“OHHHH… It’s Fun Getting in to Trouble” - July 14, 2011

Point of View:
So when I was young, I remember playing a board game called Trouble all the time. The commercial's theme song would always get stuck in my head and to this day I still remember that “Ohhhhh… its fun getting in to trouble” line. Laughing as I thought back on it, I realized that this simple jingle actually held some weight. Let me explain… the appeal of sin is often much greater than the appeal of living a holy lifestyle. Often TV and other forms of media paint this picture of how “it's fun getting in to trouble” and everything else is boring. I mean you see this idea played out in shows like The Simpsons all the time. You hear it in lyrics from artists like Biggie, Lady Gaga and so many more. I’m sure there are even times when you feel like you're missing out on something because everybody around you and those in media, act and talk in ways that make sin look like paradise. Realizing that, I want to dig into a mini study on what we let affect us, specifically media. So, over the next two weeks I want to take a look at how things like Music, TV, Videos and Friends all affect us. Media plays a big role in our lives, so let's take a look at what we are watching, listening to and feeling over the next couple devotionals.

The Challenge:
Write down what your favorite 3 songs are. Look up the lyrics and read them all the way through, without the beat! The message that allot of artists are trying to put across is sometimes not as cute as it sounds to a beat and auto-tune. If the topic of music is an interest of yours or you are suppressed at some of the lyrics you or your friends are listening too, join me next week as we cover the topic of music.

Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving some of us the gift of being musicians.
• Ask that God would open your eyes to the areas where He is not being glorified.
• Pray that you would realize the big affect that media has on us.

The Word:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2