Ministry Resource

Have you thought ahead to what you might read this Advent season that will help keep your focus on the coming of Christ? One good resource is a collection of short essays by outstanding writers like C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Philip Yancey, Henri Nouwen, and many others. Watch for the Light (Orbis Books, 2005; 323 pages) has readings that start on November 24 and conclude on January 7. You might want to consider this as part of your spiritual journey this Advent.

Hope Happenings

Earlier this year, a large national property developer (JPI) purchased 7 acres of Hope's campus for residential development. Their recent request to the Fullerton Planning Commission for re-zoning and plan approvals met with unexpected rejection. A re-worked proposal will go to the Fullerton City Council on December 18 for consideration. As we currently see it, approval of this project is important for the University. Would you join us in prayer on this matter?

Hope International University
Fullerton  CA  92831

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need,
but not every man's greed." -- Mahatma Ghandi

The Mist

Greed rarely slaps us in the face. It slowly envelopes us like a mist.

In the stock market, investors constantly fall prey to one of two emotions: greed or fear. Of the two, greed may prove the more dangerous. It lures people into high risks and spawns an insatiable thirst.

In the church, greed also has its foothold.

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee this week sent a "please explain" to six major televangelist organizations, questioning whether they really are non-profits in light of the extravagant and lavish lifestyles of some of the leaders who use private jets and Rolls Royce motorcars.

But greed is not restricted to traders and televangelists. It's a human affliction that we all must face squarely.

It comes upon us with stealth then holds us with talon strength. It entices us to want more -- more money, more house, more recognition, more publicity, more stuff -- a little more of everything. In the process we cease to live by faith. No wonder that Jesus warned His hearers to be on guard "against every form of greed." (Lk 12:15)

Contrary to popular teaching, faith is not the key to prosperity and promotion. It guides us to contentment and confidence despite our circumstances. Faith is not a chip to bargain with but a decision to trust Christ wherever the chips may fall.

The Apostle Paul concluded that "greed is idolatry." (Col 3:5) Ouch!

Over time, our hunger for something increases its value and worth to us, until we find ourselves absorbed by it and devoted to it. Anything that we want or yearn for more than Christ, anything that we must protect or expand at all costs, anything that occupies the largest and best chunks of our thought-lives and dominates our spirit, has laid the grip of greed upon us. And inasmuch as it gains our increasing attention and devotion, it seduces us into idolatry ... and grieves God.

Christians are not immune.

If the Church has grown ineffective in changing culture, if we have failed to touch and turn lives, it's not for lack of commitment but for misdirected commitment.

May the mist roll back and Christ be everything.

In HOPE -

David