Friday, 25 July 2025

It's Okay Not To Look For The Meaning of Life — Lessons Learned From A Zen Monk's Book

The Lesson Sammy Never Forgot: An Inspirational Story

Fresh Manna with Pastor Tim Burt 
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The Lesson Sammy Never Forgot: An Inspirational Story

July 25, 2025
by Timothy Burt

Note from Pastor Tim: I have always liked reading my grandchildren stories that inspired them to live godly for the Lord. And so, I occasionally write them now for you and your children or grandchildren. I hope they are a blessing. Let me know!

The Lesson Sammy Never Forgot

Ten-year-old Sammy Jenkins was the kind of boy everyone liked. He had a mop of messy brown hair, a quick smile, and a heart that leaned naturally toward kindness. He helped his mom carry groceries, held the door open for his teacher, and was the first to include anyone sitting alone. Everyone said Sammy was a good kid.

But Sammy had one big weakness: he loved to win. Whether it was board games, races at recess, or his favorite—card games with his cousins—Sammy didn’t just want to win, he had to win. And every so often, if he thought he could get away with it, he’d sneak a move, slip a card up his sleeve, or slightly nudge the game board when no one was looking. He never thought of it as really cheating—more like a tiny shortcut. After all, he told himself, “It’s not hurting anyone, and everyone cheats sometimes, right?” And when he won, it felt great. The cheers, the pats on the back, the proud smile he’d get from his dad—it made the guilt shrink away.

One sunny Saturday, Sammy’s church held its annual “Integrity Games” for the kids—an afternoon of friendly competitions mixed with Bible lessons. Sammy couldn’t wait. He trained for the obstacle course, practiced trivia questions, and strategized with his best friend, Tyler. The grand prize was a brand-new soccer ball signed by a real pro—Sammy had to win it. The games were close. Sammy was neck-and-neck with a girl named Mia in the final challenge: a timed scavenger hunt. As they ran across the church grounds searching for hidden clues, Sammy spotted the last clue just ahead—but so did Mia. They both raced for it, but she was faster. As she bent down to grab it, Sammy saw her shoelace untied. Without thinking, he stepped on it.

Mia stumbled, fell, and Sammy grabbed the clue and ran. He crossed the finish line just before her. The crowd cheered. Pastor Ben handed him the signed soccer ball, and Sammy raised it high like a champion. But Mia’s scraped knee and disappointed face followed him all the way home. That night, Sammy sat on his bed, turning the soccer ball in his hands. His chest didn’t feel full of pride—it felt heavy. Like the ball wasn’t a prize, but a reminder. When his mom came in to say goodnight, she noticed his face.“Sammy, you okay?”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah… I mean, I won't. ”His mom sat down beside him and waited quietly. “But… I kinda cheated,” he finally admitted. “I stepped on Mia’s shoelace so she wouldn’t beat me. ”His mom sighed gently and opened the Bible on his nightstand. “You know, Sammy,” she said, “there’s a verse that comes to mind. Proverbs 10:9 says, ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.’

”Sammy looked up. “Does that mean God saw me cheat?”

She nodded. “God sees everything—not to shame you, but because He wants your heart to stay clean and full of peace. Cheating might help you win a game, but it always steals something more important.”

“Like what?”

“Like your peace. Your joy. Your friendships. And most of all, your character. Another verse says, ‘Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways’ (Proverbs 28:6, ESV). God cares more about who you’re becoming than whether you win or lose.”

Sammy stared down at the ball. “It didn’t even feel good this time.” His mom smiled and kissed his forehead. “Then maybe it’s time to make it right.”

The next day, Sammy walked into church holding the soccer ball. He found Mia near the back of the sanctuary and walked up nervously. “I’m really sorry, Mia,” he said. “I wanted to win so bad, I cheated. You should’ve had the last clue. This belongs to you.” He held out the soccer ball. Mia blinked in surprise, then smiled slowly. “That’s okay, Sammy. I forgive you.”

Pastor Ben, who had overheard, smiled too. “Now that’s a real win, Sammy.”

From that day on, Sammy still loved to compete—but he made a promise to himself and to God: never cheat again. Because nothing felt better than a clean heart, a good conscience, and knowing God was proud of him.

And that, Sammy decided, was the kind of victory worth chasing.

2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV"For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man." 

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Rise Up in Power, Strength, and Boldness From God Fresh Manna by Pastor Tim Burt

Fresh Manna with Pastor Tim Burt 
Tim Logo   A Note from Tim
Tim here. I'm so glad you're part of this journey. Below, you'll find today's Fresh Manna Devotional. I pray it speaks to you!

Explore more on my website →

Rise Up in Power, Strength, and Boldness From God

July 23, 2025
by Timothy Burt

When I was in the fourth grade, at the age of nine, I was one of the smallest boys in school. The smallest boy in school is typically going to get picked on just because he's an easy target. I worked out some by doing push-ups and lifting weights so that I wasn't a complete pushover, but just my size made me feel like I was wearing a sign that said, "I'm the smallest guy around. Come pick on me!"

One of my very best friends at school happened to be the biggest and strongest kid in our age group. We had become great friends and were always together at school. Consequently, for anyone to get to me, they had to go through him. I wasn't stupid. I knew I was safe because of him, but I didn't take advantage of the situation and antagonize guys just because I had a big friend. I was simply grateful that I did. I was extremely grateful for his friendship. Not only was he a great friend, but having him with me also saved me from being picked on.
 
That's really the way it is with the Lord. We live in a world defiled by Satan and sin. To call Satan a bully would be an understatement. He’s worse. I would compare him to a depraved, drive-by shooter who indiscriminately hates and will kill anyone. Jesus described him as the one who has come "to kill, steal, and destroy."
 
I recently heard a Bible teacher on television say that God brings and allows adversity to test and strengthen our character, hope, and faith. I highly respect this person and his ministry, but on this one point, he's very wrong. God never brought adversity in the Garden of Eden to Adam and Eve, nor would it have come if they hadn't sinned. It came because of their sin. Sin—and consequently, death (and everything leading up to death)—came to us all because of sin. It defiled the world! Romans 5:12 (TLB) says, "When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned."

Sin brought enough adversity for a lifetime for each person. God doesn’t have to bring adversity to us. It comes like weeds in a garden—with no effort or help from anyone. You never plant those weeds, yet somehow, they show up. You have to remove or kill them, lest they overtake your garden or lawn. And in the same way, you need to resist the trouble that comes from Satan's hand in your life. It's not people we fight. It's “…principalities, and powers, and rulers of darkness” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV). It’s also temptations revealing our weakest areas, trying to make us feel powerless, helpless, and like failures at personal restraint!
 
All sin is rooted in lust and self-centeredness, stemming from wrong, selfish choices. The ugly consequences of sin have touched all of our lives. It is the source of every evil in the world, and it spills over into our lives, creating a world of adversity. Again, like weeds in a garden, they just show up!
 
Jesus is the big friend we have in life. His Holy Spirit lives within us. He helps us become "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!" (Ephesians 6:10 KJV). Though sin came to all men and made us weak—Satan’s prey to be picked on—Jesus brought us righteousness to help us be "bold as a lion!"

Romans 5:17 (NLT) says, "The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour."

Satan impersonates a lion, but WE ARE TO BECOME AS BOLD AS A LION! He seeks those he may devour—those who don’t know how to resist him. But we, the righteous, are called to be bold as a lion and command him to flee in Jesus’ name! Read in your Bible what demons did when Jesus showed up on the scene. They should cower when they see your boldness!
Don't be one who cowers at the first sign of trouble. When you feel the attack of the enemy coming against you in your life, remember to roar! We have a big friend named Jesus! The righteous will lift their head and roar, saying, "No, flee in Jesus' name!" Continue... "Thank you, Lord, for being with me and in me! You are my divine protection. You have given your angels charge over me. I thank you for always watching over me. In Jesus' name! Amen!"  
 
Be like David and arise in His grace and sling God's promises at Satan like David slung a rock at Goliath. Why? Because the righteous are as bold as a lion! You have a the biggest friend of all! His name is Jesus.
James 4:7 (NKJV) says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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It's Okay Not To Look For The Meaning of Life — Lessons Learned From A Zen Monk's Book

Excerpts and lessons from Jikisai Minami's book "It's Okay Not To Look For The Meaning of Life" ͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏    ...