Peace will return!

“When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”” 2 Samuel‬ ‭7:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/2sa.7.1-3.nlt


Right now I'm not very comfortable! 

Do you know what that means?

God is up to something and usually that something deals with growth! But, I hate it. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate growth. I hate the pain associated with the growth. I love being comfortable. Comfort usually means peace in my life, just like King David. I have had more peace in my life than I deserve. That's grace! But, God doesn't let me stay at peace for long because he knows I will stagnate if I don't grow. Like the old saying, "we are either green and growing or ripe and rotting."

Nobody likes the idea of "No pain, no gain". It has been true throughout my entire life. I can look back and say the pain was worth it. I can look back and see the mighty hand of the Lord, active, and helping me through all the turmoil. He will not fail me now! 

So, I wait on the Lord. He will eventually provide peace. This season will pass. Joy will return. The Lord is still King! Praise God for his infinite wisdom, power, and strength!

The battle inside!

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””  Joshua‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jos.1.8-9.nlt

God is trying to tell me something!

I hope you can  sense the battle inside me right now. I feel like Luke in Star Wars. I have often felt the spiritual battle being waged inside me. Like Luke the forces of good and evil are active and trying to capture my heart and soul. My recent study has been exclusively about standing up for yourself, giving up, and now being strong and courageous. God is speaking to me through his word. I want to give up, I don't want to give up. I want to crawl into a quiet hole and then I want to fight for my life. Confusion is part of life.

I love reading the Bible. I have learned so much through studying the God inspired words. There are times when a message is very clear, other times it can be a pure mystery. One truth I have discovered, I have to be patient and let God handle things. When I am confused about an issue, it's Gods way of saying don't try to figure it out, just sit back and let God be God.

Let God be God!

Accepting Defeat! Giving in!

“Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.”  Luke‬ ‭23:46‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/luk.23.46.nlt

It seems odd to talk about giving in when yesterday I was writing about making a stand. It's amazing the difference 24 hours can make. There are times in life where fighting is not worth it. There are times in yuor life when it is best to just give in instead of fighting. The perfect example is the crucifixion. 

Jesus could have fought his sentence. He could have denied his accusers. Instead he stood in humility, taking the accusations, not defending himself. He was beaten and took the undeserved punishment. He marched to the cross beaten, bruised, and a crown of thorns piercing his brow. On the cross, he endured the pain and then he gave up. He did it for us. He chose an odd path that no other historic leader has ever taken. 

I can relate to the idea of giving in. Our competitive society frowns upon giving in. People that choose to give in are looked as weak. Sometimes it is for the greater good that you just give in. The ultimate goal in life is not to win. I say these things but know I am a competitive person and have a difficult time admitting defeat. Today in front of all people I admit defeat. God has changed my heart that I can now admit defeat, give in, even when I know I'm right. That's what Jesus did. There is no greater example!

Plant the Flag!

“And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:8-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jer.1.8-10.nlt

Sometimes you need to plant the flag. You plant a flag and state this is it. I will defend this place or issue in your life. Do you have anything you would stake a flag for? I do. Certainly every Christian should be willing to stand up for the battle of righteousness. We should defend at all costs the devotion to Christ and faith. We should also exhaust our commitment to the orphans and homeless, the poor, widows, and the lost. As a member of an amazing family. I will defend them with an unending love. As a teacher I will defend my students to my last breath. I will take a stand for what is best for them. I will stand up for them with all the passion a furvor I can muster. I will plant my flag for my closest colleagues. I will not let them fight alone. I answer to God, not to man. The spirit of the Lord compels me to defend those that I love and causes that are just. Jesus planted the flag to save me. I must fight for him.

Out of all the things I will rigorously defend, my integrity might be the most valuable. Nothing gets me more "wound-up" than someone questioning my integrity. Without integrity, my faith in the Lord means nothing. Without integrity how can I convince others to commit to Christ. It is everything.  I will not compromise my values for anyone, for any reason. Doing what is right is the cornerstone of my life. Being open, honest, and credible is the key to my faith walk. I plant my flag here, right now, and I will defend this ground with my last breath!

A season of pruning!

““I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jhn.15.1-2.

Praise God in all things! I say it again, Praise God! I'm going through a pruning season. If grape vines had feelings, pruning would be painful. The results eventually cover the pain and make it all worth it. During the pruning I doubt the grapevine appreciates the pain.

Times of pruning need to occur. Pain is always a part of growth. It is important for us constantly review where we are at in our faith, in our careers, and in our relationships. Anything that stands in the way of the plans God has laid before us, needs to be pruned.

We are at the last day of school. As always, I will take the time I am blessed with to focus and evaluate. I will do this professionally, personally, and spiritually. I am thankful for my life and I want all I do to reflect my faith in Jesus. If I need to do a little, or a lot, of pruning to keep focus on Jesus I welcome it because the harvest will be worth it in the end!

Do you have hope right now or just in eternity?

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/rom.15.13.

I can truly say I've never given up hope. What I mean is my hope, my long term hope, is in Jesus. I know my salvation. I know my ultimate destination in eternity with Jesus. But, I have given up hope many times , for various reasons, in the here and now. I give up hope, even if it's only for a brief moment, on a daily basis. Have you ever pleaded for the Lord to get you through the day? When things aren't going right, does it seem like there is no end in sight? Sometimes I see a clearer path to eternity than a path through the day. My ultimate hope is secure, I am not as confident form moment to moment

I know the ultimate victory is in and through Jesus, but I wonder how much I'm going to have to suffer right now. I don't doubt God can deliver me, the question is will he deliver me? God stretches me, he molds me through stress and challenging moments. I don't want to go through this fire, but I trust in my Lord. Yet, I have to admit, I lose a small amount of hope when I am tired of life and it's trouble. 

The  key to real hope is through the JOY and the PEACE only God can provide. Last night was a perfect example. I have had trouble sleeping lately with a lot on my mind. I prayed last night for peace and the ability to sleep. The Lord answered that prayer. Praise God. As I sit here frantic about the end of the school year, or the plans for next year, or changes that are going on all around me, it is easy to get overwhelmed until you realize there is a peace I can experience only by releasing that pain, to the one on the cross. Thank You Lord! I love you and am honored with your love. Amen!

Live right

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/rom.13.11-12.nlt

If you've read the newspaper recently I think it's obvious we are living in the end times. Now more than ever we need people of faith to stand up for what is right. It's not easy because persecution is everywhere. Time is running out. We need to show others what it means for a sinner to live a righteous life. We are all sinners. We've all fallen short of the glory of God. That doesn't mean we continue to live a life in darkness. We need to live life as God designed it, not apologizing if we offend someone and not compromising our values to match society. When we live "right" we are rewarded with a strong armor of protection. Nothing can touch us. We can not be harmed. Eternity awaits us. 

We don't have time to waste. We need to wake up. We need to wake others up. We need to preach with a sense of urgency. We must get others to see a life without God will doom you forever. Our passion for God needs to shine through in how we liveand how we treat others. Shed our dirty clothes and put on the full armor of God. 

From Tragedy to Victory

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/isa.41.10.nlt

Yesterday was a sad and joyous day all rolled into one. Stephanie and I traveled with our CMA SonRise Rider Chapter to central Indiana to honor one of our CMA brothers that tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident. The funeral was a great celebration. As you can guess, the family and particularly his wife are devastated. The family of Christian brothers and sisters came out in force to show our support. Even though they are in the depths of discouragement, you could see the love.

It is so easy to get discouraged through life's tragedies. It is easy to lose hope. But we have to remember that Jesus conquered death and he is victorious for all time. We are strengthened by the love of our Lord through others and we always need to know we are victorious because he was victorious. We know his promise of eternal life for our fallen friend. We know that even if we appear defeated by the standards of this world, we are never defeated. We have won the perfect victory!

Dear Lord, provide comfort and peace for the Anderson family and healing for Cindi. Make your presence known to them. Wrap them with your love. Bless them in a powerful way. We praise you for the gift of Cliff's life and the blessings he shared with others. We love you Lord and honor you with our praise. It is not enough but we give you all we have. Amen!

Train your replacement.

“Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/mrk.3.13-15.nlt

Leadership is making sure to train your replacement.

A true sign of leadership is to develop leaders. It's not good enough to be organized, possess great insight or have a dynamic message. What will happen when you leave? I don't care who you are you will retire at some point. You can't live forever in your current job or ministry. If the success of your company, school, ministry, family, or church is solely dependent upon you, it can not remain successful forever.

Jesus chose twelve men to mentor. He taught them and helped them prepare to reach out on their own. I need to be deliberate in doing the same thing and I'm just not good at it. I need to walk along side new leaders, help them, but not do for them. I need to do the same with colleagues and students. I must train them up in service, love, and caring for their fellow man. I can't get caught up in being the "boss". I need to serve to lead. I need to build up others to serve for the long haul. 

Exploding with excitement!

“The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone,”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬.  http://bible.com/116/jhn.4.28.

Are you that excited to share your story? Has Jesus made such an impact on your life that you are literally running to find others to tell? Are you exploding with excitement about Jesus?

I hope I never lose the passion Christ has created in me. I hope I never look at my faith as a drudgery or "routine". The sad note............ I have.

 I don't think I'm unique when I say my 42 year life as a follower of Christ has not always been on the mountain top. I have been bored with my faith, tired of it, lackadaisical about it, and I admit I am on a rollercoaster when it comes to passion for ministry. So, I am thankful God has a way of reminding me  how blessed I am and also has a great way of stirring the passion in me. Thank you Lord. 

How can we convince others of the power of Jesus if we do not live like it is life changing? We need to connect with Jesus daily in order to feed our passion. Right now I am on fire for Jesus. I see his hand so powerfully in my life. I feel that presence at school, at home, and in ministry. I see his presence in my friends, coworkers, and my family. I am excited about life. May I never lose that passion again. 

Thank you Lord for my life. Thank you for revealing your presence and being active in my daily words and deeds. I praise you for your power. I praise you for your glory and am humbled by your grace. Amen!

Hit the streets!

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”  ‭‭James‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/jas.1.22-25.


I am getting more and more disappointed in my fellow Christians. Fewer and fewer people are studying the Bible, really internalizing the scriptures. The same can be said for ministry, going out, to bring the lost to a saving relationship with Jesus. Our church is booming. We have a strong devotion to evangelism. We don't just send money to others that are going out to serve. We send people. I fear CLCG is unique. So many are listening to the word, agreeing with the word, but stopping there. Do we really have a heart for spreading the Gospel or are we just wanting to send others to do his work? There is a unique difference. The great commission didn't say we should send others to do the work of Christ. We need to Go ourselves. I have heard people say they don't feel comfortable doing evangelism, that God did not design them to do it. I could be wrong but I think we are all designed to bring others to Jesus. 

We have to get out of our comfortable church pew and hit the streets. We need to share Jesus, directly, with others, C'mon Christians don't just read the Bible, obey what it says, make it your life and share those wonderful teachings with others.

H2O

“Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.””  ‭‭John‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jhn.4.13-14.nlt

Do you like water?

There are so many people, my wife included, that don't like water. They prefer flavored water or some type of soda. To me, there is nothing better than a nice cold glass of ice water. I don't need soda, although I drink it and there are many other drinks I love including tea and coffee. But nothing satisfies my thirst like pure water. The description of a fresh, bubbling  spring is perfect.

Water is so important to our very existence. Life on this planet could not continue without an abundance of water. My diabetes is largely controlled when I drink adequate amounts of water. My faith is sustained only by the power of Jesus, copious amounts of scripture, worship, and prayer. Just like the seedling, I am transformed by the life giving water of Jesus. There is no substitute. 

For those that do not have the life giving spirit of Jesus in their lives, please take a drink. Ask Jesus into your life. Admit that you do not have the answers and that your life is filled with sin. Admit that Jesus is the savior of the world and died for you. Just like the watering a dying plant, you will spring to life. You will be transformed and your life will be filled with eternal blessings.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for giving me life eternally. I am forever changed by your love, grace, and mercy. Amen!

Who's welcome

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum? ” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:9-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/mat.9.9-13.

Would I be welcome in your church?

I went to a different church on a Sunday. It was nice. The pastor had a well prepared sermon, the choir was good, we had communion and I felt welcome. But, I was dressed like them, I looked like them and I fit the mold of the average attender. I wonder what would have happened if I would have worn my biker clothes, my leather, my jacket, my chaps, a doo-rag, and had a couple of tattoos. Most churches, at the very least would do a double take. I know this to be true. I have gone visiting with other churches and I have been REALLY looked over, inspected, when I entered a church. It's a little disconcerting. If they look close enough they will see my "Jesus number 1" or my "Prayer Warrior"  patches. They might see my CMA patch with the cross and the Bible. They would think I'm a little strange but they would support me if they noticed those proclamations.  What if I were a 1%er, had offensive tattoos, or nothing outwardly that represented Jesus?  Would I still be welcome?

Our churches need to not only open their doors to bikers, they should deliberately go out and look for the lost to invite them in. We just don't do a good job inviting those that don't fit our regular "mold". How can we reach the lost unless we go out and seek them. We spend so much time sitting in a church pew or serving the church. We may never go out and serve the "sick". We need to Go! Get out of your church, get out of your comfort zone. Save the lost.

Oh boy! I'm in trouble!

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:2-4‬ ‭NLT‬. http://bible.com/116/eph.4.2-4.

Have you ever read scripture and said, "Oh, boy I'm in trouble!" This is one of those scriptures for me. I've never really ever considered myself, humble or gentle. I can't think of myself as patient either! My personality, that I received directly from the Lord, is just not that way.

Help me Lord! Nothing is impossible for him. As I travel through this life, verses like this are meant to convict me. They are meant to change me in powerful ways. I am who the Lord made me to be, but the Lord also wants me to be a better person tomorrow than I am today. I should never be satisfied with the way I am. The only way to make real changes is through the power of Jesus. That power comes only through study of his word, constant prayer, and worship. Jesus changes us from the inside and makes us better if only we let him. Praise God I can be humble, gentle, and patient. There is hope I can be the person God wants me to be. 

Dear Lord, Change me. Take my life and let it be consecrated to the Lord. Take every breath I breathe and every word I speak and transform it for your glory and your purposes. I am not done yet. I am not satisfied where I am. I need to be a better person and I sal you, Lord, to continue to transform me. I love you Lord. I praise you for this wonderful life you have given. Amen!

Sometimes my path sucks!

““You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬.  http://bible.com/116/mat.7.13-14.nlt

Sometimes when I read these verses I wonder why? Why does the road have to be so hard? Then I remember how I get when things are easy. I usually forget all about God when things are going well. God knows how we are. He understands how soft we are and how we abandon him when we live on easy street. So life is a struggle. In order to find the right path we need to seek it with all our heart. We can't find it on our own. We need to let God take us by the hand through the briars, the ravines, and through the treacherous jungle.  We can take the path of least resistance, but it always leads to misery.

I have to admit I am not excited about the trials and conflicts of life. I don't like the drama. I have Zero tolerance or desire to play politics. Sometimes, my path sucks!   I don't mince words because I know what I believe and don't have time to play games. I guess people will have to decide if that bothers them or not. I am who I am.

Sometimes the path is tough because Satan adds barriers to discourage us. We could give up or we could fight on! Some days I feel like giving up. I get tired of the constant battle. I see nothing but jungle ahead of me with no clear path through. During my time with God he reminds me of the rewards and reminds me of my life to come. He helps me down the path even when it's tough! He won't let me give up. So I march onward!

Praise God he loves me enough to guide me through all of life, through the joy and the sorrow, through the peace and through the turmoil, and the rugged path is made smooth. Praise God!

Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/pro.3.5-6.


How much do you trust God? What do you do to demonstrate to others you trust him?

I have been in CMA for 9 years and I am just now gaining the trust of some of the area bikers. It takes time and patience. I enjoy the fact that they ask me to pray for them and their rides without me ever bringing it up. They show appreciation for our supporting their causes. They acknowledge our generosity and dedication to serving others. They are comfortable around us. But, do I genuinely display that same kind of trust in God? Do I have a calmness and peace while life is going nuts. When things don't go right do I fly off the handle? Do I show worry and fret over the details? Do I really trust God?

How can I show my undying trust of God? If the lost don't see me trusting God, I am pretty confident they will not trust him either? I have to give my words substance. I can't just say I trust God it has to be visible. It has to be real. It does take time, even trusting the Lord. The more time we spend with Jesus the more we realize we can turn everything in our life over to him.  God understands but longs for us to enjoy the blessings he has planned for us. When we don't trust him and lean on our own understandings we miss out on many of those blessings. Trust in him!

Peaceful life

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NLT‬. http://bible.com/116/jhn.16.33.nlt

Knowing that God is in charge fills me with peace. Even in the midst of turmoil, there is peace. No one likes the pain until we can step back and look deeply into that unique moment. It's then we realize that we have grown through the trial and pain. The moments in our lives that we endure suffering are only temporary and I have never gone through trials without coming out better on the other side. Now, I even EXPECT to grow and while I still don't want to go through the troubled times, I look forward, not to the trial, but to the personal growth that always happens.

Peace in the midst of trial is truly a gift of God. It happens as we mature in our faith and learn from our experiences. It's hard to understand the power of God unless we have times where we really need him and can't survive on our own. I am so thankful to have seen his power multiple times in my life. If you want a peaceful life, turn everything over to Jesus. Trust him. 

We can't rest!

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/rom.10.14-15.nlt

The weekend was packed full of activities. Run for the Son on Saturday and charity ride Sunday. The upcoming week looks like it will be even busier. I have a track meet Wednesday, Kings Island Friday, Bike Blessings, veterans ride and gkids pops concert on Saturday, Mothers Day, and Moms retirement on Sunday.

 I'm getting to old for this !

 But I love it. We will have multiple opportunities to share Jesus. I get to spend time with friends, family, and bikers. Life doesn't get any better than that. I can't wait! Just like these verses say, they can't believe unless they've heard about him. How are they going to hear about him  if we don't go? 

SO, I'm going! Even though my life is really busy and I can get tired, more than ever before, I am driven because of Jesus. We need to get the gospel message to everyone. Time is drawing near when Jesus will return. All need to know him in order to receive eternal life. No rest for the weary!

It's not WHAT you say, It's HOW you say it!

““You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/mat.5.13.

I learned something new tonight. Salt can only lose its saltiness if is mixed with an impurity. Yep! That's what my CMA devotional stated. Just like us, we have to be careful with our witness, we must keep the worlds impurities out of our lives in order to be the salt of the earth.

A case in point:

Do you know people, Christians, that can't be positive and loving with someone that messes up. I'm not talking about a genuine sin. I'm talking about an innocent mistake or just not doing something the "right" way. 

How should we share criticism? 

Today, I heard somebody being pretty harsh to a fellow believer. The tone and the way the criticism was shared was not at all what I think Jesus would want. I hear the same thing by "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" in so many different areas of my life. I think it's obvious we need to love with compassion even through mistakes. We need to criticize differently than the way the world criticizes. The more we let the world creep into our lives, the more we lose our saltiness. A gentle rebuke or, many times, no rebuke at all would be fine,

How we treat fellow believers is an important example for non believers. We must learn how to be firm and gentle when correct someone. Of course this also holds true, maybe even more so, when we deal with non-believers. We have to put aside our impatience. We have to constantly remember how we treat others says more about our witness than anything else we may say or do. We can't get lost in doing our jobs and taking strong leadership roles without first looking at our relationships with others. The love we show is the most important seed we plant.

I can't praise him enough!

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ http://bible.com/116/psa.37.5-7.nlt


Today is the day. Every year, around this country, Christian Motorcyclist Association Chapters celebrate our ministry by hosting our annual Run for The Son. It's not a party about us. It's a party to celebrate what God is doing and will do through the money raised today. Nationally we hope to raise $5 million for our ministry, Open Doors ministry, Missionary Ventures, and the Jesus Film project. This money will directly bring people to know Jesus.

Every year I get nervous about this event. Then I realize, how can it fail when we have committed this day to the Lord. Our cause is just. This is God's event. As I was going over the last minute details in my mind last night, a real peace came over me. How can I fret when God has always gotten us through? He has brought us through the rain, storms, and valleys of our lives. He has remained faithful in all things. Today will be no different.

I love the Lord. I don't deserve his love. I don't deserve his grace! He gives us joy, heals our broken hearts, and props us up when we can't stand on our own. I can't praise him enough.

Light up the World!

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬http://bible.com/116/mat.5.14-16.nlt

This is such a great illustration on the value of light in this world. I would take these verses one more step. We are asked to carry the light of Jesus INTO the world. The light of Jesus is meant to be on the move and just like a torch, or a match, that light is meant to ignite other fires to provide more light. It is great to set a lamp on a stand, the light will overcome the darkness in the room, but what about in the next room, or the next town, state, or country. No, God did not intend for our light to stay put, we need to carry it wherever we go. Our good deeds are not meant for a small group of people. They are meant for ALL to see, not for our glory, but for his. Praise God.


Lord, I praise you for the light of Jesus. I praise you that you have given me the power to spread your light to others. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you. You are amazing Lord and my life is a glorious adventure because of the light and direction you provide. Use me for your purposes. Amen!

The simple message

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/1co.15.3-8.nlt

This has been explained to be one of the most important set of verses in the Bible. IT IS THE GOSPEL! Christ died for our sins, he was resurrected, and appeared to a bunch of people. There is nothing else. If we believe in this, we will live with Jesus in eternity.

This is also, exactly, what we should be sharing when we GO. If we don't share this message, there is no hope. Our message is simple, it is clear, and accepting these verses will change your life, literally, forever. How many times have you shared this specific message? Have you ever uttered these words to a nonbeliever?  Look deep inside yourself and reflect on what kind of believer you are. Is it what God has called you to be? Pray that God will put you where he wants you. Pray he will guide your words and actions to bring others to the Gospel and then to eternity. 

I don't need to know the future

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.””  ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jer.29.11-14.nlt

Don't you wish you could see in to the future! If we could just predict, with certainty, what would happen tomorrow, how would it affect your life? Would you change your plans? Would you just ride it out? How exactly would knowledge of the future help us? Real faith would be knowing what was in our future and still keeping to the path we are on. This could also be true about faith for all time.

Do we have faith or not? If we hear his call we must follow his path, regardless the obstacles ahead. So why do I need to know what's ahead? I just need to trust. I need to trust in the person who created all things. I need to trust in the God that has brought me through 57 years of life as a blessed man. I don't need to know where I'm going because God has a plan, a perfect plan for me. Praise God!

Urgency

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/2pe.3.9.nlt


I'm not God, but in my sinfulness I can't imagine being as patient as God. We are destroying life in this planet. We are falling further and further away from the Lord. Christians are being persecuted and they are NOT spreading the gospel as freely as in the past. Are we afraid of retribution? Are we just not passionate about the gospel? Are we too busy? I'm not real sure. What I do know? Our efforts to bring people to a saving relationship with Jesus should be doubled! Time is short, the end is near. But God is holding out as long as he can. His patience is not forever. His compassion for all of us is strong but he will return to judge the world. We need to boldly go out to share. Our lives need to center on Christ. We need to dig deep into his word. We need to pray fervently. But our message is simple and urgent. Turn to God. NOW!

Please listen to me. Turn to God! Bow down right now, where you are, and ask God to forgive you for your sin. Acknowledge Jesus died for you. Accept him as the Lord of your life. Then sit back, watch God move. Then share what he has done. It's simple but powerful.

Find the time, or abandon him! The choice is clear!

“At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ””
‭‭John‬ ‭6:66-69‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jhn.6.66-69.nlt

This is so sad. Looking back, how could these people just give up on Jesus and walk away. After seeing and hearing all he had done, how could you abandon him? My CMA Bikers for Change Bible Study reminded me this happens all the time. Our churches are packed full, (at least mine is), and yet we have a difficult time filling ministry volunteers for all different reasons. Millions claim to follow Christ, but missionaries are few and far between. In my own ministry, CMA, we have plenty people who want to go on fun rides, but few that want to work rallies and events. The Bible Study said when the work gets tough, people walk away. I would also say when ministry commitments call for an investment of time and preparation, people turn their backs.

Our busy schedules have places for many things like vacation, recreation, sports, and hobbies, but little time to serve the lost. We can find time for everything except serving the Lord. Spending time with Jesus is so valuable in my life. In my younger life I did abandon Jesus. Now I can't imagine leaving him. If you have been with Jesus long enough you realize, like Peter, where would we go?  Have tried many things in my life and have returned to faith because it is the only thing that matters. Ministry has belcome 24/7 and I realize there is no possible replacement for devotion to Christ and sharing his message.  I have too much to do. I am so busy, but now I look at everything as ministry. I could never think about abandoning our savior. He is not just a part of my life that I deal with from a church pew. He is embedded in every waking moment .