I AM A CAR!

THE JOURNEY OF LIFE IN A CAR! A car might look fancy, but its purpose is to transport people from one place to another. It is not an ornament, just for good looks, but an instrument to help people get around! If the engine of the car doesn't function, it becomes useless. The engine is like the heart.

When we receive the LORD JESUS into our life and into our heart, we become the vehicle to carry the presence of GOD wherever we go!

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17

We can compare the body of the car to our body, the wheels to our legs and the lights to our eyes!

The seats represent our soul that has relationships with those who are in our lives. Through our prayers and intercession for them, we help and support them on their journey of life.

 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Romans 6:13

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
Matthew 6:22

Just as the plant needs the light from the sun, our soul and spirit need the Son of GOD. The Almighty GOD sent His only Son JESUS into the world to give salvation to mankind.

As someone said, "When the sun rises, we see not only the sun, but everthing esle in the light of the sun!" Similarly, when we receive the Son of GOD into our lives, we receive spiritual life and spiritual vision! 

We take responsibility to keep our car clean and in good condition, so that we can travel well. We must clean not only our body, but even more importantly, our thoughts and attitudes by diligently studying and obeying the word of GOD. The cleaning agent is the powerful Blood of the LORD JESUS that washes away all sin and unforgiveness!

 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

GOD's love poured out into our heart by the Holy Spirit is the fuel that gives us progress in our spiritual walk. This love is used as energy to obey the commandment of our LORD, "Love one another as I have loved you."

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12

Therefore let us make sure that before we begin our journey each day, we stop at the petrol station, our prayer closet, to connect with our source of life, and wait till our heart is filled with His love which is our life!

 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14

Each time before driving out of the carport, we must decide where we are heading. Our motive should be to bring glory to GOD and to be profitable in His Kingdom. Our desire should be to progress towards a closer relationship with Him each day and not to pursue worldly lusts. 

Once we have decided on where we want to go, we set it in the GPS. We ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in that path. Although each day may be the same routine, each day is new and will never be the same in many ways and we need to be directed by GOD. There may be new pitfals, dangers, and challenges and also new opportunities.

 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17

 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18

There should be no reverse gear in our spiritual car! We must only go forward.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Hebrews 6:1

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

The map book in the car is the Bible and the navigation system, the GPS is the Gentle Promptings of the Spirit!

 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
John 16:13

If we are fine tuned to the GPS, He will gently lead us to go ahead, stop, turn right or turn left. He knows the way better and we should submit to Him!

Every day is a journey with the LORD, getting to know Him better through life's circumstances and situations. We learn from the mistakes we make and experience the grace and mercy of the LORD who always gives us another chance! He graciously re directs us to the path of righteousness and truth.

If we ask the LORD to steer our life, He will take over the wheel. He will steer us out of any danger we may not be aware of.

There are mechanics who have learnt about the workings of a car, like Doctors, who can take care of patients and treat their sicknesses. The best person Who is able to put the car right is the Manufacturer Himself, our Creator!

 and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."

Exodus 15:26

So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Exodus 23:25

 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Matthew 9:35

We can also think of GOD as our car in which we travel. If we have committed our life to Him, we live, move and have our being 'In Him'. When we receive JESUS into our life, the Holy Spirit enters into our life and connects our spirit to GOD. Then we are guided by GOD through the navigation system of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Do you have the GPS in your car? Are you travelling in the best car ever? I in Him and He in me. The Holy Spirit in us will guide us and keep us 'In CHRIST'. 

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5

Life would be so simple if I were the only one on the roads! But there are rippers, slow coaches, road hogs and zigzaggers with whom we must share the roads! This experience is necessary for us to learn patience from the weaknesses of others and vice versa. As we learn to steer and navigate our life with love, grace and patience and wisdom towards others, we will be progressing towards our eternal destination!

We thank GOD for the map book, the Bible, which gives us clear instruction about our journey on earth and His purpose for each of our lives. It is also the highway code which teaches us the right way to travel with others on the roads.

 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:9-12

We must follow the 'STOP', the 'SLOW' and the 'Give Way' signs. Even if another ignores it when we have the 'Right of Way', we should be patient and wise to slow down and give way to avoid a collision and injuries. It is the same in our relationships as well. The LORD has taught us to give the other cheek to the one who strikes us on one cheek!

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5:38-42

There are lanes marked out with white lines on the roads. The traffic is expected to keep within their lanes except when turning or overtaking. Similarly, we should give due respect to each individual and should not oppress anyone. GOD should be the boundary line in all our relationships.

 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.
Psalm 16:5-6

Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 25:17

There are speed limits that drivers should give heed to, while driving. We should also follow GOD's commandments to live protected and in peace with others. We must be followers of the LORD JESUS. We must not run ahead of Him. Then our lives will be abundantly fruitful, impacting many souls!

 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19

Whenever we reach our destinations, we park our car in a parking lot, or stop on the side of the road or on someone's drive way. We should take the opportunity as often as possible during the day, to stop and connect with the LORD in our heart. Then our soul is refreshed and our mind becomes clear to receive direction and wisdom from Him for the next step. Thus we would be fulfilling His purpose for our lives with joy!

 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:

Mark 3:13-15

Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 71:3

At the end of the day, the car is parked in our car port or garage. We must likewise learn the habit of resting in the LORD by committing all our care upon Him before we retire to bed. Then our soul will be at peace and the body will be relaxed!

 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Hebrews 4:1, 9-10

May we journey this life on earth in FAITH with LOVE, depending on GOD'S grace, so that we may finish well!

SAFE TRAVELS AND BE BLESSED ON YOUR JOURNEY 

ON EARTH TO HEAVEN!

 

 

 

SAILING - PART TWO

In the book of the 'Acts of the Apostles', there is much written in detail about their journeys and experiences while sailing, which is interesting. We can also learn many spiritual truths from these portions of Scripture.

Acts 13:4, Acts 13:13

• So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
• Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.

In our lives journey, we must set sail, by yielding our mind and will to the leading of the Holy Spirit, in major and minor decisions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Acts 16:6-12                           

• Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.

The LORD has commissioned us to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel..." and that is what we must do, unless the LORD leads us otherwise in certain situations like in the above passage. It is therefore very important for us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even in interpreting and obeying the word of GOD.

The apostles were going about the work of the LORD and their motive was clear and yet they sensed they were not going in the direction of the move of the Spirit when they headed towards Asia and Bithynia. They did not assume that it was the devil who was trying to hinder them from fulfilling GOD's command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel!

Because they were sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit, they arrived in Philippi in Macedonia where Lydia and her household were prepared to get baptized. The slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination was set free and then the Philippian jailer and his household were saved.

Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and put into prison for preaching the Gospel. This suffering did not mean that they were outside of GOD's will. The LORD was with them and the Holy Spirit continued to guide, comfort and strengthen them.

We must run with the Spirit even if that path entails inconvenience, danger and suffering. It is the lifestyle of a true follower of CHRIST!

The Apostle Paul's journey to Rome for trial before Caesar.

Acts 27:1-44, 28:1-14

•  And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 

As Paul had appealed to Caesar, he was taken out of the Philippian jail, injured and wounded, and was being taken with other prisoners to Rome. GOD gave him favour in the eyes of the centurion. Aristarchus was with him and Luke the physician probably joined Paul at this point. 

•  When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. 

Luke, the author of this book, includes himself in this record.

Sailing with difficulty because the wind was contrary, probably reminded Paul of his life prior to his conversion. He may have realised the truth of those words of the LORD, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Acts 9:5

•  When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

The leading and the move of the Holy Spirit in Paul's journeys was very similar to the effects of the wind in this sailing experience! Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

•  Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."

The Apostle Paul had learnt the importance of making decisions sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and the danger of not doing so, which could result in wasted time, mental stress, loss of possessions, finances, relationships and even losing out on  spiritual and eternal life. 

•  Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there. When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 

How easy it is to follow the worldly mindset and worldly wisdom, decide according to rational thinking, outward appearances and circumstances and take the counsel of the majority? 

 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island." Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you." And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea. 

It was now obvious that Paul had heard from GOD because his word about the disaster came to pass and the sailors and soldiers respected Paul and listened to him.

When we are tempest tossed in life, we must secure the skiff - the life boat which depicts JESUS, our only hope. Like in a war situation when the enemy comes against us strongly, we will not be able to progress, but we must not lose ground. We must stand firm, facing the enemy with the whole armor of GOD, our soul anchored and undergirded firmly to GOD by the cable of faith. Thus we let ourselves 'Drive' by the Holy Spirit, totally surrendered to Him and resting in the LORD.

The next thing to do is to lighten our life by purposefully cutting off excesses of covetousness, diversions and distractions of worldliness to save time and energy to strengthen ourselves spiritually. We must learn to be content and thankful to GOD our Heavenly Father, Who has promised to give us our daily bread, clothes and all our needs. 

When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 

Our life is like a sailboat on the sea of the systems, philosophy, empty deceit, traditions of men, and basic principles of the world. How our eyes strain to see the shore and our hearts long to reach it!

Everything that holds us to this world including our physical body, will be cut off like the anchors of the ship and be left back in this world. 

At this point, the apostle Paul may have had a vision of the last lap of his life, in relation to the current experience with the ship. As the body of the ship, his body had already been broken and bruised but his soul was set to follow closely after the Spirit as he kept his focus on CHRIST. 

 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

•  And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

The natural selfish mindset operated in the sailors who had charge of the ship and the soldiers who had charge of the prisoners in the ship. The former planned to escape, abandoning the ship. The latter planned to kill the prisoners so that they might escape punishment. On the contrary, our LORD JESUS died that we might live.

Paul, as a servant of GOD, was an intercessor in that ship. The plan of the sailors and the soldiers were thwarted through Paul's intervention. GOD's grace was extended to everyone of them and they all escaped. 

Millions of souls are continuing to be saved spiritually, through the writings of Paul in the Scriptures!

As followers of the LORD, let us develop a selfless mindset to live for the LORD so that others might find life in JESUS CHRIST.

Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

GOD's grace also gave Paul and the others favour in the eyes of strangers. 

• But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

The authority that JESUS gave to His apostles was enacted here and the heathen saw it and marvelled!

 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19

• In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.

A Scriptural principle is that those who bless servants of GOD are blessed. This was so with Publius with his father and the others in Malta.

• They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

When we serve GOD, our needs are met and we are honoured.

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

• After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
  

Thus Paul the unique and great Apostle of the LORD JESUS finished his journey on the sea literally. The rest of his spiritual journey was like sailing in the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit with peace and victory to victory!

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8