Time for a Movie?

Families who traveled Route 66 would often pass Drive In Movie Theaters. It was a chance to take a break and enjoy time together as a family under the stars.

Today, I offer you the opportunity to pull off the road and watch this amazing "movie" on the wonderful subject of God's Sovereignty. You'll meet John Farese - who has lived with a severe disability, yet finds great joy and comfort from the Bible. I was amazed at how he shares example after example from God's Word to tell his story!

You may not feel you have time to watch - may I encourage you not to be like the Father who wants to keep on traveling without stopping for a break? We all need a moment to be inspired on the side of the road; I believe this 7 minute movie will do more than inspire you, it will add fuel to your tank allowing you to go farther on this road than you expected!

So, find a parking spot, clip the speaker to your window, turn up the volume and be freshly amazed at God's Sovereignty in all things!

Caution - Fog Ahead!

I recently traveled to Tennessee where the weather made driving quite challenging. I had to grip the wheel with all my strength and concentrate on the road ahead. Had I not been traveling with others, I probably would have preferred to stop the trip until the weather improved. But this wasn't an option...we had to continue on the road no matter the weather.

How like our lives this metaphor is! We can find ourselves in difficult circumstances, and the first thing we neglect is God's Word. We make up all kinds of excuses...I'm too tired, my schedule is too full...etc. But we must realize Route 66 doesn't come with exit ramps. God desires us to stay the course, continue pursuing Him no matter if we're facing, rain, sleet, fog or snow. He is the maker of the weather as well as our circumstances. He knows what we need, when we need it.

So, if you are facing trouble - don't stop! Grip the wheel, hang on and you may be surprised where you find yourself when the fog lifts!

On The Road Again...

...and this time feels so different. Maybe it's because I am sensing all the more my deep need to hear God speak to me from His Word. He is faithful, and amazingly speaks in a way that we can hear Him. What a God we serve - who not only makes a way for us, but then walks beside us making sure we are not alone. I heard this song today and was so encouraged by it, I had to pass it along to you.

Won't you join me by taking a moment to be with Him, and make this song your prayer for 2010?

Blowing In The Wind

It is January 3rd and I haven't heard from most of you what your plans are for the New Year. Please let me know if you would like to be included in Route 66 - 2010. Reading God's Word can seem like a difficult task when viewed over the whole year, and I will admit it is hard, but so worthwhile!

The Lord gave me a picture in my devotions on New Year's Eve that I would like to share with you. From my journal:

My time with you each morning is precious. You are the lifeline to all that really matters. Gently You tug and pull allowing me to come to You. And You never let go! Eternity will reveal how tightly You've held me, even when I didn't realize it. Thank You!

So, as I look to a new year and plan what my devotions will look like, I know I will finish reading the Old Testament, and I want to read the New Testament this year as well. But Father, I must ask You, "What would you have me do?" I know You are able and willing to interrupt my reading plans; You did that this year! I want to know You more in 2010. I want to have the truths of Your Word take deeper root into my conscience, changing how I think and live.

I want to lead the Route 66 Club into this same fertile ground. Your Word is a book of seeds; Each time it is opened there is a scattering of seeds blown across my heart. Route 66 on my first trip through the Bible was a dry and barren road. Now there are flowers and trees that are familiar mile markers to me. I remember different verses and how they've impacted me. It is a pleasant journey that I love sharing with others. But each one's road looks different. Help those who are part of Route 66 to enjoy this year's seed scattering allowing them to reap the beauty in the years to come.

In Your Name I pray,
Amen

Here's To The New Year...

...encouragement from Charles Spurgeon as to why we read God's Word! May this year find you more in love with the God of the Holy Scriptures as you discover more of Him through it.

Beware of the Babylonian books of the present day! The truth of God is the only treasure for which we seek, and the Scripture is the only field in which we dig for it! If you keep close to the inspired book, you can suffer no harm; you are at the fountain-head of all moral and spiritual good. This is fit food for the people of God--this is the bread which nourishes the highest life.

The prayerful study of the Word is not only a means of instruction--but an act of devotion wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised, changing us into the image of Christ, of whom the Word is a mirror.

Within the Scripture, there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore. Oh, the wondrous power in the Scripture to create a heart of hope, within the ribs of despair! Amidst sharp and strong temptations, and fierce and bitter trials, the Word of the Lord has preserved us. Amidst discouragements which damped our hopes, and disappointments which wounded our hearts, our Bibles have brought us a secret, unconquerable consolation.

There is no true doctrine which has not been fruitful in good works. Payson wisely said, "If there is one fact, one doctrine, or promise in the Bible, which has produced no practical effect upon your temper or conduct--be assured that you do not truly believe it."

The "doctrines of grace" produce . . .
a fine morality,
a stern integrity,
a delicate purity,
a devout holiness,
consecration in life,
calm resignation in the hour of suffering,
joyful confidence in the article of death.
This must be a true gospel--which can produce such lives as these!

- Charles Spurgeon

Plans for 2010

2009 is nearly over, and it's time to start thinking about next year's reading plans! I don't know about you, but I'm really excited to have a fresh start!

Taraleigh just sent me an amazing resource, but I haven't had time to look it over thoroughly. It's 20+ read through the Bible plans to help you stay on track in the New Year.

I realize that everyone's plans change, but I hope you'll consider staying with us for another year. Kindly comment to this post, or e-mail me: debiwalter@gmail.com and let me know your plans for next year. Also, include whether you'll be reading through the whole Bible, New Testament or Old Testament only, or whatever. I'd appreciate it!

Look for an Evite soon about our end of the year dinner celebration.

Merry Christmas

The year is quickly coming to an end and so is another trip through God's Word. I have prayed for you, and I'm confident that regardless of how far you've made it on this road God has met you in special ways.

Please start praying about next year and what the Lord would have you do. I will continue to provide encouragement next year to those who once again want to travel with me. I appreciate each of you.

Watch for an evite soon about our end of the year celebration dinner at my home. I can't wait to welcome you and congratulate you! Have a very Merry Christmas!