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the Manna | August 2013
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the Manna | August 2013
Columns
20 | Instagram
07 | Signals 09 | On The Air
22 | Piles of Memories
Stay in Touch
Life has always been complicated. You are not your stuff.
Features
24 | Precious Memories: Using Them Wisely
12 | Finish the Race
Live where God is great.
Fix your eyes on Him.
14 | Homesick
26 | Love Connection You don’t have to look for God’s love.
We have a longing for our true country.
17 | When Was Then? Times change, but God doesn’t.
18 | Selective Memory It’s easy to forget.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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the Manna | A Publication of Maranatha, Inc. Editor-In-Chief: Debbie Byrd Creative Director: Joe Willey Editorial Coordinator: Karen Tull Contributing Writers: Phil Bohaker, Jeff Friend, Josh Millwood, Karen Tull & Mary Tyler Media Client Liaison: Adam Riggin and Randall Stapleton
Frequently Asked Questions Who We Are The Manna is published by Maranatha, Inc., a Christcentered ministry called to proclaim the Good News of faith and life in Jesus Christ through various forms of media, as God directs, until He returns. “Maranatha” (mer-a-nath´-a) is an Aramaic word found in I Corinthians 16:22. It is translated, “Our Lord, come!” Joy! 102.5 WOLC is also part of Maranatha, Inc. Its call letters stand for “Watch, Our Lord Cometh.” Maranatha!
Disclaimer Non-ministry advertisers are not required to subscribe to the “Statement of Faith” printed at right; nor are their businesses and products necessarily endorsed by the Manna, Joy! 102.5 WOLC, or Maranatha, Inc., whose viewpoints are not necessarily represented by the opinions or statements of persons interviewed in this magazine; nor are the viewpoints of its advertisers.
Statement of Faith We Believe… that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible and authoritative source of Christian doctrine and precept; that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that the only hope for man is to believe in Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind, and who rose from the dead so that by receiving Him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His blood; that Jesus Christ in person will return to Earth in power and glory; that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ, for the purpose of enabling them to live righteous and godly lives; and that the Church is the Body of Christ and is comprised of all those who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The twin mission of the Church is worldwide evangelization, and nurture and discipline of Christians.
Manna and Joy! 102.5 WOLC P. O. Box 130, Princess Anne, MD 21853 Voice: 410-543-9652 Fax: 410-651-9652 Manna e-mail: info@readthemanna.org Joy! 102.5 e-mail: wolc@wolc.org ©2013 Maranatha, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of Maranatha, Inc. Photos: iStockphoto and Thinkstock
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Signals Nostalgia I tend not to have a sense of nostalgia about past good times. Instead, throughout my adulthood, I have had a tendency to long for towns the way they were before blight and decay or overdevelopment crept in. I tend to fondly remember when tourist towns, like Ocean City, Maryland, were barely developed and we could walk across Ocean Highway with our crab nets to soft crab in the bay wetlands. Now there is little bay vegetation for the crabs to exist in those waters and you take your life in your own hands to cross that highway. There is a sense of nostalgia in searching out relationships, linking with high school classmates on Facebook—even when you barely knew each other in high school! It’s some weird sense of connection—maybe in a world where there is so little connection. There is a sense of nostalgia for standards and ideals—like honesty and integrity. But a funny thing happens, gradually and without notice, in the Christian life. We start to experience a sense of reverse nostalgia. We long for the home we’re
headed to instead of the one from which we came. We don’t know it. We haven’t experienced it. We have no memories of it. But our Lord has promised that our future home awaits us; He has given His Word. It is beyond our human ability to imagine the splendor of this new home. And we start longing for it. This reverse nostalgia isn’t a death wish—it’s an assurance, a knowing. He awaits us. We live our lives fully in the here and now, doing all we can to bring honor to Him, knowing that one day (maybe today maybe a decade or two or more), we will live in that fond forevermore. Debbie Byrd is General Manager of Maranatha, Inc., a ministry that includes Joy! 102.5 and the Manna.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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On the Air Powerful Story Four-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and storyteller Matthew West debuts his deluxe edition CD and DVD, Into The Light: Life Stories & Live Songs, on August 13th from Sparrow Records. This deluxe version shares the songs found on the acclaimed album Into The Light, along with a DVD featuring live concert footage interspersed with the people whose stories have inspired the songs. A few of the songs featured on Into The Light: Life Stories & Live Songs are the number one hits you may have heard on Joy! 102.5, such as “Forgiveness,” “Hello, My Name Is,” and “Strong Enough.” Each share about real-life topics and struggles, such as addiction, forgiveness, living out your faith, restoration, being made in God’s image, and more. Since he began the journey a few years ago of telling stories of people’s lives through his music, Matthew says it has transformed not only the songs he has written but also the way he brings those songs
and stories to audiences at live shows. “Many have asked me where they can find these unique videos that we use during the show telling the stories behind the songs. Until now, I haven’t had anywhere to send them. This new DVD allows people to take this emotionally charged and uplifting experience home with them, to share with friends or family who they know might relate and be encouraged by a certain story or song. There is power in a story. I’m so proud of this project and believe it will encourage people to realize the power that lies within their story as well!” Rodney Baylous is Program Director of Joy! 102.5. Visit www.wolc.org.
Listen Now! Check out our Program Guide at wolc.org
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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Program Guide Listen @ www.wolc.org
SRN News - at the top of various hours www.srnnews.com
Turning Point - 7:00 pm www.focusonthefamily.com
Music - 12:00 Midnight - 6:00 am
Revive Our Hearts - 7:30 pm www.reviveourhearts.com
Joy in the Morning - 6:00 am - 9:00 am Our Daily Bread - 6:25 am www.rbc.org/odb My Money Life - 7:25 am www.crown.org Insights - 7:45 am www.insight.org Focus on the Family - 9:30 am www.focusonthefamily.com Family Life Today - 10:00 am www.familylife.com Turning Point - 10:30 am and 7:00 pm www.davidjeremiah.org Midday Joy - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm New Life Live - 1:00 pm www.newlife.com Mission Network News - 1:55 pm www.mnnonline.org In Touch - 2:00 pm www.intouch.org Money Wise - 2:30 pm www.compass1.org Renewing Your Mind Minute - 3:30 pm www.ligonier.org Focus on the Family Minute - 4:30 pm www.focusonthefamily.com Adventures in Odyssey - 6:00 pm www.whitsend.org Focus on the Family - 6:30 pm www.focusonthefamily.com
Money Life - 7:55 pm www.crown.org Insights for Living - 8:00 pm www.insight.org Bible Reading - 10:30 pm Music - 8:30pm - 12:00 Midnight
SATURDAY Down Gilead Lane - 9:00 am www.cbhministries.org Adventures in Odyssey - 9:30 am www.whitsend.org
SUNDAY Music - 12:00 Midnight - 8:00 am Grace to You - 8:00 am www.gty.org Living a Legacy - 10:30 am www.moodyradio.org/livingalegacy Moody Church Hour - 11:00 am www.moodychurch.org National Christian Choir - 12:00 pm www.nationalchristianchoir.org The Hour of Decision - 1:00 pm www.billygraham.org Forward in Faith - 1:30 pm www.centralchurchofgod.org Gospel Greats - Sunday, 2:00 pm www.thegospelgreats.com Music - 4:00 pm -12:00 Midnight wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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hen I took driver’s education as a teenager, I never thought it would change my life. I just wanted to learn enough to pass the test and earn my driver’s license. But buried somewhere in the tedious training manual and boring instructional sessions was a gem of truth that has stuck with me all these years and has become to me a helpful metaphor for the spiritual life. They taught us that to drive in a straight line you must look far down the road and envision the path you want to take. You have to see your car going in a straight line and then it will happen. If you look at the pavement just over the hood of the car, you will inevitably swerve. This is what I visualize as an illustration of what Paul was expressing in Philippians 3:12 when he exclaimed, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul never allowed his past to slow him down or divert his focus. He had tunnel vision for reaching the goal, namely resurrection to eternal life in Christ.
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Nostalgia, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. The Oxford English Dictionary defines nostalgia as “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.” This yearning for the past is worse than staring over the hood of the car. It is like staring in the rearview mirror while cruising down the highway. That is a surefire way to wreck a car. And trying to recapture the past is a surefire way to derail your spiritual life. The writer of Hebrews tells us that life is a race; it is a marathon that requires endurance (12:1). And the only way to run the race is with our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (12:2 ESV). Jesus stands before us, beckoning us to follow Him, leading us on to become more like Him. He is in front of us, holding out the gift of eternal life, not behind us, reminding us of how great things used to be. This is not to say we should give no consideration to the past. Our reflection on the past can inform our present situations and help guide us toward the future. Where
Finish the Race By Phil Bohaker
we go wrong is by dwelling on the past, wishing we could either change it or return to it. Retrospection is only helpful as it teaches us. Once we have gleaned the lessons the past has to teach us, it is time to look ahead, to apply what we have learned to the here and now. Longing for the past only takes our focus away from what God is doing right now. If our remembrance of the past is not leading us to seek God and thank Him for all He has done, we have no business dwelling on it. Joshua 4:1-9 recounts how the Israelites set up memorial stones at the Jordan River to commemorate God’s miraculous work of parting the river for his people to cross into the land of promise. Joshua tells the people, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When the Ark crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” God went before his people, leading them to take possession of
the land and making a way for them where they could not see an opening. The Israelites wanted to remember what God had done for them. And they wanted their children to remember it, and their children’s children. This was an appropriate form of nostalgia because it pointed the Israelites to God. Remembering God’s past acts of faithfulness can serve as an encouragement to continue trusting Him in the future, especially in times of doubt. Chuck Swindoll once said, “Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.” Healthy remembrance helps us in those times of doubt to remember God’s faithfulness to us. Those reminders of God’s grace are like beams of light shining into our dark moments. The light is there to show us the way out of the darkness, not keep us there. Every light has its source. And the light that shines upon God’s will for our lives emanates from the Son, who calls us to fix our eyes on Him and finish the race before us.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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Maranatha Media | Home of Joy! 102.5 and the Manna
Homesick By Karen Tull
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ere, in the middle of the summer season, exist the times that many of us long for year-round. Days are long and hot, giving way to orange and purple sunsets in the evenings. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak. Insects create their distinctive music at night, and time seems to slow its pace. Perhaps some of our most vivid memories have been made during the happy days of summers past. Do you have a happy place in your memories? A place where you retreat inside in your mind when you long to reconnect with a certain feeling? A feeling that is like comfort food to your soul? Recently, an older woman—whose husband is deceased and grown children live a distance away—shared with me her longing to move back to her home state of West Virginia and try to re-create the life she had as a young girl. She would fix up her old family farmhouse and attend the same little white church nearby. Though she knew this would never be feasible for her, she found enjoyment in considering what it would be like. Yet, she conceded that going back again would only bring a feeling of loss. Things just could never be the same. Pastor and author Timothy Keller writes, “Home, then, is a powerful but elusive concept. The strong feelings that surround it reveal some deep longing within us that absolutely fits and suit us, where we can be, or perhaps find, our true selves. Yet it seems that no real place or actual family ever satisfies these yearnings, though many situations arouse them.” Well tell ourselves, “If I could just get back to that place somehow, everything would be okay again.” Perhaps this is a literal place or a state of mind. Maybe we’re
hoping that this Christmas will feel like it used to feel. If we make the right preparations and adhere to the old traditions, we think we can re-create something that faded out years ago, due to illnesses, deaths, and other disappointments. Where does this yearning come from—and will the feeling of home forever be out of reach once we’ve lost our grasp on it? C.S. Lewis explains that this deep longing of ours is legitimate but misplaced: “These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers.” He continues, “Our life-long nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen on the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation.” The problem is not in our need to go backward, but to go forward—to a home we were made for yet where we’ve never been. Originally, God intended our home to be the Garden of Eden, but when sin entered the picture, we became exiles. And, we’ve been adrift ever since in a world that is not capable of satisfying us in the way we need. To accept Jesus Christ as Savior is to acknowledge that He and He alone can provide the bridge to God—our real home. When Christ returns, we will be with Him forever. We will no longer yearn; we will be complete. What will it be like? Our minds do not have the capacity to understand. Until that glorious day, let our pangs for times past be reminders of the beauty to come.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | July 2013
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When Was Then? By Mary Tyler
“T
imes were so much better back then.” It’s a phrase you’ve heard many people say and may have even said it yourself a time or two. The question is, “When was then?” Americans seem to have an idealized version of past generations that doesn’t hold up to what the Bible says about fallen man. Remembering the past with fondness is one thing, but when we put the past on a pedestal, we are actually turning our eyes away from God’s promise for the future. The nostalgic yearning for the past says days gone by were better than what the Gospel tells us lies ahead. Daniel Darling in the “Crosswalk Blog” says the Gospel is always pointing us, not backward, but forward. He points out that we are a people who are not looking backward, but forward to a “city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).” We simply have to turn to the first book of the Bible to see that the days of yore were no picnic. Sin existed the second Eve disobeyed God. From then on, you can read stories that would make major headlines today. Murder, lying, deception, plots, adultery and even homosexuality are all sins found within the covers of the Bible. Look at every decade in history and you will easily find the same problems and struggles that exist today. Domestic violence, racism, government corruption and world conflict are not new to today’s times. We do feel a longing in our hearts for a better place, but we need to turn our eyes towards Heaven, not the past. Jan Winebrenner of Bible.org wrote about English poet, John Donne, who said that it is our job to make a home in this world while remembering that home is not here. She also points out that Hebrews 11:16 talks about how the ancients of the Bible were commended for believing in heaven. It says, “They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Are you longing for a better country? C. S. Lewis said he considered our longing evidence of the truth of who we are—God’s creation.
Collin Hansen with The Gospel Coalition says, “Nostalgia is the enemy of faith. By lamenting the good “ole days,” nostalgia tempts us to forsake the present day as beyond the scope of God’s redemption, out of reach from his intervention.” When you sit down to watch the evening news or read the headlines on your electronic device, it can seem that the world’s problems are worse now than at any time in history. Troubles always seem their bleakest when we’re in the middle of the storm. Once the storm damage has been repaired and years have passed, we can forget how horrible things were at the time. Were times better when World War II was raging? What about when women were not allowed to even vote as a member of society? Was it convenient to wait in lines during the gas shortage or when the Vietnam conflict destroyed so many lives? There has never been a utopian time in history. But the one constant throughout every generation has been the promise that better times are ahead. Bill Crowder of Our Daily Bread shares a story about his son, Stephen. He said, “When our son Stephen was a youngster, he went away for a week at a Christian summer camp. Later that week, we got a letter from him that was addressed to “Mom and Dad Crowder” and simply said, “Please come and take me home today.” What his child’s mind couldn’t comprehend, of course, was that it would be days before we got his letter and more time before we could come for him. All his young heart knew was that he longed for home and for Mom and Dad—and that can be tough for a child.” It can be tough for us as well. In our longing, nostalgia can sometimes take over in our minds and make us think the best times of our lives were in the past. But when that happens, turn your heart to God. History might change, the problems of each era might change, but God never does. He walks with us through the current storm and promises to take us home where we belong. wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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n Roman mythology, the god of beginnings and endings, Janus, was usually depicted as having two faces — one looking to the past and one facing the future. Although Janus was a fictitious character, there are many real people today who seem to have the similar characteristic of being divided between looking with hope to the future while simultaneously longing for days gone by. But is reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ a bad thing? Or should we just wear blinders and stay completely focused on what lies ahead? We often read stories of the latest nostalgia trends. The recent release of The Great Gatsby movie sparked a revival of interest in the styles and culture of the Roaring Twenties of almost a century ago. Clothing, hairstyles, music, and literature often reflect elements from past decades. Tracing family histories continues to be a popular hobby. Most of these types of activities tend to recreate the happy times of their eras and help us understand and connect with our ancestors. It’s both fun and educational, and certainly strengthens our historical and cultural roots. The Bible itself gives plenty of information about ancient times. As a result, dressing children in robes and sandals has become a standard part of our annual Christmas pageants. Reenacting the birth of Jesus reminds us
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of God’s love and the great gift he gave to all people. So looking back can be encouraging and rewarding. Of course, nostalgia can also have the opposite effects of depression, withdrawal from the present, and a reluctance to move ahead into the future. What makes the difference between positive and negative results depends on whether we concentrate on the good times or the bad times. But this is not a problem that is new to our current culture. We only need to look at the Israelites to get some vivid examples. You would think that when the Israelites looked back on their pasts, they would remember great events like crossing the Red Sea on dry land or all the great miracles God performed for them. And when they did recall those times, they often repented and were blessed by God. But there were also plenty of instances when they thought about the hard times and began to turn their backs on Him. In Numbers 14:1-4, they grew tired of the difficult conditions of their desert wandering and pleaded to return to Egypt and the horrible burden of slavery. To them, the memories of being oppressed in a pagan land were favorable to trusting God and moving toward the future fulfillment of His promises. Today it is common to hear Americans say that they
Selective Memory By Jeff Friend
wish we could go back to perhaps the 1950s or 1960s when family and Godly values were respected and America was a shining example to the world. That is all true. However, the 1950s were also a time of great racial injustice, bigotry, and segregation. The 1960s nurtured the explosion of a drug culture, an attitude of ‘free love’ and promiscuity, and anger-driven protests. So, like the Israelites, we tend to have selective memories when it comes to the past. As Christians, it is fine to longingly look back to ‘the good old days’ to recall the blessings of God and our spiritual heritage, but we must not dwell there and forsake the challenge of reaching our present society with the resources available to us. The Israelites found out they had very real battles and trials to face, and only by remembering God’s power and presence among their forefathers could they overcome their current situation and move on to the Promised Land. But just as being overly nostalgic can have its negative effects, ignoring the past and focusing only on the future can also create problems. Many of the core issues that lie ahead are ones that earlier generations also confronted. As Solomon noted, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Knowledge gained from prior believers helps strengthen our faith and provides insight into how
we can likewise overcome and live a fulfilling abundant life. If we choose to only look ahead and depend on our own wisdom and abilities, we will end up making wrong decisions—and some with eternal consequences—that may have been avoided if we had learned from those who have gone ahead of us. The Israelites knew to press on towards the Promised Land because they reminded themselves of the teachings and promises they heard repeatedly in their youth. Although the Romans were obviously misguided to think their many manmade gods could influence their lives, perhaps we can learn an important lesson from them. They created an image of a god that they believed could look ahead and behind at the same time. But our God, Almighty Jehovah, cannot only see the past and future, He actually created the whole spectrum of time. If we look for His activity in the past, we can see Him at work and learn and be encouraged. If we look to the future, we can be assured that He has already been there and that He will be with us regardless of what tomorrow brings. We can be nostalgic and thankful for our Christian heritage as we boldly move towards our own promised land—Heaven.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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Instagram By Josh Millwood
H
ave you ever had a conversation with an audiophile? An audiophile is a person obsessed with sound quality. They will talk your ear off about the richness found on vinyl compared to the compressed digital noise of an .mp3 file until you either throw your french pressed, fair trade coffee at their lens-less hipster glasses OR you convert wholeheartedly to their way of thinking. It’s a fairly specific demographic. An audiophile might be wearing Tom’s shoes, suspenders, a bow tie, skinny jeans or any combination of the four. He or she also refuses to wash their hair more than twice a month and spent more on special beeswax putty for their hair than you spent filling up your SUV, which, by the way, is ruining the planet and killing the baby polar bears. The thing about an audiophile, though, is that they are right! Vinyl does have a richer sound than an .mp3! But is the richness worth the effort to hear the difference? Streaming an .mp3 from my phone is way more convenient than storing hundreds of records. Most cars don’t come equipped with record players. Convenience is great. It’s a sign of progress. But that doesn’t stop people from yearning for the past—when things were so much simpler. Except they really weren’t. Sure, technology was simpler, but life was just as complicated a hundred years ago as it is today. Relationships were confusing, social responsibilities were pressing and, as soon as music could be recorded, parents started complaining about what the kids were listening to. Things were different. But the same. Like an Instagram photo. When we look at the past, we see it through a filter of memory and emotion. Sometimes that means we imagine the past as warm and fuzzy (Mayfair)—other times, dark and sharp (Nashville). Especially during seasons of life that are a struggle, we find ourselves yearning for the past, when things were better. Easier. Sepia-toned. Much of the Bible chronicles the rise and fall (and rise and fall, and rise and fall...) of a ragtag group of folks called the Israelites. A long time ago God made a promise to one man: Abraham. And from this one guy God made a
nation that has been at the epicenter of pretty much every global conflict ever since. The story of the Hebrews is really the story of humanity. God reaches out to us, we embrace Him but soon get bored or frustrated, run away and then God has to discipline us to get us back in His arms. For Israel, this played out in various centuries of slavery, complete destruction, repentance, redemption, rinse, repeat. One of the darkest, hardest times for the nation of Israel was when they were conquered by Babylon. Not only were their numbers devastated, their homeland was ravaged and entire generations were displaced to a foreign land. It’s in this setting that God begins to redeem Israel through His prophet, Isaiah. The people had begun to worship foreign gods. They no longer taught or remembered Yahweh. They were losing their identity and God was not about to allow that! So through Isaiah (Chapter 43), God reminded the people of who He was, and by proxy, who they were: “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick” (15-17). God reminds them that they have been slaves before— and how He solved that problem. But then the Lord goes one step further than reminding the people what He has done. He makes a promise: “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!” (Isaiah 43:18-19a). God could easily rest on His credentials and impressive résumé. He created the world. He built and delivered a people. It would be totally acceptable for Him to kick back and enjoy the pictures of the past in all their filtered, cropped-out glory. But God has plans. He has a living will. Just like God would deliver the nation of Israel out of Babylon, Christians today are going somewhere. Somewhere we haven’t yet been. And it is greater than where we have been.
wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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ike unfolds a slightly worn copy of the list. “These are the kind of things we are looking for. Old signs, toys, antique bicycles. Would you happen to have any of these things we could take a look at?” Mike and Frank follow the retired man in the time-worn seed cap through two outbuildings. They crawl over rusty cars, full garbage bags, furniture and farm equipment. Frank: How about this camera? It looks like it’s from the 1940s. Missing a little piece here, but still a nice decorative item. What’re you thinking on this? Farmer: That’s at least $100. Frank: Wow, I’ve got to make a profit on this back in Iowa. I was thinking more along the lines of $35. How about I bundle it with that little toy tractor I found over there and then we’ll have a deal. Farmer: A deal for you or for me? I’ve spent my whole life collecting these things and I’m not just giving them away. Mike: Hey man, I’m sorry for wasting your time. You have some nice things here. Keep us in mind if you decide to sell. Our phone number is right there at the bottom of the paper.
After an hour of digging and dealing Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the American Pickers, continue on down the road. Each week on the History Channel thousands of viewers go on a vicarious journey with Mike and Frank through someone else’s stuff. Regardless of how many things the Pickers purchase from a family for their Antique Archaeology store, there are usually hundreds of tchotchkes and rusty items left behind in the barn. For some it is the love of buying unique oil cans that turned into an obsession. For others it’s their self-made retirement plan. Still others hold onto these items because they could not imagine who they would be without them. They have become somewhat intertwined with their things and memories of the past. These things are their idols or even their identity. For these folks, stuff has the “Instagram effect.” Think of an Instagram photo. An unremarkable photo changes dramatically when lighting effects are added. One person may look at a pile of items and see nothing of value. With the Instagram effect, a pile of junk somehow takes on a rosy glow of an adventurous trip in a time machine. Material possessions appear to bring the person to life. They can share the history
We all Scream!
Piles of Memories By Brittney Switala
of items, the rarity of a certain color and its antique book value. Even though stuff may be piled to the ceiling in an appearance of disorder, letting go does not seem to be an option. It is easy to be the reality TV voyeur, wanting every seed-cap-wearing old fogey to sell his stuff and move on with life. We are viewers who are not emotionally attached to a rusty sign or clay pot. However as we look at our own homes we may not as easily notice our own tendencies to identify ourselves with our stuff. We may also struggle to put a limit on how much is enough stuff. There may be five sets (or partial sets) of dishes lying around the house. The garage may be filled with unfinished craft projects and a pool that might one day be set up again in the yard. Canning jars are a reminder of faded energy. Then there are the teddy bears grandmother made before her hands became gnarled from arthritis, books filled with childhood memories and jewelry owned by a deceased family member. These items occasionally bring opportunities to share stories with children or remind us of simpler times. Truthfully our stuff grows at an alarming rate. Possessions that once fit in a one-bedroom apart-
ment may now fill up a two-story home and garage. A few story-filled treasures are a great inheritance. What a legacy to share a handcarved necklace from a mission trip to Africa, a quality antique piece or a handful of photographs with known family history. In contrast, what a disservice to family to have to wade through cast-offs following a loved one’s passing. Similarly, what a sad life to forego living to the fullest, only to survive amid materialistic clutter. Prayer: Ask the Lord to reveal tendencies towards materialism and finding identity in things instead of Him. Ask: What collection do you own now that your children will appreciate? What would they find a burden? Are you able to leave a legacy by which they might fondly remember you, or are you leaving a mess for them that you just never cleaned out yourself? Take Action: Take photos of items that truly have a sentimental story. Write out the story behind those items. Your family will have the history, but will not feel obligated to keep each item. Clear out the items that have no sentimental value (or significant worth). It’s just stuff.
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orn in the 50s, I am what used to be called a “baby boomer.” We were the generation that did not trust anyone over the age of thirty. Now several of us are in our sixties (not that we’d care to admit it). Some days, however, I do take a second look at the aging lady looking back at me from the mirror and wonder, “When did that happen?” There is one good thing about having an abundance of years behind me: I have some magnificent memories. Whenever I need to, I can dip into my reservoir of recollections and comfort or entertain myself with memories. I like to think of the good things God has done in my life and there is a vast array from which to choose! Even as I write this my heart is flooded with emotion when I think of the precious people God has brought my way over the years and the many events of the past which I have witnessed. Memory is a special gift entrusted to us by God. David, in Psalm 103, instructs his soul to bless the Lord and not to forget what the Lord has done. I am often strength-
ened and warmed by my memories. My faith in what God can do for me in the present is inspired by recalling what He has done for me in the past. The past offers reason for hope when I look to the future. My God has never forsaken me and has never given me cause to doubt Him! However, while remembering is encouraged in Scripture, there is a warning in the Bible concerning putting too much attention on the past. Ecclesiastes 7:10 states: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ for it is not wise to ask such questions.” Remembering is good. Remembering can even be healthy for us, but when we begin to long for the “good old days” we can get into trouble, hence the warning in Ecclesiastes. The true longing for the Christian must always be for our Lord. As Paul told the Colossians, our hearts are to be set on Christ (Colossians 3:1). There is a story in the Old Testament that has always caught my interest. It’s the story of the bronze snake. The event is recorded in Numbers 21. Venomous snakes were biting the people as a result of their rebellion. When the
Precious Memories: Using Them Wisely By Fran Tatum
people repented, Moses interceded for them. God told Moses to make a snake and put it on a pole and those who looked at the snake would be healed. Moses did as God directed and, sure enough, anyone who was bitten had only to look up at the snake to be healed and live. It must have been quite an emotional experience to have lived through. Although the adults in that situation died in the wilderness, their children lived to enter the Promised Land and pass along their memories of the dramatic healings they had witnessed. The bronze snake was a symbol to them of God’s healing power. After many years a problem arose and, in 2 Kings 18:4, we read that King Hezekiah had to destroy the bronze snake because the people had begun to worship it. Something that God had used for good, His people eventually turned into an idol. No matter how hard they may have wished for God to once again use the bronze snake, we never again read of God using it to heal or bless His people. A memory which had been passed down had become bigger than God and was receiving worship which was due Him.
They could have used the bronze snake to simply remember that they served a God who would forgive and heal a people who did not deserve His forgiveness or healing. They could have used their memory to point them to God; instead, they worshipped the past rather than the God who had already told them His name is “I AM.” He is always in the present, not in the past. We must be careful not to allow a longing for the past to creep into our hearts. The wise person lives in the present where God, the great “I Am,” is. The past can give us perspective on where we are, as well as where we are headed, but like the rearview mirror in our car, we must limit how much we gaze at the past or we are bound to crash. We are pilgrims on a journey. We have the gift of our memories to inspire us along the way and give us perspective concerning the road we are on. Let’s use them wisely. Yes, let’s do remember, but never long for the past. Let’s set our hearts on Christ and His will for us in the present. Let’s allow our memories point us toward God and magnify Him! Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all of His benefits! wolc.org | readthemanna.org | August 2013
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Love Connection By Karen Tull
I
t seems there’s an endless array of resources available for those on a mission to find that special someone. While some still prefer the traditional approach of in-person interaction via social settings or the workplace, others are taking a more direct route. From placing a personal ad in the newspaper to attending a speed dating event or enlisting the help of a professional match-making business, the power can seemingly be ours. And in this digital age when new ways of connecting with people are emerging all the time, the options only stand to multiply. It’s been calculated that approximately one out of five Americans is registered with an online dating service. The popularity of these sites is only increasing, and now more and more people are utilizing social networking communities such as Facebook to find a potential significant other. And the current market forecast shows no signs of any slowing down. When hoping to attract that desired attention, we know we need to highlight the right information, which is often what we consider to be the best aspects of ourselves. For example, a personal ad or an “About Me” section of an online profile might go something like this: “I am caring, funny and a good listener. I enjoy camping, cooking, fixing up old cars, listening to music and hanging out with friends.” Those are the kinds of appealing tidbits we would like for people to know about us, and such a selfdescription may very well spark some interest. But what about the information we hold back? We’re undoubtedly aware of other facts about ourselves. Some details, however, we’d prefer not to shine a light on. For instance, it would seem strange to come across a dating profile like this one: “I am impatient, stubborn, and I have a bad temper. My habits include lying, watching pornography and racking up lots of debt.” Even if those statements were true, most of us wouldn’t think of showcasing such information. We’d rather not divulge the fine print. After all, it isn’t likely to succeed in attracting someone—only do the opposite. Of course, attracting romantic interest is only one of many forms of love that we desire. Sometimes, what we really want are the things often associated with love, such as approval, acceptance, validation, and the knowledge that we’re needed. We not only pursue those feelings in
our romantic relationships, but in our familial relationships, friendships and careers. From dating profiles to job résumés and casual conversations with family and friends, we often have the freedom of filtering out what we want kept hidden. Sometimes, we’re successful at it. But there is One who cannot be kept from our secrets, and He is God. In Scripture, the psalmist writes, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord” (Psalm 139:1-4 NLT). God is well aware of our dirty laundry—our problem areas are no mystery to Him. He knows the unsavory details that we’d like to keep out of the public sphere. In fact, He knew what they would be before He even made us. And yet, that did not deter His desire to create us and then save us from those very things. Scripture says in 1 John 4:10 that “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God’s love is not something we have to look for—we have always been loved by Him. To have His love, we don’t need to work to present ourselves in the best possible way or somehow prove ourselves worthy. The truth is, not one of us is worthy of God’s love and forgiveness. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But God, in His abundant mercy, loves us in the midst of our transgressions against His holy standard. So, if you find yourself hoping and looking for a loving relationship, recognize first that God is pursuing your heart and wants you to come to Him—flaws and all. To do that, acknowledge the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and accept the perfect sacrifice that was made for you. It is the most important decision you will ever make. Until that one relationship is secure and foremost in your priorities, it is unreasonable to expect other relationships—or anything else in life, for that matter—to bring lasting fulfillment.
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