Three weeks of riding. Another beautiful sunny day with a high around 87.t is interesting when I think that I riding right along the Mexico/USA border. Monday, Lord willing, I will be in the El Paso, Texas area; into our 4th state. Although the route I have planned takes me back into New Mexico before being back into Texas for what looks to be about a two week ride. I had just a nice ride today riding 32.4 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes for an average of 19.3 mph. I will take that any time. As I rode along today, I could not help but to think about how we allow a line like in this case a border line to divide or separate people, one from another. In this case it is Mexican/American. But we do it with color of our skin or in a battle between the sexes or in a difference in beliefs or in our preferences and we do it in our churches. All too often we build a line; some would call it a wall, that does not need to be there. Because of it we "build" divisions too. Yes, even in our churches. That ha nothing to do with what I have been thinking about in John 15 but I couldn't help but think about that as I rode today and looked at how close I was to the Mexican border.
Verse three of John 15 is amazing to me. It says, "Already you are clean because of the word that I have have spoken to you." In the time frame of this statement Jesus and the disciples have just come from the upper room. They had just had the last supper and celebrated commnion. But before that Jesus took a time to wash the disciples feet. Peter didn't want Jesus to just wash his feet but his hands and head too. Jesus, in 13:10 said this, "The one who has bathed does need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. See, when we are bathed in the blood of Jesus Christ, we are completely clean. Oh sure, we still have to walk in this world until we breath our last, and as we do we will dirty our feet a bit. And when we do, Jesus has dealt with that for us. 1John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sin, He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It says "all" unrighteousnessWe are completely clean. So Jesus tells His disciples, "Already you are clean." How? Because of the Word He spoke to them. Through our faith in the Word, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the work of Jesus, we are clean.
After I have ridden my bike, I feel so groaty, sweaty, and yes, a little on the smelly side. It feels so good to get cleaned up. That is what Jesus wants for his creation -- to be clean. He supplied the way. We are told to believe. Acts 16:31, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." Now that is a clean feeling. Have a good Lord's Day tomorrow as we celebrate Palm Sunday. Talk to you on Monday.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 19 - That close to Mexico
Well, I am headed down State Route 9 in New Mexico and from the map it looks like I can see Mexico for much of my ride. Until I reach the most western section of Texas on Monday, going through El Paso, Rte. 9 goes right along the border. I have been told by some that is a rather dangerous section to travel along but I do not know first hand. The weather here is sunny with a high of around 84 degrees. The ride today took us just past Columbus, New Mexico. Columbus is a town of almost 1700 people, just north of the Mexican Border. It has an interesting tidbit of history behind it. In 1906 the Mexican revolutionary, Pancho Villa came over the border on March 9 and attacked the town with 500 followers. He killed 18 Americans, burned the town and took the livestock. American General John Pershing, along with 6000 troops, airplanes and motorized vihicles marched into Mexico pursuing Villa. But in 11 months time was never able to capture the famous revolutionary. Villa was later assassinated in 1923. It all began in Columbus, New Mexico.
Today's ride seemed to be a struggle but I averaged an excellent speed. I went 40.5 miles in exactly 2 hours for an average of 20.2 mph. So I do not know why I felt as though I had struggled a bit. Had a lot of things going through my mind this morning as I rode. The fact that I would be riding so close to Mexico made me think about that. It was neat to think about the history behind Columbus. I thought a lot about different people at our church and in my life that are going through so much right now, so I spent some time on the seat just praying as I rode along.
Then again I have been thinking again about John 15. It is amazing that in verse 2 He says, "and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." I used to do landscaping so I can very much identify with the concept of pruning and the reason for why it is done. But just suffice it to say that pruning is always done for the good of the tree. To keep it healthy or so that it will produce more fruit if a fruit tree or to get rid of branches that could rub and promote disease or to just to get rid of dead, dying or diseased branches, are all reasons to prune. But in this case, He gives only one reason, to produce more fruit. The thing I think about so much here is not that He prunes but think about the One doing the pruning. When I prune I miss branches that need it or make some wrong choices as to the branch that needs pruned. But God is the perfect vinedresser. His pruning job is the perfect pruning job. When He removes a diseased or dying branch He never prunes off the wrong one and He always knows just the exact spot to prune to prune to promote the most new growth. For his vine, the Lord Jesus, has lots of branches; some are totally removed and taken away to be burned, but some of His branched are pruned at just the right spot and produce more fruit. In your life "in Christ" as a branch, what production do you see? If it isn't much, the gardener is a coming and he has His lopers and pruners and shears and pruning saw in hand. But don't worry, He is a "master" at pruning. The produce will demonstrate that.
Today's ride seemed to be a struggle but I averaged an excellent speed. I went 40.5 miles in exactly 2 hours for an average of 20.2 mph. So I do not know why I felt as though I had struggled a bit. Had a lot of things going through my mind this morning as I rode. The fact that I would be riding so close to Mexico made me think about that. It was neat to think about the history behind Columbus. I thought a lot about different people at our church and in my life that are going through so much right now, so I spent some time on the seat just praying as I rode along.
Then again I have been thinking again about John 15. It is amazing that in verse 2 He says, "and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." I used to do landscaping so I can very much identify with the concept of pruning and the reason for why it is done. But just suffice it to say that pruning is always done for the good of the tree. To keep it healthy or so that it will produce more fruit if a fruit tree or to get rid of branches that could rub and promote disease or to just to get rid of dead, dying or diseased branches, are all reasons to prune. But in this case, He gives only one reason, to produce more fruit. The thing I think about so much here is not that He prunes but think about the One doing the pruning. When I prune I miss branches that need it or make some wrong choices as to the branch that needs pruned. But God is the perfect vinedresser. His pruning job is the perfect pruning job. When He removes a diseased or dying branch He never prunes off the wrong one and He always knows just the exact spot to prune to prune to promote the most new growth. For his vine, the Lord Jesus, has lots of branches; some are totally removed and taken away to be burned, but some of His branched are pruned at just the right spot and produce more fruit. In your life "in Christ" as a branch, what production do you see? If it isn't much, the gardener is a coming and he has His lopers and pruners and shears and pruning saw in hand. But don't worry, He is a "master" at pruning. The produce will demonstrate that.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Day 18 - Away we go
I don't know why but it felt good getting on the bike today. It is interesting to me how all of our systems; the mental, emotional, physical, and the spiritual all tie in together and how when they are working in harmony, life just sails (or rides) along so well. Of course I think that could be said about our families, churches and probably even out government. That might explain why some of these aspects are in such disarray. Enough on that - but it did come into my mind so I guess I should say it. Today, I road 40.1 miles in 2 hours and 8 minutes at an average of 18.7 mph. I think I have kind of found my groove. I will be interested when I try some century rides outside this summer whether I will be able to keep that kind of average. I hope so. The temperatures in the area of New Mexico we are in was 48 degrees this morning with a high of around 83. I really thought it would be warmer but they said that 83 would be near record high temperatures. Anyway, it is beautiful sunshine and a great day for a ride. Although my basement is 66 degrees this morning.
Got to thinking about John 15 again this morning. It is interesting to me that all mankind is called a branch. We have to remember what Paul says in Romans 11:36, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." Without Him, none of us would have our existence so in that aspect we are all "a branch." He makes sure we know that when He says, "Every branch in Me." I don't think the "in Me" is describing just Christians but the whole of the earth's population. But what He says next to this intimate group of disciples is what we really need to take notice of, "Every branch that does not bear fruit he takes away." Several questions could be asked here. What does it mean to bear fruit? Where are the unfruitful branches taken away to? Verse 6 gives us a picture of the answer to the second question, "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and tha branches are gathered, thrown inrto the fire, and burned." Not a pretty picture! But I think verse 6 also gives us an idea what bearing fruit means when He talks about abiding in Him. In this passage, that is a main theme. See, the two go hand-in-hand. A branch is not bearing fruit unless it is abiding in Him and a branch is not abiding in Him unless it is bearing fruit. I will be thinking a whole lot more about that tomorrow. Check out the NLM website when you get a chance (northernlightministries.org) and enjoy the Ride Across Our Land. Talk to you tomorrow.
Got to thinking about John 15 again this morning. It is interesting to me that all mankind is called a branch. We have to remember what Paul says in Romans 11:36, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." Without Him, none of us would have our existence so in that aspect we are all "a branch." He makes sure we know that when He says, "Every branch in Me." I don't think the "in Me" is describing just Christians but the whole of the earth's population. But what He says next to this intimate group of disciples is what we really need to take notice of, "Every branch that does not bear fruit he takes away." Several questions could be asked here. What does it mean to bear fruit? Where are the unfruitful branches taken away to? Verse 6 gives us a picture of the answer to the second question, "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and tha branches are gathered, thrown inrto the fire, and burned." Not a pretty picture! But I think verse 6 also gives us an idea what bearing fruit means when He talks about abiding in Him. In this passage, that is a main theme. See, the two go hand-in-hand. A branch is not bearing fruit unless it is abiding in Him and a branch is not abiding in Him unless it is bearing fruit. I will be thinking a whole lot more about that tomorrow. Check out the NLM website when you get a chance (northernlightministries.org) and enjoy the Ride Across Our Land. Talk to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Day 17 - A shortened Ride
Well, I did not get as many miles in today as what I had hoped. I spent much of the day returning from picking my wife up from Michigan where she had been for the last two weeks spending time with our daughter and her family. Our oldest granddaughter had surgery two weeks ago and Judy spent much of her time caring for our granddaughter. So I did not get a very good ride in tonight. Maybe, that was good though aa it gave me a light day and gave my legs a little chance to rest. I rode 31.2 miles today which puts us 4 miles to the east of Lordsburg, New Mexico. I was only in New Mexico one other time. It was years ago, as a youth pastor and I took a group of youth out there for a missions trip. It was a great trip then and I look forward to riding through the state at this time. Lordsburg is a town of just under 3,000 people, and it is it is a long ways from any large cities.
On the ride tonight, I felt like I was not quite with it today. So I ask you to pray for me as I head through the state of New Mexico. Riding today, I was thinking a lot about John 15. This part of the teaching Jesus gives to His closest 11 disciples. Judas Iscariot has already gone off to betray Jesus. They have had their time together in the upper room and they are just leaving to head up to the Garden of Gethsemane. I can almost picture these men walking with the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem and he begins to share with them, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit"(John 15:1 and 2). Imagine being those men with Jesus sharing with them. He knows what is coming. These are really His last moments with them upon this earth in His humaness. They need to know some very important things that I am sure they remembered. "I am the true vine." Grapes were one of Israel's cash crops because they were used to produce wine. Jesus wanted to focus their minds on something that would really mean something to them. "I am the true vine," Jesus says. But, His Father is the vinedresser. A vine has to have care but all the care given to it has one purpose ----- produce fruit. I will give this a lot of thought in the coming days. Talk to you tomorrow!!!!
On the ride tonight, I felt like I was not quite with it today. So I ask you to pray for me as I head through the state of New Mexico. Riding today, I was thinking a lot about John 15. This part of the teaching Jesus gives to His closest 11 disciples. Judas Iscariot has already gone off to betray Jesus. They have had their time together in the upper room and they are just leaving to head up to the Garden of Gethsemane. I can almost picture these men walking with the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem and he begins to share with them, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit"(John 15:1 and 2). Imagine being those men with Jesus sharing with them. He knows what is coming. These are really His last moments with them upon this earth in His humaness. They need to know some very important things that I am sure they remembered. "I am the true vine." Grapes were one of Israel's cash crops because they were used to produce wine. Jesus wanted to focus their minds on something that would really mean something to them. "I am the true vine," Jesus says. But, His Father is the vinedresser. A vine has to have care but all the care given to it has one purpose ----- produce fruit. I will give this a lot of thought in the coming days. Talk to you tomorrow!!!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day 16 - Best Day Yet
have ridden through the area, Wow, what a day. I knew I had to be away this afternoon so I climbed on the bike with the attitude of riding as far as I could in the least amount of time. I also knew I wanted to make New Mexico today. Well, I went 36.1 miles which puts me 12.8 miles into New Mexico on Rte. 70. But I did that 36.1 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes. That is an average of 20.5 mph. Believe me, for anyone who has ever met me, they know that just can't be. But it is. I keep thinking the bubble will burst soon on these times, or I will injure myself, or some other crazy thing. Isn't that just like us humans. We so often look for the hammer to fall when going back to a verse I mentioned earlier in the week, Psalm 34:8. The second half of the verse says, "Blessed is he who takes refuge in God." None of do that perfectly, but one thing I know, i got on the bike this morning knowing I could not put as much time into it as I have been. And I was depending on the Lord to give me the strength I need. I believe that is a part of what it means to take refuge in Him. We need to not just realize but also acknowledge our dependence on Him. All too many declare their IN-dependence from God. And because of it they do not even come to a place of receiving the blessing that can come from totally coming into the refuge of God and allowing Him to have the control. Maybe that is a part of, when we come to Him, "we must deny ourselves." For me in my own strength, 36.1 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes is impossible. But in His all things are possible.
We are just a little NW of Lordsburg, New Mexico and it started out today at a chilly 45 degrees but with the sun out so strong, it is suppose to get up a beautiful 82. So far, in each location we have been at, on the day we have ridden through, it has been beautiful. No rain, no snow, so major wind but from behind us. Must be that refuge Lyle and I find ourselves in. Praise God. Talk to you tomorrow.
We are just a little NW of Lordsburg, New Mexico and it started out today at a chilly 45 degrees but with the sun out so strong, it is suppose to get up a beautiful 82. So far, in each location we have been at, on the day we have ridden through, it has been beautiful. No rain, no snow, so major wind but from behind us. Must be that refuge Lyle and I find ourselves in. Praise God. Talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Day 15 - The start of another good week
Well I hope each of you had a good Lord's Day yesterday. We had good services at the church I pastor. Today, obviously is a much colder day than what we have had of late but in Arizona, where we are at, is suppose to be sunny and a high of around 77 degrees. That is ideal for a bike ride, especially when the wind is coming from behind us, which it is. Today, I rode 44.7 miles in 2 hours and 21 minutes for an average of 18.9 mph. And again today I felt pretty good on the bike and feel like I am getting stronger.
I had a thought pop into my head while I was riding. I have thought a few times about the Atlantic Ocean. It is my goal to dip my foot into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in 2 months time. If you have been following my blog you know that I am riding across our land to gain the funding for our ministry, Northern Light Ministries (NLM) to purchase a lodge in Canada that we could use to take many more kids and adults into the Canadian wilderness than what we presently can. You can learn more about NLM and we are putting pictures of the lodge on our website at northernlightministries.org. We are looking for people who will sponsor me during the ride for so much a mile with all the funds to go directly to the purchase of the lodge. Well, in thinking about the Atlantic, I also could not help thinking about the ocean of people out there who could contribute to our goal. By the way, all donations are tax deductable. Won't you please consider how you could help.
I also was thinking more about Peter. Having just walked on water, but now taking his focus off the Lord, he began to sink. But Jesus was right there to lift him up, but also to question Peter, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Then they get into the boat. In Canada, when we have a group up there, we are constantly getting in and out of boats. Usually, when we are getting into the boat it may have three or four kids in it, fishing tackle, life preservers, gas can, bailing bucket, coats and whatever else the kids may have. In their boat there were the other 11 disciples and maybe some oars or other boating equipment. But, what must that scene looked like. It says in Matthew 14:32, "And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased." Suppose the guys slapped Peter on the back saying, "Wow, I can't believe you did that," or asking him, "What was that like," or trying to comfort him, "Jesus didn't really mean it." Based on Scripture, the guys who were in the boat, "worshiped Jesus, saying, Truly you are the Son of God." They had learned a good lesson from Peter. They had learned that they had to keep their focus on Jesus." You know the author and perfecter of their faith and ours. Peter was the only one who had walked on water, but they had all learned a lesson.
I had a thought pop into my head while I was riding. I have thought a few times about the Atlantic Ocean. It is my goal to dip my foot into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in 2 months time. If you have been following my blog you know that I am riding across our land to gain the funding for our ministry, Northern Light Ministries (NLM) to purchase a lodge in Canada that we could use to take many more kids and adults into the Canadian wilderness than what we presently can. You can learn more about NLM and we are putting pictures of the lodge on our website at northernlightministries.org. We are looking for people who will sponsor me during the ride for so much a mile with all the funds to go directly to the purchase of the lodge. Well, in thinking about the Atlantic, I also could not help thinking about the ocean of people out there who could contribute to our goal. By the way, all donations are tax deductable. Won't you please consider how you could help.
I also was thinking more about Peter. Having just walked on water, but now taking his focus off the Lord, he began to sink. But Jesus was right there to lift him up, but also to question Peter, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Then they get into the boat. In Canada, when we have a group up there, we are constantly getting in and out of boats. Usually, when we are getting into the boat it may have three or four kids in it, fishing tackle, life preservers, gas can, bailing bucket, coats and whatever else the kids may have. In their boat there were the other 11 disciples and maybe some oars or other boating equipment. But, what must that scene looked like. It says in Matthew 14:32, "And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased." Suppose the guys slapped Peter on the back saying, "Wow, I can't believe you did that," or asking him, "What was that like," or trying to comfort him, "Jesus didn't really mean it." Based on Scripture, the guys who were in the boat, "worshiped Jesus, saying, Truly you are the Son of God." They had learned a good lesson from Peter. They had learned that they had to keep their focus on Jesus." You know the author and perfecter of their faith and ours. Peter was the only one who had walked on water, but they had all learned a lesson.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)