Image of Jesus Appears On Mass. Bldg - My Commentary

Here's is the latest in pimping religious icons for profit. A picture of Jesus appears on the side of a video store and people flock. See article here from CBS News. It amazes me as to what passes for news these days! What's even more amazing is the people that believe this garbage!

I invite you to take a look into my psyche (if you dare :) and see how I see this whole miracle.

Here's the breakdown:

What is the approach?

Direct. The "product" is directly in front of people. (think of tv or any physical store)

Who is the target?

The locals. This is a small market because it is so localized - limited to foot traffic and possibly word of mouth. (With tv and radio, you reach a much broader audience.)

What's the hook?

In this case mystery. There is no clear product physical or digital and there is no author name. By using the 'mystery' tactic, you have potential to broaden your viewing audience because it's preying on your natural curiosity. In this case it has worked because it has received media coverage.

Another element is what was used - something that always stirs up frenzy and coverage that has been proven effective time and time again - religious apparitions. (or pictures) Jesus and Mary are the top apparitions gullible people (especially Catholics) flock to. While I'm sure some apparitions are demonically inspired, I do not believe all of them are. What makes this especially effective is not only is it Jesus, but there is added mystery in why he's covering up his eyes. This mystery on top of a mystery is sure to stir up debate and inquiry and as we can see, it has been effective. So that's a double whammy in one picture.

Who benefits?

There is no product and no author to associate a product with. There is no clear direction whatsoever. The only thing to look at is its surroundings. What is around this Jesus picture? Businesses. In fact this picture in placed on the side of a video store.

How has this affected these businesses?

The hair salons profits have skyrocketed. The other businesses don't mind it because 'it's Jesus' but maybe, perhaps they might see increased sales like the salon. I don't know but God does.

So the only beneficiaries I can see from this tactic are the local businesses. They have capitalized on free advertisement and traffic by using the mystery tactic.

Of course this is just my opinion. I'm looking at this logically. Unfortunately there are those who will only focus on the picture of Jesus and think in their emotionally charged minds that this is a good thing; that perhaps it's a witnessing tool. But anyone with an ounce of discernment can see that this Jesus picture is not of God and should be rejected.

Are You a Lukewarm Christian? Take this Test

A Christian brother of mine asked for verses about apathy or being lukewarm so I found a site that listed 10 questions (below) as a sort of test to see if we were lukewarm. To my amazement, horror, I found that I was guilty of many of these! I had let other things take priority over the Lord which is my chief sin. Since then I have spent much time in prayer over this. I have repented of my ways and have put God first.

If you click on the links below, it will take you to the site which gives bible verses about each entry. And when you're finished reading these, don't forget to look at the section called Advice for Lukewarm Christians from Jesus.

1 - Do Cares & Worries of This Life Dominate Most of Your Thoughts & Conversations?
2 - Do You Practice Sin on a Regular Basis?
3 - Do You "Love" The Things of This World More Than God's Word?
4 - Are You Too Busy for Jesus? What are Your Priorities?
5 - Do You Use God's Name In Vain? ('Oh My G-d?')
6 - Do You Fail to Pray Earnestly & Pray for the Lost Who Will Spend Eternity in Hell?
7 - Do You Fail to Preach the Gospel on a Regular Basis? OR Do You Hinder Others?
8 - Are You Indifferent About Your Sin? What is Your Attitude?
9 - Do You Seek After Worldly Wealth & Fame vs Seeking First The Kingdom of God?
10-Do You Fail to Obey Jesus, and God's Word Consistently?

"How Do You Find Comfort in Knowing What God Wants For You?"

"How do you find comfort in knowing what God wants for you?" This question was brought up in a forum I belong to. Think about this and while you do, I'll put up my answer....

I think what God wants from us in our personal lives is to listen to what He has said in His Word. There is instruction for us for every situation in our lives. Of course not every single scenario in our lives is touched upon in the bible, because we would need a truck to carry it, and so that's where His principles come in. Unfortunately, because the bible doesn't mention something specifically, some people use that opportunity to indulge in it. Ex: the bible doesn't mention Halloween but it does talk about not celebrating pagan festivals. Some would say that it's not written, or that we have Christian liberty, or that it's a gray area etc. Pick any excuse. But the truth of the matter is, it IS written, and it would be easily seen and recognized if we weren't looking for loopholes in order to indulge in our favorite sin.

Back to the original question. As far as finding comfort in what God wants for us....some people might have questions about what decision to make about a job and who to marry etc. but this is where the Christian liberty comes in. What He requires of us is to obey Him, not go buy a particular car or take a particular job. We are not disobeying Him or getting out of His will if we make a decision about a car or spouse. We just have to make them with Godly principles in mind. (are we being good stewards with our money - are we equally yoked) We are looking for answers to questions that have already been answered for us. And if we do make an unwise decision, we will learn from it and benefit from it. There is Godly instruction or a biblical principle behind every situation and/or decision we are in/make. There is no need to ask the Lord about these little particulars because we already know what is required of us.

So how am I comforted in knowing what God wants for my life? I make sure that I do what's in His Word i.e. obey Him.

Death of Free Internet is Imminent

The article speaks of an experiment that will be done in Canada in 2010 where the internet as we know it will change. Instead of surfing for free, it will be done much like cable tv is done - where you pay for packages except in this case, you pay for individual sites. Then by 2012, it will be enacted here.

Privacy will be gone because your every move will be tracked for billing purposes plus about 90% of the internet will not be accessed. People with web based business, or any type of global business will go under immediately. Websites and bloggers, you know, the little guys, will be non-existent. This includes us.

(Disclaimer: I don't necessarily agree with everything on this site - just an FYI)

Click here for story.