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One for the Road – “An Elephant in the Room”
An elephant in the room. Everyone knows…but no one is talking. It might be an indiscretion that has come to light…a terminal disease that has just been diagnosed…or information that is known – but uncomfortable to discuss. For the early church it might have been eating food sacrificed to idols…the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church…or the relationship between law and grace. So…what do you do with an elephant in the room? Pray for wisdom. There is a time to speak…and…
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One for the Road – “Traffic Control”
Traffic control…at the entrance to your mind. Without it…your life will be ruined. The Bible says that you will become what you think. Think hate – you’ll become hateful. Think revenge – you’ll become vengeful. Think lust – you’ll become lustful. That’s why you must control the traffic at the entrance to your mind. So…it’s time for traffic school…to learn the rules. And then be sure they are enforced. Here are the rules: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is…
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One for the Road – “Obstacle Courses”
Obstacle courses. They’re designed to slow you down…and test your patience. Life is like that. Try as you might…life is filled with hindrances – uncertainties – and disappointments. It’s nothing new. Moses faced food and water shortages. Daniel fought lions and angry magistrates. Paul faced stones and shipwreck. That’s life…then and now. So…you can dream of a life of tranquility…perfect health — plenty of money — trustworthy friends…
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One for the Road – “Here to Eternity”
Here to eternity. It’s a small step for the righteous. The Bible speaks of death…as a gathering to the fathers. It also says that God is not the God of the dead…but of the living. Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. They are paraded as proof. The life of the righteous never ends. Death is only a change of address. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And…the transition is easy: “When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his…
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One for the Road – “Stranger”
Stranger. Acquaintance. Friend. These words describe how people relate to Jesus. Stranger. There is no knowledge of Jesus. They have never heard about Him. He’s a stranger. Acquaintance. These people know about Him. They may even go to church. There is no shortage of opportunity to know Him. But…He remains only an acquaintance. Friend. These are those who know Jesus in a personal way. They have been born again. There is a heart relationship. These are…
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One for the Road – “Kicking Against the Goads”
Kicking against the goads. That’s a struggle to be avoided. A goad is a sharp stick…used to prod animals. It’s sharp – pointed – and designed to inflict pain. The word picture is powerful. Saul of Tarsus was confronted by Jesus with these very words: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Put simply…it is painful to fight against the will of…
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One for the Road – “No Thanks”
No thanks. That’s a polite response…when denying an offer. You decide not to make the purchase…or in some way express your refusal. But…for some people these two words describe their ingratitude – there is no thanks. In sharp contrast are the words of Paul: “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It’s the all-inclusiveness that…
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One for the Road – “Dark Secrets”
Dark secrets. They will steal your joy…and destroy your effectiveness. It might be an indiscretion from years ago…or an addiction…or an unclean habit. The Bible reminds us that what is hidden …is well-known to God. And…in the end…all that is now secret will be exposed. Thankfully…you need not live one moment longer with a dark secret. ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and…
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One for the Road – “Forbidden Fruit.”
Forbidden fruit. When people eat it…death is at the door.But…what is it? It’s anything unlawful…that stimulates human cravings. It might be the quest for power…an inordinate appetite for food…the lust for illicit sexual gratification…or any wrong attraction. Forbidden fruit comes in many varieties. God said to Adam and Eve: “…You must not eat from the tree that is in the middle of the garden…” But…Eve…
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One for the Road – “Capacity”
Capacity. That’s an important measurement. Containers have capacity…as do elevators – airplanes – trains…to name a few. But…here’s the question. What is your capacity? To forgive. Do you stand ready always to dismiss offenses? Or…do you hang on to wrongs? To love. Are you protective of your rights? Or…do you think always of others? To serve. Do you make sure you get noticed and…
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