Jack’s Winning Words 9/18/14
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”  (Steve Jobs)  Did you know that Steve Jobs, as a parent, wouldn’t let his kids use electronic devices in the home?  How odd is that?  But this quote doesn’t refer to parenting.  If it were from Ann Landers, she’d add, ”MYOB.”  I can remember those letters spoken to my sister when she was commenting on what I should do…or was it the other way around?    ;-)  Jack 

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  Even if my time wasn't limited, of what usefulness would it be to pretend to be someone I am not? There are many reasons for this; but unfortunately, I think we don't fully know or understand who we truly are. As a result, we too often become actors who merely live out a script. "The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts" Proverbs 20:27. I think all our innermost parts speak of something very significant, none of which ever require "acting", just its honest, authentic expression.====JACK:  We all wear masks of one sort or another.  Even our "skin" is a kind of mask.  Who are we....really?  ====RAY:  I believe that there is a significance to the comment that we are created in the image and likeness of the Creator. I think that the "innermost parts" referenced in the Proverbs quote are where this significance lives within us. This is what is covered up by our "skin", "masks", and "other lives" we might live instead of our own. I think so anyway...I am still searching...====JACK:  When I read the Bible, I try to think of the times (and understandings)of when it was written.  Sometimes it's hard to translate the ancient concepts into the modern idiom.  That's why multiple translations of the Bible can lead to a better understanding.  I see "image" to mean that we have a spirit that can identify with God as a Spirit.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  Actually, I think I found out in a kind of grim way that God holds all the cards in my game of life and there has been nothing else to do than to finally be myself, and "choose life", choose even to live happily with what has been dealt out to me and when I started looking out for all the silver linings, it all ain't that bad. The hardships do serve a good purpose in this world after all. Don't get me wrong--there has been plenty of joy too. Especially accompanying others in their life journeys with God too.====JACK:  Those who believe in predestination seem content to believe that God lives their life for them.  In my belief...even though God holds all the cards, he allows us to participate in the game of life, by way of "free will."====SHARON:  When death comes to the seed of your body, and not one death but three deaths, it doesn't feel much like free will, Pastor. ====JACK:  I understand where you're coming from.  Words do not always give the full explanation to life's puzzlements.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  I have barely time for my own.====JACK:  The 24 hours come and go, no matter how busy you are.

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS:  I just read that all of the tech innovators/gurus limited their children’s time on any screen device and banned them from bedrooms.  It makes sense; they wanted learning to take place in a variety of ways. Have a great day.====JACK:  Maybe the McGuffey Readers weren't so bad, after all.  A "smart" person that I know began to read the Encylopaedia, starting with Book A.  When he got to "Arabic," the article and pictures so interested him that he decided to learn that language.  Eventually, he did.  Facebook (if it had existed) would have been boring to him.