Good Prevails

Posted on September 11, 2013 by jesustrek

ground zeroMany things changed after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001.

For one thing, we saw a resurgence of patriotism in the United States. The National Anthem and “God Bless America” stirred our emotions more deeply than before. The presentation of the American flag seemed more special.

Second, we gained a greater appreciation for first responders, those who rush toward the danger instead of away from it, because they know that others need their help. Soldiers, police, firefighters and EMTs are now given the respect and admiration that they have always deserved.

Finally, many of us saw the need to reaffirm our status as a nation that was founded “under God”. Having been given a stark reminder that we are in a constant battle between good and evil, some people started to get serious about prayer, Bible study, worship, service and righteous living.

All of this serves to remind us that, even out of unspeakable acts of evil, God can make good things happen. We can agree with what Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20).

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We Want to Remember

Posted on September 11, 2013 by jesustrek

9-11September 11, 2001 is forever cemented in the minds of Americans. Anyone who is old enough to recall the tragic events of that day will never forget what he or she was doing when they first heard that our nation was under attack. In fact, we don’t want to forget; we want to remember.

Our town had a memorial service this morning at 9:11am. We had patriotic music and speeches and a 21-gun salute. We also prayed and released balloons into the air. Like many others across the nation, we wanted to remember what happened on that fateful day when so many innocent people died.

We also want to recall the time when an innocent person named Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. Jesus gave us a beautiful memorial service to help us remember him. Every time we take communion it ensures that we will not forget what happened that day when Jesus laid down his life on the cross so that we could be saved.

“…Do this in remembrance of me.”—Luke 22:19.

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Better Take that Call!

Posted on September 10, 2013 by jesustrek

phone ringingLast night I attended a Christian men’s meeting. We enjoyed a nice meal and worshiped together. The meeting concluded with a song that we all sang together as people were invited to respond to the preaching.

Just as we began to sing that last song, someone’s cell phone started ringing. The song we launched into was an old Fanny J. Crosby hymn—“Jesus Is Calling”!

Whether it is for salvation, repentance or instruction, we need to be constantly listening for the voice of Jesus.

“…He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”—John 10:3.

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Faithful Husband

Posted on September 9, 2013 by jesustrek
Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson

Former professional baseball and football player Bo Jackson was once asked how he avoided the sexual temptations that seem to plague professional athletes. He responded that there were a couple of reasons why he didn’t pay any attention to the women who pursued him. First, he wouldn’t want any woman who chased after a married man. Second, his wife knew how to use a gun!

There are all sorts of good reasons for a husband to remain faithful to his wife. The most important reason is that God commands it.

“You shall not commit adultery.”—Exodus 20:14.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”–Ephesians 5:25.

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Feeling Clean

Posted on September 6, 2013 by jesustrek

man in poolWhile on vacation recently, I felt exceptionally clean one morning. I started the day with a brisk walk. Having worked up a sweat, I showered before breakfast. Then I spent some time in the motel’s pool. Afterward, wanting to wash off the chlorine, I found myself in the shower again.

I started thinking, “Hmmm. I’ve been in the pool and had two showers already this morning. I wonder when I ever felt this clean?”

Maybe it was when I was baptized.

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”—Acts 22:16.

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Beware the Grinch!

Posted on September 4, 2013 by jesustrek

Grinch1Jesse Simpson, 27, of Covington, Kentucky, recently pleaded guilty to three counts of breaking and entering. Simpson and an accomplice broke into a Toys for Tots warehouse in the early morning hours of December 24, 2011, according to authorities. They stole tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of toys that had been collected for needy children. This Grinch-like crime has angered a lot of people because it involved children, and it took place during Christmas, a time when many people think about being generous.

There is another Grinch we need to be concerned about. The devil will try to steal every blessing that our heavenly Father wants to give his children. Don’t let him get away with it! Resist him! Stand firm in your faith and be ready to receive every good gift that God offers you.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”—John 10:10

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Standing Tall

Posted on September 3, 2013 by jesustrek

Mt McKinley

Mt McKinley

At 20,320 feet, Mt. McKinley in Alaska is the tallest mountain in North America. It is the third highest peak in the world, trailing only Mt. Everest in Nepal and Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina.

Geologists are surprised that Mt. McKinley is so tall, since it is located 300 miles inland, far from the tectonic activity of Alaska’s west coast area. In other words, located where it is, Mt. McKinley should not be nearly as tall as it is.

I don’t have any explanation for this, but it does cause me to think about something else that is difficult to explain. Do you know people who have come out of nowhere to stand tall in some way? A young lady is the first from her family to attend college, and yet she excels academically. A young man from a broken home, who practically raised himself, is a model of virtue. Another young person escapes the cycle of alcohol and drugs that has plagued her and goes on to live an exemplary life.

Let’s applaud those who have refused to play the role of victim. And let’s get rid of any excuses that keep us from being all that God created us to be.

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Neglected Words

Posted on September 2, 2013 by jesustrek
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

A childhood accident caused poet Elizabeth Barrett to live very cautiously in her early years. Perhaps this is why her father became so over-protective of her.

Mr. Barrett disapproved of his daughter’s courtship with Robert Browning. When they married in 1846, they did so secretly because they did not want to incur the wrath of her father.

After the wedding, Robert and Elizabeth left for Italy, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Even though they disowned her, Elizabeth tried to reconcile with her parents. Nearly every week, she wrote to them, but they never did reply.

Years later, Elizabeth received a large box in the mail. It contained all the letters she had written to her parents. Not one of the letters had been opened.

Today, those letters are treasured as some of the most beautiful classical English literature. If her parents had only taken the time to read them, those loving words might have led them to be reconciled to their daughter.

The most loving words written to mankind are recorded in the Bible. There we read of God’s unconditional love for the people he created. He loves us so much he sent his Son Jesus to die for us! His love for us continues, even when we fail him.

What a shame that so many people neglect to read these loving words, thereby rejecting any hope of reconciliation.

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”—Revelation 1:3.

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Hope for Our Society

Posted on August 29, 2013 by jesustrek

Now that we have had a few days to think about Miley Cyrus’ controversial, raunchy performance on MTV’s Video Music Awards, maybe we can see a silver lining in this story. It seems that the overwhelming majority of viewers who tweeted their reactions to the show expressed shock and outrage. Perhaps this means that we have finally reached rock bottom and are now fed up with indecent words and actions that are being passed off as entertainment.

Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker sees a glimmer of hope for our society. She writes, “In free societies, the call to civilized behavior is strictly voluntary. Like democracy, it has to be willed by the people by community consent. To that end, Cyrus inadvertently may have performed a public service. Provocation for the sake of provocation is rarely provocative. When all things are permissible, then permissiveness loses its allure. And the pendulum always comes back.”

Here’s hoping she’s right.

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Best Speech

Posted on August 29, 2013 by jesustrek

We recently marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. King’s speech is one of the most famous in human history.

There are many reasons why this speech stands out. For one thing, its message was sorely needed, with racial tensions at a boiling point. Secondly, it was delivered by an excellent orator. Third, it contained an unforgettable hook, that wonderful line that gives the speech its name.

Dr. King has become so associated with “I Have a Dream” that it is difficult to picture him without thinking about his most famous speech.

Here’s a thought. If people remembered you for the most memorable speech you ever delivered, what would that speech be? Would it be a good thing or a bad thing?

I suppose a lot of us hope that our best speech is still ahead of us!

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