The Lean

Posted on October 27, 2016 by jesustrek

couple-in-love

I just attended a ministers’ appreciation luncheon hosted by Kentucky Christian University. Some ministers’ spouses were also in attendance.

The speaker, Bob Russell, talked about some of the mistakes he made in ministry, and how he had learned from them. One of the mistakes that he mentioned was not making his family enough of a priority. He urged those in attendance not to make that same mistake, reminding them that their spouse would be there for them when others let them down.

As Bob talked about the importance of giving special attention to your mate, a wife sitting directly in front of me leaned slightly into her husband. There was no look, no words—just a lean.

But it was enough to make me think that the point was well-taken.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”—Ephesians 5:21.

 

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Concerning the Bible

Posted on October 25, 2016 by jesustrek

BibleThe great majority of Americans have access to a Bible. Most have more than one copy of the Scripture in their home. However, it seems that more and more people in this country have little idea of how to apply the Word of God to their lives.

James 1:21-22 tells us how to approach the Bible—“”Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

First, you need to repent. You can’t continue to live an immoral lifestyle and somehow be blessed by the Word of God. It doesn’t happen that way. Determine to turn away from sin as you turn to the Bible.

Second, accept the Word. Believe it. Don’t try to rationalize it away. Don’t argue with God. God is always right, and those who disagree with him are always wrong.

Finally, don’t be content to just read the Bible. Do what it says. Many people read the Scripture or listen to lessons and sermons on a regular basis, and yet it has little or no impact on their lives. They close up their Bible and continue living the same way they did before God spoke to them. In order for the Bible to have an impact on your life, you have to do what it says.

What will you do today based on what you have read in the Bible?

 

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Seriousness of Sin

Posted on October 22, 2016 by jesustrek

confessionA newly ordained Catholic priest was nervous about hearing confessions, so he asked an older, more experienced priest to observe one of his sessions and give him some advice. After a few minutes of watching and listening, the older priest pulled the younger one aside to give him a few suggestions.

“Try folding your arms over your chest and rubbing your chin with one hand. This gives the impression that you are listening thoughtfully. Then try saying things like: “I see.”, “I understand.” and “Yes, go on.”

The younger priest practiced these things for a minute. Then the older one asked, “Don’t you think that’s better than slapping your knee and saying, “No way! What happened next?”

We must never give the impression that we are taking sin lightly. God never takes sin lightly. He takes it so seriously that he sent his Son Jesus to the cross to die in order to pay for our sins.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8.

 

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Safe

Posted on October 20, 2016 by jesustrek

cliffA group of botanists were searching for rare plants that grew in the mountains of the Scottish Highlands. They asked a local boy if he would allow them to lower him in a basket over a high cliff so that he could gather some flowers for them. They offered to pay him a large amount of money for doing it.

The boy thought seriously about it. His family could use the money. But he swallowed hard when he looked over the cliff and saw how far it was to the bottom.

Then he had an idea. He gave them this answer—“I will do it on one condition. My father has to be the one who holds the rope.”

We Christians have some scary things to face. We don’t know what the future holds, or what danger might be just around the corner.

However, we do know that we are safe because we know that our heavenly Father is holding the rope for us! He will never let us fall!

“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”—John 6:39-40.

 

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Extreme Avoidance

Posted on October 19, 2016 by jesustrek

beer-canI used to work with a fellow who absolutely hated alcoholic beverages. I don’t know much about his background, but something in his life had caused him to detest drinking. He didn’t want to be around alcohol or anyone who consumed it.

This friend told me that one time someone had tossed an empty beer can into the back of his pickup truck. When he saw the offensive can, he had to get rid of it immediately. However, he didn’t even want to touch an empty beer can. So he found a stick to use to pick up the can and dispose of it.

Perhaps my friend went to a bit of an extreme to avoid something to which he had a deep aversion. However, I think that we far too often err on the other end of the spectrum. Perhaps we become too complacent, too comfortable with things that are harmful to us and to others. Are we as offended as we should be at foul language, suggestive clothing, illicit sexual behavior, pornography, drunkenness, etc.?

Maybe extreme avoidance is not such a bad idea after all!

“Reject every kind of evil.”—1 Thessalonians 5:22.

 

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Precious Stone

Posted on October 18, 2016 by jesustrek
Huge jade stone found in Myanmar

Huge jade stone found in Myanmar

Myanmar is known for their production of jade. Miners in that country recently unearthed one of the largest jade stones ever found. The stone is 18 feet wide and 9 feet high. It’s estimated worth is $170 million. That is some precious stone!

However, there is a stone that is much more valuable. The Bible describes it in 1 Peter 2:6-7—“For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious…”

This stone, of course, is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and the cornerstone of our faith. He is indeed a precious stone! Let us give him all the praise and honor and recognition that he deserves.

 

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Promises

Posted on October 14, 2016 by jesustrek

gods-faithfulnessSomeone once said that the favorite hymn of politicians is “Standing on the Promises”. It is true that those running for office do like to make promises, many of which they do not mean, or are unable to keep. Here are some examples:

“Read my lips—No new taxes.”

“You can keep your insurance if you like it.”

“I will build a wall and make Mexico pay for it.”

“I will keep classified emails safe.”

We could go on and on about the empty promises of politicians, but let us remember that God always keeps his promises. Always.

“…Not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”—Joshua 23:14.

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Staying Sharp

Posted on October 13, 2016 by jesustrek

sharpen-the-saw“Sharping the saw” is a phrase that has been heard frequently the past several years. It refers to any activity that might serve to improve a person’s ability to function. Attending a seminar, taking a class, reading a good book, or taking time to rest or exercise are all ways of “sharpening the saw”.

Being with the right kind of people has a sharpening effect on us. The Bible speaks of this when it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). We are influenced by other people, and that can serve to make us better.

Of course, it could work the other way! Some people tend to make us worse! 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” We certainly don’t want to be influenced by people who lead us astray. We want to be influenced by the best—the best music, the best books and the best people.

We also have to realize that we have the responsibility to impact others in a positive way. It’s all a part of being the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

Let us always strive to be the kind of person that can sharpen others. And let’s look for opportunities to do so.

 

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Take a Stand!

Posted on October 12, 2016 by jesustrek
Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Even liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spoken out against the protests of Colin Kaepernick and other football players who kneel during the national anthem. She says that their refusal to stand is “dumb and disrespectful.”

Ginsburg does recognize their right to conduct such a protest, and she is not trying to stop them. She says, “If they want to be stupid, there’s no law that should be preventive. If they want to be arrogant, there’s no law that prevents them from that.”

What is really stupid and arrogant is refusing to take a stand for Jesus.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”—Ephesians 6:13.

 

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Accepting the Facts

Posted on October 10, 2016 by jesustrek
Nicholson as Col. Jessep

Nicholson as Col. Jessep

In the movie “A Few Good Men”, Tom Cruise played the part of a prosecutor who was trying to pry the truth out of Col. Nathan Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson. Finally, Nicholson uttered what would become one of the most famous lines in movie history—“YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”

Many people in the world can’t handle the truth. They refuse to believe in God. They doubt that the Bible is God’s Word. They won’t accept the fact that Jesus is the only way to salvation. They don’t think that they will ever have to give an account to their Creator for how they lived their life.

Jessamyn West said, “We want the facts to fit the preconceptions. When they don’t it is easier to ignore the facts than to change the preconceptions.”

Refusing to accept reality leads to a life of misery, and, ultimately, to eternal destruction. How much better it is to put aside any preconceptions we may have and accept the truth of God’s Word!

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32.

 

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