Keeping Our Sense of Humor

Posted on September 14, 2020 by jesustrek

We are now six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been an unusual six months, to say the least. You never know if someone is simply applying hand sanitizer or wringing their hands over the latest news of the day.

Having extra time to reflect, I have learned some interesting things about myself this year. For instance, I never realized that I was a dog person. It’s true; I love all kinds of dogs…hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs…I am a true dog lover.

I have also learned some things about other people. For example, I never knew that Bigfoot’s name was Darrell. Did you know that? I sure didn’t.

We have all learned some things about health and science. Everyone now knows that for proper social distancing you must be six feet away from the person next to you. Unless the person is super annoying—then the distance is 35 miles.

Let’s try to keep our sense of humor, even in these trying times.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”—Proverbs 17:22.

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We Remember

Posted on September 11, 2020 by jesustrek

Today is the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States. Anyone who is old enough to remember the horrific event will never forget where they were or what they were doing when they first heard the news that America had been attacked.

Out of all the tragedy came inspiring stories of heroism. Some passengers on one flight fought back, preventing the terrorists from striking their intended target. Many firefighters and policemen rushed toward ground zero, ignoring the danger in order to try to save others. Civilians on the scene risked their lives in order to help people. Many lost their lives while engaged in these acts of heroism. We remember the courage of those who sacrificed everything in order to save others.

When we take communion, we remember the heroic sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus saw the devastation caused by sin, and he rushed to the scene. He came to earth and willingly laid down his perfect life as an atonement for the sinful life of every person who ever lived. This crucified and risen Jesus has the power to save everyone who will come to him in faith to receive the salvation that we all so desperately need.

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”—1 John 2:2.

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Bringing People to Jesus

Posted on September 10, 2020 by jesustrek

The second chapter of Mark’s gospel begins with a rather remarkable story. Jesus was preaching the word of God to people in a crowded house. Some men carried a paralyzed friend to the house, hoping Jesus could help him. However, they could not get to Jesus because of the crowd. Not to be deterred, they tore a hole in the roof and lowered the man into the presence of Jesus. Jesus forgave the man of his sins, and then, to prove that he had the authority to forgive sins, he healed the paralyzed man, who then proceeded to walk out of the place in full view of everyone. This amazed everyone there and prompted them to praise God for the miracle they had just witnessed.

From this episode in Mark we find some important principles about bringing people to Jesus.

First, it requires some work on your part to bring someone to Jesus. It takes time and effort. Make sure you put witnessing on your schedule. If you don’t make it part of your agenda, it probably won’t get done. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Second, sometimes it has to be a group effort to bring a person to the Lord. Most of the people that I have seen come to Christ have done so as a result of the efforts of multiple people in the congregation. Working together, we can do so much more than we could if we try to do it all by ourselves.

Third, it might cost something to bring people to Jesus. No doubt there were some practical people in the crowd who wondered who was going to pay for fixing the roof! Sometimes you have to spend money to bring people to Jesus. Let us not spare any expense in our evangelistic efforts. This should be an important part of every church’s budget.

Also, let’s not lose sight of the fact that spiritual healing is far more important than physical healing. Jesus immediately addressed the paralyzed man’s greatest need—to be forgiven. For him to be able to walk with God was far more critical than his need to be able to stand on his own two feet. Too often we pray more about physical needs than we do spiritual needs. I visited a church in Myrtle Beach that had a “lost list” printed in their bulletin along with the typical list of people who needed prayers for healing. Let’s never lose sight of the priority of evangelism.

Finally, let’s never underestimate the power of prayer. Some people will resist our efforts to bring them to Jesus. They don’t want to listen to us tell the story of the gospel—the good news that salvation is readily available through the crucified and resurrected Jesus. They politely decline our invitations to attend church services with us. However, no one can stop us from praying for their souls. As we bring them to Jesus in prayer, perhaps their hearts will soften up to the point where they will allow the message of salvation to work its wonders on their soul.

Let’s all be diligent in doing all we can to work together to bring people to Jesus.

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Rest for the Weary

Posted on September 5, 2020 by jesustrek

Labor Day weekend is a time of rest and relaxation for most Americans. Many will get an extra day off to spend time with family, recovering from the rigors of work and taking a short break from everyday responsibilities.

Many of us feel an extra burden of weariness this year. We are tired of battling the coronavirus. We are weary of injustice, social unrest and violence. We are sick of the viciousness of a heated presidential election. Add all this to the struggles most of us face daily, and let’s face it—We are tired!

What better way to find rest than by participating in the Lord’s Supper this weekend? As we gather with other believers to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we experience relief from our burdens and a sense of renewed spirit. Our time of communion together gives us an infusion of strength and energy that enables us to do much more than merely carry on. Our time with Jesus gives us the power to worship and serve the Lord with great energy and enthusiasm!

So if you find yourself weary today, come and find rest in Jesus!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”—Matthew 11:28-30.

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Empathy

Posted on September 2, 2020 by jesustrek

These days it’s hard to know if someone is applying hand sanitizer or wringing their hands over all that’s happening in the world! We are still suffering in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Many people are hurting financially, in part due to the pandemic. The issue of social justice has reached a boiling point in our country. And to top it all off, we are heading down the stretch of a contentious presidential election campaign that has highlighted just how divided our nation is politically.

Besides all of these concerns, people still have to deal with the problems that are inherently part of the human condition. Everyone has their own particular struggle with an issue relating to work, family, health or some other important area of life. All that many people are looking for is a little empathy—someone to talk with to share the burden, if only for a little while.

However, it seems like empathy is in short supply these days. It is a precious commodity, harder to find than toilet paper was just a few months ago!

Someone wrote to Dear Abby a few days ago with some suggestions about how we could be more empathetic. Briefly, here are some things we should understand about showing empathy.

First, we need to understand that we are not in a contest. We should not be trying to outdo the person who is sharing a problem with us. How quickly we point out that: we were out of a job for so many months also, that our aunt had that same physical problem, our boss is much meaner than theirs, our family is much more dysfunctional than theirs, and so on and so forth. Once again, it’s not a contest! We can’t make someone feel better by topping their woes with the problems that we or our loved ones have experienced. As tempting as it is, don’t go down that road! Even if you do have a similar sob story to relate, that is not what the person wants to hear from you.

Second, don’t try to solve the problem for them. No doubt they have many people lined up to give them advice that they didn’t ask for! They don’t need your solutions added to the pile! Of course, if they ask for your wisdom in dealing with their current circumstances, by all means feel free to share. But too often our unsolicited advice does nothing to alleviate their woes. In fact, it actually adds to them!

Finally, just listen. That’s usually all people want, a sympathetic ear. In the Old Testament, Job’s friends had a chance to comfort him in the midst of his legendary troubles. Then they ruined the opportunity by feeling like they had to say something! Good listeners are a rare breed, but they sure are appreciated in times of trouble. Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Let’s make sure that we lend an ear to those who are seeking some empathy. It seems like the least we can do.

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One-Issue Voter

Posted on August 28, 2020 by jesustrek

I am a one-issue voter, and I have been for many years. I always vote for pro-life candidates in state and national elections. Some may say that I should widen my focus, but nothing has deterred me from this standard for choosing candidates worthy of my vote.

First, let’s lay the biblical groundwork for a pro-life position. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Life obviously begins at conception. Then, of course, there is Exodus 20:13—“You shall not murder.” No one is to ever take an innocent life. It’s right there in the 10 Commandments. Just from these two verses, we face the undeniable truth that abortion is wrong. Those who want to stand for God must defend the right to life. Anyone who has failed to do so in the past can come to Jesus for forgiveness if they repent of doing wrong and accept him as their savior.

I have noticed that political candidates who agree with me on the pro-life issue also tend to agree with me on other important issues. This makes it even easier to choose them over pro-abortion politicians when I go to the polls.

Pro-life people tend to favor capitalism over socialism. They understand the value of hard work and they know that part of what has made America great is that industrious people are rewarded for their labor. Nations who have ignored this principle and have tried to redistribute the wealth—thus rewarding people for being non-productive—are paying the financial consequences for this huge mistake.

Secondly, pro-life people appreciate a strong military. They understand that the job of the government is to protect its people (Romans 13:1-7). Along with this, they appreciate the men and women in law enforcement. Instead of defunding the police, they want to defend the police. While we have some important work to do regarding racism and social justice, the vast majority of our men and women in law enforcement are wonderful human beings who are willing to take great risks to keep us safe. These officers are worthy of our admiration and support.

Third, pro-life advocates usually support secure borders. They know that legal immigration has been part of the backbone of the United States. On the other hand, illegal immigration is a serious problem that gives birth to various other serious problems. It is in the best interest of the nation to work to secure our borders.

Additionally, pro-lifers tend to be more fiscally responsible with taxpayer’s money, although lately politicians on both sides of the aisle are showing tendencies to spend recklessly.

In summary, I like my system of choosing candidates by their position on the value of human life. I make it my business to know their position before I go to the polls and I reward them with my vote based on their acceptance of God’s word on this all-important issue. I urge you to join me in going to the polls and voting your values every time you have the opportunity to do so.

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Thoroughly Equipped

Posted on August 27, 2020 by jesustrek

A friend of mind just finished reading through the entire Bible for the first time. As I congratulated him for his achievement, I told him that he had done something that many Christians never accomplish in their lifetime.

It is a shame that so many Christ followers do not give Bible reading a higher priority. We can’t hope to be everything that God created us to be if we do not delve into his Word on a regular basis. By paying more attention to what God says to us we can do a much better job of fulfilling our purpose in life.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16-17.

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Organized for Success

Posted on August 21, 2020 by jesustrek

One of my favorite Scriptures is Acts 6:1-7. There we read about how the early church overcame a serious problem and successfully continued to grow. We can learn a lot about how to succeed as a church from the example set forth in these verses.

The church was growing in leaps and bounds when a problem arose. Some of the widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The church wasn’t doing a good job of taking care of their own poor, and this needed to be corrected if the church was to continue to prosper.

The leaders acknowledged that something needed to be done, but they would not be distracted from their main job of prayer and ministry of the word of God. So they had seven men appointed to oversee the care of the widows. These seven were to be men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom. The plan was successful. The problem was solved and therefore the word of God spread and the church continued to grow in numbers.

We see in this Scripture the need to have the right priorities. While feeding the poor was an important job, the ministry of prayer and the word could not be neglected. The leaders had to take care of feeding the congregation spiritually. Every Christian needs to understand their priorities. What is it that God has called you to do? Don’t be distracted—even by good works—from performing your main duty for the Lord.

A second principle to be found in this text is the need to delegate. No one person can do it all. Qualified people must be identified and appointed to serve in various ways, thus freeing up the leaders of the church to devote themselves to the work to which they have been called. Good leaders will always be looking for ways to assign meaningful work to others so that they can focus on leading the church through their ministry of prayer and the word of God.

A third principle that we see here is the need to accept responsibility. We live in an age where everyone seems to be demanding their rights, while few are acknowledging their responsibilities. Sadly, this attitude is not only found in our culture, it is in many ways creeping into the church. Many Christians only want to be served rather than serve others. A healthy church is one that is filled with people who are ready and willing to answer the call whenever an opportunity comes their way. Of course, you can’t say “Yes” to everything. But you have to say “Yes” to something! The church is like a body composed of parts who each have their own function. Accepting our responsibility to serve is a huge part of contributing to a healthy, growing church.

Any church will experience problems as they grow. The important thing is that we face these problems with a biblical blueprint for how to solve them. Problems can actually become opportunities for the church to serve more people and to get more people involved in the work of the kingdom. As we do so, the word of God will continue to spread and more and more people will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

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What We Stand For

Posted on August 19, 2020 by jesustrek

A few days ago I drove by a small church that had a sign in their front parking lot. The sign was so interesting that I drove by a second time to make sure I didn’t miss any of what it said. Included in the basic information about the church was the name of the Bible translation that they used. The sign even announced which millennial view the congregation preferred! I thought that this information was too specific to be included on the church sign, and that maybe the congregation was going just a bit overboard in trying to convey their beliefs to anyone who might be thinking about stopping in for a visit some Sunday.

However, after I thought about it for a while, I was glad that a group of believers thought that something was so important that they would not hesitate to let the world know what they believe. There are too many congregations that are so wishy-washy about biblical issues that they are reluctant to take a stand for any doctrinal belief.

Let’s not ever hesitate to make our beliefs known to others! Let’s be quick to take a stand for biblical truth!

“…These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing…”—1 Timothy 6:2-4.

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Change

Posted on August 14, 2020 by jesustrek

Someone recently said, “You are not supposed to change Scripture. Scripture is supposed to change you.” This statement is profoundly true, and it leads us to some deep insights if we take the time to reflect on what it means.

First, it is extremely important that we don’t try to change what the Lord says. The devil has always been trying to deceive mankind into disbelieving the Word of God. Genesis 3:1 says, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” From the very beginning, Satan tried to place doubt in people’s minds about what God had said. He tried to get them to change the Word of God.

We are frequently warned against misappropriating the Scriptures. At the close of Revelation, we find this dire reminder—“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Rev.22:18-19). The principle applies not only to the book of Revelation, but to the entire Bible—we must not change the Word of God!

Yet many try to change what the Bible says about: the nature of God, the creation of the world, the universal need for salvation, the fact that Jesus is the only way to God, the way to become a Christian, the importance of holy living, etc. The list goes on about the ways people have tried to omit, or add to, what the Word of God says. We must be diligent in our efforts to cling to the truth of the Bible.

Not only must we refuse to change Scripture, we must allow Scripture to change us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

All through the Bible we see examples of people who were changed by what God said. Gideon was changed from a scared farmer to a brave warrior. David was transformed from a proud adulterer to a repentant worshiper. Zacchaeus went from being greedy to being generous. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we read about a number of church members who had been profoundly changed after believing and obeying the Word of God—“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

If you are a follower of Christ, take some time to reflect on how the Word of God has changed you over the years. For many, there was a sudden, dramatic change in lifestyle when they repented and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. For all of us, there is a steady, on-going change as we continue to apply the Bible to our lives and make progress in our spiritual growth.

So, let’s be careful not to change anything the Bible says. And let’s be certain that we allow the Bible to change us for the better.

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