The Money Pot

He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

I may not thrill a lot of people with today's blog; but, I am still trying to figure out this whole madness over the powerball lottery thing. I am amazed at how much money can be gathered from people who are willing to gamble on becoming rich beyond their dreams. When I listen to what some would do with the money, I cannot help but wonder how long it would be before they would be filing for bankruptcy. I also wonder how many really destitute that amount of money could feed or clothe or shelter. Maybe at least half of the proceeds from each of these lotteries could go toward shelters for the homeless? I mean, who really needs a billion dollars? Seems like a lot for one or two people to manage who have no experience managing even hundreds of thousands.

There are real people who are really destitute in this country. They cannot afford to buy powerball tickets. They use what pennies they have to try to feed themselves. Using the profit from lotteries for the betterment of society has been, in fact, attempted. It doesn't seem to have worked too well. Years ago, when Michigan was pushing for a lottery, funding the school system from the lottery was a priority that was being touted. The schools in Michigan are still in a pretty bad financial state and so are our roads. Gambling no matter in what form brings about many problems along with the benefits it might bring to a few.

We cannot let money manage us. It is up to us as individuals, businesses, and governments to manage money for the betterment of all. I live near the first Indian Casino that was ever opened in this country. To their credit, the tribe has learned to manage their earnings to benefit the whole community, both Native Americans and non-Native. However, not all individuals who frequent the casino have learned what it means to manage their money.

There is a lot of hope placed in the chance of winning by some who play the lotteries. It benefits a few; but, has the potential of doing great damage to others.  

Many of my friends and family members gamble. For the most part they are not extravagant in their placing their bets. Although, I have worried about at least a few of them. Personally, I do not find gambling a good stewardship model for me. I could throw the money in the pot to make someone else a million or billionaire or I could throw it in a pot and feed a hungry person.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains." 1 Timothy 6:10

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 6 - Who Gives Peace: The LORD or Mary Jane?

What a strange chapter! Every so many verses it is written, "This is what the LORD says."

The LORD is once again warning the people that their sins are bringing trouble upon themselves. "For disaster looms out of the north, even terrible destruction." (Jer 6:1b NIV) "Prepare for battle!" (vs 4)

Once again, "This is what the LORD says."

"To whom can I speak and give warning?
    Who will listen to me?
Their ears are closed
    so they cannot hear.
The word of the Lord is offensive to them; 
   they find no pleasure in it." (Jer 6:10)

No one will listen. They would rather accept the message of "Peace, when there is no peace," (vs 14) so that they can keep doing as they are doing. They would rather hear things like, don't worry about it; it is good for you; it won't hurt you; God loves you no matter what you do. And.... indeed He does. But, He does not always love what His children do; especially, when they do not listen to Him for their own welfare, for their sake, and for the sake of all of His children.

It is as if we think if it feels good at the time, we should do it. I have been warning people about a danger, about something that does damage, for some time. But, it appears that no one (or very few) listens.

And... that is the danger of marijuana use. Why, it's so good for us, that in many areas of the country and world it has become a legal medication! What a lie that has been propagated throughout this world. If were really being used as a medication it should be farmed and distributed through real pharmacies. I have no doubt that it can be used to alleviate the suffering of those who have chronic pain. But, what I am seeing is that people are using the legal status as an excuse to abuse the drug and use it for their recreational purposes.

There are a few side effects that come with use of this drug that not everyone is aware of and if they are, they choose to ignore them. They choose to not hear.

• Feelings of detachment
• Motor coordination problems
• Hormone secretion dysfunction
• Increased heart rate
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Cancer
• Infertility
• Dependence
• Depression
• Impaired cognitive ability and memory
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Paranoia
• Altered perceptions
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Early onset of schizophrenia and schizophrenic like symptoms

 And... if you are an addict, don't forget all the wonderful side effects that occur when you don't have your substance (false god) of choice.

So, if you are thinking "what does this have to do with the reading this morning," it is this: in our reading Jeremiah warns the people that they will suffer because they have turned away from God to worship false gods. Marijuana is a false god. It lulls people into a false sense of peace, at least while they are using. Everything is good! But, it is not. Do not say, "Peace, peace when there is no peace." (vs 14)

Peace, real peace, everlasting peace comes from only one place. We receive peace when we accept Jesus as our peace.  "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Col 1:19) Living in relationship with God, our Father; God, the Son; and God the Holy Spirit is the only place that we can have peace. Drugs will not do what God can do.

Is your life a mess? Thinking the world is turning against you? That just might be one of the side-effects of marijuana use - paranoia. Turn to the LORD! Flee for safety to the One who can and will protect you. Get rid of your false gods! Get rid of your pot! Disaster is looming! Who will listen?

And... may the peace of the LORD be with you always - Pr. J

P.S. Formerly a Substance Abuse Director at a Youth Correctional Facility.