Give Me Five!

Posted on January 19, 2016 by jesustrek

high_five_sunsetThe “High Five” is a gesture that has become commonplace in American society. It seems to have started when outfielder Glenn Burke ran over with his arm in the air to congratulate his teammate Dusty Baker, who had just hit his 30th home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977. Baker wasn’t sure what to do, so he slapped Burke’s hand. The rest is history. The move quickly caught on, and even small children enjoy the ritual of giving a high five.

I don’t know if the high five will ever replace the handshake in church on Sunday morning, but any encouraging gesture is appreciated!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”—Hebrews 10:24-25.

 

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Bearing the Burden

Posted on January 18, 2016 by jesustrek

BlowoutI recently saw a semi-truck pulling an empty trailer. I noticed that two of the tires on the trailer had blown out. However, the other tires on the trailer were more than able to carry the weight. The trucker was not stranded. He was able to make it in for the needed repairs.

This reminds us of how we all need to pull together. Sometimes we go through a rough stretch, and we feel like a tire that’s blown out. That’s when we need to count on others to carry the load for us. As we all pull together, we will not be stranded on the side of life’s highway; we will eventually make it to our destination.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2.

 

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Prefer Your Future

Posted on January 16, 2016 by jesustrek
Adam Edelen

Adam Edelen

Adam Edelen thought that he would begin serving his second term as Kentucky’s state auditor this month. Instead, he is back in the private sector, beginning a new chapter of his life. He, and most other Democrats seeking election to statewide offices, were defeated in an election in which voters leaned heavily toward the Republican candidates.

After the election defeat, Edelen took a vacation with his wife. Then he got on with his life. He said, “It was disconcerting, but I got over it in a couple of days because you’ve got to prefer your future to your past.”

That’s pretty good advice. Too many people—and too many churches—do not respond well to adversity. While we can learn from the past, we must not dwell there. Let’s prefer our future.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 3:13-14.

 

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Truly Thankful

Posted on January 14, 2016 by jesustrek
Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was named best supporting actor for his role in Creed at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. Sly became so emotionally overwhelmed by the standing ovation he received that he forgot to thank a couple of people who normally receive recognition from winners. He neglected to acknowledge lead actor Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler. When he realized his oversight, he returned to the stage during a commercial break to try to rectify his mistake.

Coogler was not upset over what happened. Calling it an honest mistake, he said, “I love the guy and definitely don’t think it was intentional at all. He has already thanked us so much.”

Sometimes we realize that we have forgotten to give God the thanks that he deserves. Let’s live our lives in such a way that the Lord knows that it was a mistake, and that we have already thanked him for so much.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

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Sad Sight

Posted on January 13, 2016 by jesustrek

Lake-Cumberland-State-Resort-ParkI attended the Kentucky State Ministers Retreat at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park this week. As usual, it was a refreshing and inspiring couple of days. The preaching, worship, fellowship and food were all delightful.

Sometimes I extend my stay a day or two and relax at the park’s indoor swimming pool. This year, however, I was informed when I booked my room that the pool was closed for repairs. So I only stayed two days and one night. It was a sad sight when I walked by the pool and saw that it was bone dry and not going to be used for a while.

It’s also sad to see a dry and unused baptistery.

“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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A Father’s Influence

Posted on January 9, 2016 by jesustrek
Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza was recently voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The former New York Mets catcher credits his father for getting him to the major leagues by forcing him to get into a batting cage every day.

His father now jokes that he could have been arrested for child abuse. Mike said, “He was probably closer to going over the top than most parents today.”

His father’s diligence paid off. Piazza had a great career, and he is still reaping the benefits of his father’s influence.

Hebrews 12:4-13 reminds us that our heavenly Father has our best interests in mind, even when it seems that he is being too harsh with us. Quite often, God’s discipline is just what we need to become the person that he wants us to be. We will someday come to appreciate his divine influence.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”—Hebrews 12:11.

 

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Variety

Posted on January 8, 2016 by jesustrek
Griffey (L), Piazza (R)

Griffey (L), Piazza (R)

Last year’s inductions into the Baseball Hall of Fame included 6-foot-10 Randy Johnson and 5-foot-11 Pedro Martinez. This year’s inductees represent a different kind of contrast. Ken Griffey Jr. was the number 1 overall pick in the draft, while Mike Piazza was taken in the 62nd round with the 1,390th pick, the lowest draft choice ever to make it to Cooperstown.

In the same way, there are a variety of different people in the church. We all have different duties, gifts and talents. Some look more impressive than others, but we all are equally loved by God, and we all have an important role to play in the kingdom.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”—1 Corinthians 12:27.

 

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The Kid Has What It Takes

Posted on January 7, 2016 by jesustrek
Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Jr. was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame yesterday. It was nearly unanimous, with Griffey receiving a record 99.3% of the vote total.

Needless to say, Griffey’s selection to the hall comes as no surprise. It seems as if he were born to play the game. His swing has been described as the best ever. While best known for his skill for hitting home runs—his 630 homers rank sixth all-time—Griffey could do it all, offensively and defensively.

When the 17-year-old Griffey was signed by the Seattle Mariners, he showed up for batting practice at the Kingdome and made the stadium look small with his impressive drives.

Former Mariner Mike Brumley once said this about Griffey: “High school cost him three years on the major league pension plan.”

Sometimes young players are just that good.

And sometimes young people have the opportunity and the ability to do great things for God. Think of young David slaying Goliath. Remember Esther approaching the king on behalf of her people, or Mary agreeing to carry the Son of God in her womb.

Let’s remember that God has a history of using young people to do great things.

 

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Sounding Off

Posted on January 5, 2016 by jesustrek

patienceSeveral years ago, I clocked out at my second shift factory job at about 11:30pm. On the way home, I pulled up to a red light and stopped behind a car that had several people in it. I recognized them as co-workers who were carpooling. They were talking and laughing, happy to be on their way home after a long day’s work.

I decided I would have some fun with them. The instant that the light turned green, I laid on the car horn. They quickly looked back, shocked and angry that someone would be so impatient and so rude.

I confessed my “sin” to them the next day and we had a good laugh about it.

We are often much too quick to sound off when we are impatient. Perhaps we should relax, slow down and think before acting or speaking in situations where our patience is put to the test. After all, patience is part of the proof that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…patience…”—Galatians 5:22.

 

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Chosen Apparel

Posted on January 4, 2016 by jesustrek

Lions jacketA truck driver from out of town recently commented on the jacket I was wearing, which had a Lion embroidered on the front. He said, “You don’t see too many Detroit fans around here.”

I explained to him that the Lion on my jacket represented our local high school team, not the NFL team in Detroit.

Just as our clothing reveals our sports preferences, our actions show whether or not we are following Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible compares our attitudes and deeds to clothing that we wear.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”—Colossians 3:12.

Are you dressed appropriately today?

 

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