Rubber On The Road  

One night years ago, I went to the grandkids house to help wrap their Christmas gifts for their parents.

They had gotten their mama a glass candy jar. After studying the jar, the boys decided the best way to wrap the gift was to roll it in paper like a mummy. 

After about 15 layers, they decided the jar was wrapped and ready to be taped. Max stood up and held the jar carefully on both ends, wrestling to keep all the paper from unrolling. 

Zac began to wrap tape around the paper swathed jar.  He wrapped around and around, overlapping each wrap on the other for “security reasons.” Finally, the boys lay the gift carefully on the floor. 

They squatted down and surveyed their work.  Satisfied the present was absolutely wrapped, the boys lovingly placed the gift under the tree. The gift was a monument to wrapping; not even nuclear war could unravel their work!   

Max sighed and said, “Ok, now, mom’s gift is all done.”  Zac solemnly said, “No, Max, the gift isn’t done until mom actually opens it, then it is done.” Zac and Max’s gifting for their mom would not be finished until their mom received the gift.   

So it is with God’s gift of his son.  Have YOU actually received the gift?  Take a moment now, humble yourself and ask Jesus into your heart to forgive all your sins. Being a Christian isn’t about rules and regulations, it’s about a relationship. Through that relationship, our lives are changed.  

(John 3:16)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, so that I can be your child.  I want to receive that gift; forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you. Amen.

The other day, a friend confided in me that she was going through a very difficult time.  It was a trial that  I had, myself, undergone a few years ago. 

Because I had ‘been there, done that,’ my heart went out to her, I knew exactly how to pray for her AND exactly what kind of help she would need to continue strong in Christ afterwards.

The best ‘help’ in time of need comes from those who have, themselves, suffered in the same way we are suffering. The trials of life are constant. Throughout history, people have suffered from sickness, sin, financial woes, job issues and family problems.  

The apostle Paul said that these trials become useful tools for ministry. We are able to reach out, minister and encourage in full understanding to those who are going through what we have already been through. 

The scripture says that Jesus also understands all of my trials, because he lived as a person and bore all the temptation, tests and frustrations that I go through (Hebrews 4:15).  There is no issue I face in life that Jesus doesn’t understand.  It is also important that I realize that no matter what I’m going through, right now, within the body of Christ, there are people who can encourage and help me because of their own experience.

Satan wants me to think I’m alone, nobody cares, and nobody can help. His goal is to defeat me through discouragement, frustration and despair. When I fall prey to his tactics, I’m no longer living victorious in Christ.  The first thing I should do, when I’m beset with problems, is seek a friend in Christ, who knows what I’m going through and can hold me up in prayer and lend me helpful hands.

In turn, I should make certain that I’m watchful and available to give comfort and encouragement to those around me who are suffering now as I have suffered.  When we are a part of the body of Christ, we not only have the comfort that comes from fellowship; we are also “comfortavailable.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Prayer:  Father help me to have grace to accept help when I’m in need.  Give me an awareness of mercy to turn my trial into knowledge to help others as I’ve been helped. I want the heart of a servant with a kind and compassionate heart. Thank you. Amen.

Scripture references:

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin

In honor of my 50^th birthday, my Aunt Mary express mailed me a dozen fresh hand picked rosies, lovingly selected from her personal rose garden in Washington State. She chose each bloom not only for its beauty, but its intense fragrance.   

As soon as I lifted the lid on the box, the heady warmth of their perfume flooded the room!  Wherever I placed the blooms, their fragrance embraced me.  The blooms released their sweetness without effort, they didn’t plan it or time it; their fragrance was a natural result of their being rosies.  

One of the things that I love about the Word of God is how every day things, that we’re all familiar with, are used to illustrate spiritual truth.  In II Corinthians, Christ in us is described as an “exquisite fragrance.”   

When we spend time in prayer and in the Word, the sweetness of Christ permeates our hearts and attitudes; releasing the fragrance of a gentle spirit and a forgiving heart. I want to be a smelly Christian.  

 II Corinthians 2: 14-15—In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.  (The Message)

The Christmas that our grandson, Zac, was four years old, we took him to see the Christmas lights.  One of the churches was presenting a live Nativity.  As the car approached the enactment, I pointed out to Zac that the Nativity we were about to pass was “real.”  

Zac, quick as he could, unsnapped his seat belt, ran the car window down, stuck his head out and waving both arms he shouted out, “Hey, baby Jesus, it’s me, Zac!  You know me!” 

This innocent childish pronouncement, as endearing as it was, is in fact, true!  According to scripture, (Jeremiah 1:5) God even knew us before we were born.  From the beginning of time, God knew the plan he has for our life.  It is up to us whether we choose God’s plan, or a plan of our own making.  Every day, everything we do, every place we go, every relationship we form, should be made in light of this knowledge. 

Perhaps, you don’t know for sure God’s actual plan for your life.  But, you do know the principals and precepts set forth in God’s word.  Actively plan every area of your life using these Biblical guidelines.   “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalms 37:23) 

Today, and every day, take time to sit down with your heavenly Father.  Read His Word, talk with Him.  He loves you so much!  He knows everything about you and has a plan for your life; a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan full of hope, a plan with a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11) But, to know that plan, you must first make Him your Lord.

He knows you, do you know Him? 

(Jeremiah 1:5)  Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you–

Prayer:  Father, I want to know you. I want to receive the forgiveness of sin that your son, Jesus, paid for at Calvary.  Thank you for the gift of salvation that you sent on Christmas day.  I love you. Amen.

Scripture references

Psalms 37:23  The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Sin is the original “gift that keeps on giving.”   

Often, when a person turns from God, they think that it’s no body’s business but theirs.  No harm, no foul.

Whether you serve God or not, is a personal decision; nobody can make you be a Christian. But, if you think your decision has nothing to do with anybody but “me,” you may want to re-think your choice. 

No matter how independent we see ourselves, our decisions affect and often hurt those around us. Further; if the devil can lure “me” into sin, he can use me to bring those I love down as well.

God created us to be influential, so that we can lead others to Christ.  Satan works hard to pervert that gift of influence so we lead others to sin. Sadly, this wrong use of influence is seen even INSIDE the church.

According to the independent polling group, Barna, one of the most often given reasons for NOT being churched is—the careless and sadly, even immoral,  way people who ARE in church–behave. Ouch!  When we are nonchalant about our own sins, our damaged testimony hurts others.

While it is true, those who do not serve God will be judged by their OWN misdeeds, those who cause others to stumble also have a harsh reality to face at judgment–. As Christians, we represent Christ; when we represent our Lord badly we will be held to account.

We must seek guidance from God’s Word and follow Godly leadership our self so that we can boldly say, as the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 10:31-33, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

The Word says, (Galatians 5:19-21) “The acts of the sinful nature are OBVIOUS.” Even the newest babe in Christ recognizes that sexual sins, drunkenness, witchcraft, orgies and hatred are sins. The other sins, while still obviously sins, are sneaky: selfishness, jealousy, envy, discord.”  

Often, we don’t even see the subtle sins as being serious enough to damage our relationship with the Lord. Yet, jealousy and selfishness are in the same list as the “big” sins. These are the sins that can often cause those outside of the church—from coming inside.

Guard your heart and keep your relationship with God strong. Every day, seek God’s direction through prayer and Bible study so as not to be a stumbling block. There is no such thing as sin hurting only the sinner; sin is the  “gift that keeps on giving.”  

Gal. 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like.

Prayer: Father, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. I want to be a good influence, a Christ life influence to those around me.  Amen.

 The other day, I fell down!  I hit that concrete like a bug on a windshield, SPLAT 

It took me a minute to get my breath and stand back up; but I did pull myself together and get back on my feet.  Mercy 

When I physically stumble, I don’t think about not getting up. I don’t shout, “That’s it, I’m done walking, forget this!”  No, I quickly get up, access my wounds, seek help, if necessary, and then; get back to walking again.

Similar steps are also taken to regain my footing when I fall spiritually. Whether physically or spiritually, when I fall, it hurts! As Christians, we can stumble in our Christ walk (James 3:2). I John 1:8-9 says; we all stumble but we get back up, seek forgiveness and move on. 

Paul said, forgetting what is behind, we press on (Philippians 3:13-14).  Proverbs 24:16 says though a righteous man stumble, he will get back up.   

There is a difference between stumbling and in full knowledge, choosing to do wrong. (I John 2:1-6) Only through the heart’s pursuit of relationship with God can we stand.   

If there was no chance of our stumbling, there would have been no need for the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts of sin and no need for a Savior.  Scripture says that I should count it joy when I’m  tempted to fall but yet I stand strong.  God gives wisdom to handle life’s trials. (James 1:2-8) 

Those times when I’m in need of forgiveness and redirection, the Holy Spirit is faithful to bring conviction.  However, Hebrews 10:26-27 says if I choose to keep on sinning, after I know the truth, there is no forgiveness left.  

The scripture says that if I keep on sinning, with no effort made to stop, I don’t know Christ and have no part in Him. (I John 3:6)  If I continue to do the things that cause me to stumble, with no effort to change, I mock God.  (Romans 2:6-8, Galatians 6:7)

When I stumble but repent and genuinely seek to change those things that caused me to fall, God is faithful to forgive (Hebrews 4:16).

When the Spirit convicts me of sin, I must make the personal decision of whether I keep on sinning, or I seek forgiveness and strength to move on in Jesus.   

When I fall down spiritually, I must stand back up and keep on walking just like I do when I fall down physically.

Proverbs 24:16 No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don’t stay down long; Soon they’re up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces. (The Message Bible)

Prayer:  Father, help me to walk steady and be aware of those circumstances and temptations that would cause me to stumble or fall down.  Make me sensitive to your Holy Spirit so those times I do fall, I can get back on my feet and continue my Christ walk. Thank you for providing a helper, your Spirit.   Amen

Scripture References

James 3:2  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

I John 1:8-9  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

Philippians 3:13-14  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 24:16  for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

I John 2:1-6  My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.  Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

James 1:2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Hebrews 10:26-27  If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

I John 3:6   No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

Romans 2:6-8 God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 

Galatians 6:7  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

My husband and I were attending a church Christmas party. We were instructed to bring a white elephant gift; something still having worth, but laying around the house no longer used or enjoyed.   

Rummaging around in my china cabinet to find a suitable gift, I found a little glass cross. I couldn’t recall why it had been given to me. Over the years, it had been shuffled farther and farther back behind the other more ‘current’ treasures.  

At the party, we traded the white elephant gifts and we were all laughing at our “worthless” treasures.  Suddenly, the wife of one of the deacons let out a startled cry of disbelief! Even more startling was that she was holding in her hand, the little glass cross that I had brought as my “white elephant” gift.  

To my chagrin, she reminded me that her oldest child had given the little cross to me as a gift one Christmas in Children’s church years ago. As the associate Children’s Pastor, I was  immediately stricken by my act of thoughtless disregard.    

It had been years ago, but I now remembered how precious the gift had been at the moment. Now, I could clearly remember the child’s up turned face, giving me the gift he’d picked out himself and paid for with his own money. Taking my treasure back home, I put it in a place of honor where it would never be forgotten again. 

The Holy Spirit spoke into my heart, how often do I put Jesus on a shelf and push Him to the back, forgetting about Him in my daily life? Do I put more current “busy treasures” in front of Him?  It isn’t intentional; I don’t make a conscious decision to forget my Lord.  The laying aside happens slowly.

Yet, by simply putting “stuff,” not bad stuff, just  everyday “stuff,” before prayer, Bible reading and fellowship at church, I allow the cross to become less important in my life. Eventually, if I don’t recognize and correct the setting aside, one day, Jesus doesn’t matter to me at all. 

God loves me SO much that He gave His only son so that I could have a relationship with Him. A great price was paid so that I can have this gift of intimacy. (I Peter 1:18-19) What am I doing with that gift? Am I keeping it precious, on the front of the shelf of my heart?

Or, is Jesus so far to the back that I’ve forgotten how precious the gift was when it was given?  It’s time to bring the cross back home and put Jesus ahead of all my other “treasures.”  

Mark 4:17-18    But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Prayer:        Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, so that ALL my sins are forgiven, so I can have fellowship with you.  Help me to always treasure the gift of salvation and the gift of your Holy Spirit to give me direction. I love you. amen. 

Scripture References:    I Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)     ¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

One night, as the kids were getting ready for bed, my grandson handed his mom a folded up piece of paper. In explanation, he told her that his teacher had sent “this” to her. He didn’t remember exactly when, but maybe last Monday—and he forgot. 

She unfolded the paper and began to read.  “Dear ‘Mom,’ Thank you so much for volunteering to season, cook and bring to class six pounds of ground beef for Taco Day Friday.” (tomorrow)  Of course, she did what any mom would do, she gasped, “WHAT? I DID WHAT? WHEN DID I SAY I’D DO THAT?!”  

Innocently and very confidently he said, “Mom, I knew it wouldn’t be any trouble for YOU. You make GREAT taco meat, that’s why I said you’d do it.”  With that he hugged her and ran off to bed leaving the “great Taco meat cooker,” making an unplanned night time trip to the grocery store. 

Especially when we are raising our families, we can have things that surprise us.  Even when we are faithful to follow God’s word and love Him, unexpected ‘stuff’ can happen. Sudden financial set backs, unexpected medical bills, car repair; the list can often be overwhelming.  

It is good to know that before we are even aware that we have a need, God has set actions in motion to meet that need.  Sometimes, the need is not met the way we think it should be met.  Sometimes there are important things to learn through that ‘need.’  

God loves us and allows us to experience all kinds of life circumstances.  Sometimes, He teaches us how He provides for us.  Sometimes, He shows us how great His mercy is.  Sometimes, ‘taco meat’ just– happens– and all we can do is trust and hold on to Jesus. But, God is always intimately aware of all our life struggles.

Be assured that God’s plan is always at work in our lives to make us into the vessels he intends for us to be.  Seek God’s wisdom to handle daily struggles. The only certain cure for handling life’s surprises is a relationship with Jesus.  

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

As I entered the woods at the track where I walk, I heard a sound. The “sound” grew louder. My brain “clicked” the same time my eyes saw the big black cloud rising up out of the woods; BEES!  Zillions of them, swarming up into a giant droning cloud!  

My feet were flying!  As I went tearing through those woods, I heard the noise getting louder!  Other women joined me and we ran screaming, “BEES!”  By then, the big black cloud was droning over our heads. 

As we came thundering out of the woods, several boys  were tossing a ball on the field. They looked at us, their expressions saying, “What ARE those fat ladies doing?”  A line of overweight middle aged women running screaming could only mean one of two things; there had to be free chocolate cake ahead, or there was danger behind!  

I heard one of the guys holler “waaah RUN!” The next thing I knew, all the guys ran past us yelling, one of them slapping at his face and head!  We all hit that parking lot like a stampede of bellowing wild animals!  From now on, I walk the track in the hot sun; forget the wonderful path through the woods!  

If we truly love the Lord and serve him with all our heart, the Bible says His blessings will overtake us!  Just like the bees in the woods that swarmed us. Everyday, choose to serve God so the blessings of His presence in your life will over take you.

(Deuteronomy 28: 1-2) If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you on high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God.

A friend gave me the happy news that one of her co-workers had started coming to my church.  She told me the woman’s name, described her and asked me to personally welcome her. 

The next weekend, I baked a loaf of bread as a friendship gift and after church, looked for “Debbie”. Matching the friend’s description to a new face at church, I went to the lady and said, ‘Debbie’?  

She looked surprised saying that, yes, she was.  I hugged her and said I was SO happy to meet her and that I’d baked a loaf of bread for her.  “Debbie” started crying and telling me that I had no idea how much that meant to her!

As it turned out, that was not my friend’s co-worker, “Debbie”!  The lady I gave the bread to was a visitor that had been through a lot of trials and hard times. It seemed that everything she had done resulted in failure and she was wondering if God really loved her. 

When a total stranger called her BY NAME and gave her a loaf of bread, she knew that only God could have arranged such a meeting! As it worked out, both “Debbies” became a friend to me.

God cares about every part of life that we walk through and is sovereign over all. He who calls the stars by name (Ps. 147:4 & Isaiah 40:26)  and knows when a sparrow falls from its nest (Matt. 10:29), also knows the number of hairs on my head (Luke 12:7).

Even the things that satan plans to ruin my relationship with God and wreck my life, can be worked for good (Genesis 50:20).  Romans 8:28 says, “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.”

When I trust in the sovereignty of my Lord, nothing that happens in my life is useless or wasted! His ability to take every situation, every circumstance and use it for my good is my assurance that I can live victoriously.  It is only my choice that can allow satan’s temporary plan for destruction to separate me from God’s loving plan for my life.  

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.