The Wild Ride
What kind of lunatic came up with roller coasters?
“Hey Bob, come here. I’ve got an idea.”
“Yeah, Roy, what is it?”
“It’s a vehicle.”
“Like a car?”
“Not quite.”
“How’s it different?”
"It throws you up in the air, and then it throws you down to the ground, then it spins you around in circles, and it makes you feel like you’re going to fall out, and just before you throw up, you get out and find out you haven’t gone anywhere.”
“Sounds like a bad idea, Roy.”
Roller coasters really aren’t that dangerous. They make you feel all kinds of crazy things, but they’re built so that you’re safe the whole time.
It's the same way with giving a percentage of your income to God's work. Giving money away makes you feel all kinds of crazy things, but it’s built by God, so you’re safe the whole time ... even safer than a roller coaster!
We are hesitant to let go of our money because we're afraid we'll end up empty-handed. But the truth is, giving is one of the most fun things you can do with your money, and you need not fear it. God knows your needs.
"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30).
Better Lucky Than Good
Hubert Tang had not purchased a lottery ticket in 10 years. But when he found a $20 bill lying on the street, he decided to see how far his good luck might take him. So he bought two scratch-off tickets. While still standing just outside the store, he scratched them and then he turned to the friend who was with him and said, “I think I just won a million dollars!”
Tang now looks forward to spreading his good fortune. He intends to leave $20 bills in random locations for others to find.
You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “Better lucky than good.” Mr. Tang’s story certainly exemplifies that way of thinking. Wisdom would have done something different with that $20 bill, and would have been out that million bucks.
Wisdom can often seem to put us at a disadvantage in this world. But regardless of the advantages or disadvantages that come with the practice of wisdom, those who walk by its principles will always possess one thing that is priceless—wisdom.
Contrary to how it may seem, you and I are always “Better wise than lucky!”
You may not have a reserve of $20 bills to share with the world, but that’s alright. Truth be known, what the world really needs isn't more money but more wisdom. So, why not spread that?
“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 3:13-15).
Don’t Touch My Brisket!
Randall Lance Hughes, 48, was tazed by Waco police after drawing a knife. When the tazer had no affect, the Waco Police Department wrote in a Facebook post, "Our officers were forced to discharge their weapons in defense of their lives."
What was so important that Mr. Lance was willing to face down the police? Unless you happen to be a Texan, the answer might seem a bit strange to you. He was stealing a brisket! With the rising price of meat, a black market for brisket has emerged in Texas. Thefts have been reported in 19 H-E-B food stores, and thieves are selling the stolen briskets to local barbecue vendors.
One blogger wrote in response to the police incident, "To all you out of state invaders: This is Texas where we take our brisket seriously, stealing it is akin to stealing cattle. I propose a law to make BBQ theft punishable by public hanging, of course it should be at 1:00 PM, after a BBQ plate lunch is provided to the crowd."
Apparently, Randall Lance Hughes was willing to risk it all for a brisket! Are you willing to risk it all for something that really matters? How about risking your friendships, your relationships in order to share the Gospel message with those you know and love.
Granted, you probably won’t be shot for mentioning Jesus to your friends. Nevertheless, there is a risk and many shrink from it.
“So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen” (2 Timothy 2:10).