The Terror by Night

Psalm 91:5 says, “You will not be afraid of the terror by night or of the arrow that flies by day.” I didn’t fully understand this verse until I went on an overnight camp-out with a couple of elders from our church.

In those days, we didn’t have cell phones, and we hadn’t checked the weather report before we left. We pitched our tent by a lake and were enjoying fellowship when we noticed black clouds approaching. At sunset, it started pouring, and within minutes we were in the middle of a dangerous storm. Wind was blowing 30-40 miles an hour and lightning was striking around our tent every few seconds. Psalm 91:5 refers to the “terror by night.” This was it!

As it kept thundering with loud booms, I actually thought we were going to die. I even envisioned the headline of our local newspaper: “Local Pastor and Elders Struck by Lightning. See Obituary, page 2.” I had never been this close to dying.

Then I remembered the disciples panicking in the boat on the Sea of Galilee when the terrible storm hit (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus asked them, “How is it that you have no faith?” They didn’t believe God was in control of the storm, and now that we were in the same boat, neither did we! Their fear of dying kept them from having faith in God.

“Listen, guys,” I told my friends. “The disciples probably felt like we do when they thought their boat was going to sink. God knows if this is our time to die.” We prayed together and then we started praising God as thunder boomed around us. Instantly supernatural peace filled our hearts and we weren’t afraid anymore.

Thirty minutes later, the storm had passed, and none of us died. But from that experience of “the terror by night,” we learned something we had only known in theory before. If you’ll praise God in the middle of the storm, God’s peace will fill your heart and your fear will leave.     www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com   www.makinglifecount.net 

People Will Remember How You Made Them Feel

 We love to hear those three little words, “I love you.” Well, most of the time we do. Several years ago, millions of people received an email message with the subject line, “I Love You.” The message contained a computer virus. Once the recipient opened the email, the “I Love You” virus unleashed a program that destroyed computer files, and emailed itself to every address stored in the computer.

 On its first day, the “I Love You” virus reportedly crippled computer systems in Hong Kong before invading the British House of Commons, and then moving on to create confusion in the U.S. Congress and the Pentagon. By noon, it had reached home computers across the country and shut down the systems of large businesses. In the end, it infected more than 55 million computers. People will never forget how terrible they felt after being deceived.

Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without hypocrisy.” That means we have no hidden agenda. The words “I love you” could be a cover for something sinister, like a destructive virus. Anyone can say “I love you” to get something they want.

The 24-year-old college student who invented the virus had no intention of spreading love around the world. He wanted to hurt everyone under the pretense of loving them. He obviously never opened the love letter from God which says, “Love is kind...does not act improperly... finds no joy in unrighteousness. . .” (1 Cor. 13:4-6).

If we say we love others, but slander them behind their backs, we are no different than the student who invented the computer virus. People will forget what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Today, when you tell someone “I love you,” they will probably not remember what you say, so make them remember how wonderful you made them feel. 

 www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com   www.makinglifecount.net 

At What Price Will You Compromise?

An advertising agency calls a famous athlete and asks if he would pose with a bottle of Gordon’s Gin for a billboard campaign. The athlete replies, “I simply cannot do that because of my religious beliefs.” The executive says, “We will pay you $1 million if you will simply let us take your picture with our product.” After a long pause, the athlete says, “Hmm, let me think about it.”

He goes to his bishop, explains the million-dollar offer, and asks his advice. The bishop says, “Don’t do it! You would be setting a bad example for our young people and would compromise your faith.” The athlete calls the ad executive and says, “I’ve decided to turn down your offer.”

Two weeks later, the athlete is driving down Hollywood Boulevard and looks up at the billboard. He’s shocked to see his bishop wearing his black liturgical robe and holding a bottle of Gordon’s Gin. The caption says: “It is simply divine and has a heavenly taste!”

Some people will compromise what they claim to believe if the price is right. Before Israel conquered Jericho, God told the Israelites to destroy everything, but to keep all the gold and silver for the treasury of the Lord.

When the men of Israel invaded Jericho and started destroying everything, Achan secretly took some gold, silver, and a beautiful robe, and then hid them in the ground under his tent (Josh. 7:21). He thought he got away with it, but he forgot God was watching. His sin brought a curse upon Israel, and the only way for the curse to be lifted was to execute the person responsible. Achan was stoned to death, along with his family (7:24-26).

The phrase “every man has his price” suggests that no individual is immune to bribery or corruption, implying that anyone can be swayed to compromise given the right incentive. That’s true for many people, but not everyone. The only guaranteed way to not compromise your integrity is if your love for God is greater than the bribe you’re being offered.  www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com   www.makinglifecount.net

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