Spewing Disgusting Filth

Posted on July 31, 2010 by jesustrek
Mel Gibson

The host of “The Late, Late Show”, Craig Ferguson, recently said: “BP is putting a new cap on the leaking oil well. It could capture up to 90 percent of the disgusting filth that’s spewing from there. And if it works, they’re going to try the same thing on Mel Gibson.”

With his latest rant, Mel Gibson has done something that many thought was impossible. He has managed to lower himself even further in the eyes of his former fans. Even the most sympathetic onlooker is having trouble feeling sorry for Mel. How could such a popular movie star say such horrible things?

If you remember back a few years ago, Gibson was talking about his faith as he promoted his movie, “The Passion of the Christ”. Count me as one who thought that there was at least some measure of sincerity to his words.

How could someone talk about his faith at one point in his life, and only a few years later say things that should never be said by a follower of Jesus Christ? It shouldn’t be that way. James 3:9-12 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Oh, well—I shouldn’t worry too much about Mel’s predicament. I have my own pesky mouth to try to keep under control.

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Fishing Keeps You Out of Trouble

Posted on July 31, 2010 by jesustrek

The city of Kokomo, Indiana recently conducted its annual Jim “Moose” Carden Fishing Clinic. This is an effort to allow children the opportunity to learn about fishing. This year’s clinic featured trick fishing caster Scotty Lucas, who wowed attendees with his accurate casting. According to the Kokomo Tribune, Lucas said, “I’ve learned to do the things I do in order to put the bait where the fish are, and do it naturally. If you do it this way, I guarantee you’ll catch more fish.”

Some studies have shown that 80 percent of convicted felons never learned to fish growing up as children. Scotty Lucas and others like him believe that teaching children how to fish might keep them out of trouble, so they put forth a great effort to promote fishing to the next generation.

Jesus has called his followers to be fishers of men. Perhaps the reason that so many churches and individual Christians find themselves in trouble is that they have lost their focus; they have forgotten their purpose in life—fishing for people.

Let’s take that quote from Lucas and tweak it a little bit so that it refers to our mission as followers of Jesus—“I’ve learned to do the things I do in order to put the gospel message where the people are, and do it naturally. If you do it this way, I guarantee you’ll catch more people.”

Happy fishing, and stay out of trouble!

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The Turnaround

Posted on July 31, 2010 by jesustrek

A couple of days ago, my wife and I found a turtle in our yard. He had apparently made his way from the reservoir just a hundred yards or so behind our house. He was headed toward the highway, where many turtles have met their doom.

We decided that Mr. Turtle’s best option was to be back at the reservoir. There he would be safe. There he would find everything a turtle needs in order to have a happy life.

When my wife first picked him up, the frightened little creature hid in his shell. It must have overwhelmed him to be in the presence of a being so much bigger and stronger than he was.

After a while he tried a different tactic, kicking frantically against my wife’s grip, desperately trying to gain freedom. Little did he know that we were in the process of saving him, not doing him harm.

Finally we reached our destination. My wife set the turtle down by the edge of the water. He quickly took a few steps and plunged in. Soon he was out of sight, enjoying the perfect environment for his happiness and well-being. He was in turtle heaven.

Our journey with God is much like our experience with the turtle. God sees us headed in the wrong direction, and he intercepts us, not wanting us to be destroyed. Confronted by God, we sometimes get frightened and hide, like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. Or maybe we kick against God’s attempts to help us, frantically trying to release ourselves from his influence.

The best thing we can do is to allow God to place us where he wants us to be. He knows better than we do where the danger lies. He knows better than we do where we can thrive spiritually and enjoy life to the fullest. Let’s trust him to direct our steps so that we can make it safely to the best possible destination.

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Fight the Pollution

Posted on July 30, 2010 by jesustrek

2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has dominated the news for the past few months. The tragic loss of human life when the explosion occurred caused immeasurable sadness for the families affected. Our hearts also go out to those who base their livelihood on fishing, tourism or some other industry that has been adversely affected. As we watched the oil spewing out unchecked and saw the shores polluted and marine life killed or sickened by the oil, we felt a sense of anger. It shouldn’t be this way.

One could argue that the response should have been quicker or larger, but thousands of people leaped into action. People worked around the clock to plug the leak. Some set up protective booms along the coast. Others skimmed oil from the surface. Still others cleaned up oil that had made it to the shore, or helped wildlife that had been harmed. Many of us prayed for the clean-up efforts to be effective and for the flow of oil to stop. It just didn’t seem right that the environment had become so polluted.

It’s also a shame when the church becomes polluted. When people spew out their hatred, gossip, divisiveness, sexual immorality, false teaching and other kinds of filth into the body of Christ, it should greatly anger us. We should use every available resource to clean up the mess and stop the flow of pollution into the church.

Paul warned the elders at Ephesus that evil people would infiltrate the church (Acts 20:30). He urged Timothy to rebuke and correct such people with God-given authority (2 Tim.4:1-5). He authorized the leaders at Corinth to take severe disciplinary action against polluters of the church (1 Cor.5). God wants us to fight against pollution in the body of Christ.

Church leaders, are you listening?

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There’s One in Every Crowd

Posted on July 29, 2010 by jesustrek

Last Wednesday night, a man attending a Cleveland Indians baseball game drew attention to himself by wearing a LeBron James Miami Heat jersey. James’ recent departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers has caused a lot of anger in the city. Some of that anger spewed out as fans heckled the man and shouted obscenities at him. The situation deteriorated to the point that he was escorted out of the stadium. 

Perhaps you could make a case that the fans should have been more forgiving towards the man. However, he seems to have enjoyed the ruckus he caused, as he was seen showing off his jersey to the crowd as he made his way down the steps. No doubt the hometown fans were glad that he was forced to leave.  

In churches there is no shortage of people who like to stir things up in a negative way, calling attention to themselves in the process. Good leaders will do the home team a big favor by escorting such troublemakers to the exit.  

Prov.17:11–“An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.”  

Titus 3:10-11–“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” 

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So You Had a Bad Day

Posted on July 29, 2010 by jesustrek

Brooks Robinson was known for his excellent defense as third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. He won the Gold Glove award an amazing sixteen times during his stellar career. Yet on July 28, 1971, Robinson committed three errors in the sixth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics.

Three errors in one inning! It just goes to show that even the best of us can have a bad day.

Brooks Robinson’s day didn’t turn out to be quite as bad as it could have. Teammate Frank Robinson hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning to win the game for the Orioles.

It’s great to know that we don’t always have to be mistake-free. When we falter, we can often count on someone—a friend, co-worker or family member—to pick up the slack.

Ecc.4:12—“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

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McCartney’s Inappropriate Zinger

Posted on July 29, 2010 by jesustrek
Paul McCartney

After a recent performance at the White House, singer Paul McCartney took a shot at former president George W. Bush. Sir Paul said, “After the last eight years, it’s great to have a president who knows what a library is.” Later, when asked to apologize, McCartney asked, “Come on, where’s your sense of humor?”

In order for a comment to be humorous, it must contain a grain of truth. The truth is, George W. Bush is bilingual and has earned degrees from two Ivy League schools. The man obviously knows his way around a library.

McCartney has joined the left’s on-going attempt to smear a decent man just because he doesn’t share their world view.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, George Bush has remained remarkably silent. Although he has had many legitimate chances to criticize his successor, he has held his tongue. While his enemies are spouting insults and lies, Mr. Bush is giving us a much-needed lesson in showing class and exercising restraint.

Prov.15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

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Do What Your Father Says

Posted on July 28, 2010 by jesustrek
Francis Chan

At the North American Christian Convention in Indianapolis earlier this month, Francis Chan spoke about how the church is doing a poor job of making disciples. Many Christians have fooled themselves into believing that they are doing what God says simply because they have listened to his instructions.

Chan gave an example that we all can understand. Allow me to paraphrase what he said. Suppose your father said to you, “I want you to clean up your room so that it looks nice and neat.” You say, “OK, Dad”, and walk away. In a little while you come back and say to your father, “I did what you wanted me to do. I memorized what you said—“I want you to clean up your room so that it looks nice and neat.”

However, you didn’t actually clean your room; it’s still a mess. But you did memorize your father’s instructions, so haven’t you done something that pleases him? If you want to be a really good son or daughter, you could form a small group to meet periodically and discuss what your room might look like if it ever did get cleaned up!

Isn’t that a scary analogy of what often passes for discipleship? James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Maybe it’s time to put the Bible down and go do something—anything—that your Father wants you to do.

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Be Careful Where You Step

Posted on July 28, 2010 by jesustrek

As a teenager, I was part of a team that our high school sent to the state livestock judging competition. We stayed overnight in a big hotel in downtown Louisville. We had some free time one evening, so a couple of us decided we would walk down the street to see what big city life was all about.

As we walked along, we noticed that the door of one of downtown nightclubs was propped open. We couldn’t help but stop to look inside. I don’t know what we thought we might see, but the curiosity of a farm boy in the city had me straining to catch a glimpse what might be inside that door. Surely a quick peek wouldn’t hurt anybody.  

Before long a police officer came up and informed us that we had to be twenty-one years old just to stand in that doorway. It was his way of letting us know that we had better move along before we got ourselves into trouble.

Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” 

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“Sorry” Seems to Be the Hardest Word

Posted on July 28, 2010 by jesustrek

Race car driver Helio Castroneves apologized for his outburst after last Sunday’s race. Although he crossed the finish line first, he was penalized for blocking and was bumped down to 10th place. Enraged by the decision, Castroneves screamed at race officials and even grabbed one man by the collar. He was later sorry for his actions, and on Monday he posted an apology on his website. He said, “…My actions were totally wrong…I let my emotions get the better of me and I’m very sorry for that.”

On the same day, another sports figure issued an apology for his poor behavior. Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano apologized on ESPN for a tirade in the dugout that led to his suspension. He admitted that the episode was his fault and said that he was sorry from the bottom of his heart.

Why is it that so many Christians find it hard to say, “I’m sorry”? I’ve witnessed some outlandish behavior in meetings that were supposedly for the purpose of advancing the kingdom of God. Yet when the time came for apologies—silence–nothing but crickets chirping.

It’s sad when Christians need to learn from the world the importance of an apology.

Carlos Zambrano

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