Week Twenty-Five, 2018
SATISFACTION
By John Grant
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).
Author John Eldredge tells a great story of a rich industrialist, who was visiting Mexico and found one of the local fishermen just sitting by his boat, playing his guitar and enjoying a cold drink.
Disturbed to find the fisherman so idle he asked, “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” The fisherman replied, “Because I’ve already gone out today and I have caught all that I need for me and my family.” The rich man responded, “Why don’t you raise your sights and catch more fish than just what you and your family need?” The little fisherman replied, “What would I do with all those fish?”
His new friend’s response was quick, “You could earn more money and buy a bigger and better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish.” “Then what?” the fisherman asked “Then you could purchase nylon nets instead of those rope nets of yours, and then you would be able to catch even more fish, and make more money” the industrialist responded. “Then what?” he asked again. “Soon you’d be able to have a fleet of boats and then you would be rich like me.”
“Then what would I do?” the fisherman asked. “Well,” replied the industrialist, “then you would finally be able to sit down, relax, and enjoy life.” “You mean like I am doing right now?” the fisherman replied.
Many items are advertised “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” but what is real satisfaction? Unfortunately, it is believed to be conquering, accumulating and self-emulating. Alexander conquered all of the then known world before he was in his mid-thirties. He cried out, “Are there no more worlds to conquer?”
Real joy and satisfaction comes from within, not from without. Only the God of hope can fill us with joy and peace so that we may abound in hope. True contentment must come from a source other than wealth and fame. How about you? Are you frustrated or satisfied? Paul wrote that we are “not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). Only when we trust in the Lord will we find true and lasting satisfaction.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Why the liquor industry wants to get self-driving cars on the road
The word’s first commercial shipment by self-driving truck was a load of Budweiser, delivered by Anheuser-Busch. Automakers and tech firms have long been the ones hustling to get self-driving cars on the street. But they’ve lately been joined by a surprise ally: America’s alcohol industry.
In recent weeks, two industry groups — one representing wine and liquor wholesalers, and another representing large producers — have thrown their weight behind coalitions lobbying to get autonomous vehicles on the road faster.
Inherent in their support, analysts say, is an understanding that self-driving cars could revolutionize the way Americans drink. Brewers and distillers say autonomous vehicles could reduce drunk driving.
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NEW TERM:
When I was in school if a kid was bad, they were expelled, but not so anymore; the new term is “change of placement.”
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Never Forget the Love God Has for Us. Never Forget the Life Christ Gave for You. Ken Whitten
When was the last time you had a genuine encounter with the living God?
How sweet that we serve a living, forgiving, and loving God! Don’t get in His way this Sunday! Dwight Short
Authentic” is a meaningful adjective when speaking of leadership. To be authentic, we as leaders need to know ourselves and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses. Are you and I transparent authentic influencers?
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Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read at TheLife.com.
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©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618