After being born in New Jersey, my parents took me to the Jersey Shore each summer as a child. Before Atlantic City, New Jersey was known as a casino destination, this is where I fell in love with searching for shells on the seashore. On the ride there and back, the radio was tuned into soft rock where I was first introduced to Christopher Cross.
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ([b]your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us), 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.
Songs like Sailing by Cross set the mood and tone for my visits to the beach. When I first purchased the Maldwyn Pope album Love Will Find a Way years ago, I was brought back to my youth listening to Christopher Cross. While Mal has evolved over the years to more of a crossover artist, if you want to listen to soft rock to conclude the official summer of 2023, Mal Pope is your artist to listen to. Since I couldn’t find a full album, I included a mix of Mal’s music. I hope you enjoy this sound.
On May 14th, 2018 the United States Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law on commercialized sports betting. Prior to this ruling, Las Vegas was one of the few places in this country to legally place a bet on March Madness or the Super Bowl. This decision has opened the door for other states to grab a piece of the pie. Based upon initial reports, one hundred and fifty billion dollars in illegal wages are made every year. Thus, for states like Delaware and New Jersey who have recently passed legislation to allow gambling on sports, local government officials are betting on the future.
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it, Proverbs 13:11.
If gambling on sports was illegal until now, one has to wonder why would past legislators initially outlaw this practice? King Solomon referred to the love of money as vanity, Ecclesiastes 5:10. A first century doctor warns believers against falling prey to covetousness, Luke 12:15. An associate of the apostle Paul urges Christians to avoid earthly practices that begins with compromise and ends by forfeiting your soul, Mark 8:36. While playing the lottery, fantasy sports and making bets with friends seems innocent, if victorious these practices can accumulate ill-gotten gain.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.
The phrase follow the money first appeared in William Goldman’s screenplay All the President’s Men. Since this film, other movie’s has illustrated the corruption and demise that comes along with a hunger and thirst for money. While the optimism for sports betting is currently high, the spiritual consequences for those who indulge in gambling can have lasting affects. After a visit to Atlantic City several years ago, I came face to face with individuals who came to town with money but left broke or homeless in a worst case scenario. Only time will tell if betting on the future was worth the risk. Yet, for now keep your life free the love of money, content with the life that God has given you.
Depending upon where you grew up, there are areas, places and towns which make you feel at home. Perhaps it’s childhood memories that you cherish, a location you spent countless hours at or an environment that brings out the best in you. For me, I find solace by the sea.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock, Psalm 27:5.
As a kid, I spent time playing on the beach at Atlantic City before there were casinos. Occasionally,venturing to Sea Ilse and Wildwood Crest to stay with friends or visit the boardwalk. After moving to Delaware, Rehobeth, Fenwick Island and Ocean City, Maryland became seasonal treks, leaving fond memories etched into my mind.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance, Psalm 32:7.
In the Bible, Jesus found solace in going to the mountains to pray, Mark 1:35-39. David retreated to a cave with friends to lift his spirits, 1 Samuel 22:1-2. While it’s not mentioned, I’m sure James and John found joy in fishing, especially when the season was right. Well, my point of today’s blog is to make people think of that retreat destination or resting place which recharges your spiritual batteries. Discovering and visiting this place often brings life to dead and dying souls back to life. As for me, I find solace while I recreate in the ocean.
ExpressYourself4Him 