James Collins's Blog: The Point Is..., page 4
November 14, 2020
The Bird
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
A lonely lady lived alone, and she didn’t like it. Finally, she decided to do something about her loneliness. She went to a pet store and looked at all the dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, and goldfish that were for sale, hoping to find a pet that would be good company. None of the pets really made the woman happy and she was ready to give up when the pet store owner showed her a very expensive parrot. “Does it talk” she asked. “Yes ma’am,” the owner replied, “He’s a genuine chatterbox.” The woman was thrilled. Excitedly, she paid $2000 for the parrot and his cage.
A week later, the woman came back to the pet shop and said, “I want my money back. I paid $2000 for my talking bird and he doesn’t talk at all.” The pet store owner said, “Ma’am, he will talk if you just entice him a little bit. Put some things in his cage with him.” She agreed and the pet shop owner sold her a mirror for the bird to look at himself and a ladder for the bird to run up and down. When the items were totaled up, it cost the lady $50.
Another week went by and the woman returned to the pet store. She was madder than a hornet. She said, “My talking bird still will not talk.” The pet shop owner said, “Ma’am, you have to entice him a little more. What you need to do is get him a bell to ring and a swing to swing on. He will get so excited, he will talk.” She said, “Okay.” By the time she left the pet store, she had paid another $50.
Another week later, the woman stomped back into the pet store. She was visibly angry.
“I want you to know that my talking bird is dead. He is dead, dead, dead and I’m out $2100,” she huffed.
“You’re kidding. That bird was healthy when I sold him to you 3 weeks ago,” the pet store owner said.
“Well, he’s dead now. He’s deader than a hammer. He swung on his swing. He rang his bell. He looked at himself in the mirror. He ran up and down his ladder. Then he fell on his little back in the bottom of the cage. He kicked his little legs up in the air and he blew out his last breath. He’s dead. My talking bird is dead.”
“I am so sorry.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, he finally said something before he died.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“Right before he died, my bird looked at me and said, ‘Hey dummy! Don’t they have any bird seed at that pet store!’”
The point is: You can have all the bells and whistles this world has to offer, but without Jesus, you will be dead. We have all sinned. As far as God is concerned, we deserve the death penalty, but He provided a way to have life. God gave His Son to die in our place, and all who believe on Him are saved.
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, is food for your soul. There is no need to let your hunger for spiritual nourishment go unsatisfied. All you need is abundantly available in Jesus.
Don’t starve to death.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
A lonely lady lived alone, and she didn’t like it. Finally, she decided to do something about her loneliness. She went to a pet store and looked at all the dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, and goldfish that were for sale, hoping to find a pet that would be good company. None of the pets really made the woman happy and she was ready to give up when the pet store owner showed her a very expensive parrot. “Does it talk” she asked. “Yes ma’am,” the owner replied, “He’s a genuine chatterbox.” The woman was thrilled. Excitedly, she paid $2000 for the parrot and his cage.
A week later, the woman came back to the pet shop and said, “I want my money back. I paid $2000 for my talking bird and he doesn’t talk at all.” The pet store owner said, “Ma’am, he will talk if you just entice him a little bit. Put some things in his cage with him.” She agreed and the pet shop owner sold her a mirror for the bird to look at himself and a ladder for the bird to run up and down. When the items were totaled up, it cost the lady $50.
Another week went by and the woman returned to the pet store. She was madder than a hornet. She said, “My talking bird still will not talk.” The pet shop owner said, “Ma’am, you have to entice him a little more. What you need to do is get him a bell to ring and a swing to swing on. He will get so excited, he will talk.” She said, “Okay.” By the time she left the pet store, she had paid another $50.
Another week later, the woman stomped back into the pet store. She was visibly angry.
“I want you to know that my talking bird is dead. He is dead, dead, dead and I’m out $2100,” she huffed.
“You’re kidding. That bird was healthy when I sold him to you 3 weeks ago,” the pet store owner said.
“Well, he’s dead now. He’s deader than a hammer. He swung on his swing. He rang his bell. He looked at himself in the mirror. He ran up and down his ladder. Then he fell on his little back in the bottom of the cage. He kicked his little legs up in the air and he blew out his last breath. He’s dead. My talking bird is dead.”
“I am so sorry.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, he finally said something before he died.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“Right before he died, my bird looked at me and said, ‘Hey dummy! Don’t they have any bird seed at that pet store!’”
The point is: You can have all the bells and whistles this world has to offer, but without Jesus, you will be dead. We have all sinned. As far as God is concerned, we deserve the death penalty, but He provided a way to have life. God gave His Son to die in our place, and all who believe on Him are saved.
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, is food for your soul. There is no need to let your hunger for spiritual nourishment go unsatisfied. All you need is abundantly available in Jesus.
Don’t starve to death.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
November 7, 2020
Wounded
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The hood of her jacket was pulled low over her face hiding her eyes. Without exception, she wore the same long-sleeve hoodie, even in warm weather. Juston glanced at her and smiled as she stepped onto the school bus. “Hello, Angelica,” he said. She gripped the handrail tighter and looked up at him from underneath her hoodie. Her face was pale. She didn’t return his smile.
Angelica stepped into the aisle and sat down in the front seat behind him. She always sat in the front seat. All the other high school kids were in the back of the bus, but not Angelica. She sat in front with the kindergarten kids.
Juston closed the door, shifted gears, and pulled the bus out of the school parking lot. He looked up at Angelica’s reflection in the rearview. She never looked up. Her crossed arms wrapped around her body, hugging herself.
“Do you like pizza?” he asked over his shoulder. “You probably think I just drive this bus all day long,” he continued. “But this is not my real job. I only do this to make ends meet. I’m the pastor for students at First Baptist. Our youth group is having pizza tonight. You should come.” He peeked up at the mirror to see her reply, but she still never looked up. So, they drove on in silence.
A few minutes later, the bus pulled up in front of her house. As she was stepping off, Juston said, “Church starts at seven.” She paused, then continued out the door without looking back.
Juston was surprised that night when Angelica walked into church. She sat in the back, away from everyone else. She never looked up as Juston shared the gospel. After he finished speaking, she grabbed a slice of pizza and hurried out the door.
He was surprised again next week when she came back.
“Can I talk to you?” she asked.
Juston nodded, “Sure.”
“Before we talk, I need you to take this.”
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Justin unzipped the small black case to reveal the contents inside - razorblades. It was full of razorblades. Angelica pulled up her sleeves. Scars started at the top of her arms and continued down to her wrists.
Trembling and sobbing, she shared her story. It was a tragedy – a story of abuse. Someone she loved and trusted had done unspeakable things to her. Eventually, her heart numbed. As a way of “feeling” something, she became a cutter.
She reached in her pocket and handed him a piece of paper – a suicide note. “A week ago, I decided to end my life. Then you invited me for pizza. Now, I don’t want to die. I want to live, and I want to know this Jesus you keep talking about…”
That night, Angelica gave her life to Jesus Christ. Today, she and her husband are missionaries in South America. They just had their first child – a baby girl.
You know, the world is full of Angelicas. The world is full of scarred, wounded people. But Jesus Christ can bind up your wounds.
The point is: Only Jesus can heal your broken heart. Like Angelica, you can bring Him your disappointments, your griefs, and your wounds. Whatever you are going through, there is healing in Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus bore our sins. By His wounds you have been healed. Step out in faith and place your life in His nail-scarred hands.
James Collins is the author of "The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life," available on Amazon.
The hood of her jacket was pulled low over her face hiding her eyes. Without exception, she wore the same long-sleeve hoodie, even in warm weather. Juston glanced at her and smiled as she stepped onto the school bus. “Hello, Angelica,” he said. She gripped the handrail tighter and looked up at him from underneath her hoodie. Her face was pale. She didn’t return his smile.
Angelica stepped into the aisle and sat down in the front seat behind him. She always sat in the front seat. All the other high school kids were in the back of the bus, but not Angelica. She sat in front with the kindergarten kids.
Juston closed the door, shifted gears, and pulled the bus out of the school parking lot. He looked up at Angelica’s reflection in the rearview. She never looked up. Her crossed arms wrapped around her body, hugging herself.
“Do you like pizza?” he asked over his shoulder. “You probably think I just drive this bus all day long,” he continued. “But this is not my real job. I only do this to make ends meet. I’m the pastor for students at First Baptist. Our youth group is having pizza tonight. You should come.” He peeked up at the mirror to see her reply, but she still never looked up. So, they drove on in silence.
A few minutes later, the bus pulled up in front of her house. As she was stepping off, Juston said, “Church starts at seven.” She paused, then continued out the door without looking back.
Juston was surprised that night when Angelica walked into church. She sat in the back, away from everyone else. She never looked up as Juston shared the gospel. After he finished speaking, she grabbed a slice of pizza and hurried out the door.
He was surprised again next week when she came back.
“Can I talk to you?” she asked.
Juston nodded, “Sure.”
“Before we talk, I need you to take this.”
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Justin unzipped the small black case to reveal the contents inside - razorblades. It was full of razorblades. Angelica pulled up her sleeves. Scars started at the top of her arms and continued down to her wrists.
Trembling and sobbing, she shared her story. It was a tragedy – a story of abuse. Someone she loved and trusted had done unspeakable things to her. Eventually, her heart numbed. As a way of “feeling” something, she became a cutter.
She reached in her pocket and handed him a piece of paper – a suicide note. “A week ago, I decided to end my life. Then you invited me for pizza. Now, I don’t want to die. I want to live, and I want to know this Jesus you keep talking about…”
That night, Angelica gave her life to Jesus Christ. Today, she and her husband are missionaries in South America. They just had their first child – a baby girl.
You know, the world is full of Angelicas. The world is full of scarred, wounded people. But Jesus Christ can bind up your wounds.
The point is: Only Jesus can heal your broken heart. Like Angelica, you can bring Him your disappointments, your griefs, and your wounds. Whatever you are going through, there is healing in Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus bore our sins. By His wounds you have been healed. Step out in faith and place your life in His nail-scarred hands.
James Collins is the author of "The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life," available on Amazon.
October 31, 2020
Forgive Me, Father
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”1 John 1:7
The first thing Larry said to me was, “Forgive me, Padre, for I have sinned.” For this story to make sense, I need to back up and start at the beginning. I served for many years as a United States Army Chaplain. Military Chaplains can wear the symbol of their faith on their uniforms. For example, a Jewish Rabbi Chaplain wears the Star of David.
As a Christian who is Baptist, I wore the Cross. Roman Catholic Chaplains also wear the Cross. Because we both wore the Cross, there were times people wrongly assumed I was a Catholic Priest.
It happened once when I was serving in Iraq. I had been traveling for several hours in a convoy of up-armored vehicles. When I reached our base, I had to go to the bathroom. There were two portable toilets just inside the base. I am not sure what the proper name is for a portable toilet, but we called them Porta Potties. There were two Porta Potties sitting side by side just inside the base. As I made my way to one, I noticed a soldier, looking intently at me. I didn’t know it, but he was looking at the cross on my uniform. He thought I was a Catholic Priest.
I was inside one of the Porta Potties when I heard the door to the other one open. Someone stepped inside and yelled through the wall, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”
He was trying to use the Porta Potties as a confessional booth.
Another time, I was visiting a friend in the Veteran’s Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. The effects of very intense combat had left my friend a shell of a man. He was in the hospital being treated for PTSD.
To get to the VA Hospital Psychiatric Ward, you must go through several layers of security. As I was going through security, I noticed a patient staring at me through the glass. When I got inside, the man walked up and said, “Forgive me, Padre, for I have sinned.” I smiled and asked him his name. He answered, “Larry.” Then he said, “I really need to talk.” I wanted to tell him I was not a Catholic Priest, but he started telling me his story before I got the chance.
Larry was a Vietnam Veteran. He was carrying a ton of guilt. He felt guilty for things he did in the war. Most of all, he felt guilty for the choices he made in life after the war. He became an alcoholic and lived on the streets.
One day, Larry called home. His mom said, “Son, I am sick. Please come home.” Larry took a long time coming home. When he finally arrived, he was too late. His mom was dead.
Larry tried to pull his life together. He sobered up and got married. Soon he was a father to a beautiful baby girl. For a while, things were looking up. Life was good until he started drinking again.
Larry couldn’t keep a job. He missed too much work because he was constantly hungover. After a while, nobody would hire him. So, his wife worked, and he stayed home with their daughter.
One time, the baby wouldn’t stop crying. In a fit of rage, Larry violently shook his little girl. When he realized what he was doing, he put the baby down, and he walked out. He left his wife, his child, and his home. He went back to living on the streets. Eventually, he ended up in a prescription drug induced daze at the Shreveport, VA Hospital.
Larry talked for two hours, and as he told his story, both of us cried. Finally, he said to me again, “Forgive me Padre, for I have sinned.” I said, “I can’t forgive you, but Jesus Christ, Whom I serve, can and will forgive you.”
I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed for him. As I prayed, I could feel the tension leaving his body. When I finished his face looked brighter. There was a difference in him. He smiled at me and said, “It’s been a long time since I had something to smile about.”
We stood up. I hugged him and said, “I will be praying for you.”
Two weeks later, I went back to the VA Hospital. When I walked into the Psychiatric Ward, a nurse yelled at me, “You! The doctor wants to talk to you!” I thought, “Oh no. What did I do? Why would the doctor want to talk to me?”
The nurse ushered me into the doctor’s office. “We saw you talking with Larry the other day,” he said. “What did you do to him?”
“I didn’t do anything.” I innocently replied.
“Larry is completely off all medications.”
“That’s great!”
“Yes, it is. He is being discharged. He seems like a different person.”
“Wonderful!”
“He has contacted his daughter and they have reconciled.”
“That is incredible!”
“He has been going around the hospital with a Gideon Bible and he has been praying for the other patients.”
“Praise God!”
“What did you do to him?”
“Doctor, I didn’t do anything. You have just been out-physicianed by the Great Physician.”
The point is: Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, is still in the healing business. Are you carrying a load of guilt and shame? Do you need forgiveness? The Doctor is in the house.
Take your problems and your sins to Jesus. He is medicine for the weary soul.
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
The first thing Larry said to me was, “Forgive me, Padre, for I have sinned.” For this story to make sense, I need to back up and start at the beginning. I served for many years as a United States Army Chaplain. Military Chaplains can wear the symbol of their faith on their uniforms. For example, a Jewish Rabbi Chaplain wears the Star of David.
As a Christian who is Baptist, I wore the Cross. Roman Catholic Chaplains also wear the Cross. Because we both wore the Cross, there were times people wrongly assumed I was a Catholic Priest.
It happened once when I was serving in Iraq. I had been traveling for several hours in a convoy of up-armored vehicles. When I reached our base, I had to go to the bathroom. There were two portable toilets just inside the base. I am not sure what the proper name is for a portable toilet, but we called them Porta Potties. There were two Porta Potties sitting side by side just inside the base. As I made my way to one, I noticed a soldier, looking intently at me. I didn’t know it, but he was looking at the cross on my uniform. He thought I was a Catholic Priest.
I was inside one of the Porta Potties when I heard the door to the other one open. Someone stepped inside and yelled through the wall, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”
He was trying to use the Porta Potties as a confessional booth.
Another time, I was visiting a friend in the Veteran’s Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. The effects of very intense combat had left my friend a shell of a man. He was in the hospital being treated for PTSD.
To get to the VA Hospital Psychiatric Ward, you must go through several layers of security. As I was going through security, I noticed a patient staring at me through the glass. When I got inside, the man walked up and said, “Forgive me, Padre, for I have sinned.” I smiled and asked him his name. He answered, “Larry.” Then he said, “I really need to talk.” I wanted to tell him I was not a Catholic Priest, but he started telling me his story before I got the chance.
Larry was a Vietnam Veteran. He was carrying a ton of guilt. He felt guilty for things he did in the war. Most of all, he felt guilty for the choices he made in life after the war. He became an alcoholic and lived on the streets.
One day, Larry called home. His mom said, “Son, I am sick. Please come home.” Larry took a long time coming home. When he finally arrived, he was too late. His mom was dead.
Larry tried to pull his life together. He sobered up and got married. Soon he was a father to a beautiful baby girl. For a while, things were looking up. Life was good until he started drinking again.
Larry couldn’t keep a job. He missed too much work because he was constantly hungover. After a while, nobody would hire him. So, his wife worked, and he stayed home with their daughter.
One time, the baby wouldn’t stop crying. In a fit of rage, Larry violently shook his little girl. When he realized what he was doing, he put the baby down, and he walked out. He left his wife, his child, and his home. He went back to living on the streets. Eventually, he ended up in a prescription drug induced daze at the Shreveport, VA Hospital.
Larry talked for two hours, and as he told his story, both of us cried. Finally, he said to me again, “Forgive me Padre, for I have sinned.” I said, “I can’t forgive you, but Jesus Christ, Whom I serve, can and will forgive you.”
I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed for him. As I prayed, I could feel the tension leaving his body. When I finished his face looked brighter. There was a difference in him. He smiled at me and said, “It’s been a long time since I had something to smile about.”
We stood up. I hugged him and said, “I will be praying for you.”
Two weeks later, I went back to the VA Hospital. When I walked into the Psychiatric Ward, a nurse yelled at me, “You! The doctor wants to talk to you!” I thought, “Oh no. What did I do? Why would the doctor want to talk to me?”
The nurse ushered me into the doctor’s office. “We saw you talking with Larry the other day,” he said. “What did you do to him?”
“I didn’t do anything.” I innocently replied.
“Larry is completely off all medications.”
“That’s great!”
“Yes, it is. He is being discharged. He seems like a different person.”
“Wonderful!”
“He has contacted his daughter and they have reconciled.”
“That is incredible!”
“He has been going around the hospital with a Gideon Bible and he has been praying for the other patients.”
“Praise God!”
“What did you do to him?”
“Doctor, I didn’t do anything. You have just been out-physicianed by the Great Physician.”
The point is: Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, is still in the healing business. Are you carrying a load of guilt and shame? Do you need forgiveness? The Doctor is in the house.
Take your problems and your sins to Jesus. He is medicine for the weary soul.
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
October 24, 2020
Periodically
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
I understand people today don’t believe in spanking kids, but I was raised in a different time. Spanking was a daily occurrence for me.
Corporal punishment was still in the public-school system when I was growing up. I used to get spankings at school. At my school, they used the board of education. They used a wooden paddle.
When I was in the eighth-grade, we were studying the periodic table of elements in science. I struggled memorizing the periodic table. I was as lost as a goose in a snowstorm.
Who came up with those abbreviations anyway? Some of them made sense. For example, hydrogen is H. Oxygen is O. But some of them don’t make any sense. Take potassium for example. Potassium is K. There isn’t even a K in the word potassium. Sodium is NA. I thought NA meant “not applicable.” Silver is AG. Isn’t AG the abbreviation for agriculture?
In the eighth-grade, I could not remember the periodic table for the life of me. There was a big test over the periodic table coming up. So, I decided to cheat.
I took an ink pen that was made of clear plastic. I copied out the entire periodic table on a very small piece of paper. Then I rolled up the piece of paper and put it inside the pen. All I had to do was look at the pen for the test answers.
My plan would have worked if not for my cousin, Bubba. Bubba’s real name was Jimmy Joe Jeff Johnny Paul Ray Elmer Junior. But that was a mouthful. We called him Bubba.
Bubba was in Mr. Alford’s Science Class with me. He was sitting in the desk behind me on the day of the test.
When the test started, things were going great. I was filling in all the blanks on the test thanks to the periodic pen.
Suddenly, Bubba whispered, “What’s the abbreviation for Mercury?” I tried to ignore him because I didn’t want to get caught.
He was persistent. He asked again louder, “What’s the abbreviation for Mercury?” I still didn’t answer.
Finally, Bubba stood up and said, “Mr. Alford, my pen quit writing. Can I borrow James’ pen?”
Mr. Alford walked over, took the pen, and marched me out into the hall. Mr. Alford had my pen in one hand and the paddle in the other. It was a bad day after that.
I cheated, got caught, and had to pay the price.
The point is: There are consequences when we sin. When we disobey God, there are consequences. God is just and because He is just, He must punish sin.
The Bible says the wages of sin is death. For the lost, it means death in hell. For the Christian, it can mean physical death pre-maturely. Sometimes God will kill a Christian if that person loses his testimony and lives like a non-Christian. Sin brings physical death.
Sin can also bring death to your marriage, to joy in your life, and to your relationships. Sin destroys. Sin kills.
However, God has given us a gift. God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal life is waiting for those who call on Him in repentance for salvation. Get off the path that leads to death. Get on the highway to Heaven. Turn to Christ today.
I understand people today don’t believe in spanking kids, but I was raised in a different time. Spanking was a daily occurrence for me.
Corporal punishment was still in the public-school system when I was growing up. I used to get spankings at school. At my school, they used the board of education. They used a wooden paddle.
When I was in the eighth-grade, we were studying the periodic table of elements in science. I struggled memorizing the periodic table. I was as lost as a goose in a snowstorm.
Who came up with those abbreviations anyway? Some of them made sense. For example, hydrogen is H. Oxygen is O. But some of them don’t make any sense. Take potassium for example. Potassium is K. There isn’t even a K in the word potassium. Sodium is NA. I thought NA meant “not applicable.” Silver is AG. Isn’t AG the abbreviation for agriculture?
In the eighth-grade, I could not remember the periodic table for the life of me. There was a big test over the periodic table coming up. So, I decided to cheat.
I took an ink pen that was made of clear plastic. I copied out the entire periodic table on a very small piece of paper. Then I rolled up the piece of paper and put it inside the pen. All I had to do was look at the pen for the test answers.
My plan would have worked if not for my cousin, Bubba. Bubba’s real name was Jimmy Joe Jeff Johnny Paul Ray Elmer Junior. But that was a mouthful. We called him Bubba.
Bubba was in Mr. Alford’s Science Class with me. He was sitting in the desk behind me on the day of the test.
When the test started, things were going great. I was filling in all the blanks on the test thanks to the periodic pen.
Suddenly, Bubba whispered, “What’s the abbreviation for Mercury?” I tried to ignore him because I didn’t want to get caught.
He was persistent. He asked again louder, “What’s the abbreviation for Mercury?” I still didn’t answer.
Finally, Bubba stood up and said, “Mr. Alford, my pen quit writing. Can I borrow James’ pen?”
Mr. Alford walked over, took the pen, and marched me out into the hall. Mr. Alford had my pen in one hand and the paddle in the other. It was a bad day after that.
I cheated, got caught, and had to pay the price.
The point is: There are consequences when we sin. When we disobey God, there are consequences. God is just and because He is just, He must punish sin.
The Bible says the wages of sin is death. For the lost, it means death in hell. For the Christian, it can mean physical death pre-maturely. Sometimes God will kill a Christian if that person loses his testimony and lives like a non-Christian. Sin brings physical death.
Sin can also bring death to your marriage, to joy in your life, and to your relationships. Sin destroys. Sin kills.
However, God has given us a gift. God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal life is waiting for those who call on Him in repentance for salvation. Get off the path that leads to death. Get on the highway to Heaven. Turn to Christ today.
October 10, 2020
A Winning Team
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5
One of my favorite writers is the great Louis L’amour. He wrote a book called Last of the Breed. In the book, the hero was in a lot of trouble. He was being chased by bad guys. He was in Alaska, freezing to death in the snow. He was starving. Things did not look like they were going to end well for the hero.
I couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. So, I looked at the back of the book. In the end, he defeated his enemies. He won.
I have also peeked at the last chapter of the last book in the Bible. Guess what? We win.
There are times you may feel defeated. There are times you may feel like a loser. However, if you’re a Christian, you’ve picked the winning team.
I always wanted to be on a winning team. The few times I played ball, we always lost. The school I went to was very small. We were not very competitive with the larger schools. Still, I wanted to play. Desperately, I wanted to be on a winning team. So, when I was in the seventh grade, I tried out for the middle school basketball team.
In my mind, I was Michael Jordan. In reality, I was the school nerd.
I was tall and skinny - 6’3” tall and 105 pounds. I would have been taller, but so much of me turned down for feet. I wore size thirteen sneakers, but my basketball shoes were too big even for my big feet. They were size fifteen second-hand rejects. I always tripped over my own big feet.
My tank top was also too big. I wore old baggy shorts that would hardly stay up. I was extremely clumsy and awkward.
Despite my lack of coordination, I made the middle school basketball team, and I sat on the bench game after game. I wanted to be a winner. I wanted to get in the game just one time.
I would sit on the bench and dream. I dreamed that the coach looked over at me and said, “Our best player has broken his leg. James, it’s all up to you.”
I ran out on the court. Someone passed me the ball. I took off down the court.
The crowd was screaming. They yelled, “There must be rockets in his shoes!”
Just as the last second ticked off the clock, I jumped up with the basketball and I slammed dunked it. We won the game!
All the cheerleaders ran out. All of them said, “James, would you be my boyfriend?”
That’s what I used to sit on the bench and dream.
One time, I actually got in a game. Someone passed the ball to me. I tucked it under my arm like it was a football. I didn’t dribble. I ran for a touchdown. It was back to the bench for me.
I always wanted to be on a winning team. Thank God, I have won the victory in Christ.
The point is: The day that I repented of my sin and trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior; I joined a winning team. I have looked at the last chapter of the Bible and we win.
If you are on Team Jesus, then you are a winner too.
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
One of my favorite writers is the great Louis L’amour. He wrote a book called Last of the Breed. In the book, the hero was in a lot of trouble. He was being chased by bad guys. He was in Alaska, freezing to death in the snow. He was starving. Things did not look like they were going to end well for the hero.
I couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. So, I looked at the back of the book. In the end, he defeated his enemies. He won.
I have also peeked at the last chapter of the last book in the Bible. Guess what? We win.
There are times you may feel defeated. There are times you may feel like a loser. However, if you’re a Christian, you’ve picked the winning team.
I always wanted to be on a winning team. The few times I played ball, we always lost. The school I went to was very small. We were not very competitive with the larger schools. Still, I wanted to play. Desperately, I wanted to be on a winning team. So, when I was in the seventh grade, I tried out for the middle school basketball team.
In my mind, I was Michael Jordan. In reality, I was the school nerd.
I was tall and skinny - 6’3” tall and 105 pounds. I would have been taller, but so much of me turned down for feet. I wore size thirteen sneakers, but my basketball shoes were too big even for my big feet. They were size fifteen second-hand rejects. I always tripped over my own big feet.
My tank top was also too big. I wore old baggy shorts that would hardly stay up. I was extremely clumsy and awkward.
Despite my lack of coordination, I made the middle school basketball team, and I sat on the bench game after game. I wanted to be a winner. I wanted to get in the game just one time.
I would sit on the bench and dream. I dreamed that the coach looked over at me and said, “Our best player has broken his leg. James, it’s all up to you.”
I ran out on the court. Someone passed me the ball. I took off down the court.
The crowd was screaming. They yelled, “There must be rockets in his shoes!”
Just as the last second ticked off the clock, I jumped up with the basketball and I slammed dunked it. We won the game!
All the cheerleaders ran out. All of them said, “James, would you be my boyfriend?”
That’s what I used to sit on the bench and dream.
One time, I actually got in a game. Someone passed the ball to me. I tucked it under my arm like it was a football. I didn’t dribble. I ran for a touchdown. It was back to the bench for me.
I always wanted to be on a winning team. Thank God, I have won the victory in Christ.
The point is: The day that I repented of my sin and trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior; I joined a winning team. I have looked at the last chapter of the Bible and we win.
If you are on Team Jesus, then you are a winner too.
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
October 3, 2020
The Best Day Ever
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1
Very few ladies have been as blessed as my wife, Amanda.
Besides the obvious blessing of me rescuing her from being a sad unmarried spinster, there have been many other blessings which have come from our union together. Not the least of which has been the way that I have lavished her by spending money on her. Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.
For our honeymoon, I took her to the luxurious Jumping Toad Motel in beautiful Frogville, Oklahoma.
In the past two decades, we have dined at extravagant restaurants. We have delighted in the barbeque at Sam’s Pig Stand in Burt Corn, Alabama; fried chicken at the Pretty Foul in Belt Buckle, Tennessee; Mexican food at Nacho Problem in Ding Dong, Texas; and sirloin steaks at the Beef-O-Rama in Greasy Corner, Arkansas.
In our lives together, I have given Amanda many opulent gifts. Amanda’s jewelry box is full of the world’s finest cubic zirconia. The genuine aluminum plated engagement ring I gave her cost at least $17.00. Last year for our anniversary, I surprised her with a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner from Walmart.
Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.
The other day, Amanda asked me to go shopping. She said, “It will be fun.” Shopping is not my idea of fun. But if it makes my sweetie happy, okay, I’ll do it. I was ready to indulge her shopping spree and spend a lot of money.
We left early in the morning and spent most of the day in the big city mall. It wasn’t until the stores were closing that we made our way back home. The shopping trip didn’t hurt me financially. She really didn’t spend that much. But it hurt me physically. Over ten hours of being on my feet, following my wife as she ran from store to store, wore two inches off my height.
On the way home, Amanda leaned over and said, “Today has been a great day – one of the best ever.” I thought, “One of the best ever? How could today be better than our wedding day? Or the days our three children were born? How could a day of shopping be better than any of those major life events?” Then it hit me – Amanda spells love T-I-M-E.
Amanda builds her life around me and our children. However, for one day, totally and completely, I built my life around her and what she wanted to do. My willingness and my company made the day special.
I spent time with God this morning… Most of the time I expect God to be with me and He is, but could it be that He appreciates my making time for Him?
The Bible often uses the phrase “bless the Lord.” The Hebrew word translated “bless” literally means “to kneel.” It is a word picture of someone kneeling in worship. To “bless the Lord” means to praise and exalt God. In other words, God is blessed when we spend time with Him – when we focus our complete attention on Him.
The point is: God wants your time. The Lord is glorified when you bless, praise, and acknowledge Him. When was the last time you spent time with the Lord?
Jesus Christ spared no expense when He paid the price to save you from your sins. Why not show Him how thankful you are by spending some time with Him today?
It might just be your best day ever…
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
Very few ladies have been as blessed as my wife, Amanda.
Besides the obvious blessing of me rescuing her from being a sad unmarried spinster, there have been many other blessings which have come from our union together. Not the least of which has been the way that I have lavished her by spending money on her. Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.
For our honeymoon, I took her to the luxurious Jumping Toad Motel in beautiful Frogville, Oklahoma.
In the past two decades, we have dined at extravagant restaurants. We have delighted in the barbeque at Sam’s Pig Stand in Burt Corn, Alabama; fried chicken at the Pretty Foul in Belt Buckle, Tennessee; Mexican food at Nacho Problem in Ding Dong, Texas; and sirloin steaks at the Beef-O-Rama in Greasy Corner, Arkansas.
In our lives together, I have given Amanda many opulent gifts. Amanda’s jewelry box is full of the world’s finest cubic zirconia. The genuine aluminum plated engagement ring I gave her cost at least $17.00. Last year for our anniversary, I surprised her with a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner from Walmart.
Over the years, I have spared no expense for my sweetie.
The other day, Amanda asked me to go shopping. She said, “It will be fun.” Shopping is not my idea of fun. But if it makes my sweetie happy, okay, I’ll do it. I was ready to indulge her shopping spree and spend a lot of money.
We left early in the morning and spent most of the day in the big city mall. It wasn’t until the stores were closing that we made our way back home. The shopping trip didn’t hurt me financially. She really didn’t spend that much. But it hurt me physically. Over ten hours of being on my feet, following my wife as she ran from store to store, wore two inches off my height.
On the way home, Amanda leaned over and said, “Today has been a great day – one of the best ever.” I thought, “One of the best ever? How could today be better than our wedding day? Or the days our three children were born? How could a day of shopping be better than any of those major life events?” Then it hit me – Amanda spells love T-I-M-E.
Amanda builds her life around me and our children. However, for one day, totally and completely, I built my life around her and what she wanted to do. My willingness and my company made the day special.
I spent time with God this morning… Most of the time I expect God to be with me and He is, but could it be that He appreciates my making time for Him?
The Bible often uses the phrase “bless the Lord.” The Hebrew word translated “bless” literally means “to kneel.” It is a word picture of someone kneeling in worship. To “bless the Lord” means to praise and exalt God. In other words, God is blessed when we spend time with Him – when we focus our complete attention on Him.
The point is: God wants your time. The Lord is glorified when you bless, praise, and acknowledge Him. When was the last time you spent time with the Lord?
Jesus Christ spared no expense when He paid the price to save you from your sins. Why not show Him how thankful you are by spending some time with Him today?
It might just be your best day ever…
James Collins is a pastor, author, teacher, and retired U.S. Army Chaplain. He can be reached through the website www.thepointis.net or by email at james@thepointis.net.
September 26, 2020
Worthless
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
"But I don’t want a dog,” I said. My wife persisted, “Well, I do. Besides, you are gone most of the time. A dog would be good company for me while you’re away.” Amanda reached down and picked up the little stray. As she hugged the dog she said, “He reminds me of Benji from TV.”
Benji was a famous, fluffy, black and tan mixed breed dog. He was marked like a Border Terrier and looked like he was a mix of Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Schnauzer. He first appeared on Television in the show Petticoat Junction. Amanda and I both watched him in a series of Benji movies that were popular when we were kids.
I looked at the dog that my wife was holding. He did look like Benji. I reached out and scratched his head. He wagged his tail and I swear he smiled at me. “Okay,” I said. “We will take the dog.” Amanda smiled and asked, “What do you want to call him?” I replied, “Let’s name him Scruffy.”
Scruffy was a stray. He showed up at Amanda’s parent’s house. They lived out in the country and it was not unusual for strays to show up. Growing up, Amanda took in many strays. She still has a heart for the wayward. Over the years, our home has taken in stray dogs, cats, chickens, and even an occasional homeless person.
I was a young man when Scruffy came to live with us. Amanda and I had only been married for a short time. It was in the years before our kids were born. My military career was taking off and I did travel often. It made me feel better knowing that Amanda had Scruffy to keep her company. Little did I know when Amanda picked Scruffy, he picked me.
Whenever I came home, Scruffy greeted me at the door. When I sat in my recliner, he sat in my lap. When I went to bed, he slept on the end by my feet. When I mowed, he rode on the mower with me. Everywhere I went, Scruffy followed.
Scruffy had absolutely no value, though he cost me $75.00 for his first visit to the veterinarian. He cost me more over the years for shots, licenses, food, treats, and toys.
Scruffy never earned a cent of income for our family…all he ever did was live with Amanda and I and share the early years of our married life.
My heart broke when Scruffy died. I felt like a fool for crying. Whoever heard of a grown man crying over the loss of a worthless stray?
Today, I was cleaning up and I found a picture of Scruffy. I cried again. I still miss him. I guess a little bit of our being in His image is revealed when we love something for no reason.
The point is: God loves you for no reason. There is nothing you can do that can make God love you. He just does.
God’s love for you is greater than all human understanding. God loves you so much that He broke into human history in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves you so much that Jesus shed His blood and died on an old rugged cross so that you could be saved.
Whoever heard of God dying for a worthless sinner? But that’s exactly how much God loves you.
Since God loves you for no reason, isn’t it about time you love Him too?
"But I don’t want a dog,” I said. My wife persisted, “Well, I do. Besides, you are gone most of the time. A dog would be good company for me while you’re away.” Amanda reached down and picked up the little stray. As she hugged the dog she said, “He reminds me of Benji from TV.”
Benji was a famous, fluffy, black and tan mixed breed dog. He was marked like a Border Terrier and looked like he was a mix of Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Schnauzer. He first appeared on Television in the show Petticoat Junction. Amanda and I both watched him in a series of Benji movies that were popular when we were kids.
I looked at the dog that my wife was holding. He did look like Benji. I reached out and scratched his head. He wagged his tail and I swear he smiled at me. “Okay,” I said. “We will take the dog.” Amanda smiled and asked, “What do you want to call him?” I replied, “Let’s name him Scruffy.”
Scruffy was a stray. He showed up at Amanda’s parent’s house. They lived out in the country and it was not unusual for strays to show up. Growing up, Amanda took in many strays. She still has a heart for the wayward. Over the years, our home has taken in stray dogs, cats, chickens, and even an occasional homeless person.
I was a young man when Scruffy came to live with us. Amanda and I had only been married for a short time. It was in the years before our kids were born. My military career was taking off and I did travel often. It made me feel better knowing that Amanda had Scruffy to keep her company. Little did I know when Amanda picked Scruffy, he picked me.
Whenever I came home, Scruffy greeted me at the door. When I sat in my recliner, he sat in my lap. When I went to bed, he slept on the end by my feet. When I mowed, he rode on the mower with me. Everywhere I went, Scruffy followed.
Scruffy had absolutely no value, though he cost me $75.00 for his first visit to the veterinarian. He cost me more over the years for shots, licenses, food, treats, and toys.
Scruffy never earned a cent of income for our family…all he ever did was live with Amanda and I and share the early years of our married life.
My heart broke when Scruffy died. I felt like a fool for crying. Whoever heard of a grown man crying over the loss of a worthless stray?
Today, I was cleaning up and I found a picture of Scruffy. I cried again. I still miss him. I guess a little bit of our being in His image is revealed when we love something for no reason.
The point is: God loves you for no reason. There is nothing you can do that can make God love you. He just does.
God’s love for you is greater than all human understanding. God loves you so much that He broke into human history in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves you so much that Jesus shed His blood and died on an old rugged cross so that you could be saved.
Whoever heard of God dying for a worthless sinner? But that’s exactly how much God loves you.
Since God loves you for no reason, isn’t it about time you love Him too?
September 12, 2020
I Once Was Blind
“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” John 9:25
Many years ago, a family moved to a little Southern town. There were three children in the family, two older daughters and a little boy. The two girls had the responsibility of taking care of their little baby brother.
One day, the girls wanted to go swimming. The town did not have a city pool. Instead, the town’s children swam in a little pond on the edge of town. Their momma said, “Okay, but you have got to watch your brother. You need to be careful with him. And you must always keep an eye on him.” The girls said, “Yes, ma’am,” and ran out the door dragging their little brother behind.
They arrived at the pond and jumped into the water. They had a good time. However, they were new to the community. They didn’t know any of the other kids. So, they were a little stand-offish. Most of the other boys and girls were gathered at one end of the swimming hole. The girls and their little brother were at the other end.
The girls saw some horses just over a little hill. One said to the other, “This pond is not very big. There are lots of kids here. The water is not very deep, and we will be right back. Let’s go pet those horses.” So, they left their little brother unattended. They left their little brother alone and ran over the hill to the horses.
They had only been gone a minute, when they heard their brother thrashing in the water. He screamed, “Somebody help me, I’m drowning! Somebody help me, I’m drowning! Somebody help me!”
They ran back to the pond as fast as they could, but they were too late. When they got there, they saw their brother floating face down in the water. Their little baby brother had drowned.
The sisters were hysterical. Hot tears rolled down their cheeks. They turned to the kids and said, “Why didn’t you save our brother? You could hear him screaming. You were right here in the water with him.”
“He was only a few inches from the bank.” the other kids said. “He could have reached out and grabbed it. We told him over and over to just reach out and grab the bank.”
The girls said through their tears, “Our little brother was blind. Our little brother was blind. He was blind. Every time you told him to reach, he reached the wrong way. He reached out in the wrong direction.”
The point is: All around us, there are people reaching. Some are reaching for alcohol. Some are reaching for drugs. Some are reaching for sexual sins. Some are reaching for immorality. Some are reaching for false religions. All around us, there are people reaching.
Over two-thousand years ago, Jesus healed a blind man. When he was questioned by the religious leaders, the man who had been blind said, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” Jesus can still give sight to those who are blindly reaching.
Reach out and take a hand that is reaching the wrong way and pull that hand toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
Many years ago, a family moved to a little Southern town. There were three children in the family, two older daughters and a little boy. The two girls had the responsibility of taking care of their little baby brother.
One day, the girls wanted to go swimming. The town did not have a city pool. Instead, the town’s children swam in a little pond on the edge of town. Their momma said, “Okay, but you have got to watch your brother. You need to be careful with him. And you must always keep an eye on him.” The girls said, “Yes, ma’am,” and ran out the door dragging their little brother behind.
They arrived at the pond and jumped into the water. They had a good time. However, they were new to the community. They didn’t know any of the other kids. So, they were a little stand-offish. Most of the other boys and girls were gathered at one end of the swimming hole. The girls and their little brother were at the other end.
The girls saw some horses just over a little hill. One said to the other, “This pond is not very big. There are lots of kids here. The water is not very deep, and we will be right back. Let’s go pet those horses.” So, they left their little brother unattended. They left their little brother alone and ran over the hill to the horses.
They had only been gone a minute, when they heard their brother thrashing in the water. He screamed, “Somebody help me, I’m drowning! Somebody help me, I’m drowning! Somebody help me!”
They ran back to the pond as fast as they could, but they were too late. When they got there, they saw their brother floating face down in the water. Their little baby brother had drowned.
The sisters were hysterical. Hot tears rolled down their cheeks. They turned to the kids and said, “Why didn’t you save our brother? You could hear him screaming. You were right here in the water with him.”
“He was only a few inches from the bank.” the other kids said. “He could have reached out and grabbed it. We told him over and over to just reach out and grab the bank.”
The girls said through their tears, “Our little brother was blind. Our little brother was blind. He was blind. Every time you told him to reach, he reached the wrong way. He reached out in the wrong direction.”
The point is: All around us, there are people reaching. Some are reaching for alcohol. Some are reaching for drugs. Some are reaching for sexual sins. Some are reaching for immorality. Some are reaching for false religions. All around us, there are people reaching.
Over two-thousand years ago, Jesus healed a blind man. When he was questioned by the religious leaders, the man who had been blind said, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” Jesus can still give sight to those who are blindly reaching.
Reach out and take a hand that is reaching the wrong way and pull that hand toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
September 5, 2020
Wow!
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”Philippians 2:9
I grew up in the country. One of the funny things about country people is they often name their children multiple, crazy names. You can’t be country unless you have at least two or three names. Country folks have names like Billy Ray; or Bobby Joe; or Billy Bob; or Elvis Ray; or Cletus Bocephus; or my cousin Jimmy Joe Jeff Johnny Paul Ray Elmer Junior –we just called him Bubba.
I think the craziest name I ever heard was Wow. Many years ago, a couple lived not far from where I grew up. They were in their 60s. They thought they were past the age to have children. They were at an age when they were looking forward to grandchildren.
Unexpectedly and miraculously, grandma conceived, and she had another son, twenty years after she had her last one. The birth was such a miracle, that she named her little boy Wow. W-O-W. Wow. That was his name. You could spell it backwards. Wow. He grew up as Wow.
Wow hated his name with all his heart. However, out of respect for his momma, he never changed it. He was always known as Wow. He got married. He had a family. He lived a long life.
On his deathbed, Wow called for his wife. He said, “Honey, I’ve never shared this with you, but I hate my name. I’ve always hated the name, Wow. I don’t want people coming to my graveside and looking at a tombstone and saying, ‘Wow.’ So, here’s what I want you to do. On my tombstone put the date of my birth, the date of my death, and write any inscription that you want. But don’t put my name.”
Wow died, and his wife honored his last wish. She had his tombstone inscribed with the date of his birth, the date of his death, and toward the bottom of his tombstone she had the following inscription. It said:
He worshipped the ground his wife walked on.
He was a devoted husband.
He opened every door.
He pulled out every chair.
He ironed all his own clothes.
He never looked at another woman for 50 years.
He did everything his wife told him to do.
When people came to the graveside and looked at the tombstone, all they could say was, “Wow!”
Wow had a name that could not be forgotten. However, there is one name that will never be forgotten. It’s not the name of a hero or historian. It’s not the name of a soldier or a scholar. It’s not the name of an actor, author, or athlete. It’s not the name of a politician or a president. There is one name when the dust settles that will be spoken and shouted. There is one name that will be worded and worshiped. His name is Jesus Christ!
The Bible says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” The word “above” means “more than.” It comes from a Greek word that means “incomparable.” There is one name that cannot be compared to any other name. It’s greater than Gandhi. It’s mightier than Mohammad. It’s more exciting than Elvis. It’s more overwhelming than Oprah. The Bible says there is one name that can’t be compared to any other name. His name is Jesus Christ!
The point is: God has given the Lord Jesus Christ a name which is above all names. If you don’t know Him, you can call out His name in prayer today. You might pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust You as Savior and follow You as Lord in the fellowship of Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer today, I encourage you to find a Bible believing church and start growing in Christ. Your life will never be the same.
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
I grew up in the country. One of the funny things about country people is they often name their children multiple, crazy names. You can’t be country unless you have at least two or three names. Country folks have names like Billy Ray; or Bobby Joe; or Billy Bob; or Elvis Ray; or Cletus Bocephus; or my cousin Jimmy Joe Jeff Johnny Paul Ray Elmer Junior –we just called him Bubba.
I think the craziest name I ever heard was Wow. Many years ago, a couple lived not far from where I grew up. They were in their 60s. They thought they were past the age to have children. They were at an age when they were looking forward to grandchildren.
Unexpectedly and miraculously, grandma conceived, and she had another son, twenty years after she had her last one. The birth was such a miracle, that she named her little boy Wow. W-O-W. Wow. That was his name. You could spell it backwards. Wow. He grew up as Wow.
Wow hated his name with all his heart. However, out of respect for his momma, he never changed it. He was always known as Wow. He got married. He had a family. He lived a long life.
On his deathbed, Wow called for his wife. He said, “Honey, I’ve never shared this with you, but I hate my name. I’ve always hated the name, Wow. I don’t want people coming to my graveside and looking at a tombstone and saying, ‘Wow.’ So, here’s what I want you to do. On my tombstone put the date of my birth, the date of my death, and write any inscription that you want. But don’t put my name.”
Wow died, and his wife honored his last wish. She had his tombstone inscribed with the date of his birth, the date of his death, and toward the bottom of his tombstone she had the following inscription. It said:
He worshipped the ground his wife walked on.
He was a devoted husband.
He opened every door.
He pulled out every chair.
He ironed all his own clothes.
He never looked at another woman for 50 years.
He did everything his wife told him to do.
When people came to the graveside and looked at the tombstone, all they could say was, “Wow!”
Wow had a name that could not be forgotten. However, there is one name that will never be forgotten. It’s not the name of a hero or historian. It’s not the name of a soldier or a scholar. It’s not the name of an actor, author, or athlete. It’s not the name of a politician or a president. There is one name when the dust settles that will be spoken and shouted. There is one name that will be worded and worshiped. His name is Jesus Christ!
The Bible says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” The word “above” means “more than.” It comes from a Greek word that means “incomparable.” There is one name that cannot be compared to any other name. It’s greater than Gandhi. It’s mightier than Mohammad. It’s more exciting than Elvis. It’s more overwhelming than Oprah. The Bible says there is one name that can’t be compared to any other name. His name is Jesus Christ!
The point is: God has given the Lord Jesus Christ a name which is above all names. If you don’t know Him, you can call out His name in prayer today. You might pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust You as Savior and follow You as Lord in the fellowship of Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer today, I encourage you to find a Bible believing church and start growing in Christ. Your life will never be the same.
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
August 29, 2020
Nothing to Fear
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
My dog, Socks, is a Miniature Schnauzer. We named him Socks because he is black, but his feet are white. He is a little dog, but he thinks he is big.
Our neighbor has the biggest German Shepherd I’ve ever seen. I’m not going to lie and tell you the neighbor’s dog is as big as a horse, but he could pass for a pony. He is huge.
A while back, the kids left the gate open and Socks ran out. He ran right toward the giant German Shepherd. As he ran, Socks was barking and growling. He was acting as if he was going to kill the big dog.
The only way Socks could kill the big German Shepherd would be if the German Shepherd swallowed Socks and choked on him.
Socks weighs 10 pounds. The German Shepherd weighs 100 pounds.
When Socks ran out the gate, I ran out after him. I was trying to catch him to stop him from getting killed.
Socks beat me to the neighbor’s yard. The big German Shepherd growled. Socks tucked his tail between his legs and ran behind me! He stuck his head out from between my feet and continued to bark at the giant dog. Socks stood behind me barking and growling. It was almost like Socks was saying, “Bring it on, big boy! I’m behind my master. Give it your best shot. Bring it on.”
I scooped Socks up and got him back inside our fence. Then I talked to him. It is funny how we talk to dogs and we think they understand us. “Socks, you are stupid. Don’t you know I am no match for a giant German Shepherd. We are fortunate we were not chewed to pieces.”
Socks looked at me like I was an idiot. Then he ran off to chase a squirrel.
There’s something out there worse than a giant German Shepherd. We have a roaring lion that’s after us. Nevertheless, when we are behind our Master, the devil can’t touch us.
Are you living in fear? There are a billion and one things to be afraid of in this world. You are always going to have problems in this world. Be that as it may, Jesus says we can have peace because He has overcome the world.
The point is: When you are behind Jesus, you have nothing to fear. Take your fears, your burdens, and your problems and put them in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be your strength.
What have you got to be afraid of?
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
My dog, Socks, is a Miniature Schnauzer. We named him Socks because he is black, but his feet are white. He is a little dog, but he thinks he is big.
Our neighbor has the biggest German Shepherd I’ve ever seen. I’m not going to lie and tell you the neighbor’s dog is as big as a horse, but he could pass for a pony. He is huge.
A while back, the kids left the gate open and Socks ran out. He ran right toward the giant German Shepherd. As he ran, Socks was barking and growling. He was acting as if he was going to kill the big dog.
The only way Socks could kill the big German Shepherd would be if the German Shepherd swallowed Socks and choked on him.
Socks weighs 10 pounds. The German Shepherd weighs 100 pounds.
When Socks ran out the gate, I ran out after him. I was trying to catch him to stop him from getting killed.
Socks beat me to the neighbor’s yard. The big German Shepherd growled. Socks tucked his tail between his legs and ran behind me! He stuck his head out from between my feet and continued to bark at the giant dog. Socks stood behind me barking and growling. It was almost like Socks was saying, “Bring it on, big boy! I’m behind my master. Give it your best shot. Bring it on.”
I scooped Socks up and got him back inside our fence. Then I talked to him. It is funny how we talk to dogs and we think they understand us. “Socks, you are stupid. Don’t you know I am no match for a giant German Shepherd. We are fortunate we were not chewed to pieces.”
Socks looked at me like I was an idiot. Then he ran off to chase a squirrel.
There’s something out there worse than a giant German Shepherd. We have a roaring lion that’s after us. Nevertheless, when we are behind our Master, the devil can’t touch us.
Are you living in fear? There are a billion and one things to be afraid of in this world. You are always going to have problems in this world. Be that as it may, Jesus says we can have peace because He has overcome the world.
The point is: When you are behind Jesus, you have nothing to fear. Take your fears, your burdens, and your problems and put them in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be your strength.
What have you got to be afraid of?
James Collins is a pastor, teacher, chaplain, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or through the website thepointis.net.
