The Angry Christian Golfer

Posted on July 25, 2010 by jesustrek

A young Christian man I used to golf with had trouble controlling his temper when he played. After a bad shot, he would often hurl his club down the fairway, sometimes throwing his driver farther than he had hit the ball. I learned to hit the ground immediately when I heard what sounded like a boomerang coming my way.

An older man who played with us finally had enough of this behavior. He said to the young man, “You are embarrassing me. A Christian shouldn’t act like that. The next time you throw your club when you’re playing with me, I’m going to quit and go home.” His threat worked; the young man began to control his temper.

2 Thessalonians 3:15-15 says, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

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Do You Recognize This Man?

Posted on July 24, 2010 by jesustrek

When I showed up for a volunteer work day at a church camp this morning, a friendly fellow came over and shook my hand. I exchanged greetings with him and quickly moved on to receive my assignment. Later, my wife gestured toward the man who had spoken to me and asked, “Isn’t that Steve?” Sure enough, it was.

We had met Steve a few weeks earlier. After that, we spent some time talking with him at a Christian convention. I was embarrassed to think that I didn’t even recognize him today.

However, I do have an excuse. Steve was wearing glasses instead of the contact lenses he usually wears. He was also wearing a baseball cap, further changing his appearance. To top it all off, he had shaved his beard and mustache.

I went over and confessed to Steve that I didn’t know him when he spoke to me earlier. He understood my confusion and was very forgiving. I hope that when I get to know Steve better, I won’t have trouble recognizing him, no matter how he changes his appearance.

I also hope that as I grow to know Jesus better, I will recognize him in any setting. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection…” (Phil.3:10).

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Listening for the Master

Posted on July 24, 2010 by jesustrek

My wife and I watched our friends’ three children for a few hours yesterday. We were also in charge of two dogs and a cat, but they could pretty much take care of themselves.

The dogs were resting in the living room when I saw our friends’ car pull into the driveway. As soon as they heard the faint sound of the garage door opener, both dogs were off and running. They immediately went from calm to ecstatic. Tails wagging and barking excitedly, they hurried to meet their beloved owners. The cat had no visible reaction to its master’s return.

When it comes to listening for our Master, why do we so often behave more like cats than dogs? Why are we so aloof and unresponsive? God wants our devotion for him to be seen in visible and audible ways. The Bible is filled with exhortations to listen for God and to respond to his presence in ways that will bring him joy.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Let us expect God to be with us today. And when we sense his presence, let us find the human equivalent of barking and tail-wagging. Let’s exalt him today!

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The Adventure of Following Jesus

Posted on July 23, 2010 by jesustrek

My name is Tom Cox. This blog is an attempt to capture the adventure of following Jesus. The journey is sometimes confusing, often frightening, but always rewarding. We learn as we go, and in the process, something marvelous happens–we become more like Jesus!

Jesus called his first disciples with the simple phrase, “Come, follow me.” (Matt.4:19). Just before he ascended into heaven he told them to “…go and make disciples…” (Matt.28:19).

The words “come” and “go” signify action. Jesus wants his followers to be constantly moving along a path that he had laid out for us. He blazed the trail for us. In a very real sense, he is still with us every step of the way. (Matt.28:20)

We do not make this journey alone. Along the way we meet others who have answered the call to follow him. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We may not always agree on everything, but as someone once pointed out, a person doesn’t have to be my twin in order to be my brother.

We also meet along the way those who have not yet found the straight and narrow path. Many never will. Nevertheless, we must try to be a positive influence in their lives, shining his light in this dark world.

Jesus’ way is not easy, but every other way is impossible. Join me on this Jesus trek.

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