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Scripture for the day: John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Thought for the day: Good news is craved by the vast majority of us, but bad news sells; that’s why we get so much of it. If you don’t believe me, watch the evening news once in a while. Please, don’t watch those talking heads very often if you want to hear the truth, but take note of how many good news stories there are compared to those that cover catastrophes of one sort or another. I’ve even noticed that, whenever there is a positive story, most of the announcers seem compelled to add a caveat that usually begins with, “but it’s not all good news.” Then they go on to tell us why the positive really isn’t.
Quite a few years ago I read of a Ukraine businessman who bought a cell phone for each member of his staff as a New Year's gift. As he was returning from the phone shop, all 50 phones sitting on the back seat of his automobile simultaneously screeched out a warning that he had an incoming text message. He was so alarmed that he drove his car into a lamp post, just 100 meters from his office. After he assessed the damage to the car, the businessman turned his attention to the message on the 50 phones. It read: "
Congratulations
on a successful purchase!"
That got his attention. Unfortunately, it's the bad news – newspaper headlines and world events – that generally clamor the loudest to get noticed. And there is enough bad news all around. I came across an article that reported a study of a large group of people who were instructed to evaluate all the information they received for a year and a half. They were asked to record whether what they were seeing and hearing all day long was positive or negative. These researchers determined that ninety percent of the input the group received was negative – bad news.
If that’s true, and I certainly believe it is, how do we keep a positive attitude when we're inundated with so much bad news? And let's be honest, the news seems to be getting worse every day, with or without the help and encouragement of the media blitz we're subjected to. Look again at the passage for today. Jesus was talking with his disciples, as he did so often when they were alone. The difference in this conversation was that it took place immediately before they went to the Garden of Gethsemane and before he was arrested. Look again at what he told them.
"My friends, I have good news and I have bad news."
The bad news is one of you is going to betray me tonight. The good news is it's all part of the Father's plan.
The bad news is I'm leaving to go back to the Father. The good news is I'm going to prepare a place for you to be with me forever.
The bad news is without me you can do nothing. The good news is that if you'll stay connected to me, there's no limit to what can be accomplished.
The bad news is I won't be with you much longer. The good news is I'm sending the Holy Spirit who will teach you all you need to know, guide you in the path you need to take and give you the strength to go way beyond holding on until I return.
The bad news is I'm going to be crucified and suffer death. The good news is it's not permanent.
And then he prayed for them.
Listen; I have good news and I have bad news. The bad news is that the coming year you will be nearly overwhelmed with bad news. The good news is that the Lord already knows that and has dealt with it.
Now go take on your world. - Bill