IS YOUR NEGATIVE THINKING RUINING YOUR LIFE?

Are you secretly ruining your relationships with negative thinking? You may never realize it, but at times, you may just be a negative thinker.

It’s never easy to know if you’re a negative thinker.

At times, even the most logical of people could secretly be dwelling on negative thoughts.

Negative thinking starts off as an explanation to unexplainable circumstances in your life.

And as time passes by, it turns into a way of life.

How negative thinking enters your life

The negative thoughts start to creep into our mind when we’re feeling down or low on confidence.

You’re upset that your colleague got a promotion that you didn’t.

Or you got dumped even when you were trying to be the best partner in the world.

And the worst part, you have no idea why you’re the one who has to suffer through a bad life while everyone else seem to be having the time of their life.

If you’re an active facebook user with hundreds of friends online, you’re bound to see a lot of happy pictures and vacation snapshots all the time.

It sucks, doesn’t it? You’re cooped at home all day while your friends update every minute of their active, fun lives. Everyone’s so much happier than you!

And right about there, you start to make up excuses and explanations for the boredom and misery in your life.

Instead of realizing that half your online friends only share these smiley-faced pictures and hourly updates with the whole world only to feel better about themselves and their empty lives, you assume that you’re the sad one who’s got nothing to be happy about.

Negative thinking can be the biggest hindrance in your life and your endeavors. And unless you keep a check on it, you may end up feeling like a failure all your life.

How to stop thinking negative

Don’t live in denial. If you’ve ever felt like you’re a negative thinker, try to remove the negativity by analyzing the situation better. Life doesn’t always come with easy explanations. [Confession: I don't know what to do with my life]

If you want to stop thinking negative, here are 10 common circumstances of negativity and ways to overcome them. Consider these scenarios and ask yourself how you’d behave when you experience them.

And if you feel like you’re a negative thinker, do something about it.

#1 You always presume the worst. Your friends forget to call you when they’re meeting up, you think they’re avoiding you. Your friends forget your birthday, you think they hate you. A friend drives past you without waving a hello because they didn’t see you, and you think they’re ignoring you.

Some of us always presume the worst possible explanations for everything. Perhaps, at times your thoughts are accurate, but not all the time. If you ever feel bad about something, subtly bring up the nagging thought and talk about it with the concerned person. Making assumptions will never help you.

#2 You never think from another person’s perspective. You think someone’s treating you badly. Or you think your lover doesn’t love you enough. Or you think your boss doesn’t appreciate your work as much as your colleague’s work. Instead of whining about what you aren’t getting, put yourself in their shoes and try to understand why they behave the way they do.

Can you see their side of the story to understand their motive? Perhaps, you have a few flaws that you don’t realize yet. Always think from the other person’s perspective and you’ll become a better person over time.

#3 You think the world is unfair to you. You get the worst deals in life. You think you’re the victim. Do you ever feel like no matter what you do or how hard you try, you can never succeed in your endeavors? Mark Zuckerberg’s so damn rich and everything’s so easy for him, isn’t it? Why can’t you be the one with all the smart ideas?

Life isn’t easy. But life’s fair to the ones who are passionate about it. If you truly believe you’re better than everyone else, you’ll get where you want to go someday. But at the same time, perhaps there’s a small chance that you’re not as good as you think you are. Stop playing the part of the victim and go out there and pursue your dream.

#4 You feel like you can’t depend on anyone. Are you one of those people who doubt everyone? If you feel like you can’t depend on anyone, you’re a perfectionist. Or you’re someone others shouldn’t trust. Sometimes, the way we approach life affects the way we look at others. If you think you can’t be trusted, chances are, you won’t learn to trust others too.

In life, you need to trust a few people and learn to depend on them. It helps you believe in people that matter, and at the same time, it removes doubt and negativity from your life.

#5 You expect too much from everyone. You may not realize this, but you may think the world revolves around you, and you feel dejected when others don’t treat you the way you want them to treat you. Do you expect others to help you out when you’re in a mess all the time? If you constantly depend on people for all your successes, you’re bound to feel negative when people don’t go out of their way to help you.

Your mom and dad may always be there to give you the support you need. But the world doesn’t care. Learn to stand up on your own feet and build your own successes.

#6 You can’t accept failure. If you can’t do something or achieve your goal, it’s too tough. And if anyone else does it, they got lucky. Have you ever felt this way? You’re not alone. The world is filled with people who can’t accept it when their friends become more successful. Avoid bringing luck into the equation of life, or you’ll always find yourself thinking negative about everyone who accomplishes something you don’t.

#7 You only have bad memories. You keep count of all the negative things that happen to you. But you never remember the good things in your life. Life is full of bittersweet moments. But if you find yourself surrounded by negative thoughts and the bad moments of life, you’ll find yourself enveloped in gloom and sadness. Try to look at the bright side of things and enjoy the little moments of happiness that come your way all the time.

#8 Negativity is contagious. If you feel negative around people, they’ll feel negative and stressed around you too. Happy people will start to avoid you. And you’ll start to attract people who feel just like you, negative.

Do you feel like only your friends understand how depressing and unfair life is? Chances are, you’re already surrounded by negative people. 

#9 Your friends laugh at you. You think your friends are laughing at you, never with you. Do you feel like your friends are sniggering behind your back? If it’s true, perhaps you need new friends. But if it’s just negative paranoia, stop that. The world may be mean, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s out there to poke fun at you or treat you badly. Perhaps, you’re just trying to look for something bad all the time to convince yourself of how bad the world is to you.

#10 You’re secretly very competitive. Do you behave like a best friend to everyone around, but deep inside, all you do is plot ways to get better than them? Healthy competition is great. But secretive overzealous plotting never is.

Do you get annoyed if a friend buys a new car or a house? Do you try everything possible to buy the same thing just so you can feel even? If you constantly feel the need to compete with someone and become better than them just to feel happy about yourself, you’re living in a shallow world that’ll always leave you negative, annoyed and constantly wanting more. Compete with yourself and tomorrow, try to become a better person than you are today. It’ll help you achieve your goals in your own terms. Otherwise, you’ll never cherish anything you have because you’re constantly peeping over your neighbor’s fence.

These 10 negative thinking traits may seem trivial at first. But consider these questions deeply and ask yourself truthfully, just how much negative thinking have you been doing lately?

WHO IS THE DEVIL?

The Bible calls him “the god of this world.” But where did he come from? Did God create him as he is? Is he afallen spirit? Here are the answers from God’s Word!

The devil has been a subject of intense interest for thousands of years. He has been pictured as a ghost, a bogeyman, and a spook. Or as a “devilishly” handsome man in a red suit, with horns and a pitchfork. He has even been portrayed as the nebulous “epitome of all evil.” Or the cause of everything bad that people do. Most are probably familiar with the expression “the devil made me do it.” While these ideas are common, they are all WRONG! Even when merged together, they terribly misrepresent this great fallen spirit!

Many professing Christians speak long, loud messages about “that bad old devil.” The more emotional groups conduct tent meetings, campaigns, rallies and crusades where people are told, “We’re gonna lay that devil down tonight.” Large numbers leave these meetings completely convinced that they have done this.

They are wrong! They have achieved nothing more than a temporary feeling of self-satisfaction. Unfortunately, the devil also leaves these meetings feeling even more satisfied with what he has just witnessed—and caused!

Few know the TRUTH about who and what the devil is. This booklet will strip away the mystery, confusion, ignorance, myth, superstition and misconceptions shrouding the truth about his identity and origin.

Growing Fascination with the Devil

One can scarcely turn around without hearing and seeing references to the devil or demons. Pause for a moment and think about how often this happens.

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Turn on the television. Go to the movies. Visit a bookstore. How often is the subject of the devil, demons, angels or the spirit world in general spoken or written about? Whole television series are dedicated to these subjects, with more appearing all the time. Movies have focused on the devil for many years. But now they come more often—and are more odd, bizarre, strange, macabre and frightening than ever before!

Consider the “Harry Potter” phenomenon. Some authors write almost exclusively about the spirit world, often mixing a false understanding of prophecy into the plot line—and legions of fans purchase their every book.

Satanism and witchcraft are practiced moreopenly now than ever before!

Millions spend vast sums on psychic hotlines, palm readers, astrologers, crystal ball gazers, witches, wizards, channelers and a host of other mediums, to find out what the future has in store for them.

The devil sells—and people are buying as never before!

Unnecessary Confusion

The apostle Paul wrote, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (I Cor. 14:33). While widespread CONFUSION surrounds the devil’s identity, you need not be confused!

The Bible is the foundation of all knowledge. You will often hear us say, “Blow the dust off your Bible! Examine it carefully and see the real truth that has always been on its pages. Don’t believe something just because we say it, but rather believe it if you see it proven in your Bible.”

The Bible contains the answers to all of life’s biggest questions! The PLAIN TRUTH of its instruction is not taught in this world’s churches. From as early as “Sunday school,” most are taught to believe what everyone assumes is in God’s Word. What it has to say about the origin of Satan the devil will surprise you. We must let the Bible reveal him for what he is.

Paul also wrote, “PROVE all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thes. 5:21), and “PROVE what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

We will examine the verses that explain Satan’s origin and who he is. To do this, we must abandon man’s ideas and only accept what can be proven from the Bible!

Where Did Satan Come From?

The devil is alive and real. The Bible calls him the “god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4). Revelation 12:9 states that he “deceives the whole world.” This certainly includes the truth about his identity. But has he always been the devil? Has he always been the evil, murderous, lying, destructive prince of darkness? Was he createdthis way?

He was not!

These questions require explanation. What you will study will help you see the whole picture. The Bible describes Satan in many scriptures. This booklet primarily examines the verses explaining the devil’s origin. (Our longer booklet,A World in Captivity, discusses the many scriptures describing his role, strategy and devices. Read this companion booklet to understand the overall nature of how the devil works.)

God originally created three archangels: Lucifer (who became Satan), Michael and Gabriel. Each ruled one-third of hundreds of millions of angels (Rev. 5:11). Lucifer ruled the pre-Adamic world with his third. He, along with his angels, rebelled against the government of God, and today he leads these now fallen angels, or demons, as the god of this world.

Genesis 1

Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” This scripture sets the stage for our study.

The book of Job best describes the time when God created the earth, billions of years ago. God asked Job a series of questions: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who has laid the measures thereof, if you know? Or who has stretched the line upon it?…When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (38:4-5, 7).

These “stars” were angels (Rev. 12:4), also described as “sons of God.” (Of course, literal stars do not sing.) Notice that it says “all” of them “shouted” and “sang together.” There were not yet demons at the time of creation inGenesis 1:1.

This scripture shows that the earth was created in a wonderful and beautiful condition. There was great joy and singing. Now read Genesis 1:2.

This verse is mistranslated and does not reflect the meaning of the original Hebrew. The King James Version of the Bible says, “And the earthwas without form, and void.” Three key Hebrew words are all mistranslated here, thus obscuring, and actually hiding, the verse’s true meaning.

The word translated “was” is hayah. In Genesis 2:7, this word is correctly translated “became,” and in Genesis 9:15, “become.”

The words for “without form, and void” are tohuand bohu. Correctly translated, they mean “chaotic, in confusion, waste and empty.” In short, a perfectly created earth (vs. 1), “became chaotic and confused” (vs. 2). Tohu and bohu are translated identically in Jeremiah 4:23. Isaiah 34:11, among other places, translates this phrase as “confusion and emptiness.”

Notice Isaiah 45:18, which clarifies how God didnot create the earth: “For thus says the LORD that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He has established it, He created it not in vain [tohu meaning chaotic or waste], He formed it to be inhabited.” It is clear that the earth became chaotic after God had created it—between the events described inGenesis 1:1 and 1:2. The latter verse describes the RE-creation of the earth 6,000 years ago, andverse 1 describes the original creation of the entire universe that, according to scientists, occurred as many as 17 billion years ago.

Psalm 104:30 says that God “renews the face of the earth.” The seven days of the creation week are when God renewed a damaged, injured earth, then completely covered with water (Gen. 1:2). We will see that this was caused by the devil.Acts 3:19-21 reveals that only the Return of Christ will bring the “restitution [the restoring] of all things.”

So we know what happened. But how did it happen? How did the earth go from being beautiful and perfect at creation to chaotic, confused, waste and empty? Since God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), we know that He did not destroy the earth. Then who orwhat caused this?

Isaiah 14

The Bible reveals many important facts about a subject if one reads all of the scriptures that pertain to it. With this in mind, let’s read about Lucifer after he had become Satan.

Isaiah 14:12-15 tells a remarkable story containing many clues about where Lucifer was once located, what he did and what happened to him. Read carefully, noticing the emphasized key phrases: “How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High. Yet you shall be brought down to hell [the “grave”—verses 9 and 11], to the sides of the pit.”

The one called “Lucifer” could not possibly be a man. The things he did are impossible for any human being to do. Only the devil “weakens the nations” and could have said he would “ascend into heaven.” Certainly no man could be “cut down to the ground” in the way described here. Finally, no man has a throne that could be put above the “stars of heaven.”

GOD lives in the north part of the heavens or the “sides of the north.” Job sheds light on Lucifer’s attempt to overthrow God there: “He [God] stretched out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth upon nothing” (26:7). The “empty place” in the “north” coincides with what astronomers have noticed is a significant and strange lack of stars in that direction. No doubt, Satan attacked God in that direction when he sought to ascend from his own throne to take over God’s throne in the “sides of the north.” This is what the Bible reveals!

Ezekiel 28

Ezekiel 28:12-17 parallels and reinforces Isaiah 14, and is equally important for study. This account describes one who some “scholars” claim was a human “king of Tyrus.” Careful reading shows this is impossible—and ridiculous.

This verse speaks of one who “seals up the sum, full of wisdom, perfect in beauty,” who had also “been in Eden the garden of God.” No human has ever been perfect, and it was the devil—the serpent—who beguiled Eve in the Garden. Verse 13 states, “you were created,” and Satan is a created being. Verse 14 calls him “the cherub that covers.” (Exodus 25:17-20 describes the remaining two faithful “cherubs that cover[ed]” God’s throne in the Old Testament tabernacle. Their wings cover the “mercy seat.”) No earthly king fits this description.

The latter part of Ezekiel 28:14 says that this “king” was “in the mountain of God” and “walked…in the midst of the stones of fire.” This describes the area around God’s throne. Verse 15 declares, “iniquity [lawlessness] was found in you” and verse 16 refers to it as “sin.”

Verse 16 also describes this cherub as having been “cast…out of” heaven. God also said He would “destroy” (Hebrew: expel) Lucifer from heaven. Verse 17 reveals that his “heart was lifted up because of [his] beauty” and that his wisdom was “corrupted…by reason of [his] brightness.” The verse ends with God “casting him down to the ground,” where the kings of the earth would “behold him.”

Lucifer was a brilliant being—an “angel of light,” as are “his ministers” (II Cor. 11:13-15). The word Lucifer means “the light bringer.” This once perfect being originally brought brilliant light to all that were around him. But he rebelled and sinned—thus becoming the “prince of darkness.” His rebellion turned him into a twisted, perverted being. While of great intelligence, he has literally become an insane fallen angel, no longer knowing right from wrong!

The Beast and False Prophet

Some additional understanding concerning certain vital, unfulfilled prophecies is necessary before continuing with what happened to Satan when he was cast to earth.

Two individuals, known as “the beast and the false prophet,” will lead the final, powerful religious-governmental system depicted inRevelation 17 and 18, which Christ smashes and replaces at His Return. Revelation 16:13-14describes demons as having the power to “work miracles” through this system. The beast, as the embodiment of this system, will be a great, world-dominating figure.

Also, the false prophet will lead the world to worship the beast as God (Rev. 16:2; 19:20)! This deception will be so widespread (18:3)—so complete—that they will actually deceive all mankind into fighting Christ at His Second Coming (16:9, 13-16; 17:13-14)!

Now notice II Thessalonians 2:3-4 and 8. Verse 3 refers to one called “the man of sin” and “the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” The false prophet also professes that he is God.

Compare this with Ezekiel 28:2 and the reference to the “prince of Tyrus”—a man. Ezekiel wrote that this “prince” says, “I am a God, I sit in the seat of God.” II Thessalonians 2:8describes this “man of sin” as the “wicked [one]” who would “be revealed” for what he is when Christ returns and destroys him with the beast in a lake of fire (Rev. 19:20). Isaiah 14:4 refers to the false prophet as the “king of Babylon.” This is the same man as the “prince of Tyrus.”

Continuing in II Thessalonians 2, verse 9 makes a startling statement about the false prophet. It says that his “coming is after the working ofSatan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” Verse 10 shows that he is able to deceive everyone who does not “love the truth.”Verse 11 reveals that God shall send “strong delusion” to all who willingly believe his lies.

The leaders of this great false system will be directly possessed by the devil! This will give the false prophet tremendous power to deceive and perform miracles. Satan, having always wanted to replace God with himself, will speak through this human religious leader and declare to the whole world that he is, in fact, GOD! This Bible warning is unmistakable. The miracles he performs will deceive the vast majority of people!

Will you be deceived when these events soon come to pass—as they surely will? (Read our booklet Who or What Is the Beast of Revelation? to learn more about this final world leader.)

Cast to Earth with All His Angels

Revelation 12 tells of Satan and his demons being “cast to this earth” (vs. 13). Actually, this chapter is an inset in the middle of the book of Revelation, and it is a brief synopsis of the entirety of New Testament Church history.

Verse 3 describes Satan as a “dragon” who “drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth” (vs. 4). Recall that these “stars” were the one-third of all angels under Lucifer before he rebelled.

II Peter 2:4 offers another clue about this “casting down” of Satan and the angels that he “drew with” him. Notice: “God spared not theangels that sinned [Satan was not the only angel who sinned], but cast them down to hell.” (The Greek word here is tartaros and it means either “prison” or “place of restraint”—this is the earth itself.) These demons with Satan have been “reserved unto judgment,” having been “delivered…into chains of darkness.” This reveals that many other fallen spirits are delivered to this dark prison by God to join the “prince of darkness.”

Revelation 12:7-9 describes, in more detail,when Satan and his demons are cast to the earth for the last time with no further access to heaven. Verses 12-14 show that the devil’s response is great wrath. This terrible time lies just ahead for the whole world!

Satan’s Fate

But what happens to the devil after Christ’s Return? Will he be left free to roam the earth, continuing to “deceive” (Rev. 12:9) and “weaken” (Isa. 14:12) the nations? Will he be allowed to remain the “god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4) forever? What is his final fate?

Revelation 20 describes Christ setting up a 1,000-year millennial rule (vs. 4) and bringing the “last chapter” in Satan’s story. Verse 2 states that a mighty angel (vs. 1) actually binds him “a thousand years” by “casting him into the bottomless pit,” where he is “shut…up.” This angel then “set[s] a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

Paul mentioned the time of Satan being bound when he said, “the God of peace shall bruiseSatan under your feet shortly” (Rom. 16:20). This is God’s promise to all true Christians and all mankind, because Satan has persecuted the former and deceived the latter for thousands of years!

The apostle Jude stated that Satan and his demons will be cast out of the universe into a place where the Bible explains there is no light.Verse 13 describes these wretched beings as “wandering stars to whom is reserved theblackness of darkness forever.” The “prince of darkness” and his angels will get what they deserve—what they brought on themselves. The one who was once known as the “light bringer” chose darkness. God will give him complete darkness for the rest of time!

Your Great Potential

Hebrews 2:5 describes the earth under the “subjection of [true] angels” now, but makes clear that these angels will not continue to rule “the world to come.”

Additional verses in this chapter explain what will happen after the fallen angels governing this world are replaced: “What is man, that you are mindful of him?…You made him a little lower than [margin: inferior to] the angels; You crown him with glory and honor…You have put all thingsin subjection under his feet. For in that He put allin subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him” (vs. 6-8).

Speaking of Christ, verses 9-10 continue, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him…in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

Did you catch—grasp—what was said? These verses contain the promise of a staggering potential available to you and me. Christians are called to inherit “all things” and be “crowned with glory and honor,” offered to them by the calling of God and sacrifice of Christ—“the captain of their salvation.”

There is no mistaking what “all things” (vs. 8) will be excluded from this inheritance. (Read  What Is Your Reward in the Next Life?, What Is the Kingdom of God? and Just What Is Salvation?, among others, to learn more about the marvelous potential that awaits all of God’s true saints.)

In Matthew 4:9, Satan offered Christ rulership over “all things” if He would “fall down and worship him.” Christians are promised rulership over the same “all things”—but only on the condition that they worship the true God!

The Devil Revealed

Herbert W. Armstrong concluded his booklet Did God Create A Devil? with:

“God placed the great cherub, Lucifer, to carry out His government on the earth, but Lucifer refused to carry out God’s will, God’s commands, God’s government. He wanted to substitute his own. So he disqualified himself.

“Adam had the chance to supplant him. In the contest to see if Adam would conquer, if he would obey God, he failed. He obeyed the devil instead, and man became the property of the devil, and the whole human race has been sold down the river to the devil ever since.

“Jesus Christ came 4,000 years later and He entered the great contest—the contest of the temptation on the Mount. He REFUSED to obey the devil. He quoted scripture correctly. He obeyed God.

“Finally, He turned to the devil, and He gave Satan a command. He said, ‘Get away from me,’ and the devil obeyed!

“From that time on, the successor of Satan has been qualified to take over the rule of the earth. But Jesus went to heaven for 1900 years. He is soon coming again, and when He does, the devil will be DISPLACED. Christ will rule the earth, God’s Laws will be restored. Order and peace will come at last!

“So God did NOT create a devil. He created a cherub, Lucifer—perfect in his ways, but with the power of free choice—and Lucifer transformed himself into a devil by rebellion against the Government of God!”

THE TRUTH BEHIND ST. VALENTINE’S DAY

St. Valentine’s Day is the world’s “holiday of love.” Since the Bible states that God is love (I John 4:8, 16), does He approve of the celebration of this day? Does He want His people—true Christians—partaking of the candy and cards, or any customs associated with this day?

When God says He wants you to live life abundantly (John 10:10), does that include celebrating a festive, seemingly harmless holiday like Valentine’s Day? The God who gives us everything—life, food, drink, the ability to think for ourselves, etc.—surely approves of St. Valentine’s Day, the holiday for lovers to exchange gifts—right?

Do not be so certain. Do not assume anything. Do not even take this article’s word for it. Go to history books and encyclopedias. Go to the Bible. Then you will know the real truth behind St. Valentine’s Day. And you will know what God expects you to do about it!

Valentine’s Past

Like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, New Year’s and other holidays of this world, St. Valentine’s Day is another attempt to “whitewash” perverted customs and observances of pagan gods and idols by “Christianizing” them.

As innocent and harmless as St. Valentine’s Day may appear, its traditions and customs originate from two of the most sexually perverted pagan festivals of ancient history: Lupercalia and the feast day of Juno Februata.

Celebrated on February 15, Lupercalia (known as the “festival of sexual license”) was held by the ancient Romans in honor of Lupercus, god of fertility and husbandry, protector of herds and crops, and a mighty hunter—especially of wolves. The Romans believed that Lupercus would protect Rome from roving bands of wolves, which devoured livestock and people.

Assisted by Vestal Virgins, the Luperci (male priests) conducted purification rites by sacrificing goats and a dog in the Lupercal cave on Palatine Hill, where the Romans believed the twins Romulus and Remus had been sheltered and nursed by a she-wolf before they eventually founded Rome. Clothed in loincloths made from sacrificed goats and smeared in their blood, the Luperci would run about Rome, striking women with februa, thongs made from skins of the sacrificed goats. The Luperci believed that the floggings purified women and guaranteed their fertility and ease of childbirth. February derives from februa or “means of purification.”
[2/3, 5:25 PM] Wiza Design Emporium: To the Romans, February was also sacred to Juno Februata, the goddess of febris (“fever”) of love, and of women and marriage. On February 14, billets (small pieces of paper, each of which had the name of a teen-aged girl written on it) were put into a container. Teen-aged boys would then choose one billet at random. The boy and the girl whose name was drawn would become a “couple,” joining in erotic games at feasts and parties celebrated throughout Rome. After the festival, they would remain sexual partners for the rest of the year. This custom was observed in the Roman Empire for centuries.

Whitewashing Perversion

In A.D. 494, Pope Gelasius renamed the festival of Juno Februata as the “Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary.” The date of its observance was later changed from February 14 to February 2, then changed back to the 14. It is also known as Candlemas, the Presentation of the Lord, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin and the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

After Constantine had made the Roman church’s brand of Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire (A.D. 325), church leaders wanted to do away with the pagan festivals of the people. Lupercalia was high on their list. But the Roman citizens thought otherwise.

It was not until A.D. 496 that the church at Rome was able to do anything about Lupercalia. Powerless to get rid of it, Pope Gelasius instead changed it from February 15 to the 14th and called it St. Valentine’s Day. It was named after one of that church’s saints, who, in A.D. 270, was executed by the emperor for his beliefs.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in early martyrologies under the date of 14 February. One is described as a priest at Rome, another as bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), and these two seem both to have suffered in the second half of the third century and to have been buried on the Flaminian Way, but at different distances from the city…Of the third Saint Valentine, who suffered in Africa with a number of companions, nothing is further known.” Several biographies of different men named Valentine were merged into one “official” St. Valentine.

The church whitewashed Lupercalia even further. Instead of putting the names of girls into a box, the names of “saints” were drawn by both boys and girls. It was then each person’s duty to emulate the life of the saint whose name he or she had drawn. This was Rome’s vain attempt to “whitewash” a pagan observance by “Christianizing” it, which God has not given man the power or authority to do. Though the church at Rome had banned the sexual lottery, young men still practiced a much toned-down version, sending women whom they desired handwritten romantic messages containing St. Valentine’s name.

Over the centuries, St. Valentine’s Day cards became popular, especially by the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These cards were painted with pictures of Cupid and hearts, and meticulously decorated with lace, silk or flowers.

First Man Called Valentine

But who was the original Valentine? What does the name Valentine mean?

Valentine comes from the Latin Valentinus, which derives from valens—“to be strong, powerful, mighty.” The Bible describes a man with a similar title: “And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was amighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord” (Gen. 10:8-9). He was said to have hunted with bow and arrow.

As mentioned, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia to honor the hunter god Lupercus. To the Greeks, from whom the Romans had copied most of their mythology, Lupercus was known as Pan, the god of light. The Phoenicians worshipped the same deity as Baal, the sun god. Baal was one of many names or titles for Nimrod, a mighty hunter, especially of wolves. He was also the founder and first lord of Babel (Gen. 10:10-12). Defying God, Nimrod was the originator of the Babylonian Mystery Religion, whose mythologies have been copied by the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans and a multitude of other ancient peoples. Under different names or titles—Pan, Lupercus, Saturn, Osiris—Nimrod is the strong man and hunter-warrior god of the ancients.

But what does the heart symbol have to do with a day honoring Nimrod/Valentine?

The title Baal means “lord” or “master,” and is mentioned throughout the Bible as the god of pagans. God warned His people not to worship or even tolerate the ways of Baal (Nimrod). In ancient Chaldean (the language of the Babylonians), bal, which is similar to Baal, meant, “heart.” This is where the Valentine heart symbol originated.

Now notice the name Cupid. It comes from the Latin verb cupere, meaning “to desire.” Cupid was the son of Venus, Roman goddess of beauty and love. Also known as Eros in ancient Greece, he was the son of Aphrodite. According to myth, he was responsible for impregnating numerous goddesses and mortals. Cupid was a child-like archer (remember, Nimrod was a skilled archer). Mythology describes Cupid as having both a cruel and happy personality. He would use his invisible arrows, tipped with gold, to strike unsuspecting men and women, causing them to fall madly in love. He did not do this for their benefit, but to drive them crazy with intense passion, to make their lives miserable, and to laugh at the results.

Many of the gods of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Assyrians and others were modeled after one man—Nimrod.

But what does this have to do with us today? Why should we be concerned with what happened in the past?

What God Thinks

Read what God commands His people concerning pagan customs and traditions: “Learn not the way of the heathen…For the customs of the people are vain” (Jer. 10:2-3). Also notice Christ’s words in Matthew 15:9: “…in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Throughout the Bible, God describes “heathens” as those who worship things that He had created (animals, the sun, the moon, stars, trees, etc.), or man-made idols, or anything but the one true God. He calls such people and their practices pagan. True Christians understand that God hates any customs, practices and traditions that are rooted in paganism.

But just how serious is God about paganism?

When He rescued the twelve tribes of Israel from brutal slavery and led them out of Egypt, He commanded them, “After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein you dwelt, shall you not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, where I bring you, shall you not do: neither shall you walk in their ordinances” (Lev. 18:3). God demanded the Israelites not to defile themselves with the pagan practices and customs of surrounding nations (vs. 24-29). “Therefore shall you keep Mine ordinance, that you commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that you defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God” (vs. 30).

God cursed Egypt—a nation of nature-worshippers—with ten plagues and freed Israel from slavery. He rescued Israel from Pharaoh’s army by parting the Red Sea and leading His people to safety. He fed the Israelites manna—special bread made by God—from heaven. He protected them from battle-tested Gentile armies, delivered them into the Promised Land and drove out their enemies.

How did Israel treat God in return? “Our fathers understood not Your wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of Your mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red Sea…They soon forgot His works; they waited not for His counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert…They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Savior, which had done great things in Egypt; wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea…they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord …They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked Him to anger with their intentions” (Psa. 106:7,13-14, 19-22, 24-25, 28-29).

God explicitly commanded Israel to cast out and utterly destroy all nations that occupied the Promised Land (Canaan). Above all, His people were not to make political alliances with them or marry into their families (Deut. 7:1-3, 5, 16). “For they will turn away your sons from following Me, that they may serve other gods” (vs. 4).

But the Israelites thought they knew better than God. They decided to do things their own way. “They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils [demons], and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions” (Psa. 106:34-39).

To wake them up and get them back on track as the model nation He had originally intended, God gave Israel over to their enemies. Israel repented and cried out to God. God rescued them. With their bellies full and lives protected, the Israelites went back to pursuing other gods. God punished Israel again. Israel repented and cried out to God.

And so went the deliverance-idolatry-punishment-repentance cycle (vs. 40-46), until finally, God had no other choice but to divorce unfaithful Israel (Jer. 3:6-11).

He used the Assyrians, one of the most brutal warrior nations in history, to invade, conquer, enslave and relocate the entire northern kingdom of Israel (II Kings 17). Having “disappeared” from history, the modern-day descendants of those ten “lost” tribes are unaware of their true identity even to this day.

Later, God sent the southern kingdom of Judah (mainly the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi) into Babylonian exile (II Kings 24 and 25). Because they kept (at least physically) the true Sabbath, which is a special sign that identifies the one true God and His people (Ex. 31:12-18), the Jews were able to retain their true identity.

The Israelites were severely punished because they lusted after pagan customs, rituals, traditions and practices. As you can see, God does not take paganism lightly.

Why Paganism Is Wrong

Just why does God hate anything that resembles pagan customs? Is it possible to “whitewash” or “Christianize” pagan practices and make them clean? Is it okay to practice pagan customs as long as you “worship God”?

Notice what God says in Leviticus chapter 18. After rescuing Israel from slavery, God warned them not to practice the customs they had picked up in Egypt, or learn the ways, customs and traditions of the Gentile nations that they would encounter in the Promised Land (vs. 1-3). Instead, God commanded Israel to follow His ways (vs. 4-5).

God then describes the pagan ways of these ungodly nations in great detail. In verses 7-20, He condemns all kinds of heterosexual sex relations that fall outside the holy boundaries of marriage—incest, fornication, adultery, etc. Inverses 22-23, God condemns homosexuality and bestiality. Together, these sins break down and destroy the family unit that God had so lovingly created and instituted.

Notice what God links to these perversions: “And you shall not let any of your seed [children] pass through the fire to Molech, neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord” (vs. 21). God ties in the perverse sexual practices of ungodly, pagan nations with human sacrifices—parents offering the lives of their children to pagan gods!

The Bible shows that Israel not only disobeyed God and wholeheartedly embraced the sexual immorality of the Gentiles, they even went a step further.

“And they have turned unto Me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. But they set their abominations in the house [the temple at Jerusalem], which is called by My name, to defile it. And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into My mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin” (Jer. 32:33-35). (To learn more about these child sacrifices to Molech, download from our website our sermon Santa Claus is Molech and our booklets The True Origin of Christmas andThe True Origin of Easter.)

Imagine. Israel committed a sin so vile, so disgusting, that it even shocked God!

But that was then. What about today? Surely, parents do not sacrifice their children to pagan gods today—or do they?

Do not be so certain. Perhaps their lives are not being sacrificed—but what about theirinnocence?

Parents today expect their little ones to “fall in love” and have boyfriends and girlfriends. They think it is “cute” when little boys and girls hold hands and act like a couple, sneaking a kiss or two when no one is watching. Some parents get worried when their kids do not show romantic interest in the opposite sex. They constantly ask them, “Do you have a boyfriend yet?” or “Who’s your girlfriend?”

Yet these same parents are surprised when their teen-aged “little girl” gets pregnant. Or catches a sexually transmitted disease. Or gets an abortion behind their back.

St. Valentine’s Day is just one of many tools the “god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4) uses to get parents to sacrifice the innocence of their children.

When little boys and girls draw each other’s names in a lottery and send Valentine cards and gifts to each other, declaring their “love,” they are learning the first stages of intimate relations that the Creator God designed specifically for emotionally mature adults. Instead of embracing the carefree innocence of youth, growing up without the headaches and heartaches of adulthood (finding a job, paying bills, marriage, raising a family, etc.), children today are taught to lust after each other. They are caught up in a daily drama of “If-you-loved-me-you’d-sleep-with-me; I’m-pregnant; It’s-not-mine, she-had-an-abortion.” By the time they reach adulthood, virtually every shred of innocence, sincerity and moral decency has been stripped from them. Emotionally drained, they have world-weary, “been there, done that” attitudes. And their lives are just beginning.

This is why we live in a world where a teen-aged virgin is a rare find. Where what used to be called “shacking up” and “living in sin” is now simply “living together.” Where sex is nothing more than meaningless physical recreation—no emotional attachments, no cares, no concerns. Where people change sex partners as conveniently as they change clothes. Where unmarried twenty- or thirty-somethings have had at least five sexual partners—and that is considered a low number, especially in the United States. Where men are not referred to as “my husband,” or “my fiancé,” but as “my second baby’s father.”

How pathetic!

Satan has deceived the whole world (Rev. 12:9) in multiple ways—especially when it comes to intimate relationships. St. Valentine’s Day is just one of his tools for deception.

“Come Out of Her, My People”

Concerning the near future, when man’s Satan-influenced world is about to collapse, God declares, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils [demons], and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed [increased] rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Rev. 18:2-3).

Concerning this pagan, satanic system, God commands true Christians,“Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” (vs. 4).

St. Valentine’s Day originates from the ancient paganism of this Satan-influenced world. It is designed to deceive mankind by appealing to fleshly, carnal desires—or, as the Bible calls them, the works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest [made obvious], which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry…drunkenness, revellings, and such like” (Gal. 5:19-21). Do any of these sound like Lupercalia to you?

Ultimately, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” A true Christian is focused on God’s soon-coming kingdom (Matt. 6:33) and the world to come—not on the fleshly cravings of this world. A true Christian must strive to “put off the old man” and actively imitate the perfect, righteous example of Jesus Christ. A Christian knows that he must actively come out of this world, out of its pagan-infested customs, practices and traditions.

Christians do not celebrate St. Valentine’s Day!

May God bless you all.

WHY MONEY MAY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SEX IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP.?

In a recent survey, 1,000 single adults ranked financial responsibility higher than physical attractiveness when considering a mate. In fact, women ranked financial responsibility in a long-term partner to be equally essential as sexual compatibility.

So how do you find a financially responsible companion?

1. Look For A Willingness To Discuss Money Matters. If the cat's got his tongue every time you try to talk about money, he may be a dog. Look for someone not afraid to discuss the reality of finances. We use money every single day so it makes sense you would like to know their thoughts on the subject. You don't need to grill them about their credit score, but if they are willing to talk about dollars and cents, try a few open-ended questions, like:

What kind of vacations have you taken recently?
What stresses you out when it comes to money?
If you've been together a bit longer, you might like to know:

Do you consistently track your savings and spending?
How do you feel about debt?
Do you invest? Would you describe yourself as conservative or aggressive?
A willingness to talk about money is a great quality in a potential mate. Open communication now means less misunderstanding and potential conflict down the road.

2. Watch For Warning Signs. If it seems like your potential mate has an extreme approach toward spending or saving you may want to reconsider a long-term union. If he spends money without considering future consequences or avoids participation in anything requiring a financial commitment, you may be dating a personality type we call a "flyer." They are not likely to care about consequences to their money decisions, because they believe relationships and memories trump financial responsibility. Of course, that is not all bad. But extreme spending or saving without any regard for the future may signal financial immaturity, not responsibility.

Along those same lines, is enough never enough for your honey? If they are a spender, does it seem like they never have enough stuff? If they are a saver, does it feel like there is never enough saved? Do they always look for a better deal, need to wait another year to buy the ring or miss out on making memories because they think they need to save more? Be wary of a consistent pattern of never-enoughness.

3. Know Yourself And Consider Compatibility. How do you feel about money? There's no wrong answer. Does it make you crazy or do your rarely even think about it? Do you love to browse online but don't feel the need to buy anything? Or do you feel best about your day when at least some part of your outfit is new? Do you hate spending money on little stuff, but don't mind a big, quality purchase? Do you have more coupons in your purse than dollar bills?

Everybody thinks about money differently and we don't choose how we feel. It is part of who we are and research shows that our attitude is not likely to change any time soon. Your potential mate's approach isn't likely to change either. So take a little time and think about how you spend, how you save and ultimately how you are wired when it comes to money. Then consider how that might complement or conflict with your potential mate's approach to financial responsibility.

If he or she doesn't mind some money talk, understands moderation with dollars and cents and seems to be the yin to your financial yang, then we recommend you invest in that relationship.

"HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DEAL WITH INFERTILITY?"

The problem of infertility can be a very difficult one, especially for couples who have looked forward to children all their lives. Christian couples can find themselves asking “Why us, Lord?” Surely God wants Christians to be blessed with children to love and nurture. For physically healthy couples, one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of infertility is not knowing whether it is a temporary or permanent situation. If it is temporary, how long must they wait? If it is permanent, how do they know that, and what should be their course of action?

The Bible depicts the problem of temporary infertility in several stories:

God promised Abraham and Sarah a child, but she did not bear a son, Isaac, until age 90 (Genesis 11:30).

Isaac, Rebekah’s husband, prayed fervently, and God answered, resulting in the births of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:21).

Rachel prayed, and at long last God “opened her womb.” She bore two sons, Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 30:1;35:18).

Manoah's wife, who was infertile for a time, gave birth to Samson (Judges 13:2).

Elizabeth in her old age gave birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ (Luke 1:7,36).

The barrenness of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel (the mothers of the Israelite nation) is significant in that their ability to finally bear children was a sign of the grace and favor of God. However, infertile couples must not assume that God is withholding His grace and favor, nor should they assume they are being punished in some way. Christian couples must cling to the knowledge that their sins are forgiven in Christ and that the inability to have children is not a punishment from God.

So what is an infertile Christian couple to do? It is good to seek advice from gynecologists and other fertility specialists. Both men and women should live a healthy lifestyle to prepare for pregnancy. The mothers of the Israelite nation prayed fervently for conception, so continuing to pray for a child is certainly not out of line. Primarily, though, we are to pray for God's will for our lives. If His will is for us to have a natural child, we will. If His will is that we adopt, foster-parent, or go childless, then that is what we should accept and commit to gladly doing. We know that God has a divine plan for each of His loved ones. God is the author of life. He allows conception and withholds conception. God is sovereign and possesses all wisdom and knowledge (seeRomans 11:33-36). “Every good and perfect gift is from above...” (James 1:17). Knowing and accepting these truths will go a long way to filling the ache in the hearts of an infertile couple.

"WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MISCARRIAGE?"

Probably the most common question people ask after a miscarriage is “Why did this happen?” or “Why did God do this to me?” There are no easy answers to these questions. Indeed, there is no satisfying conclusion that we will ever come to as to why bad things happen to people, especially innocent children. We must understand that God does not take away our loved ones from us as some sort of cruel punishment. The Bible tells us that there is “no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Miscarriages are usually caused by abnormal chromosome patterns in the fetus. When these abnormalities are detected, the growth is halted, and miscarriage is the result. In other instances, miscarriages are caused by uterine malformations, hormonal abnormalities, problems with the immune system, chronic infections, and illnesses. After thousands of years of sin, death and personal destruction, it should not surprise us that genetic disorders would eventually become commonplace.

The Bible does not comment specifically about spontaneous miscarriages. We can be sure, though, that God has compassion on those who have suffered through them. He cries and suffers with us, simply because He loves us and feels our pain. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, promised to send His Spirit to all believers so that we will never have to go through trials alone (John 14:16). Jesus said inMatthew 28:20, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Any believer who has suffered a miscarriage should have faith in the glorious hope of one day seeing her child again. An unborn child is not only a fetus or a “piece of tissue” to God, but is one of His children.Jeremiah 1:5says that God knows us while we are still in the womb.Lamentations 3:33tells us that God “does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.” Jesus promised to leave us with a gift of peace unlike any that the world can give (John 14:27).

Romans 11:36reminds us that everything exists by God's power and is intended for His glory. Although He does not inflict suffering on us for punishment, He will allow things to come into our lives that we can use to bring glory to Him. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

"I WANT A BABY, BUT MY SPOUSE DOES NOT. WHAT DO WE DO?"

The Bible declares children to be a blessing.Psalm 127:3says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." This is contrary to the way much of the world views children—as a hindrance and a burden. Children should not be viewed as a liability.

The lack of desire to have children often stems from selfish motives. Some people do not want children because they want to focus on themselves, their careers, and their money. They do not want to be "tied down" or give up their expensive cars, homes, or vacations. This kind of attitude is sinful. Others do not want children because of fears about not being able to parent successfully, not being able to afford to raise the child properly, or fears about childbirth itself.

Without knowing the reasons for not wanting to have children, it is difficult to determine whether or not the feelings are "wrong." Are there health issues? Are there unresolved issues from childhood? These are things that should be discussed between spouses, and if need be, Christian marriage counseling should be sought.

As Christians, our devotion should first be to God, who says that children are a blessing. After that, the most important relationship is with our spouse. If it is very important to a spouse to have children, it should definitely be considered, with an attitude of respect and submission (seeEphesians 5:21-33). Practically speaking, this is a topic that should be thoroughly discussed before marriage.

If we devote ourselves to prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, God will reveal His will if we put Him first.

Romans 12:2 declares, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”