I have spent much of this week frustrated/depressed with the state of our world (more than just the ‘State of the Union').  I usually don't get much into the big game (I prefer college football).  However, this year, I'd like to see the game.  I like watching Peyton Manning and I also like what the Seahawks have been doing (Russell Wilson seems like a great person).  On the flip side, I have heard negatives about the game that break my heart.  I have read that the game brings a huge amount of sex trafficking.  That is very depressing.  The world has taken something that God created to be holy and wonderful, yet turned it into something so selfish and animalistic.  On the bright side (is there such a bright side to this problem?), this is bringing some light to the problem.  I have a friend who is a leader in a ministry to women getting out of the sex industry.  Check out:  Refuge for Women.  http://www.refugeforwomen.org/2014/01/sex-trafficking-the-heart-of-the-matter/ an article about trafficking.

I am also frustrated with the media and what they are promoting.  I used to look forward to the commercials, but not anymore.  What happened to funny & inspiring commercials?  Now they have to use sex to sell everything.  Yuck.  Plus all the talk of the music industry.  I didn't watch the Grammy's but what I heard was disturbing.  I hope it disgusted you too (or have we become too desensitized?).  And the pressure that TV/Movies must be facing to push the agenda of the world – even though they are the huge minority.

I say all that to share my burden for the world.  I told Tina that I kind of wish that we could move out into the middle of nowhere and create a Christian commune.  Totally shut out the world and be safe from the pressures and negatives of the world.  But you know that God has not asked us to do that. He said to go into the world and share His message of love, yet not be of the world.  Seems like a daunting task.

I can't fix the problems of the world.  But let me offer this encouragement:

John 16:33 – ^ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jesus speaking)

Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Paul writing)

John 14:29-31 – “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” (Jesus speaking)

John 12:45-47 – “The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. ^ I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

-          Note that it is not our job to judge/condemn the world.  Jesus will do that at the resurrection.  Our job is to GO (Matt. 28:19-20).

Are you praying for Christ's return?  Say a prayer (or 2 or 3 or 5000) for the world to come back to God.

PB