Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com Everybody’s a comedian these days. The media loves to make fun of our leaders. You can’t turn on the TV without an ad or a show making fun of something or someone. Don’t get me wrong – I love humor and I love to laugh! When is it appropriate to be funny? Should we be serious all the time? I think that wonderful chapter in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 applies here – there is definitely a time and a place for everything. For example, it would definitely be wrong to tell a joke at a funeral or when learning that a friend just fell off a roof. At times like these we must be tender, comforting and solemn. But there are other times i.e. at parties, picnics, etc. when it is perfectly ok to be funny – as long as it is “PG.” Humor doesn’t have to be nasty or vulgar. It’s a mitzvah (good deed) to bring cheer and laughter to people. I love to make people smile – especially when I’m shopping and waiting in line. People can be so cranky and miserable; for example, cashiers are tired from standing on their feet and people are in a hurry. Try smiling at people the next time you are out and about. And if the spirit moves you, make them laugh! Laughter really is good medicine. It says so here: Proverbs 17:22 (TLV) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Ethel Chadwick
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Ethel Chadwick bagelsandblessings.com Oy vey, make it stop! Everywhere I go I hear people complaining about something! I might expect it from non-believers in Yeshua, but I am always surprised when my brothers and sisters in Messiah are doing it! Someone coined an excellent phrase: “Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?” Haven’t you figured out by now that nothing changes when you start murmuring or complaining? If someone is bothering you, pray for them, ask God how you can be a blessing to them! If you disagree with your Rabbi or Pastor, please do NOT start talking about it with others, go directly to your spiritual leader and have an honest discussion. We are all tempted to gossip – but it takes two – one to speak and one to listen. You do NOT have to participate. As believers we need to encourage one another, build up one another and truly love one another. James 5:9: “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Philippians 2:14: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Blessings, Ethel |
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