Oprah's Favorite Things

Just the other day I was catching up with the shows that I usually record on my DVR. One of the being the Oprah Show. Anyways, I watched the so anticipated "Oprah's Favorite Things". For those of you that might not know what this show is about (men), it is the once a year show where she gives away every single item that she has on the show. It usually happens the week before Thanksgiving.

Now, just so you know how big this is let me show you some numbers. She gave away a total of 20 items. Ranging from as low as $5 up to $3,799. Now, just think about this. Every single person in the audience got all of this, worth about $7,249. Wow, no wonder people try through out the year to find out when the show is taping so they can get tickets. This year, it was actually a secret. They decided to tape the show in the city where the show has the highest rating; Macon, Georgia. No one at the beginning of the show knew that it was the Oprah's Favorite Things show taping, and when they found out, people went crazy and I saw some ladies bawling.

Now you may be wondering where am I going with this? Well, since we are on the God's Gift series at Genesis, I really started thinking how we can get so wrapped up in fulfilling our lives and desires with material things. I now that we need them to live, but don't people need the gift God more? Usually, when I've watched the show in previous years I have thought, wow, I wish I could be there. But honestly, this time I was much more thankful to have God in my life. And couldn't stop to think about how many people need him more than things. He can fulfill us more that anything or anyone. So with that being said, I believe that the hottest ticket in town this year are all of the Christmas services that will be taking place around our city. What can be greater than the story of Jesus Christ, the son God. He is the biggest gift that we can receive, this year and forever.

We can do it!!!!!

Let's face it....doing good is not always the easiest thing to do. As a matter of fact, it is RARELY the easiest thing to do. (Especially when people around us are cheating the system and ,seemingly, living happier lives than we are) Perfect Example? Read Psalm 73:

 1A psalm of Asaph.
      Surely God is good to Israel, 
       to those who are pure in heart.

 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; 
       I had nearly lost my foothold.

 3 For I envied the arrogant 
       when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

 4 They have no struggles; 
       their bodies are healthy and strong. ^[a]

 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; 
       they are not plagued by human ills.

 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; 
       they clothe themselves with violence.

 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity ^[b] ; 
       the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; 
       in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, 
       and their tongues take possession of the earth.

 10 Therefore their people turn to them 
       and drink up waters in abundance. ^[c]

 11 They say, "How can God know? 
       Does the Most High have knowledge?"

 12 This is what the wicked are like— 
       always carefree, they increase in wealth.

 13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; 
       in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

 14 All day long I have been plagued; 
       I have been punished every morning.

 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," 
       I would have betrayed your children.

 16 When I tried to understand all this, 
       it was oppressive to me

 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; 
       then I understood their final destiny.

 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; 
       you cast them down to ruin.

 19 How suddenly are they destroyed, 
       completely swept away by terrors!

 20 As a dream when one awakes, 
       so when you arise, O Lord, 
       you will despise them as fantasies.

 21 When my heart was grieved 
       and my spirit embittered,

 22 I was senseless and ignorant; 
       I was a brute beast before you.

 23 Yet I am always with you; 
       you hold me by my right hand.

 24 You guide me with your counsel, 
       and afterward you will take me into glory.

 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? 
       And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, 
       but God is the strength of my heart 
       and my portion forever.

 27 Those who are far from you will perish; 
       you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. 
       I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; 
       I will tell of all your deeds.

I believe that many of us can identify with Asaph, in this psalm.......we do our best to have integrity and have little or nothing to show for it......while, all around us, there are people who completely shun God and are "blessed" beyond belief.  However, just as Asaph realized, we need to see that our reward is much greater than anything here on this earth. Life may get hard, but don't grow tired of doing what is right.....our payoff is knowing that we are pleasing our Creator and that we will see Him in all of His glory one day. 

 11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

             2 Thessalonians 3:11-13