GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life

 

 

 

 

Issue #1,168 September 2,2004 Speed

 

Our eldest son Kristopher headed back off to Bible college this morning. He's taking year three of a four year Bachelor of Theology degree. Our youngest son, Kyle, started grade twelve yesterday. The return to an autumn routine has begun.

School zone speed limits are back in effect, which means there will be heavy radar enforcement in those areas and many tickets issued. For the school zones that don't have a physical police officer present, there will undoubtedly be many photo radar traps.

It won't be long before large numbers of people will be complaining about the speeding ticket they received, either in person from a police officer or in the mail because of being caught on photo. They'll complain about the unfairness of it all, and the fact that photo radar is strictly a "cash cow" that does nothing to reduce speeding. Amongst those complaining will be many Christians.

Allow me to climb up on my soapbox about the subject for a moment. and give you a piece of advice. Stay within the speed limit and you won't get a ticket. As Christians we're called to obey the law of the land. The exception to the rule is where the law of the land violates the law of God, and then we're called to disobedience but must be willing to pay the price.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Titus 3:1-2 NIV

I can't claim to be perfect. I've had the occasional ticket for going too fast, although far fewer than when I was much younger. I can't complain though because I was guilty. The people who really make me crazy though are the Christians who drive with radar detectors. They show they are quite willing to flaunt the law. That makes for an incredibly poor witness.

Break the law and you pay the price. If you get a ticket (speeding, parking or otherwise) and you are guilty, PAY IT WITHOUT COMPLAINING! Believers have no right to complain about being caught for breaking the law. If we were walking in obedience, we wouldn't have had to worry about it in the first place.

Break the law and you impair your witness. Remember we're called to be obedient and to submit. The laws of the land do apply to you and I as individuals. Let's follow them.

Until next time, remember that people are watching to see how you behave as a Christian. Is there a difference between your behaviour and that of a non-believer?

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed

Kevin

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you.

HELP FOR THE HURTING

Jesus knows that we aren't perfect. If we were capable of perfection, He wouldn't have needed to come to earth as a baby and then die on the cross as payment for our sins.

He doesn't expect us to have our acts together before He will accept us and forgive us. All that is required is a trusting, believing heart that is willing to humbly seek His help. He'll forgive you and begin to change you this very moment. All you have to do is ask. Will you?

If you want to know how to do that simply email us and we'll send you some Bible verses that will explain it to you.

You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart; admitting you need God's help; turning away from your sin and saying a prayer along the lines of the one below. There isn't any "magic" in the prayer; it's simply a way to open up to the gift that Jesus already bought for you with His very life. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. He freely offers it to all who will accept it.

Jesus:

I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I have sinned. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord.

Amen

If you pray this prayer for the first time let me know so I can rejoice with you. It's not the end of the process. It is the beginning of a wonderful journey to become more like Jesus. It's your starting point.

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