Category Archives: For What It’s Worth To You

2020, Acts, For What It's Worth To You, Gospel of Matthew

DISCRIMINATION

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Racism is NOT going to be stopped in America as we are presently responding because racism is a symptom; it is not the cause of the chaos and hate we are experiencing.

The measures thus far being taken are not even a band-aid on the massive hemorrhaging. After the election perhaps there will be a lull but I am not counting on that and even if there is there will be a regrouping. I hope my hope is sound and that there are more people who know the truth than we are shown by the media.

In my world black on white and white on black hate is rarely seen by these eyes of mine – the last time I remember an incident of either was the day after the election of the first term of President Obama. It occurred in the parking lot of Walmart provoked only by the paleness of my skin. I remember it because it is in sharp contrast to my daily experience. I am in awe and grateful!

It’s like this, ALL could have a similar living style because GOD is no respecter of persons.
Albeit, His Way must be chosen (daily) and few do that.
The road to hell, chaos, hatred, discrimination, and every other complaint and demand we are hearing are SYMPTOMS; not the cause of what we are seeing.

DISCRIMINATION toward GOD is the cause. The customary word is SIN.

When we let GOD deal with our SIN we are healed and healed people don’t have the symptom of racism. And if you don’t believe me take it up GOD; listen to Him and He will enlighten you.

Acts 10:34  (KJV) 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Matthew 7:12-14  (NASB) 12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.  source
2020, For What It's Worth To You, Holy Soap Box, Just Chatty Today

A Passel of Pain

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I read something today that disturbed me – obviously, I am here writing. When I captured it for my laptop the title it gave itself was amen.

It read this way: “Staying in a relationship just because you love somebody is not worth it. Love is not all you need. Respect is what you need. Reassurance is what you need. Happiness is what you need. Knowing every day you’re their favorite person is what you need. Learn to love yourself instead. 

I can’t give this a strong amen but it bears consideration. Obviously, there’s a passel of pain being experienced when this counsel is given.  

So, relationships are complicated; they are not meant to be but they are because fallen humans are conflicted. And conflicted people think self-centered more often than is healthy for them or others.

Friend relationships. Those can be vacated when one is unhappy in the relationship and the rifted might not be a long-lasting wound; so, in that, I can concur.

Family relationships. They can be and usually are conflicting, complicated, complex, and often downright aggravating, but when it’s the family we don’t walk away, not without extenuating circumstances and a Word from The LORD to seal the deal.

Marriage. That’s a new ballgame. Respect and happiness. O! yes we want those but in my many years of messing up I have discovered and Scripture confirms that you gain respect and happiness by GIVING it and continuing to give it even when at the moment you are not getting it back. Marriage is a covenant – well, godly marriages are covenants and they are the kind that endure through lack; when we feel disrespected and forgotten and ignored and second or third or last on the list of importance. Do I sound experienced? I am.

No-fault divorce. There is no such animal. There is plenty of fault to go around when there is a divorce; it’s not just one or the other; it’s both. And if Both open their Bibles and their hearts to the Spirit of the Living GOD, the marriage can be saved, and not just saved but thrive with respect and happiness and assurance and a whole lot more. Do I sound experienced? I am.

We jump out of marriage way too easily, to the determinant of ourselves and to those who love us.
I’m not saying no marriage is without cause to vacate but I am saying more marriages could be saved than are . . .

And the last point: love yourself.
And to that: loving one’s self unselfishly is above unregenerated humans’ pay grade.
Only The Spirit of the Living GOD highlighting His Word in us can teach us how to do that!

A healthy love for ourselves is predicated on GOD first, and the GOOD of others (as directed by The Scripture) before our own happiness.
And shall we remember happiness is overrated? It fades when the happening fades.
Now, JOY (holy love for GOD, for others AND ourselves) is long-lasting; eternal, even.

So, shall we vacate? What did GOD say when you asked Him?

2020, For What It's Worth To You, Guests

Red Boat

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I happened upon this tonight in my Facebook feed and thought it was worthy of a share here.  I am not privy to the author and I hereby make NO claim to it as my own. And here’s the story that goes with the red boat.

“A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice check, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said “You’ve already paid me for painting the boat Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It’s for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service… certainly it’s not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:

“When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.

“When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

“They did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time.

“When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

“Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

“You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your ‘small’ good deed.”

So no matter who, when or how, continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively, and carefully repair all the ‘leaks’ you find. You never know when one is in need of us, or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous ‘boat holes’ for several people without realizing how many lives you’ve saved.”