Which Direction?

Posted on November 5, 2012 by jesustrek

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”—Ecclesiastes 10:2.

Now you know how to vote in the upcoming election.

All right, I know that the Scripture verse quoted above was written long before the United States developed its current left/right political spectrum. However, we do have some choices to make on moral (not “social”) issues that reflect either the wisdom or the foolishness of the human heart.

If you look to the left, you will see those who claim we should proceed down the path that offers abortion on demand, a rejection of God’s definition of marriage and restrictions on religious freedoms. How foolish!

However, if you look to the right, you will find people who defend human life in the womb, uphold the sanctity of marriage and want everyone to be able to express their faith in God freely. This would obviously be a wise path to take.

Billy Graham has taken out full-page ads in USA Today, reminding us of the serious nature of the election this year. He urges us to vote correctly on matters that are directly related to godliness and righteousness.

I, too, urge you to vote for godly men and women who will make decisions that will help our nation get on the right path. Don’t be foolish. Show a heart of wisdom when you vote in this election.

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True Colors

Posted on November 2, 2012 by jesustrek

A Massachusetts fisherman recently caught a rare lobster that is half orange and half black, with the colors split down the middle. Such coloration is estimated to occur only once in every 50 million lobsters.

Far more common are people who seem to be of two different colors. They try to keep one foot in the kingdom of God and the other foot in the world. Their thoughts and actions often conflict with their professed beliefs.

The Bible says that such a person is easily tossed back and forth by the wind; that “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 1:6-8).

This certainly doesn’t seem to be how God wants us to live. We are challenged to make consistent decisions about important matters. Joshua 24:15 says, “…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

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Our Daily Candy

Posted on November 1, 2012 by jesustrek

I enjoyed handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters who came to our door last evening. Some are quick to tell me why they have come. Others simply stand there and hold out their bag for me to put candy in.

I decided that I would have a little fun by waiting until they asked me for candy. If they said nothing, I would stand there as if I had no idea about the purpose of their visit. I might even ask how I could help them. Sometimes they would receive a little coaching from an accompanying adult or older sibling. Others would figure it out for themselves that I was waiting for them to say the magic words—“Trick or treat!”

Jesus teaches that God knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 6:32), yet we are still exhorted, “Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7). We are told to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11).

Even though God knows our wants and needs, he still wants us to express them to him. He wants to hear the voice of his children. He desires for us to humble ourselves and admit our need for our heavenly Father.

Let’s not disappoint him.

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Shouldn’t Be Doing That!

Posted on October 31, 2012 by jesustrek

My wife and I had just moved into our current home about a week before Halloween a couple of years ago. I wasn’t home when trick-or-treating began that year, so Karen was left alone to give out candy to the multitude of little goblins that descended on our neighborhood.

One of our first trick-or-treaters was a teenage girl. The girl handed her lit cigarette to her boyfriend, who remained near the street as she came up on our porch, held out a bag and said, “Trick or treat!”

Karen put some candy into her bag, but she couldn’t resist giving a little unsolicited advice—“If you’re old enough to smoke, you’re too old to trick-or-treat!”

When Karen later told me what she had done, my first thought was that the new preacher’s wife was going to be labeled “mean and judgmental”. My second thought was that I was glad she had given this mild rebuke. Perhaps it made the girl think about the choices she was making.

It’s often difficult to decide when to step in and say something critical about someone else’s behavior. However, the Bible says that there are times when that is the proper action to take. Let’s make sure we use discernment and discretion when deciding to correct someone.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”—Galatians 6:1.

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Chosen

Posted on October 30, 2012 by jesustrek

Lebron James

When Mike Krzyzewski coached the USA Olympic men’s basketball team, he noticed that Lebron James had a huge tattoo that says, “Chosen 1”. Krzyzewski said, “I think I’m going to get one of those.” James leaned over and replied, “No, coach, there’s only one chosen one.”

In Christianity, there are many chosen ones. Countless men, women and young people all across the world can call themselves blessed to be included among God’s family.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9.

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I Want to Be There

Posted on October 29, 2012 by jesustrek

I want to be there when you fall and scrape your knee
I want to pick you up, brush you off, put you back up on your feet
I’ll tell you, “Sometimes life is painful, but there’s healing too, you see”
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when you cost your team the game
You had a chance to be the hero, but it didn’t bounce your way
I want to put my arm around you and tell you, “There’s more games to play”
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when you have doubts about your faith
You’re not the first to ask those questions, not the first to go astray
I want to point you back to Jesus, you know, he really is the way
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when your world just falls apart
I know you meant those vows forever, now it simply breaks your heart
I want to help you pick the pieces up and make a brand new start
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when your loved ones pass away
I want to walk each step beside you, though I won’t know what to say
I’ll be a shoulder you can cry on, I’ll help you through that day
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when the doctor brings bad news
And while he’s laying out your options, I’ll be saying prayers for you
I’ll ask the Lord who loves you so to take good care of you
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when we both turn old and gray
And from the way you’re looking now my friend, that could be any day
I want to know the joy of friendship that stays and stays and stays
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there when the Lord says, “Enter in!”
When they open up those pearly gates, let’s walk through hand in hand
Eternity’s just long enough for you to be my friend
I want to be there, I want to be there

I want to be there for you, I want to be there
I want to be with you, my friend, I want to be there
I want to be there with you, I want to be there

                        By Tom Cox

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That Settles It

Posted on October 25, 2012 by jesustrek

Years ago there was a bumper sticker that read: “God Said It—I Believe It—That Settles It.”

I used to think that was a pretty good slogan. Then someone pointed out that it could be a little misleading. If God said it, that settles it, whether you or I or anyone else believes it or not.

God’s truth will not change in response to anyone’s inability or unwillingness to accept it. This applies to the great moral issues of the day, such as abortion and sexual immorality of all kinds. It applies to the commandments to worship God, to help the poor, to work and be productive, etc.

How ridiculous to think that God is anxiously awaiting our approval of each item on his agenda before he goes on about his business!

Someone once said that we should never put a question mark where God has put a period.

If God said it, that settles it.

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”—Psalm 119:160.

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By the Numbers

Posted on October 24, 2012 by jesustrek

After lights out, the inmates of the prison took turns calling out numbers, which caused the other inmates to burst out in laughter.

“#23!” “Ha! Ha! Ha!”

“#17!” “Ha! Ha! Ha!”

“#42!” “Ha! Ha! Ha!”

A new prisoner asked his cellmate what was going on. He explained that a book of jokes had been passed around the prison for so long that all the inmates knew every joke by heart. They had even memorized their numbers. So, in order to save time, instead of telling a joke, they just shouted out a number to entertain each other.

The newcomer thought he would give it a try, so he shouted, “#35!”

The silence was deafening. (Cue the chirping crickets.)

“What’s wrong?” asked the new guy. “Why aren’t they laughing?”

“I guess some people just don’t know how to tell a joke!”

Some verses of Scripture are so familiar that we only have to hear their reference number and many of us can nod in agreement as we experience the joy of God’s truth.

“John 3:16!”

“Philippians 4:13!”

“Romans 8:28!”

It’s your turn.

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Lost and Found

Posted on October 23, 2012 by jesustrek

Corn mazes have become a popular activity for many people. Some farmers have found that they can make some extra money by taking advantage of this trend.

One of the more elaborate corn mazes is at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, California, where Mark and Matt Cooley have designed a course that winds its way through 53 acres of corn. It can take visitors up to two hours to find their way out.

I don’t know about you, but this is not my idea of a fun time. I can get lost easily enough on my own. I can’t imagine paying money to become any more confused than I already am!

Sometimes life seems like a maze. Many people are wandering around in a state of moral confusion. They are lost, and it seems unlikely that they will ever get back on the right track.

Thankfully, God has given us a map to safety, the Bible. His Word will lead us on the right path and will guide us safely through life’s maze.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”—Proverbs 16:25.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”—Psalm 119:105.

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Bullet-Proof

Posted on October 22, 2012 by jesustrek

Officer John Rainey, of the Nicholasville (KY) police department, got out of his cruiser last Friday evening to investigate a man who was acting suspiciously. The suspect opened fire on Rainey, striking him in the back.

Fortunately, Officer Rainey was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, and the only injury he received was a severe bruise. The protective body wear at least kept Rainey from serious injury, and perhaps saved his life.

Scripture makes it clear that the devil is taking aim at each of us, hoping to inflict great harm. Our only hope is to put on the armor that God gives us (Ephesians 6:10-18). Only then can we be guaranteed to have full protection against spiritual harm.

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”—Ephesians 6:2.

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