Pedal!

A couple weeks ago my friend Keith sent this to me. I remembered reading it long ago on a bike trip with students. It is an excerpt from Tim Hansel’s book, “Holy Sweat”. I also shared it with campers last week as I was the camp speaker. Enjoy!

THE ROAD OF LIFE

By Tim Hansel

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.

But later when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike and Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable…it was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts up mountains and through rocky places, and at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!”

I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord’s and mine.

And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met and I found that in giving, I received and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows bike secrets – how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks and fly to shorten scary passages.

And I’m learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breezes on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says, “PEDAL!”.

Losing your First Love

This morning as I was doing my Bible reading and taking some time alone with the Lord, the question came to me, “Do I really love Christ?” As I thought back to my early days as a new believer, my passion and love for Jesus was fresh and real. I looked forward to spending time with Him and wanted to soak in the “Love letter” of His Word and talk with Him about everything and anything. My heart would burst open with song and praise in moments as I worked throughout the day. I really was in love with Jesus who was the Friend that stuck closer than a brother.

What has happened to me? With age and the growing complexity of my life I have lost my First Love. I have waned in my simple passion and love for my Savior and my Lord. The simple command to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength has been neglected in my life. How I want to return and be renewed in my passion and love for Him!

Change my heart, O God. Renew my heart and passion for you as my First Love. Open my eyes to see and hear you daily and to experience your presence in a fresh and new way, even greater than when I first believed and loved you. Thank you for your patience and unwavering love for me. Fill me with a new desire to be with you everyday. I love you!

A Cup of Water

A few days ago I was at a baseball fundraiser called the “Home Run Derby”. It was a very hot day with temperatures in the 90’s. We had brought a cooler with ice water for the players for drinking and keeping them hydrated for the afternoon.

During the event a couple brought their small children who were very interactive with the adults watching the boys who were playing. We were playing hand claps and slaps with them. They were having a great time even though the heat was making their faces turn red.

As the “Home Run Derby” was finished I brought the cooler of water to the spectator section by the bleachers for anyone to get an ice cold cup of water. These two small children asked for a cup of water and as I served them this water on a hot summer day these words of Jesus came back to memory.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who gives a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41

These little ones were refreshed with the simple gift of a cup of cold water on a hot day. They were thirsty and hot and needing a drink. What is that cup of water that we offer to those in the need of the moment? For some it may be a listening ear to a broken heart. For others it may be mowing a lawn or weeding a garden for one who is unable. It may mean bringing a smile to one who needs to see the lighter side of life. Whatever that cup of water is for that person offer it up to them gladly in the name of Jesus. I will be watching for opportunities even today to give that cup of water because that is what Jesus would do. And my reward will be the joy of the Lord.

Transparency

This weekend I took my son, Jeff, and his friends on a white-water rafting trip with YD Adventures on the Wenatchee River. We had a great time sitting around the campfire at Stonewater Ranch before our big day of rafting. Conversation around a campfire for teenagers can be shallow and sometimes deep sharing occurs. What draws out that deep sharing is being transparent, which is a struggle for me at times because I am too proud to show weakness. The next day on the river, our guide Jason ended our trip sharing about his life and how he came into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The teens really listened and then were able to share more deeply as we gathered in the grass at the park when the trip was over.

I remember one thing from my early days of ministry that came back to me. Vulnerability precedes transparency and deeper sharing. If I am open with my life with others, then it opens the door for others to be more open with me. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians with the motive of love: “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1Thessalonians 2:8

Do you struggle with transparency? Are you willing to love and risk being vulnerable so that others will share deeply with you?

Humility

This week God has reminded me of the attitude of Christ in humility.  I read KP Yohannan’s booklet  entitled “That they may be One”.  In it he talks about some of the difficult relationships he has had in his ministry.  The Lord used these challenging relationships to cultivate humility in him.

He writes, “Love and humility is the road that leads us to unity and oneness, and it is the same road Christ walked while on this earth.  When we see Him, and the extent of His love and humility, choosing the low road, we begin to understand the power of humbling ourselves before our brothers and sisters, just as Jesus did.” p. 44.

Sometimes we say “choosing the high road” in relationships, but Jesus chose the low road of humility.  As Paul writes in Philippians 2:5-11:

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ:   Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Let us follow the road of humility and the example of Christ in our relationships.

The Four Way Test

I am a member of the local Rotary Club in Arlington and I enjoy getting to know leaders in the community through our projects and weekly meetings. One of the key values of Rotary is good communication in our relationships. This communication between members and others in the community must pass the 4 Way Test of the things we think, say, or do. Here it is:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

As a Christian, I am to avoid participating in spreading rumors and gossip and ill will among others. This 4 Way Test is just another way for me to make sure what I am communicating is going to be building up others instead of tearing others down. I ask myself these questions often before I speak or act, and ask God to let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be pleasing in his sight. (Psalm 19:14).

Does your communication meet the 4 Way Test?

Character

My friend Keith sends me devotional thoughts and quotes often. Today’s impressed me and so I wanted to pass it on.

“God is more concerned about our character than our comfort.

His goal is not to pamper us physically, but to perfect us spiritually.”

Paul Powell

Do you agree with Paul Powell? Any thoughts?

You can catch Keith’s devotionals through his Sing in the Light blog at http://singinthelight.com.

God’s First Love

One of the things I struggle with is my ability to give and receive God’s unconditional love.  Am I secure enough in God’s unconditional love that I don’t worry about the approval of my wife, kids, family, coworkers, friends and enemies.  Yes, I do like the praise and approval of others, but ultimately resting in the security of God’s first love is much better.

Henri Nouwen writes about God’s first love in his book, In the Name of Jesus.

“Knowing God’s heart means consistently, radically, and very concretely to announce and reveal that God is love and only love, and that every time fear, isolation, or despair begin to invade the human soul this is not from God.  This sounds very simple and maybe even trite, but very few people know that they are loved without any conditions or limits.  This unconditional and unlimited love is what the evangelist John calls God’s first love.  “Let us love,” he says, “because God loved us first.”  1 John 4:19″  page 25

So today I have a decision to make.  Will I live trying to win the approval and love of those around me or will I live in the security of God’s first love.  I know that there comes freedom in resting in His everlasting arms of love.  How will you live today?

Thank you notes

Last week I went to help out with my daughter Nicole’s second grade class as a volunteer. They were having a special day that started out with a pancake breakfast and a scavenger hunt. Later they read books to their favorite stuffed animal that they brought to school for the day. I had the joy and privilege of flipping pancakes and serving breakfast with other parents who came and helped out. As a special treat to the teacher, I made her my famous “Mickey mouse pancake.” She and the kids loved it!

This week Nicole brought home 3 thank you notes from students in her class. They were so fun to read and encouraging to me. Here are a couple excerpts:

Dear Mr. Huge,

“Thank you for making those delicious, tender, mouthwatering pancakes. I has as much whipped cream as my head. Thank you for helping in our class and helping Albert at the scavenger hunt!” Kaylee

“Thank you Mr Huge for making the most delicious pancakes ever. My stomach said, ‘I want more pancakes!” Kamryn

Dear Daddy,

“Thank you for making pancakes. You’re the best. You should make them more often.” Nicole

Not only did they write the notes, but they also included a few illustrations from the day as well. It was a surprise to me, but a wonderful one at that. It seems that any note of encouragement or appreciation goes a long way in making anyone’s day go better.

So today, take a moment to express your thanks and appreciation to one you love. It will make their day and you also will have the joy of gratitude that makes a difference.

Sabbatical Highlight #7

The past 8 months has been a time of renewal for me in my life because of books I have read. I have read more books in the last 8 months than I have in the last 4 years. It has been encouraging and stimulating for me and a definite highlight during my Sabbatical time. Here are some of my favorite reads in the past few months:

Story: Recapture the Mystery by Steven James, a grand meta narrative of the Scriptures.

The Gift of Being Yourself by David Brenner, spiritual self discovery.

Save Me from Myself by Brian Welch former guitarist of Korn.

Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan, a classic allegory.

Spiritual Mentoring by Keith Anderson and Randy Reese, a guide on getting started.

The Last Jihad by Joel Rosenberg, fiction and suspence thriller.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a classic for spiritual encouragement.

The Pressure’s Off by Larry Crabb, the new way of living through the Holy Spirit.

A Different Kind of Courage by Jim Horsley, an autobiography by a former Blue Angel pilot.

In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen, on Christian Leadership.

Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg, a contemporary on current events in fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.

As you can see many of these books are from Christian writers.  Some fiction, prophetic, and others just for inspiration and encouragement.  Since my Sabbatical has ended I am still motivated to take time to read in my daily life.  Reading has widened the lens and perspective in my life and I highly recommend these books to those of you who want some encouragement in your walk with Christ.