Merchandising MADNESS

 

2 Timothy 2:4

King James Version

4 No man that warreth 

entangleth himself 

with the affairs of this life; 

that he may please him 

who hath chosen him 

to be a soldier.

Which color?

For whom?

Would the price be right?

Why so many colors?

Why so many styles?

Why so many weaves?

Why so much to choose from?

Would this match their bathroom?

Would this match their kitchen?

And that's just towels, mind you.

We haven't gotten to many other items we use on a daily basis.

Whether for self, or gifts.

As you can imagine, we are drowning in choices.

The marketing and merchandising world has made sure of that.

They've kept us mighty busy making choices.

Our malls, and supermarket aisles, are flooded with goods of every kind, every color, every size, every purpose, every price.

Where Mom and Pop stores, and neighborhood groceries once stood, now, we are faced with a plethora of choices.

Which all keep growing more by the day.

They've even invented apps on our cellphones so we can shop even more.

For that's the idea, really.

That you spend your hard-earned money.

Willfully, even carelessly, and unthinkingly.

And buy stuff that are trending, probably useful, or useless, just so you buy, and someone gets that money.

Most everyone get caught up in merch madness.

What is "merchandising" but this:

"Merchandising is any practice which contributes to the sale of products ("merch" colloquially) to a retail consumer. At a retail in-store level, merchandising refers to displaying products that are for sale in a creative way that entices customers to purchase more items or products."

-- Wikipedia

That "creative", and "crafty" way for the merchandiser, can be a "confusing", and "crazy" way for the consumer.

"So much to choose from!" is the initial reaction.

So, they invent online stores, for convenience.

Now, there's less to view, or is it really?

Still, the fact remains stores want your money.

And they can deliver, too!

That makes people buy stuff they don't really use, or need, or the colors and sizes are wrong.

Surely you've heard many of that each day.

But what can an online stores really present?

It's all visual, this thing about "merchandising".

For this born again workman, I'd rather shop on site.

Meaning, I can see the goods for real.

I can touch it, "weigh" it, even smell it.

So I know what I'm getting.

And yes, I can even walk away from it.

This is the age of excess.

Too much to choose from.

It's as if the merch people have gone overboard.

Bombarding us with choices, and selections, covering our every "whim".

But it can turn off "purists".

The kind that wants a few, good things only.

That wants sturdy, and reliable stuff.

"Value for money", they say.

Or the kind that abhors store traps.

And knows the game for what it is.

You've got to be an entrepreneur, consumer, and born again watchman to realize all that.

Well, we've been, and are, all three.

We know the game.

And the bottomline is this:

Anything that keeps your eyes off GOD, 

has got to be the enemy's work.

When you keep your eye off GOD, you honor the little gods.

Which GOD abhors so much.

But warriors of the SPIRIT don't get distracted.

We focus on CHRIST alone.

We are guided by SPIRIT.

So, we buy what we need.

We don't get confused by all the choices.

We don't get caught up in "trappy" trends.

We don't compare our lives with the Joneses.

We live simple lives dedicated to GOD, and to you.

We're like cops.

Here to "protect, and serve" you.

Scripturally.

Spiritually.

Thus, we share GOD's WORD with you:

1 John 2:15-17

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Be not confused.

Be saved.

Be not covetous.

Be simple.

Be not envious.

Be content.

Be not of the enemy.

Be of CHRIST.

That ought to veer you away from the creature and clamor, the glitter and glamor, of litter and clutter, and sin and Satan.

Galatians 5:16-26

King James Version

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, 

uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit 

is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's 

have crucified the flesh 

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

NOTE: This article was on our mind last night.

But as with everything important, there was so much material.

So, we slept it off, confident SPIRIT will sort it all out in the morning.

Sure enough, He always does.

The "towel" image appealed to us right away.

In all its significance, and simplicity.

The verses were there last night.

But this morning, all came to form.

Easily, crucially, clearly.

There was no "clutter", or confusion.

Only CHRIST.

It's a lovely thing.

When GOD makes you "born again".

All become clear.

Related material:

WALKING with JESUS

WALK in the SPIRIT

LOOK to GOD

On LOVING GOD

The devil's DEVICES

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Clipart Library

CALL to ENDURANCE

 

2 Timothy 3:1-4

King James Version

3 This know also, 

that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, 

covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, 

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, 

false accusers, incontinent, fierce, 

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, 

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Know this -- CHRIST's enemy will try to break your spirit.

He will do all he can to break down your defenses.

He's always on the lookout to break your resolve.

His intent?

To destroy each one of us.

ESPECIALLY believers.

He will look for that chink in your armor.

And when he finds it, expect infiltration, corruption, and destruction.

Thus said, we must always be awake, aware, and alert.

We must always watch, wake up, and worship.

We must always wear our ARMOR of GOD.

KNOW the enemy for who, and what he is:

Ephesians 6:12 

King James Version

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 Peter 5:8-9 

King James Version

8 Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, 

as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour:

Our case is not isolated.

We all go through the same thing.

For the devil has many devices.

What can one do, then?

REMAIN in faith.

1 Peter 5:9 

King James Version

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, 

knowing that the same afflictions 

are accomplished in your brethren 

that are in the world.

BE born again.

John 3:3-7

King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, 

How can a man be born when he is old? 

can he enter the second time 

into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

ACCEPT JESUS as your personal Savior.

Acts 4:10-12

King James Version

10 Be it known unto you all, 

and to all the people of Israel, 

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 

whom ye crucified, 

whom God raised from the dead, 

even by him doth this man 

stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone 

which was set at nought of you builders, 

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, whereby we must be saved.

LOVE GOD with all your heart.

Matthew 22:37-38

King James Version

37 Jesus said unto him, 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first 

and great commandment.

RUN the race given you.

Hebrews 12:1-2

King James Version

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 

with so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

and let us run with patience 

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

ENDURE to the end, as JESUS did.

He gave us these promises:

Matthew 24:13

King James Version

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, 

the same shall be saved.

John 6:39-40

King James Version

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again 

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 14:2

King James Version

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

FIND hope, love, joy, strength, and comfort from these verses:

Romans 5:1-2

King James Version

5 Therefore being justified by faith, 

we have peace with God 

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith 

into this grace wherein we stand, 

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:3-4

King James Version

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: 

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 5:5-6

King James Version

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; 

because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts 

by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, 

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:8-9

King James Version

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, 

in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, 

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 8:22-25

King James Version

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth 

and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, 

which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, 

even we ourselves groan within ourselves, 

waiting for the adoption, 

to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: 

but hope that is seen is not hope: 

for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, 

then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 8:26-27

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what 

we should pray for as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts 

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 

because he maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of God.

Romans 8:28-30

King James Version

28 And we know that all things 

work together for good to them that love God, 

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, 

he also did predestinate to be conformed 

to the image of his Son, 

that he might be the firstborn 

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, 

them he also called: 

and whom he called, them he also justified: 

and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Romans 8:31

King James Version

31 What shall we then say to these things? 

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:33-35

King James Version

33 Who shall lay any thing 

to the charge of God's elect? 

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? 

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, 

who is even at the right hand of God, 

who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 

or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:37-39

King James Version

37 Nay, in all these things 

we are more than conquerors 

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 

nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us 

from the love of God, 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12

King James Version

12 Rejoicing in hope; 

patient in tribulation; 

continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 15:1-3

King James Version

15 We then that are strong 

ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, 

and not to please ourselves.

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour 

for his good to edification.

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; 

but, as it is written, The reproaches of them 

that reproached thee 

fell on me.

Romans 15:4-6

King James Version

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime 

were written for our learning, 

that we through patience and comfort 

of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you 

to be likeminded one toward another 

according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth 

glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13

King James Version

13 There hath no temptation taken you 

but such as is common to man: 

but God is faithful, 

who will not suffer you to be tempted 

above that ye are able; 

but will with the temptation 

also make a way to escape, 

that ye may be able to bear it.

Colossians 1:9-15

King James Version

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, 

do not cease to pray for you, 

and to desire that ye might be filled 

with the knowledge of his will 

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord 

unto all pleasing, 

being fruitful in every good work, 

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, 

according to his glorious power, 

unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet to be partakers 

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us 

from the power of darkness, 

and hath translated us 

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn of every creature:

Hebrews 10:35-36

King James Version

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, 

which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, 

that, after ye have done the will of God, 

ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:37-39

King James Version

37 For yet a little while, 

and he that shall come will come, 

and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: 

but if any man draw back, 

my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them 

who draw back unto perdition; 

but of them that believe 

to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 12:1-3

King James Version

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 

with so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

and let us run with patience 

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured 

such contradiction of sinners against himself, 

lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

James 1:2-4

King James Version

2 My brethren, count it all joy 

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith 

worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, 

that ye may be perfect and entire, 

wanting nothing.

James 1:12

King James Version

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: 

for when he is tried, 

he shall receive the crown of life, 

which the Lord hath promised 

to them that love him.

James 5:10

King James Version

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, 

who have spoken in the name of the Lord, 

for an example of suffering affliction, 

and of patience.

James 5:11

King James Version

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. 

Ye have heard of the patience of Job, 

and have seen the end of the Lord; 

that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

The day we become born again, the HOLY SPIRIT begins to teach us.

He teaches us about JESUS.

In turn, JESUS teaches us about GOD.

Such is the TRIUNE GOD.

What is the "end", but the beginning of the end?

When JESUS comes for His church.

This, when the Rapture occurs.

We need to endure the madness of this world.

Until the Rapture happens.

Related material:

TOUGHEST job EVER

Our LIVES in GOD's HAND

EAGERLY awaiting JESUS

PEACE through JESUS

GUIDANCE for TODAY

SOUND MIND

FULL ARMOR

FAITH

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Verses from Bible Gateway

Image: Clipart Library

The MISGUIDED minions

 Romans 14:13

King James Version

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: 

but judge this rather, that no man 

put a stumblingblock or an occasion 

to fall in his brother's way.

How is America being sabotaged from within?

By delaying confirmation of Trump's appointments.

A misguided move.

By misguided minions.

With malicious intent.

With the enemy's spirit behind it.

The Republican house majority is 53.

The Democrats have 47.

And yet, out of Trump's 22 nominations, only four have been confirmed so far:

Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State.

John Ratcliffe, as Director of Central Intelligence Agency

Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.

Kristi Noem, for Secretary of Homeland Security.

Haven't the Dems gotten it yet?

It's futile fighting Trump.

His train has rolled.

Gathering more speed as he goes along.

With many happy passengers on board.

Woe to anyone who steps in its tracks.

Best you hop on board, too!

For you're going on a magnificent adventure!

Infighting can delay "justice" to the people.

Let not America suffer what Israel suffered.

All because of "infighting".

You've heard of, "Justice delayed, is justice denied".

The American people deserve to have justice.

They deserve to have a government that works.

Enough of the Biden and Kamala tactics.

Enough of the "powers" behind them.

The Dems have lost.

People want Trump.

They voted for him.

What part can't they get?

It's all about ego.

The Luciferic ego.

Can't accept defeat.

GOD  has already put His president in.

Sure you want to be in the way?

Sure you want to keep rebelling?

Sure you want to deprive people of justice?

Are you prepared for the consequences?

To understand everything that's happening today:

Everyone must read the Bible.

Be born again.

Believe in JESUS.

Be taught by the HOLY SPIRIT.

It's all about obedience to GOD's will.

That's all there is.

Keep going, Mr. President!

GOD's got your back!

Related material:

The TRUMP series

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Related video:

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Trump weighs federal override of California wildfire response

WILD hair, WILD ideas?

 

Numbers 6:5

King James Version

5 All the days of the vow of his separation 

there shall no razor come upon his head: 

until the days be fulfilled, 

in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, 

he shall be holy, 

and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Does wild hair have anything to do with wild ideas?

I don't know.

You be the judge.

FOUR characters come to mind.

We thank Wikipedia for the Milei feed, which gave us this idea of bundling these leaders in one post, through this "lead":

"In addition to being nicknamed el Peluca ("The Wig") for his eccentric hair,[208][209][210] which has been compared to that of Trump and fellow right-wing populists Boris Johnson and Geert Wilders,"

And yes, all have "wild" hair.

All in world politics, too.

All have wild ideas, good ideas, workable ideas, and outrageous ideas.

Definitely making the status quo uncomfortable.

Knowing change has come.

Javier Milei, economist and politician; President of Argentina since 2023, despite a lack of support in Congress.

"In his first acts as president, Milei signed 13 decrees related to his cabinet members. He also lowered the number of ministries from 18 to 9.

Milei is known for his flamboyant personality, distinctive personal style, and strong media presence, which sometimes causes controversy, and his embrace of conspiracy theories,[197] including the Cultural Marxism conspiracy theory.[198] He has also called the idea of climate change as an anthropogenic phenomenon "a socialist lie" and said that concerns about it are nothing more than "deceptions promoted by the neo-Marxists,

Milei is known as el Loco ("The Crazy One")...he has been called the "chainsaw candidate"[219]), specifically symbolizing his "cutting" of regulations, bureaucracy, and red tape in Argentina."

Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States in 2016; president-elect, 47th president for 2025.

"Trump is the only modern U.S. president to leave office with a smaller workforce than when he took office, by 3 million people.[182][190] Trump rejects the scientific consensus on climate change.[191][192][193][194] He reduced the budget for renewable energy research by 40 percent and reversed Obama-era policies directed at curbing climate change.[195] He withdrew from the Paris Agreement, making the U.S. the only nation to not ratify it.

Trump's political positions are populist,[701][702] more specifically described as right-wing populist.[703][704] Politico described them as "eclectic, improvisational and often contradictory".[705] He helped bring far-right fringe ideas and organizations into the mainstream."

Boris Johnson, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, and leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022.

"Johnson has been described as having a light-hearted and charming persona...with an often vitriolic or irresponsible way of conducting himself in private...Johnson has been described as a divisive, controversial figure in British politics.[702][703][704] Supporters have praised him as witty and entertaining.[705] Johnson has been accused of lying or making misleading statements throughout his career,[706] and has been compared to former US president Donald Trump.[707][708][709][710] He has been considered a figure with broad appeal outside of the usual Conservative support base.[711] Johnson's premiership has been described by historians as the most controversial and scandal-affected since that of David Lloyd George about a century earlier."

Geert Wilders, Dutch politician who founded in 2006 the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV); also the party's leader in the House of Representatives.

"Wilders is best known for his right-wing populism, anti-immigration, opposition to Islam and Euroscepticism.[3] His views have made him a controversial figure in the Netherlands and abroad.

Wilders generally considers himself to be a right-wing liberal, with a specific mix of positions independent of the European political spectrum and peculiar to iconoclastic Dutch society. He has stated, "My allies are not Le Pen or Haider ... We'll never join up with the fascists and Mussolinis of Italy. I'm very afraid of being linked with the wrong rightist fascist groups", adding that his drive instead is such issues as freedom of expression and Dutch iconoclasm."

And while you're at it, do read about their early life, faith, education, career, and personal life from the Wikipedia links provided.

That always gives you a better picture of the men.

One thing for sure, these leaders are bold, brash, and brazen.

As well as vociferous, verbal, and vilified.

Using media.

As media uses them.

If only people would be born again.

So they can give GOD the glory.

And have GOD-breathed communication.

And be true JESUS followers.

And live godly lives.

This would be a much different world.

And that always makes for a sound mind.

Image: Clipart Library