One for the Road – “A Lonely Road”

A lonely road.  That’s how it feels – sometimes.   For example.  The conversation shifts…when you walk into the room.  People accuse you of being narrow-minded…and intolerant.   Jesus spoke about this:  “…strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life….”   But…it’s your response that matters most.   Here’s an opportunity to reflect the likeness of Christ.  The more intense the darkness…the…

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One for the Road – “Basing the Argument”

Basing the argument.  That is…what is the foundation on which the argument for a righteous cause rests?   The choices are one of two:  Human reason…or divine revelation.   Sometimes…Christians try to mix the two.  They argue for righteous causes using human reason.   Admittedly…those in opposition will object.  But…the argument for righteous choices must be based on Scripture.   For example – the question of origins. …

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One for the Road – “Packing for Eternity”

Packing for eternity.  That is…what will you take with you when you die?   An enjoyable trip depends on thoughtful packing.   So…what should you pack for the journey into eternity?   A devoted heart.  Cultivated affection for the Lord will transport well into eternity.   Deep faith.  That is a requirement for life…and it will be well to pack it for that final trip.   Worship.  That…

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One for the Road – “In Jest”

In jest.  That’s a common part of conversation.   It is an attempt to soften a point…by adding humor.   Typically…it is a harmless part of a discussion.  But…sometimes it can be hurtful.   People use jest…because they are trying to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.  It can be a cloak for cowardice.   The Bible addresses this matter: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’…

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One for the Road – “A Multitude of Counselors”

A multitude of counselors.  That has to do with consensus.   Solomon says that purposes fail… without the input of capable counselors.  Of course… there is the solitary voice of a prophet… who has heard from God.   But… as a principle…plans can fail without the agreement of wise and godly counselors.   Sometimes… pride gets in the way.  People choose to go it on…

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One for the Road – “Debt-Free”

Debt-free.  That’s a good thing.   Mortgage paid.  Credit cards at zero.  The last payment on the car in the mail.   It feels good.   But…there is another payoff that is better…by far.  Being debt-free from sin.   The Apostle Paul called it redemption.   In his day it referred to the payoff to secure freedom for a slave.   Jesus told a story about a man who was in…

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One for the Road – “Fear of People”

The fear of people.  It can have a crippling effect…and ruin one’s effectiveness.   Aaron feared the people…and made a golden calf for them.  Elijah feared Jezebel…and ran for his life. Peter feared the crowd…and denied his Lord.   What will people think?  That’s the question that can compromise integrity…paralyze initiative…and immobilize progress.   Consider the example of Jesus.  He did the will of his Father…with…

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One for the Road – “Incongruity”

Incongruity.  That’s when something doesn’t make sense.   Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why are the righteous persecuted?  Why do the innocent experience injustice?   Godly people have learned how to live with incongruities.   The Apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh.  But…he received a promise of sufficient grace – instead of a miracle.   That’s an incongruity – something that doesn’t…

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One for the Road – “Bad Memories”

Bad memories.  Most people have some.   Missed opportunity.  Wrong decision.  Accident.  Rejection.  Abusive childhood.  Betrayal.   The result is a bad memory.   Some are self-imposed…others because of circumstances.  Either way…the results are bad memories.   So…what do you do with them?   Isaiah said of Jesus that He would…“bind up the brokenhearted…”  That includes bad memories. But…the first step is repentance…asking Jesus to forgive the sins of the…

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One for the Road – “Distraught”

Distraught.  That’s how people sometimes feel.   Out of control.  Confused options.  Indecisiveness.   It’s not a comfortable feeling.   The night Jesus was betrayed was like that.   The temple guard came in the darkness of the night – swords drawn and torches blazing.   One of the disciples drew his sword.  H missed the mark…but cut off a man’s ear.  It was a moment of extreme confusion.   But…in…

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