I'd be happy if only I had....

We remember the Jones, don't we? They were the neighbors that always had the new cars, the biggest TV (with the most cable options), preppy children attending the finest and most expensive schools, tennis and ballet lessons, swimming pool (or Olympic size trampoline) in the back yard..... The list goes on and on. It seemed like they had everything anyone could ever wish for and so we decided that we wanted to be just like them. In fact, that seems to be one of the driving factors of the American economy, and just as likely the reason for the collapse we see all around us. Riding lawn mowers in 50 by 90 foot lots, five-year olds with iPods and cell phones, four cars in garages with only two drivers, children with more toys than Batman..... The list goes on and on. We are witnessing more bankruptcy, depression, divorce, and diagnoses of "bi-polar" and " ADHD," higher levels of juvenile arrest (not to mention the carnage in our schools), confusion of sexual orientation/identity..... The list goes on and on. One might think that with the enormous affluence and access to labor saving devices that we would be a happier and more stable people, but research shows just the opposite to be true. The reality is that we are a most unhappy people living in a nation that cannot last much longer if the current trends continue. And all of this because we are seeking love and satisfaction in all the wrong places. The Rolling Stones gave us a national mantra in the 60's: "I can't get no --- satisfaction. Well, I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried, but I can't get no --- satisfaction." Sadly, we are still trying and coming away totally dissatisfied. We have placed our trust and affection in the things of the world instead of the Creator of the world, the only One that can give us true "satisfaction." We must learn what contentment means and how it is achieved. In Phil. 4: 11 Paul writes, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself, whether I have a lot or a little." Again, in Heb. 13: 5, Paul states, "Be content with those things that you have." So, we find that true contentment is "not having everything you want, but wanting everything you have." That is the way to find true satisfaction. If we would only turn to what God says about our condition instead of listening to the world, we could learn to rely on the Provider rather than the provision. God makes it so simple, even a caveman could do it. So, the next time you see one of those ads promising more than it could ever deliver, just say, "Thank you Jesus for all that I already have!" Then just smile and be happy. Stay tuned for more from the Word.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

/:> )

Mick

"What me worry?"

Do you remember that tag line spoken by Alfred E. Newman, a character in Mad Magazine in the 60's? Although that was a secular position, it really echoes God's heart for us. Phil. 4: 6, 7 speaks God's will regarding worry. He says, "Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Think about it: when we worry, we sin. Yes, we sin, because God commands us not to worry. Imagine, not having to worry and instead just obeying the word of God, then on top of everything, we wind up with a peace so incredible that we cannot comprehend it. He really does love his children (us) and He really will take care of us. Ironic, isn't it, that the Word could be spoken through a cartoon character in a magazine that would never acknowledge or promote the God of creation. I am so amazed that everything must bow to the will of God, even ultimately the things of the world. So, the next time the enemy attacks you, just say, "What, me worry?" Then giggle and say, "Thank you Jesus." Stay tuned for more from the WORD!

Be a blessing and be blessed,

/:> )

Mick

Be a blessing...

Too many people want too many things for all the wrong reasons. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." The late John F. Kennedy said it from a secular perspective, but he said it well: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you may do for your country." Incredible, isn't it? God wants to grant our requests, but He wants us to stop looking at our own needs and look to the needs of others. We must stop being such a selfish people and be more like Christ, who gave everything for us. Can we do otherwise and still call ourselves "Christians?" The amazing thing is that when we begin to pray for others, we start getting those things which we need. Neat, huh? Stay tuned for more from the WORD! 

Be a blessing and be blessed,

/:> )

Mick