It is clear now

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Yesterday I returned to my old dirt bike racing days; just for a time, to let both my boys try their first race. It was a great family day together, and they had a great time. I decided to saddle up too, and try to at least finish the race. Racing is hard to describe to those don’t get it, but it is something that is always in your blood. For me it went as far as turning into an idol, and became a huge turning point in my testimony of giving my life to Christ. It wasn’t five miles into the race  and I had those same feelings again; it was time to give it up, this was not for me any longer; physically, mentally, and even spiritually, I knew I was done. It was most likely my last race. God has even taken away my shoulder muscle to try and make it much more clear for me to understand; but in my mind that pride still tries to overcome obstacles He lays before me.

Paul was steep in religion; he was a highly educated man; he had a personal encounter with the risen Christ; at some point he visited heaven; but God had allowed Satan to give him a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Paul most likely could have preached a sermon so elevated many would have come to repentance from the power of his teachings. He could have elevated himself through his wisdom to a level like none other once he came to truly know Christ that he formerly persecuted. He had every thing that every preacher wanted in education and experience. This was the stuff that great pastors are made of, until pride creeps in and destroys their ministry. I do believe God knew that, and allowed Satan to torment Paul, which kept Paul humble. God used Satan against himself in the ministry He laid on Paul’s heart. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I am far from an educated man. I graduated High School because the teachers told me if I would at least show up, they would pass me, and I did, barely. I have never been a reader, or a book learner; I always learned by example, and trial and error. I have found myself at this stage in my life back in school, in seminary no doubt, enrolled in a two year program at Liberty. I am a living example of what God can do in anyone’s life who has a heart for Him. 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. I am nothing but an ol’ country boy with a heart for Christ. I love spending daily time with Christ and writing what he lays on my heart. You can have all that He has planned for your life too once you follow the lifestyle principle found in Matthew 6:33. That is a great place for you to start today in transforming your life to as a disciple of Christ; today, for you are not guaranteed tomorrow.