Where do you live? Do you know? It’s not just the location or an address on Google, but what influences are putting pressure on you and your family. Or do you attempt to influence the culture around you?
I live in a society that celebrates and encourages a way of life where…
· the pursuit of happiness and personal pleasure are always the top priorities,
· the possession of material goods and property are not just a need, but used as a determination of one’s personal worth,
· the focus is on gaining social position through powerful relationships instead of simple common friendships,
· the fulfillment of one’s personal desires triumph over helping the less fortunate.
I choose to live here so I may learn to be counter-cultural in my own life’s journey. My personal values must be clearly different from those values that this society promotes.
It has been my personal observations that the church community too often mirrors the society’s values within. When relevance to a culture is valued, that culture has an insidious way of enticing the most sincere believer into its web of deceit and clouds the mind. What one sees now and possesses now glitters so briefly. It is fleeting like the wind.
In this society, a time of hardships is coming; not all at once but over a series of events and changes. During this time, the way of life that I mentioned above will be seriously challenged. Happiness will be where you can find it. True happiness will be within. Material items will be much more expensive and an unexpected liability rather than an asset. Power relationships will be strained while real ones will be strengthened. Personal desires may need to be set aside for the broader common good. We will see some who will continue to enjoy all this life has to offer while many start to suffer.
R.E.M., an American rock bank wrote a song that says it best, “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” The world will laugh at the person who hopes patiently for eternity’s glory and Christ’s return. It is sad to see many who seem to crave acceptance by the culture instead of God’s loving heart. I wonder how the new few months will unfold. I wonder if I will be ready for the change over the next few years. Change is coming and it is now all good. Tighten your belt and hang on to Jesus and His promises.
Geysir Joe
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Treasures in Heaven
"treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20) is usually anything that is done in this life that has eternal value. Only things done with eternal value will be rewarded.
There is nothing wrong with wealth and riches and money in and of itself. The warnings of the Bible are against the deceitfulness of wealth and the greed and the hoarding of one's riches. The holder of wealth can eventually come to believe that he no longer needs God. Again, the warning is only against the greed and hoarding of wealth. This is why Jesus said that it was easier for a camel (a big animal) to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven. It is the greed and the disdain for God that keeps such a rich man from going to heaven.
People of this world must have everything they want and right now. We were also like this before meeting Christ. When they have it, they will quickly spend it or use it on themselves until it is all gone; then they still want more.
Christians should understand the purpose and necessity of waiting and looking to eternity - where their treasures should be in heaven. It is very difficult for a believer to hold wealth and not be enticed by its allure of self-sufficiency. Some can and others can't. Unfortunately, too many "Christians" are either too worldly or never was and they call for everything they want and want it right now. Too often there is little difference between a Christian in the world and a person of the world.
Geysir Joe - 11.04.2008
There is nothing wrong with wealth and riches and money in and of itself. The warnings of the Bible are against the deceitfulness of wealth and the greed and the hoarding of one's riches. The holder of wealth can eventually come to believe that he no longer needs God. Again, the warning is only against the greed and hoarding of wealth. This is why Jesus said that it was easier for a camel (a big animal) to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven. It is the greed and the disdain for God that keeps such a rich man from going to heaven.
People of this world must have everything they want and right now. We were also like this before meeting Christ. When they have it, they will quickly spend it or use it on themselves until it is all gone; then they still want more.
Christians should understand the purpose and necessity of waiting and looking to eternity - where their treasures should be in heaven. It is very difficult for a believer to hold wealth and not be enticed by its allure of self-sufficiency. Some can and others can't. Unfortunately, too many "Christians" are either too worldly or never was and they call for everything they want and want it right now. Too often there is little difference between a Christian in the world and a person of the world.
Geysir Joe - 11.04.2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Blindness
Blindness is a fearsome think to consider for a man who can see. It would be a life-changing event. It is the journey from light into darkness – at best various shades of graying – that stops one in their journey. Man shutters at its finality and completeness.
Yet more people are inflicted with spiritual blindness than physical. It has a more devastating effect on not only this life, but the next. With physical blindness, man can hope for the coming heavenly kingdom where there are no more tears and no more sightlessness among other things. Only the Holy Spirit can lift that veil from their eyes.
But can believers, who once saw the light of God’s truth, be blinded again? As a believer, is it possible to be blinded by involvement with the world and its subsequent enticements? Can a believer use world principles in business, marketing, or branding to promote the church and not begin to slowly accept the allure of its cleverness and power? The world offers answers to specific questions being asked. Sometimes the Bible’s answer is much more general. This is done so that the Christian matures in their faith and begins to exercise solid judgment on daily matters. Christians that are experts in understanding the world system to promote biblical ideals will enthusiastically promote the world system use. As such, should one ask if it is right to be yoked with the worldly methods that promise solutions and attempt to accomplish heavenly purposes? Will the world not draw the believer slowly into it web of blindness and deception? God can prevent this from happening, but only if the believer grows dependent on God instead of the world system of beliefs. However, the Holy Spirit is quiet and meek and will not force, even the believer, to do things that he does not want to do. That man will be allowed to follow his own desires.
In Matthew 6:23 one reads, “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” The believer must decide whether he will serve God or the world methodology of business and marketing and promotions. It is either God or the other, but it cannot be both. Man is not allowed to compromise, but many still attempt to do so. The church is compromising with the world. There is darkness in this world and it is deep. Those involved with it do not see their own sin and don’t know what makes them stumble. Here on the island, it is the deceitfulness of the wealth. Man can accomplish nearly anything if enough money is thrown at it.
O Lord, help us to not be so blinded and to open the eyes of men and especially those within the church.
Geysir Joe
Yet more people are inflicted with spiritual blindness than physical. It has a more devastating effect on not only this life, but the next. With physical blindness, man can hope for the coming heavenly kingdom where there are no more tears and no more sightlessness among other things. Only the Holy Spirit can lift that veil from their eyes.
But can believers, who once saw the light of God’s truth, be blinded again? As a believer, is it possible to be blinded by involvement with the world and its subsequent enticements? Can a believer use world principles in business, marketing, or branding to promote the church and not begin to slowly accept the allure of its cleverness and power? The world offers answers to specific questions being asked. Sometimes the Bible’s answer is much more general. This is done so that the Christian matures in their faith and begins to exercise solid judgment on daily matters. Christians that are experts in understanding the world system to promote biblical ideals will enthusiastically promote the world system use. As such, should one ask if it is right to be yoked with the worldly methods that promise solutions and attempt to accomplish heavenly purposes? Will the world not draw the believer slowly into it web of blindness and deception? God can prevent this from happening, but only if the believer grows dependent on God instead of the world system of beliefs. However, the Holy Spirit is quiet and meek and will not force, even the believer, to do things that he does not want to do. That man will be allowed to follow his own desires.
In Matthew 6:23 one reads, “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” The believer must decide whether he will serve God or the world methodology of business and marketing and promotions. It is either God or the other, but it cannot be both. Man is not allowed to compromise, but many still attempt to do so. The church is compromising with the world. There is darkness in this world and it is deep. Those involved with it do not see their own sin and don’t know what makes them stumble. Here on the island, it is the deceitfulness of the wealth. Man can accomplish nearly anything if enough money is thrown at it.
O Lord, help us to not be so blinded and to open the eyes of men and especially those within the church.
Geysir Joe
Thursday, December 21, 2006
A Visit from Snake
I was in the middle of preparing breakfast over my camp-fire when Snake showed up unexpectedly. He is a friendly sort of guy with a quick smile, smooth words, and likable personality. Because of the time of day, he invited himself to join me by the fire. Not wanting to appear rude, I agreed and added a couple of eggs to the hot pan.
Snake got right to the point of his visit. He was wanting to solve a problem, but hadn't located it yet. You make know the type. They think something is wrong so they set out to prove their hypothesis. Snake was clearly on a 'fishing' expedition and so the questions began. I'm not sure that he even tasted the eggs and bacon as he talked between bits and washed them down with gups of camp-fire coffee.
What did I know and when did I know it? What did I see as the problem and the cause for it? Who might be to blame? Questions that didn't need to be asked and answers or guesses would surely hurt someone and not help any situation.
It is always advisable to listen quietly. If you want to show some interest, be sure to make eye contact. This is the time that a good cup of coffee is really handy. Sip slowly while the other person's thoughts are trying to catch up to his words. Allow silence to slip in. It can work to your advantage. And if you are pressed to give a response, always respond first with a question. It can keep you out of 'hot water'.
Now I have known Snake for years. And the one thing I do know about him is that he is not an original thinker. The thoughts that he shared were clearly not his own. Lots of folks in our part of the country think that he is creative, intelligent, and successful. Snake is one of the 'good old boys' who struggles like the rest of us. He just doesn't show it as much. It was clear that someone else had put him up to questioning me and unfortunately others are on his list. One thing I'm certain about is Snake hardly ever evaluates anything before he acts.
I did my best to remain vague about the areas he questioned. I gave a positive perspective on the issues raised. I challenged him to give consideration to an alternate view of things. But in the end, Snake doesn't really listen to anyone else. Yes, he has a few in his circle and thank God, I'm not one of them. A person with his mind made up is a person who is not open to the glow of truth. Nothing grows in the darkness of a closed mind.
We ended breakfast. He had to visit a friend who was being moved to a very small place on Boot Hill. As he left, he asked me to keep our conversation and time confidential. However, most people know that he wouldn't. He also indicated that would like to talk again. Seems that he thinks that there is a lot he could learn from me. He meant his comment to be flattering to get me to drop any of my defenses. He really thinks that I know much more than I have shared or said. It is amazing how 'wise' people think you are when you don't open your mouth. Only after you speak does everyone know what a fool you really are.
Well, it is time to clean the old coffee pot and pan and put out the fire. Thanks for dropping by.
Snake got right to the point of his visit. He was wanting to solve a problem, but hadn't located it yet. You make know the type. They think something is wrong so they set out to prove their hypothesis. Snake was clearly on a 'fishing' expedition and so the questions began. I'm not sure that he even tasted the eggs and bacon as he talked between bits and washed them down with gups of camp-fire coffee.
What did I know and when did I know it? What did I see as the problem and the cause for it? Who might be to blame? Questions that didn't need to be asked and answers or guesses would surely hurt someone and not help any situation.
It is always advisable to listen quietly. If you want to show some interest, be sure to make eye contact. This is the time that a good cup of coffee is really handy. Sip slowly while the other person's thoughts are trying to catch up to his words. Allow silence to slip in. It can work to your advantage. And if you are pressed to give a response, always respond first with a question. It can keep you out of 'hot water'.
Now I have known Snake for years. And the one thing I do know about him is that he is not an original thinker. The thoughts that he shared were clearly not his own. Lots of folks in our part of the country think that he is creative, intelligent, and successful. Snake is one of the 'good old boys' who struggles like the rest of us. He just doesn't show it as much. It was clear that someone else had put him up to questioning me and unfortunately others are on his list. One thing I'm certain about is Snake hardly ever evaluates anything before he acts.
I did my best to remain vague about the areas he questioned. I gave a positive perspective on the issues raised. I challenged him to give consideration to an alternate view of things. But in the end, Snake doesn't really listen to anyone else. Yes, he has a few in his circle and thank God, I'm not one of them. A person with his mind made up is a person who is not open to the glow of truth. Nothing grows in the darkness of a closed mind.
We ended breakfast. He had to visit a friend who was being moved to a very small place on Boot Hill. As he left, he asked me to keep our conversation and time confidential. However, most people know that he wouldn't. He also indicated that would like to talk again. Seems that he thinks that there is a lot he could learn from me. He meant his comment to be flattering to get me to drop any of my defenses. He really thinks that I know much more than I have shared or said. It is amazing how 'wise' people think you are when you don't open your mouth. Only after you speak does everyone know what a fool you really are.
Well, it is time to clean the old coffee pot and pan and put out the fire. Thanks for dropping by.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
A Special Someone
Ever since she could remember, she had made choices that positioned her closer to her goal of helping other to keep informed and to make better lives for themselves. It was probably the interesting people that she met and worked with that gave her that special high. That kind of energy that makes you want to work long hours and weekends and through holidays, because your mission is so damn important. She wouldn't trade places with any one in the world. But then again, maybe just one, even if only for a fleeting moment. Soon the word 'fleeting' would take on another meaning for her.
He was a stranger, familiar in many ways and still different - very different. He came into her life quite by accident. She had not met another man like him. He was strong, beautiful really, kind and gentle all at once. And mysterious and reserved, searching for his own place to belong and fit in. It wasn't necessarily the words he said, or exactly what he did that made her stop and pay attention. She supposed that it was the deepness of his blue eyes - so deep that you get lost in them. You don't - you can't think of anything of much else. Or perhaps, it was the danger of the unknown.
And just as he arrived, he left. Gone without so much as a note or word of farwell or an explanation why. Unknown to him and unwilling to admit to herself, there had been something between them. Something that would come to be shared between the two later. She denied it of course. What power did they share? How lasting would it be? Would anyone else know? Would he return? How long should she stare into the sky straining to see? With a heart broken and more responsibilities, she moved on with her life. Slowly at first, lost in her work, which now doesn't seem as rewarding as it once did. Always hoping for yesterday, but yesterday doesn't return. It is today and challenges to face. Then again, there was that fateful day when the challenges turned to danger. And the strong woman was helpless to change her fate.
Geysir Joe
He was a stranger, familiar in many ways and still different - very different. He came into her life quite by accident. She had not met another man like him. He was strong, beautiful really, kind and gentle all at once. And mysterious and reserved, searching for his own place to belong and fit in. It wasn't necessarily the words he said, or exactly what he did that made her stop and pay attention. She supposed that it was the deepness of his blue eyes - so deep that you get lost in them. You don't - you can't think of anything of much else. Or perhaps, it was the danger of the unknown.
And just as he arrived, he left. Gone without so much as a note or word of farwell or an explanation why. Unknown to him and unwilling to admit to herself, there had been something between them. Something that would come to be shared between the two later. She denied it of course. What power did they share? How lasting would it be? Would anyone else know? Would he return? How long should she stare into the sky straining to see? With a heart broken and more responsibilities, she moved on with her life. Slowly at first, lost in her work, which now doesn't seem as rewarding as it once did. Always hoping for yesterday, but yesterday doesn't return. It is today and challenges to face. Then again, there was that fateful day when the challenges turned to danger. And the strong woman was helpless to change her fate.
Geysir Joe
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The Condemner Cometh
The Condemner cometh. He has always been. Riding on his white stallion, stained with the heartaches of those in his gaze. His contempt feds on anger even upon the memories those departed. Self-righteousness is a close companion giving justification to his actions and words. Hurt is his goal and he succeeds famously.
Arrows fly, finding their mark; stinging and cutting deep. The fury of his verbal assault shocks everyone. In his path, change is made, but it comes about at a very high price. Retailation is envitable. Blood draws blood in conflict. Words exchanged in a self-righteous fervor make their point heard all the more. Deeper the point drives and anger escalates the tempo with no end in sight.
Finally, one gives in; ending the reprisals at least temporarily. Exhausted. But determined to find a more opportune time to strike again - to win (if possible). So for now a peace. An uneasy peace. At least a lull in the open exchange. Who has won? No one, but the real Instigator of all conflicts. He has watched with glee as brother speaks against brother in an endless sea of accusations. Though the waves of words now appear calm, one only has to look just below the surface, the soul mourns with pain. Forgiveness is currently superficial in the waning hours of the day. Decisions about another assault now weigh heavily on damaged souls.
It is time for one to courageously decide to not retailate with condemnation or with anything, not even to receive it any more. Let all who watch learn the lesson here. There is no price worth the damaged caused by self-righteous or even righteous condemnation of another. Walk gently for the path you are on is full of pitfalls. If you fall, who will reach out to lift you out of the pit you find yourself in?
Arrows fly, finding their mark; stinging and cutting deep. The fury of his verbal assault shocks everyone. In his path, change is made, but it comes about at a very high price. Retailation is envitable. Blood draws blood in conflict. Words exchanged in a self-righteous fervor make their point heard all the more. Deeper the point drives and anger escalates the tempo with no end in sight.
Finally, one gives in; ending the reprisals at least temporarily. Exhausted. But determined to find a more opportune time to strike again - to win (if possible). So for now a peace. An uneasy peace. At least a lull in the open exchange. Who has won? No one, but the real Instigator of all conflicts. He has watched with glee as brother speaks against brother in an endless sea of accusations. Though the waves of words now appear calm, one only has to look just below the surface, the soul mourns with pain. Forgiveness is currently superficial in the waning hours of the day. Decisions about another assault now weigh heavily on damaged souls.
It is time for one to courageously decide to not retailate with condemnation or with anything, not even to receive it any more. Let all who watch learn the lesson here. There is no price worth the damaged caused by self-righteous or even righteous condemnation of another. Walk gently for the path you are on is full of pitfalls. If you fall, who will reach out to lift you out of the pit you find yourself in?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Hurtful Meddling
Random voices speak in disconnected concert.
Their messages meant to help actually hurt.
From their positions, opinions they give.
Finding others to listen, becoming more talkative.
Soon the pendulum of opinion swings.
There are problems with everything.
The more vocal they become,
Emotions run high, but hearts grow numb.
As leaders get blamed for missed goals,
The question arises, who is really in charge and in control?
Has God spoken to you about his displeasure?
By what yardstick do you use to measure?
How foolish are the big fish in a small bowl.
They think themselves important and in control.
But God sees all and knows their heart.
Some will leave and soon depart.
Geysir Joe (11/28/2006)
Their messages meant to help actually hurt.
From their positions, opinions they give.
Finding others to listen, becoming more talkative.
Soon the pendulum of opinion swings.
There are problems with everything.
The more vocal they become,
Emotions run high, but hearts grow numb.
As leaders get blamed for missed goals,
The question arises, who is really in charge and in control?
Has God spoken to you about his displeasure?
By what yardstick do you use to measure?
How foolish are the big fish in a small bowl.
They think themselves important and in control.
But God sees all and knows their heart.
Some will leave and soon depart.
Geysir Joe (11/28/2006)
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