A few days ago I took this picture near Monahans, Texas. I first heard the distinctive sound of the Harley Davidsons coming toward me, which as a rider always catches my attention. Then I saw what I found to be a hilarious sight — three men, dressed in tuxedo vests and bow ties, and wearing cowboy boots blasting down the road. Two of the men were also wearing cowboy hats. Again as a rider, I appreciate the complications presented by anything that must be held while trying to control your bike, especially at lower speeds. Holding onto a big ol cowboy at any speed is just a ridiculously funny sight.
I posted this picture on my FaceBook page to get a laugh and said that I didn’t know where they were going, but they apparently wanted to make an impressive Entrance. But then, as I often do, I started reflecting on this picture and the spirit started talking to me.
This may seem like a bit of a ramble, but please stay with me, we are going somewhere.
There’s a lot of talk today about how there’s nothing you can do to earn God’s Love, and there’s nothing you can do to lose it. As a parent, I think I understand this concept. My children came into this world with all of my Love. Through their childhood, into their teens, right on into adulthood, through the good and the bad, I’ve never stopped loving them or considering them my children. They’ve had all my Love all their days. I’m not God, and I’m nowhere near perfect, so I’m also sure there have been times that my kids thought I could have done a better job at being their dad. Regardless, I have always loved them, and they have always been mine. I also realize that as a father I can’t force my will upon my adult children. I will voice my concerns, I will try to talk them into and out of some things, but ultimately their decisions are theirs to make. Those decisions could take them to a place that I can’t reach or am not willing to reach. They can go beyond my ability or will to help them. But I’d always Love them and hope for their return home.
We are not born God’s children. We are born in sin, shapen in iniquity. To become the Children of God, we must accept Him in all his Glory. I’m not here to argue doctrine, but there’s no doubt that there is a process of acceptance based on belief in God, as defined by the Holy Scripture that separates the Lost and the Found, the Sinner and the Saint, the Children of God and everyone else.
I’m not your Judge, I’m no one’s judge, but the Bible is clear that there will be lost souls. NOT everyone is going to Heaven. There is a Process, a New Birth experience that must occur, and it does not happen by accident or without our participation. So even though there’s nothing we can do to
There are a lot of things Biblically that let us know that God cares about how we live our lives. How we act, and even how we dress. I know that we are not under the law of the Old Testament, but Galatians 3:24 tell us “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” So if the law or Old Testament is our Schoolmaster, then there must be lessons to be learned there, right? If you read the Bible, especially the first five Books, you’ll find God giving Moses laws that are detailed, very detailed, down to sizes and lengths, materials, colors, shapes and so on. God is a God of details.
I’m not trying to add anything to the word of God; there’s plenty to keep us busy without me putting in my two cents. But I do believe that Loving God, LIVING for God comes with a desire to Please God. If you are not concerned with what God thinks of you and your dedication I have to question your Love. Loving God is a commitment, a dedication that supersedes everything else. Pleasing Him and Loving Him should shine through into everything that we, as Christians do.
So as I said in my FaceBook post about the Picture above, I don’t know where these men were going, but their dedication to making a grand entrance was commendable. I would venture a guess that they were heading to a wedding, but I can’t say for sure.
I do know where I’m going, and though I may not be riding a Harley while wearing a tux, boots and a cowboy hat, I am dedicated to making a good impression. Wanting to be pleasing to the One that has called me unto the wedding feast.
I’m a firm believer that if anything will do, nothing will do just as well. Our souls are far too valuable to gamble with, and a life of God’s Peace is far too great a prize to pass up by ignoring His Promises.
Put God’s Word as a Map before You, find that Fearful, Respectful Reverence for God, Love Him and Seek Him earnestly.
Seek to please Him, take His word for it, not mine.
Philippians 2:12 tells us to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
The Word of God is the Road Map.
Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Acts 4:12 says “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
I am just a vessel. God didn’t call me because I was good, smart or better than anyone. He called me to be a vessel, a vessel of HIM. If He is not on the inside, then I have nothing of value to pour out.
God Bless You Richly,
Greg
The Swimming Axehead 