Undercover

You've seen them around town, those rolling billboards that change any beater into a magnificent display of artistry. I even thought about getting one for my old Honda before we sold it.

"Is that a 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass? Well no, it's a steamy, cheesy slice of hot and ready pizza!"

It's the vehicle wrap: the cost-effective and broad-reaching advertising and marketing method. Did you know that one delivery truck with an effective vehicle wrap can generate millions of impressions? At least that is what the salesman will tell you.

Some of us, uh, I mean some of you, spend a lot of time deciding what we are going to wear for the day. We match, iron, tuck, press, shine, all so that we will look good when we are out in public. Then we grab our wrap, slip it on, head out the door, and viola...we cover up our true selves. We also carry wraps around in our pockets and purses just in case an advertising opportunity presents itself or we need to display a different product for our viewing audience.

There's Jane from the office. Better put on my "so good to see you" wrap.
There's the preacher. Better put on my "looking forward to Sunday" wrap.
Here comes you know who. Better put on my "I'm having a fake phone conversation so you won't talk to me" wrap.

Or how about this:

Time to go home. Better take off my "do anything for anyone" wrap and put on my "I've worked hard all day so you do it" wrap.

Those wraps are pretty convenient and we can be so creative with the design. But sometimes the impression we are generating is not the one that serves the best interest of ourselves and others. We need to practice more truth in advertising.
I know a place where you can find some inexpensive, attractive wraps that will benefit a lot of people, including yourself...

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:12-14

No other form of advertising offers more return on your investment.

What if...

I do not know to whom I may give credit for these questions. I found them in some old files and they still make me say, "hmm."

• What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

• What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

• What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

• What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

• What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we didn't read it today?

• What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

• What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

• What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

I do not like to dwell in the "what if's," but I had to stop and think.


"Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me of my selfish ways."

1 John 1:5-9

God's Tatoo

Some cultures encourage tattoos. Many have tribal significance. Other cultures may accept tattoos as simply a pretty decoration. Some use tattoos to make a personal statement. Some cultures frown upon tattoos that are openly visible for all to see.

What is interesting is that God says He had a "tattoo."


The Israelites thought God had forgotten them. Isaiah 49:14
But God says he has not forgotten them. Isaiah 49:15, 16

God doesn't have have physical hands. He uses symbolism to make the point that he does not forget his people.

God had the name of his people written on his palms. Most tattoos are on the side of the arms, on the back, or legs - covered by clothing. But clothing rarely covers the hands. Palms are constantly visible. Whatever is on the palm is a constant reminder.

Is your name written on God's palms?

Or better yet, where have you written God in your life?

Labels

A Los Angeles woman sued Kraft Foods, Inc. for fraud and deceptive labeling, claiming that its Kraft Dips Guacamole Dip -- which contains less than 2% avocado -- is misleading consumers.

The plaintiff said she discovered the miniscule amount of avocado in Kraft's guacamole last year when she was made a three-layer dip. "It just didn't taste avocadoey to me," she said. "I looked at the ingredients and found there was almost no avocado in it."

According to the vice president of Kraft Foods' corporate affairs, the company is in the process of re-labeling its guacamole dip to make it more clear to consumers that the dip is merely guacamole-flavored.

How about you? Are your true ingredients hiding behind a label?

• "Nice guy" - just don't listen in on his private conversations.
• "Honest Person" - just don't count the office supplies she has brought home from work.
• "Faithful" - just don't check the website cache on his computer.
• "Trustworthy" - just don't audit their taxes.

Or maybe you have been incorrectly labeled:

• "Rude" - but he just lost his job.
• "Unfriendly" - but she is worried about the test results.
• "Mopey" - but they have been struggling to keep their family together.

Jesus said the good person will produce good out of his heart just like the bad person will produce bad out of his heart (Luke 6:43-45).

Regardless of the label we have, whether self-adhered or assigned, whether situational or permanent, God knows who we really are and eventually our true self will be sifted out of the artificial ingredients.

Upsize Down

"Sir, for only $.80 more you can make that a footlong."

(Oooh. That's a good deal. I mean, I can get a whole other sandwich for just eighty cents? But, I'm not that hungry and I certainly do not need to eat a footlong. But maybe I'll eat the other pound of trans-fat later when I am studying. However, it does defy the whole "...eat fresh" jingle. Maybe I'll...)

"Sir, would you like to make that a footlong?"

It doesn't matter if it's two ice cream cones for $1, the Biggie Size for only $.49, or the bonus pack of Crest. I can be a sucker for these upsize deals. It goes against all of my Dave Ramsey DNA but sometimes I let the thought of a "deal" overshadow my reason. I end up with too much of something that I really didn't need to begin with.

How is it that I can struggle with whether or not to dole out for the $5 footlong that will only make me feel bloated and regretful but when it comes to Bible study or personal time with God in prayer or meditation I am quick to select from the Value Menu?

"Can I get the $.99 God to Go Pack please?"


"Would you like to upsize that to the full meal deal that comes with family portions of forgiveness, guidance, and love?"

"Oooh, how much more will that cost?"

'No charge to you sir. It's a prepaid deal."

"...I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry. And he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:32ff