Sunday, January 14, 2018

World's Casino

"9But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 
10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." 1 Tim 6:9-10

 Not just the gold seekers who pierce themselves with many sorrows, but they are a fine example of bad living.
'people who long to be rich'-that is, rich in this world's treasure.
Christians, those belonging to Christ are, according to Romans 8:17, co-heirs with Christ of EVERYTHING.
" 17And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
So, if we inherit everything, why should any Christian 'long to be rich' in this world's casino?
I lived in Vegas for years, and I can tell you that the glitz and glamour of Sin City is founded on the idea of promising riches whilst emptying your pockets.
My boss once said, "Las Vegas wasn't built on the backs of Winners."
So, this world system which promises riches will glitz your eyes, sell you their fools gold and laugh at you as you try to become 'rich'.
Soft sell, hard sell, fear sell, sex sell. Whatever bait the world tries to hook you with, you don't have to take the bait, and you don't have to pierce yourselves with many sorrows.
So, WHY? Why do Christians take the bait?
Ego. Stubbornness. Rather go our own way than go with God.
But God, 'who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.' 
God has been dealing with stubborn egotistical knuckleheads forever, so you might as well save yourself some pain and heartache by returning to Him, begging the Forgiveness you desperately need...and He will Forgive.
He forgave me when I was that knucklehead.
Right at the cusp of becoming a Christian, one of the verses which tore me up was
Mark 8:36 "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" 
I was a poor sailor, but I realized at that time that even if I were the richest man in the world, it would only count on this side of eternity. But my soul is forever.
Give up the ego. Trust that God has more riches for you than this world could ever offer, AND...be safe and rich for eternity. Wonderful.


Tuesday, January 09, 2018

Talking To YOU, Human

I will Moses you out of bondage, friend.
Here, on the Ninth of January, get in front of your TV (or other temple/altar) and proclaim loudly,
"I WILL refuse to complain about anything until I have appreciated FIVE things in my life which I love!".
No complainy until after 5 appreciates!
Be tough on yourself. Honest with thee to thee.
Also...
do five good things for others without expecting any thanks.
One thing you can do: when you're walking into the grocery store, grab a cart from the remuda in the parking lot and walk it in. Costs you nothing; each cart in is one less that stock persons have to deal with. I've been doing this for years; it makes me happy and doesn't hurt anyone.
Do stuff like that-discover your own 'good things'.
You will no longer be in bondage to a complaining life. Freedom is good.