The Gift Many Do Not Receive

Have you ever noticed how some people have a very difficult time receiving a gift? Many people stumble all over the concept of “free.”

When I worked in the produce department of a local grocery store, there were many times that we gave away items, great stuff, that were absolutely free. There were no strings attached. It wasn’t “buy one, get one free.” (That’s not free.) It wasn’t “free with a twenty dollar purchase.” It wasn’t even “free, if we could just have your contact information.” (Can someone say “telemarketer?”) We really gave away items in the produce department. I recall giving away bags of salad. For some people, it was like pulling teeth.

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Jesus offers to each of us the awesome gift of “rest.” (See Matthew 11:28–30.)

This gift is Jesus’ work of taking away our heavy burdens.

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Two Types of Getaways, Part 2

Today we are going to continue our discussion on the two types of getaways.

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The second type of getaway is one that I pray that you never have to experience. It is also one that the prophet Elijah experienced and one that I am personally acquainted with.

We all need temporary getaways from the daily routine of life.

There may be times that you are tempted to partake of a permanent escape from your normal day-to-day life. Life can get so overwhelming that you feel the only solution is a great escape. King David talks about times when we just want to “fly away.” (See Psalm 11:1.)

I experienced this when I was about 26 years old.

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A Sticky Subject

Today is Bubble Gum Day.

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I know some of you are thinking: What does bubble gum have to do with anything of importance? I dare you to express that sentiment to my great nephews!

The way I see bubble gum is that it is an awesome creation! Can you imagine the process of coming up with bubble gum? Historians tell us that the chewing gum invention process began about 5000 years ago. About 110 years ago, it was fine-tuned into what we recognize today as bubble gum.

Doesn’t the creative process bring to mind the very first verse of the Bible? Genesis 1:1. It should.

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Art Studios Are Everywhere

I know the average husband cringes every time I encourage him to write a love letter or a poem to his wife. I usually get a “I can’t do that” in response.

Today is “Inspire Your Heart With Art” Day. Aren’t you excited that you have just been given this information? (Men all over the world are making sure their wives do not read today’s pastoral CJFM Blog post.)

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I believe the reason that many do not feel they are under the umbrella of art lovers is because of a misunderstanding of the true definition of “art.” Art is a whole lot more than what is displayed in an art gallery or on your refrigerator. Art goes way beyond canvas, paint, water colors, sculpting clay, poetry, etc. For a great definition of “art,” read Seth Godin’s definition.

Art touches every area of life. The work of the artist is not primarily in the “what;” it’s in the “how.”

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Two Types Of Getaways

Today is Escape Day.

We all need times of escape from the daily routine of life. However, we need to make sure that we have the right kind of escape, or getaway, because there are two major types.

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The first type of escape is temporary. This is the type of getaway that Jesus spoke of in Mark 6:31. Even when you are in a personal relationship with God and happily serving Him, you need a break. You can get too much of a good thing. Wise King Solomon told us this in Proverbs 25:16.

As much as you love your job, your family, your friends, your hobbies, etc., you still need to get a little space from them sometimes.

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