Ever tried this experiment? You ask someone if they are feeling well. You tell them they look a little pale. You warn them that they seem run down and are susceptible to the flu that is going around. Sure enough, we can influence them to feel unwell and maybe leave work early. I don’t advise doing this, but I believe we are well advised to remember that the voices we listen to can affect a desired result.
I work in an industry that is being very hard hit by the tough economic times. Long-term, top-position employees are losing their jobs. The sad news comes at me daily. There is real reason for these companies to tighten their belts, work more efficiently, cut spending, etc.
At the same time, I see that some of these companies are making decisions based on fear of what might happen. They are cutting people and programs that might actually help them to stay financially healthy in tough economic times, because they are getting pressure to cut something, they think, and it looks good on the bottom line right now.
I’ve also seen news reports and read articles that point out that some very profitable companies were created in depressed times of the past. One man’s dire situation is another’s opportunity for innovation, creation and success. One thing is sure – if you can grow a business during tough times, you are going to look really good in better times.
Churches should be growing in tough times. Yet, I find that some of the churches I visit are taken in by the dire predictions around them. The call to belt tighten that is going on in the business sector has these churches cutting programs, saving money, and discussing stock-piling assets.
They fear losing what they have (people, money, a building), when they ought to be afraid of not taking advantage of opportunity.
Un-churched people are MORE likely to be looking for God, for spiritual guidance and for a church home in these tough times. They are MORE likely to open to a religious discussion now. Our young people need MORE help and guidance, more activities, more support and more opportunities to be together during these tough times. Our senior citizens need MORE financial support, more programs, more opportunity to serve the church and more time with fellow believers during these tough times.
Just like business that are taken in by a “hunker down and just hold on to what you have” mentality, Churches that are trying to hold on to what they have, rather than trying to grow now, will find, I believe, that exactly what they worry about – loss of income and loss of membership – will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. They will not grow now and once times get better they will not have any momentum for growth. They will have lost the infrastructure that would support exponential growth later on.
In a time when we hear of men dying of electrocution while trying to steal copper wire from electric lines, we KNOW times are tough. But this point shows us that it isn’t just the economy falling on slim times – morality and moral choices are in the toilet too!
Tough times are prophesied. So is the return of Jesus, the gospel being preached to the world, the sheep being cared for, and the church never failing. What is your congregation doing to help fulfill THOSE prophesies?
At a time when there are prophets saying “hold on to what you have” and those saying “these times are an opportunity for us,” which voices are you listening to? Either way, the decisions you make now, will dictate your future. The prophecy you make and support will most likely be fulfilled.
Love, Nancy
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
AND THE BEAT GOES ON....
Officially, we have a new year beginning today. Last night champagne flowed, people danced and resolutions were made. People made commitments to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise, get a better education so they could get out of their dead-end job, get out of debt. Some few will complete the change. Many of those resolutions will be broken today. Others may last a few weeks.
We have a new president who promises change. President-elect Obama is different in very many ways from President Bush. He’ll put new people into office. He’ll change policy. He says he’ll work to facilitate a speedy end to the war in Iraq. He’s our first African-American president. But he is still, at the core, what Bush, Clinton, Regan, the other Bush, Carter and all the others before that were – he is a politician. And the beat goes on.
There is fighting in Israel. Gas prices are on their way back up. Retail stores are running major sales in the hopes of drawing people in to buy after the Xmas spending spree. I could go on. Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Sonny & Cher said it more poetically: “Grandma's sit in chairs and reminisce, Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss, The cars keep going faster all the time, Bum still cries, ‘Hey buddy have you got a dime?’"(Okay, so they ask for a dollar these days.) “Men still keep on marching off to war.” “And the beat goes on….”
It is 2009 – nine years beyond what we thought would be the end of the world due to the collapse of computers in 2000 – and it looks like we might be in for more of the same old thing we’ve experienced for thousands of years. Bummer. I’m old enough and have seen enough of the world’s pain and sorrow to really, really mean it when I say, “Please, Jesus, come soon!”
In the mean time, a Christian’s life is one of moving forward. Each day, we should be getting more Christ like. Each day, we should set an example for those around us. Each day, we should spread love, peace and joy. Each day, we should pray. Each day, we put one foot in front of the other, moving ever onward toward the Kingdom. And the beat goes on…
God knows we can get warn out with it all. So, Galatians 6:9 says, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (New Living Translation)
The good news is that each day, no matter how much it seems just like the day before, is actually one day closer to Jesus’ return to rule and reign on this earth. Praise God! There is light at the end of the tunnel. One day things will really change. Christians just need to keep on doing what Christians are called to do.
And the beat goes on…La-dee-da-dee-dee; La-dee-da-dee-da……
With love, Nancy
We have a new president who promises change. President-elect Obama is different in very many ways from President Bush. He’ll put new people into office. He’ll change policy. He says he’ll work to facilitate a speedy end to the war in Iraq. He’s our first African-American president. But he is still, at the core, what Bush, Clinton, Regan, the other Bush, Carter and all the others before that were – he is a politician. And the beat goes on.
There is fighting in Israel. Gas prices are on their way back up. Retail stores are running major sales in the hopes of drawing people in to buy after the Xmas spending spree. I could go on. Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Sonny & Cher said it more poetically: “Grandma's sit in chairs and reminisce, Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss, The cars keep going faster all the time, Bum still cries, ‘Hey buddy have you got a dime?’"(Okay, so they ask for a dollar these days.) “Men still keep on marching off to war.” “And the beat goes on….”
It is 2009 – nine years beyond what we thought would be the end of the world due to the collapse of computers in 2000 – and it looks like we might be in for more of the same old thing we’ve experienced for thousands of years. Bummer. I’m old enough and have seen enough of the world’s pain and sorrow to really, really mean it when I say, “Please, Jesus, come soon!”
In the mean time, a Christian’s life is one of moving forward. Each day, we should be getting more Christ like. Each day, we should set an example for those around us. Each day, we should spread love, peace and joy. Each day, we should pray. Each day, we put one foot in front of the other, moving ever onward toward the Kingdom. And the beat goes on…
God knows we can get warn out with it all. So, Galatians 6:9 says, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (New Living Translation)
The good news is that each day, no matter how much it seems just like the day before, is actually one day closer to Jesus’ return to rule and reign on this earth. Praise God! There is light at the end of the tunnel. One day things will really change. Christians just need to keep on doing what Christians are called to do.
And the beat goes on…La-dee-da-dee-dee; La-dee-da-dee-da……
With love, Nancy
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
YOU CAN’T UNSCRAMBLE AN EGG, SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Maybe I’m the only one who ever had this problem after the 5th grade – said something or did something that hurt another person. Worse yet, broke their trust. Compound the damage if this is someone close – a friend or family member.
I’ve always told my children that trust is something hard to repair. Only time and opportunities to prove yourself can restore trust. Once you scramble that egg, you are stuck with a mess, especially since that the person you hurt is (understandably) not likely to give you many opportunities to rebuild trust – at least at first.
Of course the KEY is to not break the trust in the first place. I have to admonish each of us to watch our tongues and our actions to be sure we never, ever betray a trust or hurt someone else. But, if you are like me, and all too often have these words of Paul running around in your head: “When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway,” [Ro. 7:19 New Living Translation throughout], then as much as you’d like to say differently, you have hurt people by words or actions at least a few times – even since the 5th grade.
Remember, the Bible says, (in James 3:5) “So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do”—warning us of its power of destruction. So we have to admit that this is a common problem with human nature and all people – even Christians. If you have avoided it in your adult life, you are indeed wise and godly.
Once you realize you have betrayed trust in word or deed, you need to repent before God and ask His forgiveness. Then I suggest you ask for strength, spiritual support, because you may need it once the full impact of what you have done hits you, as you see the pain you have caused for another and understand that there is simply nothing you can do to take that back. You must humbly admit your wrong to the injured party and ask forgiveness.
I also suggest you pray that God will help the injured party to be merciful – realizing that the better part of mercy might be holding you accountable even while forgiving you – and for their own peace and strength to work through this too. They may be in for some rough times as well, while dealing with issues or feelings you created.
If you’ve damaged someone’s reputation by gossip – even by telling a truth trusted to you – and God has blessed you by allowing you to truly understand what damage you have done – then you are in a “in for a world of hurt,” as we say in the South, as you face the hard truth. It is painful. I know. I’ve been there. I’d love nothing more than to be able to press the rewind button and unscramble that egg.
So, I suggest lots of prayer for yourself and for the person you harmed – fasting to draw closer to God and live more in line with Him – Bible study to fill your mind, heart and mouth with the right things.
But, although these are all good and right things that you should be doing, they work on the current and future you. The point is, once the dead is done, you can work on never doing it again, but you can’t undo it. Sometimes you get the opportunity to do some repair work, but that is very rare. I wish I could say differently – oh how I wish it!
Proverbs 18:19 warns us that “it is harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city.” I can vouch for that, unfortunately.
So, I have only two rules for us on this:
RULE #1: Do all you can to avoid breaking someone’s trust. Guard your tongue, guard your actions, and think before speaking or taking action.
RULE #2: There is no second chance – go back to rule #1.
I hope this saves us both from scrambled eggs in the future!
Love, Nancy
P.S. You know who you are: to you I say, again, I am terribly sorry.
I’ve always told my children that trust is something hard to repair. Only time and opportunities to prove yourself can restore trust. Once you scramble that egg, you are stuck with a mess, especially since that the person you hurt is (understandably) not likely to give you many opportunities to rebuild trust – at least at first.
Of course the KEY is to not break the trust in the first place. I have to admonish each of us to watch our tongues and our actions to be sure we never, ever betray a trust or hurt someone else. But, if you are like me, and all too often have these words of Paul running around in your head: “When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway,” [Ro. 7:19 New Living Translation throughout], then as much as you’d like to say differently, you have hurt people by words or actions at least a few times – even since the 5th grade.
Remember, the Bible says, (in James 3:5) “So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do”—warning us of its power of destruction. So we have to admit that this is a common problem with human nature and all people – even Christians. If you have avoided it in your adult life, you are indeed wise and godly.
Once you realize you have betrayed trust in word or deed, you need to repent before God and ask His forgiveness. Then I suggest you ask for strength, spiritual support, because you may need it once the full impact of what you have done hits you, as you see the pain you have caused for another and understand that there is simply nothing you can do to take that back. You must humbly admit your wrong to the injured party and ask forgiveness.
I also suggest you pray that God will help the injured party to be merciful – realizing that the better part of mercy might be holding you accountable even while forgiving you – and for their own peace and strength to work through this too. They may be in for some rough times as well, while dealing with issues or feelings you created.
If you’ve damaged someone’s reputation by gossip – even by telling a truth trusted to you – and God has blessed you by allowing you to truly understand what damage you have done – then you are in a “in for a world of hurt,” as we say in the South, as you face the hard truth. It is painful. I know. I’ve been there. I’d love nothing more than to be able to press the rewind button and unscramble that egg.
So, I suggest lots of prayer for yourself and for the person you harmed – fasting to draw closer to God and live more in line with Him – Bible study to fill your mind, heart and mouth with the right things.
But, although these are all good and right things that you should be doing, they work on the current and future you. The point is, once the dead is done, you can work on never doing it again, but you can’t undo it. Sometimes you get the opportunity to do some repair work, but that is very rare. I wish I could say differently – oh how I wish it!
Proverbs 18:19 warns us that “it is harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city.” I can vouch for that, unfortunately.
So, I have only two rules for us on this:
RULE #1: Do all you can to avoid breaking someone’s trust. Guard your tongue, guard your actions, and think before speaking or taking action.
RULE #2: There is no second chance – go back to rule #1.
I hope this saves us both from scrambled eggs in the future!
Love, Nancy
P.S. You know who you are: to you I say, again, I am terribly sorry.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I KNEW JACK KENNEDY AND YOU ARE NO JACK KENNEDY
I work in sales, an industry where image leads and functionality follows. The two questions I must answer at the very start of the sales process are “Who are you?” and “What can you do for me?”
It is well expressed in this blurb I read recently in an industry publication: "Two basic tenets of selling are that (1) people buy from other people more happily than from faceless corporations, and that (2) in the marketplace as in theater, there is indeed a factor at work called 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' Who stands behind our pancakes? Aunt Jemima. Our angel food cake? Betty Crocker. Our coffee? Juan Valdez. Anyone over the age of 3 knows that it's all myth. But like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, the myths are comforting."
There is certainly a lot of theatrics going on in our country today. As shows like Saturday Night Live skewer the leaders of the auto industry for greedy adherence to their rich lifestyles while their industry is on the verge of collapse and as Governor Blagojevich resurrects the image of Chicago politics during the reign of the mob, we would all be well advised to consider what kind of impression each of us makes as representatives of our families, our faith, our congregations, and our heavenly Father.
When it comes to “buying” the whole Christian thing, people are going to be just as attracted to people first as they are when it comes to any other sale. We must “sell” the fact that being a Christian is worthwhile, brings happiness and fosters internal peace even when the world is at war. But the main thing we must sell is that Christianity IS love. In this, you are the Aunt Jemima, the Betty Crocker, the Juan Valdez – in other words, the spokesperson, for Christianity.
More narrowly, you are the spokesperson for your congregation. So, when people talk to you or when they walk into the door at church, does everything about you “sell” the congregation with a favorable image? Are you open, smiling, happy, welcoming? Do you meet visitors with a handshake and thank them for coming?
What if it is someone from a group that split off from yours? Do you get to set aside brotherly love in favor of letting them know that you are unhappy with their choice? Do they feel unwelcome? If so, then you are failing to make that sale – not only to them, but also to your own children and others who may be watching your actions. What kind of impression do you think you are making on the six-year-old who can tell you are suddenly tense? What about that even more vulnerable group – teenagers – who are watching you closely? They often will reject the belief system parents have spent years teaching them in response to witnessing a routine disconnect between words and actions.
Christ Jesus calls us His brothers. We are the sons of God. We are made in their image and tasked with becoming more like them, with the help of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
People have a right to see Christian behavior in the spokespersons for God, for your faith and for your congregation. The image comes first. Then they will be open to the functionality of the Christian walk.
To paraphrase that famous indictment of Dan Quayle during a political debate: we never want anyone to be able to say to us: “I know Christians and you are no Christian!”
Love, Nancy
It is well expressed in this blurb I read recently in an industry publication: "Two basic tenets of selling are that (1) people buy from other people more happily than from faceless corporations, and that (2) in the marketplace as in theater, there is indeed a factor at work called 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' Who stands behind our pancakes? Aunt Jemima. Our angel food cake? Betty Crocker. Our coffee? Juan Valdez. Anyone over the age of 3 knows that it's all myth. But like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, the myths are comforting."
There is certainly a lot of theatrics going on in our country today. As shows like Saturday Night Live skewer the leaders of the auto industry for greedy adherence to their rich lifestyles while their industry is on the verge of collapse and as Governor Blagojevich resurrects the image of Chicago politics during the reign of the mob, we would all be well advised to consider what kind of impression each of us makes as representatives of our families, our faith, our congregations, and our heavenly Father.
When it comes to “buying” the whole Christian thing, people are going to be just as attracted to people first as they are when it comes to any other sale. We must “sell” the fact that being a Christian is worthwhile, brings happiness and fosters internal peace even when the world is at war. But the main thing we must sell is that Christianity IS love. In this, you are the Aunt Jemima, the Betty Crocker, the Juan Valdez – in other words, the spokesperson, for Christianity.
More narrowly, you are the spokesperson for your congregation. So, when people talk to you or when they walk into the door at church, does everything about you “sell” the congregation with a favorable image? Are you open, smiling, happy, welcoming? Do you meet visitors with a handshake and thank them for coming?
What if it is someone from a group that split off from yours? Do you get to set aside brotherly love in favor of letting them know that you are unhappy with their choice? Do they feel unwelcome? If so, then you are failing to make that sale – not only to them, but also to your own children and others who may be watching your actions. What kind of impression do you think you are making on the six-year-old who can tell you are suddenly tense? What about that even more vulnerable group – teenagers – who are watching you closely? They often will reject the belief system parents have spent years teaching them in response to witnessing a routine disconnect between words and actions.
Christ Jesus calls us His brothers. We are the sons of God. We are made in their image and tasked with becoming more like them, with the help of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
People have a right to see Christian behavior in the spokespersons for God, for your faith and for your congregation. The image comes first. Then they will be open to the functionality of the Christian walk.
To paraphrase that famous indictment of Dan Quayle during a political debate: we never want anyone to be able to say to us: “I know Christians and you are no Christian!”
Love, Nancy
Saturday, December 6, 2008
TIS THE SEASON
It’s that time of year – a time when people who aren’t religious at all find that their faith is now extremely important and they MUST have a nativity scene on the County Court lawn. A time when companies who don’t do anything religious any other time of the year now find they simply MUST send out holiday cards and/or gifts, they simply MUST put up a tree in a public area. A time when people who don’t help the homeless any other time of the year are asking for canned goods for various programs.
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
Friday, November 28, 2008
ARMAGEDDON , NOW WHAT?
According to prevailing marketing industry wisdom, the key emotional hot buttons that influence human behavior are fear, greed, guilt, anger, exclusivity, salvation, flattery and patriotism. I think at least two of these are also on the list of Seven Deadly Sins.
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Sunday, November 23, 2008
ARMAGEDDON AND THE ABILITY TO FOCUS
The other night I was flipping through the channels and caught the end of the moving Armageddon – the one with Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler and Ben Afleck. I always cry when Bruce has his last conversation with Liv, a single father, saying good-bye to his only daughter just before he saves the world. I cry even harder just as he pushes the button on the nuke and his life with Liv, including the future he will miss, passes before his eyes.
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
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