Since before the world was made, God has known you and loved you. He has never taken His eyes away or ignored you. If you were to write down all the blessings and victories He’s provided, they would prove He has called you, saved you, and has been guiding and helping you every day of your life. You might say, it doesn’t seem like it, but remember, many times we made decisions that were not a part of His plan. It’s common to be filled with a mixture of emotions. Worry, stress, sadness, and anxiety are everywhere, but just because there is a tornado of events going on around us does not mean we have to allow them to control us. Our minds are like sponges that absorb the constant sights and sounds of our chaotic world, but remember we are called to be guardians of what we think about. It’s in the quiet secret place of God’s presence that fills us with His hope, peace, and contentment.

I listened this weekend as the television announcers declared that presidential candidate Donald Trump was landing his 747 in Mobile, Ala. They said the city’s name as if it was a Mo-BUL phone, or a Mo-BUL blood drive unit or a Mo-BUL military detachment.

The common thread of Christianity pertaining to the understanding of the Bible is that everyone who declares by faith to be born again has free access to the Holy Spirit to help them discern what it means. At the same time, we must also consider that, with human free will, each individual has the opportunity to form their own opinions. It’s common and normal for Christians to have the confidence to voice their own interpretations, even if it’s rejected by their fellow brothers and sisters. Yes, the majority immediately condemns biblical and spiritual views that do not line up with mainstream theology as the errors of a novice or, even worse, a heretic. Multiply this among the billions of believers, and we have what is known as a divided, confused, and hostile world of religiosity.

I was sitting with my arm outstretched, purposely not looking at the needle which was drawing blood from the artery in the crook of my elbow. Since my childhood days, I’ve found a spot on the ceiling in whatever doctor’s office I found myself, and I have stared at that spot, daring myself to give in or fall apart. When the phlebotomist finished taking two small vials of blood, I admitted that I felt brave and strong. So I casually asked, “What are the benefits to giving blood?” She resisted saying, “Duh,” and answered in a chipper tone, “Well, you could save somebody’s life.”