Bennett driving - part 1

My oldest has had his driving permit for almost 3 months now. One of the observations as a passenger that stands out to me is related to speed. When I'm driving, I feel perfectly comfortable driving at higher speeds - 10, 15, even 20 miles per hour over the speed limit doesn't seem fast ( easy officer Curtis… no tickets please :). But when Bennett is driving, it seems fast even when he is barely going the speed limit. I thought about this for weeks. At first, I thought it was a control issue. I thought my discomfort came from not being the one behind the wheel. But then it occurred to me that I do feel comfortable riding with other people who drive fast. That's when I realized that it was a trust issue. Knowing Bennett's limited driving experience, I don't trust him to drive fast.

So why do I have so much trouble as I try to let God drive my life? Why do I keep "grabbing the wheel"… "back seat driving"… "pulling out the map to make sure He's going the right way"? He isn't some amateur. He isn't even just some professional. He's the creator of life and he knows the perfect way to "drive" a life. Putting the wheel in His hands is infinitely better than keeping it in my own.

This week, let's pray that we learn to trust God the way that He deserves to be trusted - completely.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Build each other up

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake of asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

The sales organization I work for gives out a variety of awards. The thought is to "Catch people doing something right". The underlying theory is that praise is needed to overcome our natural tendency to self-doubt.

So this Wednesday, we are praying that we learn to be a blessing to each other through encouragement. Encourage that volunteer at church who you see serving every week. Encourage that new Christian as they find their way into a relationship with Christ. Encourage the accountability partner who has managed to steer clear of their chief temptation for some time now. Encourage your children. Encourage your spouse. Encourage your co-workers.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Run quickly

1 Samuel 17 tells about David slaying Goliath. You're all probably familiar with these events. The one thing in these passages that always stands out to me is the confidence and faith of David. David is certain that God has delivered Goliath into his hands. Going out and actually killing Goliath seems to merely be a formality. After exchanging what Goliath must have thought was mere bravado and trash talk, Goliath must have been at least a little surprised to see David running up to meet him in battle. He must have encountered people who were "all talk" in the past - surely this boy can't be that sure of himself. Take a look at the passage below. It says David "ran quickly…"

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 1 Samuel 17:48-49.

Where's the part where David says "wait… is this really God's will… why is Goliath so big… why didn't Saul's armor fit - perhaps that's a sign that this isn't God's will… why am I only carrying a slingshot… surely this little stone can't kill that mountain of a man… this has to be a job for an experienced soldier..."?

The point is - sometimes we "think" our way out of God's will. When God lays a specific task in front of us, we analyze it through the myopic lens of our own limited capabilities. "I'll trust God and do what He asks as long as He's asking things I know I can do - or at least I'm pretty sure I can do". Is there something God is laying on your heart right now that just seems way beyond your capabilities? If so, this week let's pray that we step out in faith and run quickly - before we have time to "think" our way out of faith.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

All of you

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:26-28

Thomas was skeptical and had no qualms about doubting his peers. But in his awesome love, Jesus met Thomas where he was by appearing to him and allowing him to see and touch the wounds in his hands and side. But look at how Thomas responds in John 20:28 above. I think it's safe to say that once Thomas got it, Jesus had all of Thomas. This week we are praying that Jesus has all of us. Not just a part… Not just some areas of your life… Jesus wants the whole thing. What areas of your life haven't you surrendered to Him? What doubts are keeping you from selling out completely?

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob