Spin Cycle

Do you remember wringer washers?

Next to the washtub was a pair of rollers called a wringer. After washing and rinsing, clothes were put through the wringer to squeeze out most of the water.

A big improvement over washing and wringing by hand!

Then came automatic washers. Instead of a wringer, the new machine had a spin cycle that spun out excess water. Another big improvement—and safer, too.

When I was a boy, I once went in the kitchen where our washer had a prominent place. My little sister was standing on a chair and peeking under the lid. As she did, her rear end moved in circles matching the motion of the washtub.

It wasn’t intentional. She unconsciously mimicked what she saw.

Have you noticed how people imitate what they see and hear? It’s a common trait.

In his book, “The Curate’s Awakening,” George MacDonald describes a college student with this quality. He wrote, “She never had an original thought. She thought a great deal of other people’s thoughts, thinking they were her own.”

My first thought was, “I know people like that!” My second thought was, “I hope that doesn’t describe me!” Does it describe you? It can happen so gradually you don’t realize it.

For weeks we’ve been overwhelmed by opinions and pressured by pundits. Believe this. Think that. Vote for this candidate or that one.

After an election like this, voters can feel like they’ve been through the spin cycle. No wonder they call it “spinning” the facts!

What’s the solution? Stop thinking politics or a politician will save the world. If anything, a good politician is probably one who doesn’t make things worse.

Well hold on just a minute! Can’t an election make things better?

It may change some things, but if you think our problems are over, I’ve got news for you! Politicians can’t issue proclamations and change things at will. They must work within the law.

Besides that, belief in the ability of one person or a political party to fix what’s wrong in America is a misplaced faith. If it were possible, we would have solved most of our problems by now. The history books are full of leaders who tried their best--but to no avail.

The real solution goes back past the fathers of our country to the founder of our faith: Jesus. He had the answer when he said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me.” A troubled heart is full of fear, doubt and worry. A peaceful heart is strong.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the only solution that will save us from troubled hearts. Because if history proves anything, it demonstrates that people let us down.

Presidents, senators, congressmen and governments will fail us. Even military power doesn’t guarantee safety. But Jesus never fails.

Do you want peace? Only Jesus can bring peace to your heart. Do you want safety? Only Jesus can keep you safe through this life and into the next. Who else can do that?

So as you listen to the election analysis and try to understand what it all means, skip the “spin cycle.” Listen to God first. He doesn’t spin the truth. Only he knows and controls the future.

Regardless of who runs the government, God is still in charge. In spite of of men’s decisions, God controls the outcome. And he said of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Change for Good

If you’re reading this New Year’s Eve, now’s the time to make some changes in your life.

First, if you're in the area, go see the movie, “Flywheel” (9 p.m. tonight) at First Brethren in Buena Vista. Fun family-friendly celebrations on New Year’s Eve are in short supply. But this is an exception! And admission is free—so you can afford to bring the whole family! (If you're not in the area, go buy or rent it and watch it.)

“Flywheel” will not only entertain you, it will challenge you to change your life for good. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said “Flywheel” is “entertainment that packs a message right where we all live and work.”

In the movie, Jay Austin is a used car dealer you hope you’ll never meet. Even his wife and his son don’t trust him! What’s worse, all his dreams are crumbling around him.

This movie will get you thinking about how today could be the beginning of a new day in your life. As Jay Austin learns, “In every man’s life there is a turning point.”

Movie critic Ted Baehr said Flywheel “Totally captures and entertains.”

But wait, there’s more! There will be free popcorn, door prizes and you can “Ring in the New Year” with the church bell at midnight! The whole family will enjoy it.

That being said, what about 2008? Some of you are reading this in the New Year.

Well hold it right there for just a minute. Before you take another step into 2008, look at where your life is headed.

If you’re not completely happy with where life is taking you, why not change direction? Remember the dreams you once had? Now’s the time to dream again about what could be.

Whether you’re just starting your life’s journey, halfway through or near the end—make a turn toward something better soon or another year will be gone before you know it!

Remember that life is temporary. Eternity is forever. So Jesus asked, “How do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul in the process?”

And what good is it to finish “at the top of your game” if you lose your family?

Wherever your relationships are with God and your family, it can be better. Why settle for less than the best? Your life and your relationships are worth whatever it takes to save them.

The message of the Bible is that the outcome of your life is not determined by your income. It is decided by your priorities. Whether you realize it or not, what you spend your life pursuing becomes your god.

God intended for life to be about so much more than money, power, influence, sex, drugs, possessions, fame or anything else on this earth. Even giving your life to a great cause, like saving the planet, will ultimately leave you feeling empty inside.

The secret to a full and meaningful life is not tied to your riches but to your relationship with God. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”

History is strewn with the wreckage of famous people who spent their lives pursuing personal pleasures, fame and “success.” Do you really have to go down that road to prove again that it leads nowhere?

Now’s the time to change for good. Ask God to take the “steering wheel” of your life. To give you a life that is not just good or better--but best. Make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life.

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!