Why Do They Call It Chili?

I am firmly convinced that when God caused the confusion with the languages at Babel, that He must have laughed just a little. In His infinite wisdom, He knew that some day there would be words in one language that sound so much like another words in a different language and that would cause some very unusual reactions. Tonight, we are having our 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off. We always have it in Jan. when the temperatures are coldest. Now, when I think of chilly, I know that it has nothing to do with chili. Instead, it is just the opposite. And the way that I make it, it sure isn't cool. Okay, where is the lesson in this? As I was thinking about this I recall how many times I speak with people about what they believe concerning God, Jesus, and the Bible. Often times we use the same words or terminology, but we don't really mean the same thing. For instance, they believe in God, but they also believe in other false God's as well. There are some cults that tell you they believe that Jesus is God's son, but they put Him on the same plain as any person who becomes a "child of God". Even in our more conservative ranks, there are those who say they believe that the Bible is inspired, but when you begin to question them they have to say that what they really believe is that the "original manuscripts were inspired" and that we do not have those today. My point is that we must be very careful these days as we discuss certain subjects and make sure that we are saying the same thing, when we say the same thing - if you know what I mean. Tonight, my chili will look much like the other chili that is there. But, it won't be the same. Don't get caught off guard by some smooth talker. Know what you believe and know what you are saying when you say it.

You Make Me So Mad!

Why do we get upset with one another? I guess if we could answer that question we could find a solution to the problem. So, let's think about it for a moment. Why do we make each other mad? I think there are a couple of reasons. One is that "you" don't do what "I" think you should do. Usually, it has very little to do with right or wrong. But, since I think it is right, then that makes it right - right? Of course that is what we think and on the flip side of that coin, we are also very defensive of our own actions. You see, I have my reasons for what I do and they are good reasons, at least they are to me. Another problem is that sometimes, others begin to infringe on our space or time. Regardless, it all comes back to "self" and selfishness. Heb 10:24 tells us that we are to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works". I know this is hard to believe, but we aren't always right and it is okay for someone in a loving manner to show us where we are wrong so we can correct it. And, just because someone does something different, doesn't mean it is wrong - just different. They may be wrong or we may be wrong, but the source for determining that is not our opinion, it is the facts. What does God have to say about the matter? I think the key is that we need to love others more than we love ourselves. When that is the case, we are more concerned with whether they get hurt than if we get hurt.

Let's Start A New Week

I hope you had a wonderful Sunday in Church yesterday. Now, if you were not in church, then it wasn't as good of a day as it could have been. But, that is another lesson to be considered at a later time. Even though we think of Monday as the beginning of the week, Sunday is actually the first day. It is so very important to get the week started off right. Wouldn't you agree with that? By the way, it is also said that it is important to get the day off with a good breakfast too. Now, I must admit, that I have never been much for breakfast. Yes, there are certain foods that I particularly enjoy for breakfast, but most of them are not the best thing for me. Maybe, that is why so many people have such a horrible week, or dislike Monday so much. They haven't gotten their week off to a good healthy start. We need to be in Church on Sunday to gain the Spiritual nourishment to sustain us for awhile. We need the encouragement of being around our brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen our bond of fellowship in the Lord. We need to know that as we face another few days, out in the world, that we have those who care about us and will be praying for us. We need that nourishment. But, like in the physical realm, that which we desire is usually not best for us. We want that extra day to sleep in. We want that extra time to do as we please rather than be "tied down" to Church. In other words, we want what we want, and not what God wants for us. Let me just say that today can be the start of another week or it can be the start of another weak. It is up to you.