A defiant girl and a strong bull, the opioid crisis in America, and some powerful reflections on technology.
A fearless girl on Wall Street
Several weeks ago, a statue of a young girl standing defiantly in front of the famous Wall Street bull gained national attention. There are many layers behind why this statue was placed in Wall Street, as well as many criticisms as to its real purpose. However, on the windows of the New Bus we are ever looking at the spiritual undercurrent flowing through our culture and society and we see an amazing picture here. It is one of meekness and grace overcoming man’s power and might. This is also a sign of the shaking on the financial markets of the world, which have been governed so strongly by earthly and carnal purposes.
It is a reminder that the meek will inherit the earth, and in this age there will be transfers of wealth from wicked structures into healthy and righteous ones.
Check out the powerful image here, and learn about the story behind this statue and its creators’ desire to see more empowerment of women in the economic sector.
Small steps forward in the opioid crisis
One of the greatest strongholds of death in our country is the epidemic of addiction to heroin and other opioids. Thankfully, small changes are occurring as law enforcement agencies are now going more to the source of this epidemic, which usually begins with the over-prescribing of pain medications. This month, in New Jersey, law enforcement officials announced strong sanctions on 31 different doctors who had been over-prescribing certain opioid-containing drugs. This is hopefully a trend that will carry through to the rest of the country.
Furthermore, a deadly variant of heroin called Fentanyl, which is created in China and has been responsible for countless deaths in America, was finally shut down and made illegal in Asia. One DEA official called this a “game-changer” in the American opioid epidemic.
Of course, there’s much more work to be done. The deepest root of this issue is spiritual and that is what needs to be addressed the most. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see strategic and powerful judicial action being taken.
A heavenly looks at technology
With the rapid development of new technology, here are some encouraging thoughts from Dylan DeMarsico to gain some fresh perspective on technology and the Kingdom of heaven:
There has been a lot said about technology and the younger generation. Some people believe that it’s all a bad distraction. Others believe it’s the answer to all our problems. I believe there’s another perspective from heaven that is a little different:
Every generation since the beginning of time has brought us closer and closer to the culmination of the ages and the fullness of time when all things in heaven and on earth will be gathered up in Christ. In other words, the Lord’s prayer is being answered in fresh ways every generation, so that one day the kingdom will fully come onto earth as it is in heaven. (Some believe this will be an instantaneous thing, but Jesus’s parables and Daniel’s wisdom seem to suggest a gradual overtaking of the Kingdom. The elimination of slavery in the West or the explosion of Christianity in China are examples of this ever-increasing Kingdom.)
I believe this generation is making the earth look closer to heaven! In the kingdom of heaven, the full potential of our creativity is unlocked in our union with the Lamb and we are able to “juggle” a lot more ideas, emotions, conversations, creativity, and songs, all at once. Technology aids us in these kinds of things. Now please don’t think because technology comes from the earth, it’s bad. God is the one who put the chemicals and materials in the earth for us to create these devices and systems. The devil didn’t put it there! Technology is hidden treasure that God has placed in this world to help us connect more and expand our abilities.
As with anything (food, sex, music, wine, etc.) technology needs to be used with a pure heart and from pure motivation. It needs to be used in the context of love for God and neighbor. If we can use it righteously, then God is going to keep expanding our ability to think creatively and engage people all over the world with His Spirit.
In heaven we will be able to transport, talk to people everywhere, use creativity that is amazing, and much more. This generation is eager to tap into that now! There is always a tendency for people to want to “go back to the good old days.” But the desire for God and His kingdom is growing and growing in the hearts of every generation and we won’t be satisfied until we have it all. And if all of it means being able to connect with more people, in deeper ways, through technology that bends space and time, than so be it.
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