So Much in Vain

The other night, YouTube plopped an old video of the Jacksons in my feed. As a tweenager, I was Jackson 5 mad! As a teenager, I was Michael Jackson mad. As an adult, I had fond memories of being a fanatic for the musical Jacksons. Then I discovered Jesus.

So. When this video popped up, I could almost picture my fourteen-year-old self, daydreaming and practicing my signature as "Mrs. M. Jackson". I went ahead and took a look at the video. It was a reunion of sorts of the all the Jacksons- 6 of them counting their baby brother. As adults they still wore the dazzlingly bright outfits, a lot of silver and sheen. They still had the harmony and the synchronized moves. I listened to a medley of hits from their past. I was shocked and ashamed that I still knew all the words! If I had as many Bible verses as memorized, I'd be grateful.

When the video was over, I sat there having thoughts about talent, fame, worldly glory and... the worthlessness of it all.

The video also showed the audience. People were losing their minds to the joy of seeing a famous group perform. I even saw a little kid who was so excited I think he may have been overwhelmed. It was all very "wow".

And what does it matter to the ones who are no longer here? 

Of course, I can't help but think of Ecclesiastes 1.

I don't know where Michael or any other deceased artists are, but all that dancing, singing, or playing of instruments - none of it matters now. At one point in the video, I had watched as the famous brothers made some of the well-known dance moves - pivoting in sync and turning left to point fingers. On beat the jutted their heads forward to follow the pointing hands. Very slick and it took who knows how much practice. And not only does it no longer matter, but it actually seems silly.

I'm not picking on the famous because we all are proud of things that one day will no longer matter. Having a spectacular talent, intellectual abilities, stellar attractiveness, and on and on. We need to focus more on the things of eternity.

One good thing that came out of seeing that "blast from the past" is that it prodded me to re-focus. I need to be spending more time learning the Bible. I should know it better than I know the lyrics to someone's songs. Amen?

Peace

-- Free

Easy Encouragement

For those of us who don't use social media constantly, it can be hard sometimes to keep in touch with people. I wanted to share something I started doing a few months ago.

In one of my little circles, I have my sisters-in-law and some nieces. I put them in a group in my phone contacts list. Once a week, I share a short message or verse from my own Bible study. It's nothing fancy and it doesn't take a lot of time (now that I know how to dictate my texts by voice!).

The first message I shared was that: 

Matthew & John are written for believers - Matthew for new ones & John for mature ones. Mark & Luke primarily for unbelievers. Mark with news about Jesus & to have faith in him. Luke - the only Gentile - is concerned that fellow Gentiles should know Christ.

That was a little tidbit from Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson (he covers the Old & New Testaments). As soon as it came up in my study, I knew it was perfect for sharing. The latest message I sent was from Chuck Missler's Learn the Bible in 24 Hours (Old & New Testaments). It was very helpful to me when the very first time I saw it:

• You have been saved from the penalty of sin (Justification Eph. 2:8,9 & Rom 5:18)
• You are being saved from the power of the flesh (Rom. 7:24–25), the world (1 John 5:4), and the devil (James 4:7) - (Sanctification)
• You shall be saved from the presence of sin (Redemption /Glorification of our body Rom. 8:23)

The ladies really loved that one!

So, yeah, this is such a simple and quick way to encourage and uplift loved ones. And it hasn't hurt me to reiterate those messages in my own heart.

Peace

--Free 

Are You Discouraged or Encouraged?

I just want to share a short message with you. I was about to take another look at the news before going to bed, but I decided not to. Sometimes, I can really see that the news is not so much to inform us but to inflame us. I can do without that nonsense tonight.

A lot of friends and neighbors have been feeling the weight of all this national turmoil. Of course, we Americans tend to think we are the center of the universe. If things get bad here, we assume it's a sign of the end of all times. Well, we are not the center of the universe, but I do believe that this world is creeping into end times chaos.

It is hard not to get discouraged when so much of the secular media is pushing doom and a lot of Christian news is putting man at the forefront - forgetting that our hope is to be in Christ alone. But we must not forget that.

I try to remind myself that the more chaotic this world gets, the closer we are to the return of Jesus. That should be our focus. We need to stop wringing our hands over what politicians are (or not) doing and start warning people to be ready for the Lord.

Recently, I started a text group with the women in my family. Every week, I share something I learned in my Bible study. Of course, I have mentioned the blackboard I hang outside my door. I share some verse or verses of encouragement. These are little things, but they matter.

So, keep praying and keep living for the Lord. 

Peace

--Free