...

"I am unworthy - how can I reply to you? ... I know You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted ... My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 40:4, 42:2, 5-6).

Humbled.

By Your Majesty.