Tumalo State Park, Tumalo, OR

2 Corinthians 4:4

They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Did you know that humans have hardwired into their brain matter a desire to worship something? Gary Wenk, Ph.D. states in Psychology Today, “Anthropologists estimate that at least 18,000 different gods, goddesses, and various animals or objects have been worshipped by humans since our species first appeared. Today, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of the global population considers themselves religious or spiritual in some form.” Even self-professed atheists or agnostics end up worshiping something whether it is money, possessions, or Hollywood stars.

Time and time again, I am asked, “How can you waste so much time following this mythical Jesus? Stop playing with invisible friends.” I find it surprising that intelligent people don’t understand the difference between a real person and a mythological person. There is no historical proof that mythological gods and goddesses were real people. No real Zeus. No real Odin. No real Ishtar. No real Ra. No real Apollo. But on the other hand, there are between 25-30 non-Biblical histories of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Historian James Dunn writes: “Today nearly all historians, whether Christians or not, accept that Jesus existed.” Therefore, Jesus can’t be classified as mythological.

Psychologists also confirm that invisible or imaginary friends are creations of the imagination and not based on a real person. If I was to chat with my late mother, you wouldn’t accuse me of having a conversation with an invisible friend. My mother was a real person and she is just simply out of sight at this moment. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God the Father, but that doesn’t make Him any less real than my mother. So again, Jesus doesn’t fit the description of an imaginary friend.

So, I can’t be offended by their questions, because it shows their lack of knowledge and understanding. Of all the 18,000 different options, I am worshiping the only One that was fully man while on the earth, died, rose again, lives today, and promises to return. They can’t see the Truth, because they don’t believe in the Truth. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

If anything, I’m sad for them. They are missing out on the true fullness of life! They are the ones reaching out for 17,999 other things in fruitless worship. They are lashing out like a drowning man that simply needs to put his feet down and stand up in a foot of water. The solution is so simple, and just inches away. So, I pray.

Heavenly Father, I lift my blind friends to you. May the scales fall from their eyes just like when You transformed Saul to Paul. I want them to be able to feel your deep love for them!

In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen!

I know my job is to fling the seed of the Good News as far as I can throw! Fling, but not shove it in faces. It’s not my job to pry eyes open! Meanwhile, I need to keep living a life that reflects the love of Jesus. Because of my belief, I can hear, see, and feel Jesus thanks to the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus left the earth, He told His disciples about the Holy Spirit. John 14: 16-20, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you. 18 When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me, just as I am in you.”

If you are tired of searching and you are ready to have your eyes opened by the Truth then please pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to have a personal relationship with You. I know I am a sinner and I believe You died on the cross for my sins. I turn from those sins and put my faith in You right now to be my Lord and Savior, my God and Friend. Thank You for hearing this prayer.

I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! Please reach out to me, I’d love to come along side of you – you have so much to see!!