A HEAPING SERVING OF SALT FOR MEMPHIS

Who would have thought that a "social" magazine would have more than just pictures of the party crowd.

4memphis was left at the end of  my driveway a few days ago and I left it on the bench. It's free at the grocery stores but who "goes" to grocery stores these days? Who goes to parties these days?

But..........the editorial page had me at the get-go! Jim Walker writes from the heart and he starts with scripture. A scripture worth heeding for the sake of our city.

Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City in which I have placed you.

 (Jeremiah 29:7, emphasis mine)

INFLUENCE--a word that can sound impressive but have no meaning. Today, especially in the media, influence can be used to move the heart or actions of someone else---whether for good or evil. Do these influencers care about truth anymore, he asks.

His next word, SALT reminded us of Lot's wife, who became a "pillar of salt" in Genesis 19:6. Salt, the very substance that preserves everything from decay. Salt, is not a flashy spice as Walker describes but an essential one, basic yet essential. Salt is not self-promoting but brings out the "flavor" of other ingredients. He commends the people and organizations he is associated with as full of salt, bringing joy and taste to the culture of our city. They are the seasoned with the "salt of service" often laboring and serving with little or no attention. Often underfunded, they continue to promote and nurture our city.

Jim Walter's editorial challenges all Memphians to be salt in the community by "ignoring the negative influence of the broadcast and social media and reach out in compassion to all God puts in your daily path. HEAR! HEAR! (Matthew 5:13)

Pick up a copy of "4MEMPHIS"from your driveway or  the next time you're at the grocery store. If you discarded it immediately, go dig it out of your recycle bin. Not for the social events though many of them are charities that benefit our 901 community, but for "From the Publisher" comments. 

For those of us who care about our city, it's worth the read. 

Opportuni-TEAs

Each "day the good Lord gives us" (Daddy) is full of opportunities to be salt and light in this world.

As beloved "sheep" of the Great Shepherd, believers need to rise and shine and serve Him and others.

How does one know God's will in this time of much trouble, tragedies and  unrest in our world? Our country? Our state? Our city?

God's word holds the answer. (1Peter 2:13-17)

• Do good. (v. 15)
• Live as servants of God. (v. 16)
• Honor everyone.  (v. 16) "Honoring others involves maintaining respectful consideration." (Cole Huffman, 7/10/2016) 
• Love the brotherhood. (v. 17) 
• Fear God. (v. 17)

"Rise and Shine" and sip and savor a cuppa opportuni-TEA to glorify God and serve others----remembering that "Righteousness exalts a nation!" (Proverbs 14:34)

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : sal-TEA and luminosi-TEA

Today, brother Buddy and I (via Ma Bell) discussed the availability of devotional books---from Sarah Young and Billy Graham to Mrs. Charles Cowman's, Streams in the Desert. So many choices. So many varying lengths.

At Blackberry Farm last week I came across a new one, new to me, at least. Salt and Light by Memphis CUMC pastor, Shane Stanford, had only 25 entries. Could be used during Advent. (Seems perfect for our friends who have taken those 3 week river cruises over these last few years.) Not overwhelming. Refreshment from a new perspective in a given time period that would fit with those travel plans----as 4 days would be left over to cover the 2 travel days bookending the trip.

Also a good starting point for folks trying on "quiet time" ideas. Written with Dr. Ronnie Kent, two perspectives are given on the "devotional" experience. My favorite part was the emphasis on God's Presence!

Division, of 4 "alliterative" sections,----Watch, (Recognizing God's Presence, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9) Wait, (Being in God's Presence, 1Peter 3:8-15a) Witness (Sharing God's Presence, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, & John 1: 6-8, 19-28) Worship (Celebrating God's Presence, Luke 1:26-28 & Romans 16:25-27) gives an overview to the reader and are seen as the natural progressions of our relationship with God. (p.12)
Consistency of time in word and prayer are given, along with life objectives and things to consider and principles to live by.....along with a "warning"---"If you have a time with God each day to prove your devotion to Him, It will not work!

 I appreciate an honest man of the cloth.

"sal-TEA"

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16, NASB)

Part of a Christian's identity is being salt and light. Being salt and light is not optional. It's a way of saying that our actions should show what we believe---so much so, that others are drawn to the Lord.

During recent travels, I witnessed 2 shops, one in Sand Rock, AL and one in Dahlonega, GA  that not only sold gifts, but also provided salt and light for their community through a prayer wall. Prayers needed. Prayers answered. Posted for all to see---even out-of-towners. 

"Salt" and "Light" in a gift shop to draw others in their community to the Lord.

All of our lives should be so "sal-TEA" that others become thirsty and desire to sip from whatever our cuppa holds. Living water.