When Is “Enough”…Enough?

I am sure you have noticed  that banks and financial institutions in the United States are crumbling under the weight of unprecedented  debt.

It is as if North America’s unbridled appetite for consuming is at the point of critical mass.

Have you ever thought how much of our spending is nothing more than a cheap anesthetic to deaden the pain of an empty life.

What are we going to do when we have lost our ability to consume.

There is something perverse about more than enough.
When we have more, it is never enough.
It is always somewhere out there, just out of reach.
The more we acquire, the more elusive enough becomes. –Unknown

If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.”
John Bunyan

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that’s where life starts.
Proverbs 4:23

Peace…Be Still

I was talking with some youth pastor  friends yesterday about  life and ministry during the charismatic movement in the 80’s.

This was a time of heightened focus on spiritual warfare …As a youth pastor I spent an hour a day in the prayer chapel binding and losing spiritual powers, making declarations to the north east south and west.

My intentions were good but looking back, my time would have been much better spent being quiet and listening.

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
-   William Penn

Be still, and know that I [am] God
Psalm 46:10

No Room For Him…

I met with a business man this morning who shared with me how his business took a hit this summer and now the banks are putting pressure on him.

He told me that he does not have the energy to make things happen like did when he was younger. My heart really goes out to my friend and I am praying for him.

Is it possible that the Achilles Heal of our western culture is that we are always trying to perform, accomplish and achieve.

We believe if we just throw enough energy at something we can make it happen.
As Christians living in this culture we transfer this mindset to faith.

My concern is that when self takes itself that seriously there is no room for God.
Could it be that God puts us in these positions of powerlessness so we learn to look up and trust Him?

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
 Philippians 4:6

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”
This is so cute!

“Are you upset little friend? Have you been lying awake worrying?
Well, don’t worry…I’m here.
The flood waters will recede, the famine will end, the sun will shine tomorrow,
 and I will always be here to take care of you.
-Charlie Brown to Snoopy”

This is so comforting!

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;
 he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8