Lives Matter (Part 2)

Posted on July 19, 2016 by jesustrek

unborn-lives-matterOur nation is once again (still?) in mourning because of yet another senseless shooting. It seems like each day brings another such tragedy. One wonders if our flags will perpetually fly at half staff.

I have a theory about how human lives have come to be de-valued in our society. I think the blame can be traced, at least in part, to the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in our nation. The horrible decision to allow for innocent babies in the womb to be killed for little or no reason has led to a wholesale devaluing of life. From the womb to the tomb, human life is not considered as sacred as it once was.

However, nothing has changed in God’s eyes. Every single human being is created in God’s image, and he loves each one dearly. It must cause a loving God untold grief to see his precious creatures—whether a baby in the womb or a person killed by gunfire—to be callously destroyed.

All lives matter to God. They always have, and they always will.

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.”—Psalm 8:4-5.

 

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Lives Matter

Posted on July 18, 2016 by jesustrek

racial tensionTo say that there is a lot of racial tension in our nation would be a great understatement. From questionable use of deadly force by police to the assassinations of police officers, the violence is appalling.

Neither side seems to want to listen to the other. When one group says, “Black Lives Matter”, the others seem to take it that they mean that only black lives matter. When they reply with the statement, “All Lives Matter”, some perceive that to imply that some lives matter more than others. It seems that you can’t make a statement proclaiming the importance of anyone’s life without incurring the wrath of some group or individual.

We need to listen to each other. Let’s stop thinking the worst of others and start seeking to understand.

We need to listen to God. Every single person on earth has been created in God’s image, and therefore has inherent value. God sent his Son Jesus to die so that every single person could believe in him could be saved.

Lives matter. God loves police officers who fear for their lives every time they make a traffic stop. God loves young men who are understandably apprehensive when they are pulled over for “driving while black”. God loves everyone, therefore lives matter. Every single one.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16.

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Missed It by that Much!

Posted on July 15, 2016 by jesustrek
Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson

No one has ever shot a 62 in any major championship in professional golf. Phil Mickelson almost did that yesterday in the British Open. The key word is “almost”. His 16-foot putt on the 18th green caught the right side of the cup and stopped on the other side of the hole. Mickelson knew what was at stake when he putted, and he was clearly disappointed when the ball wouldn’t drop into the hole. He said, “That putt on 18 was an opportunity to do something historical.” Mickelson had to settle for a 63.

That’s the way it is in life. We have a chance to do something fantastic, but fall just short. You don’t make the grade you hoped for on the big test. You make it to the final 2 applicants, but the other person gets the dream job. The person you thought was the one you would spend the rest of your life with breaks off the relationship. A momentary lapse in judgment causes you to fall short of the high standards you set for yourself. There are any number of times we miss the mark, and it causes major disappointment in our lives.

Romans 3:23 says that we all “…have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” However, the very next verses assure us that we Christians “…all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith…” (vv.24-25).

Whenever you fall short of the goal, remember that forgiveness and redemption are available through Jesus!

 

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Go

Posted on July 15, 2016 by jesustrek

Pokemon GoPokemon Go is the latest craze to sweep the nation. This is a game that people play on their phones, searching for animated creatures in real-world places.

The game has gotten some people into trouble. Several have been asked to leave cemeteries, where the players could possibly be a nuisance to people who are grieving. Others have been issued citations for trespassing on private property. A 15-year-old girl in western Pennsylvania had to go to the hospital for treatment after being struck by a car as she crossed a busy highway while playing the game.

Still, many people continue to play Pokemon Go.

If only Christians would take so seriously the command Jesus gives us to “Go”!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”—Matthew 28:19-20.

 

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That Dangerous Ark!

Posted on July 14, 2016 by jesustrek

Ark EncounterThe Lexington Herald-Leader betrayed its liberal tendencies again yesterday. Their top story on the front page was about a letter sent by the Freedom From Religion Foundation to 1,000 school districts in 5 states. This letter warned educators about taking trips to see the Ark Encounter, the new amusement park in northern Kentucky which features a full-sized replica of Noah’s ark. The foundation fears that exposing children to such information would violate what they understand to be a constitutional separation between church and state.

Where do we begin to reply to such nonsense?

First of all, it is freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. No honest person could look at the writings and actions of our founding fathers and think that their intent was to shield people from all religious views.

Secondly, there is no such thing as separation of church and state, at least not the way it is proposed by some people today. Religion and government worked together in a positive way in our formative years as a nation, and we would do well to continue that precedent.

Finally, why is it so dangerous to expose children to the idea that the world was once decimated by a catastrophic flood? Several ancient cultures, from different places in the world, taught that there was once a world-wide flood that devastated the planet. Rather than dismiss these stories as legend, why not accept that they are true? The Bible teaches that the flood actually happened (Gen.6-9). Jesus believes that the flood literally occurred (Matt.24:36-39). The fossil evidence points to a world-wide catastrophic event that quickly killed and buried many kinds of creatures, preserving their remains for us to study.

Surely examining this evidence would not bring any harm to anyone, would it?

Not unless it pointed to a God that they hoped did not exist!

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Remember Our Roots

Posted on July 12, 2016 by jesustrek

american_flag_with_cross_1277126785Dr. Dick Damron, former history professor at Kentucky Christian University, was once asked in an interview, “Why is it important to study history?” He responded:

“We are developing a society of people who have no clue as to what it has meant to be an American. We have in many instances lost touch with the social, moral, and spiritual values that were so prominent in our development into the most powerful nation on the face of the earth. To those who have an understanding of history, the words ‘In God We Trust’ are not something to adorn our currency, but they are the very foundation upon which our country stands or falls. If we do not know where we have come from it is going to be very difficult to chart a course that would provide any real bearing as to where we want to go.”

This is so true!

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”—Hebrews 13:7.

 

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Bringing Peace

Posted on July 8, 2016 by jesustrek

world peaceYears ago there was a popular bumper sticker that read—“Visualize World Peace”. Peace is something that most people long for–but in a world filled with violence, conflict and strife–peace seems to be nothing more than an elusive dream.

Today’s headlines shout about the absence of peace. Demonstrators in Dallas protesting police shootings had to flee when gunfire erupted, killing 5 policemen and wounding 7 others. Other reports tell us that the war in Afghanistan will continue. Factions in the Mideast continue to kill one another. My own little town is still reeling from 2 separate shootings that took the lives of young, innocent members of our community.

Jesus certainly was right when he said that there would be continuing violence—wars and rumors of wars.

When will it all end? Who can put a stop to the senseless killings? Is there any hope?

Yes, there is hope, and that hope is in Jesus Christ. Someday Jesus will intervene. He will declare that time is no more, eternity will be ushered in, and all the violence will come to an immediate end. Every tear will be wiped dry and there will be no more pain or suffering.

In the meantime, we need to pray for peace, and we need to do whatever we can to promote peace in our little corner of the world. However, only Jesus can bring true and lasting peace.

Come, Lord Jesus!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6.

 

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Good News for All

Posted on July 7, 2016 by jesustrek

gospelThe good news about salvation through Jesus Christ is amazingly attractive to all people. It is simple enough for a young child to understand, yet deep enough to warrant the contemplation of deep-thinking scholars and philosophers.

In his sacrificial death, Jesus defeated sin for anyone who would put their trust in him through faith, confession, repentance and baptism. His resurrection from the dead proves his power that brings victory to all those who believe in him.

Again, it’s so simple a child can understand it. Yet, at the same time, this wonderful grace that we have been shown through Jesus deserves our life-long meditation.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16.

 

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The Influence of Wayne Smith

Posted on July 5, 2016 by jesustrek
Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith passed away last week, and his funeral service will be tomorrow at Southland Christian Church, the congregation that he loved so dearly and served so faithfully for so many years.

Wayne was known for his wit and humor, but also for his compassion. He was quick with a joke, but just as quick to shed a tear for someone who was hurting. He is famous for showing up, bucket of chicken in hand, to console people who were suffering or grieving.

Smith consistently made bold stands for the truth. When asked what he would be if he weren’t a conservative, he answered, “Ashamed!”

Wayne Smith was a great encourager of preachers, and was always concerned about their well-being. He and I only crossed paths a couple of times, and he probably didn’t even know who I was, but I always thought he would be someone I could turn to if I ever needed guidance or assistance in my ministry.

For that reason I plan to be among the many who will travel to Lexington to pay respect to this giant in the ministry. As Romans 13:7 says, “Give to everyone what you owe them…if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

 

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Summitt of Influence

Posted on June 30, 2016 by jesustrek
Pat Summitt

Pat Summitt

Many people are mourning the passing of one of the greatest coaches of all time, Pat Summitt, who coached the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team to 1,098 wins and 8 national championships. Coach Summitt is credited with raising the profile of women’s basketball—and women’s sports in general—to a much higher level of significance in our nation. Many girls and women are enjoying opportunities to compete and excel and—in some cases–to earn a paycheck, because of the impact Summitt had on the world of sports.

Coach Summitt had high expectations for herself and for those around her. She pursued excellence and pushed her players to do their best. Her drive and determination to succeed were contagious. She continues to be an inspiration, not only to those who knew her, but also to those who are familiar with the legacy she left behind.

We may not have such a big platform from which to lead, but we all have opportunities to influence those around us. Let us be faithful and diligent in impacting as many as we can for the kingdom of God.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”—Galatians 6:9.

 

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