How to Save a Life

The many commercials that race across our TV screens, computer monitors, and smartphones each night try to convince us that our greatest joy is found in their product, service, or location.  Many times we believe them.  We desire to have what the commercials offer.  We cannot find peace until we have figured out a way to have what the commercial offers even if our actions involve going into debt to satisfy our desires.  Though I cannot say I am immune to the commercials and advertisements that assault me each day, I can say that I know there is only one place you can find true and complete joy.  That is in Jesus.

I was not particularly looking forward to going to work today.  This was mostly because I knew I would be hauling in hay from the field and that is not a fun task.  The Lord had already poured down immense grace for today by providing a much cooler day than last year, a smaller amount of bales than last year, and workers in whom I enjoyed working with.  The day went by considerably faster than I thought it would and we had the opportunity to eat lunch at the Pizza Hut buffet in the process, always a good thing.  I even was surprised at how well my body handled the work and how much less I hurt than last year when we were done.

All of these things converged to greatly improve my day but the icing of the day came after baling the hay was done.  After the baling was done, we needed to do a bit of cleaning on the barn.  One of my helpers needed to leave early and my other helper decided to stay to help me finish the task.  The second helper really made the task go by quicker and I also enjoyed our conversation while working.

The worker and I began an interesting conversation about relationships and marriage while finishing the task at hand.  As the conversation continued on, I noticed my helper steering it into deeper waters.  I could tell that something was weighing on his heart.  As I shared the wisdom I have gleaned during my eight years of marriage, I could tell he was searching for something deeper.  I felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart to steer the conversation towards Him.  I must admit that I was hesitant at first but each time I spoke about the Lord my helper listened intently.

The conversation quickly transitioned from relationships to Jesus.  I could see that Jesus was really weighing on his heart.  I tried to speak to my helper the words the Holy Spirit laid on my heart.  I was amazed that with each truth I gave him, my helper seemed to drink it in.  He seemed starved to know this truth and didn't want to follow this truth unless it was authentically and with his whole heart.

As our conversation came to a close, I gave him some advice on where to start, in the Bible, as he sought to know who Jesus is.  I gave him my phone number and my email and I stood there amazed as I watched this young man leave with joy on his face and even a bit of peace.  I could tell his heart had been stirred and that Jesus was who he had been searching for.  Contrary to what any commercial or advertisement tries to tell you, there is only one person that can bring pure joy to your heart.  He is Jesus Christ.

My heart has been flying high with joy and praise ever since our conversation this afternoon.  I have been in awe of this wonderful set of circumstance my Lord weaved together that I may have the opportunity to share Him to another.  It was such a privilege and a joy to do so.

There truly is no greater joy than to live and share Jesus daily.  The devil tries to make us forget this through instilling fear, doubt, and apathy in us but I hope you will trust in Jesus' truth and live boldly for Him instead.  I hope you will jump at any opportunity you have to share Jesus.  I hope you will trust the Holy Spirit to work in their heart and your mouth.  I leave you with this verse today.  I hope you can say that you live as this verse describes.


I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Things I Learned From a Trailer

Today, I learned how to load, secure, and drive with a tractor on a trailer.  I use a trailer all the time doing landscaping projects at my job but most of the time I am pulling it around with our tractor.  My trailer adventure today involved me pulling more weight than I ever had before and came with new challenges and lessons.

I had to rent a larger trailer for our tractor because the trailer we have at work is to small.  When I brought the trailer back to my job, I set it up so I could drive the tractor on it.  I decided to put my seatbelt on in this instance because I did not want to take any chance that the tractor would flip or fall off.  Driving the tractor up was simple enough but I was not sure how far forward to drive the tractor to create the proper balance for driving.  I drove the tractor forward until I saw the back of our vehicle even out and load a little and then stopped.

After chaining the tractor up, I got in the vehicle and began my trip to the mechanic.  It did not take me very long to realize that I had not balanced the tractor properly.  As I drove down the road, every little bump made the vehicle sway back and forth and and bounce up and down.  I had only made it a couple miles down the road when I was feeling a slight bit of motion sickness from the swaying and had to pull over to try and remedy the situation.

Luckily, when I pulled into the gas station, I saw a truck that looked like it had pulled quite a bit of heavy equipment.  I quickly parked, got out of the vehicle, and walked over to the truck to ask for help.  I asked the stranger if he had towed a tractor before and he answered that he had.  I asked him if he could help me and show me what I had done wrong in loading our tractor.  I explained to him how the vehicle was bouncing and swaying and he told me that I had not pulled the tractor far enough up on the trailer.

He helped me get the tractor position correctly and I have to say that the rest of my hour long trip was smooth and without motion sickness ;) .  It was still interesting dealing with the added weight, both in acceleration and braking.  I also had to be very careful to keep the trailer wheels in the lines and make sure that I made my turns wide to accommodate the large trailer behind me.  All in all, I am so grateful for the help of a stranger and that I made the trip to the mechanic and back safely.

God spoke to me in a few ways through this trip.  First, He showed me the value of asking for help.  There are many times in life when I have tried to do things on my own without seeking God's help and failed.  Through humbling myself and admitting that I can't do it on my own, I allow myself to be molded and taught by Jesus.  Second, If I had not paid attention to the trailer while I was driving, I would've surely hurt the tractor, myself, and/or others.  Through this, I learned how important it is to pay attention in life.  You never know when the Holy Spirit may be leading you to reach out, talk to someone, or teaching you a biblical truth through the situation you are in.  Lastly, I was acutely aware of how often my life is in God's hands.  Any number of things could've happened on my trip today.  I believe God was at work by steading my hands on the steering wheel, protecting my tires from blowing as I drove, directing the many semis in their lanes, providing a stranger to instruct me on proper trailering, and helping me to find the mechanic and navigate home without issue.

God is constantly moving and working in our lives.  Each day is an opportunity to see Him work in your life.  I leave you tonight with some verses that I hope will give you peace in knowing that God is in control of your life daily.  Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."  Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."  Proverbs 16:9, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."


Blessings,


Greg