Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com

Scripture: Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Mt. 6:20, NIV

The secret of hitting a moving target is to aim at where it will be, not at where it is at the moment. The knack of calculating the speed of the target, the distance, and even the force of the wind served the early settlers of our country well as they sought to feed their families on the abundant wild game in pioneer territory. Hunters like Daniel Boone, moving into the area of Kentucky, gave the technique the name of “Kentucky Windage.”
Annie Oakley, ‘Little Miss Sureshot,’ also started hunting to help support her family in southern Ohio. She used her prowess at hitting the target to thrill audiences at Buffalo Bill’s “Wild West Shows” by breaking glass balls tossed into the air.
Hitting the target today for most people means getting in the right lane in time so as not to miss the exit you want. Except in athletics.
The game of football pushes the technique to a whole new dimension. It seems rather strange to throw a ball at an area of the field where there are no players at the moment. The quarterback has to throw at where the receiver will be, hoping that a member of the opposing team will not be there as well. (Daniel and Annie seldom had to worry about someone trying to tackle them while they were aiming and firing.) Too high or low, too soon or too late - too bad! Incomplete pass or interception. Success comes with planning what everyone is supposed to do long before the game starts. And practice, practice, practice!
In short, whatever the endeavor, the important thing is to plan ahead. Keep your eye on the target, and don’t let anything distract you.
The Bible has much advice for those who would aim for heaven. Both John The Baptist and Jesus preached repentance. That means getting everything in order to ‘hit the target.’ No mere game with bragging rights! This is forever, for eternity. Heaven or Hell.
“Repent” means to turn toward God, and away from things that would make you ‘miss the mark.’ “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
It is a harsh saying, but Jesus’ advice to pluck out and throw away that which causes you to sin (Mt. 18:9 ) is not unlike a coach telling the quarterback to eliminate bad habits, focus, and keep with the game plan.
Paul used examples from athletics, especially in his letter to the Corinthians (1Co. 9:24-27) “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
The successful Christian goes into “strict training.” Avoid sin in all things. Aim at where you want to be (heaven) and practice, practice, practice!
November 10, 2002

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:18,19, NKJV

Ah, Memories! there is nothing quite like dipping down deep into the memory bin, stirring them up a bit, watching them swirl around, and grabbing onto one or two for a trip down memory lane. I did a little stirring recently when I ran across an internet web site about comic strips - Don Markstein's Toonopedia™ Home Page. Talk about traveling back in time!
Many of the strips from the days of my youth were represented. I especially enjoyed “Out Our Way,” by J. R. Williams. It opened a new world for me, because he drew upon his experiences working in a factory, with cowboys on the range, and typical family situations. There was “Our Boarding House,“ with the ever pompous Major Hoople and his long-suffering but efficient wife, Martha. Some, like “Smokey Stover,” were pure foolishness, but the made-up words fascinated me, like 'Foo’ and 'Notary Sojack.'
I have had a deep interest in the comic strip technique that goes beyond the quick bit of life or humor. All the essential elements of art, writing, film and video presentation are represented, and distilled to a potent essence. I used comic panels to illustrate the techniques of picture composition, movement of the story line, and compression of time in teaching television production.
I still use selected strips in teaching Bible studies. My maternal grandfather had no use for the comics, considering them to be a bunch of rubbish. Never-the-less, I find that they can be used effectively in making a point, or fleshing out an illustration.
Keep in mind that they do not have to be Biblical (although sometimes they may be so - the occasional “B.C.,” or “Peanuts,” for example.) An illustration presenting what ‘IS NOT’ can be just as effective as what ‘IS’ if used properly.
Take relationships; that is what the Bible is all about, after all. Our relationships to God, and to each other - God’s creation.
I got to thinking about the characters in the “Bringing Up Father” strip, created by George McManus, about a poor Irish laborer named Jiggs, and his nagging, social-climbing wife, Maggie. Nouveau riche! Off with the old life, forward to the new, upward mobility into society. At least as far as Maggie is concerned. Art, voice lessons, fashion. Putting on airs. Jiggs? He doesn't understand why his ascension to wealth means he can't hang out with his old friends, and and enjoy corned beef and cabbage at Dinty Moore’s. The artist drew Maggie with a most critical expression on her face where Jigg’s indiscretions were concerned.
Relationships! Between husband and wife, within the family, to friends, both former and future. A place in the social order. Values, laying up treasures. Pride and humility. The higher and lower seats.
Got any ideas yet?
August 7, 2005