What's in your wallet?

The good news is: lately things have been a little better for me as far as finances go.  The bad news is: the stock market has gone a little crazy and one look at my 401K is enough to make me sick.  Then I saw this little jewel.  At first I was a little envious; after all, WHO wouldn't want to have an available balance with that many numbers?  Then, I thought: This is probably just an error?  But, look at the location.  People who can afford to live in the Hampton's could possibly have this amount of cash.  However, after thinking about it, I decided that this person is not the brightest light bulb in the pack for a couple of reasons.  Number 1: Having $99 million in a bank goes WAY over the amount insured by the FDIC.  Second: Paying $2.75 just to get your own money shows a certain foolishness.  All things considered, this verse from the book of Proverbs applies.

Proverbs 17:16 (WEB)
16) Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?

Very good question!!!  I don't know the answer, but perhaps it is allowed just to make me think of the futility of having money in the first place.  Now, what I mean by this is having WAY TO MUCH MONEY!!!  We all need enough to get buy, but having millions upon millions is a hole with no bottom, as you will soon find out that you will never get enough (no matter how much you eventually accumulate).  Still, after saying all this, one thing comes to mind: "What's in your wallet"?  Who says TV commercials don't work?

I see you, but how do you see me?

Caricatures are interesting since they are not meant to be an exact copy of the person, but merely represent someone as the artist sees them.  Usually, one or more aspects of the person are emphasized, while others are reduced or ignored.  Notice the glasses and the teeth are bigger and the body is smaller.  I wonder what the artist is REALLY trying to say about this person.  Only thing that comes to mind is NERD, but please don't hold me to that one.  What do we really know about others, anyway?  It takes years to really get to know someone and even then you can't be absolutely sure what they are like.  But God knows; HE goes beyond the outward appearance and looks right into the heart.  HE KNOWS YOU!!!  Take this episode from the book of John for example.

John 4:3-29 (WEB)
3) he left Judea, and departed into Galilee.
4) He needed to pass through Samaria.
5) So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph.
6) Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7) A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
8) For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9) The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
11) The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?
12) Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?”
13) Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,
14) but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
15) The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don’t get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.”
16) Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
17) The woman answered, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You said well, ‘I have no husband,’
18) for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”
19) The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
20) Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”
21) Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father.
22) You worship that which you don’t know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
23) But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.
24) God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
25) The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah comes,” (he who is called Christ). “When he has come, he will declare to us all things.”
26) Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who speaks to you.”
27) At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, “What are you looking for?” or, “Why do you speak with her?”
28) So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,
29) “Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?”

The next time you meet someone who seems socially unacceptable, consider this passage.  Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan (and Jews normally didn't do this) who just also happened to be female (once again, males didn't normally do this in private).  He knows her and everything about her.  Her interest is aroused and she tries to persuade others as well.  Humm, I wonder why?  I think its because she knew Jesus cared about her and she could see he was someone very, very special.  What a blessing it is for someone to really know you and like you anyway!!! Jesus didn't have a distorted view of her and because of this, HE could lead her towards a proper relationship with God.  Good example, good practice and a wonderful way to think.  Know people and do good to them anyway; can you imagine what the world would be like if we actually did this?  Not a bad idea!!! Can't wait for it to happen...

A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do (or does he ?)

One of my granddaughters came over for a visit today and this picture reminded me of that visit.  She is absolutely mad about her dog Hercules (Herkuuleesss, her pronunciation) and it is a rare occasion that she doesn't mention him.  The photographer must feel the same way, or this picture wouldn't have been taken.  But, I wonder... why do dogs love to do this so much?  Since they can't talk, I guess I will never know, but my best guess is that they feel they have to do it!!!  Some people are like that too; they feel drawn to something that they simply have to do; whether or not it is right.  Judah (the southern nation) became like that and their spiritual adultery against the God who brought them out of Egypt had reached a terrible state.  Here is how God put it, through the prophet Jeremiah.

WEB: Jeremiah Chapter 13
[15] Hear, and give ear; don’t be proud; for Yahweh has spoken. [16] Give glory to Yahweh your God, before he causes darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and, while you look for light, he turns it into the shadow of death, and makes it gross darkness. [17] But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and my eye shall weep bitterly, and run down with tears, because Yahweh’s flock is taken captive. [18] Say to the king and to the queen mother, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headdresses have come down, even the crown of your glory. [19] The cities of the South are shut up, and there is none to open them: Judah is carried away captive, all of it; it is wholly carried away captive. [20] Lift up your eyes, and see those who come from the north: where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful flock? [21] What will you say, when he shall set over you as head those whom you have yourself taught to be friends to you? shall not sorrows take hold of you, as of a woman in travail? [22] If you say in your heart, Why are these things come on me? for the greatness of your iniquity are your skirts uncovered, and your heels suffer violence. [23] Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may you also do good, who are accustomed to do evil. [24] Therefore will I scatter them, as the stubble that passes away, by the wind of the wilderness. [25] This is your lot, the portion measured to you from me, says Yahweh; because you have forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood. [26] Therefore will I also uncover your skirts on your face, and your shame shall appear. [27] I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries, and your neighing, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, Jerusalem! You will not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?

Destruction, judgment and disaster beyond anything they could think or imagine was about to happen.  Why? Because Judah loved sin and would not (and simply could no longer) stop their evil ways.  All this makes me think of the current condition of government in our country.  Both political sides have become so polarized that compromise has become impossible and this nation will suffer as a result.  Its not only the government; its also the lack of morality of the people themselves.  Consider how the family has disintegrated over the past few decades and a prime example of this is huge number of children born into one parent homes.  A life without God was about to destroy Judah and could the United States of America be any different?  Have we gone so far from the Almighty that we can't change?  For all our sakes, I hope not!!!  People have the capacity to change, but what remains to be seen is if they have the will...

Need Help???

Looking for help?  You are looking in the right direction!  God will help, if you will seek him.  He is a very present help in times of trouble.  Stephen knew this and he looked up when he was faced with adversity.

Acts 7:44-56 (WEB)
44) “Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen;
45) which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David,
46) who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.
47) But Solomon built him a house.
48) However, the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,
49) ‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord; ‘or what is the place of my rest?
50) Didn’t my hand make all these things?’
51) “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.
52) Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
53) You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!”
54) Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56) and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

When I saw the president on TV yesterday, it occurred to me that he didn't have a plan to address yet another crisis; he just wanted to talk.  I thought how powerless he looked and realized he was very alone.  When I saw this picture, it occurred to me that he just needs to look to God for help and then DO SOMETHING!!! 

A single way?

As you may have guessed, I enjoy working with computers (most of the time).  I have seen IBM PC, XT, AT, 286, 386, 486, and now I5 systems (I think they now have I7 and higher as well).  Software has changed too; remember starting up your computer and then 5 to 10 minutes later being greeted with nothing but a flashing place marker.  Today, I not only run Windows 7, but am learning Linux Ubuntu as well (and love it). I can only imagine what the next decade (or hopefully, several decades) will bring.  But whatever the future may hold, I am sure I will be learning something new and exciting; but, I have to be willing to learn.  Isn't that what life is all about...learning.  But, its the things you learn that are important and that depends on who you listen to.  Here is someone we all should listen to; and with very good reason.... your life depends upon it...

 

Mark 9:2-7 (WEB)
2) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.
3) His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4) Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.
5) Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
6) For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid.
7) A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

Religiously, you are who you will obey.  If its your own will, you are a humanist or an atheist or an agnostic.  If its the Pope, you are Catholic and so on.  We all have to decide what our standard is for the hope of eternal life.  Personally, give me Jesus... every time.  Open the Bible, reproduce what you find in the New Testament and have a good day and an even better afterlife.  Each and every day we have a decision to make... will I faithfully follow Jesus or go some other way?  Good question and for me a simple choice.  How about you?

A hole in the sky???

Look, the sky has a hole in it!!!  Maybe its a pathway to heaven; maybe not, but whatever it is, its an uncommon sight to be sure!!!  Why think about heaven?  Well, why not?  There has to be something better than this world.  And the ways things have been going this world just seems to be getting worse and worse.  Ask yourself, how many wars, how many economic downturns, how much political intrigue and corruption can there be?  Sooner or later, western civilization as we know it seems doomed.  There is in fact something better, something awaiting us that will be truly magnificent.  And this is how I know...

WEB: John Chapter 14

[1] "“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. [3] If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. [4] Where I go, you know, and you know the way.”"

[5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

[6] Jesus said to him, "“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

The way to heaven isn't through some hole in the sky, its through Jesus.  Recently, its become fashionable to bash Christianity, to degrade and attempt to restrict the influence of Jesus of Nazareth.  Stupidity, because why would someone want to malign someone who has done something wonderful for you?  Jesus has shown us the way to paradise and whoever is foolish enough to ignore it will really be missing out on something very special.  But, people will always do things that aren't good for them and I sincerely hope that you do not fall into that category.  Until the time comes for my entry into heaven, I will keep looking up at the sky and wonder what is really beyond that hole, but whatever it is I know it will be HOLY, because Jesus is there and that is where I want to be.  How about you???

Sittin' on top of the world

Its funny how the mind works because as I looked at this picture, all I could think about was the old Al Jolson song "sitting on top of the world".  OK, I know that dates me, but one of the best gifts my grandmother gave me was a collection of his records.  I remember how I used to play them on an old Victrola wind up record player.  Somehow, she always seemed nearby when I played them.  Questions:  What makes you happy; what makes you feel like the bear in the picture?  As usual, I am drawn to the following verses...

WEB: Matthew Chapter 5

[1] Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. [2] He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

[3] "“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

[4] Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

[5] Blessed are the gentle,

for they shall inherit the earth.

[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,

for they shall be filled.

[7] Blessed are the merciful,

for they shall obtain mercy.

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they shall see God.

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called children of God.

[10] Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

[11] “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Perhaps this is not the first thing you think of, but it works for me!!!  Maybe understanding the word blessed will help.  I like the this was of translating it: OH, the blessed state of the man (with God)... that...  Face it, sometimes your best friends will let you down, your spouse will yell at you, your family will laugh at you and your kids will do something that will absolutely drive you up the wall.  God doesn't do that; HE is always there, never, ever acts unpredictably and always loves you.  HE just keeps on loving you, even when you do wrong and always forgives... always.  There really is nothing in this world you can depend on BUT God and if that doesn't make you happy, nothing will!!!