biblical truth

Held Back by Mercy

~ Observant Servant

Sometimes a picture captures a truth that words alone struggle to carry. When I first saw the image of the dam holding back an overwhelming flood, it immediately reminded me of something Scripture quietly but clearly teaches: the patience of God is real, and it is holding something back.

Not because God is weak. Not because sin does not matter.

But because He is patient.

There is a tendency in our time to avoid speaking about God’s wrath. Yet Scripture never hides it. God is holy, and holiness cannot simply overlook sin. The Bible says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” — Romans 1:18 (KJV)

That reality can feel heavy, but it is not written to terrify us without hope. It is written to bring us into truth. God’s justice is real, but so is His mercy. The reason judgment has not yet fallen is not because God has forgotten the world. It is because He is patient with it.

Scripture explains this beautifully: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

When I think about that verse, the image of the dam makes more sense. Humanity continues building its lives, making plans, raising families, and pursuing dreams, often without a second thought about God. Yet behind the scenes, something unseen is happening. God’s patience is holding back what justice would otherwise bring.

But patience should never be mistaken for approval. Scripture gently but honestly reminds us: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” — Romans 2:5 (KJV)

Each day a person turns away from God, they are not escaping truth; they are simply postponing their encounter with it.

And yet this is where the heart of the gospel shines the brightest. The story does not end with judgment. God did something extraordinary so that judgment would not have the final word.

He sent His Son.

Jesus did not come merely to teach moral lessons or inspire people to live better lives. He came to carry what we could not. At the cross, the justice of God and the mercy of God met together. Christ took upon Himself the penalty that belonged to us.

Scripture says it plainly: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” — John 3:36 (KJV)

The dam of God’s patience is not meant to give us confidence to ignore Him. It is meant to give us time to come to Him.

There is still time. That is the quiet miracle of today.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” — Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)

Salvation is not earned through effort or moral improvement. It is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. Anyone who turns to Him in humility will find mercy waiting.

And that is the good news worth sharing gently, honestly, and in love.

Lord Jesus,

I come before You honestly and humbly. I confess that I have sinned and have not lived according to Your truth. I ask You to forgive me. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I could have life. Please cleanse my heart, change my life, and help me follow You. I turn away from my sin and place my trust in You alone for salvation.

Thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and Your grace. Amen.

The Children’s Bread

~ Observant Servant

There is a moment in the Gospels that has always stayed with me. A desperate mother comes to Jesus on behalf of her daughter who is severely tormented. In the middle of their conversation, Jesus says something that at first seems unusual:

“It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” — Matthew 15:26

But within that statement is a powerful truth.

Deliverance is the children’s bread.

Bread in Scripture represents provision. It is something necessary for daily life. It is something expected at the table. When Jesus used this language, He was revealing that freedom from the power of darkness was never meant to be rare or reserved for a select few. It was meant to be part of what belongs to the family of God.

Children do not beg at their father’s table.

They don’t stand outside the house hoping for scraps. They sit down because they belong there. The table is theirs because they are part of the family.

Yet many believers approach God like outsiders. They feel as though they must plead long enough, cry hard enough, or prove themselves worthy before God will move on their behalf. That they must strive to obtain mercy. But the gospel paints a very different picture.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16

Boldly.

Not with arrogance, but with the confidence of children who know their Father welcomes them.

The foundation of our relationship with God is grace, not performance.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

A gift is not something you earn. It is not something you beg for. It is something freely given.

When Jesus walked the earth, people came to Him bound and oppressed, and He set them free. Demons fled. Minds were restored. Lives were transformed. He did not require people to prove their worthiness first. He responded to faith and to those who simply came.

That same grace is still available today.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” — Colossians 1:13

Deliverance is not merely something we hope for one day. Through Christ, the authority of darkness has already been broken.

This does not mean believers never face spiritual battles. Scripture makes it clear that we do. But we fight from a place of belonging, not rejection. We approach God as sons and daughters, not as strangers hoping for mercy.

The children of God do not have to beg for bread.

The bread has already been placed on the table.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the bread of life.” — John 6:35

Through Him, the Father has provided everything we need for life, freedom, and restoration.

So when you come to the Lord seeking freedom, come with humility, but also with confidence in His grace. Come like a child who knows the Father’s house is open.

Sit down at the table.

The bread was always meant for you.

Father,

Thank You that through Jesus we are welcomed into Your family. Thank You that we do not have to beg for what You have already provided through Your grace. Help us to come before You with humble hearts and confident faith, knowing that we belong to You.

Lord, for anyone who feels bound, oppressed, or weary in their spirit, I ask that Your freedom would flow into their life. Remind them that through Christ they have been delivered from the power of darkness and brought into Your kingdom. Let faith rise in their hearts to receive the freedom that You freely give.

Teach us to live as Your children, resting in Your grace, trusting Your goodness, and walking in the freedom that Jesus purchased for us.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Subtle Seduction of the Occult

~ Observant Servant

There’s a story that has stayed with me.

Joe Gutierrez, a steelworker of more than forty years, described something that once captivated an entire mill. Fine silver flakes would float down from the cooling tower when steel strips rolled across certain pads. At night, under the lights, it looked almost magical — like snow drifting in August. Workers would compete for the job assignment in that section because it was considered the most beautiful place to stand.

Later they discovered the truth. The flakes were asbestos.

“Everybody breathed it,” he wrote. Now he and many others live with asbestosis: a slow, tightening grip in the lungs. And he reflected with haunting honesty: We used to fight over that job.

I can’t read that story without thinking about how many things in our culture resemble those silver flakes. Attractive. Harmless-looking. Almost enchanting.

But slowly destructive.

The occult is one of those things.

It rarely presents itself as dark and dangerous at first. It feels mystical. Intriguing. Sometimes even playful. A horoscope here. A tarot reading there. A personality quiz shaped like astrology. A show about mediums. A curiosity about “energy.” It all appears innocent enough.

And yet Scripture is clear.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 leaves little room for ambiguity: “There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination… or a witch… or a consulter with familiar spirits… For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord.”

Those are strong words. Not because God is restrictive, but because He is protective.

The word occult simply means hidden. Concealed. But hidden does not mean harmless. Hidden things often operate quietly. Subtly. Like airborne fibers no one questions until breathing becomes difficult.

I have noticed that much of our culture treats these practices as entertainment. Astrology columns sit beside weather reports. Tarot decks are sold as aesthetic décor. Witchcraft is repackaged as empowerment. Spiritual curiosity is encouraged — as long as it doesn’t point to Christ.

But Scripture warns us that engaging in these practices is not a neutral act. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:20 that behind idols are spiritual forces. To participate is to open fellowship with something other than God.

When someone turns to horoscopes, mediums, or divination, it quietly says, “I need knowledge beyond what God has given.” It implies that His Word is insufficient. That His guidance is incomplete. That perhaps He is withholding something good.

And that is the oldest lie.

In the garden, the serpent’s whisper was not overtly dark. It was subtle. “Did God really say?” It suggested that God might be limiting, not loving.

But everything we need to know about our future and our spiritual lives has already been entrusted to us in Scripture. We are called to walk by faith, not by secret knowledge. To trust the One who sees the end from the beginning.

Snow danced in August — and they fought to stand in it.

That image sobers me.

Not everything beautiful is safe. Not everything mystical is holy. Not everything popular is harmless.

We are invited to something deeper than fascination. We are invited to trust.

To take “good heed unto ourselves,” as Deuteronomy says. To guard our hearts from being driven to worship what was created instead of the Creator. To stand firmly on the sufficiency of God’s Word.

There is peace in not needing hidden knowledge. There is freedom in not chasing signs. There is security in walking step by step with the Shepherd who promises to guide, protect, and care for us.

The silver flakes glittered.

But they slowly stole breath.

May we have discernment to recognize what sparkles, and the wisdom to step away before it settles in our lungs.

Father,

You see the things that attract our attention and capture our curiosity. You know how easily our hearts can be drawn toward what appears beautiful, intriguing, or harmless on the surface. I ask that You give me discernment — the kind that sees beyond appearances and recognizes what is truly from You.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed curiosity to wander into places that do not honor You. If I have looked for guidance, meaning, or understanding outside of Your Word, cleanse my heart and redirect my steps. Your truth is sufficient. Your wisdom is enough. I do not need hidden knowledge when I have the light of Your voice.

Your Word says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105, KJV) Teach me to trust that light. When the world offers glittering substitutes, help me remember that what shines is not always safe.

Guard my heart from deception. Give me a love for what is pure, true, and holy. Let Your Spirit sharpen my discernment so that I recognize the difference between what is merely fascinating and what is truly life-giving.

I choose to trust You with my future. I choose to walk by faith rather than by hidden knowledge. Lead me step by step, Shepherd of my soul, and keep my heart anchored in Your truth.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

WARNING ABOUT THE OCCULT

Send me…

~ Observant Servant

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’
Isaiah 6:8

Back in October of last year I felt the need to take a day trip to a place called Montezuma Well. The gentle nudge came when I was looking for some out of town areas to explore. Now granted, in my happening upon this place in a Google search, it seemed to be a bit boring. Plus it was hot out and it’s about a 3 hour drive from where I live. Gas was also around $4.25-4.50 a gallon. So, in my opinion, it wasn’t worth the drive. But I went anyway.

While driving I kept thinking that maybe God wanted me to go there for a reason. So I began to pray about it. As I was getting close, I realized I really needed to get gas. So I asked God to lead me to a place that gas was less than $4. (And if He did this, then I would know that I was in His will in taking this trip.) I was beginning to feel pretty silly about driving so far for nothing spectacular.

Eventually I happened across a small mom and pop station and it had gas for $3.99. I took it as a sign that God was hearing me and pulled in. There was no one around other than a tanker driver who was delivering fuel on the other side of the pump. He was Hispanic burly guy, a little rough looking. He kinda seemed angry and closed off in all honesty. As I was pumping my gas, I noticed he was watching me and I started feeling a bit of fear creep up but I brushed it off and greeted him mentioning something about the weather. I don’t remember what exactly it was I said but he seemed to relax a bit and we had a brief chat.

While I was finishing up and putting my card back in my wallet, I felt I should give him a Gospel tract. (I carry them with me in the form of $1 Million bills.) I offered it to him, asked if he had seen one before. He said “no” and I told him about the real treasure was on the back where it told about Jesus. He just nodded, didn’t really respond.

As he was looking the bill over I said “You know… Jesus, He loves you. He sees you.”

It’s not normally how I initiate conversations when I share the Gospel but my “normal” seemed out of place on this day.

He paused for a moment and when he looked up, he had tears in his eyes. It was like he transformed into a whole different person in front of me. He began to tell me about how he lost his job during the pandemic because he refused to get vax’d. How his wife had left him and took his children and he lost his house and everything else and now he was living in his truck. He told me how he felt so alone and isolated and he had been praying for a sign because he didn’t think he could make it. He was so broken. I couldn’t help but hug him and encourage him to draw nearer to Jesus. We conversed for a bit more then I prayed for him and gave him a Gospel of John. He thanked me, his spirit seemed much lighter and he was smiling.

Then we went our separate ways.

It is so important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Ready and willing and having your feet shod with the Gospel of peace. One conversation can turn someones life around. I encourage you to pray daily for the Lord to use you. Ask Him to give you an opportunity to bring Jesus into someone’s life. I promise you will be blessed by the encounter.

feet of the Gospel