Two kingdoms

We just had a three session weekend meeting on The Christian and Technology.
The speaker gave an outline each session of the two kingdoms that exist in this world.

The kingdom of this world operates on selfishness, idolatry and pride.
The kingdom of God is based on sacrifice, holiness, glory to God and humility.

And the world passesth away, and the lust (desires) thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
1 John 2:17

When the computer is used to perform the qualities that are characteristic of God's kingdom, it is a tool in a kingdom that is bigger than ourselves. I have been challenged to not allow the computer to become an obsession, entertainment, a time waster, or a distraction from God's Word and prayer.
My refocused goal for computer use can be summed up in the words of the song:

Take time to be holy, speak oft with Thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children (no pun intended), help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone,
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be,
Thy friends in they conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, Be calm in Thy soul;
 Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love
Thou soon shall be fitted for service above.

Technology has been around since man invented a stick to make a hole in the ground- computers are here to stay. The question is "Will we be faithful with the tools God has placed within our reach?"

Truth about War

I read a book recently written by Edith V. Landis who lived in Berlin, Germany during World War II with her family. She tells of the horrors they experienced during the war. Edith became one of the first German brides to come to America after WWII. She spent the rest of her life at Mt. Pleasant Mills. Her new book From the Horrors of World War II to a Great Love Story is an eyeopener. I quote excerpts from one chapter in the book:
" Slowly, one by one, German soldiers came home with torn uniforms and rags on their feet, completely exhausted and sick. It was heartbreaking to witness. They must have walked hundreds of miles.....
It still upsets me to hear news commentators, and others in America, referring to World War II Germany as "Nazi Germany", and the German soldiers as "Nazis". Nothing is further from the truth. Most of the young men were drafted just like the young men from other countries....When I witnessed German soldiers coming home one by one, physically and emotionally destroyed by the actions of a crazy, fanatical ruler, it was heart wrenching. If only all the rulers of the world, who sit behind desks ordering young men into battle, would settle differences amongst themselves, then no one would have to experience the horrors of war. The German soldiers had no choice. In the end it was a matter of survival- to kill or be killed. I am sure the average soldier, on either side, would prefer not to kill another human being. There will always be a few sadistic men who don't mind the killing. Thank God there are not too many of them in this world."
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is still the best way to bring peace on earth!