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When we hear the word lifetime what goes through our mind? Do we process the fact that it is made up of two important words and each one has their value given to us by God? God created time and then he created life, together He blessed us with a lifetime. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Soon we will be celebrating the accomplishments of a lifetime as Mike Stefanik will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. His lifetime behind the wheel of a racecar that is. He was more than that, he was a true gentleman. His grace and class were evident in his life. He made room for others. He was a true champion and touched the lives of so many in a positive and uplifting way.
Many times, we wonder about our own lives, what will be said of our lifetime. Recently we were blessed to hear from so many how our daughter Elisabeth touched someone’s life. It was a tremendous encouragement in a difficult time. Thank you all.
When our lifetime comes to an end what will be said of us? What do we hope for out of life? Enough time? Time to search and find. Time to build and enjoy. Time to live and love. Scripture shares with us;
Ecclesiastes 3:1; NLT; For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
God is the provider of time. The challenge is, He doesn’t share with us when our time is at an end. We must use the time we are given to find the blessings He has prepared for us. That can only be found in a relationship with Him. What is a relationship with God? What are the attributes of such a thing?
We can turn to the person Scripture described as a man after God’s own heart, David. In Psalm 23 he records the attributes of the relationship he has with God. Six verses that when examined will redefine what we look for in our relationship to God.
Psalm 23; NLT; A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
The Lord is my shepherd. My first thought is; is He? We would like to say we have a relationship with God but do we have one that displays the right priorities? God leading, us following.
I have everything I need. Again, the reality is that we have trouble thinking and living like God will supply everything we need. We somehow think we have to help Him or figure it out.
He lets me rest in green meadows. When was the last time we rested? We can get so busy thinking we have to provide for ourselves that we forget to rest. Rest is a gift from God, He has a plan, it is good, He won’t need our help. So, we can rest.
He leads me beside peaceful streams. How many times is our life in turmoil? Peaceful is not an adjective that most of us would use to describe our daily lives. Peace is something God desires to provide for us, refreshing peace, if we allow Him to.
He renews my strength. It is said that life will wear you down. It will chew you up and spit you out. Our strength comes from God, He desires to renew it. The previous combine, rest and refreshment, to renew our strength. If we think we can make it without them our strength will fail.
He guides me along right paths. God has a plan, it is good, it will provide hope and a future. The reality is it is God’s plan, not ours. To follow His plan, we need to seek Him out, ask for His guidance and follow it.
Bringing honor to his name. When this all comes together, we have a purpose. Our life has meaning. We accomplish the will of God. Nothing is more satisfying and fulfilling. We bring honor to His name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley. Life is not a bowl of cherries. We face difficult times. Those times test us and challenge us. They form us and shape us to reflect the character of God.
I will not be afraid. We can face them without fear because we don’t face them alone. God said He will never leave us or forsake us. We do not have to fear being alone.
For you are close beside me. God walks alongside us even in the darkest valley. He doesn’t expect us to face the challenges of life alone. He is by our side.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Some much so we can feel it. His protection and discipline help make our path straight. He is there to keep us on the right road, His road.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Even when we cannot see a way out. Even when the world is closing in around us. God has an abundance of hope. God provides hope for us even when surrounded by enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. We belong to the King! He has placed His mark on our forehead signifying that we are His. We must never forget that.
My cup overflows with blessings. Having a relationship with God not only yields benefits for us, it also overflows. We cannot contain the blessings we receive. Our abundance should have a positive influence on the lives around us. We should be a blessing.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me. We will never cease from being blessed as the Father peruses us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
All the days of my life. He will demonstrate that to us every day he provided for us to live here on this earth, our lifetime.
And I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Not only here but eternity. We will dwell with Him forever.
Six verses that provide a framework for the most significant relationship we can have in our lifetime, a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Relationship, Provision, Rest, Refreshment, Healing, Guidance, Purpose, Testing, Protection, Faithfulness, Discipline, Hope, Identity, Abundance, Blessing, and Security, for Eternity. That is quite a list. I encourage you to spend some time here, identify the aspects of your relationship with God that need attention.
Maybe the first step is in order and you have to establish a relationship with Him. Scripture makes it clear for us.
Romans 10:9; If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
