Reflecting the Son

Posted on August 29, 2017 by jesustrek

The recent total eclipse of the sun reminded me of the primary purpose of the moon. Rather than block out the sun, the moon was created to reflect the sun’s light so that mankind could have at least some way to see at night.

In the same way, we are not to block out the light of the Son, Jesus Christ. We Christians are given the task of reflecting his light in this dark world. As we shine, we light the way for others so that they can make their way out of darkness to live in his glorious light!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:14-16.

 

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Tale of Two Churches

Posted on August 28, 2017 by jesustrek

As my wife and I drove to southwestern Kentucky to view the recent total eclipse of the sun, we passed a couple of churches that had totally different ideas about how they should respond to the throng of people flooding into their area to witness the event.

The first church decided to create a welcoming atmosphere. Signs invited people to park for free. People were encouraged to enjoy refreshments and fellowship as they waited to view the eclipse. Many took them up on their offer, tailgating in the church parking lot and setting up chairs and umbrellas on the grassy area of the property. People seemed happy and excited about having a safe place to watch the event.

Just a few miles down the road we saw a church that had taken a different approach. There were no signs to welcome visitors. As a matter of fact, their parking lot was roped off, denying entry to anyone who wanted to come in for any reason. That church’s campus was desolate. They did not seem to want any outsiders on their property.

Two different churches; two radically different approaches.

If your church had been in the area where the eclipse could be viewed in its totality, which approach would you have taken?

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”—Colossians 4:5.

 

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Blocking the Sun

Posted on August 26, 2017 by jesustrek

Like millions of other residents of the United States, my wife and I drove quite a distance to get the best view possible of the total solar eclipse that took place on Monday, August 21. It was well worth the time and effort. The event was one of the most spectacular things I have ever witnessed. When the moon completely blocked the sun’s light, it became quite dark. Crickets began to chirp. Night lights came on. It was amazing!

It reminded me of what happens when the light of the Son, Jesus Christ, is not seen by humans. When lack of faith prevents the light from being discerned, darkness prevails. If Jesus is not allowed to shine, then sin becomes dominant, and people suffer greatly.

Let us see to it that nothing blocks the Son!

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”—John 1:9-12.

 

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The Bible Builds Character

Posted on August 24, 2017 by jesustrek

It is amazing how many people: believe that the Bible is the Word of God, admit that what the Bible says is important, yet rarely read what the Bible has to say!

Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…” It is sad to see so many people slowly destroying themselves by refusing to accept the truth of God’s Word that teaches us how to be saved and how to live an effective life for Jesus.

In addition to its life-saving message, the Bible builds character. Acts 17:11 says, “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

In short, if you want to avoid destruction and you desire to build character—read the Bible!

 

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The Voice of Authority

Posted on August 23, 2017 by jesustrek

The cover letter of a job application contained the following statement—“I listen to what the company president says, but I still make my own moves because I know what is best.”

That kind of attitude is probably not going to get that job seeker a lot of interviews! Most employers are looking for employees who know who is in charge of the company. Willingness to take orders is a desirable characteristic in a worker.

Sadly, the attitude expressed by the aforementioned job seeker is one that is held by many who claim to be Christians. They listen to what the CEO—Jesus—has to say, and then they do whatever they want. They think that they know better how to: spend their time and money, use their energy, make moral decisions, etc.

It’s no wonder Jesus asks the question, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).

 

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Off Course

Posted on August 22, 2017 by jesustrek

On October 31, 1983, Korean Airlines flight 007 departed from Anchorage, Alaska for a direct flight to Seoul. Due to an unknown 1 ½ degree error in the navigational system computer, the giant 747 jet strayed off course, eventually flying into Soviet air space. Soviet radar picked up the jet, fighters were scrambled to intercept it, and over mainland Russia they shot flight 007 out of the sky, killing all on board.

Sometimes a seemingly small mistake can cause us to veer far off course spiritually. One wrong decision can put us on the path to disaster.

It’s no wonder that the Bible continually urges us to check our course, make sure that we are headed in the right direction and make any necessary changes to keep ourselves on the right path!

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”—Luke 13:5.

 

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They Grow Better Together

Posted on August 21, 2017 by jesustrek

As we planned the landscaping for our new home, a friend gave us some cannas to plant. These tall colorful flowers did well in the soil around our house, and we enjoyed their beauty all summer and fall.

Cannas are tropical flowers, so I did as instructed and dug up the tubers last fall and stored them in the basement over the winter. When spring arrived, I planted them again. Not only did I plant a patch near one corner of the house, like we did last year, I also planted some along another side of the house and another line of them along one end of the house. (As I said, I really like cannas!).

Once again, the patch of cannas that I planted grouped together did extremely well. However, the ones I planted in a line alongside the house did not fare so well. I have a theory that they do better when they grow together in bunches.

So it is with Christians. We grow better together. The New Testament is filled with “one another” verses to remind us that we can’t become all that God wants us to be if we try to do it alone. We need to grow together to reach our full potential.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”—Ephesians 4:16.

Cannas

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What Love Means

Posted on August 20, 2017 by jesustrek

One of the more memorable lines from Erich Segal’s Love Story is, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” That has a sentimental sound to it, but it certainly is not true. Love means that you have the ability to say you are sorry. The more we practice love, the better we become at saying, “I’m sorry.”

I have found that a sincere apology is a way to build bridges in broken relationships. Our godly sorrow puts us back in tune with God. “I’m sorry” can end a fight between spouses, calm a dispute between siblings, bridge a gap between a parent and a child; it can solve a misunderstanding between church members.

It has been my experience that those who practice a life of love actually become pretty good at saying, “I’m sorry”—and meaning it!

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…”—2 Corinthians 7:10.

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Treasure Found

Posted on August 18, 2017 by jesustrek

Mary Grams’ ring

Mary Grams, of Alberta, Canada, feared that her ring was gone forever when she lost it 13 years ago. Grams, now 84, lost her engagement ring while she was pulling weeds at her family farm in 2004. One can only imagine the frustration that would go along with the loss of such a valuable possession.

Against all odds, Grams found her ring when she pulled up a carrot from her garden and found the ring “growing” around the carrot! A celebration no doubt followed this amazing find.

The salvation that we have in Jesus is compared to finding a valuable treasure. Once we find it, we celebrate joyfully, and we hang onto it for dear life!

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”—Matthew 13:44.

 

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The Best Cure

Posted on August 17, 2017 by jesustrek

Dr. Karl Menninger

After giving a lecture on mental health, psychiatrist Karl Menninger fielded questions from the audience. “What advice would you give a person who felt a nervous breakdown coming on?” someone asked.

Dr. Menninger replied, “Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone in need and do something to help.”

People who stay home feeling sorry for themselves tend to experience more sickness: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Putting others first in acts of unselfish service will help to cure a lot of those illnesses.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet…Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”—John 13:14,17.

 

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