Bits and bytes of randomness found along the flyways of cyberdom
“He’s passé. Nobody cares about Mickey anymore. There
are whole batches of Mickeys we just can’t give away.
I think we should phase him out.” — Roy Disney, Walt
Disney’s brother, 1937
Having first of all the knowledge that in the last days there will be men who, ruled by their evil desires, will make sport of holy things, Saying, Where is the hope of his coming? From the death of the fathers till now everything has gone on as it was from the making of the world. 2 Peter 3:3-4 (BBE)
Image via Wikipedia
Three theme parks and billions of dollars later it would appear that Mickey the Mouse is more popular today than in 1937. Billions have heard and seen at least one Mickey Mouse cartoon in their life time and many have purchased Disney Licensed merchandise.
Had Walt Disney given up on the idea of Mickey Mouse like his brother suggested in 1937 than the whole Disney franchise would have been nothing more than a dream. Instead it has become one of the largest, if not the largest, entertainment conglomerates in the world.
Christianity has been under attack by scoffers and nonbelievers since Christ walked on the earth. For over 2000 years naysayers would have us believe that Jesus has lost his appeal. Scoffers say nobody cares about Jesus anymore. There are churches closing their doors each year and we can not seem to give religion away. Therefore we should just phase Jesus out of our life.
Regardless of the Roy Disneys of the world, just like Mickey, Jesus is still influencing millions of lives all over the world. Even without theme parks, although there are several in the works or already operating in the United States, Jesus is still alive and well in 2008.
Related articles
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign that you are coming again, and when will the world come to an end?” Jesus answered them, “Be careful not to let anyone deceive you. Many will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many people. “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Don’t be alarmed! These things must happen, but they don’t mean that the end has come. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All of these are only the beginning pains {of the end}. “Then they will hand you over to those who will torture and kill you. All nations will hate you because you are committed to me. Then many will lose faith. They will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people’s love will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. “This Good News about the kingdom will be spread throughout the world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come. Matt 24:3-14 (GW)
In this week’s news headlines we read about earthquakes in Japan, floods in the Midwest and southern China, uncontrolled forest fires in California and the Southeast, a bus station bomb exploding in Nepal, and suicide bomber attacks soccer fans in Baghdad.
We read of religious cult leaders involved in polygamy and sexual misconduct with minors, as well as those who encourage their followers to harm themselves or others in the name of god.
Famines, and starvation abound throughout the world, many innocent people are being kidnapped, killed and tortured. Christians in many lands are persecuted for what they believe. And all this is only a weeks worth of news.
Jesus was asked by his disciples to tell them when the end would come, what signs would point to the end of the age. He went on to list basically what we see happening in today’s headlines. Despite all this bad news prevalent today, there is still the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although there is a structured attempt to stamp out anything and everything that speaks about Christ, or resembles Christian, Jesus said that the ‘good news’ about his kingdom would continue to be spread throughout the world before the end comes, as a testimony to all nations.
Though nations be at war or in peace, whether they are experiencing famine, pestilence, war, or strife, even in the midst of all this turmoil the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is still being proclaimed.
Through earthquakes, windstorms, floods, and fire, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God marches on. Even while being tortured, persecuted, murdered, or imprisoned, dear saints of God stand firm in their retelling of the ‘good news’.
Right in the middle of all this bad news, there is still a thread of ‘good news’, the goodness of God stands in stark contrast to the evil news of the world. The gospel of Christ is today, and for all time, the greatest story ever told.
Have you heard the ‘good news’? Have you read about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? Have you ever been told the ‘good news’ of God’s love for you?
Do not let the headlines discourage you. All these things must happen and continue until the time when Jesus himself shall bring it all to an end.
Until then, have hope in God who continues to spread His word throughout the world as a testimony to the nations. This is the ‘GOOD NEWS’, — Jesus died for us so that we can live, even though we are surrounded by such death and destruction. Look up, take heart, for your redemption is drawing near.
But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)
Related articles
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” — Mark Twain
“But choose capable men from all the people, men who fear God, men you can trust, men who hate corruption. Put them in charge of groups of 1,000, or 100, or 50, or 10 people. Exodus 18:21 (GW)
I for one would feel far better if we were able to choose men of honor and integrity this election year. With Father’s day fast approaching I thought I would take a minute and reflect on the difference integrity makes in a society. How refreshing it would be to find men who actually stood for something good and pure and noble. To be regarded as a man of integrity, truth and honesty. To not be caught in duplicity and hypocrisy. Being found faultless and upright in the community.
I fear we as a nation have thrown the babe out with the bath water. I find it very disheartening to see a total lack of concern for the character of our elected officials. Truly if this were still a nation who feared God and honored his word then we would not find such a scarcity of righteous people in elected office. God told Moses in Exodus to appoint men who feared God, and where trustworthy and hated corruption to be in elected office.
How well we would do to follow that sound wisdom today.
Integrity guides decent people, but hypocrisy leads treacherous people to ruin. Proverbs 11:3 (GW)
Lips that lie are disgusting to the Lord, but honest people are his delight. Proverbs 12:22 (GW)
Doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the Lord than offering a sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 (GW)
Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing. Proverbs 28:6 (GW)
Four Things You Can’t Recover
The stone after it is thrown;
The word after it is spoken;
The occasion … after the loss;
The time … after it is gone.
Author, Unknown
That’s like: “You can’t un-ring a bell.”
"...that where I am you may be also." Jn.14:3
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)
Daily Bible verse plus a picture of God's creation following Wayne Cordeiro's "The Divine Mentor" format.
"Come and hear, all you who fear God. Let me tell you what he has done for me." - Psalm 66:16
Daily Thoughts and Meditations as we journey together with our Lord.
Sermons and Devotions
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
You must be logged in to post a comment.