Before leaving Genesis chapter nine behind I must say how I appreciate the Holy Spirit’s leading in ridding my life of the curse of alcohol many years ago. It is in Genesis 9 that we read of the first of a series of unfortunate events caused by the consumption of alcohol. It is pretty sordid and you can read it for yourself if you wish. It is sufficient for me to say that at 77 years old today, I have lost nothing by choosing to follow the counsel of the wise man who said: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)

Anything that dulls the frontal lobe of the brain interferes with our ability to make good moral decisions, and that is a starting point for actions we later regret and have to repent of. I remember a teenager making a very wise statement back in 1969 when offered a drink. She said: “Why would I put a thief in my mouth to steal my brain!?”

And I smile as I remember a short conversation with a bricklayer at knock-off time on a Friday. He was very conscious that God had changed my life in recent days and he smilingly said: “Don’t get drunk over the weekend!” I smiled and said: “No! But I hope to get full of the Spirit!”

Have a great day!