Let’s say that, like many other people, you believe that there is a heaven and a hell. Let’s say that you understand that all people will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. And let’s say that you believe the words of Jesus when he said, “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Now let’s say that you never tell anyone this all-important truth.
What kind of person does that make you?
“…You will be my witnesses…”—Acts 1:8.
Once a month I sing and play guitar for a local group of senior citizens. I sing mostly pop, folk and country songs from years gone by. There is usually a lot of audience participation on “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane”. However, the crowd really comes to life on the songs I save for last—favorite old gospel hymns. The last few minutes of our time together becomes quite worshipful. As the singers lift up their praise to God, I often think to myself, “This is what it’s really all about! This is why I’m here!”
If you really think about it, we all are really here to worship God. That’s our purpose in life.
“…All things have been created through him and for him.”—Colossians 1:16.
Today is April 15, the day when taxes are due to be paid to the federal government. That reminds me of the fellow who once exclaimed, “I’m trying to live within my means, but the government won’t let me!”
Sometimes we complain about paying taxes, but Jesus says, “…Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21).
We understand that Jesus wants us to do the right thing by paying our taxes. However, did you catch the last part of that sentence? Maybe we should concentrate more on giving God what is due Him!
Cassie Bernall
On April 20, 1999, two deranged gunmen walked into Columbine High School in Colorado, hoping to kill as many of their classmates as they could. It is thought that they especially targeted athletes and Christians. At one point in the massacre, one of the killers pointed his gun at Cassie Bernall and asked her if she believed in God. She famously answered, “Yes”, and immediately was killed because of her faith.
If Cassie could stand that tall for Jesus, even with a gun in her face, I don’t suppose you and I will have any problem taking a stand for him today.
“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.
Lucy!?
I saw a picture of a statue that has caused a bit of an uproar in Celoron, New York. The statue was to honor a celebrity who had grown up in that town. People were complaining that the bronze sculpture didn’t look anything like the person it was supposed to represent.
I have to agree with the critics. After looking at the picture of the statue, I had no idea who it was supposed to be. Then I read that it was a statue of Lucille Ball. I never would have guessed who it was by looking at the sculpture.
The town has begun to raise funds in an effort to pay for a makeover for the sculpture.
I won’t lose any sleep over a statue that doesn’t look like Lucille Ball.
My concern is this—Do I look like Jesus?
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”—2 Corinthians 3:18.
I just found out that today is National Siblings Day. I didn’t even know that there was such a day, but it seems like a pretty good idea.
Luckily for me, I had already given my brother some cookies that he had been craving, so I guess I’ve got this covered. I didn’t see the other 4 siblings today, or I might have done something nice for them too.
Let’s also remember to be nice to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”—Galatians 6:10.
Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus participated in the par 3 contest at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. The 75-year-old, who is considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time, showed that he still has what it takes. Nicklaus pleased the crowd, and his playing partners, by scoring a hole-in-one.
This just goes to show that senior citizens can still accomplish great things. Older people have a lot to offer society, and they still can be productive in God’s kingdom.
Jacob, also known as Israel, lived to be 147, and the Bible says that toward the end of his life, “…Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.” (Genesis 47:28, 31).
May we all continue to worship and serve the Lord as long as we have breath to do so!
Occasionally I will see that one of my Facebook friends has used that public forum to point out the sin of a certain individual who has wronged him or her. While this lack of courage and tact is deplorable, it is especially disheartening when a professing Christian does this.
Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (Matthew 18:15).
A retired preacher once told me that this is the most disobeyed of all the commandments of Jesus. From what I see on Facebook, I can understand his point.
Why don’t people do what Jesus says in this Scripture? Do they really not know the right thing to do? Do they lack the courage or integrity to obey Jesus? Would they rather win an argument than to win a person over?
Who knows? We do know that it must make Jesus sad to see such disobedience. Sad, indeed.
Timeouts in football and basketball games give the athletes a short break to catch their breath and rehydrate. Those who give the players a drink are often overlooked, but they play an important part in the game. In order for the athletes to compete, they have to replenish the fluids that they lose as they sweat. The water and other drinks that they consume during the game give them the ability to continue to compete.
Staying hydrated is also important for those who are working hard in the kingdom of God. Jesus says, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42).
I don’t know if Jesus is talking about physical water or spiritual water here. Perhaps it is both. In any case, we should always strive to refresh others, literally and figuratively.
If somebody ever calls me a “water boy for Jesus”, I’m going to take that as a compliment!
My friend Janis tells a story about how her daughter used to have to prop open the door to her room so that the air would circulate. No matter what she tried to use for a doorstop, the door would eventually ease back to a closed position.
One day Janis noticed that her daughter had taken a small cross and wedged it in such a way that it kept the door propped open. At first she was horrified to see that her daughter had used a cross for such a menial task. It seemed highly inappropriate.
Upon further reflection, my friend decided that this was a good reminder of how Jesus opens up the door for us to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who allows us to enter God’s pasture.
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved…”—John 10:9.
Jesustrek 