Limited Production

Posted on April 26, 2016 by jesustrek

tree with fenceThere is a walnut tree near the end of the lane where I live. Although it still produces walnuts, the tree is not as productive as it could be.

For one thing, there is a huge vine that has grown around the tree for many years. When we moved there, I tried to cut away the vine, but the damage had already been done. The vine had obviously hindered the growth of the tree.

Secondly, there is the remains of an old fence that was nailed to the base of the tree many years ago. Whoever tacked the fence to this valuable tree was trying to take the easy way out. In doing so, the tree was harmed.

While the tree has shown a remarkable amount of resilience, it has suffered the consequences of having to deal with the vine and the fence for many years. Its productivity has no doubt been limited.

So it is with the effect of sin and distractions in our lives. The things that we allow to grow around us and be attached to us can hamper our effectiveness as we live for the Lord. How much better it would be for us and for those we are trying to serve if we could keep ourselves free from the things that limit our production.

“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”—Matthew 13:22.

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Respect the Danger

Posted on April 25, 2016 by jesustrek
That's her. Must have been a nice hat.

That’s her.
Must have been a nice hat.

I just saw a video of a woman who climbed over a fence at the Toronto Zoo to retrieve her hat that had fallen into the tiger’s cage. After successfully rescuing her hat, a man in the crowd berated her, calling her a “moron” and telling her that she had just set a terrible example for the children there.

What she did was indeed a foolish act. She should have shown more respect for such a powerful predator as a tiger. Her story could very well have had a tragic ending.

Other people face a tragic ending because they don’t understand the danger that Satan poses. They treat him much too casually and therefore put themselves in harm’s way. 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”—1 Peter 5:8-9.

 

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Practicing What You Preach

Posted on April 23, 2016 by jesustrek
Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan

I just read that comedian Tracy Morgan has cancelled a performance in Mississippi because of an incoming law that allows some workers to refuse to do business with certain individuals because of religious reasons. Singer Bryan Adams has also cancelled a scheduled appearance in the state for the same reason.

These decisions come after Ringo Starr and Bruce Springsteen said that they would not do shows in North Carolina because of that state’s policy that compels people to use public restrooms that correspond with their gender.

In a related issue, ESPN recently fired sportscaster Curt Schilling because of his comments about protecting people who go into public restrooms from the unwanted presence of someone who doesn’t belong there.

I am glad that Morgan, Adams, Starr, Springsteen and ESPN have the right to refuse to do business with anyone who does not share their beliefs about important matters. I long for the day when the hypocrisy of the left is seen for what it is, and the same liberties they enjoy are afforded to florists, photographers, bakers and others who do not wish to do business with people with whom they strongly disagree.

“…Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”—Matthew 23:3.

 

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Still Running

Posted on April 20, 2016 by jesustrek
Adrianne Haslet

Adrianne Haslet

Adrianne Haslet lost her left leg in the bombing that occurred near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Many thought that Haslet’s days of running marathons were over, but she proved them wrong. She entered the 2016 race, and although it took her 10 ½ grueling hours, she persevered and conquered the course.

Haslet’s carbon-fiber blade prosthesis dug painfully into her stump after just a few miles. By mile 7, she experienced swelling and blistering. At mile 14, she had to spend an hour in a medical tent. At that point, she wondered how she would ever finish the 26.2 mile race.

“It was unbearably painful,” Adrianne would later admit. But her determination, along with the cheers of encouragement from the crowd, helped her complete the course. Adrianne Haslet gives true meaning to the phrase “Boston Strong”!

The Bible refers to the Christian life as a race. It is not so much of a sprint; it is more of a marathon, requiring courage and endurance to finish successfully. Living for Jesus is not always easy. Sometimes the race can be very difficult. We have to remember the importance of finishing strong. Others are counting on us. And Jesus doesn’t want any of us to give up! Ever!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”—2 Timothy 4:7-8.

 

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Leading the Way

Posted on April 19, 2016 by jesustrek
Gov. Rick Snyder

Gov. Rick Snyder

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has apologized for his administration’s role in the lead-tainted water crisis in Flint. Furthermore, Snyder says that he will drink Flint water at home and at work for at least the next month to prove to residents that it is safe to drink the water with the use of a faucet filter.

Good leaders will take responsibility for their mistakes. They don’t pass the buck and try to blame someone else. They confess their own errors and take ownership of their short-comings.

It is also good for leaders to actually lead the way. It is one thing to say that the water is safe for consumption. It is another thing to drink the water yourself. In a time when there are so few credible leaders, people are desperate to see someone out in front, actually leading the way. Snyder’s example is refreshing, and is a good inspiration for anyone who is attempting to influence others.

“We have different gifts…if it is to lead, do it diligently…”–Romans 12:6-8.

 

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Knock at the Door

Posted on April 18, 2016 by jesustrek

Stand-at-the-doorOne of the most misunderstood verses of Scripture is Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Many people have used this verse as a tool to evangelize the lost. It is true that Jesus wants to come into the life of every lost person. However, in this verse Jesus is not talking to the lost. He is speaking to the lukewarm Christians at Laodicea. He is imploring them to be earnest and repent and to submit themselves to the loving rebuke and discipline that he has to offer (see v.19).

Looking at the context of this Scripture allows us to understand it correctly. Jesus wants to come into the life of a lukewarm Christian in such a way that he or she will be on fire for Jesus once more!

One thing that Jesus wants to do is to share a meal with repentant believers. What better time to do that than at communion time on the Lord’s Day! The Lord’s Supper is an excellent opportunity to examine your relationship with Jesus. He doesn’t want any lukewarm followers, only those who have a fire burning in their hearts to worship and serve him.

Do you hear a knock at the door?

 

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Finishing Strong

Posted on April 14, 2016 by jesustrek
Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant played the final game of his long and illustrious career for the Los Angeles Lakers last night, and it was a memorable performance. Before the home crowd, Bryant led his team to a come-from-behind victory over the Utah Jazz. The final score was 101-96. Kobe poured in an unbelievable 60 points! This script would be unbelievable even by Hollywood standards, and yet Kobe pulled it off.

This performance capped a year that was less than spectacular for Kobe as an individual and the Lakers as a team. It just goes to show that, even if you go through a rough spot, you can still have a good finish.

Paul the apostle had some trying times in his life, but he was determined to finish strong. Listen to what he says in Colossians 1:29—“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”

That’s some good encouragement for us to keep on doing our best for the Lord.

 

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Never Out of Fuel

Posted on April 13, 2016 by jesustrek

oil lampDr. Paul Brand was speaking to a medical college in India on “Let your light so shine before men that they may behold your good works and glorify your Father.” (Matthew 5:16). In front of the lectern was an oil lamp, with its cotton wick burning from the shallow dish of oil. As he preached, the lamp ran out of oil, the wick burned dry, and the smoke made him cough. He immediately used the opportunity to make a point.

“Some of us here are like this wick,” he said. “We’re trying to shine for the glory of God, but we stink. That’s what happens when we use ourselves as the fuel of our witness rather than the Holy Spirit.”

“Wicks can last indefinitely, burning brightly and without irritating smoke, if the fuel, the Holy Spirit, is in constant supply.”

 

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Reputation

Posted on April 11, 2016 by jesustrek
Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five years to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”—Warren Buffett.

We all can think of people who have allowed a weak moment or a poor decision ruin their reputation. Televangelists, athletes, politicians and others have fallen from grace because of one sin or another. It’s a shame when someone loses a career or a family or both because of their bad behavior.

We Christians especially have to be concerned about the type of example we set for others, because the world is watching. There is forgiveness available for those who stumble, but we mustn’t allow years of living for Jesus to become tarnished by a terrible mistake.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16.

 

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Off to a Bad Start

Posted on April 8, 2016 by jesustrek
Ernie Els

Ernie Els

Ernie Els got off to a terrible start on the very first hole on the opening day of The Masters yesterday. Just two feet away from making par, things went downhill quickly for Els. He missed the putt. Then he missed the next one. Then he missed again. He kept hitting the ball past the hole until he ended up with a quintuple-bogey 9. The disastrous first hole virtually assured Ernie that he will not be contending for the green jacket that goes to the winner.

Sometimes people get off to a poor start in life. In fact, the Bible says that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Thankfully, Jesus gives us a second chance. No matter how poorly you may have started, or no matter how badly you might have faltered along the way, Jesus can wipe the slate clean and give us the victory.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:57.

 

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