The Father’s Love: Volume 1—January

By Chioma Ibeneme - Okoye

Giants, mermaids, laser beams, four-headed creatures, talking animals, vampires and teleporting are not your usual themes for a nice Bible study in church, right? Wrong! ‘The Father’s Love’ series is on a mission to change that notion and suggest a fantastical spin on the exploits of the heroes and heroines of The Faith. Re-told in contemporary, colorful language, the reader is whisked off to a time when gods walked freely among men.

Stories of the human condition, very reminiscent of our time, are splashed on the pages, depicting the flawed and the divine through tales of lies, betrayal, revenge, lust, intrigue, love, hope, and redemption.

Breaking the Bible stories into monthly bite-sizes, ‘The Father’s love - Volume 1- January’ recounts the beginning if it all; from the fall of the Prince of Darkness, Paradise lost for mankind, all the way to the arrival of the son of promise- Isaac.

With accounts from the Torah, extra biblical texts and a vivid imagination, the reader is ushered into the world of the passionate affair between the Creator and humanity—the greatest love epic ever!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: May 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543749120

Chioma Ibeneme - Okoye

A lawyer with a Masters degree in Peace Studies, Chioma has switched from Courtrooms and tables of dialogue to delving fully into her passion---transporting audiences to magical places with words. An unapologetic Hebrew-Israelite, Chioma writes from an Afrocentric perspective; re-introducing God’s love to her ‘Chocolate’ people worldwide.

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Copyright © 2019 by Chioma Ibeneme-Okoye.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2018914495

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5437-4911-3

                eBook           978-1-5437-4912-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) Copyright © 1998 by David H. Stern. All rights reserved.

Good News Translation (GNT) Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society.

King James Version (KJV) Public Domain.

Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation.

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

Cover design by: Chioma Ibeneme-Okoye

Illustrations by: Okeade Art

DEDICATION

T o the glory and praise of the only One Who loves us more than we would ever know. To the real Lover of our Souls.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Review

Forward

Introduction

January 1   In the beginning

January 2   Adam and Eve

January 3   The Fall

January 4   Cain and Abel

January 5   Where is your brother?

January 6   The Arrival of the Sky People

January 7   A Strange Baby

January 8   The Great Flood

January 9   Cursed be Canaan

January 10   The Tower of Babel

January 11   A son is born to Terah

January 12   Go to the land I will show you

January 13   A famine in Canaan

January 14   Sarai Unveiled

January 15   Pharaoh meets Sarai

January 16   Why did you lie to me?!

January 17   Abram and Lot split

January 18   Abram and the battle of the kings

January 19   Abram the Righteous

January 20   Sarai’s ‘genius’ plan

January 21   Go back to your mistress

January 22   And your name shall be called Abraham

January 23   The 3 visitors

January 24   An interesting bargaining session

January 25   Strangers in Sodom

January 26   Run for your lives!

January 27   The Climb to Zoar

January 28   Not again!

January 29   Isaac is born

January 30   Hagar and Ishmael are banished

January 31   Have you seen my friend, Abraham?

Acknowledgment

This book is a departure from the questions, cynicism, boredom and lack of imagination that often characterize religious texts for adults. It might just encourage you to think like a child again and bring you closer to being the child CHRIST said you need to be in order to make heaven.

Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju,

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) LL.B. (Hons), BL,

LL.M.

I have always looked out for creative ways through which the truth in God’s word can be presented to the world. This book met that need. I started to read the book with only the intention to read the introduction but ended up reading the rest of it. I found it really engaging and really, really, really loved it. It is not just a book for children or young people; even adults will benefit from it. She is a blessing to this generation.

Jimi Tewe,

Executive Coach,

CEO, The Jimi Tewe Company

God is already here,

Can’t you feel His presence?

He’s already here.

All you have to do

Is open your heart

For He’s already here…

(A song my mother used to sing to us as children)

FOREWORD

As a Pastor of a multinational and multiracial congregation, and an ever-searching student of The Scriptures and most importantly a teacher to those under my pastoral tutelage, the most important of my duties is to introduce people to God’s love through the teaching of His Word, to help them to move from just reading of God’s love in the Bible to actually having an experience of the truth and of His love for themselves that lead to a lasting and ever amazing and never-ending relationship with God as a Father not just as a God who lives far beyond the blue skies.

With that said, Love in different cultures and to different people can mean an array of things. Finding a common ground becomes an imperative that should be both revelatory and experiential, with a great communication ability this can really make the Scriptures came alive.

I met Chioma and her husband, Dr. Ikenna, in the Middle East where my wife and I are pastoring a Congregation of Believers. Having so many believers from different background and denominations our aim was just to have fellowship and study the Scriptures to find a neutral ground that could nourish us all spiritually. Her passion for The Scriptures caught my attention through her ability to dissect the Scriptures. I knew from those Bible study moments that she had something great to offer to the congregation and the world at large.

Chioma and her Afrocentric and cinematic approach to presenting ‘The Father’s Love’ is amazing. She presents the Scriptures in a way that isn’t just memorable but very engaging as well; presenting The Heavenly Father as One whose love for His people is beyond human comprehension yet ever present to human need and for humanity’s sake.

This book takes the reader on a journey from the first recorded time in creation to a place where The Father’s Commitment and love toward His people is not just that of a Creator-to-creation relationship but that of a loving Father to His Children.

The presentation is sometimes funny, breathtaking and sometimes very tense and yet very engaging and informative. It’s hard to put this book down once it draws you in its pages. This book simplifies The Father’s love and will surely stamp and leave a lasting impression of The Father’s love.

Sgd. Pastor Tony Mwepu

Undershepherd at Triumphant Faith Commission

Host of ‘Perfecting Moments’ TV Show

INTRODUCTION

(I strongly recommend that you read this first)

F or me, growing up in South-West Nigeria in the 1980s was epic! The best days, especially were Saturdays. ‘Matter of fact, for a very long time (maybe till like 11 years old), every time we sang ‘this is the day that the Lord has made’ I always thought the song referred to only Saturdays because boy, Saturdays were lit!

It would start with the usual Saturday morning chores, catching up with our favorite TV programs and then racing off to Sunshine Club for our weekly dose of deliciously told Missionary Stories, Bible study and fun activities.

But the climax was hurrying back home to get ready for Faith Clinic so we could get there for 7:30pm. This was my father’s deliverance ministry meetings that held every Saturday night till dawn. Trust me—this was the highlight of the weekend! Once you stepped into the venue, the air alone tingled and pulsated with such life-giving energy that you were practically drunk with expectation and indescribable joy!

Attending Faith Clinic, for me, meant staying way past our bedtime, being surrounded by tons of vibrant, excitable Uncles and Aunties in a super-charged atmosphere, mind-blowing praise & worship, talking one of the kinder Uncles into buying us sweets from the night kiosks, getting refilled with the Holy Ghost, listening to an Aunty telling a very colorful Bible story, another Uncle teaching us a song, exploring our different voice capacities in the children choir, fun times catching up with our ‘night vigil’ friends in the Children’s Department or planning one ‘ministration’ or the other for presentation in the adult section. And don’t get me started on the annual conventions!

Oh and we could always trust Mummy Dearest to kill the buzz with her insistence that we returned home by 12 midnight (just when all the real fun was to begin) so we could go to bed and attend church the next morning. But church was fun too! We got to hang with our more ‘normal’ Church Uncles and Aunties, catch up with our ‘daytime’ friends, listen while our favorite Sunday School teacher broke down the Bible lesson for the say so we could in turn fire him with questions on the nature of our Heavenly Father or whatever else we thought about all week. And of course, preparing ministrations for Thanksgiving Sunday, ‘Teens Day’ and the Children’s Christmas Carol Service. See, I told you—lit!

The weekdays were not too bad either. My parents usually held nightly devotions, with my mother reading stories from the huge colorful Children’s Bible she kept on the center table (that we were not allowed to touch in her absence). With Daddy being the more fun parent, his ‘department’ was art appreciation and expression. He gave us music, film, dance and he had a most entertaining way of breathing life into Bible characters during his teaching sessions; basically balancing out mummy’s more serious side.

We did not have money like most of our peers but with this background, my parents gave us a legacy of unspeakable wealth and incredible power from which I still find myself drawing from, to this day.

Fast-forward to the present day (the late 2010s). I now have children of my own. Sadly, we no longer have access to Sunshine Club, our vibrant, bright-eyed Faith Clinic Uncles and Aunties or even my former Sunday School. So much is different and painfully dull now.

Curious about her opinion on the Heavenly Father, I asked my younger daughter, one day, about her take on Him and she said He was always killing somebody in the Bible, any time she read it. In another instance, my older daughter said she no longer believed that He answered prayers the way He did in the Bible days. At first, it was amusing hearing them freely express themselves about the Heavenly Father but over time it got quite upsetting.

Then it hit me—rather than wait for a fun Bible Club, a perfect Sunday School or a Faith Clinic ‘Aunty’ to do the honors, I could very well use the same storytelling tools I had been exposed to as a child and reshape their view of The Father! That urgency was what fired up writing this series.

As I wrote, I also came to accept, very quickly, that I lack the restraint to water down the adult themes scattered all over the Scriptures so I gave up trying. Why bother? The Bible simply recounts the human condition and even in our present time, nothing much has changed from those Bible days. Sometimes, life is a hot mess which is why we ALL need the help of a loving Father/Savior to help us and our children should know that early—no need to shield them from that reality. My parents never did and I think I should pass on that legacy of brutal honesty to my children as well, wouldn’t you agree?

And yes, a note of warning—as you read, imagine these Bible stories being told through the eyes of an overtly imaginative African mother telling tales to her children and the neighborhood adults under the moonlight in the village square (because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good story regardless of age, right?) In other words, this Bible series is written from a very Afro-centric perspective with an extraaa dose of poetic license. So, before you all whip out your pitchforks, dub me a heretic, and burn me at the stake, I invite you to please have an open mind and allow yourself be swept away with the imagery as there is indeed a ‘method to the madness’.

The books in this series are written with a combination of the accounts from our everyday Bibles, extra Biblical texts (such as the Book of Jubilees, The Book of Jashar, The Book of Enoch, Josephus-the Complete works) and my imagination. Therefore, they are a scrumptious blend of fact and fiction, if I do say so myself.

With a father who was heavily invested in faith, deliverance and scholastic discuss on demonology and the occult, it should come as no surprise that his first daughter would be just as fascinated by the esoteric; given the wide array of books we were exposed to growing up.

There are also some remarkable people whose research, ideology, philosophies and influences have directly and (or) indirectly contributed to the series (their names are listed at the end of the book).

And just like my mother used to read to us one story a day, I have done the same—written the entire Bible to span the 366 days of the year, in my own words, style and feel. This way, the reader gets to read through the Bible in one year while being thoroughly entertained in the course of this fantasy ride through time. And just in case you were wondering, this is a book for people of all ages—not just children.

It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit further reveals to you personally, perhaps, a deeper purpose for why this series was instigated and that you ultimately come to see Our Father as He truly is—the original Lover of our souls.

May the Grace of our Master, Yeshua Ha’ Mashiach

The Love of AbbaYah;

And the Sweet Fellowship of the Ruach Ha’kodesh

Be with you always!

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January

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JANUARY 1

IN THE BEGINNING

L ong time ago, before time as we know it existed, there was God. He created the spirit planet we know as ‘Heaven’ and filled with it with beautiful trees, flowers, animals of all kinds. Finally, He created several brilliantly colorful creatures called angels. They were of different types, shapes and sizes, and truly glorious beings.

One day, God decided to create a special kind of angel that would be with Him everywhere He went. He already had the powerful fearsome looking cherubs that stood guard around His throne. They were over 15-foot tall, had four faces and were the most unfriendly looking things ever; even the other angels were afraid of them.

But this time, let Us make a cherub that would not only lead the mighty cherubs and the other angels but one that would be really beautiful to look at, God smiled thoughtfully.

So, let me pause here and explain something.

‘God’ or ‘ELOYHIM’ is a combination of three personalities or expressions, if you will, namely:

God-the-Father,

God-the-Word and

God-the-Spirit.

These three are never separate but move together as one; having the same thoughts, feelings, and motives. Therefore, when I say ‘God’ without specifying which of The Three I am referring to, just know it is all three of them together. Got it?

OK, so back to the story.

God then took several beautiful gemstones, crushed them all together into powder. Then from the crushed rainbow mixture, He formed a gigantic sculpture.

The face of the sculpture was so beautiful even God sighed in amazement at His work. For hair, God took billions of spider webs and kissed them. Instantly, they turned into brilliant golden tresses which He lovingly attached to the head of His sculpture.

Its general form was both strong and soft—masculine and feminine at the same time—and God could not wait to give the sculpture life and see it interact with its environment.

Then God thought aloud,

Rather than just looks, let’s give this one a bit more oomph, shall we? God-the-Father said.

You know, it will eventually get into his head if We give him all these extra attributes, God-the-Spirit solemnly pointed out.

True but he will also keep things interesting, God-the-Word chuckled.

And serve an even greater purpose for all eternity. Still, let Us give him a chance to decide his fate even though we already know what he will ultimately do, God-the-Father decided.

I agree. So let’s make sure his source and inspiration is attached to Us, so that when he eventually chooses a side, he will see that disconnected from us, he won’t amount to much, God-the-Spirit suggested.

Excellent idea, as usual! God-the-Father cheered, now, shall We get on with it? He looked at both His companions and waited on their response. His smile widened when they both nodded in agreement.

God blew into His hand and the breath formed a multicolored ball of light. He then leaned forward and placed this glowing light ball on the chest of the sculpture. They watched as this light then spread all over the glittering stature, automatically making the final touches to it.

If we animate this thing, he will be the most powerful living creature in the entire universe, God-the-Spirit murmured.

Indeed! And I can’t wait to see what he would look like! God-the-Word excitedly said.

God-the-Father chuckled and snapped His fingers, instantly bringing the sculpture to life. The other angels that had been created before now gathered round to watch in wonder as the creature fluttered its eyes open and then sat up. Even The Three gasped in delight as the massive four-winged angel rose to its feet and stood up, tall and strong. Ah, as the light from God’s eyes hit him, the creature glistened like a billion gemstones! It was truly magnificent! Suddenly, all the brightly colored and beautiful angels looked plain and drab beside this mighty being. He smiled at everything around him and all the angels gawked in amazement.

The lovely creature looked up at God’s smiling face and without being told, he instantly knew Who stood before him. Quickly, he knelt and pledged his loyalty to his Creator for all eternity; his voice like dripping honey.

The Three looked at the splendid creature in front of them and nodded,

What shall we call our new addition? God-the-Father asked, still admiring the gleaming angel after he had flown off to speak with the other angels staring adoringly at him.

Morning Star, perhaps? God-the-Word offered with a definite nod.

Indeed. He shall be a bringer of light, God-the-Father said with a nod.

For now, God-the-Spirit said dryly, eyeing the magnificent angel skeptically.

Yes, let’s call him Lucifer Morning Star, among his other titles God-the-Father said with a laugh, looking at God-the-Spirit’s unimpressed expression.

And so, folks, thus began the charmed life of this spectacular angel.

He was greatly loved and adored by all the other angels and creatures that God made. As was the purpose for his design, Morning Star was placed in charge of all things. With his great sense of administration, aesthetics, and order he ran the entire universe like a well-oiled machine. God only had to give him the instructions and Morning Star executed the plan to perfection. In short, none other was greater than this angel.

Apart from being God’s chief of security (fondly known as ‘the anointed cherub’), he also led the heavenly choir and under his command, they produced the most beautiful music, due to his unparalleled musical abilities. None could fault or even come close to the insane musical tones or range Morning Star effortlessly belted out. He would sing in keys that sent the other music angels spinning for minutes. Oh, they just adored him! And rather than bask in their adulation, Morning Star would simply smile good-naturedly and move on to other things.

When God finally created Earth and the many other planets that existed, Morning Star was placed as ruler and governor over all. In time, many kingdoms and civilizations sprang up and under Morning Star’s expert leadership, they thrived and there was peace throughout the galaxy.

As lord of Earth, Morning Star served as God’s mouthpiece there and very quickly the Earthlings preferred him bringing God’s messages to any other angel. Then when they had a request or message for God, they elected to have Morning Star speak on their behalf for they were sure that God would be swayed by his gentle and wise words.

Apart from the fact that he was very easy on the eye, being present at one of Morning Star’s speeches was really something to see in real time. He would lay out the words so perfectly, with the right pitch and tone, holding his entire audience captive. The animated displays he would even plaster in the sky, you know, like a PowerPoint presentation, was mesmerizing—he could make the most boring speech a feature-length action-packed movie.

As ruler of the airwaves, he had the ability to sway anything under the sound of his voice the way he wanted. His oratorical skills were unsurpassed by any living created being.

Ah, Morning Star, indeed there is none like you! they will clap and cheer after one of his many speeches that never failed to move even the most hardened of heart to tears. I mean, his voice alone was sweet like dripping honey and the expert articulation of his thoughts was second to none. They just loved him!

Even with the angels, he was a smashing success. Every one of them fell over themselves in to be in his team; bending over backward to get his universe-famous smile directed at them. He was like the coolest, most popular boy in school and everyone, no matter what class of angel they were, wanted to be in his good books.

None of the angels came close to him in terms of…hmm, let me see…anything! Whatever the task was, Morning Star outshone everyone else. Trying to beat him at any game was pointless. He was faster, wiser, more beautiful and more charismatic than anything created.

But the best part was how kind and sweet he was about it all. He would never rub his success in their face or lord his brilliance over them. If anything, he was the angel to go to if they needed help, no matter how minute the thing was. Morning Star was so humble and ready to serve anything or anybody regardless of rank or status. So, naturally, the angels loved him almost to a fault.

And rather than let any of it get to his head, Morning Star would simply smile and thank them for their love which even endeared him more to their hearts.

As the Anointed Cherub that hovered over and covered the heavenly throne upon which God sat, Morning Star was also exposed to all sorts of secrets that none of the angels were. He was in on many very private conversations The Three had and could go places not even the other mighty Cherubs could. But in spite of his unrestrained access to undiluted power, Morning Star was also wise enough to know his place and for millions of years, he was content and simply happy to serve.

One day, while he was carrying out his duty as the hovering cherub over the throne, he overheard a conversation that would change his life forever.

The Three were deep in their discussion about a time when God-the-Word would later create some interesting creatures called ‘men’. To these creatures, He would give His image and likeness and complete dominion over the entire Earth.

Morning Star perked up at that part, unable to believe what he was hearing. So, God was planning to make creatures that would be better than him?! Why?! Trying not to miss the rest of the details being discussed in the secret meeting, Morning Star swallowed his surprise and continued listening.

When the time comes, as we already discussed, God-the-Word will take His place. Once He’s established His throne and kingdom as King-of-kings, we move our headquarters to Earth to forever live with the humans, God-the-Father carefully said and the other Two nodded and agreed.

They continued with their discussion but by this point, Morning Star had heard enough. For the first time in his entire life, he felt a ‘type of way’.

Wait a second! So, you mean after all these years of service, I don’t even get a throne in this new kingdom?! Why does God-the-Word need a throne—isn’t He God already?! And why Earth? In this new era, Earth should be mine! I am the one doing all the work caring and running it—not God-the-Word. All they do is sit down, plan and talk in hushed tones. I’m the one who does everything! Me! What injustice?! And He claims to be a fair God? Really? Morning Star scoffed in his heart, very upset by what he had just heard.

However, as he was all up in his feelings, he had totally forgotten that The Three could hear his thoughts as loud as a clanging bell. So, as soon as they heard the things running through his mind, they looked at each other. But since he was too far gone in his annoyance, Morning Star missed the exchanged looks.

From that day, The Three kept their eyes on the angel, without him realizing it. In fairness to him, Morning Star fought the errant thoughts daily but eventually, they overwhelmed him and began to fill him with a growing resentment for The Three.

On the many errands he would run for The Three to Earth, he would watch as the Earthlings would scrape and bow before him; practically worshiping him. It had never occurred to him before to even acknowledge their appreciation but with the growing discontent in his heart, he finally allowed himself to bask in it and boy, was it a glorious feeling!

Ahhh, now I see why they want to move their HQ down here! he smiled as the feelings of bliss engulfed him. It was something he had never experienced before.

I could totally live like this! Imagine being fed this love and adoration all the time? he thought to himself, smiling down at the adoring crowds chanting his name.

Then suddenly, an idea popped in his head.

"Why wait for the wicked Three to see my worth and throw me a bone? With my talent and skills, I can totally usurp that throne and get it for myself! I could be just like God if I plan this right!" he found himself thinking and just as quickly, his lightning mind did the calculations; seeing the entire chessboard and how he could totally play to win.

"The Three won’t know what hit them," he laughed to himself.

At first, when these treasonous thoughts started developing in his head, Morning Star feared that God would be able to see his thoughts and deal with him. But when God gave no indication that He knew anything, the Anointed Cherub grew more confident.

Perhaps, He is not as all-knowing as He claims to be, Morning Star jeered at God when he was sure no one was looking.

It started out as a naughty, harmless spark but finally, Morning Star formulated the words in his mind till they became a mantra he said to himself non-stop:

"I will ascend to heaven;

I will raise my throne above the angels of God;

I will sit on the mount of assembly in the

heights of Zaphon in the North;

I will ascend to the tops of the clouds,

I will make myself like the Most High"

Secure in his slowly corrupted wisdom, Morning Star began to pay very close attention to the angels in heaven. He knew that the only way to take the kingdom in heaven was to get the smartest, biggest and strongest angels on his side. Since they all loved him, he knew getting this powerful team together was going to be relatively easy.

He began to go to places these sorts of angels would hang out and, you know, do some serious networking. Naturally, they were surprised and pleased to see him in their spot because you see, there are levels even in heaven. The ‘big boy’ angels do not necessarily hang with the ‘small boys’ and everyone knew their place. So, for the great and mighty Morning Star to come and hang with them, it was a rare treat they all willingly enjoyed.

Morning Star used that opportunity to sound the other angels out, you know, to listen to them and see where their minds were at. As an accomplished actor and having the unparalleled ability to make the most hardened angel let their guard down, he was able to know exactly what they thought. To his surprise, he found out some of the angels felt just like he did.

We do all the work and get nothing for it! one group said.

Very true! All ELOYHIM does is sit and give orders. We too should get nice benefits, another agreed.

Right?! Small kingdoms to run as well. We shouldn’t be errand boys all our lives! another thundered.

During these discussions, Morning Star only listened and never said a word. He could not afford anyone reporting to The Three his plan till he was ready to build his army.

Of course, there were the loyal ones, who refuted such arguments,

Why are you saying these things? This is our purpose and the reason we were created. To allow these thoughts of discontent grow will only cause harm. ELOYHIM is right and just in all His ways, they would say and the others would shout them down.

If that’s the case then why do we have these thoughts? If our entire existence was to be lap dogs, why then are our minds filled with thoughts of wanting more? It only means that we are capable of so much more if only we are bold enough to take it! the disgruntled ones would bark.

It is called covetousness and greed—things that have no place in your minds! the goody-two-shoes ones would hotly respond.

So back and forth they would go until Morning Star would make a show of trying to diffuse the situation with sweet words. But now, he had a very clear idea as to what the angels were really thinking and which ones he could convince to join his gang.

When he was done with his sneaky survey and tabulating his findings, Morning Star made his move.

Slowly and craftily, he began whispering his sweet words to these disgruntled angels. Even the ones that initially were not unhappy with their status, as long as he needed their skill set for the coming war, Morning Star targeted them. Daily, he was able to add more to his political party with the underlining message that the kingdom of heaven will be so much better with one of their kind running things.

Brothers, he said, imagine a life of no longer bowing and scraping to ELOYHIM? Imagine a world where you can do as you please, no longer in fear or dread. Imagine a world, where we are our own gods, making our own rules. He painted such a vivid picture with his honeyed words till they began to actually see such a world.

But who would lead us to such a place? they asked and quickly, Morning Star played the role of the humble servant perfectly, stepping up to ‘take one for the team’,

I shall be greatly honored to be of service to each and every one of you, as your leader. Unlike ELOYHIM, I will serve you and lovingly attend to all your needs, he promised.

After millions of years of practice, you can be sure that his manifesto night was a resounding success. His speech was so stirring; it moved even the mighty warrior angels to tears.

At the end of his campaign, Morning Star had gathered the best of every kind of angel in his crew—the smartest, fastest, biggest, strongest and the fiercest warriors. Seeing now that he had the numbers he needed for a successful takeover, he rallied them up and began to intimate them on the plan and what everyone’s specific role was. Also with the best war strategists in his team, they were all able to come up with a flawless battle plan. Everything was set and since he was sure that everyone would do what they were supposed to, he knew victory was going to be his.

That fateful day, Morning Star gave the order and his angels unleashed their well-planned coup operation. In minutes, a terrible war erupted in the once peaceful and happy heaven. Angels that had formerly worked side-by-side in peace and harmony were now locked in a dreadful immortal combat; tearing and ripping at each other. All around, pieces of wings and body parts rained. Everywhere you looked, colored laser beams flashed from clashing swords as the angels viciously hacked at each other. It was looking like Morning Star and his boys were going to win, just as they had projected.

The Three watching from the sidelines stared unhappily at the carnage that was ripping through their happy home. Across the battlefield, they saw Morning Star also watching the battle, a morbid grin spread on his face.

The darkness has taken him over completely, God-the-Spirit observed. The creature smiling and waving at them was no longer the one they had initially created. Their precious Morning Star had completely morphed into something else—a beautiful yet distorted version.

I think we’ve had enough of the cherub’s shenanigans. Time to shut this down, God-the-Father quietly said.

He turned to some very special angels who had not gotten into the fight. They were fondly referred to as ‘The Sapphires’ because they were made from the same sapphires that surround ELOYHIM’s throne. We shall talk about them later.

Anyway, God-the-Father turned to them and gave a very low whistle that only they and Morning Star could hear (because remember, he too was formed from the precious gemstones in heaven).

Long and short of the story, these Sapphires, got involved and the entire battle was flipped in the favor of the kingdom of God, within minutes. Morning’s Star watched in utter shock as the battle came to an abrupt, unexpected end, with his boys rounded up and bound like the criminals they were.

Since no ordinary angel could lay their hands on Morning Star and not get instantly pulverized from the laser he could shoot from any part of his body, God raised His hand and instantly, Morning Star found himself weak as a baby. He crumbled to the floor helplessly as other cherubs bound and gagged him. He struggled feebly but he was completely powerless and could only glare in frustration as they carried and finally dumped him right in front of God’s throne.

All the good angels stood back, in their uncharacteristic disheveled state, waiting to hear what was to become of their anointed cherub gone rogue.

God looked at the cherub kneeling before Him in terrible sadness; looking to see if He would find any remorse but found none. Since his mouth was gagged and he could not speak, Morning Star sent a telepathic message to his Creator,

Were You hoping to find me broken and contrite, Ancient One? Never! No remorse here, so go ahead and do Your worst! he jeered.

God shook His head and finally said,

Terrible day, eh cherub? See the disharmony, mayhem, and destruction you brought into my home because of your pride. Such a waste. Not that I am disappointed though, God said and looked pointedly at him with a dry smile. For the first time, Morning Star stopped leering and frowned in confusion at his Creator. Then it slowly made sense—God had known from the very beginning that he was going to do this.

But how? Morning Star wondered.

Your name should have been a dead giveaway, cherub, God quietly replied his thoughts.

You see, when God named all the other angels He had attached His name to theirs—MichaEL, RaphaEL, GabriEL, UriEL etc. But Lucifer’s own name did not have that addition. So, from the jump, God had known he was eventually going to break away.

What shall his fate be? Michael, the deputy general of the heaven’s armies sadly asked. He had been best friends with Morning Star and he could not believe the evil his friend had caused. Morning Star turned to him and eyed him disdainfully.

He and his crew will be banished to Earth for all time. It is where your heart is set on to rule, isn’t it, cherub? Well, now it’s yours. Same goes for your friends, as well, God said and just as the cherubs picked him up and were about to take him away, God stopped them,

"Oh, one more thing. Your name shall no longer be Lucifer Morning Star. That title is stripped from you. Henceforth, you shall be called Ha-Satan; one who opposes. It is truly who and what you are now, isn’t it?" God thundered, His face as expressionless as a wall.

And with that Ha-Satan and his friends were unceremoniously dragged to the gates of heaven and thrown out like garbage. It would later be reported that Ha-Satan’s fall from heaven to Earth’s atmosphere was like an angry lightning bolt from heaven that struck Earth like a nuclear bomb. Along with the lightning were a third of the stars of heaven, according to the description of their banishment to Earth. So, Ha-Satan did not leave heaven alone, he was accompanied by his friends—a third of heaven’s angels.

When He landed in his new home, He found out that he was not as spectacular as he had originally thought. He realized that even though God had not taken his powers away, his ability to create and manufacture things as he had effortlessly done in the past was no more. Disconnected from God, He could no longer perform the wonders he had done in the past. So, as you can imagine, he was livid.

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Enraged and refusing to accept such an ‘ordinary life’, Ha-Satan decided it was time to show the Most High a thing or two about treating a powerful angel like himself like yesterday’s trash. Quickly, he started putting together another revolt; this time, with the inhabitants of Earth.

I’ll show Him no one treats me like this; Banish me, will He? Well, we will just have to see about that! he told his crew. So, he began his campaign with the Earthlings and all the other creatures on the other planets. They all loved him and were willing to die for him anyway so they tagged along.

Sure, they have all the angels in heaven but how will they stand toe-to-toe with every living thing in the entire universe fighting on my side against the kingdom of God? Ha-Satan laughed happily, certain that victory was sure to be his, this time.

Sadly, that did not have a great ending either. Not only were they all soundly defeated, but this time, in anger that the creatures had also aligned with the evil angel in revolt against Him, God sent a terrible flood to destroy the Earth, killing and destroying all life—land and sea creatures, birds, vegetation, atmosphere, sun, moon—everything! Even the surrounding planets did not escape the ripple effects of the obliteration.

What happened afterward is probably what scientists would later refer to as the Ice Age. With the sun destroyed, every source of warmth and light was gone and the universe was flung into a dark, frozen state for billions and billions of years. The rest of the angels in heaven could only stare at the devastation in horror and holy dread as they watched the once gloriously beautiful universe slowly dissolve into an ugly black void.

Unfortunately, since angels are immortal and cannot die, Ha-Satan and his friends were buried alive in all that debris; inconveniently trapped in the frozen planet, in suspended animation, as Earth lost its form and became a dark, shapeless lump of icy rock all around them.

Then one day, there was a new stirring in the atmosphere.

Heaven watched with bated breath as God-the-Spirit gently fluttered over the shapeless mass. They silently observed as God-the-Spirit blew gently over it and the angels gasped as the ice started to thaw. Like a drone, God-the-Spirit hovered over the now watery mess, surveying every inch of what was left of Earth.

Something was about to happen…

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Memory Verse

Ezekiel 28:17

Your heart was proud and arrogant because of your beauty. You destroyed your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground I lay you before kings that they might look at you.

(Amplified Bible)

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JANUARY 2

ADAM AND EVE

A s God-the-Spirit fluttered over the watery mess that had been Earth for billions of years, He surveyed the extent of the damage but He was not alone. That day, he was accompanied by God-the-Father and God-the-Word.

It was pitch dark and so God-the-Father called for light,

Light, be!

God-the-Word turned on the switch and Earth was instantly flooded with light. God-the-Spirit snapped His fingers and time as we know it was re-activated. He divided the light from the dark; calling the light ‘day’ and the dark ‘night’. The Three stepped back to observe their work and liked what They saw.

This is good, they said in unison.

The next day, it was time to see what lay beneath all that water. So, God commanded the waters to separate—leaving some above the Earth’s surface and the rest left below.

He was not surprised with what He found under all that water. Behold! It was Ha-Satan and his friends, stretching and laughing; having being released from billions of years in suspended animation.

The ever cautious former cherub was the first to see God and his lips curled in a sardonic smile,

Just when I wondered who broke us out of jail! Ha-Satan cheered, Guys—look it is our welcome committee! he jeered, calling the attention of the other angels. They were not as forward or brazen as the former anointed cherub but rather cowered and fell to their faces in terror as God surveyed them all rather grimly.

I see that you are back to your old irreverent ways, eh Cherub, God-the-Father quietly said, eyeing the sly angel.

Ah, what is a lowly angel like me supposed to do after being unjustly trapped for billions of years? Lemme guess—you missed me so much you had to let me out, right? Ha-Satan chuckled nastily.

You wish, God-the-Spirit hissed.

And what are your plans now that you’ve been released? God-the-Father asked.

Well, that’s for me to know and for You to find out, Ha-Satan quipped, his arms folded in defiance, an evil smile dancing on his beautiful lips.

Still so arrogant. He does know We can read his mind, right?! God-the-Word whispered, rolling His eyes.

I doubt if he cares anymore, God-the-Spirit softly replied; seeing all the evil plans running through Ha-Satan’s mind, clear as day. They could all see that Ha-Satan’s quick mind had easily deduced that God coming down to Earth meant something significant. They could also read his intentions to throw a wrench in the