Need For Speed

On my way to church today, as usual, I used the time to converse with God.

A few miles out onto the highway, the Lord starting talking to me about my speedometer.  He pointed out the fact, that the numbers on it rarely match the numbers posted on the speed limit signs.  Then, He politely mentioned that when I choose to speed, I am allowing a spirit of rebellion to operate in my life.

Honestly, I was a little stunned.  I really never thought about it like that before.  I simply found it fun, and chalked it up to the having a need for speed.  I enjoyed playing games with the clock, always trying to reduce my time by another minute with each trip.  I'm confident in my driving skills, and take a bit of pride in my ability to maneuver tight corners without needing to hit the brakes.  Why, I'm one of the best driver's I know!

My first thought was, "Gee, how boring would driving become if I would stick to the speed limits?  I don't know how I would even be able to do it!"

God wouldn't let me off the hook, though.  He explained that the law is put into place to keep order.  The law posts speed limits to keep the roadways safe, and even if I don't agree with what those speed limits happen to be, that I am still called to abide by them.

He reminded me that His Word tells me that I am to submit to those who are in authority over me.  He went on to say that if I really wanted to please Him like I say I do, then, from now on, I need to drive only as fast as the posted speed limits allow. 

I really didn't want to hear that, but I knew that my speeding days were over! 

He knew He had me the minute He said, "If you really want to please me, then you will choose to..."

Above all things, I want to please Him.  I want to be like Jesus, and say to my Father, "Not my will, but Yours will I do!"

I backed off the accelerator, bringing my speed to a turtle crawl of 55mph.  Without having cruse control, I found it difficult to keep my speed steady.  Whew!  I never knew driving could be such an effort!

Oh well, small price to pay to do the Lord's will...

1 Peter 2:13-14  "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

When I think about the word, "celebrate" or "celebration" I can't help but think of what it looks like when your home town football team wins a super bowl.  That has happened in my town five times now, so I'm familiar with the look, and sound of this particular "celebration."  

I am always amazed at how much noise people can make in regards to sports, and yet, I watch people actually fall asleep when the Preacher is telling them that all they have to do to possess Eternal Life with a loving Father in heaven, is to ask for it.  I think that's some good news worth shouting about!  I look around on Sunday morning to see blank faces, and glazed over eyes.  I ask silently, "Weren't you the same person who lost your voice last week from cheering on that sports team you're so crazy about?" 

I just don't get it!  The King of Kings is in the house, and I see you yawning as He walks among us! 

I'm not in the best mood tonight.  I had to sit in bumper to bumper traffic on the way home from work due to another stupid sports event letting out.  I wonder why I've never been stuck in a traffic jam due to a great church service letting out.  Where is everyone then?  I guess they're all over at the football stadium! 

Psalm 47:1  "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

A Perfect Day

Driving to meet my sister, who happens to be my business partner, I noticed that one of my tires needed air.  I pulled into a gas station to find that they had an air hose available free of charge.  "Peculiar," I thought.  "I haven't seen free air for years now." 

The forty-five minute drive took only thirty, because the traffic lights seemed to all be timed in my favor.  "That never happened before," I noted.

A rare calm fell over our meeting with the Director of the center where we proposed our fund-raiser.  She liked every aspect of what we had to offer.  Twenty minutes later, and my sister and I soaked in a feeling of peace while walking back to our cars.  The meeting was a complete success.

Heading up the road, we stopped at a quaint, and cozy coffee shop.  Sipping our delicious coffee, and tea, we satisfied our sweet tooth with a hearty muffin.  Afterward, we strolled outside, where the weather was a perfect sunny, delightfully breezy, 72 degrees.  Underneath our feet, pine needles and old leaves, cushioned our walk along a natural path that led to an empty gazebo, which was nestled next to a pond.  It seemed to have been waiting for our arrival.

We spoke of things both frivolous, and concerting, as the sound of gentle winds rustled through the leaves on the trees that nestled us in so serenely.

About an hour later, a gentleman approached, politely asking us if it would be alright if he took a chair that was located nearby.  We couldn't help but notice the large Bible he was carrying, and commented that we were pleased with his choice of reading.  This led to a thirty minute conversation about a favorite topic for all of us, which happens to be, the goodness of God.  He shared his story of his journey that led him into a relationship with Jesus. It was interesting, to say the least.  He left us with his email address, and just like that, we had a new friend, and a new brother in Christ!  Funny how that happened...

A stone's throw away, a newly established Interior Decorating Shop called our name.  Intoxicating Victorian scents greeted us at the door.  Enchanting music exhaled through the built in speakers, as we fondled each unique treasure that caught our eye.

By now, our taste buds were carrying us to another nearby shop, of which my favorite dish was being served.  Taking our plates back outside, we ate at a beautiful stone table underneath the shade of the trees.  The food was so good, I ordered a dish to take home to my son.

Five hours flew by.  It was time to part ways.  We didn't want the day to end, but family members were waiting for our return. 

It was now right in the time frame of the traffic hour, so I prepared myself for a ride that would take well over an hour.  I was gladly proven wrong.  I made it home within thirty minutes once again.  "That never happens!" I exclaimed.  Then, it hit me!  At last, I realized that indeed the hand of God had been upon every aspect of our day!  "So this is what it's like to experience God's favor!" I gathered.  "Wow!  Thank you, Lord!" I said aloud.  "I love you, too!"

Psalm 90:17  May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.