Not that Long

Posted on May 16, 2013 by jesustrek

Once while checking into a hotel, I was pushing a cart loaded with our luggage. As I plugged along, I underestimated the size of the elevator and rammed the cart into the back wall. I made a lot of noise, but, fortunately, did not cause any damage.

Unfortunately, many people underestimate the length of their lives. They think they have plenty of time left, so they keep plugging along, not getting around to doing the important things that they are saving for later. “Later” never comes for many people, and they are suddenly surprised to come to an abrupt end of their life.

Never assume that you have plenty of time left. The Bible says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14).

With that in mind, let’s treat every day as if it is very important.

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Right Kind of Influence

Posted on May 15, 2013 by jesustrek
Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow

In a survey recently released by Forbes.com, Tim Tebow was named the most influential athlete in the USA. This is refreshing news, especially when we consider the lifestyles of other athletes who influence our culture.

Tebow says this regarding the honor: “I see it as a great responsibility to be a role model for future generations. That’s something I care about more than winning football games. If I can take the game of football and can transcend football, go to hospitals and make kids smile, I’ll be doing things that matter.”

We Christians are glad to see role models like Tim Tebow, who influence people for Christ. We should pray for Tebow’s strength and holiness. The world hates him, and would like nothing better than to see him falter in some way.

Not many of us have the kind of platform afforded to a professional athlete. However, we should do whatever we can to be the salt and light that Jesus calls us to be (Matthew 5:13-16). Let us always strive to influence as many people as we can for Jesus.

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OK in the Corral

Posted on May 14, 2013 by jesustrek

Limousin

An advertisement in the newspaper described the positive qualities of the Limousin bulls that a breeder had for sale. The buyer could choose between red or black. The bulls were qualified for a desirable genetics program. They were double polled, meaning that their offspring should not have horns.

 Also mentioned was the fact that the bulls had a “calm disposition”. This may seem like a strange fact to mention in a livestock ad, but cattlemen know that Limousins have a reputation for being somewhat ornery and mean. This is not a desirable characteristic if you are going to be working with cattle.

I think I’ve been to church with some Limousins.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”—Philippians 4:5.

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Chemistry Test

Posted on May 13, 2013 by jesustrek
Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson has just announced that he is leaving American Idol after being a judge on the show for 12 years. He and fellow original judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul helped make the show a cultural sensation, but Jackson feels that it is time to concentrate on other endeavors.

Jackson’s decision may be due in part to the lack of chemistry between the current judges on the show. MJ Santilli, who talks about various singing competitions on mjsbigblog.com, describes the animosity between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj as “poisonous.” The judges’ inability to relate well to one another probably has something to do with the show’s declining popularity. Santilli says, “What they need to do next time is some chemistry-testing before they hire anybody.”

Poor chemistry can drastically hamper any team, even a leadership team in the local church. The atmosphere is tense and production is limited when co-leaders are having trouble working together.

The Bible says that before men are appointed as deacons, they must first be tested (1 Timothy 3:10). Only then are they to serve as deacons.

Part of that test should be to see if they are able to work well with those who are already on the leadership team. It’s better to leave a harmonious team intact than to add someone who will disrupt the chemistry. Remember this principle the next time you consider adding someone new to the mix in your group of church leaders.

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Mother’s Encouragement

Posted on May 13, 2013 by jesustrek
Stephen Curry with his mother, Sonya, in 2008

Stephen Curry with his mother, Sonya, in 2008

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was concerned about his injured left ankle and his team’s fortunes in the NBA playoffs. Then he received a late night phone call from his Mom on Mother’s Day weekend. She gave him a much-needed pep talk, and Stephen responded with a fine performance in Sunday’s game. He scored 22 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out 4 assists in helping his team to a come-from-behind overtime victory over the San Antonio spurs. The win evened the series between the two teams at 2 games apiece.

Even on Mother’s Day, it seems that Moms are always the ones doing the giving, and the children receive the blessing. Let’s never take our mothers for granted!

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”—Proverbs 31:29.

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Destiny

Posted on May 10, 2013 by jesustrek

possum

This morning I looked out my kitchen window and saw what I first thought was a cat walking across the yard toward the house. I quickly realized that this was no cat; it was an opossum.

It is not that unusual to see a possum in our small town. However, it is unusual to see one alive! They are more often spotted dead on the road.

Fascinated by this rare sighting, I rushed out of the house to confront the trespasser. Startled, she turned and ambled back in the other direction. I know it was a “she” because she had several babies clinging to her back. She thought about “playing possum”, doing a couple of rolls onto her back. However, she kept moving, perhaps thinking that playing dead was too great a chance to take with this huge, frightening creature so close to her and her babies.

She soon made it to safety underneath our equipment shed. My adventure was over.

I suppose she will move on soon, probably under the cover of darkness. But I couldn’t help but wonder about her final destination. Will she, like so many of her kind, end up as roadkill?

And I was reminded of the ultimate destiny of all mankind—to stand before God and give account for our lives (Hebrews 9:27-28).

May we be mindful of our final destiny as we live each day.

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The Value of Wisdom

Posted on May 9, 2013 by jesustrek

 

On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., we took a bus tour of the city. As our guide informed us of the significance of the sights we were seeing, he pointed out a larger-than-life statue of Albert Einstein. We quickly noticed that the nose of the famous scientist was much shinier than the rest of the statue. Our guide said that this is because many visitors touch Einstein’s nose, hoping that some of his knowledge and wisdom will rub off on them.

 

I have doubts about the effectiveness of this practice. However, the Bible makes it plain that we are to diligently seek the knowledge and wisdom of God.

 

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”—Proverbs 4:7.

 

Have you read your Bible today?

 

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Blinded by Pride

Posted on May 8, 2013 by jesustrek

blindfolded

I once tried (unsuccessfully) to help a church move from their manmade democratic form of running the church to the biblical pattern of elder governance. During the teaching process, one lady claimed that she should have just as much say as the elders in major decisions in the church. She insisted, “I have just as much of the Holy Spirit in me as the elders do!”

Her pride kept her from acknowledging that the Holy Spirit gifts each Christian in different ways, and he does not gift all of us to lead.

Just as pride is the downfall of many individuals, this particular sin keeps many churches from reaching their fullest potential. If you want to see great victories for the Lord, you can’t allow yourself to be blinded by pride.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”—James 4:10.

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Give of Your Best to the Master

Posted on May 7, 2013 by jesustrek

Turkey-Cartoon1

A lady once called the hotline of a company that sold turkeys. She wanted to know if it would be safe to eat a turkey that had been in her freezer for 20 years. The customer representative informed her that it would be safe to consume the turkey, but it would be tough and tasteless after being in the freezer for that long.

“That’s what I suspected,” the lady replied. “I suppose I’ll just donate it to the church.”

Whatever it is we give to the church—time, service, donations, etc.—let’s make sure that we aren’t just giving God useless leftovers. Let’s give him our very best. After all, that’s what he gave us!

“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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Felt the Pain

Posted on May 6, 2013 by jesustrek

batter2

The boy coming up to pinch hit was by far the smallest player on his baseball team, but he approached the batter’s box with great zeal and determination. Pounding the plate with his bat, he eagerly awaited the first pitch.

Then, surprisingly, as soon as the pitcher went into his windup, the batter let out a yelp and ran out of the batter’s box. He stood about 10 feet away from home plate with his back to the pitcher and a grimace on his face. The pitch was over the plate, and the umpire called, “Strike one!”

The batter jumped back into the box and again pounded the plate with his bat. Again the pitcher’s initial move to the plate caused the young batter to retreat in fear. The umpire called, “Strike two!”

The exact same thing happened on the third pitch, and the batter went back to the bench.

My curiosity was answered by a conversation that took place behind me. One of the parents explained to another that the batter had been hit by a pitch previously, and now he was scared of the ball. As much as he wanted to dig in at the plate and smack the ball, his fear paralyzed him and prevented him from accomplishing his heart’s desire.

This reminded me of how some people have a great desire to be a part of the church, but they have been hurt in the past. The gossip, criticism or rejection that they experienced is still painful, and it paralyzes them. As much as they want to serve, they dare not risk feeling that awful pain all over again.

The church is made up of imperfect people who sometimes make hurtful mistakes, but let’s do our best not to inflict pain on others. We need every player we have to be in the game, giving their very best!

“Let your gentleness be evident to all…”—Philippians 4:5.

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