Why Friday was Black and Blue

25 Responses to “Why Friday was Black and Blue”

1. Christina on November 29th, 2011 7:52 am

   Del,
   I had the same thoughts as I listened to the media recaps. May God grant us wisdom as my husband and I seek to help our children discern and walk in Truth.

   [One great way to do that is to take an article or commercial or show or song and walk through it with them, helping them to see the worldview thoughts behind it's assumptions. Right discernment is worth gold. Blessings! dt]

2. Tony on November 29th, 2011 9:22 am

   Del: This is an important blog. It clearly shows how some of the worst in us can be brought out under the right conditions. When there are deep price cuts offered by a merchant, many products suddenly become within reach of many more people. Sales that last only for a few hours on “Black & Blue” Friday can fuel lust and greed even further. What was once a “want” or “nice to have” turns into a “must have” or a “need.” I see lust and greed from two directions. First, from the consumer who must have that product, even though it may result in greater debt or spending money the consumer doesn’t have; second, from the merchant who must have that sale at any cost. The sale can be motivated by making that one extra dollar or by taking the sale away from another merchant.
   Would I be a person who would focus on things that this world has to offer and do what ever it takes to get it, or would I be a person who would focus on things from above? That could be a tough question to answer when going through ads found in local news papers and on TV.

   [Certainly, much in our culture has become lustful and greedy. As our love for God decreases, our love for the world will increase. We will seek after worldly things that cannot satisfy, because we refuse to go to only One who can. This is the mark of Adam in all of us. Thanks, Tony. dt]

3. Jerome on November 29th, 2011 10:18 am

   Great blog, good sir! People (and some Christians) have given into their lusts and desires and do not desire of the righteousness and wisdom of God. Thanks for putting down James 4:1-3 b/c I needed to read that as well.

   [I put it down because I needed to read it too! Thanks, Jerome. dt]

4. Valerie on November 29th, 2011 10:32 am

   I read your comments with a certain cynism because I find that this behavior is becoming all too prevalent.
   I read an article earlier about a young man who was protesting having stores open at midnight because it cut into family time during the holiday. The accompanying comments were decidedly heartless and unkind.
   Some stated that it was good the people were getting off the dole — even if its only for one day. Another enterprising person offered his views – that if we have police and fireman working on those days, why shouldn’t retailers be working? As if human emergencies are equal to human greed.
   On the other hand, I was getting dog food a few days before Thanksgiving at a well known pet store (my dog only gets the best) and I spoke to the young girl who assisted me. She was all excited because she was working from midnight to 11:00 am for one store, and then coming to work at 1:00 pm to work at the pet store. Maybe I’m getting old (52 next week), but somehow that didn’t seem all that fun to me. She was going to be up for two days. My first thought was, I hope she’s not driving.
   Trying not to dampen her enthusiasm, because I figured she’d need it to get through this ordeal, I told her I’d pray for her.
   My personal philosophy on Christmas holiday shopping – I don’t go near a mall or big box store, except the grocery store from the day before Thanksgiving until January 15th. I have a set budget as to how much I will spend for Christmas and use it to buy flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla and make cookies for everyone, and sometimes pumpkin bread — something I know everyone will like and no one has to worry about returning.
   When did Christmas become a competition to see who could outspend who? Even the old adage about “it’s better to give than to receive” has a new connotation that is about selfish desire to be patted on the back rather than actually wanting to bless someone.
   All I can say as I go forth into this holiday season is “come quickly, Lord.”

   [Thanks for your comments, Valerie. As we look around us and see much that is off the mark, we ought not let any of that deter us from the joy of the Lord every day, whether that is on a normal Tuesday or Christmas. Blessings to you. dt]

5. Cindy on November 29th, 2011 7:10 pm

   Del, thanks for your comments to Valerie. I, too, often find myself bemoaning the state of mankind as I hear stories of such ugly behavior from fellow humans. Just last night, I read in the scriptures the verse, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” Matt24:12. This verse is in the chapter talking about signs of the coming of our Lord. This actually was an encouragement to me, an admonition to NOT become discouraged and let my love grow cold, but to be the light of the world in this dark world. We must prayer for each other (fellow believers) in these trying times. As the world grows darker (which He tells us it will), if we stand firm, we will shine brighter for Christ….to God be the glory! That is what it really is all about anyway.

   [I don't know where we stand in the history of all things, but I do know that God has made us to be light and salt and that we must be faithful to do so. It really is all about Him, isn't it? Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks, Cindy!!! dt]

6. Christine on November 29th, 2011 8:09 pm

   Dear Del… I am a pastor’s wife in a small church in Rosarito, Baja Cfa. We are about to view video 12. We are viewing it in Spanish. I also am watching the videos in English for a better understanding. I have seen His face. Thank you so much for making The Truth Project. Our group of leaders is so blessed. We are all planning to start groups in January (English and Spanish as there are many English speaking folks in Rosarito). The tour of the state was so sad for me. I am an American and love my country. I even cried in the discussion after the viewing even though I was in a group of Mexicans. Then when they viewed the video that explained our beginnings in America, they were astounded and understood my sadness. Rosarito is a border town just south of Tijuana,so there is a lot of American influence here. I just wanted to say God bless you and again thank you. Did I read something in one of your blogs that indicates there is a part 2 of this project? I hope so. Don’t forget to make it in Spanish. Gracias y Dios te bendiga hermano!!

   [Christine, what a blessing your comments are to me! I have such a heart for our Latin American brothers and sisters. May the Lord bless you and all of your friends in the group. Please pass on my greetings to them. I am working on the follow-on to the Truth Project, calling it the Truth Encounter. I'll let you know through the blog how it is progressing. Soli Deo Gloria! I wish I could be there for your final tour! dt]

7. david on November 29th, 2011 8:52 pm

   .Merry Chistmas. What a wonderful time of the year. My prayer for this blessed season, is that each of us who have been Graced with the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord,Savior, and King, will when the Lord brings us an oppertunity to share Him with someone, that we will share the greatest gift ever given to mankind. We could turn the world up side down. I pray this in Jesus Name. God bless you and yours Del.

   [Thank you, David. I love this time of year as well. In the midst of the darkness, the light of Christ only shines brighter. May the people of God become the light and salt they were made to be. Merry Christmas, David! dt]

8. Martha on November 29th, 2011 10:46 pm

   My Truth Project Group will take Tour 3 tomorrow night. What perfect timing! Thanks for help us discern what man has become and how far it is from what God planned. May God continue to bless you and you seek to bring glory to him and teach us His ways. He is always working!

   [So sorry to be late in responding. Will you please give my greetings to your group next week? Blessings to you all! dt]

9. Jenny on November 29th, 2011 11:42 pm

   Del, My husband Mark and I have hosted The Truth Project several times through our church. I am in awe of this project. It is truly glorious. God has blessed so many through this. I was wondering if you have a scheduled deadline for the Truth Encounter and will it be presented in the same fashion over a period of weeks, or will it be different? I live in San Antonio, Texas and would like to know of any training opportunites for the Truth Encounter when it becomes available. Thank you, Merry Christmas, and May God Bless You Always. Jenny

   [How encouraging, Jenny! Thanks for being a part of the Truth Project. The Lord continues to put His hands upon it. There is no deadline, but you can pray with us that we can film it in 2012. I'll keep you informed through the blog. Blessings to you!!!! dt]

10. John on November 29th, 2011 11:52 pm

    Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I had an interesting conversation with a neighbor who had just finished her ‘mandatory shopping’. She was both happy and depressed as she got out of her car. Happy that she had purchased everything she needed to at sale prices. Depressed by the fighting of crowds and damage to her car by bangs in the parking lot.
    She opened the question, “why do I need all this stuff?” as I helped her carry in some of her bags. This led to a long conversation, led in part by lesson 11 of The Truth Project.
    That was Monday, and today, she came over to ask some questions about the Biblical views of “stuff” and why things are the way they are. I hope we will have a lot more conversations that will lead her to accept Christ.

    [John!!!! You have no idea how your note has put a smile on my face! I will be starting the Truth Encounter in Sunday School at our church this Sunday as a final run leading up, hopefully, to film it in 2012...and the whole theme is how God has made us to be light and salt...and to be an awesome neighbor, just like you have been to this woman! If we love our neighbor as Christ commanded us to do, they will begin to ask us for the reason for the hope that is in us. She is doing that with you. How awesome! I pray she comes to Christ as well, but remember that your objective with her is to be an awesome neighbor. You may not be the one who harvests, but you may be the one who makes straight the path for another brother or sister in the future. You've made my day! Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

11. Elizabeth on November 30th, 2011 5:44 am

    Dear Del,
    Your article is spot on. I’ve been facilitating The Truth Project for two years and I’m still not tired of listening to every lesson. There is so much information and I seem to pick up something new with every viewing. I have also been studying current events and can see the direct correlation between your teachings in TTP and what I read about in articles. At first I was grieved and despondant about the falling of America, but now I realize that as much as I love my country I love God even more. I know I can trust Him in ALL circumstances and that He will never, ever fail to show me His truth; never laced with lies or deceit, or hype. My ambition is to talk to as many as will listen about our hope being in God not America. Yes, I still love my country! And I’m very sorry my children and grandchildren will not be living in the same America in which my husband and I grew up. But whether or not America remains standing as a free nation, it is most important for Christians to stand free in the Lord and be a beacon of hope and light to others. We are willing slaves of Christ, not the government.
    Thank you for your ministry. I can hardly wait for TTP 202.
    Soli Deo Gloria
    Elizabeth

    [Thanks, Elizabeth. I love this country as well, and I will continue to fight for her to return to the Lord. But our hope is not in flesh and blood, you are right. The Truth Encounter (your TTP 202!) is going to be a call to God's people to understand that we have been made to be light and salt and we cannot sit it out. Pray that we can get it filmed in 2012. Blessings to you! dt]

12. ROY on November 30th, 2011 7:17 am

    Del
    I can relate to your comments on mans continued lust for more. The first time I visited the Mall of America in Minneapolis the first thing that struck me was Lord have we come so far in our need for things that we have to build a place like this to satisfy mans driving need for more. My visits to the Mall have been limited since the spirit there is so worldly and heavy. I am a people watcher and the faces on the people express so little of the joy of life.
    Lesson learned I have learned to be content but with the Lord by your side how else can you feel for he satisfies me in everyway.
    Roy

    [Thanks, Roy. I remember my first visit to that Mall as well. I think I stood there for several minutes with my mouth hanging open. I am thankful for the amazing "goods" that the creative stewards of God have been able to produce (shoes, gloves, tractors, indoor plumbing, etc.) It is easy to begin to think that it is the material that is evil. It is not. It is the heart of man. The New Jerusalem will put the Mall to shame! If the Mall were filled with those whose hearts were right, you would see something different in their faces. Thanks, brother. May the Lord bless you and keep you! dt]

    Del

13. Tiffany on November 30th, 2011 7:31 am

    Del,
    For the last 10 years I have avoided going ANYWHERE in Dallas after Thanksgiving. The rage is not only confined to the shops, but spills onto the streets. People run over you to get to the next red light and wait.
    I have my shopping done before August because I decided long ago that no sale price was worth the expense of an insurance deductible or my life. “Things” are taking us over and there is simply no room in most for Jesus. We decided to make room for Jesus and spend that whole weekend with family. We play games, eat left overs and stay in to grow the bonds between us and our Maker.
    Thanks for all you have done with the Truth Project to help that bond grow stronger.

    [For years, I actually did my shopping on Christmas eve. There was NO ONE in the stores and the smaller selection, after everyone had picked over everything, was actually easier. I also enjoyed being able to talk with the sales people, who were finally through the hassle and more open to real conversations. Anyway, it would be wrong to think that our culture is the worst. Brothers and sisters have battled the forces of evil around them ever since the fall. We need to be diligent, understand the times, and find the ways to glorify Him in the midst of it. Sounds like you are doing that well...! Blessings! dt]

14. Rex on November 30th, 2011 7:51 am

    What kind of connection do you see between obscene holiday spending and the “lie” about Santa, which is not just accepted but advocated even by professing Christians, who want to be known as champions of truth?

    [I really don't know, Rex. But for sure we see how selfishness and greed within the nature of man, when unrestrained by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:17) can produce more than the obscene. In and "all about me" world, using pepper spray to get your XBox is really quite minor. Oh, that God's people would become the light and salt that we were made to be! Blessings to you, brother! dt]

15. Joe on November 30th, 2011 8:47 am

    Hi, Del. Nobody’s responsible for anything anymore, are they? Everybody’s a victim. But I doubt a corporation put pepper spray in somebody’s purse. And according to one story I saw, a man died of a heart attack, and some shoppers stepped over the body, while others worked their way around it. ‘Tis the season, huh? The things that happened will continue, and even grow worse, as long as we insist on abandoning personal responsibility by putting it off on somebody else. Although the serpent paid a price for his actions, the creation was cursed for Adam’s sin, not for the temptation. You have the right idea. Stay home until the insanity ebbs.

    [Joe, good comment. We live in the day of "victimization"...it's "all about me". Thanks, brother! dt]

16. Mike on November 30th, 2011 9:11 am

    I have become dismayed in recent years that the day we are to pronounce our gratitude to God’s blessings has become a day off work to indulge ourselves and prepare for a day devoted to the expression of our greed. It is another reason I pray frequently for revival [a return to spiritual health] in our nation – revival that must begin in the humbled hearts of believers.

    [I would that all of us devote ourselves to pray for a revival in our land. I also agree that it must begin in the humble hearts of His people. It won't come from above, but from Above. Blessings! dt]

17. Gary on November 30th, 2011 9:54 am

    Del,
    Thank you for your excellent and Godly teaching. God has raised you up for a time such as this and we are so grateful.

    [Kind words, Gary...but we are all called to be light and salt, no? Blessings! dt]

18. Michele on November 30th, 2011 5:51 pm

    I am constantly reminded of a little song that was once taught to children in Sunday School – “Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See!” is one of the stanza’s. If adults would take that cute little song to heart, they would be much more sensitive about reading those newspaper ads and store advertisements designed to lure them into the TRAP (Toxic Rubbish Advertising Paradigm). Resisting the devil, the author of lust and greed, means stop deluding yourself that there might just be a coupon or deal on something you “need”. If there’s something you truly “need”, it would have become apparent before the Friday after Thanksgiving, and it would be serving the purpose it was “needed” for already. “Self-Control” – the gift of the Spirit that is always mentioned last (if at all) should have headed up the list – because if SELF-CONTROL is exercised, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness would thrive!

    [Thanks, Michele...well said! I remember that song. It is more appropriate now than when I first heard it. Great passage you referenced, by the way: "...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 17. We need all three from Him today! Blessings! dt]

19. Erica on November 30th, 2011 7:12 pm

    I agree with earlier posts. I do not want to go near a store until well after the beginning of January. It makes me so sad to see the worst of human behavior in a time that is meant to be spent focusing on the meaning of the holiday and enjoying one’s family.
    I keep Christmas simple in my home, and I ask all grandparents involved to refrain from spoiling the girls. It may actually happen one of these years
    In an effort to help my girls understand the spirit of giving, we do go shopping for presents. I have them pick up toys they would enjoy, and we deliver them to a local domestic violence shelter. I explain to them that there are kids who can’t be at home for Christmas and the toys will make their holiday away from home special.
    I just pray that someday people associate the holidays with family and giving again, and forget all the retail madness.

    [Thanks, Erica. Sounds like you are a great mom! dt]

20. Timothy on December 3rd, 2011 10:51 am

    Yes Del we to did not venture out the day after but just stayed home and enjoyed the peace of God.After seeing all the crazy things that happened im so glad we did. and i so agree with the article on your blog. if only the people would turn and face God we might see peace on earth and good will this is what the kingdom is partialy all about. We just finished the Truth project with a mens group and it was a God send thank you for listening to God and doing what He wanted In Christ always Timothy

    [Thanks, Timothy. I pray the Truth Project was a blessing for you all. Give them my greetings and have a blessed Christmas! dt]

21. Coby on December 3rd, 2011 3:36 pm

    Del–
    This comment doesn’t belong here. I have just been reading and running across some things, like the article on tigers in this month’s National Geographic, or the “Earth 2100″ show on the History channel, and it has really got me thinking. My posts have not been appearing on the blog anyway, so maybe just read this and come up with your own response. I’ll try to make it as short as I can and still be clear. You are the guy I look to to address these things, buddy.
    I got in a foolish argument with an atheist on your Facebook page once. But it gave me a good idea. Atheists like to isolate the evidence for God and pick it apart, piece by piece. Just because one piece of evidence isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t valid testimony to the existence and nature of our Creator. When you look at it that way, there is a LOT of evidence.
    But what about the other way around? I hear a lot, “Oh, it’s colder this year. I guess that means that Global Warming is in full swing, ha ha!” But do we consider the testimony that is built up from much “isolated” data? Ice caps, species extinctions, famine and poverty, pollution, depletion of many kinds of resources (not just coal and oil)? I’m just trying to brainstorm some examples. What do we see when we look at the big picture with an open mind?
    This is serious stuff, brother. I have to wonder if the horrifying plagues of the End Times are coming closer than we think. And if that is true, what will people think then of the Christians that are now trying to argue against that reality?
    I think we should add “conflation” to the list of logical fallacies. Christmas is not always Christian. Republicans are not always righteous. And Environmentalists are not always evil, or even always New Age. Just trying to have an open mind here.
    I don’t have any wise, sage comments to post. In fact, please don’t post this at all if you don’t wish to. I just don’t know any other way to ask you, the man with a heart for people to believe the truth, what to do about this.
    If at any point you feel ready to stimulate some discussion on this point, please give my question some thought. What should be a Christian’s response to the big picture, all the problems of the planet put together? Are things more serious than we are willing to admit, with our vested interests in this affluent economy? I know the Antichrist will have an answer. What’s ours?
    Not trying to cause trouble, just have this question heavy on my heart.
    Thanks,

    [Hey, Coby! I'm not ignoring you! I just am having trouble keeping up with all of the comments. The short ones get answered first. I don't know how else to do this. Anyway, good thoughts here in your comments. I do think it is very, very important for Christians to look at the "big picture". I actually think we are in a better position to do that since we don't restrict ourselves from believing in God or His interaction in His creation. But, yes, unfortunately Christians sometimes deal with these issues too lightly and too much off-handedly. I've tried to study the global warming issue as deeply as I can, and believe we should be informed when we speak about it. However, the list you gave (Ice caps, species extinctions, famine and poverty, pollution, etc.) certainly aren't unique evidence. Species have been going extinct for ages. Famine and poverty aren't new and aren't nearly as bad as they have been in past times (we keep defining poverty "up" for example). The ice caps have grown and receded many time in the past (and the Antarctic is growing at the present). As far as pollution, we have come a long way on this. I remember Pittsburgh a number of years ago when it was a city of black smoke. England's pollution was horrible in the past. Pollution of our streams and rivers has gotten so much better. So, in looking at the "big picture" we also need to look at the big picture of the past as well as the big picture of data. There is still a great deal of conflicting data on this, but remember that there are very high motives involved and those need to be factored in as well. Not to accuse, but to recognize that when there are billions and trillions of dollars at stake, money that can be transferred if one side wins, it has a tendency to put blinders on people and prejudice their findings and how they select their data.
    "Conflation" is the merging of two ideas or things together, so I may have missed your point, but I agree that Christmas is not always Christian and Republicans are not always righteous and Environmentalists are not always evil. I don't believe I ever implied the contrary because I don't believe it. However, I do know that many people get upset if I argue a certain point because their "toleration" thinking kicks in and they believe, though I haven't done so, that I've just dissed people because of my argument for what I believe to be true. I very seldom name people because I don't believe the issues are based in the person, they are based in the worldview and truth claims they have embraced as true. If those truth claims are false, I believe the loving thing to do is to help them see that. In a winsome, gracious and respectful way, of course! Blessings to you Coby. I hope to dig back down and find your other comments someday!
    PS Facebook? I don't have one dt]

22. Pam on December 4th, 2011 12:03 pm

    Thank you Del,
    Family was coming from out of state for Thanksgiving and we talked about shopping that night,,,I had never done it. When I started reading in the paper how people were treating each other in past years I realized I just couldn’t do it…and remembered why I never did it in the past.
    We had a wonderful Thanksgiving…and didn’t need anything but the joy we shared being together and thankful for all God has already given us.
    I plan to participate in the ‘Truth Project’ for the second time in the spring…you can’t get it all just one time…and pray for some family members to join me. Blessings, Del

    [I love Thanksgiving for just that...the joy of being together with family. I pray the Lord will greatly bless your small group and your family members. Please give them my greetings! Have a blessed Christmas! dt]

23. gail on December 4th, 2011 8:28 pm

    Del, I too, stayed home till sunday and enjoyed the quiet and “ole-time” feeling of Not having to go anywhere for no good reason. Like when no stores were open on sunday. we could take the time to read (loss skill) or go thru pictures with friends and family and have many laughs.
    Thanks for all your insight. An attendee at Truth Project. great!!

    [Thanks, Gail. Encouraging words! I pray the Truth Project was a blessing to you. dt]

24. Steve on December 8th, 2011 10:07 am

    These are sad days we live in. If we teach people that we come from animals and that only the fittest will survive, why are we surprised when people act like animals?
    Human life is not valued or respected. ‘Love God and neighbor’ has little meaning today. The gods of comfort, pleasure, power and control are worshiped more than the God and Father of our Lord Jesus.
    Prayer and Bible reading were removed from public schools in the early 60′s. Adults today have some spiritual background received from their parents. Their children have less spiritual background. It’s a slippery slope.
    But God…

    [Sad, yes, but what a great opportunity for the people of God to be light and salt! Our culture has been duped by relativism and postmodernism and I believe it is beginning to sense the meaninglessness of it all. But this requires a healthy and strong body of Christ. My prayer is that we will see her begin to fill her devine role. Thanks! dt]

25. Jesse on December 8th, 2011 3:29 pm

    Dear Dr. Del:
    How do I get hold of The Truth Project’s spanish version? Jesse

    [Call Focus on the Family. I think it is still 1-800-A-Family. dt]

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