I was led to write this review for my prayer group ladies. There are quite a few who are divorced or never married, singles. If anyone is flirting right now with temptation, I hope and pray that my sharing will bring their focus back to Jesus Christ. 🙏

1. The story of Esau and Jacob keeps coming up in my mind to share with you. Perhaps this is a warning for someone in our group…even if it’s not, it’s a very good reminder for all of us to take heed of.

If you are not familiar with the story of Esau and Jacob, then please read this brief overview about them. I also suggest that you read their links to be more aware on the details, their family background and the cultural context of that time period. – https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-and-Esau.html

I’m sure you have heard or read in the Bible this phrase “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  If Esau had not given into his fleshly temptation then it would have been recorded for all of eternity “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Esau.”  Esau’s younger brother, Jacob was far from perfect and had a lot of issues too – he was a deceiver, using his talents, intelligence and self-discipline to connive and manipulate to get ahead on his own.  Yet God found Jacob to be the worthier sibling to be named in three patriarchs of a nation who will eventually become Israel, and Israel would bring forth the Bible and Jesus Christ into our world.  

When I think about Esau and his lack of self-control to abstain from his desire and his low regard about his birthright by selling it for a measly bowl of hot stew; in today’s hyper-sexualized culture I think Esau would parallel to a believer who caves into a relationship with a wrong person to satisfy their desire for romance, intimacy and sexual experience. If you are in this valley of decision, please seriously consider the story of Esau and Jacob, and remember the outcomes for their descendants. For Esau, his name and his descendants are no longer remembered. For Jacob, his name and descendants are still here today. In all the Jewish temples and even evangelical churches, we still pray to the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Please consider your legacy and your eternal rewards in heaven, when you are tempted to satisfy your appetite with a good-looking bowl of hot stew or to make a big decision without godly counsel, prayer and accountability.

Here is a good article on why sexual sin is such a big deal. – https://www.gotquestions.org/sexual-sin.html

I think with any temptations that we encounter; it is wise to make your plans beforehand on exactly what you will do when you face temptation. Do you have godly mature believers to call, confide and ask for prayers? If not, you need to establish these relationships before temptation appears.

2. Recently I saw the musical Evita again. I love this musical which is based on a true story of Eva Peron of Argentina. I fell in love with the songs and lyrics after watching Madonna play the role in a movie. As I was wondering why I am so captivated by the story of Eva Peron, I heard the Holy Spirit whispering into my heart that it’s because I admire Eva Peron’s bravery.

Eva Peron didn’t live her life in a godly and humble manner but she was very brave and driven for power and influence. I wonder how much she would have done for God’s kingdom with her bravery and determination if she has submitted her life to Jesus Christ. Probably a lot!
If you want to watch a good musical one day, I’d recommend the movie-musical “Evita” with Madonna from 1990s. By the way, most entertainers are very brave and I pray for them often. They would be great evangelist too. They have faced many rejections and harsh circumstances and criticisms rising to their fame. They already will know how to handle persecution and rejection from men. I pray for them often, including for Madonna. Today let’s pray for Madonna please. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/evita

I’m sorry to spoil the movie a bit but Eva Peron died in her mid-30s from cervical cancer. Musical implied that she slept her way up. It’s possible that she died from a sexually transmitted HPV which can lead to cervical cancer in women. Again I just want to warn you that STDs and AIDS are very high again. Many STDs have mutated too and are resistant to antibiotics treatments.

By the way, I don’t mind if you share these things with your children and friends if they can be warned and saved from much grief and pain.

As I was thinking about bravery, I came across this devotional about bravery. It encouraged me. If you also need help with being brave, please read this devotional and her testimony. https://www1.cbn.com/devotions/what-does-it-mean-to-be-brave With love and prayers from your librarian.