Intangible Wealth for the New Year

Many are waking up this morning with a deep sigh of relief. We made it to 2021. The hope is high that everything is going to be better than 2020. I have seen memes and cartoons expressing the expectations for 2021. But there was one that really stood out to me. The basic message was we were putting too much pressure on 2021. What magically changes because the calendar flipped a page?

I woke up this morning with this thought. I pray for all of us the intangible wealth that is available to us. I pray that we all are blessed with peace of mind, good health, love, true and honest relationships, a focus on those things that benefit not only ourselves but society at large. When we do this one person at a time within our sphere of influence, 2021 stands a chance at giving us all those things for which we hope. In other words, give to others what you hope to get. Sounds familiar doesn’t it. “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.” Love your neighbor. The scripture says as you love yourself but many of us don’t love ourselves. So learn to love yourself but while you are learning, love others.

Eliminate the hate speech. We can disagree and discuss without it. Stop the name calling and labeling. You don’t like the negative adjectives used to describe or label you, so don’t lay on others. “Christians” stop with the self-righteous attitudes and behaviors. We have just as much sin in our lives as those we condemn. Let he who has no sin cast the first stone. He gave His life for those you condemn just as He did you. We were instructed to love not condemn. Condemnation hasn’t worked so let’s try His plan, Love. Loving someone doesn’t mean you necessarily agree with the person but you stand a greater chance of them hearing you when you are kind and nonjudgemental. The more I study Y’shua, the more I realize we have been doing it all wrong, so I proffer a change. If His Spirit really lives in you, allow Him to manifest His fruit in your lives and watch what happens to you and those around you.

So let’s give 2021 a chance and let’s do better. Let’s treat each other well. Let’s enjoy that intangible wealth that awaits us and brings more joy and enjoyment in our lives.

Salt Power!

Have you heard the phrase, “He’s worth his salt?” We learned that it meant he was valuable. But why? I knew it was important to commerce during Ancient Roman times but I didn’t know the power of salt spread farther than the Middle East and Orient.

I learned tonight watching Robert Irvine’s Kitchen Expedition that the Ancient Mayan kingdom was so rich and powerful because it controlled the salt. Then Mr. Irvine went to Senegal which is part of the Ancient Ghanaian Kingdom. Here he learned that an ounce of salt was equal to an ounce of gold. How did this happen? The kingdoms to the south of Ghana wanted salt. Those north of Ghana had the salt. The trade route went through the Ghanaian kingdom. Salt was so important that it was valued at an ounce of gold. The King charged a tax on these transactions. Additionally, an ounce of salt cost an ounce of gold. Salt was a very valuable commodity.

That takes me to Jesus saying those who follow his teachings,which are founded in the Law and the Prophets, are the salt of the earth.  Salt is a preservative, purifier, seasoning and a prosperity agent. Based on His declaration, I should be all those things. Not only for myself but for others as well. I will then be worth my weight in gold.

SALT POWER!