Rubber On The Road  

Have you noticed that the most important life decisions are made when we’re young and inexperienced?  The life decisions your children make will be made the same way yours were—without the benefit of  experience.  

You want the best for your children, but, you can’t make their life choices for them, nor can you force them to serve God.  You CAN hold everything in your own life accountable to the Word of God; what you do speaks louder than what you say.  A life lived with integrity and Christ like attitudes builds a solid foundation to stand on and— return to.

Jesus should be so real in your home, conversations, attitudes and activities that it would be easier to convince your child that they have no parents than to believe they have no God. You can not make their decisions for them, but you can influence them. TALK with your kids.  Even though they snort and roll their eyes and whine and fuss.  

Talk WITH them (there is a difference between talking to and talking with) about their friends, their attitudes and their life choices. Help them to understand actions have consequences. Teach them to be strong and independent in Christ. 

Parenting isn’t easy. Even children who are raised by Godly parents in Christ centered homes have been known to make unwise choices.   Those unwise choices most likely won’t be permanent but can have consequences. God is faithful; the life example of having a relationship with God will not be forgotten.

The Holy Spirit will continue to whisper the truth they have been taught even when they are out of your reach.  Remember, it’s not over till the fat lady sings—and the last time I saw the fat lady, she was still looking for her music.  Hang in there.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Wonder of wonders, I’ve found a diet tool that works for me!  Instead of the empty calories found in sweets, I indulge in the vitamin and nutrient rich sweetness of fruit.   

Fruit is delicious, healthy and satisfying.  Fruit is so satisfying that when I eat it regularly, my desire for not so healthy snacks is lessened.  However,  to be successful  requires daily discipline and choices.

The fruit of God’s Spirit works the same way.  When I actively determine to choose more of God, I’m satisfied with the fruit His Spirit brings me.   As I make life choices that keep me supplied with the “good fruits” of joy, peace and self control, I find there is more than enough good fruit to keep me satisfied.  

However, this abundance of the fruit of the Spirit leads to a storage problem. As long as my heart and life are full of the world, there is little room for the fruit of the Spirit.  The only answer there can be is to make more space for the good fruit.   

When I spend time talking to the Lord and reading His Word, the unsatisfying junk food of the flesh, like anger, greed, impatience and selfishness, are taken out.  Space is made available to bring more of Gods’ fruit in!  

Just like it is my choice to reach for a piece of candy or a piece of fruit, it is my choice to yield to the discipline of the Holy Spirit or——not.

Just like with healthy food choices, I make the decision. God doesn’t force me to do anything. It’s totally up to me. Daily, I make the choice of what I feed my mind; the good fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of the world.

Galatians 5: 22- 25  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

One of the signs that our children are growing up is when they start putting away their toys.

Little children leave their playthings scattered all around. Part of growing up is personal discipline and responsibility, as taught by their parents.

I Corinthians 13 (often referred to as the love chapter) is best known for the “faith, hope and love” that are supposed to define our lives as Christians.

It’s easy to overlook the discipline and responsibility part of verse 11 as being part of that Christian growth.

We say that we want to serve God with all of our heart. But, we leave the childish ways we’ve been “playing with” cluttering our life.

We understand the importance of love while continuing to play with the things of the world; the “toys” of envy and selfishness. (James 3:14-16)

The clutter we keep on the floor of our heart can hinder our relationship with the Lord. (Galatians 5:19-21)

No matter what childish ways we are allowing to come between us and maturing in Christ, we need to grow up to be responsible people in Jesus. It’s time to put our ‘toys’ away.

I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Prayer:  Father, help me to be mature in Christ. Show me the “toys” that I’ve been playing with so that I can put them away and serve you with all of my heart.  I love you. Amen.

Scripture references:

James 3:14-16 ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Galatians 5:19-21 ¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Today I discovered that my bag of potatoes contained one rotten spud.  Having heard the old analogy about “one bad spoils the whole basket,” I decided to do an experiment.

Over the next several weeks, I made numerous observations about my sack of potatoes.  The analogy turned out to be true. When a rotten potato was left against a good potato, in time; the good veggie started developing rot.

Interestingly, when the good potato was washed and dried everyday it did not develop the rot. Although, only with daily washing did the good spud continue to be good.  However, being with the good potato still didn’t make the bad one change to good. The only way the bad vegetable became good was to clean it, remove the bad spots and quickly involve it in a recipe.

If we make worldly people our constant companions, we can be influenced by their worldly ways.  It is much easier for a Christian to take on the characteristics of the world than for the world to take on the attributes of Christ. (Jeremiah 17:9)

Whenever we fellowship with an unsaved friend, we need to make note of where we are in our personal relationship with Christ. Through the blood of Christ, daily washing in the water of the Word in Bible study and fellowship with believers, we can maintain our walk with our Lord. (Romans 12:2 & I John 1:7)

But, only if we are diligent with the things of God can we maintain our own spiritual integrity. If we find ourselves spending less time in prayer and Bible study and finding reasons to miss church, we need to recognize influence and step away from our “friend.”

Simply being with a Christian doesn’t make a sinner a Christian. The only way the friend will be saved is to become born again as a new creation.  (II Corinthians 5:17)  Should my friend resist my repeated efforts to be led to Christ; it is better to move away from my friend than to compromise my relationship with my Lord.  Scripture confirms the influence that friends can have on our lives. (Proverbs 12:26)

It’s important that I be truthful with my self as I look at my friendships.  The influence of a friend can influence my relationship with Jesus. I must guard my heart and be consistent in Bible study and prayer. There is a difference between being a witness for Christ and being friends with the world.

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Prayer: Father, God, help me to be diligent in Bible study and conversation with you so that my eyes and my heart recognize sin. Make me aware of every opportunity to lead those around me to salvation. Show me how to influence them to follow Christ and keep me sensitive to your Spirit so I’m aware if their influence begins to harm me. Amen.

Scriptural Reference:

Jeremiah 17:9  The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Proverbs 12:26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray

Children’s ministry is one of the most rewarding areas of ministry there is. 

It’s also one of the most demanding and the least recognized.   

Pastoring Children is humbling:  imagine being the “pastor” and brother Jones, on the back row, stood up during prayer and proclaimed,  “I’m bored—can we have snack now?“

Imagine standing in front of  adult church and Sister Sally, on the front row, jumped up every time you made a statement, waved her hand wildly and said, “Scuse me, scuse me please, I have something to say.”  

Children’s Church is hard work, lots of prayer, lots of planning and sometimes—it takes you to the very edge of what your heart can handle. Teaching Children’s Church isn’t babysitting.  It requires serious preparation and planning. 

Then, there’s the prayer—-serious, on your face prayer.  Pastoring Kid’s Church is a special calling. Often, Youth Pastors become senior Pastors; but, being a Children’s Pastor is usually a lifetime commitment.

Support your Children’s Church; contribute specifically to their ministry on a regular basis.  Ask if there is anything you can do to help and always; cover them with prayer.  

Tell the Children’s Pastor you appreciate the long hours of study and ministry that goes into lesson preparation.  Most Kid’s Pastors have full time regular jobs. Planning and preparation for Kid’s Church ministry is  done after a 40 hour or more secular work week.  

Don’t just drop your kids off and pick them up at the door; take a moment to say “thank you for loving my kids to Jesus.”  

Luke 18:16  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Prayer:  Father, help me to realize what a blessing it is to have a committed Children’s Pastor at my church.  Show me how I can help to supply the tools and equipment needed to minister to the Children. Point my heart to service and prayer for the dedicated workers. Amen.

In my garden, amidst the flowers, are weeds. Some look a lot like my flowers.   

Even though I don’t make any great effort to water or feed them, they do fine.  In fact, sometimes, it seems they even have less disease and pests than the flowers.   

I love how God’s Word uses every day things to explain spiritual truth. God uses wheat and tares, both similar in appearance, to illustrate that people without Christ can and do prosper.  

He created everything for “us” to enjoy.  It is a personal choice whether ‘we’ serve God or not; we all are subject to the blessings and the sufferings that are a part of life. 

There are people who  have no interest in the things of God, yet, their life is great. Be reminded that they also suffer as we do, but satan only points out their blessings, not their trials to us. In this life, there will be both blessing and struggle whether we serve Christ or not. (John 16:33) 

God knows that it’s hard for us to understand why families who do not include Christ in their lives often experience the same victories as Christian homes do. Our Lord also has a day coming that those differences and the distinction between the world and God’s children will be clearly seen. (Malachi 3:13-18)

Satan is always ready to point the ‘blessings of godlessness’ out to us. He tells us ‘they’ go to the lake on Sunday morning while we go to church. With haughty words, satan points out that “they” have money to play when we struggle to write out our tithe check.  

Being Christian is about a relationship we have with Christ. No other god wants a relationship with us. No other god says they want us to be as children; living without God is living as an orphan. 

God does bless His children and He loves it when we realize it is Him that sends good things into our lives.  Those living without Christ often benefit from the good things God created for His children; but the surface blessings are all they have.  

As with the wheat and the tares; there will come a day when both saint and sinner stands before the Lord.  On that day there will be a great difference between those that serve God and those who don’t.  

(Matthew 13:30) Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters, ‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’

Prayer:  Father, forgive me for grumbling and complaining; your Word tells me that both good and bad are simply parts of life. Help me to have a tender heart and a listening ear to your Spirit so I have directions through the hard parts. Thank you.

Scriptural References:

John 16:33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Malachi 3:13-18  “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord.“Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?  But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’”

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.  And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

From Ordinary to WOW!

I Corinthians 1:26-31

Iron Chef America is one of my favorite television shows. During each episode, two chefs compete using a secret ingredient. Most often as not, the secret ingredient is ordinary every day fare; fish, chicken, potatoes, tomatoes or citrus fruit.  However, what is created from these ordinary foods is magnificent!

It isn’t the complexity of the ingredients that makes the dishes special; it’s the expertise, talent and abilities of the master chef.  The chef knows exactly what methods to use and what spices to combine to create magnificent dishes out of ordinary foods.

The same principle applies to our lives. We are ordinary people with incredible potential in the masterful hands of an almighty God. With unimaginable knowledge, our Lord combines life experiences to create followers, lay leaders, teachers, ministers, missionaries and evangelists.

God also uses students, employees, parents, executives, business owners, medical personnel, soldiers, police and fire persons, neighbors—-the list is endless. Every walk of life has opportunity when given to God to do whatever He determines to fulfill His marvelous plan to save a hurting world.

How do we become what God has intended us to be; by yielding ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily circumstances. The Word says all things work together for our good—according to His plan. (Romans 8:28)

When we realize our potential through Christ, we understand that God can use us to do great things.  It’s not about what we can do; it’s about what God chooses to do with us. God uses common people, like you and me, in combination with all the “ingredients” of life, to make something magnificent.

I Corinthians 1:26-31 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, show me through your Word how to know your plan for my life. Confirm in my heart by your Holy Spirit your direction for my daily activities. I want my life to glorify you in all my choices. Thank you for being part of my life. Amen.

Scriptural References:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Is it almost January, already? Mercy sakes! Guess it’s time to renew my annual commitment to lose 50 pounds.

However, in theory, I actually met and surpassed that goal last year because I did lose 55 pounds.

The problem is; I lost the same 5 pounds, again and again.  My commitment wears thin as the real goal continues to be out of my reach.  This year HAS to be different.

I can’t do the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Fifty pounds seemed a reasonable weight loss goal to spread over a year, so, instead of adjusting my goal, last year, I decided to change my approach. Once more invigorated by the prospect of a thinner me; I bought a gym membership.

Quickly, I discovered that more commitment was required than simply signing on the dotted line.   My head held high in determination, I disciplined myself to a rigorous regimen of exercise.  Nothing, absolutely nothing was allowed to deter me from my commitment.

Reviewing my accomplishments after a few months of daily trips to the gym; I discovered that the only thing I’d lost was thirty five dollars a month. Not the goal I’d hoped for, but certainly proof I did have some level of discipline.  

Trying not to be discouraged, this year, I think that perhaps it is my goal that needs to be over hauled.  Instead of struggling for perfection through strict discipline and unyielding commitment to a plan, perhaps I need to simplify; eat less, exercise more. A lifetime committment instead of a momentary goal; I think this plan will work.

Sometimes, my goal to serve God can get as bogged down as my weight loss plan. It’s so easy to commit myself to what I THINK God wants for my life. God has a plan; however, not necessarily the same plan that I have.  The question is, am I committed to what I’m doing or surrendered to God’s perfect will? 

There are times in both Old (Judges 14:1-4) and New Testaments when God’s plan wasn’t exactly what everybody expected. Even the disciples thought that Jesus had come to free them from Roman rule and be their King (Acts 1:6). Jesus had other plans. (John 6:15, John 18:36)  

The Apostle Paul had plans to preach in Asia.  Instead, Acts 16:6-10 reveals that he was directed, by the Spirit, to Macedonia to preach the Gospel.  An important part of ministry is planning, but God’s plan is preeminent.   

God uses ordinary people to do His will, people like you and me. It is important to remember that God is sovereign! When I serve God with all of my heart, I sign my name on the bottom line and tell God to fill in the contract.  Not commitment to a goal; but a total life time surrender to God’s will.

Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.

Prayer:  Father, help me to step out in faith and follow my plan to success.  I want to not only make a plan but follow it for both physical and spiritual goals. I know you won’t make me do anything—it is my—choice.  Help me to be strong and focused.. thank you. Amen

Scriptural references:

Judges 14:1-4 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” 

His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”

But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)

Acts 1:6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

John 6:15  Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

John 18:36  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

The storm outside was spectacular; thunder, lightning, pounding rain and strong wind.

My four year old daughter and I were playing with Barbies on the living room floor, trying to ignore the tempest outside. I knew that if I could keep us both distracted, the commotion outside wouldn’t be so frightening. So far, my plan was working.

It sounded like a bomb went off as a lightning bolt struck and the ensuing thunder crashed, taking the power out!  With a startled yell, she jumped into my lap, terrified.

With a “mommy’s right here” tone of voice, I tried, unsuccessfully, to distract her from the noise outside. She was just too scared; her fear made my efforts futile.

As she sat trembling on my lap, the thunder resounding again and again around us, I took her face tenderly in my hands and said, “Look at ME!”  Trembling, she turned her eyes to mine and I began to sing Sunday school songs to her. 

Her child voice wavered at first, but as we sang, “This Little Light of Mine” and “Yes, Jesus Loves Me,” her voice grew stronger and she stopped shaking. The storm was still raging around us, but we sat, focused on each other; singing our Jesus songs.

Now, a life time later, my daughter has grown and married, I sat alone, terrified as the storm that had consumed my life crashed around me. Shaking, I leaned against the wall as emotional pain swept over me, sucking the air out of me with gale force winds. Trying to calm my insides down was like trying to nail jello to a piece of foam board.  

I forced myself to focus on II Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  Shaking my head in agreement, my thoughts tried to focus on God’s provision, His strength instead of my obvious fragility.

It was like satan had singled me out as his pet project.  Every time I felt like I was getting back on my feet; another crushing blow hit. Too shaken and frightened to think clearly, I began to comfort myself with the familiar songs from childhood.  As I sang, God whispered to my heart, “Look at ME.”

This Little Light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, I won’t LET satan blow it out, I’m going to let it shine!  Jesus loves me YES I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to him belong, they are weak but HE is strong. 

Bracing myself, I focus on what my heart knows to be true instead of what my eyeballs keep seeing.  I love you, oh Lord, my strength. I CHOOSE to look at you and walk boldly on.

Psalms 27:8  When You said, “Seek My face,”  My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

Prayer:  Father, help me to focus the eyes of my heart on you when the storms come. Show me your steady hand, your constant presence.  I’m weak, you are strong–hold me. Amen.

Yesterday, David’s Psalm 136 caught my eye.  What makes this Psalm different than all the others is that every other line is the repeated phrase, “his mercy endures forever.”

Why did David repeat the same line–to the point of making it a paean?   As ever, I ask God to show me the truth in His Word. Even this repetitive line must have some root in reason? 

Today, as I engage in my daily routine, I find myself consumed with care for my loved ones, the church and the world.  As I work, play, rest and sleep, I find my heart’s prayer a reminder of whose I am. 

My friends and loved ones need Jesus; I’ve wearied them with my constant witness. They turn and hide when they see me coming. My voice is like fingers grating on a black board to their ears. I love you, my Lord; I trust you and I will see your salvation.

The economy is shaking.  My dollars pay for less and less. The cost of living escalates day by day. A loaf of bread and a gallon of milk costs more than a week’s groceries did when I was a child. My job is uncertain; I don’t know if there will be a pay check next week. I love you, my Lord; I trust you and am eager to see your provision.

The government is corrupt; officials mock the name of my King and belittle his son, Jesus Christ. Those who praise you openly and give thanks are ridiculed and mocked.  It is against the rules to carry your precious Holy Word into our work place, our schools. I love you, my Lord; I trust you and am eager to see your Kingdom come.

The fools who do not know you predict the end of time will be soon. The calendar of the ancient ones ends leaving those of weak faith to declare there is no future. Earthquakes and great storms ravage the countryside; who knows what will happen next?  I love you, my Lord; I trust you and am eager to be surrounded by your protection.

How can I doubt your strength when I look into your face and see the fire in your eyes?  The world crumbles, the economy shakes, the people rebel, yet I will not be afraid because you are my Lord and I will keep my eyes on you and you alone. I love you, my Lord; I trust you and am eager to be consumed by your peace.

Tears streaming down my face, I can do nothing but worship. The concerns of life, the fears of the day, the worrisome sounds of rebellion against your name weary my ears. But, my heart rejoices because I know YOU. My hands must lift in praise because you have shown yourself victorious through the ages and continue to be the victor even in the present age. I love you, my Lord; I trust you and am eager to be consumed by your praise.

King David was just as we are today—sure; he wore different clothes, walked on different streets, but his strength, resources and protection were provided by his God.  Shouldn’t my heart also be consumed with the acknowledgement of my Lord’s presence?  Indeed, from this moment on; it will be.

Psalms 136: 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Prayer:  Father, help me to acknowledge that you are over all things, nothing happens that you are unaware of. Send your Spirit to encourage me to look behind me at your faithfulness in the past and to look before me in faith of your continued provision. Thank you. I love you. Amen.