April Newsletter, 2025
Last month we talked about an important but uncommon characteristic in the Christian life…discipline. Let me remind you of the points that we covered.
*Discipline is necessary to achieve success in life.
*Fasting is one of the spiritual activities that we can do.
*The Enemy repeats “deception” in our lives because it’s effective.
*The Word of God overcomes the tactics that are used against us.
The discipline of fasting can include any number of things that we avoid in addition to food. One friend told me that their family fasts from electronic devices for one evening every week. The discipline is to put aside something or anything that distracts us from focusing on the important things in life. Our struggle is between the things that are temporary and those that are lasting, perhaps eternal. It is so easy for us to be distracted and to spend our resources and the most precious commodity of all, our time, on things that pass away quickly.
I’m reminded of this distinction as we broadcast our Podcasts on Spotify and write these Newsletters and post videos on Facebook. The truth we have taken from Scripture is: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Cor. 5:17 The story we tell is a metaphor that compares the restoration of old vehicles, whether a half-ton Chevy, short, wide truck or a fifty year old Suzuki dirt bike, to the restoration of a person’s life and spiritual condition. The trucks and bikes are temporary, but life is eternal.
I’ve had the privilege of talking to people in garages and machine shops and race tracks across the country and introducing them to the unconditional love of God, His acceptance of them and His incredible forgiveness. One man said to me, “I’ve talked to hundreds of, ‘car guys’ through the years, but I’ve never talked to anyone like you, or talked about the things we’ve talked about.” Another told me after listening to one of my podcasts, “I really like the way you talk about, ‘the spiritual stuff.’ I’m going to tell my Dad to listen, too! He’s a car guy.”
I’m convinced that success in life is the result of prayer and fasting. I’ve been a proponent of both and practiced them regularly for years. The fasting aspect, whether it’s food for a day or several days, abstaining from an activity or practice or schedule, will provide you with an opportunity to focus on the values that are eternal and not temporary. After all, there are only two things we’ll take from this life: the Word of God and the souls of people. That’s it. Shouldn’t we be disciplined enough and undistracted enough to focus on what’s really important and deserving of our resources and time?
*****
And speaking of prayer…
Thank you for keeping us on your prayer list and in your journal. And, thanks to the churches who have included us in their weekly bulletins. We really appreciate the support.
What about the prayer stickers…?
Well, the response has been great. We’ve heard reports and seen some pictures of the stickers on water bottles, laptops, car bumpers, windows and even refrigerator doors! We have a few of the old stickers left and a brand new one (you’re going to love it!) is at the printers now. Let us know if you want one!
And one last thing….
These are crazy days we’re living in! Yet, your generous and faithful financial support is still coming to us, and we really appreciate it. This ministry is funded by people, like you, who believe in us and support us by praying and giving. Thank you and God bless you, abundantly!
Another last thing…
I’ll be speaking at Liberty Bible Church, Sunday May 25, 9 &11am. You’re invited! The church is located on Salmon Creek Blvd., in Vancouver.
