2/10/25 MondayMatters: The Facebook Passage

2/10/25 MondayMatters: The Facebook Passage

https://youtu.be/6xLscLeL25M?si=FXYO2yQU9224TR8Z

After the video:

Of all the places in culture that we who call ourselves Christ-followers but fall short of living out His example, Facebook has to lead the way. There is something about the perceived anonymity that seems to give us permission to say and act in ways we never would in person. And yet, our witness is just as real and just as required as anywhere else. I found a passage in Exodus this week that I’m going to call The Facebook passage. It has so much to say about how we shout behave as Christians. Here are 7 lessons from Exodus 23:1-13.
1. Don’t pass false rumors. Vs 1.     There is so much untruth on Facebook, maybe more than truth. Be diligent to check things out. Don’t perpetuate things that are not true. If you don’t know for sure, don’t share.

2. Don’t follow the crowd. Vs 2   Or the clicks.  Don’t get caught up in trying win an audience or in being popular. There are not enough FB followers in the world to justify being unChristlike in our posts.

3. Stop and help.   Vs 4.   There are two good words. Stop. Think. Be quiet.  Sometimes just stopping is a good thing. And help. Seek to be helpful, to be supportive, to be encouraging.  Before you post something just stop and help.

4. Help the poor.  Vs 6.   Of all the things we are called to do as believers, helping the poor and defenseless is at the top of the list. Rather than trying to impress people, try to serve them. That mindset changes everything.

5. Don’t charge anyone falsely.  Vs 7.  Now we are starting to get serious. There are so many vicious stories and malicious rumors flying around. And if we are honest with ourselves, many times we know.  Don’t pass those on.  Don’t say things about political foes or religious enemies that are not true. And back to point number 1, if you haven’t checked it out, don’t pass it on.

6. Don’t oppress the foreigners.  Vs 9.  Don’t make this political. Take it for what it is. I don’t know the answers to the immigration issues of our world.  This isn’t about that. I just know I have to consider others. At the very least, I am heartbroken at the fear and hurt of people who look different from me and speak a different language from me.

7. Finally, give it a rest. Vs 12.    Maybe the best advice about Facebook is just take a deep breath, back up, take a break. 🤓.  Just give it a rest sometimes.  Ask yourself these three questions before you post:

Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?

If you can’t answer yes to all three, as a representative of Jesus, maybe you shouldn’t paste it. Blessings to you. I believe in you.

1/13/25 MondayMatters: God’s Attachment Style

1/13/25 MondayMatters: God’s Attachment Style

Here’s the video  https://youtu.be/O5nLSvuvtMg What do we mean when we talk about the love of God? How can we be sure that He loves us when we are so often unlovable? Here is a quick look at Attachment Theory and how I can draw from that a better understanding of the amazing love of God for… Continue Reading

1/7/25 MondayMatters: Desire What You Desire

1/7/25 MondayMatters: Desire What You Desire

Here’s the video    https://youtu.be/I_hSAFyzsxg?si=2D9OckFRxhgta8i5 Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I don’t think God gives us everything we want. I think He helps us to want what He wants. That is my desire for 2025, to desire what God desires for me to desire.… Continue Reading

12/16/24 MondayMatters: Meditation

12/16/24 MondayMatters: Meditation

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50 Day End-Well and Start-Fast Spiritual Adventure

50 Day End-Well and Start-Fast Spiritual Adventure

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Anticipation

Anticipation

One of the iconic voices of my youth was Carly Simon, a folksy balladeer of the late 60’s and early 70’s that took over a generation of listeners with her confessional lyrics and unforgettable choruses. What person of my age doesn’t remember trying to figure out who “You’re So Vain” was directed to (I think… Continue Reading

11/25/24  MondayMatters: Inertia

11/25/24 MondayMatters: Inertia

Momentum is a magnificent word. I believe more things are accomplished because of momentum or not accomplished because of a lack of momentum than anything else. If you desire to have a fantastic 2025 then creating momentum now is crucial. Here is a much too long description of, and invitation to, starting a great 2025… Continue Reading

11/18/24 MondayMatters: When Helping Hurts

11/18/24 MondayMatters: When Helping Hurts

Have you ever been caught in one of those situations where your efforts to help were turned against you and everything was worse instead of better? What do you do when your best efforts are misunderstood, rejected, and used as a club to batter you with? It happens to the best of us. Here are… Continue Reading

11/11/24  MondayMatters: Dealing With Other People’s Depression

11/11/24 MondayMatters: Dealing With Other People’s Depression

https://youtu.be/WexRk5cRNbw What do you do? What do you say when someone comes to you in the middle of their depression. Statistically, nearly 1 in 10 people will go through some depressive episode this year, so there is a very good chance that a friend or even family meme we will reach out to you. Here… Continue Reading