Today in Chapel we saw a video called cardboard testimonies. ( I teach in a private school)This is something churches are doing all over the country. It shows someone holding up a sign saying something they used to be, or were controlled by, for example: Alcohol, Steroids, and failing marriage. Then when flipped over Addicted to Jesus, and marriage restored. I love my wife) Let me tell you if you are a crier this one will get to you. As I looked at this video a second time, I began thinking about all the moral issues addressed in these peoples lives. I thought about how at times I think I have it all together, when you could ask those around me who know me best and say Brett doesn't have it all together. I would accept that. So what do I do with a video, a testimony, a story that stirs my heart? Do I let it effect me at that moment, or do I live my life in a way that Glorifies God. I can't help but notice our country, the direction it is going, and the pace it is going at is insane. I know some might say I think this is a political message, others might say this is a spiritual message. Well it is one that I think all of us need to hear. Our spiritual lives are only impacted when we allow God to work in us. It doesn't happen just because. God never forces himself on anyone, and he never forces us into actions that are against our will. Our country struggles with morals, politics, and Intellectualism for one simple reason. We are not spiritually in tune. We may hear the music, but are we involved.(Yes that is a side note taken from the Chapel message today:) You and I are spiritual beings having a physical experience, not the other way around. You and I will always be more spiritual than physical, this is a fact that no one can get away from. So how do we live in the Spirit? How do we stay on fire for God? Well I am glad you asked. First you take the focus off of YOU and put it on HIM. Second you make the decision to follow Him on a DAILY basis. Third, before you do anything pray for yourself, make sure you are in on His plans for you that day. And last, stop trying so hard to do life on your own, ask for wisdom, understanding, peace and love to flow through you every day.
I hope you enjoyed this message, and I want you to know I am always working out my salvation on a daily basis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ Here is the link to the video. Please watch

Have you ever stayed up too late, and zoned out with the T.V. on? I remember growing up they were always selling the euro 3000, ginsu's, pearl Creme "It make you look year younger", flo-bee's (the vacuum hair cutter that really sucked), clap on, answering machine tapes with songs, and many more.
Now we have the Sham-wow, slap chop, oxy-anything, snuggies, the Foreman grill, and so many more.

Well all these have a specific purpose, they can comfort, clean, cut, cook, and make us sooo happy. I mean did you ever see anyone on the info-mercial who was mad, no the only time they were mad is when they couldn't hang up clothes in their closet (which is another issue of hand eye coordination), but when they got that nifty hanger that collapses they were so happy. The marketing guys of these products knew what they were doing. So many of us fell for thier smiles, and fell for thier crapy products.
None the less our lives were now suddenly simpler, our families stopped fighting, and there were rainbows all around and gum drop mountians.....ok not really.
My point in this is a short and simple one. Why do we look for so much satisfaction in stuff? Why do we try to tell ourselves that if we have the latest gadgets (ipods, pdas, 2010 camaro's, big houses) and material possessions that life will be simpler and easier? The answer is because we buy into the lies, we don't listen to our heart, we use our head. The point here is God has placed in each one of us a void, and this void can only be filled with God. No amount of flo-bee's, snuggies, clappers, or sham-wow's will take God's place.