“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

My bride and I were killing time at a store before we headed to the airport for our return home from vacation. I was startled when my phone rang, since I hadn’t really been using it most of the time I was gone. At the same exact time, I was joyful because the distinct ring indicated that the caller was my daughter! “Hi Sweetie… what’s up?” I asked. “I’m at your house to turn on the A/C and hot water for you… and the front door won’t lock!” was her panicked reply.

Before we go on our summer vacation, I do what YOU probably do. I turn off the things that provide us comfort and cost the most money. Not needing A/C or hot water… I save considerable money if I turn them off. The LAST thing I do before leaving is to make sure that my possessions are secure by locking the doors. The front main door had been giving me some problems, but I knew how to make it work. I passed that info on to her and she secured the door and left. I love my daughter.

I am back to enjoying a home with A/C and hot water! The door lock? It is still finicky! But as I said, I know HOW to make it work. But I also realize that time is ticking, and I have to DO something soon! The lock that locked will soon lock no more! It is a temporary item that needs to be replaced. Which brings me to gratefully reflect on the main security of my entire life. Jesus Christ!

The average price for a standard door lock set is under $50. It is a cheap price to protect all my earthly possessions! But MY life is NOT about my earthly possessions. That is why I am not panicked. I am a child of God who has eternal treasure placed, stored and protected by God Himself. I need not worry one bit about loss, thief, rust or insects (Matthew 6:19). I am secure… FOREVER!

I came home to more problems than just my door lock. Several things failed or broke while we were away. If I want to continue life here as I like, I have to DO something to repair or replace those items that no longer do their job. NOT so with my TRUE life and possessions. What REALLY matters to me is NEVER in danger of failure or loss, because Jesus Christ has given me EVERYTHING I need for life here…. AND a secure possession there. THAT is SECURITY.

As you know, life here can get hectic, busy and inconvenient. But MY Master Lock reminds me that I do NOT have to worry or over-react when it does. All He asks of me is to simply… ABIDE IN HIM! I took this moment today to lock everything in my life directly under His promise! Did you?

“So watch yourselves.” Luke 17:3

Just back from summer vacation in the mountains, I took time to go over notes of the experience. One of the great highlights was our annual adult ATV ride through the mountains. We have friends up there that know places one can only DREAM about in Florida. Places where the mountains are steep, secluded and at times, treacherous! That’s why we leave the kids at home!

We have all been riding ATV’s and dirt bikes together for years. The relationships have been cemented and we know each other very well. Each year we grow closer together and each year the bond gets better and better. Though I cant say the same for the 4-wheelers! My son-in-law just bought a brand new one, but he was the exception. The rest of us rode on old things that are in need of some repair. One of those things… is brakes!

I am sure you are thinking that mountains and ‘no’ brakes go together like filet mignon and rat poison! And you would be quite right. But our nature is not to pass up a good ride over some silly little thing like… brakes! So off we went! ‘No’ or ‘LIMITED’ brakes makes for an interesting adventure. As usual, the lead dog of our party never changes over the years, and his speed is ALWAYS fast. So we all have to ‘watch ourselves.’ Getting too far behind means we may miss the trail (I did)! Too close and well… you get the point!

Going up and down the mountains and through the streams of life is challenging. The verse today is a good technique for navigation. If you read the verse in context, you will see that it is NOT an ‘every man for himself’ mentality. It calls for us to watch, not only our own life, but to look out for the others close to us as well.

There is no real firm rule or gauge that says, ‘maintain 127.5 feet between ATV’s.’ Sometimes we get very close. Sometimes the distance grows. But at NO time are we EVER to NOT be looking out for our own welfare, AND ALSO…the welfare of the others with us! There are no rules except one… ‘care enough to care!’ Which can get rather exciting at times.

We made it back safely with the only incident being the lead dog breaking an axle! But it was a great time… one for the books! We WILL get together again around a fire and talk about the time when….” And that is just what the Christian life with mutual believers is like. Watching ourselves while watching out for each other. I wouldn’t choose any other way!