Over 500 Million Made????

I was watching the news last night and was struck by some frustrating paradoxes that is happening in our current culture. I don't usually rant in public or on the BLOG, but I think we can see the entitlement,mis-prioritized and ME culture in America is alive and well!

People everywhere are bemoaning the high gas prices, difficult mortgages they have gotten themselves into and now the soaring food prices....these are definitely strained financial times. However, in the middle of what some would say is a recession.... the ridiculous, vulgar and immoral video game, Grand Theft Auto IV has made over 500 million dollars since midnight last Thursday. Moreover, Apple and Microsoft are posting all time sales with I PODS, I Phones, and other technological toys that are more wants than needs. The movie Iron-Man set the second highest sales of any movie. People say they can't afford food and gas and yet these and other items are still flying off the shelf. We are a mis-prioritized culture.

They are now saying that over 100,000 people may have been killed in Mynamar. That story is now more than three days old....so it does not even get the lead story in the news and there is more of an outcry and concern about the state of horse racing in America than what has happened in Mynamar. Sad.....

It is this misplaced values and ME centered culture that the local church must continue to guard against. While watching all of this complaining and then crazy spending....I was encouraged that the people who call CSF home and believe in the purpose and game plan of this special place showed on Sunday that we as church culture have our people & financial priorities in place. Many of you gave and pledged in a generous and sacrificial way. I can't wait to share with you on May 18th what our totals are for Expand. We still have people who are mailing in pledge cards and giving their up-front cash gift.

This Sunday we will celebrate Mother's Day. The theme for the day is that we, if we choose to, can take time to enjoy each moment that life gives us. It will be a thought provoking and meaningful service.

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 25

This Chapter speaks directly to what we in our culture need to hear. Time is a gift and we are not sure when it will be gone. We must pay attention and be ready for our last breath. Moreover, we are encouraged to be faithful with what the Lord has given us while we are here on this earth. Our greatest investment of time and money should always be spent on God's greatest asset...people! Then, at the end when we see Christ, we will bask in His glory as he says to us: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."