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Flannel, the indication that the shorts and t-shirts of summer must be exchanged for something with a little more substance. Looking around you see some of the early indications that the trees will soon be ablaze with the brilliant colors of Fall. Winding down another season and looking forward to some time to reflect. What changes have we made as we reflect on the path we are walking in life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
As the seasons change it is good to take time and look back, reflect on the road we walked, the places we have been, the lessons we learned and the mistakes we made along that way. We need to look at where we were and where we are now. Did we end up where we hoped to be? Maybe there is some work still to be done.
We make many changes in life but not all of them work out the way we thought they would or with the intent we had. We think we know what to do, but sometimes we fail to see the entire picture. As we transition it provides us a moment to step back, reflect and look at the path we are walking.
I think some of our greatest moments are the small steps. We should acknowledge the significance of the small steps we take in life. Think about the little things that you have done this year. The things you have done that have enabled you to grow and advance, not only on the track but in your walk with Christ. Maybe this was the year you started reading your Bible every week or even every day. Maybe this was the year you made an effort to attend chapel service or a local church. Maybe it was the year that you made the effort to talk with God, pray, on a regular basis.
We should take lightly the little things in life that make a significant difference. We can be guilty of not placing the right importance on seemingly little things, but it is the little things that add up to making significant changes in the direction of our lives. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy;
2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT); I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
These were not only the words Paul wrote to encourage Timothy, they were the same words one of my mentors shared with me as I entered into ministry.
T. Marshal Thompson was a wise man who had seen many things in his life. He helped me overcome the desire to please men instead of pleasing God. He encouraged me to be a little bolder in my faith. He listened to my fears and helped me overcome them. Little things that helped me become a man dedicated to serve Jesus.
T. Marshal is home now, but his memory is as alive as if he were still here. He helped me focus on the little things that, when you add them up, become significant things in life. He guided me through my doubt and showed me the hand of God on my life. As his life was winding down, he took the time to invest in mine.
As we reflect on the things that we have seen and done this past season I ask you to think about those who have helped guide you. Those who have encouraged you to make decisions that were beneficial to your life. Those who provided the resources you needed to continue on.
It is easy to continue on without remembering where we have been or who helped us get to where we are, but I suggest it is more beneficial to reflect a little. Take a look at the baby steps we took. Remember who was holding our hand as we took those steps.
With another season winding down there is more racing ahead. Without the help of many others, we wouldn’t make it to this time of the year and still be able to race. To enter the homestretch, each one of us needed the support and encouragement of someone. That support helped us take the little steps that add up to a giant leap. We all need someone to walk by our side. Take time to say thanks and acknowledge what others have given so that we can pursue our dreams.
As the season changes there are new opportunities, new challenges to take on. They are available to us because of the growth we experienced by taking the little steps in life. Our experiences and decisions have helped us grow and we are able to see new horizons ahead. New roads to explore. With anticipation and reverence, we look forward to taking those new opportunities.
Where will the next season in life take us? Where will we travel, where will we race, where will we pursue life, liberty and happiness? God knows and he will reveal it to us when we seek Him.
Jeremiah 29:11-13; NLT; For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
The caveat is that our whole heart must be in it. When we pursue the plans that God has for us, we need to be all in.
One of our chaplains reminded me of these verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, written in the form of a prayer. I am thankful for God’s willingness to lead me.
Lord, I trust in you with all my heart and I won’t rely on just what I understand. In all my ways, I will rely on You, because you will direct me in the way I should go.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations help us continue this ministry. Thank You.
Questions?
Contact don@rwjm.com for more information.
