Toys or Treasures

My energy level today was low.  I didn't get much accomplished...at all.

I'm reading a really good book right now called The Treasure Principal by Randy Alcorn.  (It was a free gift from my visit to Freedom Church in Tennessee.)

Giving and living simply are so counter-cultural, yet that is what we are called to do.  For many, this (like the Sabbath) has been spoiled by our legalistic nature.  We want to ask questions like:  How much am I required to give?  Who do I have to give it to?  Is a tithe (tenth) based on my gross income or net income?  If I give a tithe, does this all have to go to my church?  If I want to give to other causes, does this need to be over and above my tithe?

My answer:  Quit worrying about following the rules and just give!  God didn't intend for this to be a burden, but a joy.

You've seen the bumper sticker.

 

Hmmm...

Check out these quotes that Alcorn pulled from some people you may know:

"The care of $200 million is enough to kill anyone.  There is no pleasure in it."  --W.H. Vanderbilt
"I am the most miserable man on earth."  --John Jacob Astor
"I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness."  --John D. Rockefeller
"Millionaires seldom smile."  --Andrew Carnegie
"I was happier when doing a mechanic's job."  --Henry Ford

Actually, the Bible tells us that instead of storing up riches (that includes toys) here, we should be storing up treasures in heaven. 

Well, how in the world do we store up those kinds of treasures?  Invest your time, energy, and (yes) money in things that will last and things that will make difference in the lives of others.  Giving!

He explains it like this...

Your life is a dot.  It's just a small moment of time.  Yet, so many put everything into that one little dot.

But your eternal life just starts with that dot.

Everything you have (EVERYTHING) will be gone away.  Either it will leave you when it deteriorates, is ingested, rots, or rusts away...or you will leave it.  You can't take it with you.

But you can send your treasures on ahead of you to be stored up for your arrival.

What will those treasures be?  I cannot fathom what heaven will be like but I would hazard a guess that our treasures here cannot compare to the fabulous treasures there.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  --Words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21

Oh, the Smells!

I was dreading spending the weekend in a dorm room without enough to keep me busy.  When I discovered that Nashville, TN is only 215 miles from Asbury along with the fact that Keith Urban was playing the Grand Ole Opry this week, I decided to make a road trip.  One of my classmates offered to come along, too!

We went straight downtown when we arrived--taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the touristy Broadway area of Nashville.  It seems that my sense of smell has gone into overdrive.  I notice every little smell and find myself seeking to "place" it.

The fresh cut grass, the cinnamon pretzels at Auntie Anne's, a variety of Chinese foods, burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe, and the kettle-cooked popcorn outside of the Opry building.  It was a never-ending assault on my nose.

Actually, what I found is that I very much enjoy those wonderful smells.  It didn't make me feel like I was missing something, instead it made me feel that I was getting to enjoy it in another way.

After a full, busy, exciting day yesterday, we enjoyed sleeping in and catching the 11:00 service at Freedom Church.  It was an inspiring and Spirit-filled worship service.  What a welcoming group of fellow Christians!

A quick stop at the Sonic afterwards allowed my friend to grab a wonderfully-smelling burger combo meal with fries while I was tickled to get my Route 44 water (because Sonic ice is simply delightful).  I was pleasantly surprised to even catch the sweet/sour scent of her Lemonberry slush.

Once I got back to my room and settled in to reflect on the weekend, what I realized was that I really didn't miss food over the last two days.  I was engaged in life and enjoying the gifts that God did provide for me without wishing for more.

I think that's a breakthrough.