Chaplain's Corner - October 10, 2006

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Greetings in the most wonderful name of Jesus!

Before we get to our message I wanted to first apologize for not being there over the last few weeks. Satan has fought us hard on a lot of fronts but through the power of Jesus we have overcome! I have been held up by work and Jared had to have shots, first one thing then another has held us back from being there but we have always and ever will keep lifting you up in prayer.

We also now have our own website at www.myproverbs227.com. Here you will be able to find financial hints and helps, the ability to schedule us to come and work with you individually, and also to schedule us for speaking engagements such as financial seminars, revivals, and motivational speaking. Please go by and take a look & let us know what you think. We’re making changes almost daily.

Onto today’s message. We all face trials and tribulations in our daily lives; Bills, bosses, and the occasional needs of children along with car trouble and just the basic needs of the day fill our lives with what I call SST’s (some strange things). The Apostle Peter wrote to the Christians that were driven out of Jerusalem and to believers everywhere to encourage them that this is only “boot camp” there are better things to come. 1 Peter 4:12-14 Peter records these words. “ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part evil is spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

Let’s take a look at this in sections, Peter said in verse 12 “ think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you”. He was letting us know that our faith would be tested. Jesus was tested. Satan tried his best to get Jesus to give in to him. Jesus knew what the end result would be so he kept the faith, and stayed His appointed course. I hear it now your thinking, Preacher you’re telling me that Jesus, the Son of the Living God had to have faith? ABSOLUTELY!!! When Jesus was in the garden just before he was given to be crucified, He prayed to the Father “ let this cup pass from me, but not my will, but thine be done.” Jesus did not want to face the pain of crucifixion or death, but he had to have faith that in the end victory would be sealed.

There isn’t anything that you or I can face that Jesus hasn’t faced and won! Peter also tells us in verse 13 to rejoice when these things happen. (Sure, rejoice, when I’m broke down on the side of the road on I-69 and can’t get to work or get home, I’m supposed to rejoice…..Right……I’ll rejoice all right.) Well, let’s think about it. It could be that you broke down to keep you from an accident, or the breakdown might have happened to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Let’s look at the 9/11 tragedy. How many people have told stories that if they hadn’t gotten held up for one reason or another they would have been in those towers, or on those planes. So, yes, REJOICE!!!!! As we look on into verse 13 it says “ when His glory shall be revealed, ye (YOU!!!) may be glad also with EXCEEDING joy.” See, while we may not see the end when we are passing through the tunnel, we know that there is a light at the end and we will pass through. That’s what Peter is trying to tell us.

We are not better than Jesus. He went through worse trials than any of us could ever think of. Yet, He endured. He lived as sinless life as a human man and gave His life so that, as Jesus said “ we might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Do you know Jesus as you personal Lord and Savior? If not I beg you to search him out today. For we have no promise of tomorrow.

I hope to see you all soon. May God abundantly Bless each of you! Go with God for he will always go with you!

f you have any prayer requests or need me in any way I can always be contacted by e-mail at chaplain@andersonspeedway.com. I would absolutely love to hear from you!

Go with God for He will always go with you!

Rev. Carlos
Anderson Speedway Chaplain