Courage

Posted on January 18, 2018 by jesustrek

I believe it was Mark Twain who once said, “I don’t believe in ghosts, but I am afraid of them!”

We are quite often too fearful. Jesus was constantly telling people that they shouldn’t be afraid. Instead of fear, we should exhibit faith. In fact, faith drives away fear.

The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who showed great courage in the face of adversity. Young David bravely went out on the battlefield to face the giant Goliath. Ruth left her country in order to follow God’s leading and begin a new life. Abram set out for the land God would show him, not even knowing at the time where that might be. A woman named Jael killed one of God’s enemies by driving a tent peg through his skull. Gideon went into battle even though he and his men were greatly outnumbered. Joshua stepped up and led God’s people into the Promised Land after long-time leader Moses died. A young virgin girl named Mary bravely accepted her unusual assignment from God in spite of the scorn she no doubt received from those who were unaware of the special circumstances of her pregnancy. Peter walked on water—at least he did for a little while! Stephen preached the truth to a hostile audience, even though it cost him his life. Paul boldly faced opposition and persecution in many locations. Hebrews 11 mentions many nameless men and women who remained true to God in spite of being terribly mistreated—persecuted, tortured and put to death by some of the cruelest methods ever devised by mankind.

Perhaps we fail to understand the kinship we Christians have with the heroes of the faith that are mentioned in the Bible. We need to realize that we, too, have an important role to play in God’s story. Each follower of Jesus has joined the kingdom of God and has thus become a part of the greatest drama ever—God’s radical plan to save the world through his Son Jesus!

Doing our part in the kingdom will sometimes take us into scary territory. People will oppose our message. Satan will try to thwart our efforts. The task at hand may seem too daunting at times and the circumstances unbearable.

Jesus says that we will have trouble in this world, but that we should take heart because he has overcome the world. His victory over death has proven that he has the power to impart eternal life to all who believe in him. That fact should give us courage to face whatever it is that life brings our way!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”—Joshua 1:9.

 

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The Power of Words

Posted on January 17, 2018 by jesustrek

Jerry Kramer once recalled what it was like playing for legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi. One day during the first year Kramer played for the Packers, Lombardi rode him mercilessly, pointing out how slow, weak and stupid he was. By the time practice was over, Kramer was convinced that he was the worst guard in the entire league.

Then, as Kramer sat in front of his locker, head down, contemplating quitting, Lombardi came up behind him, mussed up his hair and said, “Son, one of these days you’re gonna be the greatest guard in the league.”

Suddenly Kramer felt 10 feet tall and was ready to do anything his coach wanted him to do.

Our words carry great power. They can whittle other people down or they can inspire them to do great things.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”—1 Thessalonians 5:11.

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All about Change

Posted on January 16, 2018 by jesustrek

Here we are halfway through January. How many of you have kept your New Year’s resolutions so far? I have a friend who resolved to quit drinking last year. He said that it brought him so much satisfaction that he is going to quit drinking again this year!

I have stopped making resolutions for myself and have started making them for other people. It’s much easier that way.

It is often difficult to make changes in our lives, even if we know that it is in our best interest. However, unless you have achieved perfection, you should be looking for ways that God wants to change you for the better. Be open to any leading of the Holy Spirit that will point you in a new direction.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2.

 

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Everything New

Posted on January 12, 2018 by jesustrek

A church once hosted a birthday party for one of their members, a gentleman who had just turned 100 years old. One of the newer members of the church commented to the guest of honor, “In your lifetime you must have experienced a lot of changes in the church.”

“Yes,” the old fellow replied, “And I was against every one of them!”

We are often resistant to change, but God says, “…I am making everything new!…” (Revelation 21:5). Someday there will be a new heaven and a new earth. In the meantime, God is continually shaking things up. The Lord wants to bring change to our lives so that we will become more like Jesus. 1 Peter 2:21 says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

Be honest. Is there an area of your life that God wants to change?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2.

 

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New Name

Posted on January 11, 2018 by jesustrek

Five-year-old B.J. was looking forward to his first day of school, but he didn’t enjoy himself as much as he imagined he would. As a matter of fact, he came home in a very bad mood. His trouble began when the teacher took attendance and he never heard his name called.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me my name was William!?” he complained.

I suppose it could take some time to get used to a new name.

Isaiah 62:2 says, “The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.”

Some people think that this prophecy was fulfilled in the early days of the church, when “…The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26).

In any case, it is such a privilege to be able to wear the name “Christian”. Let us never take that privilege lightly!

 

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Opinionated

Posted on January 10, 2018 by jesustrek

A few of us were sitting in a classroom at church, waiting for someone else to join us for an early morning prayer meeting. There was a lull in the conversation, and in the quietness of the moment, someone noticed how loud the clock on the wall was ticking. Then we all noticed that the time on the clock was incorrect. I remarked, “That’s just how a lot of people are when it comes to their politics—loud and wrong!”

We live in an age when public discourse is often loud, rude and uncivil. I think we would be much better off if we would speak less, listen more and try to understand one another better.

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”—Proverbs 18:2.

 

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Poor Imagination

Posted on January 9, 2018 by jesustrek

John Lennon

I recently heard a recording of John Lennon singing his hit song Imagine in front of a live audience. When Lennon sang the first line, “Imagine there’s no heaven…” the audience burst into applause. It seems to me the notion that there is no heaven is a terrible thing to celebrate!

It is a sad worldview that leaves no room for an eternity in heaven with a loving heavenly Father. The hope of heaven gives many people the encouragement they need to persevere on earth. We Christians know that we are destined for better things than this temporal life with all of its troubles and sorrows. We have something wonderful to look forward to—eternal life in heaven!

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”—1 Corinthians 15:19.

 

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Questionable Gift

Posted on January 8, 2018 by jesustrek

Would you eat this soup?

Last year someone brought an unusual donation to a food bank in Wales. It was a can of soup. “What is so unusual about that?” you might ask. This particular can of soup was at least 46 years old!

The price was still visibly stamped on the can, so someone did the research and found that the soup had been produced nearly a half century ago.

I am not sure what was done with the can of soup, but, needless to say, it is not the kind of gift that the food bank expects.

We need to be careful about what we bring to God. He is not pleased with substandard offerings of our time, talent and treasure. He wants our best, and we should always strive to give him good gifts.

“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God…”—Exodus 23:19.

 

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Simply Foolish

Posted on January 5, 2018 by jesustrek

A man was seen walking down the sidewalk, tossing his car keys up in the air and catching them. After one too many tosses, he dropped the keys and watched in horror as they disappeared through a grate and into the sewer that ran beneath the street.

Those who saw what had happened felt sorry for the man. That is, they felt sorry for him until they heard him exclaim, “Oh, no! Not again!”

It’s not smart to make the same mistakes over and over again. It’s foolish to commit the same sins time after time, hoping that somehow the results will be different this time and that there will be no price to pay.

We need to learn from our mistakes and repent of our sins.

“The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”—Proverbs 14:18.

 

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Today Is Sunday

Posted on January 4, 2018 by jesustrek

A man who had retired a few months previously was asked if he had trouble keeping up with what day it was since he no longer had to go to work. “Oh, I don’t even try to remember what day it is.” he replied. “I just know that the day the big newspaper comes is the day I get dressed and go to church!”

Retired or not, we all need to know when Sunday arrives!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”—Hebrews 10:24-25.

 

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