If this is real, it says a lot.

I don't approve of all of the language in the documentary "Super Size Me" but the content was phenomenal. It chronicled some of the more disgusting facts about fast food - in general - and McDonalds - specifically. I heard about McD's being the largest consumer of cow eyeballs, but found that to be false. Really, it's not good stuff.

Then, this picture was sent by a friend from work. If it's not doctored, this has to be one of the worst combinations of advertising I've ever seen, but I really like it.

A call to action!

One of the most commonly quoted phrases from the new testament epistles (in my estimation) is "contend earnestly for the faith." I decided to sit down and read Jude to discover what exactly the text was discussing. In so doing, I discovered a few good lessons.

1. The call to action is for all who claim to be christians
We all have a duty to stand against ungodliness in all of its forms (vs 3,4)
2. Our greatest foes are not those on the outside, but those amongst us
Some of the most violent and destructive attacks that we may ever face will come from those who call themselves Christians rather than from without. Jude warns of those who crept in and are looking to pervert the grace of God. (vs 4)
3. God judges those who reject Him
The Israelites rescued from Egyptian bondage were cursed to wander for 40 years (until the whiners died) and missed the promised land. Sodom and Gomorrah were obliterated for their utter wickedness (not exclusively only for, but including homosexuality). These are to be an example because if it happened to them, it can happen to us! (vs 5-7)
4. Selfish disregard for God's commands is folly
Three examples are given: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. Cain disobeyed God by selfishly holding back and not giving God his best. Balaam let selfishness and greed motivate him to go against God's command and was rebuked by his donkey! (Numbers 22) Korah selfishly desired more power and authority and was swallowed by the earth along with his family. Those who stood with him were consumed by fire (Numbers 16) (vs 8-11)
5. Ungodliness makes one worthless
Waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wildly crashing waves, stars wandering aimlessly toward the darkness - all are not fulfilling their intended purpose. People who fight against God are operating contrary to the very reason we are created - to worship and offer our adoration to God! (vs 12,13)
6. Judgment is coming for those who contend against God
God is coming to execute judgement against the grumblers who follow their selfish desires.
7. How do we face this opposition?
Build your faith, pray, keep yourself in the love of God, look for the mercy of Christ, share the mercy of Christ with others, share the gospel message with those who are lost, "Hate the sin, but love the sinner." (vs 20-23)
8. Get on the winning team!
It is only with Christ's strength that we can keep from stumbling and we know that He will win.

Are you contending for the faith? Are you active like you should be?
I know I'm not doing as well as I should, but we all need to acknowledge that and push to be contending more earnestly!

A great blessing

Dan, Mark, and others have the tremendous blessing of being able to deliver a truly mind blowing amount of goods and money to assisst brethren in the south that have been affected by hurricane Katrina. They're down there finally and are getting to work helping repair some of the damage from fallen trees to a couple of meeting houses as well as homes of some of the brethren there.

Please keep them and their families whom they are away from in your prayers.

Remember to count your blessings, too. We truly are blessed to the point of overflowing every day, but we far too often take the complete richness of God's blessings for granted.

slacker...

I've been a blogging slacker. I'll attempt to post more regularly.