Caught in Consumerism

Becoming aware of ones dependency upon consuming technological "gadgetry" is a painfully necessary thing. Yes, I have all the iTEMS shown here. My own addiction is slowly showing its face as I prayerfully and honestly assess the condition of my heart in relation to these "must have" items found in my home, office, car, pockets, garage, mind. 

(Thankful for brothers who wisely engage me in life giving conversation: Nick Kinnier, Luke Wronski, John Trask, Jeremy Turner and others) 

Technology is bound to me with terms like 

"need... productivity... efficiency... connectivity... networking...  ease... relevance... compatibility..." 

Somewhere in this labyrinth of ideals and philosophies; deception has married the truth. There are indeed technological advancements that assist me in my job, that help me reach with truth into a dark world, to communicate more effectively and connect to a wider audience, that are good: But there is an evasive poison in them as well; hard to find, hard to pin point, but it is certainly not dormant. I know a divorce must transpire. A violent and wrenching process of breaking bonds, and loves, and investments. 

Then the stalling: "but which ones" "certainly not..." "just use me less" "how will you...without me" "do it later" "just dont buy the next one"

The Truth

• Luke 12:15 -And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

• Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do not toil to acquire wealth;  be discerning enough to desist.When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

• 1 Timothy 6:6-10 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

• Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! ^{And see if there be any grievous way in me,} and lead me in the way everlasting!

I cannot navigate this; my thinking is bound to it, drawn into it, shadowed by it, not free to see. 

Holy Spirit convict me of my sin, open my eyes and ears, move my feet of lethargy into Your freedom.  

I am yours

Unity

It is a rare sight to see... about 100 jr high and highschool students with lifted hands, hearts and voices in praise to THE KING. Yet tonight that is just what happend... Ramona area youth groups put their theological and ministerial differences aside, and rallied together to worship the creator JESUS who came to give us life, now and forever. Or in the words of Sam Paschall, "a new story to participate in". 
King David speaks to us in Psalm 133, " Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

From the responses we receive from our speakers and guests, this seems to be an endangered idea. The body of christ has been divided, and segregated by our differences. Yet, however real and large they may be, they ought not to suffocate the blessedness of worshiping in unity. 

We have much to hope for and to learn from these younger generations. 

~love always hopes

Landscaping

      As the wonderful winter rains saturate the front half acre of our yard, an immediate transformation takes place. What was just the day before, sun baked, dry, dusty and dead has now become green, scented, beautiful and living. Grasses, flowers, leaves, vines, trees all drink and are merry. I love the sight, the feel, the smell, the simple beauty; but I am painfully aware that these rains fall on the righteous and the wicked without partiality. The unwanted has come to life and hides behind the appearance of beauty. They are small, soft, and lusciously green now, but I know what awaits. Ugly threatening weeds are greedily sucking the life out of the dark earth and stealing from the beautiful lives around them. They will grow faster, stronger, taller than the others, spreading without remorse across every inch of earth they touch, choking, fighting, and inevitably...winning....unless...
     Unless I wait and watch, ready to take a stand and clear the way for beauty to thrive. As their seeming innocence fades and their faces shine in fiery rebellion, they must be removed, torn out, destroyed. It will not be easy, it will not be quick, it will never be finished in this life. But it will improve, wanted life will seed, spread, strengthen and grow.

Brothers and Sisters, Landscape with the Spirit, for so it is within our hearts.

Galatians 6:7-9 "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."


Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."