Don't drink the water

A long time ago, a friend of mine told me a story. My friend was the type of person most did not want to be around. He was socially disconnected in some areas but there is wisdom to this story. It sort went like this (My memory is not what it used to be)

There was a man who moved into a community. The man noticed that the people were a bit odd. When the man tried the water he discovered it wasn't very good. In fact, it made him feel odd. So he stopped drinking it and told others not to drink it. But the people just laughed at him. He kept trying to warn them that the water was making them do crazy things. At first the people were patient then became annoyed, claiming he was crazy, and they didn't speak to the man.

The man lived alongside the people watching them get crazier and crazier but he still resisted. This went on for some time and finally the man realized he was tired of being alone. He wanted to be with others. And even though he knew the water would make him crazy- he drank it anyway.

I am beginning to see some prophecy in this story. Tie in our current circumstances in this world and see that we are all close to drinking the water. Maybe it isn't crazy water but water of fear. Fear of poverty, disease, hunger and natural disaster. Fear is driving us to give up our freedom. Fear is taking our eyes off of Jesus and looking to man to be the answer. Fear is causing us to give up willingly our freedom to be safe. Sadly, this loss of freedom will steal our safety. Fear is destroying us and if you don't drink the water, you are seen as out of touch or a trouble maker.

Question is an old one: How long can you keep from drinking the water? 1 John 4:13-21 speaks on the subject of fear. We need to trust in the Lord. We need to see some of the things happening as warnings and turn to Jesus not to man. We need to burden our hearts with the things burdening others but look to the Lord for the answers. As we do this we see His hand in everything. We will look odd to the world because we have not turned to man for the answers.
I know this because fear has been a driving force in my life. I have gone to the feet of Jesus many times and gained strength from Him. When my flesh wants to run, my soul says stay....stand your ground because within you dwells the victor!Jesus.

My biggest prayer right now is that we don't run and lose our freedom but we stand an call upon Jesus!He is the healer, provider and ruler of the world!

Happy Easter Brenda!

"Christ wants to offer us the means of putting our love for Him into action. He becomes hungry,not only for bread but for love. He becomes naked, not only for a piece of clothing but for love that understands, for human dignity. He becomes dispossessed, not only for a place of shelter but for the sincere and deep love for another." Mother Teresa. Thank you Brenda for your constant source of encouragement to me and others. You are truly an inspiration, my friend!

Where did all the fun go?

Ok, I don't know if it is too much caffeine or just a genuine frustration. Lately, I have been wrestling with the whole concept that bunnies and chocolate Easter eggs are bad. I also have wondered if Santa and stockings are from the devil. I say no and here is why:

1. Kids mark time by their senses. They remember the cute dresses they wore, the eggs they uncovered in the yard, the presents they unwrapped. They remember the smell of spring at Easter or the Christmas trees and the roaring fireplace at Christmas. This is what they remember. Some of my best memories are those very things.

2. Kids need to be kids. The fun of running around retrieving prizes in the yard is awesome!

3. Kids can tag those experiences above to the story of Jesus. A fun loving Jesus who laughs with them. They don't do this by taking all the fun above and labeling it as "bad". It is up to the parent to share Jesus and not just on these holidays. ALL THE TIME!

Another thing that burns me is we take these fun activities from little children and think we are starting a healthy foundation for our children.

BUT...... Then so many churches have outreaches on Halloween and defend them to their dying day as outreach. There is no significance of this day to a Christian. NONE and then we take them out with gobblins, witches and Freddy Kruger and call it "outreach". Hmmm. When my girls were 6 and 8 they didn't want to go anymore because it was scary. They just wanted candy! So we gave them candy.
Now what does this day relate to: Sacrifices, the occult. But what a great outreach day!

Fast forward to our teen age students. I have heard people say teens should go to parties_ to do outreach...... Hang with the underage drinkers because....no your not going to be tempted. Watch any and every movie you want..... But for the small children.....no bunnies and no santa.... it is not Christian.

Get my issue here?

Jesus doesn't care about the bows, bunnies and Santa's as long as while the little children are having fun.....we let Him walk with us.

If as an adult, we are believing bunnies and Santa ARE the holiday....that is on us.

And do you know why it makes me most angry?..... I fell for this thinking! sorta. I happen to like the bunnies, baskets and bows. I happen to like the "gifts" at holidays. I happen to love having Jesus laughing with us. I remember my precious daughters in their beautiful dresses anticipating the holiday. I remember their faces as they opened the gifts and discovered their Easter baskets. I also remember my heart being touched by the Gospel in each of these occasions. I remember sitting them on my lap and telling them about the Jesus who was with them everyday and loved them dearly.

We really have to stop stealing joy from our small children and grow up as adults. We, as adults, need to take on the heavy stuff and prepare them as they grow for what is expected as they grow. I have yet to see a cult form worshipping Santa nor the Easter Bunny but satan.....yes.

Ahh now I feel better.