The Greatest Commandment

Posted on September 15, 2010 by jesustrek
Tony Blair

Former British prime minister Tony Blair wrote an article titled “Why Faith Matters” that appeared in the September 12 edition of Parade magazine. In the article, Blair talks about his Christian faith, but he betrays a woeful lack of understanding of that faith.

Blair recalls a time in his youth when he confided in an “ordained” teacher that his father didn’t believe in God. He says that his teacher’s reply made a lasting impression on him. The teacher said, “That doesn’t matter. God believes in him. He loves him without demanding or needing love in return.”

How sad that Blair’s spiritual formation was based largely on a comment that was false. While it is true that God loves everyone, even non-believers, it is not true that faith doesn’t matter. Since we are saved through faith (Eph.2:8), faith matters a great deal.

Nor is it true that God does not demand our love in return for his. In response to the question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matt.22:36-38).

God’s greatest desire is that we love him. He commands us to do so, and Jesus says that this is the greatest commandment of all. If a person refuses to obey the greatest commandment, does that make him the greatest sinner? What do you think?

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Harvest Time

Posted on September 14, 2010 by jesustrek

It is harvest time in Indiana. As I write these words, I can hear farm machinery operating across the road from my house. The farmer is harvesting his crop of soybeans. (Who says Indiana is nothing but cornfields!?). He knows that winter is just around the corner. If he doesn’t get the crop in before bad weather sets in, it will be too late. There is a season for the harvest, and those who participate in it must be about their work.

Jesus says that the fields are ready for harvest, meaning that the time is right to bring people into his kingdom. People are searching for truth; they are desperate for hope. They long for something that gives meaning to the human existence. Most people are seeking more than this life has to offer. We Christians hold the key to eternal life—Jesus Christ. Jesus has given us this most important truth and has commissioned us to share it with whomever we can.

So when you see a farmer working to harvest his crop, be reminded of the task that Jesus has set before us. Now is the time to get involved in the harvest. Pray for more workers. Invite someone to church. Share the good news with someone who has not yet believed it. Give money to mission work. Be an active part of a church that is serious about saving people. There are many ways to be an important part of this vital work, so don’t delay. Wherever you are, it’s harvest time!

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An Honest Day’s Work

Posted on September 13, 2010 by jesustrek

I recently saw a fellow wearing a T-shirt that had the following message—“Silly Liberals! Paychecks are for Workers!”

No matter how you vote, you have to admit that the Bible warns against laziness and encourages people to work for a living. Prov.14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Paul had this to say to the Christians at Thessalonica—“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.” (2 Thess.3:10-12).

Individuals, families, and yes, even our nation, would do well to learn this biblical principle—Honest work is profitable and laziness should not be rewarded.

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Destructive Fires

Posted on September 12, 2010 by jesustrek

The wildfire that began in Colorado on Labor Day has become the most destructive wildfire in the history of the state. About 3,500 people had to flee their homes as the fire spread to over 6,000 acres, or about 9 and a half square miles. At least 169 homes were destroyed, and others were damaged. At one point, the plume from the fire could be seen 90 miles away. About 700 firefighters have been dispatched to battle the blaze. Thankfully, there have been no reports so far of injuries or deaths, but the damage has been so extensive that Gov. Bill Ritter has declared a state of emergency.

The Bible says that we can do a lot of damage with our tongues if we are not careful. “…Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5b-6).

Besides gossip, lies and threats, there are a lot of harmful words that escape from our lips. We may never know the extent of the damage we have caused with a simple, careless phrase. Let us all be diligent in trying to control the most difficult of all beasts to tame—our own tongue.

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Responding to Evil

Posted on September 11, 2010 by jesustrek

Nine years ago today, the world was forever changed for many people. The horrific events of September 11, 2001, reminded us of the true nature of the struggle between good and evil. Some seem to have forgotten the lesson, but many of us will never forget and we will never falter in our resolve to stand for what is right.

The proper response of government is laid out in Rom.13:1-7. It is the duty of those in authority to use whatever means necessary to protect its citizens against attacks from evil people.

Psalm 37 tells us how an individual should respond to evil. We should be patient and commit our way to the Lord, trusting him to bring about justice in the end.

However, the Bible does not say that we must acquiesce to those who practice false religion or that we must be tolerant of their wicked ways. Jesus made it plain that he is the only way to God (John 14:6). Those who disagree are eternally wrong, and we must never waver on that truth.

There is an old hymn that says: “This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget; that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”

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T-Shirt Evangelism

Posted on September 11, 2010 by jesustrek

One of my favorite T-shirts has a message on it that says—“Body Piercing Saved My Life”. People who notice it sometimes ask me what it means. I have had total strangers ask me, “How did that happen?” I answer, “It’s referring to Jesus.” Then a look of understanding comes across their face. Even those who aren’t Christians have heard about Jesus being crucified on a cross to pay for the sins of mankind. This is the good news of salvation that was foretold hundreds of years before the time of Christ. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

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God and Google

Posted on September 10, 2010 by jesustrek

Google has just introduced instant search results that promise to save time for their users. This new feature tries to figure out what you are searching for as each letter is typed. Based on your first key strokes, you will see a display of possible searches for you to click on so you won’t have to type out the whole request.

I suppose that Google will sometimes guess correctly for you; and sometimes not. You might be searching for “kobe beef” and Google will predict you want “Kobe Bryant”.

Jesus says that when you pray, “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matt.6:8). No guessing. No mistakes. He knows. Now that’s impressive!

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Thirsty for God

Posted on September 9, 2010 by jesustrek

Our landlord planted an evergreen shrub at the corner of our house a few months ago. It seemed to do quite well at first, thanks to the abundance of rain we received in the early part of summer. However, last month was the driest August on record in Indiana, and our poor little bush was showing the effects. The shrub is now getting some extra water, and hopefully it will start greening up soon.

Sometimes our devotional lives are well-watered. Every sermon, lesson, private study and prayer time soaks right in, and we flourish spiritually. Then, often without warning, a drought sets in. Before we realize it, we become spiritually dry. It is in times like this that we need to be more intentional about seeking the presence of the Lord. We need to pray like the Psalmist—“I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” (Psalm 143:6).

You aren’t a little brown around the edges, are you?

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Best to Forgive

Posted on September 8, 2010 by jesustrek

Augustus Mendenhall is scheduled to go to trial this week, facing felony charges after being accused of attacking Ed DeLaney last October. If convicted, he could be sentenced to more than 100 years in prison. It is thought that a 26-year-old grudge could be the reason for the attack. DeLaney was involved in a lawsuit against Mendenhall’s father back in 1983.

26 years is a long time for negative feelings to fester. Someone once said that holding a grudge is like taking poison and waiting for your enemy to die! How much better off we would be if we could find it in our hearts to forgive people.

Col.3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

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Truthful Teen

Posted on September 7, 2010 by jesustrek
Zach Nash

On August 11, 14-year-old golfer Zach Nash shot a 77 to win the boys 13-14 age division at the Milwaukee County Parks Tour Invitational. A couple of hours after the victory, he was shocked to discover that he had one too many clubs in his bag, which was a violation of the rules. Nash could have kept quiet about the matter and no one would have ever known about it. However, he disqualified himself and returned his medal. “I knew right away I couldn’t live with myself if I kept this medal”, he said.

It is refreshing to see such honesty in a world where there are so many deceitful people. This young man’s example sets a standard that we can all strive to match. Let’s be truthful, even if it costs us something. 

Prov.12:22—“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” 

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