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!

            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

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!

It’s a Gift

By Jesse LeMay

                Some people just seem to be born with certain talents, abilities, and characteristics. My grandmother was one of those people. She had incredible artistic ability. God is often given the credit as the source of such traits. The late Hall of Fame baseball player Willie Stargell once said, “Baseball for me was instinctive, born within me, given to me as a gift from God.” While not everybody can draw or paint as well as others, or even play a certain sport at the same level as a professional athlete, each of us possesses a certain God-given gift. Such abilities are most importantly utilized in the church. Because we have these gifts, God wants us to use them as members of Christ’s body.

                Paul wrote to the church in Rome explaining this very concept. He compared the body of the church, individual members existing in one body, to our human bodies, and how they too have different parts meant for different functions (12:4-5). We each have certain “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us” (12:6a). Listed next, while not exhaustive, are seven of those gifts that God has given to His children (12:6b-8).

                First is prophecy. Some have the ability to speak God’s word in a unique way. Second is service or ministry. Certain Christians just seem to have that “servant” mindset that Jesus encourages us all to have. Third is teaching. Being able to teach well so that others can effectively learn is definitely a valuable gift needed in the church. Fourth is exhortation. There are those who can encourage and motivate others to do that which is needed better than others. Fifth is giving generously. This could be monetarily and materialistically, but also in giving their time. Sixth is leading in diligence or earnestness. The Lord’s church will always need those who work hard in leading the flock. Seventh and final is the gift of showing mercy with cheerfulness. Never lacking are those who are hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Some more than others seem to mercifully express their empathy; however, it should be done cheerfully.

                God has given each person a gift that can be used in the development of Christ’s body. While we may seemingly possess one gift over another, we can always strive to develop those which may not come naturally. What is your gift?

Unsinkable

By Jesse LeMay

                On April 15^th, 1912 the infamous and thought to be unsinkable RMS Titanic began its descent to the bottom of the frigid Atlantic. No less than 1,500 people would lose their lives on that day, many of whom were among the richest in the world. The Titanic was termed “unsinkable” by Shipbuilder magazine due to its fifteen watertight bulkhead compartments (history.com). Despite such engineering the ship would indeed sink after striking an iceberg just before midnight on the 14^th. One of the factors that led to so many deaths was that there were only sixteen lifeboats on board. There simply was no way of escape for many of the passengers on board. That tragic event is still recognized today as one of the greatest disasters of all time. As Christians, there are some lessons that can be taken from this accident that correlate with Scripture.

                In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul described the events of the downfall of the Israelites in the wilderness, saying that they were an example for all who followed, and that “he who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (10:12). We often think we are “unsinkable” and that we have “watertight compartments” which will prevent sin from creeping into our hulls. When it comes to our faith however, there are icebergs all around us that could be our downfall. Those icebergs are temptations and sins that we may not even see clearly. Just as the iceberg that hit the Titanic paid no mind to the fact that there were wealthy people on board, sin makes no distinction between persons either.

                Thankfully for us there is always a way out. God will not allow us “to be tempted beyond” what we are able to overcome, always providing “the way of escape” (10:13). Paul gives a list of potential sins that could bring us down ranging from idolatry to grumbling (10:7-10). These and others could be the “iceberg” that sinks our ship. Equally, there is no temptation too great that cannot be averted. Just as Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations with the word of God, we also must understand that He and His word are our lifeboats. Are we unsinkable? Absolutely not! However, if we trust in the Lord and rely on His strength and His holy word, we will never end up at the bottom of the sea.  

Something Greater than Jonah

By Jesse LeMay

            Many people today desire for God to show them a sign. This is nothing new however, mankind has always been this way. Jesus was asked by the Pharisees to produce a sign (Matthew 12:38). He responds by rebuking their “evil” request and says that the only sign which will be given is the “sign of Jonah,” which meant that Jesus would be buried three days just as Jonah had been in the “sea creature” three days (12:39-40). Most Christians know the account of Jonah, and certainly the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Other than the relation of the “three days,” there are some additional fascinating correlations as well.

In Jonah’s prayer he said he had been cast into the “heart of the seas” (2:3). Jesus stated He would be in the “heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Next, Jonah mentions that “all Your breakers and billows passed over me,” and that he had been “expelled” from God’s sight” (2:3-4). While Christ was in the tomb, all the people of Jerusalem were living their lives as normal, passing over Him. He too had been expelled from everyone’s sight once that stone was rolled over the tomb. Jonah said, “weeds were wrapped around my head,” and that he had “descended to the roots of the mountains” (2:5-6). All the gospel accounts tell us that Jesus’ body was “wrapped” in linen cloth, and that His tomb had been cut out of the rock, which would have been the side of a mountain. Twice Jonah mentions God’s “holy temple” (2:4, 7). Also speaking of His body’s time in the tomb and ultimate resurrection, Jesus answered the Jews who were asking for a sign, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). He was the temple, because He was God in the flesh!

In His response to those Pharisees, Jesus spoke of how the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching, and then He said, “behold, something greater than Jonah is here” (12:42). While in the fish Jonah prayed to the “LORD his God” (2:1). In reality, He was praying to the very one who would offer the “sign of Jonah” nearly eight centuries later as proof to the world that He was indeed the great I AM. Something greater than Jonah is here indeed!

By Jesse LeMay

                Most of us likely had our mothers at some point tell us, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This principle is so worth applying because words can be very impactful. They can hurt, cause anger, stir up jealousy and envy, create self-doubt, and many other negative things. However, on the other side of the coin, words can also help one heal, bring happiness, build trust, instill confidence and feelings of encouragement, and help others in more ways than perhaps we can even truly understand. Words are a fascinating and valuable thing when you think about it. Parents wait in anticipation for their child’s first words. Even God Himself has chosen to communicate to us through words; verbal, written, and through Jesus, who interestingly enough is referred to as the “Word.”

How many words do you think you speak on an average day? Some research suggests that men may speak up to 7,000 words daily, with women speaking up to a whopping 20,000 (languagelog.edu). Out of however many thousands of words you might speak, how many of those would you say are positive and uplifting to others? American author Robert Collier once said, “Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise and encouragement – and we will make the goal.”

                As Christians, we should be even more aware of the things which come out of our mouth. We represent Christ and wear His name. God expects us to be different from the world in how we speak to others, especially those in the church. Paul told the Ephesians to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…” (4:29). Why would we ever want to say anything that paints our Lord in a bad light to non-believers? Furthermore, why would we speak in such a way as to discourage a fellow brother or sister in Christ? What if something we said caused someone to fall away from the faith? Our aim should be to build one another up and encourage others to grow in their faith. In so doing, we might just help them reach their goal. May we all choose our words wisely and use them for good!