If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that Mel and I do not watch television or go to movies. We feel to really walk down the paths of righteousness, Christians should not expose themselves to the visual and audible filth of so-called entertainment. Would you still watch that movie full of swearing, nudity, sexual perversion, occultism, and violence if Jesus sat next to you? However, with that said, after getting rid of all our movies, we kept the one season we own of the documentary series, "Travel the Road" (we hope to someday own the entire series) and watch it on our computer. I could recommend this series with a clear conscience. You can watch it from their website or stream it from Netflix or buy the CDs. Please check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/traveltheroad/ and/or website https://www.traveltheroad.com/ . We watch these episodes around every six months or so. (The above photo is not from the show, but reminds me of it.)
Every time I watch, I am humbled and shamed to the point of tears. As Americans, most of us are financially comfortable. Even with a low income, Mel and I live in a nice home, have running water, electricity, clothes to wear, and food to eat. Yet what do I do? Complain about what I do not have and beg God for more. Yes, I am thankful for my husband and my salvation, but I still have the nerve to think I am lacking in life.
Watching just one episode of "Travel the Road" forces me to think globally. In the first season Tim and Will (the young missionaries of the series) mostly travel to Africa and Asia. The people there live in fear of war, starvation, disease, and persecution. They live in huts and shanties, sometimes lacking in 4 walls, beds, or any other luxuries we take for granted. They do not know when or where their next meal will come. They work dangerous jobs just to provide for their families. Yet what do these people do when they are in church or gathered around the missionaries in their villages? Do they beg God for more? Maybe to some degree, but mostly they raise their hands and praise, worshipping their benevolent Creator and thanking Him for life. They fall on their faces and weep with love and thankfulness to God. Their faces are full on joy in spite of all that they face each and every day. They have learned to find peace and contentment with life because of their faith that God loves them and has provided an eternal sanctuary for them if they commit their lives to Him. Oh how I pray for such a faith and unconditional love for my Heavenly Father!
My message today is short. May we (and I mean me too) remember to be more thankful for what we have and imitate the people living in conditions we would be terrified to visit for even one hour. May we praise God for all we have and live with the mindset of a thankful heart, not a complaining one. I love the Lord, so may I lift my voice in worship to Him.
