The RACE

This past weekend I went to the races. It was a perfect night for it. Now it had been many years since I had been to the races, so I was excited to be there.

First, there were the time trials. All the cars would race to find their time. Then the fastest cars would be in the front of the line when they actually raced.

Some of the cars had been very well taken care of, others looked pretty old, and sounded pretty loud. I remember one of the cars sounding so smooth. Someone had taken the time needed to put that car in perfect shape. As a result, this car did win at least one of the races.

As I watched the races, I thought about how much training and work was involved for just one car to enter the race. It takes a deep commitment to make it all happen. I'm sure it took years to get the car in shape, to find the driver, and to put together all the details involved with being a contestant in the race.

This all reminded me of the "race of life" for a Christian. We don't start our race knowing all the details of the Christian life. It takes training and work to build our love relationship with God. He has a plan for our lives. There comes a point when we need to make a commitment to get our Spiritual life in shape and allow God to be the driver in our lives.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24

If you need help getting your Spiritual life ready for the race, contact us at robin@hesspeakingarewelistening.com or check out www.hesspeakingarewelistening.com

Peace like a river

I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river in my soul....oh oh. Do you remember the old song, Peace like a river? We all long for peace in our lives, but often the lives that we live rob us of our peace.


Life is filled with many challenges. They are different for each of us. What challenges are you facing today?

Maybe it's the loss of a loved one.
Maybe it's the news that we received from the Dr.
Maybe it's spouse that has been unfaithful.
Maybe you lost your job.
Maybe you are experiencing overwhelming debt issues.

What is your challenge today? ____________________________________________

Throughout my life I realized that I live with my challenges way too long. It's not until I get to the end of myself that I am ready to turn them over to God. He loves me and wants to handle everything in my life, but I need to let go, and let God do it.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Are you ready to find rest for your soul? Give that burden to God. Let go and let God do it.

How do you give your burden to God? It's simple. Take some time to STOP and talk to him. You could pray something like this.

Dear God,

My heart is so burdened with........... I give it all to you. Please take control of ............... and fill me with peace like a river.
Matthew 11:28

Be still and know that I am God

Is it hard for you to be still before God? I struggle with this all the time. Life is busy.

Yesterday I was busy running around doing many different things. You know how it is in the summer. There are so many wonderful things that we want to do. Well, in the midst of my running around I noticed an old Bible sitting on the counter in my office under a stack of papers. When I looked at it I thought, "When was the last time I looked at that Bible?"

Of course I was busy and I tried to continue what I was doing, but I was compelled to stop and open up that Bible. When I did I was so....blessed for doing it. When I opened the pages of that Bible and began reading it, the words spoke very clearly to my heart. I was encouraged. I sensed a clarity for my future. I felt so close to God. When I closed the book, I was so thankful for what had just happened.

I STOPPED WHAT I WAS DOING, to be still before God. Oh my gosh, I was so glad that I did. I continued my day with a new song in my heart. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psam 46:10

There is a LIGHT at the end of the tunnel

This past weekend, Dave and I went on a two-day biking trip to northern Wisconsin. We rode on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. We ended up going 44 miles in two days. It was challenging at the end of each day, but we made it and for the most part feel great.

The unique thing about this bike trail is that there are three tunnels that you go through. You are required to walk your bike through the tunnel because it is pitch black. All you can see is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. If you take your eyes off of the light, or try and get through by disobeying the rules and riding your bike (we tried this and it didn't work) this is when fear takes over. If you keep your eyes on that light and keep walking it gives you the courage to keep going. As you continue on the light gets bigger and bigger. Eventually the light is all you can see and you have made it to the end.

This biking trip reminded me of life. The dark tunnel reminds me of the things we are facing in our lives. The small light is Jesus in the midst of all we are going through, or the decisions that we might need to make.

We are often in the dark and do not know our way. We might see a tiny light at the end of whatever we are facing in our lives, but until we take a step toward that light our heart is filled with fear. When we keep our eyes on him, and slowly obey him, even though we might be in the dark, we are not afraid because we are keeping our eyes on Jesus. As we slowly walk toward the light it becomes clearer and eventually all we can see is the light. This is when joy appears in our lives.

What about you today? Are you in a fearful tunnel of life. If you are,look to the light of Jesus. He is there to help you with whatever you are facing. You are not alone. As you begin to walk toward Jesus by reading the Bible or praying, the light begins to grow, and the fear disappears.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10