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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Need Directions?

Posted on September 6, 2010 by jesustrek

Men have a reputation for refusing to stop and ask for directions when they are driving. British researchers have found evidence that they pay a price for such stubbornness. According to the study reported by AOL News, men drive 276 unnecessary miles each year trying to find their destinations, and they spend an extra $3,000 on gasoline over their lifetime because they don’t want to stop and ask for directions.

People can also do quite a bit of spiritual wandering if they never ask for help. If we don’t pray, read the Bible and trust the advice of godly people, we might end up paying the consequences. Prov.16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Need directions?

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Job’s Worst Day

Posted on September 5, 2010 by jesustrek

Job had it all—wealth, prestige and children whom he cherished. But all of this was taken away in a single day. The messengers came, one right after another, bearing the worst news possible. In a series of events that could only be the result of a Satanic attack, Job suddenly learned that his livestock were gone, his servants had been killed and his children had all died when the house they were in collapsed.

He reacted as anyone would in those circumstances; Job mourned. But he also did something that few people would do—he worshiped. “…Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:20-22).

Job had something far more valuable than wealth or family. He had a trusting relationship with God. His faith was the only thing that could not be taken from him, so he held on to that faith, even on his worst day.

I can only imagine how I will react that day when someone brings me the worst news of my life. But I hope that part of my response will be to worship God and to praise his name.

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Is Your Phone Silenced?

Posted on September 4, 2010 by jesustrek

I remembered to silence my phone when I went to church last week. However, I forgot to activate the ringer after worship. It was still on vibrate on Monday afternoon, which was not a good thing since I was expecting an important call. I didn’t realize the situation until I heard the faint sound of my phone buzzing just a few feet away from me. I quickly grabbed it, hoping it would be the call I was expecting. It was just my wife, calling from the grocery store to ask what kind of bread I wanted.

Sometimes we unintentionally silence our communication system with God. We go through a day without giving much thought to prayer or Bible reading.

Maybe that faint buzzing sound is your spouse calling from the grocery store. But it could be an important call. It could be God trying to get through.

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A Sobering Thought

Posted on September 3, 2010 by jesustrek

According to a recent AP report, an estimated 17 million people have driven while drunk at least once on U.S. streets and highways in the course of a year. A study released by the government last month says that 8% of all drivers reported having driven even though they thought they were drunk.

Most people understand that drunken driving is a serious threat to public safety, but many are still not applying that knowledge to their actions. To help get the word out to more people, the government is spending about $13 million through Labor Day weekend to warn motorists about the dangers of drunken driving.

The Bible warns against a lack of spiritual sobriety. 1 Thess.5:6-8 says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

If you don’t stay spiritually sober, you are a danger to people, including yourself. Let’s all spread the word.

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