Wednesday, May 23, 2018




Why are you Afraid?

By Jesse LeMay

                Springtime in Kansas is one of my favorite times of year. All the trees, grass, flowers, and other parts of nature are turning green again. Baseball and other outside activities are back in full swing. Perhaps most of all, I enjoy the thunderstorms. There is something about the energy in the air and the power that is displayed in the clouds, lighting, wind, thunder, rain, and hail. Not everyone feels the same way about storms. They become afraid when it starts to thunder, and the wind begins to blow. Don’t get me wrong, I am not fond of the destruction and loss that can and sometimes does accompany these storms. However, for whatever reason storms have never made me fearful, but excited. The storms of life can also cause us to fear, and even at times to waiver in our faith in God. Scripture gives us a valuable lesson on how to deal with these storms.
                One night, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a “great storm” popped up out of nowhere (Mt. 8:24-27). This made the disciples fearful for their lives, so they woke Jesus up saying, “Save us Lord, for we are perishing!” Rather than being concerned about the storm, Jesus was bothered by the lack of faith on behalf of His disciples which lead to their being afraid. He asked them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” What happened next proves Jesus’ deity and amazed the disciples. The Lord “rebuked” the wind and the sea saying, “Hush, be still” (Mk. 4:39). Next, the Scriptures say that “a great calm occurred.” There was no doubt about who was in control.
                Life can often feel like a thunderstorm. All the ebbs and flows, trials and turmoil, are comparable to a storm that seems as if it will not pass. Such inclement “weather” in our lives can cause great doubt and fear of what might happen next. In such instances, if we remain calm and “be still” knowing that the Lord is in control, we will have nothing to fear. That doesn’t mean we have to like all the storms life brings; however, because of our faith in God a “great calm” can occur no matter what happens. Trust in God and fear not!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018



            In the historical account of the first few decades of the New Testament church, which is the Book of Acts, we are given much information about a wide range of topics concerning the newly formed religious group. One interesting fact is that these devoted followers of Jesus “were first called Christians in Antioch” (11:26). Before this they were simply called “disciples.” Does that mean they were not Christians? Of course not, it just means they were not referred to in that manner. These individuals were still dedicated believers who had been “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” for the forgiveness of their sins (2:38). So, is there something significant about the name of Jesus Christ? Does it matter if we are a “Christian” or not?
            When we read that people were to be baptized “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” in order to become a disciple according to the command of Jesus, such an order is referring to the authority of those names (Matthew 28:19). Furthermore, this also shows us that the authority of all three were on equal footing. Just before giving this command Jesus said that “All authority” had been given to Him, “on heaven and on earth” (28:18). Meaning that He has complete authority to do all things. While on trial for healing the lame man, Peter responded by saying that it was in “the name of Jesus Christ” that the man had been made well (Acts 4:10). He would finish by stating that “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12).
            The name of Jesus is special, it is unique, it is powerful, and most of all, it is necessary. There are many beliefs and religions in our world today. We have a great number of choices from which to choose. However, there is only one that will have a significant eternal benefit for those who accept it. Jesus Christ is the sole provider of that benefit. It is truly an honor and responsibility to wear the name “Christian.” May God bless those who do so, and may He help guide the rest to that saving name.

                                                                                     Written by Jesse LeMay

Wednesday, May 9, 2018



Seeing the Glass as Fully Full

By Jesse LeMay

                All of us are guilty of complaining about one thing or another from time to time. It is either too hot, too cold, too windy, too humid, or some other condition that just isn’t quite right. We can also find ourselves grumbling in areas of our own personal lives. Many complain about their finances, health, relationship status, job, and the list goes on and on. For some, complaining can be a major part of life. Their glass is always below that half-full line. How does God view all this complaining?  
                We read a very eye-opening question asked by the writer of the book of Lamentations. He asked, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?” (3:39). Ponder that for just a moment. God has chosen to give us life, to provide us with air and water, with food and shelter, and all the other necessities for survival. Yet we want to complain about all these things. It seems as if some even search for reasons to express their negativity. Think about it from God’s perspective. He has given us all things, yet we throw it back in His face by always complaining. In addition, we add sin to the picture. God and His creation are perfect! It is sin, of which we have contributed, that has distorted the perfection of God’s created world.
                So how can we get out of this rut of complaint? Firstly, “Let us examine and probe our ways” (3:40a). Instead of always pointing the complaining finger at others and the world around us, we should look inward and recognize our own shortcomings. Secondly, the Scriptures says, “let us return to the Lord” (3:40b). Repenting from our sinful and complaining ways and turning towards God will help us realize how truly amazing life is. If our focus is on the Lord, we will recognize the love He has for us, and all the many blessings that are attached to that love. So, instead of looking outward, look inward and upward. In so doing, we might just realize that because of God, our glass is and always will be fully full!