Watch your Step!

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. (Psalm 119:133 NIV)

I got a lot done today, our 3rd SNOW DAY of the year. The garage is clean, driveway shoveled, both motorcycles are clean, Harley is ready for his new home, hitch has been removed, battery reinstalled, license plates transferred, RFS Flyer printed, and Nap time as scheduled.

I wonder how many of these tasks were on God's schedule for me today. I'm hoping everything. I want God to direct my steps every day. I don't want to perform tasks just for myself. I know that even the little tasks can be of God but I always want to ask if its in Gods will. I'm making big plans for the ride season, is it on Gods will? I'm making big plans for spring break, is it in Gods plan? I'm planning for CMA church visits and events, are they in Gods plan?

I need to be in constant contact with the Spirit to make sure I'm walking Gods path. I need to pray and study his word. Communicating and listening to the father, then acting with his will!

Watch your Step!

T minus 25 days!

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15, 16 NIV)

I can't help it! I'm still counting the days down to aspiring Break?. I'm almost embarrassed about it. Stephanie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our breaks WITH our daughters and grandkids. It is a week like no other. We relax, have fun and just hang out with each other. Life doesn't get any better.

I'm getting older and these special events become more treasured the older I get. The grandkids are getting older and even sooner, they will be leaving the roost. Now is the time to take advantage of family time.

I should be that dedicated to saving people for Christ. Time is running short and we live in disparate, evil days. As Christians we can not waste a moment. We need to share our joy. We need to let it be known that God in our lives is the best thing to ever happen. Although the times are urgent Many times I act like I have eternity. That is not true! Take advantage of every opportunity to further the kingdom and be wise in our witness. Be prepared to share. Be prepared to live or die for him who saved us. The time is now.

Can We Visit YOUR Church?

I am the President of the Fort Wayne Chapter of CMA,  Son Rise Riders, Christian Motorcyclist Association. We are looking for Christians who have a passion for motorcycles and sharing the love of Christ! We combine both of those passions to minister to the bikers in Northeast Indiana. We attend secular events, build relationships with bikers, and share Christ wherever we go. Our mission is to change the world one heart at a time. Want to know more about CMA? Go to www.cmausa.org  for an in depth look!

Our chapter would love to visit your church on a Sunday morning to share our ministry. We would love to speak to the congregation, but would also accept the opportunity to just set up an information table in your lobby area. We would also speak to missions groups, Sunday school classes, or youth groups. We just want to get the word out about this wonderful INTERNATIONAL ministry.

PLEASE HELP BY GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT YOUR CHURCH!

Contact me via email, stvrhoades@hotmail.com or by twitter @stvrhoades

Right vs Wrong

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (Philippians 1:9, 10 NIV)

Right vs Wrong. I'm saddened to say that many people are blind to the differences. Our society looks at this as a moving target, no absolutes. Right and wrong are determined individually. As a Christian I need to know the difference. First of all we need to ACCEPT there is a difference! Yesterday, I said I often pray for depth of knowledge, wisdom, and insight. I also often pray for discernment. I want the spirit of God to lead me to what is right, noble, and true. I will never achieve it, but I want to be pure, blameless, and true. There is no fence, no gray, no middle ground. It's not our opinion, it's not a choice. Right and wrong are indisputable. We use Gods standard, his judgment, his measuring stick!

Help me Lord grow in my knowledge of right and wrong!

Love, Knowledge, Insight!

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, (Philippians 1:9 NIV)

I have to admit this is one of my most prayed about topics! It might be that I'm a teacher, but knowledge, insight, and wisdom are the key to life. If you team those with Love, your life can't get any better.

If I could ask anything for my family, my friends, my coworkers, or myself, it would be the love of  Jesus Christ and greater knowledge of God. You will be successful in life if you grow in depth of knowledge and insight about God. You will love more if you understand his love. Since God hears our prayers, how could he resist in these requests.

Pray for growth in knowledge and love. See what happens.

The "Nobodies" of Heaven!

Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 MSG)

Do you remember what Jesus said about rich people entering the kingdom of heaven? He didn't say it was impossible, but it's not easy. These verses from the message are similar.  It's the "nobodies" that are going to populate heaven. Heaven will be filled with people who were outcast, overlooked, exploited, and abused. I don't know to many of the rich and famous that fit that description. It's the humble that will inherit the Earth, not the strong, arrogant, or the proud.

I need to keep in perspective my place in this world. We all need to look at ourselves with "God's Eyes" . He is the only one truly worthy. He is worthy yet he made himself like me. Regardless where we place our value in this world we need to humble ourselves and honor him who created us. We are not as great as we think we are. We are among the sinners, not the saints. We owe everything we are to Christ. It is not by our will, drive, strength, influence, or skill, that we are who we are. It is by Gods providence and his grace that we enjoy the life we have. Therefore,

Humble yourself before The Lord!

Praise God for my Christian friends!

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:8 NIV)

How much do you love your church? Small group? Bible Study? Christian friends?

I have been a member of our Church Choir on several different occasions. I thoroughly enjoy this strong group of followers. I miss being with them. On Sunday mornings when I hear them perform I am envious of their special worship. But, God has led me a different way. I also long to be out interacting with local motorcyclists. I am passionate about riding and feel so blessed to have a great group of friends who share that same passion. So, even though I miss Choir, I love the ministry God has given me. A lot of that has to do with the people I serve with.

God can testify how I enjoy the fellowship of my CMA chapter. He knows our joys with each other, he knows our struggles and he knows the special bond we share. I think this is what this verse says, "if you're not connected with great Christian people, you can't feel the complete love of Jesus Christ. Praise God for my fellow Christians!

It is real!

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

I have been a follower of Christ for nearly 40 years. But, I've only really been actively studying his word for about 13 years. I'm not sure why I went so long. I used the typical excuse about being too busy, but I'm just as busy now as I've ever been. Now that I look back, I missed out on a lot of what God had for me. I missed out on great blessings and the wisdom that comes from really studying his word. I know how my life has changed over the past 13 years. I often wonder how it would have changed if I had been more faithful. I'm not complaining. I am completely amazed at the blessings I've received even through my weakness.

People that don't know Jesus have no idea what they're missing. I didn't, and frankly, thought I had it pretty good. Do you know the feeling? But, God is active and his words mirror that. Don't wait like I did to receive all that God has planned for you. Jump in head first and discover all that God reveals. When you do, your eyes will be opened and you will see life as you have never seen it before. No challenge will be to great. Cancer, illness, old age, none of it will stop you. Your life will change. Try it, study his word, pray continuosly, and worship him every moment of your life. You will me amazed at the transformation. I tell you this because I have seen it, it is real, it is truly amazing!

My STUFF........HIS STUFF!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)

I have a new motorcycle. Well, I haven't picked it up yet because its too cold and snowy. I hope to get it  Tuesday. I'm excited, to say the least. But, now I have to struggle with anticipation until the weather gets better! UGH!

God has blessed me with a lot of STUFF. But, life is not about the STUFF. It's not Christmas and God's not Santa Claus. God did not give me STUFF to make me happy. He doesn't give like we do. He gives us peace. He gives us rest. He blesses us with love, hope, grace, and most of all Eternal Life. He helps us through times of troubles and fears. He really does love us! Most of the time the STUFF of our lives gets in the way of all his real blessings and gifts. Once we realize what our true gifts are, only then can we enjoy his presence and the life we have. When we begin to look at his lavish love for us, we soon recognize the STUFF of our lives is not our own. Ou STUFF is ALL for his glory and his purpose. Everything I own is his. Everything I say or do is his. I need to dedicate it all to him and use it for his kingdom. Yep, even my new motorcycle is his, for him, and his kingdom. I can NEVER forget that!

Counting the days!

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 NIV)

It's the middle of February, it's cold, gray, windy, and lifeless. As an educator that can mean only one thing. COUNT DOWN TO SPRING BREAK! Yes, I know there are exactly 36 days to spring break 2013. I know that might not be a contradiction for someone who claims he loves teaching! I truly am blessed with the best job in the world! I have the greatest students and a school that truly cares about kids. But even through that love of education, I can't wait to feel the warmth and the sunshine of Florida. We have made this annual trip for 11 years. We have shared most of them with our daughters and their families. They are some of the greatest memories of my life!

Back to reality, "I need to stop counting the days and I need to make the days count!" That is true at GHS and in my spiritual life also. I long to be sitting at the feet of Jesus in paradise, but I have to stay focused while I'm still here on Earth. Thee are so many people who need to hear the gospel. I can't just curl up into a cocoon waiting on Jesus return.  I need to share so God can save even just one more! I need to go our into all the world. I need to take advantage of every waking moment to be an ambassador for Christ. That's why CMA is o important in my life. When I'm working with that ministry, I feel I am making a difference. God usese me.

Praise a god for his love, grace, and purpose. Praise him for every day. May we never rest until all the world knows Jesus is Lord!

Just as I am!

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, (Hebrews 11:39 NIV)

The real story of faith is believing and not seeing, ever.

 My life on this Earth has been a great gift from God. I have seen his love directly in my life. I have seen horrible situations of desperation turned into victory. I have seen my own hopelessness turned to eternal joy.  It's not from anything I've done. In reality, my faith is not to terribly commendable.

True faith is found in those who don't experience the victory here on Earth. Those with "commendable" faith live life hear in pain and suffering. They never experience the joy here, yet there faith is unyielding. They have seen persecution every day of their lives. I have not! They give all, that some will be saved. They have their eyes on the prize and focus on that goal.

I wish my faith were that strong. Praise God he loves me just as I am!

I'm Out of the boat, Walking on water in a storm!

But Jesus immediately said to them:  “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27 NIV)

Walking on water is an amazing event all it's own. But, sometimes we overlook that Jesus did this in the midst of a storm. It just magnifies his greatness.  Peter tried. He got out of the boat but couldn't make it very far. It's not that he couldn't have done it, but his humanness got in the way.

I can't count the number of times I didn't take the first step to get out of thee boat. However, I'm getting more bold every day. This year is one of those times. I have stepped up my ministry involvement in CMA (Christian motorcyclist association). Nearly four years ago I was prompted to join. God has continued to lead me deeper and deeper into this ministry. I'm out of the boat, in some ways scared, and ready to get back in the boat. But, I will not. I will follow this path as God leads. Besides being scared, I'm also excited. I love this ministry and sharing my passion for Christ along side my passion for motorcycles. It is amazing how God can turn all things for his glory, if we just let him. When I think about his power, his walking on water, I'm no longer afraid. My excitement and strength grows. Praise God for his leading out of the boat and into the storm. The only way I can fail is not focusing on him. I will not fear with Christ at my side!

Gone Fishing!

“Come, follow me,”  Jesus said,  “and I will send you out to fish for people.”    At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19, 20 NIV)


It's been a long time since I've gone fishing. We lived on a lake for about 4years. I remember how great it was to sit on the pier and just fish. It was easy to block the world out while waiting for that big catch. Most of the time it never came, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process. Most people say it takes patience to be a good fisherman. I say it takes more skill than patience. Had I spent more time learning to fish, I would have caught more. Maybe it wouldn't be so long between fishing expeditions.

Sometimes I fish for men like I fish at the lake. I don't take the time to really learn how to fish for men. I pretend like I know what I'm doing, but in reality, I don't. I can't be satisfied just going through the process, I need to constantly learn to share and bring others to Christ. Like fishing, I would be much more effective if I would spend more time learning from God. I need to do a better job building relationships with the lost. I need to lead them by my actions. I am Christ to these people. I better constantly look at how Christ would do and follow his lead.

As a member of CMA, I have a great opportunity to fish in a fully stocked pond. I need to sharpen my skills if I want to land them for Christ. The advantage I have? I have the best tutor and the best bait in the world. Jesus Christ and what he did for us, that is the best bait of all. If you can't get excited about sharing that, you are crazy. Thanks Lord, for your patience and love!