The Very Best Thing in the World?

Back in December of 2006, a poll was conducted in England among children under ten years of age. They were asked, “What do you think is the very best thing in the world?” The top three answers: “being a celebrity,” “good looks,” “being rich.” (Source: The Evening Standard, December 17, 2006)
Interesting, isn’t it—what kids think is important? Andy Warhol coined the phrase, “fifteen minutes of fame” and now, even kids want it. No wonder— photographers crowd around the rich and famous, seek the celebrities’ autographs and opinions, and want to be like them.
I believe this fervent desire comes from a distortion of a true need, the need to be appreciated. However, what we have today is very close to worship of individuals. Their name, their opinions, and their images are all sought in the effort to influence other people and their lives. Of course, not all celebrities seek that status; nor do all of them revel in it.
This leads us to the very essence of everyday life: Whom should we seek as the model and influence of our lives? We may immediately answer: “Jesus!” But do we betray our real allegiance by following closely the latest celebrity gossip and entertainment shows? Do we pattern our wardrobe/hairstyles by the latest quirk of some celebrity? Do we allow a famous person to persuade us on some political or moral issue in which their only “qualification” is fame? And finally, do we give lip service to Jesus by making our religion a compartmentalized thing only to be professed, or at the most, practiced only on Sundays and Wednesdays?
John Lennon, of the “Beatles” once said, “We’re bigger than Jesus.” In the eyes of many people in 1968, he was probably right. The ways of Jesus do not sit well with most people. People tried to make Jesus a celebrity, but when they truly understood what he was about, they left him (John 6:60), and some eventually crucified him.
Jesus did not come to earth to be a celebrity—he came to serve (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-7). One who truly seeks to follow Jesus will quickly see that the ways of Jesus differ radically with those of most celebrities.
Children need to be taught that true greatness comes through service to God and others. By the way, that poll I mentioned above—the very best things in the world—God came in at number ten.
We have work to do.
—Lance Cordle

When I Pray . . .

I can acknowledge that my help comes from above (Psalm 121:1,2).
I can acknowledge that if God is for me, no one else can be against me (Romans 8:31).
I can see my unworthiness contrasted with the magnificence of God (Nehemiah 1:5-7).
I can, as a child, talk to my Father (Matthew 7:11).
I can pursue the will of God in my life (Matthew 26:39).
I can seek true wisdom (James 1:5).
I can seek the blessings of God on behalf of the ones I love (John 17:20, 21).
I can seek forgiveness—even for my secret sins (Acts 8:22).
I can ask what ever I want—according to his will (1 John 5:14).
I can have confidence that my prayer will be heard (1 John 5:14, 15).
I can thank God for all that has done and is doing on my behalf (Philippians 2: 13; 4:6).
I can thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 1:3).
I can draw closer to God (James 4:8).
I can petition God on behalf of the sick (James 5:13, 16).
I can take advantage of the promises God has made (Hebrews 13:5).
I can “tap into” the vast resources of heaven (Ephesians 3:20).
I can request help in resistance of the devil (Ephesians 6:18).
I can win a battle against the devil (James 4:7).
I can separate my self from the world—for a while (Matthew 6:6).
I can expect mercy and grace in time of trouble (Hebrews 4:16).
I can find peace (Philippians 4:7).
. . . So, I must not stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!!
—Lance Cordle

30 Ways to Increase Your Bible Knowledge

Set a specific time for daily Bible study.
Pray for wisdom.
Buy reference books and commentaries.
Memorize Bible verses.
Take Bible study notes in a notebook.
Write notes in the margins of your Bible.
Ask a teacher or preacher for study tips.
Read books about biblical characters.
Read books about biblical topics.
Quiz yourself on Bible facts while going to/from school or work.
Take an in-depth Bible class offered by a church or Christian college.
Read biblical studies on the internet.
Write your own commentary.
Study with a friend or family member.
Take notes during sermons.
Listen to Bible CD’s as you drive.
Buy a good reference/study Bible.
Do biblical word-studies.
Volunteer to teach a Bible class.
Subscribe to a good religious journal.
Attend a Bible lectureship.
List practical lessons from material that you study.
Have daily family devotionals.
Keep a Bible study journal.
Write articles on biblical topics.
Set a daily goal of applying at least one lesson from your studies.
Meditate daily on principles learned.
Read “how to” articles and books about Bible Study.
Obtain and learn to use a good Bible atlas.
Work Bible-related puzzles (crosswords, word searches, etc.).
—Lance Cordle

A Decent Guy

President Gerald Ford died December 26, 2006. For the last week, stories about his life and presidency have circulated through the media. I have been impressed by one constant theme: Gerald Ford was a decent guy. So many presidents seem to have been "larger than life," but not Ford. He was unpretentious when he took the presidency and he was the same when he left.

I like the fact that people now give him enormous credit for saving the country during Watergate. This happened in spite of his low-profile image. George Herbert Walker Bush said his decency overcame the deceit of Watergate. Tom Brokaw described him in terms of his position on the Michigan football team as center: invovled in every play, seldom noticed, and not given credit at the time for his accomplishments.

This description by Brokaw, in a way describes what God wants us to be spiritually--humble, unpretentious, but involved. Then when all is said and done, God will see to it that we get whatever credit we deserve.

The world needs more decent guys.

Reality

For the last 4-5 years, "reality" shows have been all the rage. Talent shows, dating shows, and various other contrived programs have people enthusiastic about such things. These shows, however are NOT real-life. They are shams.

Reality is going to work and earning a paycheck. Reality is marrying for life and giving up your rights to please another person. Reality is raising a child who may or may not appreciate your efforts. Reality is seeing friends die--young, old, and middle-aged. Reality is hearing a doctor say, "You have a problem." Reality is dying--young, old, middle-aged.

Reality is facing God.

"A Little 'Blogged' Down"

Sorry I haven't posted in over a month. I started one a couple of weeks ago and just didn't finish. I inserted a bulletin article just a while ago. If you don't mind me putting a bulletin article in from time to time (or every two weeks, when I put them in our bulletin), comment and let me know. They will be "ready-made" posts. Hopefully, I can do a little better at it in the next few weeks--good New Year's resolution.

"What If..."

What if we all, at the same time...
...Decided to violate all the laws we thought were ridiculous?
...Decided to cheat on any kind of test or requirement?
...Decided to seek personal revenge upon someone who wronged us?
...Decided to leave our job because we felt there was too much pressure?
...Decided to “live together” instead of making the commitment of marriage?
...Decided to leave our mate because we weren’t happy?
...Decided not to raise and provide for our children because it was just too
difficult?
...Decided for ourselves what it takes/means to be a Christian?
...Decided to skip worship because there was something else we wanted to
do?
For an inspired commentary on what happened when everyone felt (and acted) this way, read Judges 21:25, and then read Judges 1:1-21:24.

On the other hand, what if we all, at the same time...
...Resolved to obey (as long as they are in harmony with the will of God) the
laws of the land ?
...Resolved to be honest in every facet of life?
...Resolved to leave vengeance to God?
...Resolved to do the best that we can at our job and use it to glorify God?
...Resolved to marry one person, for life, and to do our part to make that
marriage what it ought to be?
...Resolved to raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord?
...Resolved to let God’s word dictate Christian behavior?
...Resolved to assemble and worship with the saints at every opportunity?

We should maintain a commitment: 1) Because it is right; 2) Because it is good for us; 3) Because it is good for those around us.