Television A Necessity?

Lately, about the only thing I have been watching on television are reruns of Mother Angelica. That's because I really haven't been able to find anything else worth watching. I woke up this morning and turned the television on so I could listen to some news and no satellite connection; so, no television. I often wonder why we waste the money on television. Oh, yes, I remember: football and no it is not me who watches football.

I don't watch too much television. I usually read the news online. Just about every time I sit down to watch something on television I think about the amount of money spent on this mindless entertainment.

I know more than a few people who are and have been unemployed for more than a year and no longer receive unemployment compensation. They are no longer counted in our lowering unemployment rates either. They are having a very difficult time putting groceries on the table; heating their homes; paying their rent or mortgages as others of us throw a hundred dollars a month away to watch blank television screens, football for a season, and reruns of Mother Angelica. I do find her interesting; but, not that interesting. It is not that I feel so guilty. It is more like disgusted. On the eve of the celebration of our Saviour's birth, when so many are struggling to keep shelter over their and their children's heads; when there are so many homeless in this country of such great wealth, how do we reconcile the extreme extravagance? I won't talk about the extreme amounts spent on cell phones this morning in order to "keep up with the Jones'." I, along with so many others, really must confess that I am not the steward of God's gifts that I could be.

I am; however, most grateful today and every day for all that God has given me. But, this Christmas Eve, I am praying for employment for the unemployed so that they might not have to worry over having enough for the very basics of life.

Heavenly Father, give all in need of gainful employment the means to provide their families with their daily bread.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The wind just changed direction so the satellite signal is back on.

Acts 10:1-29 Peter and Cornelius Visit

Acts 1-29 NIV
I have never quite figured out why Jews were not permitted to hang out with God fearing Gentiles. I guess it was just one of those rules that were set up to remind the Jewish people that they had been called out of the general population to be God's people. But, God had other plans. He gave to both Peter and the God fearing Cornelius (a gentile) different visions that brought them together. Simon's vision instructed him to call Peter to his home. In Peter's vision he was instructed not to consider anything or anyone impure that God has made clean. Peter follow the direction he receives in the vision and goes to Cornelius' home.

But, on the other hand even as the Jews were not permitted to hang out with God fearing Gentiles, how often do we stay away from other Christians whom we consider "unclean" because their theology doesn't "jive" with ours? Or maybe, they practice rituals that we consider totally unnecessary? Do we intentionally stay away or shut the door on them when they knock. Maybe, the story of Peter and Cornelius might be worth considering as we welcome or don't welcome them into our homes as God's children.  Maybe, the story might be useful to us in directing us to visit others. whom we would not necessarily visit. with the Good News of the Kingdom. Sharing the truth of God's love with others really might be helpful to others as well as ourselves and for the sake of the Kingdom whether it is with someone who shows up on our doorstep or we on theirs.

May you go wherever and to whomever the Lord leads you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 42 - Remnant

The remnant has gotten much smaller and they are afraid. They are afraid that somehow they, too, will be deported to Babylon as captives. Johanan, the army officer, who freed them from Ishmael's captivity, is thinking that if they all flee to Egypt they will be safe.

Jeremiah advises against this. The promise of God is that if they will stay put in the land that He has given them, He will protect them. He will bless them.

There are times when we feel that the remnant is much smaller than it appears on the surface. Do not despair. Stand firm, trusting in the LORD. Trust that the gifts that God has given you are sufficient for your life. Trust that He will save you. Trust that the LORD is with you as you proclaim the Good News of His Kingdom. It is as simple as that.

Trust in the LORD's direction for you. Trust Him and you will truly live life in the land that He has promised and given you.

Thanks be to God! God's peace - Pr. J