Musical Variety

Posted on December 14, 2018 by jesustrek

I recently found a local radio station that plays an interesting mix of music. You might hear an old, old country song that is followed by a fairly recent pop/rock song. For example, I heard a song by the Bay City Rollers that immediately followed a song by Roger Miller. That, my friends, is variety!

When it comes to music, most people have a certain genre that they prefer. But it seems that God likes a variety of music. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

 

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Don’t Shoot!

Posted on December 13, 2018 by jesustrek

On a recent road trip my attention was drawn to a couple of horses in a field. They were wearing bright orange vests. It had been deer season, and apparently the owner of the horses was concerned enough about their well-being that he thought it was necessary to put the vests on them so that no over-zealous hunter would mistake them for a deer! His concern is understandable, but I can’t help but feel more than a bit disappointed that this precaution was deemed necessary.

The New Testament often warns Christians not to hurt each other, and encourages us to treat one another with love and kindness. We would like to think that such exhortations would not be necessary, but when you consider how some Christians behave toward their brothers and sisters in Christ, I guess there is a need for such warnings.

“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”—Galatians 5:15

 

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Caught!

Posted on December 7, 2018 by jesustrek

It is interesting to read stories of bumbling criminals who make obvious mistakes that lead to their capture, like those who mistakenly leave a piece of paper with their name and address at the scene of the crime.

I recently watched a news story that told how officials are catching many people who hunt illegally because the offenders post on social media pictures of themselves posing with their ill-gotten gain. They can’t keep from boasting about what they have killed, and their pride leads to their capture.

Whether you brag about it or not, your sin will catch up with you in the end. Rather than try to get away with our sin, it is better to confess it and turn it over to Jesus, because you can’t get anything past God!

“Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.”—Proverbs 29:6

 

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Warning!

Posted on December 6, 2018 by jesustrek

My wife and I built a house in the country and moved in almost three years ago. About 150 feet from our back door is a railroad track with a farm crossing. For the first two-and-a-half years, the trains did not blow their horns when they came by. We appreciated the courtesy!

However, there has evidently been a change in policy. The trains do sound their warning now. It’s only a minor inconvenience. Our lives have not changed except for the fact that we occasionally have to turn up the volume on the television for a few seconds.

We understand the principle behind the policy. People who may be attempting to cross the track must be warned of the impending danger. It’s a good procedure to have in place.

God has a similar policy, one that has never been changed. People who are facing God’s wrath must be made aware of the impending doom! We must sound the warning to inform them of the eternal danger of God’s vengeance that will be poured out on all who live their lives in rebellion against him.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.”—Ezekiel 33:7

 

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Positions for Prayer

Posted on December 4, 2018 by jesustrek

Three preachers were talking about prayer, especially the most effective position for prayer. As they were talking, a telephone repairman was working on the phone system in the background. One minister said that he felt the key to a prayerful position was in the hands. He always held his hands together and pointed upward as a form of symbolic worship. The second suggested that prayer was best conducted on your knees. The third thought that the other two had it all wrong—the best position for prayer was to stretch out on the floor flat on your face.

By this time the telephone repairman could not keep quiet any longer. He said, “I found that the most powerful prayer I ever made was while I was dangling upside down in my safety harness, suspended forty feet above the ground!”

Whatever position you assume, the important thing is to pray!

“Pray continually.”—1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

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Thankful Prayer

Posted on December 3, 2018 by jesustrek

In Life with Father, Clarence Day writes, “Father expected a good deal from God. He didn’t actually accuse God of inefficiency, but when he prayed his tone was lucid and angry, like that of a dissatisfied guest in a carelessly managed hotel.”

Surely we think of God more highly than an incompetent hotel manager! I hope that our prayers reflect that.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Which Kind of Giver?

Posted on November 30, 2018 by jesustrek

It has been said that there are three kinds of givers—the flint, the sponge and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint you have to hammer it. And then you get only a few chips and sparks. In order to get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it. The more pressure you exert, the more you will get. But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. It doesn’t have to be hammered or squeezed. It just gives naturally and generously.

Which kind of giver are you?

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9:8

 

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Seasoned

Posted on November 28, 2018 by jesustrek

I usually put cinnamon on my breakfast cereal. The spice gives it a little extra flavor, and cinnamon reportedly helps keep your blood sugar regulated.

Recently I grabbed the wrong spice to put on my cereal. It turns out that cumin is not a good substitute for cinnamon!

We are supposed to make sure that our conversations with others, especially those outside of Christ, are properly seasoned so that our words will be well-received. Let’s make sure that we don’t use the wrong seasoning!

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders: make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”—Colossians 4:5-6

 

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Sweet Revenge

Posted on November 27, 2018 by jesustrek

Abe Lemons

Abe Lemons was asked if he was bitter at Texas Athletic Director Deloss Dodds who fired him as the Longhorn’s basketball coach. He replied, “Not at all, but I plan to buy a glass-bottomed car so I can watch the look on his face when I run over him.”

Our sinful human nature tempts us to seek revenge when we think someone has wronged us. But Scripture urges us to have a forgiving heart and give up any perceived right to get back at those who offend us.

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”—Romans 12:19

 

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Priorities

Posted on November 26, 2018 by jesustrek

A couple of weeks ago I was on the campus of our local high school for an event that was open to the public. Before the program started, a student asked me enthusiastically, “Are you ready for tomorrow?” Seeing the puzzled look on my face, he continued, “It’s opening day of deer season!”

I had to confess to him that I didn’t hunt, and I wished him well in his endeavors. He seemed a bit let down that I didn’t share his enthusiasm for hunting.

This just goes to show that different people have different priorities. It may disappoint us when people don’t share our enthusiasm for Jesus and his church. Perhaps we can win them over some day. Until then, let us keep our own priorities in order.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”—Matthew 6:33

 

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