Dave
I’m learning to love being on my bike—a $100 used Giant Sedona I bought off Facebook Marketplace. Recently, I trained for a long ride and completed it with some good friends. I was the weakest link in the group, so I was especially proud to finish—an accomplishment I wasn’t sure I could manage. In a small way, I relate to Eric Liddell, the Olympian featured in Chariots of Fire, who said, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” I feel God’s pleasure and close to Him when I’m on my bike.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
When I hear a powerful testimony of God changing someone’s life, it’s almost like I go into a state of mind I cannot fully account for. This happened again recently at the transitional housing program for ex-offenders that I lead. An atheist received Jesus into his life after hitting rock bottom. Then something incredible happened. There was what appeared to be a demonic reaction to the baptism. He resisted the water with loud screaming. But when he came out of the water, the peace of Christ came over him and he wept with tears of joy.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
When I started my own business, I had two contracts with local banks. Within 2 years, both banks went through major changes, and both tried to cancel my contracts. As the sole breadwinner in my household, I was stressed! One of the banks suggested I change my business model from retainer contracts to a fee-for-service model. I told them that was preposterous. Unable to fight them in court, I had no alternative but to try the fee-for-service model. Within a year, I was making more money and had more customers. God made it happen despite my stubbornness.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
I currently run a transitional housing program for ex-offenders. I am reminded daily of how God delivers us all from evil and can deliver us into a beautiful peace. People who were at one time in the lowest “hell” our society generally has to offer (prison) are now renewed, solely by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. I’m reminded often that my life too was broken. Christ broke through with his forgiveness, delivering me from evil, and gives me a peace which is not understood by the world.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”