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Blind To Self: Devotional for Personal Growth

R. I. Hope

Published by Media Battles, 2016.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

BLIND TO SELF: DEVOTIONAL FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

First edition. March 21, 2016.

ISBN: 978-1524293130

Written by R. I. Hope.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Honest to All Men *

“You can trust me.” But when his faith got tested and the storm hit, he was the first to abandon his post and run for shelter. Faith should be more than having the right Christian outfit. In fact, it may not have anything to do with the outfit you wear, but is a matter of the heart. Are we living an exemplary life on the outside, but are we singing a different tune in the well-hidden, secret corners of our hearts? The world notices it too. The world is all too happy to point out that faith in God does not seem to help all that much and is not necessary. Of course, people who think that way don’t realize that throwing the baby away with the bathwater is a serious mistake. Just because Christians fall sometimes does not mean that faith in God is useless and that God is not there. But our sample can help and is important.

As believers in God, we do have a responsibility to let our light shine, even though we are far from perfect and need a lot of grace. In her book, “Floods on Dry Grounds,” missionary Eva Stuart writes about her experiences as a missionary in the Congo. She writes that at one time Christian believers were much admired, even among some of the fiercest enemies of the Gospel. Christians got the name, “Bakrustu ya kweli” which meant as much as “true believers,” or “people who cannot lie.” One such a Christian was once arrested. They accused him of having hid and assisted a dangerous criminal. They beat him and finally brought him before the leader of town.

“No, Sir. I did not,” the accused answered. The leader turned to his soldiers and shouted with angry eyes, “You are all wrong. You should have been much more careful. This man is a Bakrustu ya kweli. They cannot lie, but always speak the truth.” Such a story makes us think. Are we Bakrustu ya kweli as well? There’s no way we can reach perfection, nor should we try to reach it through our own works. For us though, as children of God, honesty and integrity should be more than mere words. A Christian should be known for his integrity. It does not glorify the Kingdom if people find out that the truth doesn’t mean all that much to you. When they know you don’t mind to bend the truth a bit when it is more convenient, they will not be eager to reward you with their trust. Dishonesty casts a shadow over all the good you are trying to do. Someone once said that the punishment of a liar is that people won’t believe him, even when he speaks the truth. If a witness in a court case lies, the judge will remove the witness altogether, even though most of what the witness had to say was important. We are not called upon to testify in a courtroom, but we are testifying daily to the people around us. Many eyes are monitoring our words and deeds and are looking to us to see if we do have answers in this confusing world. People’s trust is a precious thing. It usually takes a lot of effort to gain it, but it will be easily shattered. Jesus was clear when He said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” And what to think of

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Love the truth. Seek honesty even though it may hurt. You will be happy tomorrow you were honest today. *Romans 12:17 *John 7:24 *Galatians 6:7

Stronger

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” I don’t think that’s true. If you have been through the place where death was poised to claim you, physically, mentally, or emotionally, you will be weak on the other side. But that is best because when I am weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). In weakness, He holds me and if He did not I could not make it on my own. He’s never failed me and now I find the more I need Him the more I love Him. The more I love Him the closer I feel Him to me. This is the way we are made and if we are too prideful to admit we are needy, we risk walking alone and lonely. If you hold tightly to the Master’s hand you will never walk alone and you’ll never be as strong as you are in weakness. No human strength can compare to His power and love and might. In His power, there lies forgiveness, mercy, love, and grace. He can easily walk away from us and lose not one ounce of strength, yet when we walk away from Him, we’ve lost it all. He’s all that matters, He’s all we need; if we have Him, we have everything, if we do not, we have nothing, and we must remember those who don’t believe, will be forever lost when their time on earth is done. We can afford to have compassion for those who are perishing because, they cannot see the glory and majesty of His life-giving love and some never will. Yet God holds the gate a few more minutes to wait for the last one who will come. If we truly understand what eternity is about we would weep forever for those who are lost. We are them, only the light has been turned on for us and if not for that we have no hope as well. If we have no hope, we have no safety, security, or serenity. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see the glorious light of the Savior who died for me. How can I be selfish and self-righteous when, there for the grace of the Lord go I? If no one reaches a hand to pull those in mortal danger to safety, who will save them? He surely doesn’t need us, but the lost need a flesh and blood hand reaching out to love the unlovable, to reach the unreachable, to lay down their rights to belittle and denigrate those who hate us for the sake of the gospel. We carry the gospel within us; it’s the air we breathe; there is no life without it, yet with it we have abundant life with all the assurances of eternity just around the bend while others see only darkness up ahead, not knowing what it is, but afraid enough to act like it doesn’t matter, claiming they are not afraid. If Christ had not saved you, where would you be? Wade out into the masses on their way to Hell and give the message you have heard. He is able to save; He is willing to save; He is always near. Look to Heaven and find your strength to go out and save the world.

KILLER OF THE INFANT

Abortion has been a topic that has stirred passionate responses from antiquity. While this is a medical process, the procedure often combines the ending of life with severe brutality- for both the unborn and the mother. While technology has made the procedure quicker in the modern era, the methods are frighteningly similar to those used in more ancient periods. One of the most renowned Church Fathers was Tertullian, living around 200 AD. Abortion and infanticide were practices the ancient world knew well and he spoke strongly against them. He said: “Among surgeons’ tools there is a certain instrument that is designed with a nicely-adjusted flexible frame for first of all opening the uterus and then keeping it open. It also has a circular blade, by which the limbs within the womb are dissected with careful, but unflinching care. Then a copper spike is driven into the unborn to take its life. From this infanticide method, some gave it the name, ‘Killer of the Infant’.” Tertullian, in another article, writes: “Are you to dissolve the conception by aid of drugs? I believe it is no more lawful [and right] to hurt a child in the process of birth than to hurt one who is already born. The process of separating one life from another, a child from its parent, is never a reason to rejoice and is usually barbaric. Regardless of the empty rhetoric, which surrounds the issue of abortion, there is life that is being destroyed. While modern science and ethics debate over issues of emergent life and personhood, embryos and fetuses are being destroyed. The developing life that is within the womb is being overlooked by battles over principles and doctrine. Life, in its earliest stages, hangs in the balance of academic debate, political rhetoric, and medical disputes. The most fragile and vulnerable of all life is relegated to being the means to the ends of our leaders. The intrinsic humanity that is present as soon as the spark of life ignites is obscured and reduced to statesmen fodder. Life has an intrinsic dignity, an inestimable worth and value, that is being forgotten or ignored by our leaders. Those who would not value this dignity, whether politician and medical professional, is truly the “Killer of the infant”. When politicians want to change these core doctrines of the Christian Churches, they are advocating the “Killer of the infant”. When a politician would exchange the precious life of the unborn for votes, she is acting for the “Killer of the infant”. When a politician offers false empowerment and promises using the life of the unborn to trade upon, she is acting for the “Killer of the infant”. When a politician promotes an agenda of global wellness and health, but advocates for abortion she is being the hypocritical voice of the “Killer of the infant”. The question before us: Do we look to the “Killer of the infant” or to the source of eternal life, Jesus?

Nature Prescriptions

Sitting under the open sky, I marvel at the changes that occur in its coloring and cloud formations. The blue sky is a canvas for the birds in flight. They fly in symmetry, flapping their wings, and soaring rhythmically in the air. Playfully, the birds frolic in contentment as they thrive in what God so generously provides. Ah! What captivating beauty on display. I embrace the pleasure of the views. There come moments that teach me as I watch and breathe in the awe of creation. One morning, I noticed that a dirty cup was floating in the water where ducks were swimming. They nonchalantly swam by the cup as if they didn’t even notice it. Right after, two birds flew over the dirty cup—unbothered by its presence.

God used those observances to reinforce to me that the “dirty cups” in my life shouldn’t cause me to forsake the rhythm of my journey. Truly, I sat there in appreciation for that deeply meaningful lesson learned from ducks and birds—they didn’t miss a beat at the sight of the dirty cup in the water.

How often do we allow ourselves to become distracted and detoured by “dirty cup” circumstances? The birds flap their wings, fly and soar in the midst of whatever. They continue in their rhythm, regardless of occurrences. The ducks swim anyhow. The water vibrates below the splendor of the sky designs. Yes, the liquid vibrates with its currents of beauty in constant flow. Its movements are soothing in tranquility. Ripples appear and bubbles surface. Turtles swim in the gift of water; they are a delight to observe. The animals harmoniously share in the water pulsations. They co-exist in the elements—water, air, fire and earth—given by God, Most High. All of creation is in sync with the universe. Recently, I became overly concerned about a matter. God spoke to me and asked, “Does the sun still shine? Does the rain still fall? Do the birds still sing?” My response was yes. I got the point, and that is—to be overly concerned isn’t a worthwhile indulgence. Certainly, God can be trusted, and to fret is an insult to our Most High Creator. Two recent articles hold deep meaning for me. One is a June 3, 2015, online BBC News article, “Viewpoint: How life in a caravan set us free” in which it’s expressed that kids are becoming nature deficient. The other is a May 28, 2015, Washington Post article that I read online titled, “D.C. doctor’s Rx: A stroll in the park instead of a trip to the pharmacy,” about pediatrician Dr. Robert Zarr who prescribes time outdoors. Dr. Zarr even developed, for people to access, an online database that lists the parks in the D.C. area. I love what he’s doing relative to writing outdoor “prescriptions.” In the subject article, two of his child patients and their father expressed about pleasures and helpful gains they’ve obtained by doing as Dr. Zarr prescribed for them. Years ago kids and adults spent more recreational time under the open sky. It’s sure beneficial to do so. Sun provides vitamin D, which is healthy for us in more than a few ways. In addition, outdoor exercises add to our well-being. Capturing breezes, observing and engaging with animals, enjoying water flows—all are spirit, mind, body and heart healthy. Prior to reading about Dr. Zarr, I’d started, at least twice a week, before I begin my daily tasks, weather permitting, spending about an hour basking in the profits of nature. Thank You, God! Regular connection with creation is certainly a plus. I highly recommend it. Usually, I indulge early in the mornings when, typically, surroundings are quiet without the heightened people noise, mowing of lawns, heavy traffic sounds, trash collections and the like. Nature engagements are sweet, therapeutic, and peaceful. Serenity is one of many precious gifts from our Creator. Deep appreciation extends that so much wonder is shared with us. Love is resident in the many signs of beauty displayed in the spaces we’re blessed to occupy.

There is no greater energy field than love. Bountiful good is “captured” in its awareness. On a recent morning in my nature enjoyment mode, I stood on the bank of the water’s edge. My arms raised and outstretched upward in love, adoration, and gratitude for our awesome and amazing Creator, Most High. Yes, arms lifted in gratitude and earnest reverence. Thank You, God for your never ending love and magnificence!

Before Me.

Grain Resisters

Oh, the plights of whistleblowers. Yes, indeed, they go against the grain in their actions. The motives for blowing whistles vary with reasons that range from selfish, vengeful, courageous, honorable and loving. Disgruntled employees are in the mix of whistleblowers as are folks who are genuinely grieved by what set them on courses to expose destructive and criminal activities. Below are two famous examples of whistleblowers. Karen Silkwood was a chemical technician and labor union activist. She worked for Kerr-McGee. Karen reported and testified about concerns relative to unsafe conditions in her workplace. In route to meet a journalist and a union official—mysteriously, Karen was killed in a car accident. A 1983 Academy Award nominated film, Silkwood, was made about her case. Did Karen lose her life for being a grain resister—a woman who refused to be silent upon discovery of vitally unsafe conditions in her workplace? It’s highly likely that that’s precisely what occurred. Marie Ragghianti, chairwoman of Tennessee’s Board of Pardons and Paroles was instrumental in the conviction of Governor Ray Blanton. He had fired her when she refused to go along with selling pardons to prisoners. Marie was responsible for the feds investigating Blanton; he was convicted and incarcerated. A 1985 movie, Marie, was made about her and the subject Tennessee corruption case. Salutes to Marie for going against the grain to expose injustices—she is on record as another noble grain resister. I have a friend, a dear Christian woman who became a whistleblower twice. In her first case, after a prolonged ordeal, she won her case and was financially compensated. In her second case, she didn’t win her case—legally. But she won BOTH cases spiritually because she’s a faithful child of GodWhistleblower Protection Actgood

Table of Contents

Honest to All Men *

Stronger

KILLER OF THE INFANT

Nature Prescriptions

Before Me.

Grain Resisters