Fame spreads far and wide for newsworthies. Check your splash screens on any browser conduit to Internet content. Facts, figures and images scroll by, but much of the so-called news of people lifts up some of the silliest trivia, whetting the appetites of sold out fanatics and casual fans alike. Entertainer gossip demands its time as does empty diatribe from posturing politicians.
Frankly, I want to do likewise, but with news that makes Him famous. Almost eleven hundred children attended Vacation Bible School at a local church last week. 145 of the squiggly youngsters grasped enough truth to stand and say, “I want Jesus, living in my heart and leading my life.”
One young mother, a preacher’s wife and mother of 6, logged into an online chat during a worship service streamed live over the Internet. The early morning dialog described her despondency from the incessant attacks targeting her pastor husband, his practical theology, and his ministry. Immediately, virile support lifted her to see how importantly the contrast stands to bring attention to our Lord. What great news! A warrior, with effective refreshment re-enters the battle to fight on.
The teaching discussion for the day centers on one promise that targets our hearts and minds with good news. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” You can experience joy!
The promise plainly states that no matter what the circumstances, you can rejoice. Joy, a seemingly elusive mindset, proves its availability anytime and anywhere. The God of the universe, creator and sustainer of all, has written the prescription for each person to apply liberally to life. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 NSAB)
You choose. Do you really care to know which Hollywood starlet will have the next famous illegitimate child? Would your soul like to bask in the beauty of God’s promise to rescue you from the darkness and turmoil of life we all experience?
News worth reading a second time says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB)
And just why does God bless us? Psalm 67 tags it this way, “God blesses us, That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” What a headline for news you can use. Enjoy His fame! Enjoy!
