Ulterior Motive

Posted on February 6, 2018 by jesustrek

Genia Obal remembers the time when her seven-year-old daughter won $2 for her memory work in Sunday school. After the morning service, the pastor’s wife congratulated her.

The daughter proudly announced, “And I put it all in the morning’s offering!”

“My, how wonderful!” the pastor’s wife exclaimed. “I’m sure God will be pleased.”

“Yes,” the child replied, “Now maybe God will let me do some of the things I want to do!”

We always have to be careful about our motives for giving, don’t we?

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.

 

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Breaking Bread Together

Posted on February 2, 2018 by jesustrek

I recently attended a worship service where the person leading the worshipers into communion time said, “Now is your personal time to be alone with God.”

I strongly disagree.

Many Christians have come to the conclusion that communion is just between them and God. I don’t know where they ever got that idea. The church at Corinth was harshly chastised by the apostle Paul for thinking only of themselves at communion time, and not thinking of the other worshipers (1 Corinthians 11:17-23). This isolationist mentality caused a serious division in the church.

So, let’s get away from the idea that communion is our personal, alone time with God. It’s not. Let’s promote unity in the body of Christ by acknowledging that communion is to be practiced as a part of our corporate worship.

“On the first day of the week we came together (my emphasis) to break bread…”—Acts 20:7.

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How She Loves Me!

Posted on January 31, 2018 by jesustrek

According to Jesus, the greatest two commandments are to love God and love people (Matthew 22:34-40). Everything we do should be measured by that standard.

We need to remember that “love” is primarily an action verb. It is not how we feel, it is what we do that shows our love.

Let me tell you how my wife is showing her love for me. She recently read an article that claimed that people who own dogs not only live longer, they also live happier lives. So she has started to look for a dog for me.

The article also supported that old theory that, over time, dogs and their owners tend to start to look like each other. So my wife is not just looking for any dog for me, she is trying to find one that looks like Brad Pitt!

“Above all, love each other deeply…”—1 Peter 4:8.

 

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Self-Denial

Posted on January 30, 2018 by jesustrek

Psalm 132:1 is an interesting verse—“Lord, remember David and all his self-denial.”

The text goes on to recount how David put the Lord’s concerns above his own.

Self-denial is a challenging concept. We are familiar with the teaching of Jesus that in order to be one of his disciples we must deny ourselves and pick up our cross and follow him (Mark 8:34). And we have read that we should properly align our priorities by seeking God’s kingdom first rather than our own selfish desires (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus set the example of self-denial by leaving his position in heaven to come down to earth to live and die for us (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus describes his own self-denial in Mark 10:45, where he says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Bible continually instructs us to deny ourselves so that we can serve God and bless others. But it is difficult to do. We have this selfish sinful nature that pushes us toward seeking our own wants and desires. Self-denial is one of the most difficult of all disciplines.

I suppose the challenge is to try to live our lives so that someday someone can pray, “Lord, remember ___________________ and all his/her self-denial.”

 

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Off Road

Posted on January 26, 2018 by jesustrek

My car is showing the effects of driving in winter weather. That means it is filthy. I felt better about how my car looked when I pulled up in a parking lot next to a 4-wheel drive vehicle that had obviously been doing some off-road driving. This vehicle was covered with a thick layer of mud. I wondered how the driver was even able to see through the windshield well enough to drive it!

Jesus says we need to keep on the straight and narrow road. If we get off the road, sin muddies up our lives in various ways and makes it difficult for us to see how to navigate our way through life. Off-road adventures may be fun for those who like to drive 4-wheelers. But spiritually, we need to stay on the road.

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”—Matthew 7:14.

 

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Poor Excuse

Posted on January 25, 2018 by jesustrek

Did you hear the one about the TV weather reporter who lost her job because her forecasts were never accurate? In an interview for another position, she was asked why she left her last job. She replied, “The climate didn’t agree with me.”

We can invent some very clever excuses, especially when it comes to our reluctance to serve the Lord. Like Moses in Exodus 4, we can find all kinds of reasons to decline the Lord’s call to serve him.

However, the Lord answers our excuses with the promise of his presence and his power. God will never send us out on any mission without coming along with us, giving us his strength every step of the way.

“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”—Colossians 1:29.

 

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The Children Speak

Posted on January 22, 2018 by jesustrek

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court essentially legalized abortion in the United States. Since that tragic decision, nearly 60 million children have been killed in their mother’s womb.

Yesterday many churches in our nation responded to the American holocaust by celebrating the sanctity of life. As I preached a pro-life sermon yesterday, some of the infants and toddlers in the audience were cooing and babbling. Their voices were like beautiful background music to the sermon, affirming and celebrating the truth of God’s Word about the sanctity of life.

“…Choose life…”—Deuteronomy 30:19.

 

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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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