So You Want to Study in France

France is recognized for its quality education in the arts and sciences. Who hasn't heard of the Sorbonne and its history? Who hasn't discussed the impact of the French Revolution in modern culture or watched with admiration the velocity of the TGV (train a grande vitesse) - one of France's latest technological creations? If you are trying to decide whether France is the right place for your university studies, you should take a look at the following information.

1. Universities vs. Specialized Schools

Universities offer degree programs in all disciplines and fields - academic, research, and professional. In the 2002-2003 academic year, French universities enrolled over 1.5 million students. International students made up about 10 percent of total enrollments. Since France's universities are public institutions, enrollment is open to any student holding a French baccalauréate or an equivalent degree that allows you to begin university study in your home country (eg. High school diploma, Bachillerato, etc).

Specialized schools can be public or private, but the main difference between these and universities is that specialized schools are selective in their admissions and enroll far fewer students than universities. They usually train students for careers in engineering, management, art, architecture, and other fields. Grandes écoles are specialized schools that are very selective. Many offer management and engineering programs that prepare their graduates for competitive industries. These programs are very prestigious and highly regarded in France and around the world.

2. Schools of Management

France has about 230 private schools of business and management, many of which are affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry. International students who have completed two years of postsecondary education may apply for admission, sit for the entrance examination, and in 3 years earn a business degree. Graduates may then apply for an MBA or specialized master's degree.

Among the best-known schools of business and management are the École des Hautes Études Commerciales, known as HEC, the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP-EAP), the École Supérieure nationale de Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), the École des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC), the École de Management de Lyon (EM Lyon), and INSEAD.

The MBA in France

Master of Business Administration programs are very popular in France. In fact, some of the top International Business Schools are located in this country. Many French MBA programs are taught in English. Classes tend to include students of many nationalities. Admission is very selective and usually includes TOEFL and GMAT exams for English-based programs. Some programs may also require interviews.

3. Schools of Engineering

France has about 240 engineering schools public and private. All grant the diplôme d'ingénieur, a master's level degree that takes 5 years to complete. Each school has its own specialties. Each school also has different application requirements, but these usually include an application file, entrance exam and an interview. Students with up to 4 years of university education may apply as transfer students.

Master Degrees

Many schools offer a 1-year mastère spécialisé in engineering. Admission requirements for this program include a diplôme d'ingénieur or 5 years of postsecondary education. About 20 schools offer the diplôme d'ingénieur de spécialisation. Students with 5 years of postsecondary education may earn this specialized degree in 1 year. Students with 4 years may earn it in 2. These programs are very popular with international students, because they can accommodate holders of 4-year degrees.

PhD
Students may earn a doctorate in engineering after 3 years of successful work in the laboratory of an engineering school, often in cooperation with industry.

4. Selecting and Applying to an Academic Program

You can easily search for an academic program by visiting the following website: EduFrance Search. Once you have selected a few suitable programs, you will need to complete an application. This can be done, in most cases, via CampusFrance or by directly contacting the school. Admission requirements are different for each program and institution, however most admission decisions are made in June, a few months before the academic year starts in September.

5. Location and Costs

The location of your program is one of the most important factors in selecting your program of study. Average living expenses in France amount to 1,000 Euros per month. However, you must keep in mind that the cost of living in Paris is much higher than the cost in other regions. There are so many regions in France - you can choose to live near the Mediterranean Sea in Nice or in the quiet peaceful town of Lille - an hour from Paris. CampusFrance, the leading promoter of higher studies in France, says:

"Paris does not have a monopoly on high-quality education. Be advised that it is now almost impossible to find inexpensive lodgings in Paris. Throughout the country one finds institutions of high renown in all fields. And not just universities; in fact, most schools of business and many top engineering schools are located outside Paris. "

The average tuition for university programs is about 300 Euros per academic year. In public schools of engineering, the annual tuition is approximately 600 Euros. Tuition at other institutions, particularly business schools, is much higher. Contact the business school directly for information about tuition costs.

6. Student Visa

Students admitted by an institution will receive a letter that will enable them to apply for a student visa at the French consulate in their countries. (Nationals of a European Union member country do not need a visa). Students from outside Europe who are planning to study in France for more than 6 months must obtain a student visa.

CapusFrance offers these 3 very important pieces of advice:

1 - A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

2 - If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas can not be extended in France.

3 - International students of all nationalities (except European Union nationals) residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.

7. Working in France

International students can work in France if they have a residency permit and are enrolled in an institution that participates in the student health plan of the French social protection system (Sécurité Sociale). French law allows international students to work part-time (19.5 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during vacations. The minimum hourly wage in France is 8.27 Euros gross before any taxes.

The French labor law states the following: "As a condition of employment, individuals who are not French citizens must hold a valid work permit." Students wishing to work for pay must obtain a temporary employment authorization. (Students from the European Economic Zone, Algeria, and Togo are exempt from this requirement.) Contact an international students official at your school for more information.

Christian College Degrees - Online Christian Degree Programs For the 21st Century

Consider this. To those who value non-secular studies, christian college degrees may be an ideal fit. But the cost of going to a college in the United States has admittedly gone up the past few decades. In order to pursue a degree in Religion or Theology, you'll need to shell out thousands of dollars. Add up the cost of commuting to school every day, the meals you eat out with friends, and you've generally spent your life savings. But the divine compromise could exist in getting online christian degree programs answer is here, with online Christian colleges.

Unlike studying accounting, or economics, studying religion has always been said to have been a vocation. Getting a job as a minister, or a church administrator isn't exactly a very high-paying job. But now, you don't have to spend a lot of money to answer your calling and do what you really want to do in your life. Enter, online Christian university.

With some of the top American universities such as the Liberty University, Regent University, and Grand Canyon University opening its doors to the online world, there's never been a better time to pursue that vocation. Studying man's relationship with God in hot, uncomfortable classrooms is a thing of the past. Now, you can do it in front of your laptop, while lying down in bed.

Distance Christian universities give you the same bachelor's degree, the same merits as those of your counterparts who went to school the usual way. While they have to endure tight, strict schedules, a long and tedious commute daily, and the stress of school life, you can get it done an easier way. Schedules are flexible and will accommodate to your needs, instead of the other way around. You can work under the roof of your very own home, and the stress from your daily life will not need to add up to that of school life.

Choosing to go for something you love, or something you've dreamed about for a long time has never been easier. The time is ripe for you to begin sowing so that you'll have something to reap in the future. The best online christian degree programs are waiting for you to find out more about them. When you develop your intellectual skills with your moral values and beliefs....THAT is a true education.

Hillsong: "We Will See Him" Worship and Praise Song featuring Reuben Morgan (HQ)

"We Will See Him" worship and praise song from Hillsong featuring Reuben Morgan, worship leader and songwriter. This song is featured on "Faith Hope Love" DVD/CD 2009 release. Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God denomination. The church is located in Sydney, Australia, headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park in the Hills District. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. The church's senior pastors are Brian and Bobbie Houston, who started the church in Baulkham Hills in 1983, later to merge with a church in the city to form Hillsong Church. Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong Church London, in the United Kingdom, Hillsong Church Kiev in Ukraine, Hillsong Church Cape Town in South Africa. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow. Hillsong Music has topped Australian charts, with albums achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3PkIzaYQtQ&hl=en

Online Religion Degrees - Christian Bible Teachings and More

Ever since the beginning of time, man has always believed that a supreme being, a God has existed in the universe. If you want to study more about the existence of God, and the different religions in general, then there's no better way to do it than to get one of the online religion degrees.

If sitting in a classroom listening to professors drone on and on isn't really your thing, or if you don't like having to wake up early and take a long commute to school, then I'm even more convinced that you should seriously consider studying online.

Courses such as BA in Religion or AA in Religion will generally discuss the various facets of the Christian church, from its establishment until the present time, different religious books such as the Bible or the Koran, as well as Christianity in general.

But the best part about getting your degree in religion online is that you can do it while attending your day job. Schedules and deadlines are very flexible, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. Even better is the fact that the stress you get from your daily activities won't add up to the stress that generally comes with school.

Getting your religion degree online will put you at the same level of achievement as those who have gotten their degrees the old-fashioned way. Your eligibility to apply for different jobs such as minister, church administrator, or church counselor will be equal to those of your counterparts. You might even be at a higher level since you'll be able to work harder since the stress won't add up and concentration will come more naturally.

So what are you waiting for? Let your interest in God's existence spark your career now. Time and money are but the tiniest of problems when you strive for excellence as you go for your dreams, in the easiest, and most efficient way possible-with the online religion degrees!

How to Stay Mentally Positive in Your Joint Venture

It's easy for the mind to lean toward cynicism and negativity. The dark side of attitude is the path of least resistance. If things don't work the way we want, we get frustrated, angry, and we want to strike out, lay blame and sometimes even give up. All these can have devastating effects on a joint venture and your relationship with your JV partner.

Where does negativity stem from? There are many rocks that can be thrown at our psych that triggers negativity. Here are a few:

* News - Every day there is another story about the economy, and usually the news is not good. Unemployment is up. Stock market is way down - again. The economy won't recover for a long haul. All these factors could cause us to give up and stop trying hard to be successful.

* Anger - The emotional response of anger comes easily. And let's face it - there are many people who have anger issues. When we are angry, we say things we don't mean and do things we did not intend. Uncontrolled anger festers as negativity.

* Powerlessness - We've been told all our lives that we can do anything we set our mind to do. However, achieving lower results, too many obstacles, and yes, also failure, can make us feel powerless and out of control of our own jobs and destinies.

Alternative Positive Strategies

What can you do to keep mentally challenged, remain focused, and stay positive? A positive mental attitude requires continual effort, lest the dark side creep in. Here is what you need to think about each and every day:

Passion - It's easy enough to say it, but you must be passionate about what you do. If you form a JV, be sure it is something that you will work at passionately and feel passionate about. Passion could come from wanting success in your own business, or a new creative idea for a joint venture. Without passion, you may find you put less effort into it.

Challenge - Form a JV that challenges you and your JV partner. A challenge makes reaching the goal that much more exciting and fulfilling.

Think of Others - Don't just work for yourself. When others depend upon your work, there is more incentive for you to succeed and meet their needs. Whether you form a JV for non-profit community and social benefit, or just trying to feed your family and send your daughter to college, let others motivate your success.

Balance - Work is great. And it should be fulfilling. But don't forget to balance your work life with your family, friends, and other obligations. Avoid the temptation to allow work and your JV to take over the majority of your life.

In a world where negativity is all around us, we must consciously remain focused on the positive in our lives. Negativity can be overwhelming. But when we take control of our mental status and focus, success follows. Stay positive!

Hotter College QB Girlfriend - McCoy's or Tebow's (Rumored GF)?

Vote TYT everyday through 1/15/10 @ streamy.org: tinyurl.com Read Ana's blog at: www.examiner.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com Check Out TYT Interviews www.youtube.com Watch more at www.theyoungturks.com



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How to Become a Christian Counselor - Earn Your Christian Counseling Degree Online

Christian counseling is a more specialized form of therapy. It provides mental and emotional care to conflicted patients. There is also an aspect of spiritual care because the healing process involves the integration of the principles of Christian faith.

The journey to become a Christian counselor is a lot like earning the standard counseling credits. However, there are a few added elements that are part of the mix.

If you feel you are called to become a Christian counselor, the proper training is critical in order to make this happen. There are several excellent Christian colleges that offer courses in psychology and counseling. Degrees on all levels - bachelor's, master's and a doctorate - are available for this type of career goal.

Other learning institutions even offer Christian counseling classes on evenings and weekends. This is a great option for people who want to become a Christian counselor but have current work commitments. There are also part-time study options available for people who can only devote a specific amount of time to study in a given week.

There are individuals who have to juggle responsibilities at home and in the workplace. There are current roles to fulfill such as being an employee, a spouse and a parent all at the same time. If you can relate to this scenario, you can be a Christian counselor by opting to take classes online. This presents an ideal situation for your current lifestyle. It allows you to participate in classes in your free time and minimizes time spent commuting to and from campus.

You must also be open to joining to professional associations if you would like to become a Christian counselor. Efforts in connecting with other people in the same field may open doors for you. Networking by attending special seminars and conferences will help you out. You new contacts may be your go-to people for advice, mentoring, and training. You will also receive a lot of assistance in terms of getting licensed and certified. Finding out about hot job openings are also a great bonus!

The most important foundation in order to become a Christian counselor is to have a firm faith in the foundations of Christianity. There must be a thorough and solid understanding in the core beliefs. You will need this knowledge to impart as you help someone go through a deep healing process.

College Internship - Making Friends

It can be hard for some students to become acquainted with workplace situations and find their place with a company. When you are trying to gain real world experience for a job after college, it can be very intimidating to know how to act in a job setting.

A college internship can provide you with an amazing opportunity to get a feel for how things are done in a workplace setting but it can also be very intimidating if this is your first experience in a professional job environment. It is usually best just to open up to your fellow employees, no matter how nervous or intimidated you feel at the internship college. The door of opportunity to define yourself and make a good impression on others at your company tends to close fairly quickly and you probably don't want to be known as the shy, quite intern during the course of your college internship.

If your college internship company has hired other interns that will be working at the company during the same time frame as you, this is a great chance to make new friends. The other interns are probably going to be around the same age as you and will also be wanting to meet people at the company. Making friends with the other interns can also be beneficial when you are stuck on any assignments during the internship college. You can try and collaborate with the other interns to see if they have any ideas in how to move forward with a college internship project. They will often surprise you and suggest routes that had not presented themselves when you were working alone.

Making friends at your internship college can help a great deal in becoming more familiar with your workplace and finding your place in the company. When you feel comfortable in your college internship workplace, you will be much more likely to excel at the projects given to you and make a good impression on your employer.

Learning Disabilities - Commute Or Live Away at College - A Decision Inventory For Students With LD

Very often, high school students with learning differences come to rely on parents and teachers to meet their academic needs. Parents are usually responsible for advocating, making sure the IEP accurately reflect their student's needs and that its directives are implemented. Teachers usually take responsibility for telling students when they need extra help or if their grades are dropping.

Students who have come to depend on parents and teachers, for either academic or emotional support, may sorely miss this network should they choose a residential college.

How can a student with a learning difference determine whether he/she is independent enough to leave home and function successfully at an away-school? This decision inventory can shed light on whether you are ready to leave the security of your familiar environs and venture off to college on your own.

DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions below with your first reactions.

T or F I have the self-discipline to say "no" when asked to go to a party on a school night.
T or F I have enough self-control to leave the dorm and find a quiet area of the library to study.
T or F I have lived away from home before, even if it was just for a summer.
T or F I know how to do my own laundry.
T or F I am a careful spender and avoid impulsive spending.
T or F I know how to handle my banking and keep a checking account.
T or F I hardly ever get homesick.
T or F I don't need anyone to prompt me to do homework and study.
T or F I tend not to depend on my family for emotional comfort.
T or F I adapt well to new situations.
T or F I have been told I have good social skills.
T or F I prefer being around a lot of people to being alone.
T or F I don't need prompting from my parents regarding hygiene habits (i.e. showering, shaving, wearing clean clothes, etc).
T or F When left on my own, I usually make decisions that are in my best interest.
T or F I hardly ever depend on my parents' advice regarding school issues.

If you have 5 or more "False" answers, you may want to consider commuting to college for at least the first year. Use this time to shore up your weaknesses until you have the skills and self-discipline required to succeed at a residential college.

©2007 Joan Azarva

College Care Packages - A Prized Present From Home!

With your college students are now comfortably settled in their dorms or off campus housing, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The move-in trauma of what to buy and what to bring is now a distant memory. As you sit back and enjoy the quiet, surely you will miss the fun and laughter that comes with kids in the house. On the other hand, while they may not be quick to admit it, your student will be missing home cooked meals, the privacy of their own room and yes, even Mom and Dad! So when you have a few spare hours, use them to send some fun and laughter to your college student. There is no better way to do this than a home-made Care Package. Care Packages are one of the most prized possessions on campus.

There are many websites that offer "pre-packaged" care boxes for college students. While easy to order, these can be very expensive. They also tend to be very generic in nature with items like cookies, popcorn, candy or coffee. As a mom of four, all past and present college students, I can tell you from experience that a "home made" care package will be the biggest hit.

So what do you put into this creative concoction? First of all, start with a theme. Are they planning a winter or spring break trip? Is there a funny story they related about something that recently happened to them at school? Are they homesick? Are they complaining about the college food? Are they stressed out with studies? Any of these make a perfect starting point for a great college care package. One of the all time favorite care packages went to my son out at University of Michigan. He and his 13 roommates pooled their funds for a Big Screen television for their off campus house. It lasted about 10 days. Someone left the door unlocked and sure enough.. it was halfway to Detroit by the time they noticed it gone. Their quest and ultimate success at replacing their Big Screen became a "Big Screen Party In A Box" care package. In went movies, homemade t-shirts with a picture of their house and a tag line "Home of the Big Men with the Big Screen". Yes, sounds corny and a bit hokey, but this crew loved them!

In addition, I baked cookies. Home-made cookies may be the nicest thing you can put into any care package. They are truly appreciated. If you want to make from scratch, that is great but I have found the best shortcut. Betty Crocker cookie mix in a pouch. You add butter, an egg, mix and bake for 18 minutes. There are all kinds of varieties available including chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter and oatmeal. I would offer two pieces of advice: bake on parchment paper and once cooled individually wrap cookie. Then put them in a disposable plastic container and mail. Compare mailing costs. I usually use Federal Express Ground or the single rate boxes from the post office.

So get ready and plan a care package to your college kid. They will appreciate and enjoy it. Carol shares some other fun and funny college care packages ideas that her own four enjoyed at Celebration Ideas Online

Hillsong: "My Hope" Worship and Praise Song featuring Darlene Zschech (HQ)

Worship and praise song called "My Hope" from Hillsong Church featuring Darlene Zschech, worship pastor. Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God denomination. The church is located in Sydney, Australia, headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park in the Hills District. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. The church's senior pastors are Brian and Bobbie Houston, who started the church in Baulkham Hills in 1983, later to merge with a church in the city to form Hillsong Church. Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong Church London, in the United Kingdom, Hillsong Church Kiev in Ukraine, Hillsong Church Cape Town in South Africa. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow. Hillsong Music has topped Australian charts, with albums achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which attracts over 26000 people, as well as the sales of albums and teaching and ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4zghTKEOX8&hl=en

3 Tips For Choosing the Most Credible Christian College Degree Online

Both time and money are necessary in getting a college degree. Of course you would want to get only the best deal out of your invested time and money, wouldn't you? That is why it's important that you enroll yourself in a reputable school, earning a degree that will open a lucrative career for you. Getting a college degree never put what you invested on it to waste.

Before you obtain a Christian college degree online, make sure that the learning institution is qualified, and is highly regarded by companies that will hire you in the future. There are a few things you need to consider:

1. Education level

Make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into beforehand. Exactly what do you want to earn: a certification, an Associate Diploma, a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree, or a Doctorate degree? For instance, if you decide to earn an Associate Diploma and later on you want to continue it into a Bachelor's Degree, you might want to check out if it's transferable to other schools. If in case you decide to get a PhD, the sad truth about it is that companies look at where the degree is earned. A PhD that taken from a highly reputable school sure sounds different than one that is taken from a less popular school.

2. Career objectives

Gaining a Christian college degree online sure has its ups and downs. Perhaps you are already aware that the world at large has its own preconceived notions. For instance, earning your degree in a learning institution closely affiliated with certain companies will be to your advantage; that is of you are planning to work in one of those companies alone. Also, there are companies who will not be that enthusiastic at all with hiring persons who got their degrees online. Consider how getting a Christian college degree online will work for you in the long run.

3. Program credibility

Do a careful background check of the learning institution where you are planning to get your degree from. This goes true no matter whether you are planning to enroll in a Christian or secular school, or earn a degree traditionally or online. Make a list of schools and compare them. Consider carefully their reputation -- the offered course, the faculty members, how long the school has been in operation, etc.

It is imperative that when you try getting a Christian college degree online, the institution is duly credited by your local commission on higher education, as well as a Christian higher education certification. Take note too that if you are planning to get a professional program, the school should have a professional certification.

There are many good Christian college degree online available, as well as fraudulent ones. The key is you carefully assess the credibility of the school to ensure yourself of a quality education and a valuable college degree.

sports day in MCC

Madras christian college sports day function, enjoyable moments with friends..........



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cSzbZpxNMs&hl=en

Muslim-Christian Debate 02/14

This was the formal Muslim-Christian Debate held at UC Davis on November 30, 2006. Ali Ataie and Michael Licona debate whether Jesus Christ was resurrected or rescued. For more details, visit elitezenith.com Please go to part 1 to rate these videos.



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Portia McPhail - Farewelled today at Elim Christian College.

The funeral of Portia McPhail, one of the students who died in last week's canyoning tragedy, has been held in Auckland today. Hundreds turned out to farewell the 16-year-old at Elim Christan School.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLxonhVIU7w&hl=en

Dangers of Too Much Money

When Nelson Rockefeller was the richest man in the world, someone asked him how much money was enough. He replied, "One dollar more than I have." Unfortunately for him, when he died he became no richer than any other dead man that has ever lived on this earth. His quest for money did not make him any better a Christian (if he was one in the first place). It also had absolutely no influence on improving his eternal destiny. In fact, he was not able to take any of it with him. It was all left behind.

How about you? How much money is enough? How much do you need to earn to have enough? How do you want to use what you have got and what you could have if you got more? How much time do you spend thinking about how to get more money and what you would do with it and how much time to you spend thinking about how much God has given you and how you can bless Him with it? Do you get caught up in the advertising hype and believe that if you could have this or afford to buy or do that you would be truly and forever happy? The whole purpose of advertising is to appeal to our desires to have what is being promoted. Indeed, our goal here is to instill in you a passionate desire to want to know Jesus more intimately and study His life and teachings. So why should you study the life of Jesus?

In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus tells us that the treasures of this earth are not as important as the treasures in heaven. The accumulation and possession of treasures on this earth is often the evidence of selfishness and the evidence of greed in your life. The treasures of heaven are the result of loving and serving others which frees us from our need for greed. What are the dangers of being greedy and pursuing earthly possessions?

Pursuit of Money Robs Us of Real Treasure - Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus talks about the priorities of our possessions. He contrasts the importance of this world's treasures to those of Heaven. God has something far better for us than all of the wealth of the world. God's treasures will not rot or rust or be left behind when we leave this world. Greed may get more stuff, but it does now good towards gaining eternal life.

The bumper sticker errantly says, "He who has the most toys wins." The fact is that he who has the most toys still ends up with nothing when he dies! He can't buy one second of eternal life even if he were to have all of the wealth in the world. There is no treasure as valuable as one second in Heaven. All of the money and wealth in this world cannot buy that. In fact, the way to gain that eternal treasure is to consider others as more important than yourself and do what you can to help them make their lives better. That may include giving financially to their needs, but more so to do what you can do to help them make their lives better. That involves your time and your talents more than your treasures. The overriding attitude is one of loving others, not selfishness. As you do that, you will be freed from greed.

Pursuit of Money Causes Blindness - Matthew 6:22-23

Jesus next points out how we are so influenced by what we see. The eye sees and the mind reacts on that image. What we see strongly affects what we perceive. If we fill our eyes with good things, we will be led to walk in good ways. If we allow our eyes to dwell on things they should not be dwelling on, we will sooner or later be broken down to giving in to those things.

That is why advertising is so dangerous. We see, and then we want, whether it is good for us or not. When we are focused on our possessions, we are being greedy and we can't see God's leading us to use those possessions to glorify Him. When we are guarding our cars, stereos, gadgets and toys, we aren't noticing others who are in need that we have the means to help. That is selfishness and again, the overriding attitude is to love others. To be freed from our greed, we must open our eyes and look at others in their needs and then act where we can to meet those needs that we can meet. As you do that, you will be freed from greed. Dr. James Dobson observed that the more stuff we buy, the more that stuff "owns us"! Now that we have bought it, we worry about someone taking it and we have to maintain it in order to receive some sort of perceived benefit from it. We often get so worried about our possessions that we are hindered from using them to serve God and serve others.

Pursuit of Money Hinders Our Service to God - Matthew 6:24

Today, so many people are so worried about earning more money to support more possessions than they need because they are caught up in collecting the most toys. They are spending money that they don't have to buy things they don't really need to impress people that they don't like. Instead of loving, worshiping and serving God, they are so absorbed in being greedy and grabbing more stuff for themselves that they are losing their own souls for eternity.

As you are "Getting To Know Jesus", you see that God has given you much more than money can ever buy. He has given you eternal life! Try to match that! He asks you use your time, talents and treasures to serve Him and love others. If you do that, you will indeed be freed from greed.

God bless you and have a great week!