Eloise Bowen
09-25-2006, 07:23 PM
(II Timothy 4: 1-8)
Before the Indy 500, the professional car race, the drivers must get their cars equipped and in top running condition for the road up ahead. They must get themselves prepared for tough competition that they will be facing on, and alongside the road that lies before them.
As Christians, we need to get ourselves equipped for the road which lies ahead of us in our futures. Just as the engine (the heart of the car) needs constant care and an occasional tune-up, our hearts need constant care and need to be tuned up by Jesus. We must arm ourselves with the helmet of salvation and put on the whole armor of God so that we are able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10 - 20).
The final outcome of the race is dependent on our own free wills. We can choose to drive the race with God’s direction overseeing our life and guiding our way, or we can choose to direct the course of our own life using a self-reliant attitude. If we would only surrender our complete hearts over to Him, allowing Him to have complete reign in order to allow something beautiful to happen (Proverbs 16:9) .
By surrendering our worn and sin-stained over to God, and having him replace them with new, unchanging parts, we are apt and bound to be winners. By holding onto the steering wheel and various other controls of our lives, we are bound to run into some real problems. “Let go, and let God.” (II Corinthians 1:9)
Just as the race car needs an abundance of fuel to run on, Christians must rely on the Bible, God’s Holy inspired Word, to take us through any unexpected circumstance which may occur along life’s road. (Phillipians 2:16; Colossians 3:16; II Timothy 2:15)
During the race we must be alert, always ready to make a pit stop for refueling, so that we will never be caught trying to run on an empty tank. Also, be aware of the many caution lights and signals that your car is trying to warn you about to prevent upcoming dangers on the road up ahead. (Proverbs 16: 20)
Do not fall asleep at the wheel, or let the devil’s wicked schemes steer you wrong or lead you astray, Let the Holy Spirit direct your life through prayer and Bible reading (Proverbs 16: 7-9).
As in car races, your car may suffer a few bumps and bruises, or may even be completely overturned. Do not let life’s circumstances get the best of you. Keep your eyes and mind set on Jesus and trust in Him fully (Hebrews 12:2). Keep pressing on no matter what the opposition may be, or how impossible the task at hand may seem to be.
Do not fret because of the ones who pass you by. They may seem to have it all together now, but they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb (Psalm 37:2).
The Lord knows all the thoughts and intentions of the heart (I Chronicles 28:9). Be assured that God has complete control over your life. You must give Him permission to operate the controls of your life. He allows each event to take place for His specific purpose. He knows what it will take for us, each individually, to surrender to Him and get our eyes focused upon Him (Romans 8:28).
We must keep our cars in good running condition. To do this, it is recommended that we get an oil change every two or three thousand miles. Examine your life every so often to be sure that the Holy Spirit is in control; that you are not operating from a leaking or faulty vessel. Be sure that you are not low on oil and relying on your own strength to operate.
(II Corinthians 13:5)
As Christians, we need to examine the scriptures daily to make sure that our lives are in tune with God’s Word (Acts 17:11b; Psalm 26:2; Job 7:17-18; II Corinthians 13:5). We must be aware of outward signs which can detect inward sin. The slightest little noise that can be detected is usually a warning to us that something is not functioning according to God’s perfect plan for our lives. We need to stop and find the problem, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The problem must be dealt with according to the Word of God (owner’s manual); otherwise it could lead to more serious difficulties.
The Lord speaks to us “in a still, small voice” when we are into His Word, or when we are desperately seeking to find Him. His Word can be a real help to us as we face each new day (Psalm 4:4; Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 3: 5-6; Hebrews 4:16). His Word will guide us.
Every so often, we must do some real soul-searching and get our engines (hearts) in top running condition. We need to have our radiator flushed out and the carburetor cleaned. They sometimes get clogged with sin (known and unknown) without us even realizing it. We need to confess our sins and try to remove any source of irritation which may be causing the buildup of sin in our lives. (II Timothy 2: 20-21)
Your windshield (vision) may seem to get blurry, covered with bugs or mud you have trampled through. His Word will help cleanse you and make you see and understand more clearly.
Clean up your engines (hearts) for the glory of the Lord, and He will be able to do mighty works through a clean vessel. (I John 1:9; James 4:8) We can all be winners without entering the Indy 500 (I Corinthians 9: 24-27).
Look to the Owner’s Manual (the Bible) if you are facing any uncertainty about life’s ruts and curves. The Bible contains instructions on how to handle life’s roughest, toughest circumstances on the road here and now, or up ahead. By reading the Owner’s Manual, you’ll You gain a better perspective on where you’ve been and Who’s in control of all your tomorrows.
A close walk with the Lord, through daily Bible reading and prayer, can be assurance of our salvation and direct our paths (Psalm 119:105).
The Lord remains true to Himself and “remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). Trust in the Lord with all of your heart (Proverbs 15:32).
After all, we are not in the race for ourselves, for “We have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (I Corinthians 6:20).
Before the Indy 500, the professional car race, the drivers must get their cars equipped and in top running condition for the road up ahead. They must get themselves prepared for tough competition that they will be facing on, and alongside the road that lies before them.
As Christians, we need to get ourselves equipped for the road which lies ahead of us in our futures. Just as the engine (the heart of the car) needs constant care and an occasional tune-up, our hearts need constant care and need to be tuned up by Jesus. We must arm ourselves with the helmet of salvation and put on the whole armor of God so that we are able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10 - 20).
The final outcome of the race is dependent on our own free wills. We can choose to drive the race with God’s direction overseeing our life and guiding our way, or we can choose to direct the course of our own life using a self-reliant attitude. If we would only surrender our complete hearts over to Him, allowing Him to have complete reign in order to allow something beautiful to happen (Proverbs 16:9) .
By surrendering our worn and sin-stained over to God, and having him replace them with new, unchanging parts, we are apt and bound to be winners. By holding onto the steering wheel and various other controls of our lives, we are bound to run into some real problems. “Let go, and let God.” (II Corinthians 1:9)
Just as the race car needs an abundance of fuel to run on, Christians must rely on the Bible, God’s Holy inspired Word, to take us through any unexpected circumstance which may occur along life’s road. (Phillipians 2:16; Colossians 3:16; II Timothy 2:15)
During the race we must be alert, always ready to make a pit stop for refueling, so that we will never be caught trying to run on an empty tank. Also, be aware of the many caution lights and signals that your car is trying to warn you about to prevent upcoming dangers on the road up ahead. (Proverbs 16: 20)
Do not fall asleep at the wheel, or let the devil’s wicked schemes steer you wrong or lead you astray, Let the Holy Spirit direct your life through prayer and Bible reading (Proverbs 16: 7-9).
As in car races, your car may suffer a few bumps and bruises, or may even be completely overturned. Do not let life’s circumstances get the best of you. Keep your eyes and mind set on Jesus and trust in Him fully (Hebrews 12:2). Keep pressing on no matter what the opposition may be, or how impossible the task at hand may seem to be.
Do not fret because of the ones who pass you by. They may seem to have it all together now, but they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb (Psalm 37:2).
The Lord knows all the thoughts and intentions of the heart (I Chronicles 28:9). Be assured that God has complete control over your life. You must give Him permission to operate the controls of your life. He allows each event to take place for His specific purpose. He knows what it will take for us, each individually, to surrender to Him and get our eyes focused upon Him (Romans 8:28).
We must keep our cars in good running condition. To do this, it is recommended that we get an oil change every two or three thousand miles. Examine your life every so often to be sure that the Holy Spirit is in control; that you are not operating from a leaking or faulty vessel. Be sure that you are not low on oil and relying on your own strength to operate.
(II Corinthians 13:5)
As Christians, we need to examine the scriptures daily to make sure that our lives are in tune with God’s Word (Acts 17:11b; Psalm 26:2; Job 7:17-18; II Corinthians 13:5). We must be aware of outward signs which can detect inward sin. The slightest little noise that can be detected is usually a warning to us that something is not functioning according to God’s perfect plan for our lives. We need to stop and find the problem, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The problem must be dealt with according to the Word of God (owner’s manual); otherwise it could lead to more serious difficulties.
The Lord speaks to us “in a still, small voice” when we are into His Word, or when we are desperately seeking to find Him. His Word can be a real help to us as we face each new day (Psalm 4:4; Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 3: 5-6; Hebrews 4:16). His Word will guide us.
Every so often, we must do some real soul-searching and get our engines (hearts) in top running condition. We need to have our radiator flushed out and the carburetor cleaned. They sometimes get clogged with sin (known and unknown) without us even realizing it. We need to confess our sins and try to remove any source of irritation which may be causing the buildup of sin in our lives. (II Timothy 2: 20-21)
Your windshield (vision) may seem to get blurry, covered with bugs or mud you have trampled through. His Word will help cleanse you and make you see and understand more clearly.
Clean up your engines (hearts) for the glory of the Lord, and He will be able to do mighty works through a clean vessel. (I John 1:9; James 4:8) We can all be winners without entering the Indy 500 (I Corinthians 9: 24-27).
Look to the Owner’s Manual (the Bible) if you are facing any uncertainty about life’s ruts and curves. The Bible contains instructions on how to handle life’s roughest, toughest circumstances on the road here and now, or up ahead. By reading the Owner’s Manual, you’ll You gain a better perspective on where you’ve been and Who’s in control of all your tomorrows.
A close walk with the Lord, through daily Bible reading and prayer, can be assurance of our salvation and direct our paths (Psalm 119:105).
The Lord remains true to Himself and “remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). Trust in the Lord with all of your heart (Proverbs 15:32).
After all, we are not in the race for ourselves, for “We have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (I Corinthians 6:20).