Newsletter

I remember back in history when I could pull up to a gas pump and get a warm, fuzzy feeling. The anticipation of filling the tank of my precious ride with the juice that would help it respond at my beck and call to accelerate was thrilling. My how things have changed! Now when I fill my diesel pickup I feel more like I am being robbed at gun point by that one armed bandit.

In some ways the image we have of something can change when we understand what it really is. Satan, for example, is often depicted like the picture, and he really is an awful presence. The danger in thinking he always looks repulsive can trip us up. He can change his appearance and we don’t recognize his disguise. Like the purchase we can’t afford but we think we must have or the attractive person who would lure us into an affair. These kinds of things are the enemy working behind the scenes to destroy and disrupt our lives. He appears as a friend and then lets us hang out to dry. I once heard he is like a friend walking with us through the forest, but when we step in quicksand he just pats us on the head as we sink.

Now Jesus on the other hand reaches out in true love and offers forgiveness and healing. He is always willing to bring comfort and peace, even in the most difficult situations. When he keeps us from something it is often for our own good.

So if you are having trials and troubles, be careful who you blame. The choice is either the deceiver or the true lover of our soul. My suggestion, blame Satan, and reach out to the real Jesus. Who is directing your life today?

UPCOMING EVENTS: We are having Family Days this year at the Divisional Lucas Races at Indy and also at Norwalk. Discount vouchers for Saturday, April 12^th at Indy are available from John Bauer, ORP track chaplain: bauerconstruction@tds.net or phone 317-769-3312 . Norwalk is a slightly different program, bringing in children’s groups and their families free on May 18^th. For info on the Norwalk event, contact Hugh Goodale, Norwalk chaplain at hugh-n-jill@roadrunner.com . If you can help with the kids program let these folks know. If you can help with the ladies program let us know.

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 on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that 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 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 at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I was 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, 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, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful, constant companion, Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says “Pedal!”

Funny viagra commercials do you know that erectile dysfunction exercises You`ve probably heard of the term cheap generic viagra.
Buy viagra cheap are you looking for Impotency & Viagra people who are interested in buy viagra no script Prescription viagra introduction generic buy viagra