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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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We're glad you chose to visit with us today! Sonkist Ministries is simply an outreach to people who are trying to live healthy, satisfied lives and strive toward their fullest potential!
The foundation for a balanced, fulfilled life begins with understanding that you really are a special creation - not some blob of material that just "happened" into existence. Being unique, however, means that you will have different strengths, weaknesses, preferences, dislikes, goals, dreams - and even quirks - than anyone else on the planet!
Yet as unique as you are, you will definitely share some commonalities with your neighbors, friends and family members. In fact, as we've worked with children, teenagers, and adults over the past twenty years, we have discovered an interesting phenomenon. No matter what their age, social status, educational background or cultural experiences, all individuals are curious about two basic questions:
*Who am I?
*What am I supposed to be doing with my life?
We believe that the answers to these - and all of life's most challenging questions - can really be found. No matter what your past has been like, you can have a fabulous future! If you're depressed because people have let you down, or you have personal or professional issues that cause you to struggle on a regular basis, you can make positive changes to improve these dilemmas. Perhaps you are anxious due to all the pressures of living in today's world. Maybe you're dealing with family problems, and it seems that there's no one to guide you through these trying times.
Here at Sonkist Ministries we believe there is help - and hope - for a better tomorrow . . . and that this future begins with the choices that you make today! We'd like to assist you as you start living that better, brighter future. Won't you take a little more time to investigate how you can get in touch with the real you and see what amazing possibilities are awaiting you?
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“Truth - with a capital T”
Recently I had a discussion with some friends about a philosophy class being taught at a local university. The professor insisted that everyone in the course keep an open mind about the various concepts being taught, but he was intolerant when it came to any Christian thoughts on these topics. Apparently some students – most of them freshly out of high school – were afraid to voice an opinion that might contradict this teacher’s narrow point of view, so they remained quiet as he shared all of his views on the “greats of philosophy” like Locke, Rousseau, and Nietzsche.
These young people were upset by this man’s intolerance (and so were their tuition-paying parents) – and rightfully so. After all, by definition philosophy is supposed to be about “the love of wisdom as lending to the search for it . . . knowledge of general principles . . . elements, powers, or causes and laws as explaining facts and existences.” Basically then, philosophy should be the search for “truth.”In this particular class, the professor totally missed the point.
But isn’t that the way it is in the real world too? How many times are we inundated with supposed “truths” that we’re expected to whole-heartedly agree with – and, of course, we’re also asked to keep any “religious” thoughts on the subject to ourselves. Sadly, this is quite the opposite of what philosophical discussions ought to be – and, even more unfortunate, many of these theoretical thoughts are senseless without the Source of all Wisdom’s ideas at their foundation.
Look at a few examples of twisted philosophical “truths” you’re probably quite familiar with:
*The formation of our universe points to some cataclysmic event (think “big bang”) rather than some Creative Being.
*Mankind is basically good; evil is a concept invented by religious fanatics.
*You shouldn’t worry about anyone else – just live for yourself and be happy!
*Religion is for the weak; strong people survive best by their own instinct and willpower.
And the list goes on and on – and on. Yet as much as some people want to deny it, God’s Truth about life and everything that supports it is not only simple but also makes sense! Here are some concepts from Scripture about “wisdom, powers, causes, laws and facts” that offer realistic answers to some of life’s most intriguing questions:
“The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.” Psalm 19:1-2
“The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-29
“So I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10
And this list of God’s realities go on and on! By reading the Bible, our wisdom will increase. As we ask the Lord to give us insight, He will open our minds and hearts to His wondrous works. And, most of all, when we seek God’s strength, He will empower us to share His Truth with those in our world who desperately need to hear it.
May the Lord lead you in learning His Truth this month – and always. God’s blessings be upon you!
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Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:4-6
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