Can you identify with Popeye the Sailor?
At one time Popeye was more popular in America than Mickey Mouse. Many of us loved his adventures. Often he competed with Bluto for the affections of his “goil,” Olive Oyl.
Frequently Bluto got on Popeye’s nerves and we knew what was coming. Before long Popeye would shout in his fractured English, “That’s all I can stands! I can’t stands no more!”
Today, many of us would say, “Amen!” We’re so stressed out we “can’t stands no more!” In fact four in 10 Americans report they regularly feel stress.
According to Gallup polls, stress levels for Americans remain fairly constant. Since 1994, between 33 and 42 per cent of Americans reported frequent stress.
Two groups had the most stress. Forty-seven per cent of parents with children under the age of 18 reported frequent stress. No surprise there. The second group was people who say they don’t have enough time to do things they want to do (55%).
Well hold on just a minute. Don’t Americans have more leisure time than ever? Don’t we live in the best time in history?
Maybe. But things sure changed fast! The price of gasoline seems go up daily. We hear constant reports of the mortgage mess and record foreclosures. Many work two jobs.
Of course, compared to Zimbabwe, where inflation is more than 100,000 per cent, we’re in great shape. But we’re still a stressed out people.
So where does stress come from and what can we do about it?
Some stress comes from external events over which we have little control. Things like the stock market, war, and illness. But much of our stress is self-induced--we do it to ourselves!
Here’s a simple definition of this kind of stress: “Stress is believing you can accomplish more than is possible in the time available.” And, when you don’t get everything done, that can lead to anger—which, in turn, causes more stress!
Adding to our stress are reports from health care professionals that stress can lead to all kinds of health problems. Which, in turn, produce more stress. It’s a vicious cycle.
So what do you do with your stress?
Popeye the Sailor’s solution was a can of spinach. Eating it seemed to give him super-human strength. Then he clobbered Bluto and sailed off into the sunset with Olive Oyl.
If only it were that simple! I tried the spinach route and it didn’t seem to help with my stress or solve my problems.
Living a stress-filled life is nothing new for the human race. It’s been going on for thousands of years. Thankfully there is an ancient remedy that works better than spinach or prescription drugs for most people—and it’s available free of charge.
Jesus Christ said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for our souls.”
The Bible later adds, “Cast all your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you.” And “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Flying High
It’s an election year again and Americans are high. No, not on drugs--high on politics!
Media outlets are busy helping crown the winners. Politics rules TV news shows and the editorial pages. People devour the candidates’ latest gaffes and sound bytes. We’re hooked.
We shake our heads at the attack ads. But we watch. Mesmerized. It’s almost religious.
Voters are convinced their candidate is messianic. He or she will right all wrongs, rescue the oppressed, fix the country, and put money in the pockets of the poor.
“Ladies and gentlemen! May I introduce to you the next president of the United States? Source of hope, savior of the economy, world peace negotiator and defender of children and the aged! Drum roll please--TA-DAH--Senator…”--I had you going there for a minute, didn’t I?
“Well hold on just a minute. I really believe in my candidate. He (or she) could do it!”
The Bible says there is only one Messiah and his name is Jesus. Politics has never and will never fix what ails America or any other nation. Politics is a false hope. A lie.
Why? Because the real problem is our addiction. Like a bum in the gutter, we like our booze. And after politics, our intoxicator of choice is money. We can’t get enough of either one.
Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that money could make us happy. Even the wealthy believe they need “just a little bit more.” Greed is addicting.
They say, “You can never be too rich or too thin.” And we sincerely believe it. Our faith in money’s power to save us drives the popular lotteries and lucrative gambling industry.
The only problem is that it’s a lie. Money has never bought joy or peace. But it sure can buy votes! And so politicians use the promise of jobs and prosperity to get elected.
Jesus shows us a better way. He warned about a life pursuing wealth. He respected government but avoided politics. Politicians polarize people but Jesus unites them in faith.
If only we were as passionate about our faith as we are about our politics and our money!
Remember Jesus said no one could serve both God and money at the same time. And ever since we’ve tried to prove him wrong! But wealth doesn’t satisfy. Only Jesus satisfies.
No wonder the Bible observes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
It goes on to say, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
That last sentence is one of the most misquoted verses in the entire Bible. It doesn’t say, “Money is the root of all evil.” It says, “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Greed is the motive behind much of the world’s evil. Contentment, however, is the source of great peace and satisfaction. And the secret of contentment is in the Savior, Jesus.
When a person becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, they gain a Heavenly Father who can meet all of their needs. Their focus shifts from greed and envy to trusting God and serving others. It’s a path millions have followed and found to be true.
The Bible sets before us two paths. One path is wide and popular. It’s the road of greed and power over others. It leads to self-destruction and eternal separation from God. Death.
The other path is narrow and less traveled. It’s the road of faith and peace and starts with Jesus. It leads to a fulfilled life and ends in Heaven. And you can’t fly any higher than that!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Media outlets are busy helping crown the winners. Politics rules TV news shows and the editorial pages. People devour the candidates’ latest gaffes and sound bytes. We’re hooked.
We shake our heads at the attack ads. But we watch. Mesmerized. It’s almost religious.
Voters are convinced their candidate is messianic. He or she will right all wrongs, rescue the oppressed, fix the country, and put money in the pockets of the poor.
“Ladies and gentlemen! May I introduce to you the next president of the United States? Source of hope, savior of the economy, world peace negotiator and defender of children and the aged! Drum roll please--TA-DAH--Senator…”--I had you going there for a minute, didn’t I?
“Well hold on just a minute. I really believe in my candidate. He (or she) could do it!”
The Bible says there is only one Messiah and his name is Jesus. Politics has never and will never fix what ails America or any other nation. Politics is a false hope. A lie.
Why? Because the real problem is our addiction. Like a bum in the gutter, we like our booze. And after politics, our intoxicator of choice is money. We can’t get enough of either one.
Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that money could make us happy. Even the wealthy believe they need “just a little bit more.” Greed is addicting.
They say, “You can never be too rich or too thin.” And we sincerely believe it. Our faith in money’s power to save us drives the popular lotteries and lucrative gambling industry.
The only problem is that it’s a lie. Money has never bought joy or peace. But it sure can buy votes! And so politicians use the promise of jobs and prosperity to get elected.
Jesus shows us a better way. He warned about a life pursuing wealth. He respected government but avoided politics. Politicians polarize people but Jesus unites them in faith.
If only we were as passionate about our faith as we are about our politics and our money!
Remember Jesus said no one could serve both God and money at the same time. And ever since we’ve tried to prove him wrong! But wealth doesn’t satisfy. Only Jesus satisfies.
No wonder the Bible observes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
It goes on to say, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
That last sentence is one of the most misquoted verses in the entire Bible. It doesn’t say, “Money is the root of all evil.” It says, “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Greed is the motive behind much of the world’s evil. Contentment, however, is the source of great peace and satisfaction. And the secret of contentment is in the Savior, Jesus.
When a person becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, they gain a Heavenly Father who can meet all of their needs. Their focus shifts from greed and envy to trusting God and serving others. It’s a path millions have followed and found to be true.
The Bible sets before us two paths. One path is wide and popular. It’s the road of greed and power over others. It leads to self-destruction and eternal separation from God. Death.
The other path is narrow and less traveled. It’s the road of faith and peace and starts with Jesus. It leads to a fulfilled life and ends in Heaven. And you can’t fly any higher than that!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Ride of Your Life
How do you see your life?
“Life is lot like a carousel,” grumbled one old-timer. “You go in circles and then get off where you started.”
Or maybe life’s a car ride. Remember The Cosby Show’s Dr. Huxtable? He told his TV son, Theo, life was a car and education was like the gas. “The more you get the further you go.”
“Life is like a bull ride,” said a young cowboy with cancer. “It’s not the length of the ride that counts but how well you ride.”
Whatever kind of ride you’re on, one thing is sure: it’s a short one. Just like the thrill rides at theme parks. You can wait in line for hours—and then the ride is over in seconds.
It seems like we spend our lives waiting for exciting events: graduation, romance, marriage and births. Then it’s over and we watch the cycle repeat in our children’s lives.
Just when you think you’ve finally figured life out and the ride is going well—it’s time to get off. “Watch your step and exit to the right. Next, please.”
As a pastor I have conducted funerals for children, the aged and many in between. But there’s one thing they all had in common. When God decided their ride was over, it ended. Whether they rode well or not wasn’t for me to decide. That’s God’s responsibility.
Well hold on just a minute! What’s the measure of “riding well” or a life well lived?
A good time to find out is before your ride is over. It could make all the difference.
My goal is to make an impact on this world with eternal results. And that’s not easy. You know why? Because most things you do or collect won’t last forever. They’re temporary.
Some people have an impact on this world but very few make a lasting difference. If you want eternal results you have to work with the two things that are eternal: God’s Word and people’s souls. That’s why Jesus called his disciples to leave fishing and be “fishers of men.”
If you do decide to follow Jesus, hang on because you’re in for the ride of your life!
In some places today, following Jesus (or inviting others to follow him) will get you a free ride to prison. In extreme cases it would get you a trip to the executioner.
At the very least you would be misunderstood, ridiculed and harassed. But receiving love, forgiveness, peace, purpose and eternal life from God makes it worth it all. Plus, if you follow Jesus, you can bring to Heaven everyone who comes to Christ because of your example.
Now that’s making an eternal impact--increasing Heaven’s population!
What kind of ride are you on? Is it all about the money, the pleasure or the power to control other’s lives? If so, you’ll end up where you started. With nothing that lasts or satisfies.
Jesus calls us to a different kind of ride. One that is not so much about self as it is about serving others. He invites us to follow him. And it’s more exciting than any thrill ride!
Take the time for a reality check. What kind of ride has your life been until now? Is your life making an eternal difference? If not, now is a good time to switch rides!
The Bible tells us to redeem the time we have left on planet earth. To exchange our lives for something that will last forever. To put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. To make him our Lord and our God. And then to bring others to Jesus.
To find out more, don’t just take my word for it. Pick up a Bible and read the gospel of John in the New Testament and then keep reading. It can change your life for good.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
“Life is lot like a carousel,” grumbled one old-timer. “You go in circles and then get off where you started.”
Or maybe life’s a car ride. Remember The Cosby Show’s Dr. Huxtable? He told his TV son, Theo, life was a car and education was like the gas. “The more you get the further you go.”
“Life is like a bull ride,” said a young cowboy with cancer. “It’s not the length of the ride that counts but how well you ride.”
Whatever kind of ride you’re on, one thing is sure: it’s a short one. Just like the thrill rides at theme parks. You can wait in line for hours—and then the ride is over in seconds.
It seems like we spend our lives waiting for exciting events: graduation, romance, marriage and births. Then it’s over and we watch the cycle repeat in our children’s lives.
Just when you think you’ve finally figured life out and the ride is going well—it’s time to get off. “Watch your step and exit to the right. Next, please.”
As a pastor I have conducted funerals for children, the aged and many in between. But there’s one thing they all had in common. When God decided their ride was over, it ended. Whether they rode well or not wasn’t for me to decide. That’s God’s responsibility.
Well hold on just a minute! What’s the measure of “riding well” or a life well lived?
A good time to find out is before your ride is over. It could make all the difference.
My goal is to make an impact on this world with eternal results. And that’s not easy. You know why? Because most things you do or collect won’t last forever. They’re temporary.
Some people have an impact on this world but very few make a lasting difference. If you want eternal results you have to work with the two things that are eternal: God’s Word and people’s souls. That’s why Jesus called his disciples to leave fishing and be “fishers of men.”
If you do decide to follow Jesus, hang on because you’re in for the ride of your life!
In some places today, following Jesus (or inviting others to follow him) will get you a free ride to prison. In extreme cases it would get you a trip to the executioner.
At the very least you would be misunderstood, ridiculed and harassed. But receiving love, forgiveness, peace, purpose and eternal life from God makes it worth it all. Plus, if you follow Jesus, you can bring to Heaven everyone who comes to Christ because of your example.
Now that’s making an eternal impact--increasing Heaven’s population!
What kind of ride are you on? Is it all about the money, the pleasure or the power to control other’s lives? If so, you’ll end up where you started. With nothing that lasts or satisfies.
Jesus calls us to a different kind of ride. One that is not so much about self as it is about serving others. He invites us to follow him. And it’s more exciting than any thrill ride!
Take the time for a reality check. What kind of ride has your life been until now? Is your life making an eternal difference? If not, now is a good time to switch rides!
The Bible tells us to redeem the time we have left on planet earth. To exchange our lives for something that will last forever. To put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. To make him our Lord and our God. And then to bring others to Jesus.
To find out more, don’t just take my word for it. Pick up a Bible and read the gospel of John in the New Testament and then keep reading. It can change your life for good.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
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