Do you ever have what I call a Charlie Brown moment? My Charlie Brown moments are when I hear or read a statement that I believe is so right I should have known it. In my mind I am asking how I could have missed the information as I smack the front of my forehead and lament out loud, “Oh, Good Grief!”
The other day while reading a book, the author mentioned Ephesians 2:2, where Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air.” Yep, this was my good grief moment! My mental light bulb turned on and logical realization began taking place. I knew I needed some Jesus cotton balls for my ears! But where to find them?
This certainly demonstrates that the tv media, the print media, the internet and the radio, which are all operating on air waves, are viable tools for the devil. From the over exaggerations to the outright lies, it is clear who has been whispering in their ears! No wonder the televangelists today sound more like carnival barkers hawking their wares, right down to implying that tithing to them will bring money and blessings to you! Fools! And we are even bigger fools for buying into it!
Why can’t we just be real and tell the truth in all situations? I will tell you why. It all has to do with the root of all evil…money. Man has decided it is a necessity for him to live these ultra extravagant lifestyles. (Satan whispers directly into these ears too.) But while acquiring his wealth, man has forgotten where his duty lies and that is to assist widows, orphans, and other humans who are in need. So humanity moves forward devouring, exaggerating, and lying our way to wealth and what we deem as happiness. Have you noticed how lies and lawlessness go hand in hand?
Now, I want to ask the woman a few questions. While we have been quarantined, and in the need of cutting back on our expenses, have you missed your beauty routines, expensive youth remedies, and new clothes? Or have you found it freeing not trying to “perfect” yourself for the world? My generation did not have the luxury of manicures, waxing, expensive serums, and hair care. We did it ourselves. And if you did have the money to do these things you were considered wealthy in our mind’s eye. Some of the most beautiful women I knew then and know now, have the simplest of self care routines and attire.
What about you men? Do you miss spending the money on power suits, cars, manscaping, and preening in front of the mirrors at the gym? Or are you free to be a real father to your kids, a nurturing husband to your wife, and a good neighbor. Once again, my generation of men mowed the grass, kept the outside of the house up, and played ball in the yard with the neighborhood kids.
Could it be that in striving for more, we actually have received less and diminished our self worth? What do you base your self worth on, God’s word or the worlds’?
After diligently searching for some Jesus cotton balls and unable to find any for my ears, I decided to locate something else. Actually I already knew what it was going to be and as usual, I am repeating myself. Daily bible reading keeps you informed of the truth in every situation and circumstance you may incur. This world will bend you and try to break you, but God’s bible is here to sustain you, give you hope, and let you know how much He loves you! Here is a bible verse which may help. Philippians 4:8.
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, good, and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell in the fine, good things in others.
Think about all you can praise God for, and be glad about it.”
Well, that is a large “drop the mic” boom from the Apostle Paul! When he wrote this verse, Paul was in prison chained to a guard waiting to be put to death. And he found ways in a grimy dungeon full of tortures being performed day and night, to lift his mind to a better place. And you thought your life was tough.
I have posted this verse in my home because I believe it is a great way to start a day and end a day. I also believe turning all of the media crap off during the day and being selective about our television watching has made for better days during the pandemic at our home. Magazines no longer clutter up our spaces, just some good literature. If you have members of your family who are not big readers, there are Christian comic books on Amazon and Christianbook.com.
In the meantime, I am either going to invent or find some Jesus cotton balls!
God Bless You!
The Tent Maker Blog 